God’s Word For Today: Recent Episodes
Gospel Light Filipino
Text: Proverbs 29:7 (ESV)
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
JUSTICE FOR THE POOR
The poor is associated with a lack of money. But the Hebrew word here includes more. It includes the concept of weakness, being low, powerlessness, and many more. This description contrasts them with the enabled, supported, and most especially those in power.
Apparently, God shows His care for the weak and poor (see Prov 14:31; 21:13) And, He expects those who follow Him to do similarly (Mat 25:34–40; Prov 22:22; 31:8–9; Psa 41:1). Since being "poor" involves more than lack of money, caring for them extends to more than charity. It includes providing "justice" for them. (Proverbs 18:5) They should not be oppressed but must be dealt with fairness and justice. A lack of concern for the poor and disadvantaged people is a sign of wickedness, is it not? (Prov 12:26; 28:5, 15).
When James wrote his epistle, there were believers persecuted and, in many cases, robbed of property and possessions. Cruel landowners cheated and lied to avoid paying the people they hired for work justly. James writes: "Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you" (Jas 5:4–6).
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Text: Proverbs 29:6 (ESV)
6 A man who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.
THE EVIL OF FLATTERY
Undue compliments or excessive praises toward a person are expressions of flatteries. Being flattered is temptation, is it not?. A flatterer is dishonest. He is manipulative by lying (Prov 6:24; 26:28; 6:16–19). Smooth words set a trap for the person believing a flattery. An example of this is the sly, left-handed Ehud, who greeted the King of Moab with favorable words, then gruesomely assassinated the unsuspecting king (Judges 3:15–23).
Most interpreters read this as a warning that the one who flatters sets a trap for himself. He set a net for himself, which speaks of being tangled in one's own sins. (Prov 29:6b) Sir Walter Scott, was right to say, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Here, the flatterer is spreading out a net that will eventually cause him to trip. Since flattery is lying, the flatterer risks being caught in his dishonesty by others. Liars are inconsistent. They are telling different things to different people, that would trap them someday. Or they may be forced to admit their praise was deceptive. Lies contradict truth, and they eventually contradict each other.
What does this mean to us today? We as believers are summoned to recognize that lying is a work of the flesh that contradicts a life led by the Spirit (Gal 5:16). Paul commands the Colossians, "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices" (Col 3:9).
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Text: Proverbs 29:1 (ESV)
1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
BROKEN BEYOND HEALING
A thing that becomes useless when it is broken is disposable, is it not? These things generally are cheap and won’t last long. Such is the person who is unteachable. Their continual hardening may cause them to become stiff. When crisis comes and they break apart beyond repair. Sad.
This is one of the most ominous verses in the Bible. Solomon warns, “When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever.” (Prov 10:25). Those who stubbornly refuse to be corrected, despite many warnings, put themselves at risk of sudden, catastrophic disaster (Prov 6:15; 8:32–36). The legal or social consequences can’t be ignored. It might mean physical injury or death.
Who is "stiff neck" or a "hardened neck" people? They are people who refuse to bow in submission, or even to nod in agreement. They are pictured as livestock, an animal refusing to respond to commands. The bible is littered with examples. In Noah's day, the culture was thoroughly wicked and hardened. They refused to accept God's goodness. As a result, everyone except Noah and his family perished in the flood God unleashed on the earth (Gen 6:5–8). The Israelites who wandered the desert for forty years were said to be stiff-necked people (Ex 33; Neh 9:16–18). King Hezekiah, in calling the people who had escaped the Assyrians to celebrate Passover, warned them to return to the Lord and not "be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lᴏʀᴅ and come to his sanctuary … and serve the Lᴏʀᴅ your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you" (2 Chronicles 30:8). Hezekiah reminded the people that "God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him" (2 Chron 30:9).
John the Baptist warned the stiff-necked, self-righteous Pharisees and Sadducees, "Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Mat 3:10). Stephen accused his murderers of being "stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you" (Acts 7:51). One of those was Paul.
Stiffening one's neck against the truth of God is a deplorable state. Yet, God is unchanging and remains merciful to all who turn to Him in faith (Eph 2:1–10; 1 Cor 6:9–11). Even so, the apostle Peter warns, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed" (2 Pet 3:9–10). Foremost example of change is Paul. Paul the persecutor was changed by the grace of God.
When it comes to God, some obstinately ignore His many warnings and invitations to be saved (Rom 1:18–20; Micah 7:18–19). While God is merciful and gracious, He does not offer infinite patience, does He? And God takes His hands off an obstinate unbeliever and simply "lets them go" wherever their sin will take them (Rom 1:26–28; 1 Sam 2:25). That means a life without God and an eternity of hopeless doom (Rev 20:15; John 3:36). Eventually, the opportunity to repent would be gone. There comes a time when Jesus will come to judge this world.
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Text: Proverbs 28:28 (ESV)
28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.
WHAT KIND OF LEADERS WE NEED?
When evil people come to power, they drive their subjects to hide (Prov 28:2, 4, 12, 15–16). That might not mean literally that people are cowering underground. But, it can include fear of speaking or expressing. The more a culture becomes wicked, the fewer good examples are seen, so decadence into sin accelerates (Prov 14:34; 29:18). These selfish and wicked rulers see their roles as an opportunity to obtain power and wealth (Prov 22:16, 22; 31:9). But, godly leaders seek to honor the Lord and serve their people (Prov 16:12; 20:26; 29:4). This verse presents a vivid contrast. When those wicked oppressors die, righteous people no longer hide; they increase, literally, "become great." They celebrate the demise of the wicked rulers (Proverbs 11:10), and they thrive. They come out of hiding and become prosperous.
Take for example the reign of Ahab and Jezebel in 1 Kings 16:30–33; 21:25. They caused God's prophets to go into hiding (1 Kings 18:4). It was a reign of terror. This pattern even is revealed to happen during the end times. The tribulation period will see the rise of two beasts, a political and religious (Rev 13:1–18). Their evil influence would be global, and the beasts would force people to serve them under penalty of death (Rev 13:5–10). But, Jesus would judge them and seize control of earth. He will reign in righteousness for a thousand years, and people will thrive during those peaceful times (Rev 20:1–6).
Today’s cruel and unjust leaders should remind us to hope. For Jesus is going to fulfil His words. He is our ultimate leader. As Isaiah has prophesied;
“6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”[Isa 9:6,7]
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Text: Prov 28:27 (ESV)
27 Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
GIVING TO THE POOR
Caring for the weak and needy is following God's will. “ Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Prov 14:31). This is one reason that those who are generous are more likely to succeed than those who are entitled and stingy. “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” (Prov 11:24; 28:22,25). This is contrasted with those who claim they didn't know about the needs of others, when they're simply choosing to look the other way (Prov 21:13; 24:11–12). The Lord, even most men, look favorably on those who are generous. But, greedy people are looked down on. (Prov 11:26; 28:3).
Generosity reflects a godly spirit. “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.” (Prov 14:21) In the Law God gave to Israel, He told farmers not to harvest fields right up to the edge or strip their vineyards bare. They were to leave some of the wheat and the fallen grapes for the poor and those travelling (Lev 19:9–10). When Naomi returned from Moab to Bethlehem, she was a widow, and was accompanied by her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth. Naomi had a relative of her late husband who was a righteous man. His name was Boaz, and he was a farmer. He was also very generous. Seeing Ruth following the reapers in his field and gleaning after them, Boaz instructed his reapers to let Ruth follow behind them to get the most possible grain. He also provided her with water and food (Ruth 2).
Let us not close our eyes to the needy. For “whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Prov 19:17)
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Text: Proverbs 28:23 (ESV)
23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue.
A REBUKE MAY GAIN FAVOR
If we genuinely "love" a person, we do care for his well-being, don’t we? And this may mean speaking uncomfortable truths in direct, loving ways at times. (Eph 4:15). A "reproof" or "rebuke" is a strong, bold or direct confrontation. The wise would listen to correction and advice objectively. (Prov 3:11; 10:17; 15:31) They will appreciate the guidance given by a true friend (Prov 17:10; 27:5, 6, 17). Telling the truth gains one more respect. Flattery is not a proof of true love and concern. (Prov 19:1; 24:26; 26:24, 28). It’s giving false assurance. It is wrong and is not loving (Prov 13:24; Jas 5:20).
In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul explains how a loving brother should show love to an erring brother. He is going restore a brother who is caught in sin and error in an effective way He writes: "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Gal 6:1). One of the major responsibilities of a pastor or elder is to reprove and rebuke as necessary (2 Tim 2:24–26). The church leader whose preaching or counsel is designed simply to make people feel good about themselves is not fulfilling his responsibility. He is not truly "loving" toward others.
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Text: Proverbs 28:22 (ESV)
22 A stingy man hastens after wealth
and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
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BEWARE OF ‘GET-RICH-QUICK’ SCHEMES
Today, we are overwhelmed with ‘get-rich-quick schemes’ offers in the social media. These dishonest business practices often result in disaster. The Ponzi scheme is an example. It is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to its investors from new capital paid by new investors, rather than from profit earned through legitimate business activities. The person who "chases" after wealth or cheats others get rich can expect disastrous consequences. (Prov 23:4; 28:20; 13:11; 20:17; 11:4; 22:16). Frauds, con artists, gamblers, and unwise investors have learned this lesson the hard way. Even if wealth is gained legitimately, but not used in a godly way, it's likely to vanish away as well (Prov 11:24).
Paul told Timothy that false teachers have unhealthy desires for money that inspire many other sins. The love of money is the root of all evil. (1 Tim 6:10). He noted that "those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Tim 6:9). Other proverbs caution that accumulation of material wealth is worthless pursuit. On the contrary, we should strive for moral integrity (Prov 8:11; 10:2; 15:27; 16:8, 16; 19:1).
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Text: Proverbs 28:21 (ESV)
21 To show partiality is not good,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
THE EVIL OF PARTIALITY
Right judgment is needed in our relationships. It includes distinguishing between persons on a fair and reasoned basis. Otherwise, we will become partial. "Partiality," here, is giving an unfair preference to one person over another. A common example is giving more respect to a rich man over a poor one (Jas 2:1–4). It's a sin to act unfairly. The Book of Proverbs condemns unfairness in judgment explicitly.(Prov 17:26; 18:5; 24:23). Unfortunately, human beings are corrupt by nature so that they are prone to the error of partiality. Sadly, this verse notes that some will act immorally for a trivial reward, represented by a piece of bread.
The Lord God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). He loves the whole world. (John 3:16). Jesus demonstrated His impartiality in John chapter 4. It records a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman, who was surprised that Jesus would speak to her. The Jews looked down the Samaritans and avoided all contact with them (John 4:9).
After He arose from death, Jesus commissioned the apostles to proclaim the good news of salvation to all people in all places, regardless of race and ethnicity (Acts 1:8). In his epistle, the apostle James chides his readers for treating the rich well but not the poor. He writes: "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin" (Jas 2:8–9).
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Text: Proverbs 28:15,16 (ESV)
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
A WICKED RULER OVER A POOR PEOPLE
What is the effect an ungodly ruler’s oppressive rule has upon his subjects? Through violence, repression, hardship, or other difficult means, the evil tyrant drives people into hiding. The mention of "a poor people" may suggest heavy taxation, theft, and other types of direct abuse. How do people afflicted this way respond? If they are under the leadership of a merciless predator? They will resort to hiding (see v.12). Most notorious dictators do rule by fear and intimidation, don’t they? In contrast, godly rulers inspire confidence and security in their people. As a result, the people learn to trust that the leader will do what is right (Prov 28:2; 29:2).
In Moses' day, Pharaoh ruled Egypt with a heavy hand. He made life especially miserable for the Jews, enslaving them. He assigned cruel masters "to afflict them with heavy burdens" (Ex 1:11). They "ruthlessly made the Jews work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service. He demanded to produce more bricks, when he did not supply the mortar. In all their works, he ruthlessly made them work as slaves" (Ex 1:13–14).
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Text: Proverbs 28:14 (ESV)
14 Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
DO FEAR THE LORD ALWAYS
The term translated into English as "fear" may refer to both an emotional feeling or respect or reverence (Prov 1:7; Lev 19:32). Both concepts are important, but this verse is more inclined to the idea of alarm or dread. Those who stubbornly ignore the dangers of sin, warnings from others or God's clear commands) set themselves up for a disaster or catastrophe (Prov 8:32–36; 22:5; 12:15; 1:23). This attitude is describing someone who "hardens his heart." It is a common phrase refereing to obstinate disobedience to the Lord (Ex 7:13; Dan 5:20; John 12:40).
Some translators interpret this as an appeal to revere God. This is not an unreasonable conclusion, even if the Hebrew text itself does not mention "the LORD." For a person to be properly reverent and seek goodness, obedience to God is implied (Proverbs 2:6–9). This fear is the reason for repentance (v.13).
Psalm 1 describes blessedness by loving God's Word and obeying it. This means refusing any influence from the ungodly. While the wicked receive divine judgment and are eternally separated from God, the person who reveres the Lord enjoys a productive life. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount used a term meaning "blessed" or "happy" to describe "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Mat 5:6). The choice must be clear. Should a person chose to honor the Lord and "fear" evil, he will be blessed. If someone hardens his heart against the Lord, he is going towards disastrous trouble.
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Text: Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)
13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
CONCEAL OR CONFESS
The first and most foolish human error was the attempt to hide his sins from the Creator (see Gen 3:8–10). God knows everything (1 John 3:20). Nobody can hide from God (Heb 4:13). Those who hide from God don't respect His authority. He is gripped with pride and unbelief. (Psa 10:11–13). The person who pretends to be blameless will be judged, while the one who confesses his sin will be forgiven (1 John 1:9–10; Luke 18:10–14).
King David is the classic example. He tried to cover his sin of adultery. He went so far as to have one of his valiant men killed (see 2 Sam 1112). His soul and body suffered immense pain until he confessed to the Lord. His words in Psalm 32 and 51 attest to his guilt when he tried to hide his crimes, as well as his deep relief upon confessing and receiving forgiveness. David exclaims, "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Psa 32:1).
Today, is not the person who admits wrongdoing before they are caught is usually given more leniency than those who tried to hide their sin and caught? The saying, "the cover-up is often worse than the crime" is true.
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God’s Word for Today
1 Aug, 2025
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
-Prov 28:11 ESV
RICHES CAN DECEIVE US
It is not because one is wealthy that he is correct in any particular way of life. Wealth can be spiritually blinding in part because it tempts us towards self-reliance. At one time, Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 19:23) Those who obtain material wealth should not assume their success is entirely their own. God's arrangement of circumstances and the choices of others matter, as well (Job 1:21).
The diligent person is more likely to achieve success in life. (Prov 10:4; 12:11; 28:19). However, it also recognizes that life is greatly influenced by factors outside our control (Proverbs 16:9; 27:1). A poor person who relies on godly wisdom may overtake the arrogant person who thinks riches imply intelligence.
Lest we would be proud, James cautions us by saying, "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."[ Jas 1:16–17 ] Self-reliance or arrogance was the fault Jesus found in the church at Laodicea. Because they were rich materially, they assumed they needed nothing. However, Jesus referred to that church as pitiful and in great danger. Jesus was ready to symbolically spit the church out of his mouth (Rev 3:14–22). Possessing wealth doesn't make a person wise. Riches may blind him from acquiring true wisdom. A poor person who trusts God could be a wise person. And he sees through the rich person's boast.
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God’s Word for Today
31 Jul, 2025
10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
-Prov 28:10 ESV
THE BLAMELESS HAVE A GOODLY INHERITANCE
History reveals the way sin spreads through temptation, eventually leading a culture to dire consequences (Prov 16:29; Jas 1:13–15). Convincing others to join in immorality seems like freedom at first, but it ends in negative results, even destruction. (Prov 24:21–22; 26:27).
The Bible is filled with examples of unrighteous people dragging society away from God and into sin. Potiphar's wicked wife tried unsuccessfully to seduce Joseph (Gen 39:7–10). Queen Jezebel introduced Baal worship into Israel and successfully lured her husband and his nation away from the worship of Jehovah (1 Kings 16:30–33; 21:25). Wicked kings such as Manasseh (2 Kings 21:9–12) did the same. Absalom, David's son, triggered a bloody civil war against his father (2 Sam 15:12–14).
The New Testament warns about false teachers who would lead believers away from truth. Paul warned the Galatian churches about such men. He writes in Galatians 1:7–8: "There are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."
This proverb speaks of judgment for the enticers but reward for those who resist (1 Corinthians 10:13). The word translated "blameless" here comes from a term implying someone with a clear reputation for morality (Gen 6:9; Psa 15:2; Prov 2:21; 11:20; 28:18). In such contexts, a person is "blameless" when they cannot be credibly accused by others: they are not perfectly sinless, but they are clearly obedient to God. Proverbs 1:10 is clear: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent."
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Text: Proverbs 28:9 (ESV)
9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
PRAYER AND THE LAW
One of the more common wrong view of God is that He is as a vending machine, or a genie. They will ignore His laws and commands but He is still expected to hear and grant their prayer requests. God despises this attitude, both when attached to prayer and to sacrifice. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.” (Prov 15:8,9).
The term used for His reaction comes from the Hebrew word which implies deep disgust and loathing. When someone has no concern for God's will, or obedience, or repentance, their attempts to "play religious" are met with the equivalent of divine nausea. Even a "good deed" is a sin when it's done out of insincere motives.
God is sovereign. He has the right to respond to anyone's prayer in any way He chooses. He may respond to an appeal from a non-believer as a means of calling or His working for them to faith. However, those who reject God have no valid reason to expect positive answers to their prayers. Scripture makes it clear that sin and disbelief are barriers to His cooperation.[Isa 59:2] The psalmist understood that sin builds a barrier between prayer and a positive response from God. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." The man born blind who was healed by Jesus told the Pharisees, "We know that God does not listen to sinners" (John 9:31).
Jesus strongly denounced the Pharisees because of their hypocrisy. He told the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector. Both entered the temple to pray. The tax collector who humbly admitted he was a sinner and asked God to be merciful to him went home justified by God. But, the self-righteous Pharisee who saw others as sinful but himself as righteous was not heard by God. (see Luke 18:9–14).
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Text: Proverbs 28:8 (ESV)
8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
BEWARE OF USURY
Under the Mosaic law, the Israelites were forbidden to charge their fellow countrymen with usury on money, food, or anything else (see Lev 25:36–37). Usurious practices are wrong, even sinful. Loans were intended to help the poor. It is not to exploit them so the lender can become rich. This warning echoes God’s view that earthly wealth is temporary (Prov 23:4–5; Jas 4:13–14; Luke 12:16–21). A greedy person can hoard wealth, but that wealth does not follow them to the afterlife.
Ill-gotten wealth through usury will ultimately pass into the hands of someone who is generous to the poor. Justice will overcome injustice eventually. In Jesus' day, tax collectors, or "publicans," were notorious offenders of usury. They are tasked to collect taxes for the Romans who occupied Israel around the time of the Gospels. The Romans allowed the collectors to add additional charges, as payment to the collectors. Many abused this privilege to line their own pockets. Their reputation was so horrendous that being a tax collector was as offensive as being a prostitute.
One of those was Zacchaeus. He believed inJesus and became a faithful follower. To compensate victims of his prior sins of usury, he was willing to give half of his wealth to the poor and to give back four times what he had taken unfairly (Luke 19:8). His generosity was his resolve to prove he was sincere in his faith.
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Text: Proverbs 28:7 (ESV)
7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
BE A SON WITH UNDERSTANDING
A wise son pays careful attention to God’s law (Prov 1:7; 8:33–36). He is cautious in his associations with others for they will influence him either towards good or bad.(Prov 13:20). Close association with ungodly people risks trouble (Prov 22:24–25) This will lead to his reputation be questioned. (Prov 3:1–4; 20:19; 24:21). This also leads critics to question the integrity of his family (Prov 29:15). When a son or student live in godliness, it will reflect well on their parents or teacher’s reputation. (Prov 23:22–25; 27:11).
Spending time with ‘gluttons’ will affect the honor of the parents. They will be embarassed. "Gluttons," in this context, means those who indulge in any desire beyond reasonable limits. In today’s usage, this term typically refers to indulgence of food. However, the general principle can apply to hobbies, vices, or addictions as well.
Spending time with people lacking self-control can influence a person to sin, or being caught up unnecessarily in someone else's consequences. Hence, the apostle Paul warned us, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" (1 Cor 15:33). False teachers are enemies of the cross of Christ (Phi 3:18) Their "end is destruction" and "their god is their belly" (Phi 3:19). Contrariwise, it is commendable to feast on God's Word certainly.(Psa 119:103) It is sinful to overindulge in food or pleasure. It is a sign that one lacks wisdom.
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God’s Word for Today
26 Jul, 2025
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
-Prov 28:6 ESV
INTEGRITY
Integrity is a consistent theme in the Bible, isn’t it? It is better to be right with God and lacking in worldly goods or accolades than to have material comfort and be spiritually doomed (Prov 16:19; 19:22; 22:2; Mat 16:26; 19:23).
The word ‘crooked’ in Hebrew word could be translated as "perverse." This implies something being twisted, distorted, or warped. In this context, this can refer to shrewed business practices or blatant corruption. A person gaining wealth through corruption might think they are better off. But, he cannot escape spiritual judgment under God’s perfect justice. A dishonest person may try to claim that his finances and faith are separate but Scripture disagrees. There is no dichotomy in the Christian life. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus quotes, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
Sadly, the thought of giving up earthly wealth and comfort may make people hesitant to accept the gospel. The rich man who approached Jesus is the example. He claimed he had done everything he could for God when asking Jesus about salvation. He was self-confident until Jesus challenged him to give up his money. Instead of obeying Jesus, the man became sad and walked away from Christ (see Luke 18:18-23; Matthew 19:22). His wealth possessed him. Our wealth should be Jesus alone. Nothing else. He is true who won’t bargain Jesus with anything else. Our attitude towards wealth is a test of faith, that is, unless faith in Jesus is more important than wealth, we should suspect it is not saving faith. (Luke 9:23–25; Mat 19:29).
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God’s Word for Today
25 Jul, 2025
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law strive against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
-Prov 28:4,5 ESV
WHAT IS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE LAW?
God gave the law to Moses to expose sin and encourage righteous living among God’s people. Shortly before Moses died, he challenged the people of Israel to choose between life and good, death and evil. It is by obeying the Lord's commandments, loving the Lord, walking in His ways, and keeping His commandments and statutes, the people would live, multiply, and enjoy God's blessing. But, disobedience would bring God’s punishment. The people would be banished out of the Promised Land. Thus, Moses urged the people to choose life (see Deut 30:15-19).
Solomon reiterates that same idea. Breaking moral laws is absolutely wrong. Thus, applauding those who are immoral is absolutely wrong (Rom 1:32). Forsaking the law is to side with and affirm the wicked. Hence, to obey the law is to oppose the wicked. Godly people should be speaking truth [the law] in love against sin (Eph 4:15, Luke 5:32). And, they should not endorse sin or celebrate those who defy God (Isa 5:20). Thus, the apostle Paul has urged the believers at Philippi to lead a righteous life and thereby shine as lights in a crooked and twisted generation (Phil 2:15). Does not light dispel darkness?
Wicked people don’t recognize that God is the ultimate basis for goodness and righteousness, do they? Thus, they don’t understand God’s justice to obey it. They despise it instead. In contrast, to follow God is to pursue the highest possible standard for such things. (Prov 1:7; 8:33–36) And when the opposite happens, when evil becomes comfortable, it blinds us to God's truth. Cultures that embrace evil do become indifferent to God and His law (Eze 20:18–19; Exo 20:5). It's possible that a wicked is aware of his own sin and refuses to repent. He is hardened and controlled by sin that he doesn't recognize it anymore (Rom 1:28; 2 Cor 4:4). When something other than God becomes our authority, justice is denied.
This describes the period during the rule of Judges when the nation of Israel cycled between obedience and disobedience. They frequently rejected God's law and embraced lawlessness. Judges 2:11–13 reports that the people did what was evil in the Lord's sight. They followed false gods and abandoned the Lord. Judges 21:25 says, "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." As a result of Israel's rebellion, God sent foreign nations against her until she repented and turned back to Him. However, the cycle of moral decline, opposition, punishment, and repentance occurred repeatedly. Sin clouds the mind to justice. Nevertheless, in every generation, there is a remnant of believers who understand justice and seek to obey the Lord (Rom 11:5).
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God’s Word for Today
24 Jul, 2025
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor,
is a beating rain that leaves no food.
-Prov 28:3 ESV
WHEN THE POOR BECOMES AN OPPRESSOR
Certainly, rain can nourish crops. However, a heavy rain may cause flooding a field and destroy plants. Sadly, what could have been a good thing becomes a curse. In a similar way, those who are poor could work for one another's mutual benefit. But, when one of those poor persons take advantage of the other, instead of blessing, he will do a great harm. Some scholars suggest this would happen when a formerly poor ruler forgets his humble origins and takes advantage of the people. They become unconscionable. In either case, an abusive poor person does great harm when he thinks only of his own benefit.
In the New Testament, Jesus relates a parable about an unreasonable and unforgiving servant: a man who begs his master to forgive his debt, then cruelly assaults another servant who owes him money.
“ 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Mat 18:23–35).
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Text: Proverbs 28:2 (ESV)
2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
its stability will long continue.
STABILITY
A nation that rebels against God by tolerating sins may find itself cycling through many kings, rulers, or governors(Rom 1:18–20; Prov 14:34). Likewise, a nation with wildly inconsistent and incompetent leadership is prone to chaos and rebellion. We call this nation a ‘banana republic.’ People searching for an answer to chaos often turn to grab the sword by its blade. They kept electing an increasing number of incompetent rulers that become tyrants. Whereas, the wise, stable, and godly leadership will lead a nation towards stability and security.
Israel is not exempt in this. The Old Testament records the spiralling down of Israel's history after the reigns of David and Solomon. In a relatively short period of time, numerous kings ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This fast turnover was especially apparent in the northern kingdom, which was overrun by the Assyrians a century earlier. The southern kingdom was overruled by the Babylonians, later.
Definitely, good leaders in government contribute to peace. Thus, Paul urged Timothy to lead believers to pray for earthly leaders of all kinds, "that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:1–2). There is no government or institution that will become stable without God. God is indispensable in our marriages and churches. As Psa 127:1 says,
“Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.”
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Text: Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion.
THE RIGHTEOUS IS AS BOLD AS A LION
A coward is defensive. To be defensive even without an accusation is a sign of a guilty conscience, is it not? A person who feels guilty for something—or believes as much—may become excessive in attempts to clear their name. Their excessive claims of innocence seem insincere and overdone, to the point of suggesting guilt, instead.
Here, it depicts the morally guilty persons as paranoid, because of their bothered conscience. They act silly like the little boy who is afraid of his own shadow. They are haunted, leading them to assume that consequences are always just around the corner. In this torturous imagery, they are like criminals who are running away from law officers even when they are not aware of any crime has happened.
In the eyes of God, this attempt to "flee" from accountability is a common human response to God. Take for example the life of Jonah. When he refused to obey God, he boarded a ship that was bound for Tarshish, a destination as far from Nineveh as possible (Jon 1:1–3). During God’s judgment in the future, God will rain down wrath on the wicked, and the world leaders will try to hide from God. They will wish for landslides to cover them from His anger (Rev 6:15–17).
By contrast, those with a clear conscience have no such fears.[ (Acts 24:16, Heb 13:18] Lions are fearless by nature. They have no fear towards any predators or hostile enemies. They proceed with confidence and assurance, lacking fear, that is, they are "bold." The person who does right can be more courageous than a lion. They can rest assured that God will vindicate them in the end (1 Pet 3:16. They have peace with God. And this peace is a genuine benefit of personal integrity (Psa 4:8; Prov 10:9).
Today, thank God that we can face boldly before God because of the righteousness of Christ [2Cor 5:21]. When we sin and we are bothered, let’s thank the Lord for it prompts us to seek for His forgiveness. Otherwise, we will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
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Text: Proverbs 27:23-27 (ESV)
23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
and give attention to your herds,
24 for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
26 the lambs will provide your clothing,
and the goats the price of a field.
27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
for the food of your household
and maintenance for your girls.
GIVING OUR FULL ATTENTION
Diligence is of primary importance to a rancher. It is extremely important for a rancher to know well the condition of his livestock, is it not? He should care for them diligently. A lazy and careless rancher will hurt not only the livestock but his economy as well. What applies to the rancher’s care towards his livestock applies to anyone who is responsible for a business or an institution as well. Idleness will surely cause a business and institution to fail.
This sentiment can also be applied to stewardship of one's personal finances. Inattention or ignorance of the condition of one's finances can lead to negative outcomes. This is equally true when related to management over or responsibility of the money and properties of others. Knowing the condition of one's flocks, or the flocks of others, shows proactive steps to monitor their well-being.
An example is a church pastor or elder. He needs to know the condition of his flock and care for the sheep, which are God's people. Paul was emphatic to say to the elders at Ephesus, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”[Acts 20:28]
Let us recall how Jesus had commissioned the apostle Peter to feed Jesus' lambs, tend His sheep, and feed His sheep (John 21:15–17). Later, Peter charged the elders among the scattered Jewish believers to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2–3).
The following verses (v.24–27) reinforce the idea of knowing the condition of one's flocks and giving attention to one's herds.
“for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
26 the lambs will provide your clothing,
and the goats the price of a field.
27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
for the food of your household
and maintenance for your girls.”
Diligent planning and effort today is more likely to result in good outcomes tomorrow. This is a reminder also to parents. If we don’t diligently guide our children, their life’s destiny is at stake. Let’s be faithful in rearing our children in the fear of God.[Prov 22:6, Eph 6:2-4]
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God’s Word for Today
19 Jul, 2025
Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
yet his folly will not depart from him.
-Prov 27:22 ESV
FOLLY IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM
Who is a fool? In this context, foolishness and "stupidity" are not linked to intelligence, but to how one interacts with wisdom and common sense (Prov 8:5). It is a heart issue. Biblical wisdom starts with a proper understanding of God (Prov 1:7). When a person is spiritually foolish, it may take harsh consequences to open their minds (Prov 19:29; 22:15; 26:3). For others, no amount of pain and hardships can shake them. Modern English expressions echo the difficulty of dealing with them. Statements such as "you can't fix stupid," or, "ignorance can be cured, but stupidity is forever" are expressions of hopelessness in dealing with them. Solomon's comparison to crushing grain implies that "folly" stuck stubbornly in the heart of the fool. It's so ingrained that it cannot be removed.
Nabal is an example. His name matched his attitudes and actions of folly. He refused to help David and his men when David was a fugitive and needed provisions, even when David's men had showen kindness to Nabal's shepherds. Although David's messengers greeted Nabal cordially, Nabal answered rudely and sent them away. Fortunately, Nabal's wife, Abigail, went to David and persuaded him not to take revenge on Nabal. She said, "as his name is, so is he. Nabal [fool] is his name, and folly is with him" (1 Sam 25:25). Judas Iscariot was also a fool. Despite being with Jesus throughout Jesus' ministry, he betrayed His teacher. He rejected all of Jesus' teachings and miracles and sold Him to His enemies. Judas died by his own hand without having repented of his evil (Acts 1:18–19).
What lesson can we learn here. There is a process of hardening our hearts if sin is perpetrated in our hearts as stain is. We must confess and repent of our sin. As Heb 3:13 says, “ But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
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God’s Word for Today
18 Jul, 2025
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and a man is tested by his praise.
-Prov 27:21 ESV
A MAN IS TESTED BY HIS PRAISE
The quality of gold and silver is known through melting them by intense heat. Refiners melt these metals to reveal impurities that are to be removed. Solomon applies this idea of testing to praise, using it to measure a man. Scholars and commentators take this in one of two ways.
The first thought is that subjecting a man to praise is like placing precious metals in a crucible. How that person reacts reveals their purity and true nature. The one who responds to compliments with arrogance or egotism reveals his character flaws. On the other hand, the person who accepts praise with humility shows he has no such weakness. The example is the apostle Paul. He demonstrated this when he and Barnabas healed a man at Lystra. The crowds suggested they were gods. Paul and Barnabas rejected that claim. They were simply men with good news. Paul followed the rejection of inappropriate praise with a clear message about God and His goodness (see Acts 14:8–17). Paul quotes Jeremiah 9:24 in 1 Corinthians 1:31: "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." In Galatians 6:14 he writes, "But far be it for me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
The second interpretation is that man can be judged by what he praises. That is, the character of a person is revealed by what he applauds or enjoys (see Isa 5:20; Rom 1:32; 14:22). As silver and gold reveal their hidden flaws when placed in a furnace, so too a man uncovers his tastes and priorities by the things he compliments. Most likely, this is what he values in his heart.
Lastly, praise is an acid test for a person more than trials and difficulties. As somebody says, “For a hundred to pass the test of adversity, only one will pass the test of prosperity or praise.”
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God’s Word for Today
17 Jul, 2025
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
and never satisfied are the eyes of man
-Prov 27:20 ESV
THE LUST OF THE EYES
As part of the curse of man, death and destruction happen all the time. In the poetic sense, death's appetite is infinite, is it not? Death does not slow down because ‘sheol’ does become "full." Solomon uses this comparison to point out the insatiable nature of human greed. No matter how much a person has, he can always desire "more." This relates to biblical ideas such as the "lust of the eyes" (1 John 2:16). It is insatiable. It is a bottomless pit.
Later, Solomon will make similar comments about insatiable greed.
15 The leech has two daughters:
Give and Give.
Three things are never satisfied;
four never say, “Enough”:
16 Sheol, the barren womb,
the land never satisfied with water,
and the fire that never says, “Enough.” (Prov 30:15–16).
The word ‘sheol’ is used in the Old Testament as a reference to the grave or to death. ‘Abaddon’ means "destruction." There, it applies to the demon king of "the abyss" where evil spirits are kept (Rom 10:7; Rev 9:1–2; 9:11]
Perhaps, Solomon is talking about his personal experiences. He himself went through a period when he looked for meaning in feeding his appetites. He applied his heart to knowledge but wasn't satisfied (Ecc 1:18). He tried to find fulfilment in wealth but learned that money could not satisfy his heart. He writes that a person's eyes "are never satisfied with riches." [Eccl 4:8] Thus, he concludes later that it is best to follow God's plans from the beginning, that is, when the person is young. (Ecc 12:1). The writer of Psalm 16:11 concurs with Solomon's conclusion by stating, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
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Text: Proverbs 27:19 (ESV)
19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.
THE NEED OF SELF-REFLECTION
Still water is as a mirror. When you look into a pool, you will see your reflection. You can see what you truly look like, which might be different from what you think. Similarly, a person's heart reflects who he really is. Self-examination is a necessary thing (2 Cor 13:5; Prov 4:26). It can surface out what's happening deep within ourselves.
Some thought that this "reflection" in question comes through other people. Their argument is that this is in line with the idea presented in an earlier proverb that ‘iron sharpens iron’ (Prov 27:17). In other words, it implies that one learns more about themselves by seeing how words and actions are received by others. It also echoes the idea of two people interacting "face to face."
The imagery of the "heart" here is typically associated with thoughts and attitudes more than with emotions or desires. However, let us be warned for we have reasons to be skeptical of our own "hearts," regardless of the context. Why? Jeremiah depicts the natural human heart as deceitful and desperately wicked.[Jer 17:9] Our corrupted heart leads us away from God (Isa 53:6). Paul even says, "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Adding to the description of unregenerate individuals, he says, "Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their path are ruin and misery" (Romans 3:12-15).
But God does give sinners a new heart and a new way of living, doesn’t He? When He changes the heart, He sets a person on a new path. The apostle Paul explains that with redemption comes adoption into God's family. And God sends the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts. Immediately, the old sinful habits will begin to drop off, and the new godly habits will take their place. As Paul said, “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Cor 5:17) This transformation is the work of the Spirit alone.
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Text: Proverbs 27:18 (ESV)
18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and he who guards his master will be honored.
DILIGENCE HAS REWARDS
Diligence and hard work usually pay off. Generally, a person who puts in the necessary work will reap the expected rewards of those efforts and sacrifices. Farmers can't reap crops unless they plant and tend to them, can they? Athletes win because they've invested time and effort by rigid training. An employee is more likely to be honored and promoted by an employer when they perform well. Any righteous effort to work hard, for the right things, will ultimately be rewarded by God (Eph 6:5–8).
Fig trees were important source of food in the Middle East. One day, Jesus and His disciples passed by a fig tree. Jesus expected that a fig tree would be fruitful. Upon seeing that it was barren, he cursed it (Mat 21:18–19). This story has an allusion in Amos 4:9. The Lord said He was chastising Israel to lead them to repent. The Lord recalls, "I struck you with blight and mildew…your fig trees and your olive trees the locusts devoured; yet you did not return to me."
There was an old man at his deathbed saying to his two sons that he had left for them an inheritance. He buried it in the vineyard. When the man died, the two brothers began digging the vineyard diligently. They did it day in and day out, but no treasure can be found. However, they noticed that the vines bear clusters of fruit. Then and only then, they realized the wisdom of their father. The treasure is the fruitful vine because of their hard work.
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Text: Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)
17 Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.
IRON SHARPENS IRON
In ancient days, the common method to sharpen steel or iron was to use a similar piece of metal. When the two scrape against each other, both are shaped and rough spots and rust are removed. In the same manner, two people can interact and help refine each other.
Other proverbs note the importance of hearing other people's views, such as;
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”[Prov 11:14]
“ The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.”[Prov 18:17]
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”[Prov 27:9).
Of particular note is that this lesson implies a constructive level of conflict. There must be friction. The two pieces don't become sharper unless they bump into each other (Prov 27:6)! Fellow believers who never challenge or question one another are liable to remain dull and narrow-minded.
The bible is replete with examples. Jesus may have sent His disciples out two by two because each one would sharpen the other's testimony. The process of mentoring is also a good example of one Christian improving the spiritual life of the other. The apostle Paul mentored the younger Timothy with intentionality. And, he charged Timothy to mentor others. He writes, "What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."[2 Tim 2:2] In the Old Testament, David and Jonathan are a good example of two men who improved each other's lives. True friendship can help edify two people to enjoy a stronger faith and a buoyant spirit. The dynamics of friendship include encouraging each other, laughing together, sympathizing together, and praying together.
An important consideration is to carefully choose who we "brush up against." A good friend can lead us to self-improvement and greater godliness (Prov 12:5; 15:22; 17:17). On the contrary, ungodly people are likely to lead us towards conflict, sin, and disaster (Prov 13:20; 22:24–25; 23:20).
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God’s Word for Today
12 Jul, 2025
15 A continual dripping on a rainy day
and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
16 to restrain her is to restrain the wind
or to grasp oil in one's right hand.
-Prov 27:15-16 ESV
WHEN NAGGING BECOMES UNBEARABLE
Constant dripping from a leaking roof or persistent rain are annoying. The effects of a few drips are minor. But the experience of constant drip may become unbearable. The same is true of a spouse who habitually complains or irritates their partner. This is frustrating.
God saw that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone. He created Eve from one of Adam's ribs and presented her to Adam as a fitting helpmate (Gen 2:18, 21–22). The two became one, and from that day forward husband and wife were to exist as a loving unit (Gen 2:24). Paul commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. [Eph 5:25] Wives are commanded to "submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Eph 5:22). A nagging spouse disobeys this command and dishonors God's purpose for marriage.
Verse 16 shows how difficult it can be to stop such bad behavior as stopping the wind. Many people would like to restrain the wind before it causes damage or ruins a day's plans, but it cannot be stopped. In another analogy, Solomon also compares restraint of a nagging spouse to grabbing a handful of oil. No matter how hard one tries, oil just slips out between the fingers. A person can try to force a spouse to stop bickering and needling, but the task is impossible. Unless the other person decides to change, the situation isn't likely to improve.
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God’s Word for Today
11 Jul, 2025
14 Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
rising early in the morning,
will be counted as cursing.
-Prov 27:14 ESV
BEWARE OF UNTACTFULNESS
Timing is everything. This statement is always true. A good act done untimely is construed as cursing. When and where a person chooses to act is as important as what they are doing, is it not? Offering thanks or deserved praise is a good thing, certainly (Rom 13:7; Phil 4:8). However, doing these in a poor timing can turn them into an obnoxious intrusion.
A person shouting affirmations to a neighbor exceedingly early in the morning sounds commendable at the outset. Though people generally appreciate being complimented yet most do not want to lose sleep to hear it. It is untactfulness. Even if the gesture is meant for good, it will be interpreted negatively. This follows the lessons of other proverbs that note the importance of tact and discretion.
Solomon says, “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” [Prov 15:23). The emphasis here is on words which are especially well-timed and fitting to the moment at hand. Not only is it joyful for the person who can give such an answer, it is a blessing to the one who hears.
Our words should edify and bring joy to people. To say the right words is not enough. We must say it at the right time.
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God’s Word for Today
10 Jul, 2025
13 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.
-Prov 27:13 ESV
A RESPONSIBLE ACT OF GENEROSITY
This is a repeat of Prov 20:16. A lender should be cautious when lending to an unreliable person. He must practice prudence [see v.12] A believer who chooses to "lend" to unreliable people is a gamble. When lending, there should be a much prudent approach that puts great accountability on the borrower to repay.
Believers must be cautious about how they handle God’s resources. Generosity and sacrificial giving do not mean Christians should be gullible or senseless (2 Thess 3:10; 2 Tim 3:6). "Loaning" to an underserving, immoral person who seems likely to abuse the gift is not showing good stewardship, is it not? Believers ought to recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from God and should be managed wisely (Jas 1:17; 1 Tim 4:4). Ultimately, our financial resources belong to God. Squandering God's gift of money is tantamount to showing ingratitude and an understanding of the faithfulness God demands of stewards.
In the Old Testament times, real help and compassion must be done only to the deserving helpless people. "If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep?" (Ex 22:26–27). In a similar tone, Deut 24:10–13 says that lending to those who are truly in need should be done with respect for their dignity.
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Text: Proverbs 27:12 (ESV)
12The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
BE PRUDENT
It is always wise to try to avoid undue risks. We have to think many times over when making decisions. However, the simple-minded person is impulsive. He walks headlong into danger. God wants us to seek "wisdom." That is, a proper understanding of God and His will (Prov 1:7; 2:6–7). The exercise of being "prudent," or "sensible," is to gather a lot of related information and notice risks and to take appropriate steps. Those who are governed by mere grit and emotion tend to act out of bravado. They lack the intelligence or the self-control to be aware of dangers. Thus, they often suffer the consequences of bad decisions (Prov 6:5; 13:14; 22:5). This lesson applies both to physical and spiritual threats.
Let us be aware that the Devil is deceitful to set dangerous traps. And, he tries to lure believers into them. An unwise person is prone to walk right into such snares and traps. But, a prudent believer heeds the apostle Peter's exhortation, that is, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith" (1 Pet 5:8–9). In a similar warning, the apostle Paul refers to the schemes of the Devil. He counsels believers to "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Peter learned this lesson the hard way. Although Jesus warned him that the Devil planned to aggressively tempt him, he exuded with much arrogance and self-confidence. He strongly assured Jesus that he would never forsake Jesus (Luke 22:30-33). Before long, however, Peter slid into the Devil's trap and denied Jesus vehemently three times (Luke 22:60–62). The humble sees danger approaching and avoid it. Hence, he is prudent.
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Text: Proverbs 27:11 (ESV)
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
that I may answer him who reproaches me.
A WISE SON, A GLAD FATHER
A child's behavior do reflect on their parents, don’t they? Kids who act badly bring shame on their fathers and mothers (Prov 17:25; 19:26). This is not absolute. We see well-raised children still making poor choices in life. Nevertheless, either right or wrong conduct of children is attributed to their upbringing. The impression of people is ‘like father like son.’ In a similarway, students are reflections of their teachers.
Professing Christians, whether true or not, do affect the reputation of Jesus Christ. Do our deeds and attitudes reflect that we belong to God? As Matthew 5:16 exhorts believers, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." The apostle Paul gives a similar exhortation, saying, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."[ Phil 2:14–15]
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Text: Proverbs 27:9-10 (ESV)
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
10 Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away.
DO VALUE A FRIEND’S ADVICE
In the ancient world, oil was used popularly for soothing wounds and for giving a massage. The Good Samaritan used oil and wine to treat an abused traveler's wounds (Luke 10:34). James also mentions the anointing of the sick with oil (Jas 5:14). A woman of ill repute washed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and received His commendation (Luke 7:37–48). The same concept is used here of healing and honor tthrough the loving advices given by a true friend.
A friend who is like a soothing oil is priceless. Solomon writes, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" [Ecc 4:9–10] Such friend shows genuine love and is often expressed as correction (v.5–6). It is well-timed and well-suited to the situation (Prov 15:23).
The implication of the Hebrew phrases used here is to take a friend's advice than insisting on one's own opinion. Indeed, a loving guidance is pleasant and valuable. In some interpretations like the NIV, it implies that what makes a friendship pleasant is the "heartfelt advice" it brings.
Each one of us do have a blind spot, don’t we? It will take a genuine friend to alert us to warn us not to fall into ruin. Let’s not be a person who is easy to take an offense. Someone who has an onion skin. When a stranger will say something about us, me may not pay careful attention. But, we should pay attention to a loving friend. He is ‘speaking the truth in love.” [Eph 4:15] Faithful are the wounds of a friend.
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God’s Word for Today
5 Jul, 2025
8 Like a bird that strays from its nest
is a man who strays from his home.
-Prov 27:8 ESV
BE AT HOME
A bird wandering from nest to nest is trading security for insecurity. This restless bird will become vulnerable to danger, hunger, and isolation. This is especially true if the bird is young. It is not ready to survive in the wild world on its own. Similarly, a man who leaves home out of discontent faces insecurity, danger, hunger, and isolation. Ultimately, he may regret his decision to leave home.
Jesus related the story of the prodigal son that illustrates this person. He demanded his share of the inheritance from his father. He left and wandered far from home, squandered his money, and lived with reckless abandon. After depleting his inheritance, he worked as a pig herder and fed the pigs. He was so mesirable and destitute that he was tempted to eat the pigs' food. At last, he came to his senses. He regretted his actions and longed to be back home. Fortunately, he returned home and found his loving father waiting for him (see Luke 15:11–24).
What does this mean to us today? There is no safer place apart from home. And, God is our home. Psa 90:1 says, “Lord, you are our dwelling place in all generations.”
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Text: Proverbs 27:7 (ESV)
7 One who is full loathes honey,
but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.
ENTITLEMENT AND INGRATITUDE
Abundance may breed ingratitude. When one is full, even delicious foods, like honey, are not appealing anymore. However, when one is starving, even unpleasant food seems tasty and palatable. Since the ancient world, honey has been the symbol of something sweet and delicious. But, how much honey could a person consume? A person could eat up to a point wherein the thought of eating more brings nausea or vomiting.
There is also an implied lesson here. Likely, this is to highlight the different attitudes of wealthy and impoverished people. A wealthy person may not appreciate what they are offered. However, a poor person appreciates even a small gift. The attitudes of ingratitude and entitlement are prone to anyone, especially if he is used to getting what he wants. The point is that it is not wrong to enjoy God’s blessings. The feeling of familiarity, entitlement, and ungratefulness makes it wrong.
This is a major reason Jesus warned about the spiritual risks associated with rich people. He said, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat 19:23). James, on the other hand, says, “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” [Jas 2:5]
To despise what God has provided would be ungrateful. It befits to be thankful for what we have. Could anyone claim anything he has that he gets by his power and not from God? Everything comes from God. James tells us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (Jas 1:17). Paul warned Timothy about false teachers who mandated celibacy and abstinence from certain foods. He declares that God created those foods "to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving" (1 Tim 4:3–4).
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God’s Word for Today
3 Jul, 2025
5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
-Prov 27:5,6 ESV
FAITHFUL ARE THE WOUNDS OF A FRIEND
Friends are not to hurt each other. But there is an act of ‘wounding a friend’ that is not harming him. A nurse may hurt us by inserting a needle at the arm of a sick man but it is to make him feel better, sooner or later. That is, rebuking a friend for doing wrong is a loving act. Genuine friendship includes telling others hard truths they aren't eager to hear (v.17). This correction—even a "rebuke"—is motivated by sincere or genuine love. It's a mark of true friendship. What the other person says may sting, but they take that risk out of genuine care and concern for a friend. It's more loving to offer constructive criticism than to hide that love with inappropriate silence.
A fake friend, on the other hand, may feign love. He is insincere and may offer affirmation regardless of the situation. This is often a strategy used to disguise ill intent like Judas. He outwardly pretended to love Jesus by kissing Him, but his kiss was treacherous. It was not a sign of love but a signal to soldiers to know who to arrest. Paul warned the Galatian churches about false teachers who used flattery to gain the believers' trust and loyalty. The deceived believers turned against Paul because he corrected them. He writes: "Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?" (Gal 4:16). The "wounds" Paul inflicted on the Galatian believers were painful but faithful. It was motivated by truthful love and for their own benefit.
Thus, real love is sometimes experienced as "wounds" from a loving friend. Of course, the rebuke should be offered in love. Paul writes that we are to be "speaking the truth in love" (Eph 4:15). This correction can bring someone back on the right track and keep them from danger or disaster. The apostle Paul writes: "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Gal 6:1). It is not characteristic of love to withhold correction. It is a characteristic of cowardice. In a loving community like the Ephesian church, Paul exhorted Timothy to "be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Tim 4:2).
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God’s Word for Today
2 Jul, 2025
4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?
-Prov 27:4 ESV
WHO CAN STAND BEFORE JEALOUSY?
There is a severe strain caused by a fool's "provocation" (v.3), Solomon acknowledges the hurt inflicted by wrath and anger. Some damage is done to the targets of anger, some are done to the person who loses control to rage (Prov 14:17, 29; 15:1; 22:24; 29:22). "Wrath" is typically thought of as the result of "anger," but both usually end at some point. Especially in the worst cases, a person can wear themselves out or grow tired of expressing naked fury.
However, jealousy is different than wrath and anger. In what sense? For the simple reason that an envious person does not rest. An envious person has an obsession that what others have which he values should be his. While it doesn't burn as hot or violently as pure rage, a jealous feeling can persist until it leads to an act of revenge. Even then, it is usually not entirely satisfied. Thus, it is one reason the Bible warns us against pursuing revenge (Rom 12:19).
The Bible condemns jealousy outrightly. The apostle Peter exhorts believers to put aside envy (1 Pet 2:1). The apostle Paul includes jealousy and envy in his list of works of the flesh (Gal 5:20–21). He notes that a life marked by persistent envy and jealousy is one separated from the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:21).
One classic example is King Saul becoming jealous of David. How did it happen? When Israelite women sang David's praises, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands." (1 Sam 18:7). This comparison has enraged Saul, and he hated David from that day on. Not long after, Saul’s heart was churning within with jealousy. He tried to kill David many times. (see 1 Samuel 18:7-11). As Shakespeare said, “Envy is a green-eyed monster – a destructive force that consumes one’s being.”
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Text: Proverbs 27:3 (ESV)
3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
DEALING WITH AN INJURIOUS PERSON
The fools are injurious people. The ‘fool's anger’ could be "heavy" to bear, as if being forced to carry a heavy stone or boulder. Given a literal choice, many people would rather struggle to lift a heavy load than withstand constant irritation from an enemy. This type of fool is impetuous and self-willed. (Prov 1:7; 22:10) He lacks self-discipline. He spurts false accusations or purposeful lies in unrestrained anger (Prov 10:19; 25:28).
The Bible often advises that we ignore petty insults and not respond to those merely looking for trouble (Prov 20:3; 1 Pet 4:15; Mat 7:6; Prov 12:16; Mat 5:39 ). This is not easy to do, especially when the insults become injurious. It can be extraordinarily difficult to "rise above" a persistent troublesome person. Our patience will run out. Part of the wisdom in this statement comes from the power of understanding and embracing the person as he is. We won’t be affected much if we embrace the person with tolerance and understanding. Injurious people are like porcupines. We know that it has sharp spines so we have to provide distance ourselves. We can’t change its nature but change our responses toward it.
Wisdom teaches us best to ignore such provocation from an injurious person. Take for example the way Jesus dealt with injurious people. When He was falsely reviled, he did not retaliate. Instead, He "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Pet 2:23). Peter cites Jesus' response to aggression as an example believers should follow when they suffer similar injustice. He writes: "But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God" (1 Peter 2:20).
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Text: Proverbs 27:2 (ESV)
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.
LET ANOTHER PRAISE YOU
It is wrong to brag about things we have not yet accomplished (see v.1). However, it is equally wrong to brag about things we have accomplished. Arrogance is always wrong. Pride is a grievous sin. This is an imagery of someone flaunting with an inflated sense of one's own greatness. Even if the statements are true, ‘blowing one’s horn’ doesn't look good to others. The better option is to let others speak well of you. It seems more like sincere praise and less like bragging.
In the book of Daniel chapter 4, we learn that King Nebuchadnezzar foolishly bragged about his past victories. He was walking on the palace roof and viewing the city of Babylon when he sang his own praises. He boasted: "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" (Dan 4:30). Before he was even done speaking, a heavenly voice declared his impending humiliation. That humiliation would include insanity, wallowing with animals, and eating grass. For seven years Nebuchadnezzar endured this until he fully understood "that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will" (Daniel 4:31–34).
In the New Testament, the proud Herod robbed the glory of God and suffered the painful consequence also. “On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.” [Acts 12:20-23]. Indeed, pride comes before a fall.
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Text: Prov 27:1 ESV
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
-Prov 27:1 ESV
DO NOT BOAST ABOUT TOMORROW
No human being can infallibly predict what will happen in the future. Some occurences in life are predictable like sunrises and sunsets. Certainly, most are uncertain and unpredictable. A wise person do make plans, don’t they? (Prov 16:3; 20:18; 24:27) But, they must take their fallibility and humanity into account. Making well-reasoned choices is different from arrogantly ignoring risks. Otherwise, he will be found boastful.
The word "boast" translates a Hebrew root word rendered as "praise" later in this passage (Prov 27:2). This means no one should praise himself for what he hasn't yet accomplished. A popular statement warns "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched," no one can be sure that all eggs necessarily become birds. The things our human minds expect to happen might not happen, so we shouldn't speak of them as absolute guarantees.
Such is the attitude criticized by the apostle James (Jas 4:13–16). He said, “13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
He explains, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring" (v.14). Life is not only uncertain, but it is also brief. Rather than having presumptions and overconfidence, we should approach the future with a sense of humility. "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" is a better attitude (Jas 4:15). Thus, Solomon warns us to trust God and not our hearts. He said,
“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”[Prov 3:5-7]
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Text: Prov 26:22-28 ESV
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
23 Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart;
25 when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;
26 though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
-Prov 26:22-28 ESV
BEWARE THE EVIL OF HYPOCRISY
Gossips are described as "juicy," suggesting they are especially tempting. Gossip is one of the sins to which almost all people are naturally tempted (Proverbs 11:13; 16:28). The idea of learning some secret, scandalous information about others is alluring. However, it's also spiritually deadly and a source of intense conflict.
Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel, the person with "fervent lips" is glossing over his evil intent. [see vs. 24 and 25] He is one using intense, passionate language or flattery. The meaning is similar to "hypocrisy", that is, to say one thing while believing something else. Here, it specifically means a person who disguises evil intent using clever words. In Matthew 23:25 Jesus condemned hypocritical scribes and Pharisees. He said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence." Their outward appearance misrepresented their foul, inward spiritual decay. They also give the impression of being calm, or kind, or reasonable. A classic example of this is Judas. His kiss, which appeared to be friendly, but was an act of betrayal, was it not? (Luke 22:47–48). In vs. 25, his heart is full of abomination, which has reference to what Prov 6:16-19 says.
But, he will be discovered someday in the assembly. [see v.26 and 27] The "assembly" in this verse refers to any group brought together for some purpose. In this case, it might mean a courtroom setting, where the guilty person is being judged. Accountability certainly applies to our relationship with God. Galatians 6:7–8 assures us that "God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh [the sin nature] will from the flesh reap corruption." Psalm 7 refers to the retribution God will execute on the wicked as a righteous judge (Psalm 7:11) The same psalm promises, "If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow" (Psalm 7:12). This ends in assurance that the wicked man's "mischief returns upon his own head and on his own skull his violence descends" (Psalm 7:16).
Those who plan evil can expect to suffer as a result (Proverbs 5:22; 15:27; 19:16). The imagery here is drawn from a hunter's efforts to trap an animal. Not all evil acts are punished in this life but they will be noticed and judged by God sooner or later. (Prov 8:34–36; 24:16, 19–22). God "has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man [Jesus] whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead." [Acts 17:31]
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God’s Word for Today
26 June, 2025
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
-Prov 26:20-21 ESV
DON’T ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE
A fire must be fueled, must it not? In the ancient past, this almost always required wood. When no more wood is added, the fire extinguishes. The fire fades and burns itself out. Take away fuel, and nothing sustains the flames. In a parallel way, hearsay, bickering, slander, and other hostile speech do fuel disagreements and arguments, don’t they? When gossiping ceases, much of the fuel for conflict is gone. Being argumentative, in general, is another way to prolong disputes (Prov 26:21).
The Hebrew word refers to someone who grumbles, gossips or criticizes behind others' backs. The term is similarly used elsewhere in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 1:27; Psalm 106:25; Proverbs 16:28). One of these uses is Proverbs 18:8, which warns about the enticing words of a "whisperer." The same phrasing is used later in this passage (Proverbs 26:22).
In the New Testament, James explains how evil the tongue is. He relates it to fire, that is, damaging, scarring, able to spread quickly, and hard to control. James writes, "How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell" (Jas 3:5–6). Paul corroborates this by saying in Galatians 5:14–15, "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another."
"Quarrelsome" people are those who cause strife and division. It means to someone prone to fighting or eager to argue. Solomon advises us to have a careful, calming approach instead of looking for an excuse to start a fight. (Prov 15:1, 4) The prior teaching (v.20) noted that a gossiper is someone a "whisperer." (Prov 16:28) He adds fuel to disagreements.
Paul mentioned the name Alexander the coppersmith, who caused trouble to him. Probably, he was a "quarrelsome" man. He said to Timothy, "Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message" (2 Tim 4:14–15). Jude also wrote about those who opposed the faith by saying they "cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit" ((Jude 1:18; cf. 2 Peter 3:3; Jude 1:19). John mentioned Diotrephes, who caused trouble within the church. He writes, "So if I come, I will bring up what [Diotrephes] is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us" (3 John 1:10). These characters, definitely, were inside the church but don’t belong to Jesus. They are unregenerate so they are troublesome by nature.
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God’s Word for Today
25 June, 2025
17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own
is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.
18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
and says, “I am only joking!”
-Prov 26:17-19 ESV
WHEN A JOKE IS NOT A JOKE
Solomon compares an unwise prying into an argument to grabbing a passing dog by the ears. In ancient Israel, dogs were noted for being aggressive, untamed scavengers, and not friendly. No sensible person would deliberately provoke a wild dog. In the same way, a person with godly common sense doesn't intrude into conflicts when they don't have to. The consequences can be disastrous. A prior lesson warned against hastily testifying against others in court (v.8). That related to personal matters—how much more cautious should we be about other people's affairs?
As the cliché, says, "Don't start trouble and there won't be trouble." Conflict is to be avoided, not instigated. This is not to say that participating in other people's disputes is always wrong. We might be asked to arbitrate a disagreement or provide eyewitness accounts of events. We have the moral obligation to helping that justice will be done properly. Intervening when someone is being grossly abused or attacked is also an honorable reason to step in. What is condemned is described by the English term "meddling." This means an inappropriate intrusion or interference into someone else's business. The Hebrew phrase includes a term referring to crossing a boundary, and another describing strife and controversy. A person shouldn't choose to "cross into conflict" when they can avoid it.
Scriptures uphold the importance of peacemaking (Rom 12:18; Prov 15:1), impartiality (Jas 2:9; Prov 17:26), and fairness (Prov 18:5, 13, 17). There are times we have to step into a conflict when it is to protect the weak and innocent (Prov 22:22; 31:9) However, we should always be extra cautious about how and when we do so.
Verse 19 depicts someone caught in careless comments who tries to brush it off as a joke. The person who casually lies is throwing destruction around like an insane man launching flaming arrows in every direction. Like a modern person blindly shooting a rifle in a crowd, damage will be done, whether it's intentional or not. Saying "I didn't mean it," after the fact, doesn't remove the damage done. "Firebrands," sometimes referred to as "fiery darts" ignite what they strike. (Eph 6:16) In verse 19, it referred to someone firing arrows without control.
Glib talks and sarcastic comments come out of carelessness or gossip. They may come out of frustration and anger towards another person. They are dangerous not only for harm and dishonesty but for a lack of judgment. Scriptures warn that we should refrain from angry responses, hasty mistakes, and slander (Eph 4:26; Rom 12:19). Fits of anger indicate the influence of sinful nature (Gal 5:20). Definitely, the person depicted here is someone lacking sanity and control.
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Text: Prov 26:13-16 (ESV)
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!
There is a lion in the streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
so does a sluggard on his bed.
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven men who can answer sensibly.
SNAPSHOTS OF THE SLUGGARD
These 4 verses portray what a lazy person looks like. A "sluggard" is someone characterized by idleness, indifference, or lack of energy. This is almost identical to the statement made in Proverbs 22:13 and follows the pattern of many other statements in the book, such as Prov 6:6–11; 12:24; 18:9, and 19:15.
The first is a man afraid to go out of the house because of a lion roaming in the streets. The thought of a lion roaming in the streets is that the lazy person is inventing ridiculous excuses for not leaving their home to work. In a modern context, someone might claim they're afraid of being struck by lightning, or kidnapped by an enemy army. Such things are remote to happen, and clearly not reasonable excuses for lazy people would use. Later, this alibi is said directly and convincingly. Verse 16 says, “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.”
When someone could work but does not want to work, he can have countless alibis, mostly absurd. Those who truly cannot work should be supported with love and compassion (Jas 2:15–17; Prov 29:7). However, those who are simply lazy should be corrected and rebuked. In fact, the Bible says they should not be helped, at all (1 Thess 5:14; 2 Thess 3:10–12).
Another picture is that he is like a door swinging back and forth on its hinges, but it never goes anywhere. Laziness has no benefit to contribute to the person. Solomon makes the same comment about the lazy person who lies in bed all day. They repeat the motion of turning over, without leaving their place, much like a hinged door. Definitely, sleep is beneficial but too much sleep can be detrimental. Psalm 4:8 attributes sleep to the Lord's safekeeping. The psalmist writes, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." A good night's rest as a gift from the Lord. [ Psa 127:2] But Proverbs 20:13 warns against too much sleep. It reads, "Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread." There is a time to sleep and a time to work.
A sluggard is pictured as helpless, incapacitated and a burden. They are so lazy that they won't even put food in their mouths. This is an unbelievable and an exaggerated joke, is it not? The danger of laziness is in his bad reputation. A person known for being lazy is likely going to be mocked and disrespected for his lack of effort.
Christian believers can exhibit laziness in spiritual matters. They may choose not to put effort into spiritual growth and miss out on rewards as a result (1 Cor 9:24–27). The world can tempt Christians to ignore study of the Bible or work in church activities. Even prayer can be crowded out by laziness (1 Thess 5:17). So can church attendance, which is not always extremely convenient (Heb 10:24–25). God has no aversion to sleep and rest. But, when we abuse these blessings and avoid soiling our hands, we may develop an attitude of laziness. Then, we dishonor God who wants us to work and support ourselves and our loved ones.
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Text: Proverbs 26:12 (ESV)
12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
SELF-DECEPTION MAKES ONE HOPELESS
When someone is intoxicated with his own arrogance, he would become egotistical. He sincerely believes he could not possibly be wrong. Then, he is immune to learning and correction (Prov 1:24–26; 8:33; 16:18; 19:20) Who can teach such a person? He is hopeless for he is blinded by his own pride. The worst blindness is having open eyes but unable to see. He revolves around his own world. As the saying goes, “It is impossible to awaken a person who is already awake.”
In this way, Solomon expresses pessimism about these people sporting with inflated egos. They are more hopeless than a fool. His comparison is shocking, since a "fool" in Proverbs rejects godly truth and wisdom (Prov 1:7; 3:5–8). For Solomon casts a brutal criticism that they are worst than a fool. Their fall is inevitable. As Prov 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
The apostle James highlights the problem of pride. He quotes Proverbs 3:34 in James 4:6, "Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" Jesus illustrated the truth given in James 4:6. He told a story about two men who prayed in the temple. The Pharisee boasted about himself, claiming he was superior to the despised tax collector. But God rejected the Pharisee's prayer. On the other hand, the tax collector was humble, repentant, and asked for God's mercy. Jesus said the tax collector went home justified in God's sight (Luke 18:9–14).
What does this mean for us today? Let’s always surrender our hearts to the Lord for cleansing from any sin that can harden our hearts. [Heb 3:13} . Let’s pray as the psalmist, that is;
“ Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! [Psa 139:23,24].
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Text: Prov 26:8-11 ESV
8 Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.
9 Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10 Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.
11 Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly..
-Prov 26:8-11 ESV
POINTLESS
The purpose of placing a stone in a sling is to make it ready to be thrown. If the stone is tangled in the sling, or tied in so it cannot come out, it defeats the purpose of the sling. Not only is such a thing pointless, but it can also be dangerous and wasteful. Another interpretation suggested by some commentators is that the stone placed in the sling is soon thrown and lost. That is, putting a stone in a sling is temporary. The sling will naturally throw the stone away.
In the same way, it's senseless to give authority, power or trust to someone lacking godly common sense. (Prov 26:1) At best, they might fail and accomplish little. At worst, that choice may lead to harm or unintended consequences. It can certainly lead others to question the sense of the person who gives "honor" to a fool. Moreover, giving trust or power to a fool can only be temporary; they will naturally cast that honor aside.
When someone resists truth, they become numb to wisdom. Verse 9 is a metaphor of someone so drunk they don't feel a thorn stabbing into their hand. The encounter makes no difference; it's as if it's never happened. Definitely, a drunk person is clumsy and mentally distracted
The lesson in verse 10 is giving fools responsibility is as silly and dangerous as an archer blindly firing into a crowd. In verse 11, they are fools who are nauseating as a dog eating its own vomit. The apostle Peter applies this proverb to those who are warned about godly truth and turn back towards sin (2 Pet 2:21). He writes: "What the true proverbs say has happened to them: 'The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire'" (2 Pet 2:22). Even when actions lead to consequences, fools may repeat the exact same mistakes. People rightly find that disgusting, and wise people should be repelled at the idea of learning nothing from a mistake, only to repeat it.
Somehow, a fool keeps doing the very thing that harms him. This leads to addiction and dependency which are then even harder to overcome. Worst, they don't learn, they simply mock what they don't grasp. The apostle Peter writes about people who fail to accept the hard teachings in Paul's letters. Peter writes that "the ignorant and unstable twist [those things] to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures" (2 Pet 3:16).
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Text: Prov 26:6-7 ESV
6 Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
7 Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
-Prov 26:6-7 ESV
THE PERIL IN TRUSTING THE UNDEPENDABLE
In the ancient times, messengers were employed to deliver communications from senders to the recipients. The advances of science and communications make messengers irrelevant today. As expected, some messengers were not reliable. An undependable person is a fool and lacks common sense or morals. He might be distracted, forgets an important detail, deliberately changes the message, or fails to locate the recipient. Thus, sending a message through a fool is as trying to walk after severing one's feet. It is pointless. Moreover, trusting a fool with some important task is like ‘drinking in violence’. The metaphor of "drinking" is used in Scripture to imply something taken personally.
In the New Testament, Paul emphasizes God's requirement for stewardship of the gospel, which is faithfulness (1 Cor 4:2). Messengers of the gospel are expected to be faithful to deliver the message.
In verse 7, there is a mention about the person who cannot walk. He is lame, so that he may have legs but are weak and unusable. This is an imagery comparing to a fool attempting to speak a proverb. Since the fool cannot understand godliness, a proverb will "hang useless" in the mouth like the legs of a lame man. (Prov 8:5; 14:16) A fool may speak words of wisdom as a parrot does. But, these "repeating" of words of wisdom does not necessarily make the person wise or able to benefit from the wisdom, does it?
The apostle Paul mentions about the fool who could not grasp the truth of the gospel. He can’t grasp spiritual truth. They may hear the truth and could repeat it nut they cannot comprehend it unless they have the Holy Spirit. Paul explains, "The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing" (1 Cor 1:18). He adds that "the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:14). What is the reason? In 2 Cor 4:4, the Devil "has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." Hence, is only the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit that can enlighten the heart and mind and persuade a sinner to believe on the Savior.
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God’s Word for Today
18 June, 2025
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the back of fools.
-Prov 26:3 ESV
GODLY DISCIPLINE IS NOT FOR THE FOOLS
The "fool" here, as always referred on the book of Proverbs, is a person who ignores godly wisdom (Prov1:7) He is unlikely to respond to reason. Thus, he will suffer in the end as a consequence (2 Pet 2:12; Jude 1:10). Whips and bridles are tools used to train and control animals, are they not? If donkeys and horses were rational beings, and we could talk with them, no such painful physical measures of discipline would be necessary. The point here is not so much about the best way to train livestock. Instead, the meaning is that unreasoning animals receive brute-force corrections. The point being made here is that those who won't listen to godly advice are forced to learn through pain and suffering.
Sadly, those who ignore God's revealed truth are described as "fools." (Psa 14:1). Such persons reject reason when interpreting the design of nature. They are not persuaded by Scriptures, that God exists and is revealed through Jesus Christ. Therefore, they pursue paths away from God, where eternal punishment lies ahead. He may be intellectual and brilliant in this world. But, if he refuses God's reason and revelation, he is a fool bound for eternal misery.
What does this mean for us today? Firstly, let us check our hearts. Let us not be a fool before God. Secondly, let us be discerning in dealing with people. We should not expect so much from people who don’t value spiritual things.
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Text: Proverbs 26:1-2 (ESV)
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
so honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
a curse that is causeless does not alight.
WHEN HONOR AND CURSES HAVE NO BASIS
Generally, weather is hard to predict, is it not? But in some regions, some seasons are more predictable and so are their climate patterns. Israel's weather was regular enough. The season of wheat harvest is notably dry, so rain would be weird to occur. The same would be true of snow on a sweltering summer day. Summer and snow clearly do not belong together. In the same way, giving respect or "honor" to someone who foolishly ignores God is absurd. Moreover, snow in summer, or rain during a dry season, can also cause damage. This applies to a fool given a position of authority. He will destroy the institution he leads. (Prov 1:7; 3:35)
Definitely, a fool lacks the wisdom to govern others. He makes bad decisions (Prov 10:21). He condones and even promotes immorality (Prov 13:19; 28:15–16) And, he abhors righteousness and the worship of God (Prov 28:14). He appoints fools like himself to positions of authority (Prov 29:12). When fools reign as kings and rulers, there is false security (Prov 24:21–22; 30:7–9).
While honoring the fool has no basis, cursing others may just be a waste of time for it has no basis also. The imagery here is the sparrows and other small birds flying and following erratic patterns. Swallows, especially, are known for dramatic twists and turns as they fly. As they look for food, chasing it, they fly around but don't land. The same is true of the "curse" addressed to the person who has done nothing wrong. In this context, a "curse" is not a magical spell or hex. It refers to condemnation, insult, or declaration of harm (Job 3:1; Psa 109:28; Mark 14:71; Luke 6:28).
Take for example Goliath,hen he threatened to kill David, he cursed David, but the cursing was ineffective. Fighting for the Lord's honor, David prevailed and killed the Philistine giant, instead (1 Sam 17:43–50).
Let us not forget that only God can supernaturally "curse" anyone. (Deu 28:20; Prov 3:33). When the person does not deserve the curse—because God does not instigate it—it never would "land" on the intended person. The example of Balak and Balaam illustrates this. Balak, King of Moab, asked Balaam to curse Israel. However, Balaam replied, "How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?" (Num 23:8). Even when Balak was enraged, Balaam replied, "Must I not take care to speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?" (Num 23:12).
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Text: Proverbs 25:27,28 (ESV)
27 It is not good to eat much honey,
nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.
28 A man without self-control
is like a city broken into and left without walls.
THE VIRTUE OF SELF-CONTROL
This is a warning against excesses, even in positive things. A prior proverb mentioned the danger in having "too much of a good thing" (see v.16). When someone wants to feel good, he overeats causing discomfort at the end. Honey is good to the taste but eating too much may cause us to vomit. Similarly, a person who seeks too much glory—excess honor, respect, titles, or reputation—ends up the person becoming unglamorous towards others, even sickening.
Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are bought with a price, the blood of Christ. Therefore, we should glorify God, not ourselves (see 1 Cor 6:19–20). This reality should motivate believers to regulate urges, including eating habits. As 1 Cor 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Furthermore, every believer should take note that God is a zealous God. God says, "I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other." [Isa 42:8] "God opposes the proud."[Jas 4:6] And seeking one's own glory is the epitome of pride, is it not? A person who tries to make either their body feel good with too much food or their spirit feel good with too much personal pride will be humiliated by God.
A person who has no self-control is one who has no restraint over his urges. He is weak. A person who claims that he can do whatever he wants is a slave to his own appetite. He is like a city without walls, vulnerable to the enemy’s attack. The primary defense of a city was its walls. This did not make a walled city invincible, but it gave an enormous difference in their defensive stability.
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Text: Prov 25:25-26 ESV
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
-Prov 25:25-26 ESV
THE GOOD AND BAD NEWS
During the ancient times, people had to wait long hours, days, or even years to hear answers to their questions. Messages are sent by messengers by foot or horses. That was how fast messages travel. The relief of hearing good news, after an extended period of waiting and wondering, is compared to how cool water refreshes when one is thirsty in the desert. Today, it is quite different. Communication travels in a blink of an eye.
In the New Testament, missionaries like Paul had been overjoyed when messengers returned with good news from churches at far places. One example is Paul sending Tychicus to Ephesus so they could know how Paul and his companions were "and that he may encourage the hearts [of the Ephesian’s believers]" (Eph 6:21–22). He also planned to send Timothy to Philippi to collect good news about the believers. Timothy would return to Paul and the news would encourage Paul (Phil 2:19–23). In the meantime, he sent Epaphroditus to the Philippians, because Epaphroditus had been longing for them and was distressed because the Philippians had heard he was ill (Phil 2:25–26, 28).
Indeed, a drink of pure water from a spring or fountain is refreshing. But, if the waters are clogged with dirt, is it drinkable? It definitely would disappoint someone who came there looking to satisfy his thirst.The moment the spring is full of mud or pollution the water source is not potable anymore.
Solomon compares this to a righteous person who shrinks in the face of evil. In that moment, the righteous person fails to meet expectations. It's disappointing and unfortunate. A sinning believer muddies his testimony and disappoints anyone who looks to him for an example of righteousness. It is quite sad when a believer falls into sin before the eyes of the wicked, is it not? In modern times, the fall of a few well-known pastors and evangelists into the sin of adultery has sullied their testimony in the eyes of countless unbelievers. And, as a consequence, it damaged the church's credibility or witness.
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Text: Prov 25:24 ESV
24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
-Prov 25:24 ESV
IS THERE A HOME IN THE HOUSE?
Solomon's advice about marriage is learned through a hard way. Even with his wisdom, he turned away from God's intended plan for one man to marry one woman. Solomon took seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines for himself. Two is too little too many. He realized no earthly pleasures could replace honor for God. He exclaimed, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." [Ecc 1:2] Many of the proverbs he wrote her are life lessons Solomon learned "the hard way." (Prov 25:1)
The picture here is of a quarrelsome wife but this applies to the husband as well. A married couple could live in a mansion, but if one annoys the other, they only have a house but not a home. The ‘corner of the housetop’ even the desert can be most preferable as a place to stay. This implies material blessings alone don’t build a harmonious relationship in marriage.
In the beginning God designed the woman as "a helper fit for him" (Gen 2:18). Marriage unites two human beings to be mutual partners. Peter did counsel wives to "let [their] adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit", did he not? (1 Pet 3:4). On the other hand, he exhorts husbands to "live with your wives in an understanding way" and reminds them that their wives are "heirs with you of the grace of life" (1 Pet 3:7). These principles apply equally to both spouses. A harmonious relationship requires both partners to apply love and forbearance, rather than nagging and verbal abuse.
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God’s Word for Today
12 June, 2025
23 The north wind brings forth rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
-Prov 25:23 ESV
THE NORTH WIND BRINGS FORTH RAIN
“As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!” [v.23, NLT] The exact Hebrew phrase used here implies something deceptive, secretive, or slanderous. Destroying others down with gossip and criticism damages one's own reputation.
These verbal sins, such as slander, backbiting, gossip, and many more are strongly condemned in Scriptures toward wicked people who practice these. Paul writes that "God gave them up to dishonorable passions" and "to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done" (Rom 1:26,28). He describes them as full of "all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice…envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless" (Rom 1:29–31).
To believers, Peter commanded his readers to "put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander." He indicated that putting those sins away was necessary for spiritual growth (1 Pet 2:1,2). One of the most important marks of maturity is bridling the tongue. James says, “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”[Jas 3:2]
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God’s Word for Today
11 June, 2025
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22 for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
-Prov 25:21,22 ESV
LOVE YOUR ENEMY
These verses are quoted in the New Testament by Paul (Rom 12:20). Human nature instinctively seeks revenge. And, this leads to an endless cycle of retaliations and more violence. A more radical yet effective strategy to stop this hate to escalate is to show compassion and love for those who wrong us. This diffuses their need for retaliation. This can lead to self-reflection and a change of heart (Mat 5:39). This does not recommend attempting to "do good" with malicious intent. Rather, we do good simply because we are called to do so. Leaving vengeance to God is wise. Why? It is because He is much more capable than we are (Deut 32:35).
Jesus is our example. The apostle Peter reminds us that when He was reviled, "he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev 19:18; Mark 12:31) applies not only to those who are easy to love but also to those who harm us. The idea applies to more than simply offering bread and water for it is to respond to ill-treatment with kindness like Christ.
The English phrase "kill them with kindness" is related to this proverb. However, that expression implies a deliberate intent to create misery or angst. The reference to burning coals is not a suggestion about pain or even punishment. An ancient Egyptian ritual involved carrying a pan of burning coals on the head as a sign of repentance. Kind acts, towards the very person who has harmed us, are intended to encourage repentance. This teaching indicates that God will bless those who treat their enemies kindly. That not only motivated by avoiding further retaliation and promoting understanding. This also reflects someone who correctly understands their personal need for forgiveness (Mat 6:14–15). It is a reflection to how God showed His love to us when we were His enemies by giving His Son for us (Rom 5:8).
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Text: Proverbs 25:20 (ESV)
20 Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart
is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
and like vinegar on soda.
AVOID ADDING INSULT TO INJURY
Were you guilty before of giving careless and untactful comments to a person in sorrow? Classic examples are phrases like, "There's a reason for everything," or "At least it wasn't something worse." When offered to those in grief, such comments can magnify the suffering. Even if those sentiments are true, in a coldly logical sense, they're not usually helpful for the person grappling with tragedy.
Trying to "comfort" someone with overly simple measures is not merely ineffective; it's insulting. Well-meaning comments might seem to minimize the experience. It is like depriving him the warmth by removing the cloak during the cold day. If it's soaked with water, it is reasonable to take it off. Songs can help cheer a mourning person, in the right situation. However, when someone is sad and discouraged, it's inappropriate to assume a simple song will make them feel better. There is a lack of empathy.
Another picture of inappropriateness is putting vinegar into a container filled with soda. This produces an energetic reaction, but nothing else. The mixture will bubble towards overflowing. Both the vinegar and the soda are lost, and what's left is much less useful. Trite attempts to cheer up those who mourn might spark a reaction, but not the one intended.
The classic examples are Job’s friends who were careless and insensitive words. These misguided comforters did more harm than good by speaking volumes to Job when he was burdened with physical pain and grief. Sometimes the best course of action to take when comforting a discouraged person is simply to sit with him in silence. Paul understood there is a time to grieve and a time to rejoice, and he kept the two in perspective. Paul writes in Rom 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Only an insensitive person tries to rejoice with someone weeping, as if they could force a change in mood.
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Text: Proverbs 25:18-19 (ESV)
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
BEING DEPENDABLE
Giving false testimony against someone is as hitting him with a sharp weapon. Dishonest statements can ruin a neighbor's life, destroy his livelihood, hurt his family, and damage his reputation beyond repair. As believers, Paul appeals to believers to renounce lies. He said, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." The book of Proverbs repeats God's condemnation of false witnesses (Prov 6:16–19; 19:5; 21:28).
In verse 19, Solomon warns against trusting unreliable and disloyal people during challenging times. The mention of "time of trouble" is key to note that one is in a crisis. It gives caution to take risks. These include the risk of putting trust in someone known to be a liar, fraud, or traitor. In those moments, it's important to keep that risk in mind when this most likely will lead to disaster.
The metaphors used here point out the suddenness of betrayal. A rotten tooth might seem fine until it gives a sudden pain and misery. "A foot that slips" refers to something unsure, unreliable, and unbalanced. And, in an instant, disaster can strike. And, what was supposed to provide support instead caused harm. Putting our trust in liars and crooks is extremely dangerous.
Job expressed similar sentiments about his undependable neighbors. He said, "My brothers are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as torrential streams that pass away, which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself. When they melt, they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place" (Job 6:15–17). They resembled a riverbed. In the rainy season, it fills up with water. It runs fast and full, as snow melts and pours into it. But, in the heat of summer, when it is most needed, it is bone dry. When Job most needed dependable friends, he could not find them. They disappeared. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
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Text: Prov 25:17 ESV
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
-Prov 25:17 ESV
HAVE A SENSE OF PROPRIETY
A good thing does become bad, even nauseating when one has too much of it, does it not? That is the reason why moderation is needed in eating food, pleasures, and others. Here, similarly, a visitor will become a burden when he is taking undue advantage of another person's hospitality. A common Filipino expression is to practice ‘delicadeza.’ Have a sense of propriety. An esteemed visitor should not "wear out one's welcome" of a hospitable host. He is to avoid exploiting a host's goodwill and become a nuisance. Company is good, but even good company can become an irritation when it's overdone. It is an abuse already. The pleasure becomes an irritation.
In the ancient times, their culture has placed immense importance on hospitality. Hosts were expected to be gracious, generous, and helpful to visitors. Hosting a guest is not always enjoyable. The host will sacrifice time, resources, and effort. Even when the visitor is likable, a neighbor can soon become "sick" of having them around if he stays long enough. Thus, Solomon wisely advises a person to visit only occasionally to his neighbor to avoid angering or irritating him.
Scriptures commend neighborliness and hospitality. We should be hospitable as Heb 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Even, James writes, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (Jas 1:27). Yet the Bible also notes that spending too much time in a neighbor's house is not good for either guest or host. At Ephesus, Paul warned Timothy about those who spent undue time flitting from one neighbor's house to another as busybodies, saying, "They learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not" (1 Tim 5:13). Instead of haunting a neighbor's house, one should use proper discernment and know when to allow the neighbor to enjoy personal space.
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Text: Prov 25:16 ESV
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
-Prov 25:16 ESV
THE VIRTUE OF MODERATION
At first glance, this verse warns us about the danger of over-eating, which may result to an upset stomach. However, the meaning of this proverb is broader than just eating food. The general idea is like to our modern English expressions "too much of a good thing." In reasonable doses, many things can be enjoyed (1 Tim 4:4), including many types of food, drink, and pleasure (Psa 16:11; Deut 26:9; 1 Cor 10:30–33; Col 2:18). But even good things become harmful when they're overused, idolized, or turn into addictions (1 Cor 6:12; 1 John 2:15). Moderation is the key to appropriate enjoyment of those things God provides for our legitimate enjoyment.
Since the Old Testament times, honey has been valued as a deliciously sweet food until today. Like most sugar-rich substances, too much honey can cause nausea and vomiting. What applied to honey in the ancient world applies today to modern eating habits. Sweet foods are enjoyable for most people, but too much can lead to stomach distress. This is also applied to wine and meat. Wine was a common beverage in Bible times but overindulging in wine could lead to drunkenness. Thus, Solomon warns about drinking wine, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."[Prov 20:1] The apostle Paul advised Timothy to drink just a little wine for his stomach's sake and for his frequent ailments (1 Tim 5:23). There, again, moderation is the key to properly enjoying God's creation.
Today, let’s remember that God gives us liberty to enjoy His blessings and creation. However, this is not promoting over-indulgence. We are bound to pleasure and enjoy the things He provides until a certain limit – until it does not edify others and we are sinning. Moderation is the key.
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God’s Word for Today
5 June, 2025
With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue will break a bone.
-Prov 25:15 ESV
HAVE A SOFT TONGUE
The persuasive person exhibits patience and speaks softly when trying to convince others especially those in authority. The Hebrew term used here can also apply to judges or chiefs. Harsh, impatient words typically make others more resistant (Prov 15:1). Have you not seen employers and government officials who react poorly to impolite criticism? (Prov 14:35; 20:2) A wiser approach is to be patient, waiting for the right moment to give the right words (Prov 15:23). The Hebrew phrase translated "patience" or "forbearance" literally means "length of anger.” This implies delaying and holding on one's frustration before reacting. An impatient attitude may be expressed in a passionate speech that creates tension.
The mention of a tongue breaking a bone is a figure of speech. Obviously, this can’t be taken literally. The lesson is that soft words can accomplish difficult tasks. Well-timed, well-chosen words can persuade a ruler to pursue a difficult course of action. An example of the power of soft words is seen in Abigail's conversation with David. Her husband Nabal arrogantly rejected David's request for provisions; David was prepared to retaliate. However, Abigail went to David and persuaded him not to shed blood (1 Sam 25). David commended her, saying, "Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand" (1 Sam 25:33).
Indeed, a soft answer turns away wrath. The saying, “Stones and sticks may hurt my bones burt words, never.” Is not true. Words, soft and gently said are powerful.
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God’s Word for Today
4 June, 2025
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
-Prov 25:13-14 ESV
A FAITHFUL MESSENGER
Solomon recognized the quality of a person who faithfully follows instructions. A faithful messenger. Knowing someone is diligently carrying out their task brings great relief to a supervisor or king. The sluggard, on the other hand, causes irritates as vinegar to our teeth or smoke to our eyes (Proverbs 10:26; 25:19; 26:6)
Harvesting time is intense. It is laborious to gather crops to be processed for the upcoming winter. In the ancient world, it was backbreaking. In Solomon's time, ice and snow could be obtained from mountains, but with much difficulty. Today we can get ice easily. Undoubtedly, a cool drink is a great comfort during hot, and tiresome work day.
Paul identifies the servants of Christ as "stewards" and notes that such persons should be "found faithful." [1 Cor 4:1–2 ] Believers are the Lord's messengers, charged with the responsibility to take the good news of salvation into all the world (Mat 28:19). They are supposed to be faithful stewards of this good news, are they not? They are to serve as ambassadors for Christ by urging unbelievers to be reconciled to God. God makes his appeal through them (2 Cor 5:18–20). Definitely, God is pleased when His servants faithfully carry His message.
On the other hand, there are untrustworthy people. They promise but do not fulfill it causing disappointment. The imagery is as in the dry climate of the Middle East. Farmers might look at the gathering clouds, feel the wind, and anticipate rain for the good of their crops. But some clouds and wind just passed by without rain. This would be disappointing. These clouds and sky would suggest one thing, but not deliver.
Similarly, a person who brags about their good works or generosity without ever acting on is disappointing. Giving others hope, only to let them down, brings a bad reputation. So, too, does taking credit for the accomplishments of others could be equally disappointing. Jesus indicted false religious teachers as hypocrites and announced, "On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness'" (Mat 7:22–23).
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Text: Proverb 25:11-12 (ESV)
11 A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
A WORD FITLY SPOKEN
There is a tremendous value of wise words offered at the right time. The comparison here is to an ornate object made with precious metals. This is about tactfulness. A well-chosen word may edify. It will communicate support, afffirmations, and agreement. It may also bring necessary rebuke. Or it may bring comfort, exhortation, guidance, or encouragement. The apostle Paul writes, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom" (Col 3:16). He added, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."[Col 4:6] The apostle Peter writes a similar exhortation in 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
The following verse gives essentially the same teaching, with an emphasis on correction. "Reproof" is a form of correction (Pro 5:12; 12:1; 15:31). An example of reproof is when someone tells another person, "You are wrong and need to change.” if that correction comes from a caring and tactful speech, it is immensely valuable (Prov 25:11). The value of correction is tied to a willing listener (Prov 1:23; 3:11; 10:17). To someone open to advice, wise words from a trusted counselor are precious (Prov 11:14; 15:22). Believers should strive to provide loving guidance to others rather than harsh and loveless criticism (Eph 4:15, 29, Gal 6:1, Prov 15:1).
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Text: Proverbs 25:6-7 (ESV)
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
or stand in the place of the great,
7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
PUT NOT YOURSELF FORWARD BEFORE KINGS
It is not wise to gate crash into the presence of a king or pretend to be great. The equivalent today is to a ‘social climber.’ The picture is someone overstating his importance, only to be "put in his rightful place." This teaching indicates that it's better to be overly humble, being lifted up, rather than be embarrassed when overreaching and being put down. This would imply one should avoid being embarrassed in front of the noble person. Other translations associate this phrase with the following proverb, which cautions against hastily taking matters to court.
Jesus used nearly this exact scenario in His parable of the wedding feast. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:8–11).
The book of Esther shows how Esther humbly presented herself to King Ahasuerus in contrast to Haman who was arrogant. At significant risk, she presented herself to the king on behalf of her people who faced genocide. The king extended his golden scepter toward Esther as a sign of his favor, but Esther did not rush to make her request known. Instead, she touched the tip of the scepter and waited for him to ask. In contrast to Esther's humble approach, wicked Haman boldly asked to destroy the Jews. Ultimately, the proud Haman was embarrassed (Esther 3-6 ).
Let us remember today that humility is an important virtue. Don’t put yourself before others. Humility comes before honor.[Prov 18:12] The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. [Prov 22;4]
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Text: Prov 25:4-5 ESV
4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
-Prov 25:4-5 ESV
REMOVE THE DROSS FROM SILVER
A "dross" refers to impurities found in precious metals. Left alone, these corrode the strength and destroy the beauty of the material. It is removed by heating. Whatever is not burned separates from the melted silver and has to be scooped away. As a result, the silversmith can make fine and useful containers.
In Timothy 2:20–21, Paul implies that vessels of honorable use require precious materials and are refined to remove dross. First Peter 1:7 and 1 Corinthians 3:13–14 use similar analogies to make our faith pure. He does this to us to make us useful for his purpose. God won’t use a dirty vessel.
The idea of refining implies the purging of the influence of evil persons (Psa 119:119; Jer 6:29; Mal 3:2–3). Why? A ruler should depend on upright, honest counselors only to make wise decisions that benefit his subjects (Prov 11:14; 12:15; 20:18; 24:6; 29:14). This stresses the importance of a king in carefully selecting his advisors. Godly wisdom rejects evil and sin. And a good king listens to wise advisors (Prov 17:3, 14:35; 16:13).
Today, let us remember that Jesus will rule the earth in righteousness. He will remove the wicked as removing dross. Psalm 119:119 says, "All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross." Psalm 101:8 reads: "Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD." Isaiah 9:7 prophesies of Jesus, "Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this."
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Text: Prov 25:1-3 ESV
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
-Prov 25:1-3 ESV
SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE
The divine inspiration of the Scriptures includes the scribes' collection of the proverbs in Proverbs 25—29. They are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16).
God is the only omnipotent, omniscient, perfect Creator, the Lord and He is entirely justified in choosing what He will or will not reveal. Recognizing God's glory does include accepting that He is far higher and greater than any created person (Isa 55:8–9). Finite beings can only grasp a limited sense of God's full nature (Rom 11:33). God expresses His glory to humanity both in what He reveals (Psa 19:1; Rom 1:18–20) and in what He chooses to leave unknown (Deut 29:29; Isa 45:15).
At the same time, rulers and those in authority have to diligently seek out truth. These leaders are charged with important earthly decisions. They have to seek God’s guidance. It would be foolish of them to rush to judgment. A decision made without knowing all the facts might prove disastrous (Prov 11:14; 18:13, 17). The same principle applies to our current government leaders. They should be wise to weigh matters carefully before making decisions.
‘As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.’ The comparisons of the king's heart to these enormous heights are hyperbole, a deliberate exaggeration for effect. This means the king, ruler, or other person in authority typically has knowledge unavailable to others, at times. This is our general observation but it is not absolutely true to all. Kings can be ignorant, uninformed, or oblivious. In most cases, however, those in authority have access to information that citizens and employees typically could not clearly see.
What does this mean to us? Similarly, it is important as well that as believers, we should be guided in our lives by the teachings of God's Word rather than by circumstances or emotions (Prov 1:7; 1 Cor 4:6, Jer 17:9; Rom 12:1–2).
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God’s Word for Today
29 May, 2025
30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
32 Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
-Prov 24:30-34 ESV
THE PERIL OF LAZINESS
Should people sleep when they should be working, they demonstrate their stupidity as well as their laziness. They will surely end in poverty and disgrace. The state of the vineyard of a person will tell either his diligence or laziness. It was grown over with thorns." It had been long neglected so that even brambles were permitted to grow in the fields. Nettles had covered the face thereof." It was not weeded, and all kinds of rubbish had been suffered to multiply. The stone wall was broken down." This belonged to the vineyard, it was neither pruned nor dug and the fence, for want of timely repairs, had all fallen into ruins. [Prov 24:31]
The effect all this had on the attentive observer. Firstly, he saw it. he fixed his attention on it. he found it was no mere report. It is a fact. He myself was an eyewitness of it. Secondly, he considered it well, and he put his heart on it. All his feelings were engaged. Lastly, he looked upon it and took an intellectual view of it.
Thus I received instruction, that is, I received a very important lesson from it. But, the owner paid no attention to it. He alone was uninstructed. Why? He "slumbered, slept, and kept his hands in his bosom." [Prov 24:33]. "Hugged himself in his sloth and carelessness." The result is poverty described as a traveler coming nearer and nearer to the door.
What are the spiritual lessons learned here? Neglect brings barrenness or desolation to the garden of the soul. The “thorns” are evil habits that choke the good seed, and the “nettles” are those that are actually hurtful and offensive to others. The “wall” is the defense, which laws and rules give to the inward life, and which the sluggard learns to disregard, and the “poverty” is the loss of the true riches of the soul, tranquility, peace, and righteousness.
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God’s Word for Today
28 May, 2025
28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,
and do not deceive with your lips.
29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will pay the man back for what he has done.”
-Prov 24:28-29 ESV
AVOID HAVING A VENGEFUL ATTITUDE
Being a witness carries a legal language suggesting things like formal witness testimony in court (Ex 20:16; Pro 19:5). Here, however, it does not refer to someone lying. Rather, it simply says not to speak against others "without cause." There's a marked difference between speaking out about sin and wrongdoing, versus putting others out of spite or jealousy. The lesson here is broad, harmonizing with other verses regarding peace and unity (Mat 5:9; Rom 12:18).
The Lord had commanded the Israelites to love their neighbor as themselves (Lev 19:18) But, they didn't always obey His command. Disputes among themselves are inevitable. How to settle disputes? Leviticus 19:17 says, "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him." Let us take note that "deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil."[ Prov 12:20] It is always wrong to speak against others as well as flattery (Prov 29:5; Psa 12:2–3). Telling people what they want to hear, when it's not true or purposefully exaggerated is as much asin as lying (Prov 24:24–26).
On the other hand, we often hear this statement, "I don't get mad. I just get even." The first part is biblical but the second is entirely wrong. (Psa 37:8–9; Prov 16:32; Col 3:8), One attempts to "settle the score" by hurting another. Is it right to hurt to "make things even"? This will lead to petty offenses turning into feuds and insults leading to open war. Romans 12:17 commands: "Repay no one evil for evil." Hebrews 10:30 reminds us again that vengeance belongs to the Lord. When a believer believes someone has wronged him, he should resist the temptation to hurt that person (Prov 20:22). Instead, he should entrust it the Lord who is the perfect judge.
God is much better at it than we are. Thus, Paul admonishes us to "leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Rom 12:19). Paul cites Deut 32:35 where God takes on the role of an avenger. Psalm 94:1 also refers to the Lord as "God of vengeance." Whatever we think we might accomplish by our feeble efforts is counter-productive. Let us remember that the best response to sin and insults is to let the God of the universe make things right.
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Text: Proverbs 24:27 (ESV)
27 Prepare your work outside;
get everything ready for yourself in the field,
and after that build your house.
PLAN, PREPARE AND PRIORITIES
The importance of proper priorities cannot be minimized. There are few schools of thought about this verse. The first is one ought to complete his basic labors before worrying about non-essentials. Secondly, one has to develop one's career and abilities before starting a family. Nevertheless, this is a reminder that one should ensure "the most important things" are tended to before spending time and effort on less critical subjects. All of these are compatible with the general theme of this proverb or saying, that is, it is best to plan one's work, and work for it. What are we doing today may prepare us for an opportunity in the future.
In a literal example, it would be unwise to construct a permanent home when one doesn't have crops planted yet. In the ancient world, most people were farmers. After the fields are growing is the proper time to put effort into less-crucial areas. Careful planning, in the present, was essential to ensuring there would be food and resources available in the future. Spending time and effort on lesser concerns, when survival was not yet covered, would have been foolish.
Without proper planning and preparation, a project is most likely to fail, isn’t it? Jesus pointed out the wisdom of careful planning. It is necessary to plan before building a tower. The failure to plan would abort the project, and people would ridicule the builder (Luke 14:28–30). Of course, no one should undertake a project without first considering His will. Psalm 127:1 counsels, "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." In the New Testament, James says, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"[ Jas 4:13–15] Indeed, the Lord is the builder so He is indispensable in all our endeavors.
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Text: Proverbs 24:23-26 (ESV)
23 These also are sayings of the wise.
Partiality in judging is not good.
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.
26 Whoever gives an honest answer
kisses the lips.
THE WRONG OF PARTIALITY
Partiality in judging is not good. Israel's judges were supposed to be impartial when deciding cases. Moses instructed them, "You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it." [Deut 1:17] He added, "You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous." [Deut 16:19] These injunctions provide wise counsel for today's judges, as well. Let us recall that Solomon was not only Israel's king but also the nation's judge. As such, he was obligated to decide cases wisely and administer justice equitably.
What causes a person to say to the wicked, “You are in the right”? He is doing this for selfish gain most likely. Such injustice may happen in response to a bribe, as a favor for a friend, out of fear of an influential person, or even due to personal preference. Such injustice contradicts what God and the public demand of a judge. They are to be fair, honest, and unintimated either to acquit the guiltless, and sentence the guilty appropriately. God does not acquit the wicked. His eyes are too pure to behold evil.[Hab 1:13] He abhors evil and punishes the wrongdoer. Psalm 25:8 declares, "Good and upright is the LORD." Consequently, a judge who administers justice with fairness can enjoy the inner satisfaction of doing the right thing. Also, for the most part, he will receive goodwill, and praise of law-abiding citizens. [see v.25]
A judge or any person ‘gives an honest answer kisses the lips.’ [v.26] This metaphor is grounded in the idea of a kiss being an expression of friendship and affection. The Hebrew words in this statement imply something sincere, "straight," and truthful. This corresponds to the idea of "speaking the truth in love" (Eph 4:15). It is possible to be truthful and yet not be loving (Prov 15:1; 1 Pet 3:15). Yet it is impossible to be genuinely loving unless one is truthful. There is no love expressed in comforting lies. Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." Verse 29 further expounds, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
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Text: Prov 24:21-22 ESV
21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,
22 for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?
-Prov 24:21-22 ESV
FEAR THE LORD AND THE KING
The "fear" of God is the cornerstone of the entire book of Proverbs. (Prov 1:7). This is not panic or fright. To "fear" something or someone, in this sense, means to humbly perceive it from the right perspective. One must recognize God's authority as Creator, and His power, and resolve to act accordingly. There is a sense of awe and reverence towards God as a result.
Reverence for the Lord and respect for government leaders go hand in hand. A proper relationship with God produces respectful citizens. Government leaders are delegated authorities of God. Thus, an unruly citizen violates the command to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind by not respecting their authorities. The apostle Paul writes: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:1–4). Of course, this does not mean believers are bound to obey everything their governments command. When earthly authorities and laws direct people to sin, we are morally obligated to not follow but not through violent means. (Acts 5:29). Solomon's counsel about not associating with those who disrespect God and the civil authorities parallels the instruction of Moses, "You shall not fall in with the many to do evil" (Exos 23:2).
Scripture acknowledges that evil people do not always experience justice in this life. In fact, at times, it can seem as if immoral people benefit from their choices (Psa 73:2–3; Prov 24:1–2). Yet the Bible reminds us that rejecting godly wisdom brings great risks in this life (Prov 8:32–36) and damnation in eternity (Prov 10:24; 11:23). When such consequences occur, they can come abruptly, as noted in this verse.
Disobedience to authorities will lead to ruin. The word translated "ruin" does not appear in the Old Testament except here and several times in the book of Job. It implies piercing, suggesting a damaging, sudden, and painful experience. More often than not, those who reject God's law suffer the natural consequences of those choices. They would experience punishment from human government (Rom 13:1–5). Just when someone thinks they've "gotten away with it," disaster strikes.
The worst will come when the person dies in his rebellion and sin. He himself will be judged by God for his sins (Prov 11:4; Rev 20:11–15). But, there is hope in Jesus, who died for the forgiveness of all our sins.[2 Cor 5:21] Don’t be caught dead without Jesus.
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Text: Prov 24:19-20 ESV
19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
-Prov 24:19-20 ESV
BE NOT ENVIOUS OF THE WICKED
Being objects of trouble at the hands of unscrupulous people is inevitable. Jesus warned us that tribulations will come to God’s people. (John 16:33). Believers should be wise and careful. Yet, it does not make us immune to hardships from evil people. They commit wickedness and prosper. We see their lives are becoming better than the righteous. Thus, the feeling of envy sets in. The thought of doing wicked things is much better than doing righteous deeds. The answer to this problem is a matter of perspective. We have to look at them from the lens of God. “The evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.” God will judge all things and snuff out those who reject Him (Proverbs 24:20). The deeds of the wicked won’t succeed.
Whereas, the Lord cares for His own people and He holds them by His sovereign power. Nobody can snatch us from His hand. (John 10:27–29; 1 Pet 5:7). Furthermore, nothing can separate believers from God's love (Rom 8:38–39). The psalmist Asaph almost stumbled for being envious of the wicked. But, he discovered that God will bring the wicked to a day of reckoning (Psalm 73:16–20] In contrast, the righteous will be with the Lord forever. (Psa 73:22–26). Yes, the wicked may prosper for a brief time, but believers have eternal relationships with the Lord. They have a sure inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:3–4). It is no wonder that Peter exhorted us to "put away…envy" (1 Peter 2:1). In short, it is ridiculous to envy people who have no hope and future.
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God’s Word for Today
22 May, 2025
15 Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;
do no violence to his home;
16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the LORD see it and be displeased,
and turn away his anger from him.
-Prov 24:15-18 ESV
GOD LOVES THE WICKED TOO
There is an image of an ambush prepared outside the home of a godly person by a wicked man. These ruthless people look for an opportunity to destroy the helpless. There is an implication that the good man is weakened by illness or distress. The devil, likewise, waits for an opportunity to take advantage during our weakness. Like a predator, he lurks for an opportunity to attack like a lion. (1 Pet 5:8). He assaulted Jesus in the desert when Jesus was physically weak after forty days of fasting (Mat 4:1–3). But Jesus stood his ground quoting scriptures to drive him away. He even sifted the proud Peter as wheat, a fulfilment to Jesus’ prophecy that he will deny Christ. Peter denied Jesus for three times. (Luke 22:31, 54–62).
However, godly people can recover from setbacks. But, those who do evil will fall when struck by adversity. This is true, especially in the eternal sense. Those who reject Christ are inescapably doomed eternally. [John 3:18,36] But, the saved are secured through Christ's righteousness. (2 Cor 5:21)
God condemned those who sneered and gloated over the poor, as well as those who celebrated when someone else suffered tragedy. The same basic attitude is reflected in how one responds to the suffering of enemies. Even God avoids expressing glee over the ruin of evil people (Ezekiel 33:11). We are commanded not to "rejoice" or "gloat" or "smirk" when an enemy suffers or falls. Believers ought to forgive (Mat 18:21–22) Those who refuse to forgive show they don't understand their own need for forgiveness (Mat 6:14–15; 18:23–35). This humble attitude expressed through love towards one's enemies is not a natural impulse, is it? It is among the most unique features of Christianity.
Scripture compares all people to lost sheep. Like the Good Shepherd, believers should endeavor to find those who are lost, even the most wicked and bring them to God (Mat 28:19–20; Luke 19:10, Luke 15:4–7). Should we reach out to the wicked, the Lord says, "But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live." [Eze 18:21–22] The following verse says, “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?”[Ezek 18:23] In short, the Lord’s compassion is unfathomable.
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God’s Word for Today
21 May, 2025
13 My son, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it, there will be a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
-Prov 24:13-14 ESV
WISDOM IS HONEY TO OUR SOUL
Eating honey is always associated with pleasure and satisfaction. Was not the "Promised Land" depicted as a land flowing with good things, such as milk and honey? (Exo 3:8, 17). Honey was among the most pleasurable substances known to man in the Middle East during Old Testament times for its sweetness (Gen 43:11; 1 Sam 14:27) People find pleasure in eating it directly from the honeycomb. Occasionally, it was presented as a gift (Gen 43:11; 1 Kings 14:3). It was a staple in John the Baptist's diet (Matthew 3:4). Exodus 16:31 compares the taste of manna to that of wafers made with honey. This enhances the biblical connection between godliness, manna, truth, and the ministry of Jesus Christ (Psa 119:103–104; John 6:32–35; 14:6; 20:31).
Thus, the Bible does not condemn pleasure and enjoyment of earthly things, does it? God blesses us with creation to enjoy. (1 Tim 4:4). However, excess, addiction, and greed are physical abuses and spiritual errors. Appreciating what God has provided in this life is not a sin. Honey, itself, is a "good thing." It is appropriate to take pleasure in properly experiencing something the way God intended.
Something pleasurable and valuable like honey is as wisdom to the soul. As honey provides pleasure and nourishment to the body, wisdom is uplifting and life-giving to the soul. The word of God is more desirable than honey, as the psalmist expresses;
“More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.”[Psa 19:10]
Scripture, especially here in the book of Proverbs, connects godly wisdom with concepts such as life and security (Prov 10:7; 12:28; 14:27). Proverbs note that godly people can suffer tragedy and hardship (Psa 18:6; 132:1; Pro 24:16). However, in most cases, those who follow God's will and avoid sin are much safer from negative natural consequences than the wicked. They are closer to God and are promised with deliverance (Prov 8:32–36; 11:4). Understandably, a person closer to truth brings is closer to God. (John 14:6)
But, the Scripture is the truth.[John 17:17] Thus we can rest in it. Whatever it says is true. As John 3:36 promises, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life", we can lay hold unto it. Jesus is the truth [John 14:6]. Believers are guaranteed a place in heaven because He is trustworthy. He promised, saying, "In my Father's house are many rooms… And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:2–3). This promise is as honey that gives pleasure to our weary souls. Our hope of seeing Jesus and being with Him in heaven is sure and guaranteed. The writer of Hebrews 6:19 describes the believer's hope as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."
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Text: Proverbs 24:11-12 (ESV)
11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
and will he not repay man according to his work?
RESCUE THE OPPRESSED
Firstly, we need to understand the context of this lesson. This is not about interfering a convicted, guilty criminal being executed in a lawful setting. This is about the innocent person having been persecuted and oppressed. When a believer sees cruelty, injustice, or atrocity, he is obligated to act in some way.
“If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.”[Eze 3:18]
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”[Jas 4:17]
“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”[1 John 3:17–18]
The parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 provides principles of being compassionate to people who are unjustly treated and oppressed. This implies an active responsibility to do good, rather than a passive avoidance of evil. It might be tempting to avoid controversy like the priest and the Levite. Being involved in the lives of others may invite trouble. Yet the victims of injustice desperately need help. Thus, like the good Samaritan, we are encouraged by Jesus to show compassion and do whatever it takes to help. Here, Solomon counsels us to get involved. That can mean speaking on behalf of the falsely accused. It might mean intervening in an unfair or abusive situation. By doing so one can save a wrongly condemned person from harm or even death.
This has an implication in our attitude in evangelizing the least and lost. Christians ought to show compassion and seek to "rescue" those guilty and under the sentence of spiritual and eternal death (Rom 3:23; 6:23; Jude 1:21–23). Prov 11:30 teaches that "whoever captures souls is wise." Every unbeliever is in Satan's clutches and bound for eternal punishment (John 3:36). Every believer who preaches the gospel to an unbeliever and introduces him to the Savior applies godly wisdom (Prov 1:7; Jas 5:20).
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Text: Proverbs 24:10 (ESV)
10 If you faint in the day of adversity,
your strength is small.
STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY
There is a play of words here. The original word for "adversity" is sārāh', while the word for "small" is sar'. On the other hand, the word translated "faint" can also mean to "let go," "weaken," or "fail." Stating that someone who "fails" in times of trouble is weak is not meant as an insult. It is a serious warning. Difficulty is a given reality that we experience even during earthly life (Psa 20:1; 86:7; Ecc 8:6; John 16:33). Every person should prepare to face it with godly wisdom (Prov 1:7; 24:5).
Everyone encounters adversity including God’s children. It is part of our normal lives. For the Christian, adversity could be a good thing. Paul recognizes the sovereignty of God in every circumstance we have, good or bad. He said, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”[Rom 8:28]
James writes, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" (Jas 1:2). His words were addressed to Hebrew Christians who were experiencing intense persecution. But why should adversity cause Christians to rejoice? James also gives the answer: "for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (Jas 1:3). Further, steadfastness can make believers spiritually mature and "complete, lacking nothing" (Jas 1:4).
Even, the apostle Peter also wrote to persecuted Hebrew Christians about the value of adversity. He said trials prove the genuineness of one's faith (1 Pet 1:3–9). Believers under pressure of adversity are encouraged to brace themselves and trust in Christ's power. The writer of Hebrews exhorts;
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”{Heb 10:35-39}
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Text: Prov 24:8-9 ESV
8 Whoever plans to do evil will be called a schemer.
9 The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.
-Prov 24:8-9 ESV
BEWARE OF THE SCHEMER
The schemer are our scammer today. The word means literally "master of plots" or "owner of evil plans" or "deviser of wickedness." They are also scoffers. As a note, "scoffers" are those who mock or laugh. They "sneer" at wisdom instead of accepting it (Prov 1:22; 9:12; 14:6; 19:28). This is not only a reference to sin, but also a note about reputation. Eventually, liars and schemers are exposed. Thus, they are popularly known as unreliable and crooked.
In the beginning of the book of Romans, those who ignore God's revelation in human experience are labeled "inventors of evil" (Rom 1:18–20; 30) They are referred as "foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless" (Rom 1:31). Scriptures often warn us about such persons (Prov 6:14; 14:22).
One prominent example is Haman, the Agagite. His life became a warning about the fate of "schemers." He secretly devised an evil plot against Mordecai, Esther, and the Jews. [Es 8:3] He conspired to destroy all the Jews in Persia (Est 8:5). However, God protected the Jews and overturned Haman's wicked plot. Eventually, the king "gave orders in writing that [Haman's] evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows" (Es 9:25).
Planning immorality, plotting to do evil, inventing ways to harm others, or imagining wicked actions are all egregious sins, in and of themselves. This is diagnosed by Jesus as originating in the heart and mind (Mat 5:21–22). Even if it is still in the mind, the schemes and fantasies are already offensive to God (Matthew 5:27–28). Some believe thoughts are not sinful unless they are acted on, but Scripture clearly differs or disagrees.
They are an abomination to the Lord. The word "abomination" means "disgusting" or "repulsive" (Prov 6:16; 15:9; 21:27). Not only are those who plan evil offensive to God, but even men also detest them greatly. In the New Testament, Jude predicts that this attitude will become common as the world continues to drift away from God. [Jude 1:18–19]
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Text: Prov 24:5-7 ESV
5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.
-Prov 24:5-7 ESV
WISDOM IS POWER
Wisdom and knowledge make a man powerful. There is an allusion to engaging a war (Prov 24:6), Is not life a war? "Work smarter, not harder" is the key. A person can accomplish much more through wisdom and careful thinking, as compared to just brute force or effort. A wise person is better equipped to make decisions (Prov 3:21–23).
Likewise, the one who solicits the wisdom of many people is more likely to find a workable solution to their problem (Prov 15:22). No Christian is alone in this warfare. Our captain is Christ, the "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6). He is always with each believer, and the Holy Spirit, "another Helper," is alongside with us. (John 14:16). Furthermore, the Lord has gifted the church with teaching pastors to help build us up in the faith (Eph 4:11–12).
Christians are endowed with God’s wisdom available by asking. Paul says, "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might" (Col 1:9–11). The child of God does not rely on his own strength to gain victory over temptation and to triumph over trials, does he? He trusts the Lord for strength. The psalmist asks, "From where does my help come?" (Psa 121:1). He answers himself by saying, "My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121: 2).
Solomon notes that wisdom is "too high" for the fool. This is equivalent to the idiomatic expression, that is, "it went over their head." Generally, in the Scriptures, the term "fool" is not about a person's intellect. Being "foolish" is quite different from being "dim-witted" or "slow." Instead, foolishness is primarily a matter of attitude. The "fool" is one who rejects or ignores godly wisdom in favor of their own preferences (Prov 13:1, 16; 18:2). Arrogance and stubbornness are more prevalent in the fool than a simple lack of intelligence. Those persons labelled "unreachable" due to egoism, bias, or sin cannot attain true wisdom, which requires humility (Prov 12:15; 14:12). Interestingly, they will be silent at the ‘city gate’, the place where legal matters are discussed. At worst, of course, the fools might speak anyway and fully reveal his condition (Prov 10:19; 17:28; 29:20).
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God’s Word for Today
15 May, 2025
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
with all precious and pleasant riches.
-Prov 24:3,4 ESV
WISDOM BUILDS HOME
Definitely, this is not about building a literal house building. Any effort benefits from the application of wisdom. Businesses do well to use common sense and ethical practices. A wise parent builds a strong home by teaching the children to fear the Lord and to walk in His ways.(Prov1:7) However, evil, sin, and foolishness most often lead to destruction (Prov 8:32–36). Psa 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
Solomon is a prime example of building a structure by wisdom. He wisely built the temple in Jerusalem that his father David was not allowed to build. In the New Testament, Jesus relates the sensible man who built his house on a solid foundation (Mat 7:24–25) The wise person undertakes an enterprise and launches it successfully. Habakkuk pronounces woe on the person who builds a house or town for selfish gain and commits violence to do so. The Lord will judge that person and his work. [Hab 2:9–12]
Evil people want to destroy lives (Prov 24:1), as their plans often involve taking advantage of others. Immorality leads to ruin in eternity (Prov 10:29; 18:7) and often brings harsh consequences in this life (Prov 8:32–36). In contrast, those who seek knowledge (Prov 1:7; 2:1–6) build others up. They gain valuable understanding (Prov 8:10; 23:23) which helps them succeed. Earlier sections of this book depicted foolishness as leading to the ruin of a house (Prov2:16–19; 14:1, 11). Here, one's house—a literal home or any other effort—is enhanced by the application of wisdom.
The home of the wise is pictured as having rooms filled with blessings. Definitely, we can parallel the "precious and pleasant riches" of this verse with the beautiful, valuable characteristics mentioned in Gal 5:22–23 and in 2 Pet 1:5–7. It is the wisest choice to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Why? He bears fruit in our lives, such as, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."[ Gal 5:22–23] Moreover, the apostle Peter exhorts believers to add to their faith by furnishing their lives with the following valuable qualities; virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Pet 1:5–7). Such things are worthwhile in and of themselves; they also bring great benefits to those who apply them.
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God’s Word for Today
14 May, 2025
Be not envious of evil men,
nor desire to be with them,
2 for their hearts devise violence,
and their lips talk of trouble.
-Prov 24:1,2 ESV
BE NOT ENVIOUS OF EVIL MEN
In general sense, the book of Proverbs warns against us associating with immoral people, needless to say, that of being envious with them. Jealousy over their success is being short-sighted (Prov 23:17–18). Close friendships or other relationships with them brings risk and temptation (Prov 1:10–15; 13:20). Sin is enticing, is it not? Yet a wise person knows that God's goodness is far more valuable than temporary earthly wealth. (Prov 1:7) Do remember that our association with wicked people will influence our morals definitely (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Why should we be envious of evil men? For whatever wealth or possessions they gain by evil means would not last. They are always subject to sudden loss. Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal" (Mat 6:19). He commanded us to where we should store our riches, saying, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Mat 6:20). The poorest believer is richer than the wealthiest unbeliever on earth. So, it is preposterous to envy them.
Evil men invent evil plans. Genesis 6:5 discloses that the hearts of human beings who lived before the flood were full of evil continually. Consequently, God, who knows the heart, destroyed that civilization with a flood. They discuss those plots with others and act on those impulses eventually. This is not surprising for all people grapple with their sin nature. Jeremiah describes the heart as "deceitful above all things, and desperately sick." [Jer 17:9] This will lead to ruin (Prov 6:12–15; 16:27). Paul notes that to avoid every speck of contact with sin would require believers to leave the world (1 Cor 5:9–10). Yet some people aggressively embrace their sin.
It is only Jesus, our Great Physician, who can transform the heart of one that loves Him and obeys Him. The apostle Paul points to the change of heart that believers experience. He writes, "But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness."[Rom 6:17–18]
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Text: Proverbs 23:29-35 (ESV)
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who tarry long over wine;
those who go to try mixed wine.
31 Do not look at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup
and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a serpent
and stings like an adder.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
and your heart utter perverse things.
34 You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
like one who lies on the top of a mast.
35 “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt;
they beat me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake?
I must have another drink.”
WINES AND WOES
Woe ... sorrow, these words in the original are interjections, probably expressing distress. The sharp touch of the satirist reproduces the actual inarticulate utterances of drunkenness. [v.29]
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
The wine flavored with aromatic spices, does increase its stimulating properties. There is a touch of sarcasm in “go to seek.” The word, elsewhere is used of diligent search after knowledge [Prov 25:2; Job 11:7; Psa 139:1] It is used here of the investigations of connoisseurs in wine testing its qualities.
30 Those who tarry long over wine;
those who go to try mixed wine
There is a warning not to look at the wine. It sparkles with its beaded bubbles on which the wine drinker looks with complacency. The Hebrew word describes the pellucid stream flowing pleasantly from the wineskin or jug into the goblet or the throat (comp.Song of Solomon 7:9) rather than, a sparkling wine.
Be warned for it is treacherous as a snake. [v.32] As a result, your eyes will behold strange women (v.32-33), You will lose your inhibitions. your heart shall utter perverse things (v.33). Things that you would not normally say and do. But now that you're under its influence, your inhibitions have been loosed. You are going to do all kinds of weird and stupid things. Yea, you shall be as he that lies down in the middle of the sea (v. 34). A drunkard behaves as one who is sea-sick. Doing just really dumb things.
They have stricken me, you will say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, but I didn't feel it (v. 34-35): You'll wake up with all the bruises and cuts and you don't know how you've got them. when shall I awake? (v. 35) And then what happens? You will go right back and seek it yet again v.35. This the tragic effects of addiction to wine or alcoholism described quite graphically here in Proverbs.
Such imagery is used by Paul in a positive application to a believer filled with the Spirit. He says, “18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”[Eph 5:18-20] . In contrast, the person filled with the Spirit is always a blessing.
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Text: Proverbs 23:26-27 (ESV)
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
For a prostitute is a deep pit; an adulteress is a narrow well.
GIVE ME YOUR HEART
Solomon urges his son to give him his heart, that is, he is to emulate him. There is a call to pattern his ethics after his father. The son has to lead a godly lifestyle like his father. To do that, the son would need his eyes to ‘observe his ways.’ In the New Testament, we read Jesus' command to His disciples to follow Him. He said, "If anyone serves me, he must follow me" (John 12:26). In other words, Jesus' followers must take the same path through life that Jesus took. They must imitate Jesus' righteous life of service. The apostle Paul urged the Philippian believers to follow the example Jesus set, He writes: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus" (Phil 2:5).
Why the son is encouraged to keep their eyes on a godly example? This need for careful observation is directly tied to Solomon's warning about sexual sin (Prov 23:27). The next verse [v.27]begins with "because" or "since," most often translated as "for" as the reason why he has to fix his eyes upon the godly ways of his father. The importance of this advice to "look" at a godly lifestyle counters the way sexual temptation often begins with one's eyes (Prov 6:25; Mat 5:28). Tragically, Solomon himself was tempted into sin by intimate relationships (1 Kings 11:4).
Sexual sin often starts with the eyes (Mat 5:28). Failing to watch where one looks is as dangerous as being careless about where one steps, is it not? The book of Proverbs speaks a lot about these sinful temptations as traps (Prov 5:22; 7:22–23; 22:14; 28:10). Imagine a person walking on streets with concealed manholes while his eyes are looking at the billboards around. That person can fall into it in a moment.
The Hebrew phrasing of verse 27 implies the entire category of sexual temptation, which may refer to "fornication" and "adultery." The "prostitute" refers those who deliberately tempt others for money, or sport while the "adulteress" represents those who betray others in their sin. Whether the tempter is married or unmarried, both offer something spiritually deadly. Similarly, the literal phrasing refers to women tempting men but the principle applies to any person regardless of gender. The point is this; sexual sin violates God's design for intimacy. And a naïve son could be an easy prey to this predator. It surely brings tremendous risks, both physically and socially to him (Prov 6:27–35).
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Text: Prov 23:22-25 ESV
22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
25 Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.
-Prov 23:22-25 ESV
BUY TRUTH AND DO NOT SELL IT
We are enjoined to listen to our parents. Parents "who gave life" shouldn't be cast aside when they become old. The parents’ utmost concern is for his children to obtain wisdom. Wisdom is priceless. Thus, we have to buy for it and keep it permanently.
In a sense, wisdom doesn't need to be purchased. God makes these qualities available for free. Isaiah 55:1 appeals to everyone who thirsts to "come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." James 1:5 promises: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Further, "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). Believers should be filled "with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col 1:9).
The highest degree of wisdom is shown in reverence for God and obedience to His will. Jesus has this wisdom. He pleased His heavenly Father by exercising wisdom and doing His will. Jesus said, "I always do the things that are pleasing to him [the Father]" (John 8:29). When Jesus was transfigured on a mountain, God the Father exclaimed, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Mat 17:5).
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Text: Prov 23:19-21 ESV
19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.
20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.
-Prov 23:19-21 ESV
BE NOT AMONG THE DRUNKARDS AND GLUTTONS
Another reminder from Solomon for his son to make good use of his teachings. Life's choices are often described as walking a path (Prov 4:11, 18, 26) Those who follow God's will may avoid both danger, becoming lost and ruin their future.
To be wise is to avoid the company of drunkards and gluttons. The concept applies to those who are often drunk, or who overeat. Yet, its meaning is broader to refer to all those dominated by urges and appetites. The modern "party hard" attitude, which celebrates out-of-control indulgence, is part of this uncontrolled passion.
If someone is controlled by their desires, those urges will push them towards personal disaster. Those obsessed with the "party hard" lifestyle do waste outrageous amounts of time and money on it, don’t they? This same is true to those marked by greed and addiction. Financial hardships, strained relationships, and trouble with employment are among the sad consequences. Alcohol and substance addictions, especially, can ruin a person's ability to hold one’s soberness.
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God’s Word for Today
8 May, 2025
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
my heart too will be glad.
16 My inmost being will exult
when your lips speak what is right.
17 Let not your heart envy sinners,
but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.
18 Surely there is a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
-Prov 23:15-18 ESV
DO CONTINUE IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD
A wise son makes his parents glad.[see v.15,16] He has "wise heart", that is, one whose thoughts and attitudes reflect the will of God (Rom 12:1–2). In contrast, it's heartbreaking to watch children chosing evil. Proper and loving discipline direct a child towards godly wisdom (Prov 1:1–7; 3:1–5). Here, he is described as a child who "[speaks] what is right" It is possible for a child to know what is right, and not do it. He might know what is right, and do what is right, but not speak up for godliness and goodness.
The parents advice is for his son not to envy sinners. Among Satan's most effective tricks is making people think they are "missing out" by following God's instructions. This was the basic temptation Satan used against Eve. The psalmist Asaph almost fell to this lie. He was bitter over the way God-deniers seemed to have trouble-free, healthy lives. However, his reverence for the Lord drove him to the sanctuary of God. There, he was reminded of the ultimate, and dreadful future of all sinners (Psa 73:16–20). Proverbs 1:10 says, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." It is good to recognize that what believers have in Christ is far more valuable than the fleeting value of the things of this world (Prov 23:18). It is worth to ‘continue in the fear of the Lord.’
There is a certain future for those in Christ. The apostle Peter declared, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet 1:3–5).
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God’s Word for Today
7 May, 2025
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
14 If you strike him with the rod,
you will save his soul from Sheol.
-Prov 23:13,14 ESV
DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILD PROPERLY
These verses follow the biblical teaching of proper child discipline. An appropriate loving discipline will train a child to avoid evil, sparing them from greater suffering later in life. (Prov 3:11–12; 5:23; 13:1; 19:18; 22:15). Although this is not an absolute guarantee, proper discipline is beneficial to the future of the child. Diligent parents may experience the heartache of wayward children. Yet, in most cases, parents who raise kids with loving correction set them up for success (Prov 22:6). Unruly children tend to become unruly adults, who face sad consequences later such as prison, violence, disease, and addiction.
Although Solomon mentions the use of a rod or stick. The use of the stick in literal sense is not the point. Although preferable, physical discipline or "corporal punishment” is not the only option. A spanking of a particular child, for example, may deter him from repeating an immoral behavior. Another child may become enraged and not learn from corporal punishment, while responding quickly to loss of privileges. Whatever form of discipline suits the individual child and the individual situation is what's best. A disciplinary measure works well when it breaks his stubborn will to make him humble and contrite in spirit.
Sincere parents may say that they "love" their children too much to discipline them. Yet, this only pampers the child to be irresponsible and unaccountable to their own failures and sins. A parent who genuinely loves the child does recognize the need for reasonable discipline and, apply it accordingly (Heb 12:6). In other words, proper discipline is the means in saving the kid, not to destroy his life and future and, avoid wrong lifestyles and values. He will live and not die or go to Sheol.
Thus, proper discipline instructs children about consequences and choices. This knowledge is best learned at home with loving-disciplinarian parents. We can only bend the twig properly and rightly when it is young. It is common knowledge that undisciplined children tend to become unruly adults. It would not be surprising that the future consequences would involve imprisonment, loss of jobs, and violence.
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Text: Proverbs 23:12 (ESV)
12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ear to words of knowledge.
APPLY YOUR HEART TO INSTRUCTION
The entire book of Proverbs emphasizes the value of godly wisdom. He occasionally stops to highlight the importance of wisdom. This verse is one of those reminders.
Solomon used specific terms to depict levels of wisdom. The word "learning" is acquiring information, "knowledge" is learning retained for long-term use or application, "wisdom" is the capacity to act correctly based on knowledge. "Understanding", however, is a developed level of wisdom which should be shared with others.
There is a need of discipline and close attention if a person wants to gain godly wisdom (Prov 1:1–7). This means that true wisdom requires intentional choices. A person can "know" what is right, but the heart must apply that knowledge to real-life situations. Even, Jesus said, "Take care then how you hear" (Luke 8:18]. That is, we ought not merely perceive His Word, but also obey it.
James writes in more details. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”[Jas 1:22-25]
In these verses, he exhorts his readers to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" What does he mean? He explains that whoever reads into God's Word but fails to apply it is like someone who looks into a mirror and immediately forgets what his face looks like. He reasons that blessing comes to the person who intentionally ‘apply his heart to instruction.’
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Text: Proverbs 23:10-11 (ESV)
10 Do not move an ancient landmark
or enter the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Redeemer is strong;
he will plead their cause against you
THE REDEEMER OF THE FATHERLESS
The sin committed here is something like a modern person altering a map, uprooting surveyor's stakes, or moving a fence. The Lord specifically forbade this (Deut 27:17). Even worse than this cheating someone out of property is to defraud someone already disadvantaged, such as those who have lost a father. (see Proverbs 22:22; 31:8–9). James writes, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (Jas 1:27).
God, however, promises a Redeemer. He is someone associated with a family member's obligation to care for a destitute relative (Ruth 4:6). Clearly, the scriptures indicate that God Himself is in favor of the poor. Thus, it's reasonable to see this Redeemer as a reference to the Lord Himself. Deut 10:18 says, "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing." Psa 10:17–18 states, "O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more." As the Redeemer of the fatherless, the Lord opposes those who maltreat them.
In the book of Ruth, we read about Boaz, Naomi's relative, who took the role of a kinsman redeemer to buy Naomi's field and marry her daughter-in-law Ruth (Ruth 4:7–10). Also, King David is an example of kindness to a fatherless, helpless person. He sent for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son, and welcomed him into the palace. He set a place at the table for Mephibosheth, gave him land, and instructed Saul's servant Ziba and his sons to work the land for Mephibosheth. (2 Sam 9:1–13).
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Text: Prov 23:9 ESV
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.
-Prov 23:9 ESV
WASTE NOT YOUR TIME WITH FOOLS
The "fool" of the book of Proverbs is depicted as stubborn and thickheaded. His problem is not his intellect, but his intent. Having conversations with him is not worth at all for he is not willing to converse reasonably. Other proverbs note how some people sneer at what they don't understand and respond to other views with anger (Prov 9:7; 22:10). For them, either you accept their views or not. They can’t have a sound dialog. This is popularized today as the ‘cancel culture.’ Trying to speak rationally with such people is like mixing water and oil. Not only that it does not work, it makes the situation worse. It makes no difference how true or how valuable an idea is, if the hearer refuses to even consider it, then the attempt itself is wasted.
Today, in as much as we show compassion and want to share the gospel with everyone, we must realize that some people foolishly resist the truth. They harden their hearts and minds and mock the gospel. Jesus said, "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not cast your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you" (Mat 7:6). The bible underlines the idea that godly people should avoid pointless arguments (Titus 3:9–11; 2 Tim 2:23; Prov 29:9).
The fool has a false philosophy diametrically opposed to the gospel message. He has made up his mind and closed his ears. The content of the message has no value when the listener's intent is against it. The religious leaders during the time of Jesus fit the description of these people. Jesus told them: "You search the Scriptures because you think that in then you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life" (John 5:39–40). It is not that they can’t. But they won’t. They are the first proponent of the cancel culture.
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Text: Prov 23:6-8 ESV
6 Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy; do not desire his delicacies,
7 for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten, and waste your pleasant words.
-Prov 23:6-8 ESV
AN EVIL EYE
Here, Solomon gives advice about those who give with ill intent. The description implies someone who gives with ulterior motives or cynicism. That might mean those who give bitterly, harboring a grudge, or making an overt attempt to buy someone's favor.
This stingy host might be obsessed with how much his generosity costs. Or he's offering hospitality with the explicit goal of getting something in return. A generous and loving host is commended to host a meal. We are exhorted to be hospitable. It's spiritually dangerous, however, if the host treats his guest so that he can gain his business. He has an ulterior motive. Scripture describes this type of host as "inwardly calculating." He is feigning friendliness, but he does not really wish his guest well. It is hard to disappoint the host by refusing his proposal. This pressure is often part of the "game strategy" of modern business, is it not? A realization can be too late and put pressure upon the guest. He might literally feel sick to his stomach, embarrassed that he has been fooled and wasted his time.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul asked, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?" (Gal 3:1). He believed false teachers had placed them under the spell of an evil eye. They had done this by flattering the Galatians only to draw them away from the truth and captivate them with a false gospel (Gal 1:6–7; 4:17). Let’s be aware about such people.
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God’s Word for Today
30 Apr, 2025
When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
observe carefully what is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to appetite.
3 Do not desire his delicacies,
for they are deceptive food.
-Prov 23:1-3 ESV
DISCERNMENT & SELF CONTROL
For whatever reason, the rich may invite a poor person for luxurious dinner. There is a warning for the poor to control greed. He may embarrass himself by abusing or by being opportunistic to someone's hospitality. At the same time, he should be careful that this generosity does not turn into a bribe. For someone used to working for "daily bread," being invited to a feast of luxurious food might be tempted to eat too quickly or too much. Instead, he has to apply self-control and discernment. It's possible that a host might use lavish generosity to lull someone into a false sense of security. They might be offering a subtle bribe or attempting to sway a guest's opinions. A wise person should not be deceived by whatever luxuries offer. Instead, he should be grateful for generous hospitality without being gullible or easily swayed. The rich host is watching. Thus, he has to “put a knife to his throat.” Rather than give in to greed and overeat, he should be polite to not appear greedy.
Similarly, the devil often tempts victims with what appears to be highly desirable. When a victim takes the bait, the devil pulls the hook and enslaves the victim in sin (Jas 1:14–15; 1 Pet 5:8). In the beginning of human history, the devil tempted Eve by questioning that God had placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil off limits. He denied that death would come to Eve if she partook of the tree and said partaking would make her like God. When Eve saw that the fruit was edible, beautiful, and could bestow knowledge, she ate and gave some to Adam (Gen 3:1-6). The trap closed, and death ensued (Gen 3:19).
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Text: Prov 22:28 ESV
28 Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.
-Prov 22:28 ESV
REMOVE NOT THE ANCIENT LANDMARK
Landmarks are stones arranged or piled to serve as boundary markers of a field. (Gen 31:51–52) The Lord warns against stealing land by moving those stones, making it appear as if the border was in a different place (Deut 19:14; Job 24:2; Hos 5:10). Equivalent deceptions in the modern era might be moving a fence, changing a map, uprooting surveyor's stakes, or altering a document.
Before Israel entered the Promised Land, the Lord said, "You shall not move your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in the inheritance that you will hold in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess" (Deut 19:14). Later, when Moses gathered the people together, he told them to divide by tribes and stand on two mountains, Mount Gerizim to hear blessings and Mount Ebal to hear curses. Among the curses is this, "Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor's landmark" (Deut 27:17).
In a broader sense, this is a warning not to discard the boundaries set by prior generations. As a good reminder is before taking down a fence, it's important to know why it was put up in the first place, is it not? We all know that the moral climate keeps on changing. Thus, it is understandable that new generations would question the moral or social restrictions of their parents and ancestors. Pushing moral boundaries is expected in the last days. This is a sad development. Paul says;
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”[2 Tim 3:1-5]
While not all such restrictions are good, it's also not good to throw away those boundaries simply because they are ancient. It is still wise to consider our parents values, is it not. As Solomon exhorts us at the beginning of this book;
“Hear, my son, your father's instruction,
and forsake not your mother's teaching,
for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.”[Prov 1:8,9]
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Text: Prov 22:26-27 ESV
26 Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.
27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
-Prov 22:26-27 ESV
SECURITY STARTS IN YOURSELF
The book of Proverbs warns many times over against unwise risks associated with other people's finances. A wise person avoids being caught up in cosigning for a loan or agreeing to pay for debts (Proverbs 6:1–5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16). The terms "pledges," "surety," or "security" are equivalent to "collateral" in modern banking. The scripture does not teach that we should never lend, or never give. Rather, we should do it with much caution. Be careful not to place your resources in jeopardy over another person's irresponsibility. Security starts in yourself. Have you not wondered why the advice in case of emergencies on the plane is for parents to put their own masks first before their children?
Should the borrowing person could not fulfill the terms of the loan, the creditor may demand the debtor's furniture as payment. The creditor may go after the person who has put up the "security" or "surety" for someone else's loan. He is going to loss his property.
In the Old Testament, Mosaic law provided protections for those who were so destitute that their collateral involved basic needs. A poor person may offer his cloak as a pledge. And when he can’t pay his debt, the creditor had to return it before sundown. Otherwise, the poor borrower would not be able to sleep in it. Thus Moses commanded Israel, "And if he [i.e. the man who pledges his cloak] is a poor man, you shall not sleep in his pledge. You shall restore to him the pledge as the sun sets, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you. And it shall be righteousness for you before the LORD your God."[ Deut 24:12–13]
In the eyes of God, we are helpless and bankrupt, are we not? Jesus is our guarantor of a better covenant. [Heb 7:22] Thus, He served as the "security" or "surety" for sin debt. He took upon Himself responsibility to do all that the covenant demanded for the salvation of those who would receive its provisions. In other words, we are only secured should He is our soul’s guarantor. He paid the sins he did not commit so that we can be free from the judgment of sins we do commit.
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Text: Prov 22:24-25 ESV
24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,
25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
-Prov 22:24-25 ESV
BEFRIEND NOT AN ANGRY MAN
An angry man is someone who cannot control their temper. The Bible clearly warns against such unrighteous anger. It should be noted that not all anger is immoral. Paul stated, "Be angry and do not sin" (Eph 4:26). But, Paul commands also, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice" (Eph 4:31).
There is a risk in befriending him. Neither have friendship nor business dealings with such person. There is a boundary to observe. As Paul exhorts, “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” (1 Cor 5:9–10). Rather, it means we should seek not to be influenced by such persons. Associating closely with a wrathful person also contradicts the stern warning by Paul, that is, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"[ 2 Cor 6:14]
What are the risks in befriending them? Hot headed person can lead to fights and drag others into them. ‘A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.’ (Prov 29:22). Those who lose control of their tempers often accumulate enemies. ‘A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.’ (Prov 14:17). Further, having an intimate friendship with such a person means accepting a bad influence. In subtle ways, they can corrupt others into acting the same way. ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.’ (Prov 13:20). The counsel is “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Cor 15:33).
Avoiding them is avoiding a snare. A "snare" is a kind of trap used to capture animals. The allusion to becoming entangled in a snare by adopting a hothead's anger and behavior presents an urgent warning to anyone who might consider befriending a "hothead:" a person lacking control of their rage.
This warning is quite relevant to teenagers, who are more prone to enter into risky relationships. As Solomon exhorts them in Proverbs 1:10–15, that is, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood …' my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths." Choosing the right friends is a mark of maturity.
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God’s Word for Today
24 Apr, 2025
22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23 for the LORD will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.
-Prov 22:22-23 ESV
DO NOT EXPLOIT THE POOR
Again, this proverb emphasizes the care of the feeble, weak, helpless members of society. (Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 22:16). These disadvantaged people are easy prey from wicked people. They could easily manipulate the poor and get what little they had.
They did it at the city gates. City gate is the place where legal matters were tried and decided (Deu 22:15; Ruth 4:11). It is also the place where business was transacted.[Gen 34:20] Parents could take their rebellious son to the city gate for sentencing (Deut 21:18–21). The prophet Amos identifies the gate as the place where justice was established. [Amos 5:15] it is sad that powerful people can take advantage by using bribery, lies, manipulations, and underhanded tactics to win cases against the defenseless. Definitely, scripture speaks against such evil. Supposedly, the rich and powerful are charged with caring for others, not exploiting them.
The poor and disadvantaged should be treated with respect, dignity, compassion, and fairness. Those who violate the rights of the weak can expect dire consequences. The LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them (v:23). James writes that the cries of the poor laborers "have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts" (Jas 5:4).
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God’s Word for Today
23 Apr, 2025
17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the LORD,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings
of counsel and knowledge,
21 to make you know what is right and true,
that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
-Prov 22:17-21 ESV
KEEP HIS WORDS WITHIN
Scholars suggest the thirty proverbs given between here and Proverbs 24:22 were compiled from the sayings of other wise men (Prov 22:20–21). Solomon exhorts readers to give careful attention to these proverbs and put them into practice.
17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the LORD,
I have made them known to you today, even to you. (Prov 22:17–19).
It is important to not merely hear God's Word, but also to trust and obey Him. The apostle James writes, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (Jas 1:22). Even Jesus said, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Mat 7:24). The comparison indicates that hearing and applying Jesus' teachings enables a person to withstand trials and temptations. Simply hearing Jesus' words without obeying them is like someone who knows the best place to build a house but chooses an inferior location. This leaves a person vulnerable to the trials and temptations that confront him.
He who receives good advice and applies it is much more likely to experience success and safety (Prov 1:33; 12:15; 8:34-36; 12:15). Following godly wisdom is the most reliable way to avoid disaster, is it not? (Prov 1:7;10:16).
We must ‘keep them within’[v.18]. Keeping His words means we are to memorize them. The psalmist writes in Psalm 119:11: "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." In verse 97 he expresses his excitement, "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." Then, he exclaims in verse 103, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" I pray the we would be like the prophet Jeremiah who exclaims;
“our words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.”[Jer 15:16]
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Text: Prov 22:16 ESV
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
-Prov 22:16 ESV
DO NOT OPPRESS THE POOR
This proverb is believed to be the end of a long string of proverbs attributed to Solomon, which began in chapter 10 (Prov 10:1).
Solomon assures his readers that taking advantage of the poor and trying to buy the favor of those who are wealthier than themselves results in poverty. Remember that he was extremely wealthy as a king but he championed the cause of the poor. (2 Chron 9:22) He voices out against those who oppress disadvantaged people, for the benefit of those who are already well off.
Undoubtedly, greed can lead to temporary success in life. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. (Prov 21:6), But, God's justice cannot be avoided forever (Prov 24:12). Those who reject the Lord's wisdom, to seek money, will eventually lose both their wealth and even their souls (Luke 12:19–21).
The "poor" are feeble, weak, helpless people. Take note that the apostle James also advocates for the poor. He condemns the rich who oppress them. He writes: "Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts" (Jas 5:4). Moreover, James points out what happens to those who have money yet lack integrity. He says: "Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and the corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire" (Jas 5:2–3).
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Text: 1 Cor 15:54-58 ESV
54 Then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
-1 Cor 15:54-58 ESV
LET US CELEBRATE OUR VICTORY IN CHRIST
At the coming of Jesus, believers will be transformed into glorified bodies to spend eternity with God. This is what we and the whole creation is waiting for (Rom 8:19). The moment mentioned by Isaiah 25:8 when "Death is swallowed up by victory." And Paul quoting Hosea 13:14, Jesus’ coming is taunting sin in defeat, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
The resurrection of Jesus from the grave was the beginning of the end for death and the "one with the power of death, who is, the devil" (Heb 2:14). When Jesus rose from death, he conquered sin, death, Satan, and hell. However, for now, believers are still to die physically. Yet, we have this living hope that because Jesus rose from death, dead believers would rise one day during His coming. The moment they are given redeemed, glorified resurrection bodies in an instant. This is the end of the end for death. This will culminate in the complete and total elimination of death and evil (Rev 20:14). For the time being, believers will continue to experience an inner groaning, a sense of dissatisfaction, until this longed-for moment, when our bodies are redeemed by this promised, death-defeating transformation (Rom 8:23).
Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, believers are victors already. And they have to appropriate this victory. Let us celebrate our victory. In what way? Paul exhorts, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”[v.58]
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Text: John 19:28-30 ESV
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”
29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.
30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
-John 19:28-30 ESV
IT IS FINISHED
Today, we commemorate the excruciating death of our Savior at the cross. While hanging, He was given a ‘sour wine’. It was either something meant to numb pain (Mat 27:34), should be so harsh liquid that worsened Jesus’ thirst (John 19:28). Jesus knew He was soon to die.
Then, He declared, “It is finished!’ He used the Greek word ‘tetelestai.’ This word is found inscribed on records to indicate debts have been paid for, or obligations which have been met. Jesus' shout was a shout of accomplishment. That is the atonement for sin on behalf of mankind (2 Cor 5:21 It was entirely and fully completed in this moment. "It is finished." Complete. Perfect. No further work needs to be done. (Titus 3:5). There are no requirements for other actions, rituals, sacraments, sacrifices, or payments to accomplish salvation (1 Pet 3:18; Hebrews 10:12–14).
Moreover, He was dead. Jesus "give up his spirit.” What is the significance? (Mat 27:50; Luke 23:46). From a physical standpoint, Jesus' body has suffered severe injury. And yet, His death is entirely an act of His own will. He chose to die. He did not die as a victim. He was willing to be born into human form (John 1:14); to submit to God's will (Mat 26:39), and to allow His own arrest and execution (Phil 2:8). Apparently, Scriptures clarifies that Jesus is "giving up" His life to satisfy the wrath of God the Father. It is not being stripped away from Him by force (John 10:17–18).
Today, let us not resort to emotionalism and sentimentalism without action. Good Friday is supposed to be good enough for us not to grieve alone but repent. It is a celebration for our forgiveness and salvation. And we should respond by offering our lives as living sacrifices to God. [Rom 12:1,2]
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God’s Word for Today
17 Apr, 2025
The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit;
he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
-Prov 22:14 ESV
A DEEP PIT
A pit is a disguised hole used to capture or injure prey. Falling into it means being trapped. The “forbidden woman" is a personification of temptation (Prov 2:16; 7:4–10). Sin, as a seductress woman, seems attractive and welcoming but what it draws us away from God into sin. In fact, the result of following temptation is death and ruin.
Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord,
but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death.” (Prov 8:34–36)
Following our sinful urges is as dangerous as walking unaware towards a deep trap. James says; “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”[Jas 1:13,14]
Undergoing temptation is not sin until we do it. A fish is not caught while nibbling the bait until it swallows it with the hook. God wants us to recognize our weakness towards temptation. Thus, he teaches us to pray;
“And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.” [Mat 6:13]
Sadly, he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it. God is angry with the proud. And, they are prone to fall into temptation.
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.[Prov 16:18]
Today, let us not presume that the roads we are going are smooth. There might be traps the devil has placed for us to stumble to sin. Remember, he can transform himself into an appearance of an angel of light. Let us not be proud but humble to acknowledge God to lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
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God’s Word for Today
16 Apr, 2025
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be killed in the streets!”
-Prov 22:13 ESV
THE PROBLEM OF THE SLUGGARD
Laziness is one of the often-repeated subjects in the book of Proverbs (Prov 6:6–11; 12:24; 18:9; 19:15). Here, Solomon notes the absurd reasoning to which lazy people make as an excuse for their lack of effort. The alibi that a lion might be lurking in city streets is exaggerated and silly, is it not? Lazy people have the knacks of manufacturing reasons for their irresponsibility. They are governed by fear not to take risks. They make mole hills to appear as mountains. There are countless variations of excuses given by those who can work, but are lazy to work, as they try to evade shame and embarrassment.
Even if the excuse has some measure of truth such as fear of embarrassment or distaste for a task, it is still an unreasonable excuse for refusing to meet one's obligations, is it not? Work is a need not an option. One could not postpone his hunger.
Let us take note also that Christians should be as supportive as possible of those legitimately prevented from earning a living. James says, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (Jas 2:15–17; Prov 29:7) And, the church should admonish the lazy to be responsible. Paul said, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (2 Thess 3:10-12).
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Text: Proverbs 22:12 (ESV)
12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
THE LORD WATCHES OUR WORDS
We have learned that those who heed God’s wisdom have the likelihood of success. (Prov 1:7; 8:34–36) Thus, they are less likely to experience disasters as consequences of their foolishness and sin. In that sense, God's protective power is expressed through truth and knowledge. However, a person who is dishonest or deceptive is acting directly contrary to those principles. Thereby, they defy God. His eyes are perfect to behold evil. As God is a God of truth, only those who are true will last while liars will eventually falter (John 16:13;1 Cor 3:13; Mat 12:36; Luke 12:2).
The truth is oftentimes God does permit difficulties to test the genuineness of our faith and character, does he not? James writes, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (Jas 1:2–4). Embracing trials as allowed by God makes one mature in his faith.
The Lord despises deceitful and dishonest words. Words either build up the hearers or hurt them. Paul exhorts believers: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." [Col 4:6] The metaphor of salt has two important implications; to preserve and flavor. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”[prov 15:1] “With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone” [Prov 22:15]
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Text: Proverbs 22:10-11 (ESV)
10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
PURITY OF HEART
Scoffers are arrogant and unteachable. However, tolerating them being hardheaded troublemakers is not wise, especially over time. References to "scoffers" in Scripture evoke the type of person prone to insults and negative talks. When someone is consistently unreasonable, nothing is to be gained by keeping them around. (Mat 7:6) Such a person, more than often, initiates conflicts and arguments. This can even become abusive. The appropriate action, then, is to remove them from that group, discussion, or even from the church family. When the troublemaker is gone, much of the trouble goes with them as well.
A person may start bickering and slander, causing deep hurt. If he does not accept discipline, the congregation may have to excommunicate the troublemaker [1 Cor 5;9-13] At Ephesus, certain men whose conduct was so harmful to faith that they had to be removed from church life to protect the other members (1 Tim 1:19,20, 2Tim 4:14]
Unlike the scoffers, there are people who have pure hearts. They are discreet and tactful. They speak truth in tactful way and gain ample respect (Prov15:23; 16:13). This leads to the approval and trust of those in power. Wise kings listen to honest advice, even if it's not what they prefer to be told. (Prov 11:14; 15:31; 18:17; 19:20). Solomon is talking firsthand. He was a king who realized the best advisors were righteous men who spoke the truth. They were men whose gracious words flowed from a pure heart.
Another truth we can see is the connection between spiritual purity and gracious speech. Foul, biting words reveal an evil heart but measured, careful speech implies someone with a godly heart (Eph 4:29). The Pharisees are like them. That, Jesus called them a "brood of vipers.” He even rebuked them by saying, "How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." (Mat 12:34–35). Moreover, He also warned, "for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Mat 12:37).
What really matters is the matter of the heart.
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Text: Prov 22:8-9 ESV
8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.
9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
-Prov 22:8-9 ESV
HAVE A BOUNTIFUL EYE
Those who take advantage of others by denying them justice will eventually pay a price. Nobody can rebel against God without reaping a harvest of judgment. Paul says in Gal 6:7 that a person will reap whatever he sows. A judge or ruler who participates in injustice can expect severe consequences. Solomon says,
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”(Prov 16:8).
In Hosea 10:13–14, the Lord predicted trouble for rebellious Israel. He states: "You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your warriors, therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be destroyed."
Verse 9 uses a figure of speech, which literally refers to someone as "good in the eye." This simply means "generous" or "bountiful." He sincerely seeks the good of others and actively looks for ways to help those less fortunate. The "poor" here refers to the feeble, weak, and helpless. Some look upon poor or disadvantaged people as targets for abuse (Prov 22:16, 22). But, the person with "a bountiful eye" looks to the poor compassionately and responds with kindness.
In Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan, a priest and a Levite just looked at a man who was robbed, beaten, and left half dead. They passed by on the other side of the road. Evidently, they lacked "good eyes." The Good Samaritan, however, looked on the wounded man with compassion, stopped, and tended to his wounds. But he did even more; he brought the victim to an inn and provided for all his care (see Luke 10:25–35).
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Text: Prov 22:7 ESV
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
-Prov 22:7 ESV
THE RICH RULES OVER THE POOR
Definitely in this proverb, the statement that the rich rules over the poor is expanded in the second statement. In this case, Solomon notes that when someone takes a loan, the lender "rules" over them, much as a master would over a slave. Other proverbs noted the dangers of going into debt or attaching oneself to borrowing
1 “My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
have given your pledge for a stranger,
2 if you are snared in the words of your mouth,
caught in the words of your mouth,
3 then do this, my son, and save yourself,
for you have come into the hand of your neighbor:
go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor.” (Prov 6:1–3)
“Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.” (Prov 11: 11:15).
Another way to look at this statement is in the business relationship dynamics. Understandably, employers are richer than their employees, are they not? They make the rules, and wise employees do follow them accordingly. Thus, the employee must be diligent and obedient. Otherwise, he will likely find himself dismissed from work, going away without a paycheck. It’s unwise to provoke the authorities.
A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. (Prov 19:12)
“ The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.”(Prov 20:2).
Do not believers belong entirely to the Lord? Yet, believers are free even when they are slaves. For whatever reason, the Lord intends not to free Christian slaves from their employers. Even then, they are to work as unto the Lord. He is to be their supreme Master. Paul says, "Obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."[Col 3:22–23] Definitely, this freedom is in the heart.
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God’s Word for Today
10 Apr, 2025
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
-Prov 22:5,6 ESV
TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO
The “paths” in the book of Proverbs is a metaphor for the choices a person makes in life (see Prov 1:15–16; Psalm 119:35). Those who follow godly wisdom are on a path to safety and truth (Prov 12:28). Those who reject godly wisdom wander from that path. As a result, they suffer greater danger and will become lost (Prov 4:18–19). Indeed, the way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns but the path of the upright is a level highway. (Prov 15:19).
Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Mat 7:13–14). This is paradoxical. The road that seems smooth is rough at the end. However, those who choose to follow the narrow way may find it to be a hard road. Yet, Jesus leads the way and provides mercy and grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16).
This most quoted proverb offers sound advice for parents. When a child is raised with the right values and the right perspective, those lessons will last a lifetime (Eph 6:4). Literally, this implies that the rightly trained child will not deviate from this path. Of course, Solomon's proverbial counsel is not an iron-clad promise. We know that despite the direction in which godly parents point their child, he or she may choose to pursue the crooked path. Yet, a foundation of godliness gives the child something positive to "fall back on" when they come to their senses. The story of the prodigal son gives us hope that the child may realize his mistakes and resolve to go back to the right path (Luke 15:16–20).
The original wording here implies the idea of "dedicating" a child to God. The implication is that the child is being purposefully directed and immersed towards the Lord and His wisdom (Prov 1:7). Godly parenting is directing the steps of their children toward knowing God. Parents can trust that instructing their children about God and modeling to them a relationship with God will most likely persuade each child to believe the Lord and obey Him. If it does not, then those experiences will help to convict and change a stubborn heart later in life. This kind of child-rearing happened to Timothy. He was taught the Scriptures when he was a young child (2 Tim 3:15).
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God’s Word for Today
9 Apr, 2025
The reward for humility and fear of the LORD
is riches and honor and life.
-Prov 22:4 ESV
BE HUMBLE AND FEAR THE LORD
Proverbs are not absolute statements that guarantee results. For example, a doctor might say, "Eat healthy food and you will live longer," and the patient knows this will not make them immune to all diseases or accidents. In other words, poverty, dishonor, and death may happen to the humble. The reality about the apostles having suffered
Those who act according to the ultimate truth are more likely to succeed and less likely to suffer negative consequences than those who participate in sin.
“For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord,
but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:35–36)
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”(Prov 13:20).
To "fear" God is to recognize how great He is and act accordingly. The "fear of the Lord" is to revere, but it is not an abject terror. True reverence drives out pride and fills the heart with humility. For example, when Isaiah caught a glimpse of the Lord in heavenly glory, he exclaimed, "Woe is me! For I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" (Isa 6:5).
In the New Testament, when Peter saw Jesus perform the miracle of providing an abundant catch of fish, he said, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord" (Luke 5:8). To "fear the Lord" is to believe Him and submit to His control (Prov 1:7). This fear of the Lord does result to spiritual blessings, such as spiritual riches, the honor of membership in God's family, and eternal life. Could there be greater blessing compared to these?
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Text: Proverbs 22:3 (ESV)
3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
BE PRUDENT
Prudence is sometimes rendered as "shrewdness." Though shrewdness carries negative implications today. Our colloquial word for this is ‘street smart.’ In a good sense, he is a person who thinks about things and makes a beneficial choice accordingly. He is a man of foresight. However, the word translated "simple" does not mean a person who is not intelligent. Rather, he is a person who is unaware or inexperienced (Prov 1:4; 19:25). In some cases, it can refer to someone who is gullible or easily fooled (Prov 9:4; 14:15). The 'street smart' person sees danger coming and avoids it while the ignorant person walks right into trouble.
Solomon may have in mind the kind of trap enemies set to catch unsuspecting victims. Wise believers should be wise today. He should be aware of the devil’s traps and deceptions. The Lord teaches us to pray to be kept out of temptations and be delivered from evil. [Mat 6:13] Even Peter warns believers to be "sober-minded" and "watchful" for the adversary the devil "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8).
Let us be like Jesus. We must repel the devil by quoting and obeying Scripture.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and
“‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Mat 4:1–11).
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Text: Proverbs 22:2 (ESV)
2 The rich and the poor meet together;
the LORD is the Maker of them all.
THE LORD IS OUR MAKER
How does God value people? Is it by their wealth? Definitely not! In the ancient world and even today, people often judge another's worth by their wealth. Thus, “the poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. (Prov 14:20).
All people are created in God's image (Gen 1:27). Salvation is available to all people alike.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:16–18)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”(Gal 3:28)
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,
but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” [Proverbs 14:31].
A person can be either poor or rich yet be commended by God for his faith in Him (Heb 11:6). On the other hand, both could be defying God and His commands. Sadly, the wrath of god abides in Him. [John 3:36] God does not determine a person's worth by his bank account. Neither, does God use riches to indicate His level of approval to the person. The ultimate destiny of all people is to face God and be judged (see Heb 9:27) “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Proverbs 11:4).
Remember. “The grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people,”[Titus 2:11] Money cannot make anyone more important in God's sight, but Jesus' redeeming grace makes all believers rich by becoming God's children. Paul says: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." [2 Cor 8:9] No one is excluded from the love Jesus showed by dying on the cross. John states categorically that Jesus "is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."[ 1 John 2:2] It doesn't matter to the Lord whether a person is rich or poor. He promises: "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37).
In short, the person who has everything in this world except Christ is the poorest. However, the poorest who possess nothing but Christ be the richest. Christ is our unsearchable riches[Eph 3:8] Do you have a relationship with Him? Is He your Savior and Lord?
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Text: Prov 22:1 ESV
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
-Prov 22:1 ESV
CHOOSE TO HAVE A GOOD NAME
Today, when given the choice between a good reputation and a million dollars, what do people prefer more? It is money, isn’t it? However, Solomon expresses that it's better to be known for our integrity and morality than to be wealthy and associated with sin.
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:1–5)
5 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. (Prov 19:1).
What is the reason?
Riches could not directly buy happiness, peace, security, or eternal life. It has many advantages, but limited and temporary. However, a person made righteous in Christ is truly blessed. (see 2 Peter 1:5–8, 11) He receives joy, peace with God, security, and eternal life. This "favor" spoken of here is part of that positive image; a person known for goodness is much more likely to be helped and honored by those around them
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. (Prov 10:7)
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.(Prov 11:10).
The person who fears God has a good reputation that leads to trust and honor from others. Take for example the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. She is praised and trusted for her integrity. "The heart of her husband trusts in her" (Prov 31:11) and later the passage declares, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her" (Prov 31:28). Money cannot buy the admiration and love of others. however, a noble character that creates a good name can earn the admiration and love of many people. An important note for believers is that their goodness is the working of the Spirit, transforming their lives to be like Christ.
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Text: Prov 21:30-31 ESV
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
-Prov 21:30-31 ESV
VICTORY BELONGS TO THE LORD
No human effort could possibly undo God's intended purposes. The Lord has sovereign control of history. Man may try but he will fail. No power can trick Him, overcome Him, or out-maneuver His purposes. “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2) When someone thinks they can hide their sin from God, they won’t prosper (Psa 10:4, 11). It doesn't matter if someone means well and yet thinks they can bargain with the Lord or force Him to act according to their wishes (Deu 18:20; Rom 2:4; Gal 6:7). In short, the Lord is absolutely sovereign (Rev 19:6).
Paul writes: "For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'[1Cor 3:19–20] " Psalm 2:2–3 states, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his Anointed, saying, 'Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.'" Yet, verses 4 and 5 depict the Lord as laughing at the nations' insolence and speaking to them in His wrath and terrifying them.
Verse 31 carries the idea in military terms as the strength of a nation. A nation may mount an impressive arsenal of weapons, but victory does not depend exclusively upon weapons. God's will is infinitely more powerful and is ultimately all that matters. King David understood that chariots and horses—the pinnacle of military technology in his time. But, it does not guarantee victory. He writes in Psalm 20:7–8: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright." He also writes in Psalm 33:17: "The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue." A nation's success in battle is entirely dependent upon the Lord's will.
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God’s Word for Today
3 Apr, 2025
A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways.
-Prov 21:29 ESV
BE NOT ARROGANT
God condemns the arrogant for they are unwilling to learn. The "bold face" here is a description of someone ignoring advice or correction, acting as if they are still right (Prov 21:24). It can also imply someone using deceits and rants to convince other people to believe his lies. He tries to gain others' trust by putting on a hypocritical face that hides his deception. There is an imagery of a person scowling or displaying smug, as a stubborn child who refuses to be told "no." Such a person resists correction. When told to repent and believe, he hardens his heart. Indeed, stubbornness is its own form of sinful pride (Prov 29:1)
In contrast, a godly person is willing to hear advice (Prov 12:15). He even will change his mind when it's sensible (Prov 19:20). He is more self-reflective, carefully considering what he does. The godly man submits to the Lord. He repents when he is wrong and seeks forgiveness. He relates to others honestly and humbly.
The Pharisees practiced deception. Hence, Jesus said they were hypocrites (Mat 23:13). They appeared to be religious, but they were wolves in sheep's clothing. They appeared to be as clean on the outside, but in their hearts were full of rot and death, like painted tombs (Mat 23:27–28).
But God can change such hearts. Take for example the apostle Paul. At one time he was a proud Pharisee. He consented with the murder of Stephen (Acts 7:59—8:1), but the Lord changed his heart, and Saul became a submissive servant of the Lord (Acts 9:1–6). The persecutor then became the persecuted. He testified, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”[1 Tim 1:15-16]
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God’s Word for Today
2 Apr, 2025
A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.
-Prov 21:28 ESV
LIARS WILL PERISH
Liars will perish. “No lie will prevail forever. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Prov 12:19). There are consequences such as criminal charges, social outrage, or even vengeance from those they hurt. “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape. (Prov 19:5) “ A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.”[Prov 19:9). In another sense, chronic or habitual liars are doomed to suffer God's wrath (Prov 6:16–19). Revelation 21:8 puts lying in the same category of sins as cowardice, disloyalty, depravity, murder, sexual sin, sorcery, and idolatry. Obviously, God, who is holy and true, detests lying. The lake of fire will be the destiny for those whose lives are defined by those types of evil.
In contrast, the righteous are not only to learn wisdom, but they also find themselves preserved by the Lord until eternity (Prov 3:1–6; 9:10–11; 1:7; John 14:6). God praises him who listens carefully and absorbs what he hears. He is an upright, truthful, and dependable witness. Like the apostles, saying, "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).
However, there is hope for liars and all sinners who do sincerely repent and trust in Jesus as their Savior will avoid judgment. God's grace is strong enough to save even the foremost sinner (1 Tim 1:14–16; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11).
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Text: Proverbs 21:27 (ESV)
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED IS DETESTABLE
Scripture often reminds us that God judges more than mere actions. Every act is inspired by attitudes, thoughts, and motives, which matter just as much to the Lord (Mat 5:21–22, 27–28). Here, the Bible notes that when the "wicked," meaning those ungodly and guilty, try to offer Him gifts or sacrifices, He is repulsed. The Hebrew root word translated as "abomination" here literally means something disgusting. Earlier in the book of Proverbs, Solomon noted that God despises sacrifices from wicked people, but accepts even the prayers of righteous persons (Prov 15:8).
What repels God is not the sacrifice itself, but the intent of the person making it. God rebuked the Jews not for failing to offer sacrifices but for doing it with irreverence. They think God is as His creature to feel hungry and in in need. [Psa 50:7-15] It's bad enough when someone who defies God attempts to offer sacrifice. It's even worse when that person thinks they can offer sacrifice to make up for sins for which they have no repentance. In other words, God is especially sickened when a person feels no remorse for sin and thinks they can buy God's forgiveness. Likewise, when someone tries to gain God's favor in some inappropriate scheme.
The Lord instituted the Old Testament sacrificial system and intended it to be used by worshipers whose hearts were sincere in honoring Him. Though the sacrifices were external, there should be tangible evidence of the person's internal faith. Outward sacrifices were never intended to be a substitute for a broken and contrite heart. Although the sacrificial system was fulfilled when Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice believers today may offer their bodies to God as a living sacrifice (Heb 10:13–14; Rom 12:1–2). Take for example in giving money to God. He wants us to give willingly and joyfully as our way to worship Him (2 Cor 9:6–8). Yet it is detestable to give money to God with the purpose of appeasing Him or obtaining His help for personal gain. Let’s be warned not to be like Simon the magician. “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” [Acts 8:18-20]
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Text: Proverbs 21:25-26 (ESV)
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,
for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he craves and craves,
but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
THE UNMET CRAVING OF THE SLUGGARD
There is a big difference between those who "won’t work" versus those who "cannot" work due to physical or mental disability and illness. The latter struggle to work or provide for themselves. Thus, they should be cared for. However, the person too lazy to work does not deserve to be fed or supported, does he? We are warned not to waste resources unto them which could rightly be used to help those truly in need (2 Thess 3:10; Prov 14:21; 22:22).
These two verses [v.25 and 26] present a moral failure in laziness. But, we praise for those through righteousness turn away from idleness. A "sluggard" is someone lazy or habitually slow to act (Prov 6:6; 10:26; 19:24; 20:4; 26:14). The "desire" of such a person is to enjoy life by doing nothing. Acting according to this preference is killing themselves. Most likely, a sluggard will struggle in his finances, career, relationships, and health. Verse 26 notes that the lazy person is a bottomless pit of "wants." All day long he craves but has nothing to satisfy his craving. Obviously, one’s hunger won’t go away if he has nothing to eat or fill his stomach.
In contrast, the righteous person is like a never-ending well of generosity (Proverbs 21:26). Unlike the sluggard, he is diligent in work and is able to provide for his own needs and help others.
The Bible portrays work as both necessary and good. It is not a curse. In the garden of Eden, God charged Adam with the responsibility to work and take care of the garden. This is termed by most theologians as cultural mandate. God designs man to be creative and productive. Old Testament characters are noted for their trade and work like shepherds or farmers. A few of Jesus' disciples were fishermen (Mat 4:18). Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, was a craftsman of some type, likely a carpenter, in which Jesus’ learned (Mat 13:55). Luke was a doctor (Col 4:14). Cornelius was a soldier (Acts 10:1). Simon was a tanner (Acts 9:43). Lydia was a seller of purple cloth (Acts 16:14). Paul, the great missionary, worked as a tentmaker while he preached (Acts 18:1–4). Colossians 3:23 exhorts: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Obviously, the Lord regards and rewards diligent work highly.
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Text: Prov 21:23-24 ESV
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
-Prov 21:23-24 ESV
LESS TALK, LESS TROUBLE
There is great danger of unrestrained speech. Some people talk too much, to their own detriment. If Solomon recognized this in an era without internet, how much more today. In an era where every word can be recorded, broadcast, and criticized, Solomon's counsel is as appropriate today as when he gave it. He who guards his mouth and his tongue spares himself a lot of trouble. A life indulged in empty talk, gossip, slander, and cursing have ruined many who would have stayed out of trouble if they had kept their mouths shut. “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”[Prov 17:28] Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.[A, Lincoln]
This is not easy as the tongue is difficult to control. The apostle James writes, "If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man" (Jas 3:2). He describes the tongue as a "a small member, yet it boasts of great things" (Jas 3:5), "a fire, a world of unrighteousness" (James 3:6), and "a restless evil" (James 3:8).
Basically, these people who talk so much are filled with pride. “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. [v.24] Asaph describes wicked men as scoffers who "set their mouths against the heavens" (Psa 73:9). These people have a high opinion of themselves, presuming themselves more important than others, including God. God won’t be mocked. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18]. Nimrod led the world to build a tower to contest God in their arrogance, but God judge them by confusing and dispersing them. King Nebuchadnezzar and Herod did the same but God brought them to humiliation.
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Text: Prov 21:22 ESV
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust..
-Prov 21:22 ESV
WISDOM IS STRENGTH
Wisdom is the key to success in life.(Prov 3:1–8; 16:20). Here, Solomon poetically depicts wisdom enabling a man to climb the walls of a fortified town and bring down its defenses. Wisdom provides strength and security which can overcome any physical advantage.
The wisdom of God is revealed in the truth of Christ’s crucifixion. Paul confidently says, “ And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Cor 2:1–5)
Thus, an ordinary and humble believer armed with the wisdom of the gospel can break through the barriers in which unbelievers trust. Take for example when Paul was in Athens. He declared the gospel to the philosophers assembled on the Areopagus and called for them to repent. As a result, "some men joined him and believed, among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them."[Acts 17:34] God can bring down their confidence in their good works or their trust in their own intellect to trust the gospel message.
Paul writes in Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Thus, we can confidently declare the gospel and expect results.
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God’s Word for Today
26 Mar, 2025
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
-Prov 21:19.,20 ESV
THE WISE STEWARD
The harsh conditions of a desert are preferable to the harsher conditions in such a home wherein the wife is quarrelsome. This is a repeat of v.9. Solomon observes that luxury and comfort cannot make up for a negative, toxic relationship with one's spouse. The general idea applies to either sex (see Prov 19:13; 27:15). For the sake of harmony each spouse must overlook the other's faults. Self-sacrificing love is the glue that binds husband and wife together in a joyful marriage. Love is ‘patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.’[1 Cor 13:4–5]
In contrast to the foolish spender, the man who stewards well his blessings is commended. He takes care not to run out of important supplies. Good stewardship involves guarding resources and using them wisely. A wise manager is not stingy or greedy, but charitable. However, the foolish man does not see his possessions as God's investment in need of wise management. Like a wild animal, he gulps down his riches like a prey. He focuses on immediate pleasure. He loves pleasure more than anything else. [Prov 21:17) and leaves nothing for his need in the future.
A vivid example of this lifestyle is seen in the parable of the prodigal son. That man foolishly took his share of the inheritance and wasted it through pleasure-seeking. When all his resources were gone, he took a lowly job feeding pigs. He was starving to the point of wishing he could eat the pig's food. That experience demonstrates the warning given in this passage. (Luke 15:11–32)
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God’s Word for Today
27 Mar, 2025
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
-Prov 21:21 ESV
PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND KINDNESS
A life marked by virtues such as kindness and morality tends to result in longer life, spiritual growth, and honor. Of course, this is not an absolute rule, since good people can suffer unfair treatment in this life. Generally, what we sow we reap. Sowing kindness may reap kindness in return.
This pursuit involves a proper relationship with God and man, respectively. He exhibits "righteousness" to God and shows "kindness" to men. These are referred to as "vertical" and "horizontal" relationships, respectively. Indeed, those who sincerely seek Christ, and His goodness can expect eternal rewards (Mat 6:33). If we take care our relationship with God firstly, then all our relationships with others would God takes care.
Jesus echoed this truth by saying, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Mat 5:6). When a person believes on Jesus as Savior, he receives eternal life and righteousness (John 3:16; 2 Cor 5:21). As his heart is changed, he would show kindness to others, they honor him.
An example in the book of Acts is Dorcas. “She was full of good works and acts of charity."[Acts 9:36] When she died, her peers honored her. They summoned Peter, and with tears, all the widows showed him the tunics and other garments that Dorcas had made (Acts 9:39). The good deeds we do are like seeds planted in the hearts of people. They may impact their lives to do the same towards others.
We do good not in order to become righteous before God. Our righteousness is a gift from God.[2 Cor 5:21] We do good because we are righteous through Christ. Let’s be like Him. “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”[Acts 10:38] people will glorify God if they see our good deeds.[Mat 5:16]
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Text: Proverbs 21:17-18 (ESV)
17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;
he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
and the traitor for the upright.
THE PERIL OF LOVING PLEASURE
Living for pleasure causes a person to become destitute.[see Prov 10:1] The modern world, it is easier for people to be lost in mindless entertainment. Many individuals live for pleasure, instead of better investing time and finances. Obsession with pleasure—with pleasing oneself in the moment—is also a sign of spiritual weakness. Second Timothy 3:2–4 warns about this as a symptom of a world moving away from God: "…people will be lovers of self…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."
Similarly, 1 Tim 5:6 notes, "she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives." In Ecc 2:1 Solomon testifies: "I said in my heart, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.' But behold this also was vanity [emptiness]."
Wine and oil were used at feasts (Psa 104:15; Prov 27:9; Amos 6:6). The host and guests drank wine, and the oil meant here was a perfume poured over the head of an honored person. Hoarding such things, instead of investing them, would not be an effective use of resources. In another way, those who love luxuries ("wine and oil") such that they prioritize them will be more likely to waste their resources and become poor.
The implication of verse 18 seems to be that God's holy anger will turn to those who defy Him, and away from those who seek to honor His name. These wicked oppressors of the righteous will be punished, and the righteous will be free of suffering. History is filled with God's people having suffered at the hands of wicked people, but they will be avenged someday. The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. (Prov 11:8). When the wicked fall under God's wrath, they can no longer persecute believers, and those believers are "ransomed" from their hardships.
Haman’s story is a classic example of the wicked becoming a ransom for the righteous. Wicked Haman passionately tried to kill righteous Mordecai. He even prepared gallows for Mordecai's execution. However, through God’s sovereignty and justice, he perished on the gallows he made for Mordecai. God's people will not suffer eternally. God will wipe all tears from their eyes ultimately and punish the wicked. Jesus even asked, “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.”[Luke 18:7,8a] Our assurance is that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness an unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth" (Rom 1:18).
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Text: Proverbs 21:15,16 (ESV)
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
16 One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.
TRUE JUSTICE & FREEDOM
Where is true justice based? True "justice" is that which corresponds to God's will and His standards, is it not? (Prov 1:1–7; 21:3). When truth and goodness are enforced, punishment for the guilty of doing wicked is done. Then, the wicked people are rightly afraid (Prov 3:25–26; 10:24).
Because courts and institutions are led by imperfect leaders, no all punishment is just (Prov 17:26). Many Christians are persecuted or even martyred in hostile places. But, someday the Lord will execute justice upon their persecutors, and believers will rejoice that the Lord has vindicated them. Jesus said, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Mat 5:11–12).
This is a reality every believer must embrace. Peter says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”[1 Pet 4:12]. Scholars suggest he may have been referring to Emperor Nero's practice of burning Christians alive at the stake. Peter tells his readers to "rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (1 Pet 4:13). When Christ's glory is revealed, evildoers will be terrified (2 Thess 1:5–10; Rev 19:11–21).
In verse 18, the mention of ‘way’ is about a person's lifestyle and choices in life. Life’s choices could be considered wise and truly free if one fears the Lord. (Prov 1:7). The more he follows truth the more closely one follows God's will ((Prov 18:15; 8:13; 10:14). This is the lifestyle of the righteous. The consequences of deviating from a lifestyle of fearing God can be earthly, eternal, or both. But, the way of the unrighteous is the result of his bondage to sin. They choose to live for pleasure, fame, or fortune, but destruction lies at the end of such a life. Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Mat 7:13–14). Although God's way may present various trials, it is always the right way. All other ways may seem appealing, but they lead to eternal death (Prov 12:28; 14:12).
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Text: Prov 21:13-14 ESV
13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
-Prov 21:13-14 ESV
GIFT MAY AVERT ANGER
"The Righteous One," would ruin those who acted wickedly. [V.12] And, to ignore to help those who are really in need is a sin (Prov 14:31; 17:5; 19:17). Similarly, Jesus taught the same concept to those who have do not forgive prove they are not forgiven (Mat 6:14–15). If they show no sense of grace to those in need, it suggests they have not themselves, experienced grace (Luke 6:38; John 13:34). Some are needy because they are lazy. (2 Thes 3:10). But, if they are legitimately needy, they need help. (James 1:27).
Throughout Scriptures God shows compassion for the poor. Christians should never turn a deaf ear to those who are in need. James has emphasized the importance of demonstrating our faith, by our good works. James 2:8 describes the royal law, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." James said further that "judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy."[Jas 2:13] This authentic love is seen in the book of Acts when "all who believed … had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need" (Acts 2:44–45).
Giving bribes may work. But, Solomon is not giving his approval of this action; he is simply stating the fact that such practices take place and produce desirable results. The bible clearly condemns bribery by stating, "And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right." [Ex 23:8] Deut 16:19 also reads, "You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous."
One example is Jacob pacifying the anger of Esau. On his return, Jacob sent messengers with gifts to his brother Esau, from whom he had stolen the birthright. The two men met on cordial terms, and, after some urging, Esau agreed to keep Jacob's gift (see Gen 33:4–11).
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God’s Word for Today
20 Mar, 2025
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
-Prov 21:9 ESV
THE NEED OF HARMONY
Here, Solomon points out the stress and misery caused by an argumentative, negative wife. This proverb is repeated in Proverbs 25:24 and is stated exactly the same. “A wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.” (Prov 19:13b). The phrasing here is literally about a woman bringing grief to a man, but the principle applies to either spouse. Why causes the spouse to become a nagger and quarrelsome?
Houses during these times had flat roofs accessible by stairs. Both literally and figuratively, a man would rather be cold, alone, and uncomfortable at the roof top than inside with a wife who "nags" and finds fault.
Harmony and helpfulness are sought for in any marriage, are they not? However, there is always a clash of personalities that may disrupt that partnership. When one's spouse is constantly complaining, arguing, or bringing insults, the other spouse suffers a great deal of stress and anxiety. There is no perfect marriage. But, a healthy marriage will be achievable. Sin is the culprit in destroying relationships. Thus, both spouses should be patient and forgiving toward each other.
God gifted Adam with Eve to live in harmony with him. He created her to be a helper and treasured partner (Gen 2:18). This was destroyed by sin. After the fall, the Lord has said about the struggles in the relationship of husband and wife. He said to Eve, “Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.”[Gen 3:16b]
The apostle Peter, however, exhorts wives to adorn their hearts "with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious" (1 Pet 3:4). With equal importance, God called on husbands to love and sacrifice for their wives by following the example of Jesus Christ (Eph 5:28). This relationship mirrors the relationship of Jesus and His church, wherein love and harmony truly exist.
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God’s Word for Today
19 Mar, 2025
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked,
but the conduct of the pure is upright.
-Prov 21:7-8 ESV
THE CONDUCT OF THE PURE IS UPRIGHT
Wickedness always backfires. Those who persist in sin are likely to be destroyed by their own crimes.
“Behold, the wicked man conceives evil
and is pregnant with mischief
and gives birth to lies.
He makes a pit, digging it out,
and falls into the hole that he has made.
His mischief returns upon his own head,
and on his own skull his violence descends.” (Psa 7:12–16]
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.” [Prov 26:27).
There is no way for someone to hide their sin from God (Hebrews 4:13) and rejecting His truth leads to eternal ruin. “But he who fails to find me[wisdom] injures himself; all who hate me love death.” (Prov 8:36). Asaph confidently expresses, “Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!” [Psa 73:18,19]
The way of the guilty is crooked. Often, the use of the metaphor of a ‘way’ to refer to one's life and life choices (Prov 2:12–15). The term used for "crooked" here suggests something being turned or rolled over. Though the wicked is depicted as sinning deliberately, all human beings wander away from the path of righteousness (Isa 53:6; Rom 3:12).
However, the conduct of the pure is upright. The conduct reflecting purity may prove a life saved by grace as differentiated from a life fully engaged in the lifestyle of sinfulness. The unsaved walk "following the course of the world, following the prince of the power of the air" (Eph 2:2 However, those who are saved engage in good works (Eph 2:10). The grace that saves produces uprightness. Paul says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” [Titus 2:11-13]
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Text: Proverbs 21:5-6 (ESV)
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
THE REWARD OF DILIGENCE
Diligent work is rewarded in contrast to last-minute decisions and sloppy choices. Those who think before they act, and who think well, tend to see better results than those who act on impulse or at the last moment. As a proverb, this is meant as a general statemen to happen most probably but not an absolute guarantee. We know that well-prepared people may also suffer loss while careless people can stumble into success. Common sense, however, supports the idea that being lazy or negligent in planning typically leads to disaster and loss (Prov 10:4; 12:23; 18:9).
Jesus has allusion to this, when he said, "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28). Starting to build without planning might lead to ridicule if the builder only had enough funds for the foundation (Luke 14:28–30). Moreover, Jesus also referred to a king who considers whether his soldiers can defeat an army twice their size. Usually, the wisest thing to do is to negotiate for peace (Luke 14:31–32).
Even when it comes to responding to Jesus' call to discipleship, a purely emotional reaction is unlikely to lead to anything but failure. Diligent thought about the cost of discipleship, leading a person to respond positively to Jesus' call, is far more likely to lead to loyalty and growth.
Some people resort to lying and manipulation to get wealth. it's possible to gain temporary wealth through dishonest means. But those who ignore God's goodness and seek money, instead, are headed for terrible disaster. “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” (Prov 15:27).
That consequence often comes in this life, either by legal ramifications or revenge from those who've been cheated. But it will certainly come in eternity; God judges those who reject Him in favor of wealth (Prov 10:2). One way or another, sin leads to destruction (Prov 21:7). In Jesus parable of the rich fool, we learn that riches can only last so long as earthly life. “And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:19–20).
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Text: Proverbs 21:2-4 (ESV)
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
THE LORD WEIGHS THE HEART
No heart is beyond God’s sovereign control. [v.1] Why? He knows the smallest details of our inner thoughts. A person may think his behavior is fine but the ultimate Judge is God. No matter how good a person may think he is, the Lord looks upon the heart and sees whatever sin is there. The Lord sees what we cannot see (1 Sam 16:7).
Thus, let’s not trust our hearts for they are prone to self-deception about sin (Jer 17:9). Like the Pharisee, he stood in the temple and arrogantly compared himself to others. He confidently assumed he was righteous because he performed religious acts. However, God knew his heart and did not justify him. He justified the humble person who acknowledged his sin and prayed, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner" (Luke 18:13).
Our attitudes are more important to God. “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”[v.3] Attitudes drive actions. He is not pleased with hollow rituals. He said to Micah, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of youbut to do justice, and to love kindness,and to walk humbly with your God?”[Micah 6:8] Samuel replied, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?" (1 Sam 15:22).
A lamp is in reference to what guides a person. A positive example of this would be the one who lets God's instruction lead their choices (see Prov 6:23; Psa 18:28). A negative example is the one controlled by their temptations and urges (Mat 6:22–23). Lamps are also sometimes used to depict a person's life, itself (Prov 24:20; Mat 5:14–16). King Saul and the Pharisee are examples of haughtiness, that God sees and is displeased.
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Text: Prov 21:1 ESV
1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
-Prov 21:1 ESV
HE CAN CHANGE HEARTS
In ancient times, kings and rulers hold tremendous power in this world. (Prov 19:12). But, this verse affirms the Lord has sovereign control over kings. “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.”[Prov 21:30] Should God decide to move, He can shape a person's inner desires. One example is Pharaoh’s heart having been hardened by God. “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.” (Ex 10:1–2).
In other words, the Lord can use anyone, even secular government leaders as instruments to serve His purposes. In 538 BC the Lord moved King Cyrus of Persia to pass an edict allowing the Hebrew captives to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Cyrus said, "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem. which is in Judah" (Ezra 1:2).
Then, hundreds of years later, God used Caesar Augustus to cause Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. This is in fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 5:2. Luke records the fact that Caesar Augustus, Emperor of Rome, passed a decree that all the world should be registered. Therefore, everyone went to his own town to be registered (Luke 2:1–3). The decree caused Joseph to go to Bethlehem, his ancestral town, and to take Mary with him (Luke 2:4–5). While they were in Bethlehem, Jesus was born (Luke 2:6–7).
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Text: Prov 20:30 ESV
30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.
-Prov 20:30 ESV
STROKES CLEAN SOULS
All human beings are sinners and possess a sinful nature. Reason? Adam's sin passed upon the entire human race (Rom 5:12). We are not just sinners by nature only but by choice. All of us are ‘ like sheep we have all gone astray, choosing to follow our will instead of God's’ [Isa 53:6] Definitely, Christians yet sin but not make it a practice. When he sins, God will discipline him. He does use the "blows" and "strokes" of discipline to steer us away from sinning and produce righteousness in us, does He not?
Solomon is talking here about the benefit of corporal discipline. It’s more than punitive but remedial. The erring person would learn that crime carries a harsh consequence. Most likely, he would resolve not to commit the crime again. “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. (Prov 29:15). The meaning here is not entirely symbolic, but neither is it meant to encourage punishments which lead to injury.
Godly discipline, including consequences, is an important part of our spiritual growth and maturity. The writer of Hebrews explains:
"It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Heb 12:7–11).
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God’s Word for Today
13 Mar, 2025
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
-Prov 20:29 ESV
THE YOUTH AND OLD MEN
Definitely, the younger people are usually healthier and stronger than the older. Youths can display their athleticism and energy. In contrast, older people is marked with wisdom. The longer they live, the more experiences and knowledge they can gain.
Gray hair is a sign of aging, is it not? In the Old Testament times, this was associated with increased knowledge. “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” (Prov 16:31). Symbolically, those with white hair were the wisest and most knowledgeable of all (Dan7:9–10; Rev 1:14).
Are all old people wise and all young people not wise? Neither every aging person is wise (Heb 5:11–12; 1 Sam 25:23–25). Youth can be wise too like Timothy and Daniel. (1 Tim 4:12; Dan 1:17).
Paul writes that in Jesus "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). As we age, our physical strength will fade, but our wisdom will increase if our relationship with God becomes closer. Let’s see some scriptures, such as;
“29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:28–31;
“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” [Heb 5:14];
“16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Cor 4:16–18).
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God’s Word for Today
12 Mar, 2025
26 A wise king winnows the wicked
and drives the wheel over them.
27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD,
searching all his innermost parts.
28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,
and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
-Prov 20:26-28 ESV
THE WISE KING
"Winnowing" is done by tossing processed grain into the air, so the wind could blow away the chaff. [see v.8] This symbolism is often used to represent sorting or separating through wisdom or judgment. This highlights the importance of justice in leadership. The wise king, therefore, should properly discern persons either guilty or innocent. This wisdom starts with proper respect for God and His will (Prov 1:7; 3:1–6). One of the reasons God institutes human government is to restrain evil (Rom 13:1–5), which involves separating the guilty from the innocent. Then, those who are guilty should be punished, to deter others from committing the same crimes.
Verse 27 refers to a just king using proper judgment. God is aware of every aspect of our inner lives (I Sam 16:7; Hebrews 4:13). A person's spirit is seen by God; it shows everything needed to know to properly judge them (Psa 7:11;139:7). Only Jesus knows the heart of man. Jesus knew what was happening in each person's spirit (John 2:24–25). Indeed, the Lord "knows the secrets of the heart" (Psa 44:21).
The caring and faithful leaders do inspire loyalty in their people, don’t they? A king who is just (Prov 20:26) and good to his people (Prov 29:2) will typically be rewarded by a nation, that loves and defends their king. While it's possible for good leaders to be unfairly attacked, or evil leaders to cling to power, the expected pattern is for good leaders to inspire happy, devoted followers. But, it’s not all the time. Good leaders are abused by wicked constituents like Jesus. He was accused in nothing wrong He did.
Jesus rules with justice and righteousness. As the perfect king, He will also judge the nations before inaugurating His kingdom. He will wisely separate the sheep from the goats; the righteous from the wicked. The wicked will be sent into eternal punishment (Mat 25:31–46).
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Text: Proverbs 20:20-22 (ESV)
20 If one curses his father or his mother,
his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
CURSES, HASTE AND VENGEANCE
Cursing and insulting parents breaks God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother." There is a corresponding promise "that [your] days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving [you]." (Exo 20:12). A disrespectful child grows without any discipline.” Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.” [Prov 19:18] Later on, the parents will feel the reproach. “He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.”[Prov 19:26] If he can disrespect his parents, he may disrespect any authority outside the home, most likely.
An abusive child to his parents may want to be rich quickly. When godliness is thrown aside in pursuit of wealth, that wealth is not likely to last. A classic example is the prodigal son from a parable of Jesus. God won’t mock His words.
An abusive child can be vengeful also. But, believers should rest assured that God will settle all accounts. To "wait" for God's intervention requires faithful patience. This is not easy, but it's critically important. Moses reminded Israel that God only has the authority to take vengeance. He said, "'Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.' For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants." Paul expresses the same sentiment in his writings (Rom 12:19).
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Text: Proverbs 20:17-18 (ESV)
17Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.
18 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
WISE COUNSEL
Seeking advice from others is an often-repeated theme in the book of Proverbs. Strategic plans based on wise guidance are valuable when waging war, are they not? Good planning applies to all situations. Diligence and planning have to be done even as we recognize that everything is subject to God's sovereign will (Prov 12:24; 15:22; Jas 4:13–15). Most importantly, we have to seek God’s guidance through His words and prayer. [Prov 3:5-6; Eph 6:13–18; Psa 119:105]
In verse 19, Solomon warns us about staying away from simple babbler or slanderer. He is the person who is making false statements about someone to ruin their reputation. It can also refer to things like gossip, which is often unsubstantiated rumor or scandal, or undue criticism. The word used here has the similarity of terms for shrewd merchants and those for liars and deceivers. By all means, the "gossip monger" or "tale bearer" should be avoided.
Even in his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul warned about those who depart from faithful pursuits and occupy their time as slanderers: gossips and busybodies. Referring to some erring widows, he said “Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. (1 Tim 5:13,14)
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Text: Prov 20:17 ESV
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel..
-Prov 20:17 ESV
CRIME DOES NOT PAY
There is a temporary pleasure involved in sin (Prov 9:17). It may give fleeting pleasures.[Heb 11`:25] But the consequences of that sin will come, eventually. Those results can be intensely bitter.
The metaphor is about one eating something sweet but later he finds he’s mouth is bleeding. Yet this is what sin does. It promises freedom and pleasure (Gen 3:4–5) But, unbeknownst to the person it leads to misery and slavery (Gen 3:16–19; Rom 6:17–18; Jas 1:13–18). This is the same as the phrase "crime doesn't pay." That is, the eventual consequences greatly outweigh the short-term benefits. There is more trouble than benefit in committing a crime.
One sad example is Achan. he ignored God's warning. He hid the forbidden items and suffered. Joshua and the people of Israel took Achan and confiscated the illicit goods. Achan's sons and daughters and all accomplices in the theft were brought to the Valley of Achor, where they were stoned to death.[Joshua 7:21–25],
The warning today is “Be sure your sin will find you out.”[Num 32:23] Regret in life is always the result of presumptuousness. That, one can continue sinning without dire consequences.
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Text: Prov 20:16 ESV
16 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.
-Prov 20:16 ESV
PUT UP SECURITY
This verse emphasizes the risk a creditor takes in granting a loan. The debtor or cosigner may never repay the debt. The creditor—the one lending money or property—is advised to hold something from the borrower to help guarantee the debt will be repaid. The garment, in this case, serves as a pledge.
However, there is a warning to show compassion according to the law of Moses. In Ex 22:26–27, Moses writes, "If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep?" he added further in Deut 24:10–13, saying, "When you make your neighbor a loan of any sort, you shall not go into his house to collect his pledge. You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you make the loan shall bring the pledge out to you. And if he is a poor man, you shall not sleep in his pledge. You shall restore to him the pledge as the sun sets, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you. And it shall be righteousness for you before the LORD your God."
Other proverbs warn about taking on debt, especially on behalf of others (see Prov 6:1; 11:15; 22:6). There is a caution about ascertaining the character of those who seek to borrow. The warning is on lending "for a stranger" and "for foreigners." "Foreigners" is translated from the Greek word, that has reference to an immoral woman.[Prov 7:5] And, most likely, they were worshippers of idols (Deut 7:1–5). Lending is dangerous to people we don’t know, especially to the immoral.
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God’s Word for Today
6 Mar, 2025
15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones,
but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
-Prov 20:15 ESV
MORE THAN PRECIOUS JEWEL
Solomon makes an interesting comparison the value of speaking knowledgeably with the value of gold and jewels. He concludes that wise words are more precious. This valuation of godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–6) is expressed in numerous ways in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 3:13–15; 16:16; 22:1). Well-considered, well-timed, well-spoken wisdom is an incredibly valuable gift (Proverbs 8:11; 15:23; 27:9).
Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom. Jesus even claimed, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63). The crowds followed Him to hear what He would say, and it was said that "no one ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). When Jesus asked His disciples if they would abandon Him, Peter quickly affirmed, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).
Paul describes Jesus as one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Jesus has always spoken wisely. He taught with authority about heaven, the value of human life, righteousness, pleasing and glorifying God, and genuine love for God and others.
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25.051 | DEAL HONESTLY | Proverbs 20:14 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
5 Mar, 2025
“Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
but when he goes away, then he boasts.
-Prov 20:14 ESV
DEAL HONESTLY
“The buyer haggles over the price, saying, 'It’s worthless,'then brags about getting a bargain!” [NLT} It's possible for someone to bargain for a low price, only to brag later about what a great deal they got. Or, for a seller to "talk up" something so a buyer spends more on it than they need to.
This practice can become dishonest. Deception and lies in business are forms of theft, are they not? Some buyers or sellers overtly deceive a potential transaction. Instead of making a fair-yet-profitable deal, they trick for personal gain. It's cheating as much as are false weights or rigged scale (Prov 20:10, 23). Both stealing and lying violate God's ten commandments, which are "You shall not steal" and "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:14,6).
The apostle Paul also points out the evil of stealing and lying. He states: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor." [Eph 4:25] The apostle implores, "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands." [Eph 4;28] Even in Col 3:9, he commands, "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices."
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Text: Proverbs 20:13 (ESV)
Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;
open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
LOVE NOT SLEEP
Sleep is a gift from God. [Psa 127:1] Sleep and rest are good (Prov 3:21–24; Ex 16:23–30). However, it could be abused. Loving sleep is equated with laziness. And. Its consequence is disastrous - poverty. (Prov 6:4; 10:4). In contrast, the hardworking person is at much less risk of poverty than the person who is sluggish. However, the person who sleeps when they should work is at risk.
Some people prefer to sleep rather than face reality. He presumes everything will be well. “Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.” (Prov 19:15). A common symptom of severe depression is unusual sleepiness or fatigue. But the reality is that God-honoring work is both therapeutic and essential. God mandated man to work and be productive. He said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”[Gen 2:27]
The apostle Paul actively engaged in work. He was a tentmaker. He was contented but not passive like a lazy man. [Phil 4:11-13] He told the elders of the church at Ephesus, "I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he has said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."[Acts 20:33–35]
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Text: Proverbs 20:12 (ESV)
12The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
the Lord has made them both.
THE HEARING EAR AND THE SEEING EYE
The Creator designed mankind with the ability to both see and hear. Two pairs of eyes and ears are designed for us to obtain knowledge. Thus, we need to pursue truth diligently - in all forms and by all means. Like unearthing gold and silver, we must dig deeper to discover truth. (Prov 2:1–5; 11:27) This emphasizes the idea of "cautious skepticism," which means gathering-in all information before making a judgment (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; Gal 1:8). Like the Bereans, they spend more time digging the Scriptures before believing Paul’s teaching.
How a person interprets what they perceive is crucial (Rom 1:18–20). The previous verse noted that how a person acts speaks to their character—such evidence should be carefully noted (Mat 7:16–20; 1 Cor 6:9–13). Paul predicted that the time was coming "when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Tim 4:3). In other words, they will follow teachers who tell them what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. Jesus identified true believers as those who hear His voice and follow Him. He said, “o him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” (John 10:3–4).
There is a need to carefully consider what a person exposes their eyes and ears to. Paul exhorts, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:8–9). A person can spend time either looking or listening to good things or evil. Either we focus on the things that are uplifting or things that are morally destructive.
Thus, today and every day, we should surrender our eyes, saying, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."[Psa 119:18] Thus, the psalmist declared: "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless" (Psalm 101:3). “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”[Psa 119:37]
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Text: Prov 20:10-11 ESV
10 Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
11 Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.
-Prov 20:10-11 ESV
HONESTY
Theft and dishonesty are detestable before the holy God. (Ex 20:15; Prov 6:16–19). The practice of cheating in business here is portrayed as the use of deceptive measurements. A buyer is made to believe that the weight he used is right. But, this crooked seller is using two different sets of weights. He switched both without his knowledge. The Hebrew phrase literally says something like "weights and weights, measures and measures," calling such things despicable in God's eyes. It's one clear example of the charge made in verse 9 by Solomon that no one is pure and clean from sin. (see v. 9).
For greed of wealth, cheating in business has always been a practice for mankind. This can involve literal weights or scales tampered. The same sentiment is repeated in verse 23, with additional emphasis on using deceptive scales. It also applies to any form of deception, whether it relies on physical tricks or corrupt record-keeping. The Lord always sees the transaction. Nothing is hidden from His eyes. (Heb 4:13). No one can cheat and escape God's notice and judgment. All dishonest transactions are an "abomination" to Him.
Honesty is revealed by the acts of people including children.
“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” [v.11]
A dishonest person may claim he is honest but his deeds may reveal the opposite. It should be cultivated in the lives of children. Proper parenting or nurturing may result to godly and honest kids who fear the lord.
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Text: Prov 20:8-9 ESV
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?
-Prov 20:8-9 ESV
GOD’S JUSTICE & MAN’S IMPERFECTION
It is the ideal for kings to exercise equity and justice. “It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.”(Prov 16:12). The role of "king" should be grounded in godliness and justice (Prov 8:12–15; 14:34; 29:14). Solomon is speaking firsthand as a king himself. He had been given a special dose of wisdom from God (1 Kings 3:9–12). His eyes could separate those telling the truth from those who were lying. Here, this is compared to the "winnowing" process whereby the grain is separated from the chaff.
Jesus is the Judge (James 5:9). In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus will judge the nations during His Second coming.. As the all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-wise Judge, He will divide believers from unbelievers, rewarding His people and punishing those who reject Him. The book of Revelation shows readers the great white throne judgment. When this takes place, all unbelievers throughout history will be appropriately tried for their sins and cast into the lake of fire. While earthly judges have finite knowledge and are subject to error, Jesus has infinite knowledge and cannot make a mistake. His judgment is flawless—there will one day be a perfect "winnowing" of all evil. He knows all men.[John 2:25]
The next verse is a question based upon the truth that God is the perfect Judge. It's possible for a person to be "blameless" in the sense that others could not find reasons to criticize their morals (Job 1:1; Psa 15:1–2; Luke 1:6; Phil 2:15; Titus 1:6–7). But, can a person claim that he is morally perfect in the eyes of God? Definitely, not! His heart is deceitful. [Jer 17:9] All are sinners. (Rom 3:23). Purity in God's sight cannot be achieved by any man. It comes only to those who believe on Jesus Christ as their Savior (John 3:36). He is the only sinless man (Heb 4:15). His sacrifice at the cross is sufficient payment for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Yet only those who accept Him as Savior receive forgiveness and cleansing (John 3:16–18). Revelation 1:5 ascribes praise to Christ as the one "who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood." Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For our sake [God] made [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
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God’s Word for Today
27 Feb, 2025
7The righteous who walks in his integrity —blessed are his children after him!
-Prov 20:7 ESV
INTEGRITY AND ITS BENEFITS
As he wrote this proverb, Solomon may have been reflecting on his father, David. (Proverbs 10:1) David was known as a man who "walked in" integrity (1 Kings 3:6). As one of David's sons, Solomon was blessed. The Lord granted Solomon a peaceful, prosperous kingdom and great wisdom.
The example of a godly and righteous parent brings many benefits. (Prov 1:7; 3:1–6) Wisdom from God makes a family less prone to risks and failures in life (Prov 8:35–36; 10:9). It promotes one's reputation in the eyes of others (Prov 3:35; 20:3). Nurturing children with proper wisdom sets them up for success in life ((Prov 13:24;19:18).
Joseph must have led his son Jesus with his godly example. Although Joseph was not Jesus' biological father, he acted as His father, and was known for being fair and honorable at the start. (Luke 1:31–35; Mat 1:19). It was awkward situation for him when of his betrothed wife Mary became pregnant. Yet, Joseph obeyed God's command to take Mary as his wife (Mat 1:20–25). Later on, when God commanded him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt, he obeyed without hesitation. Later, when Herod died, an angel commanded Joseph to take the family back to Israel, he again obeyed right away (Mat2:13–23).
Undoubtedly, as a man whose life demonstrated a pattern of honoring God's will, Joseph set a good example for the boy Jesus. Jesus grew up and has "increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). Moreover, Jesus learned from him to work diligently the carpentry trade.
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God’s Word for Today
26 Feb, 2025
6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?
7The righteous who walks in his integrity —blessed are his children after him!
-Prov 20:6,7 ESV
A FAITHFUL MAN WHO CAN FIND?
Solomon pointed out earlier that "mere talk" does not benefit anyone (Prov 14:23). As the English expression is that "talk is cheap." Many people brag about the wonderful things they will do. That includes declaring their loyalty and friendship to others. But when times become hard, and friendship requires sacrifice, many people suddenly disappear. However, a true friend loves at all times (Prov 17:17) he is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. [Prov 18:24). In other words, Solomon has highlighted the rarity of a person whose loyalty lives up to their "big talk." Rarely does anyone find someone who fully keeps their word, showing loyalty to God and others.
Let us learn from the apostle Peter. Having a big mouth was his weakness. He bragged that he was willing to fight and die for Jesus (John 13:36–38). To his credit, he tried to fight (John 18:10) before fleeing away (Matthew 26:56), but then he lied out of fear when his loyalty to Christ was tested (Mat 26:69–75).
Certainly, believers can depend upon Jesus. He keeps His word and love them unconditionally. He cannot lie, can He? (Titus 1:2). He is the truth! (John 14:6). Furthermore, He will always love us. In John 13:1, John tells us, "Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." Paul adds this assurance by saying, “ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”[Rom 8:38–39] He is our only loyal friend who will never leave us or forsake us. (Heb 13:5).
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Text: Proverbs 20:5 (ESV)
5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
DRAWING THE HEART OUT
When something is sunken lying under at sea bed, it is harder to access, difficult to see, and requires more effort to bring up, is it not? Similarly, Solomon is using this picture in one or more ways to describe the heart of man- his desires and motives.
Human desires and motives are unclear, even to the person himself. But, a wise person can draw them out of himself through careful thought and prayer. A counselor or coach may be able to help the person in the counseling process. These motives, intentions, thoughts, and expectations can sometimes be discerned by the help of an ordinary person who is wise. In the body of Christ, he has gifted individuals with wisdom and knowledge who minister to others, by guiding them into drawing out their motives and inner desires.
These motives and desires in a person's heart need to conform to God's standards and plans. God does not leave us helpless but gives us the Spirit. He searches the heart and convicts believers of sin, and whatever is contrary to God's standards and plans. He helps believers know the truth. John says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26) “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”[John 15:26] 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”[John 16:13–15).
Paul writes in 1 Cor 2:11–13, "For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."
At the end of the day, this ability to help is not inherent to the person but from the Spirit. A person who is controlled by the Spirit, who makes him wise to counsel others.
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Text: Proverbs 20:4 (ESV)
4 Sluggards do not plow in season;
so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
LAZINESS LEADS TO LACK
Not all lack are caused by laziness. but, more often than not, is is caused by laziness. He is not physically unable to do what needs to be done. He simply lacks the desire to work. Once again Solomon decries laziness. This follows many similar warnings and commands in the book of Proverbs such as Proverbs 6:9; 12:24; and 18:9).
Laziness is placed into to an embarrassing joke or mockery, as Solomon portrays in Proverbs 19:24. A lazy puts himself at greater risk of poverty (Prov 14:23; 20:13).
A mark of laziness is the lack of foresight. He has a 'mañana' habit. He fails to work at the proper time, that is, to prepare now for future needs. This relates to the idea of planting so that one can harvest crops later. the lazy who don't plow won't bring in food. He who doesn't work now will find themselves in need before long.
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Text: Prov 20:2-3 ESV
2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
-Prov 20:2-3 ESV
STAY AWAY FROM TROUBLE
A person should know how to gauge a situation and act accordingly, shouldn’t he? This is common sense. Not all authority figures are good and acts they do are right. A wise person, therefore, avoids antagonizing them unless it is unavoidable (Acts 5:29).
Provoking a king to anger is like disturbing a lion. A ruler's anger, or "terror," is a warning as is the lion's growl or roar. Definitely, this is a foolish act when done to kings in the past. They had the absolute authority to execute those who made them unhappy (Gen 40:20–22). Today, a person can be subject to all sorts of trouble at the hands of angered governments, employers, or other authority figures.
Paul explains that everyone should be subject to governing authorities, in general, since God established them for a reason.[ Rom 13:1–5 ] Corruption and abuse are expected to happen. However, in general, governments serve to restrain evil and protect the innocent. While political authorities pass civil laws that should be obeyed, there are also other authority figures to whom we are subject. A father is an authority figure and has the power to punish a disobedient child. A teacher has the authority to instruct his or her students and to give failing grades to those who refuse to learn. A policeman has the authority to arrest lawbreakers. A wise person will not provoke an authority figure to anger unless it's unavoidable.
Solomon added, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife.”[v.2a NIV] "Honor" often refers to reputation, as well as respect. He knows what, when, and how to say that gains respect from others and promotes his reputation. Not every argument is worth having, is it not? Thus, he chooses his battles carefully. Solomon noted that a person who knows when to be quiet could be seen as wise, even if he's not (Prov 17:28). Avoiding petty squabbles is the mark of a wise person. It earns the respect of others. In contrast, fool is quick to quarrel. He is hot-tempered, argumentative, or easily angered. Solomon says, “The person who lacks self-control might talk themselves into a beating.” (Prov 18:6).
In dealing with people including authority figures, we must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Let’s keep our hearts in check. Paul admonishes, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”[Phil 2:14-16]
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Text: Prov 20:1 ESV
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
-Prov 20:1 ESV
WINE AND WISDOM
This Hebrew term for ‘wine’ refers to alcohol derived from grapes, as well as stronger drinks made from grains and other fruits. The risk of addiction, loss of self-control, and other dangers are why those who overuse alcohol are unwise. This may imply that a person engaging in drunkenness will not "become wise. His life will be ruined by drinking. It is personified as a ‘mocker’ and a ‘brawler’.
Scripture does not forbid the drinking of alcohol. But, drunkenness is a sin. Paul says, “ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”(Eph 5:18) He added, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.(Rom 13:13).
Drunkenness could lead to other egregious sins. Numerous examples from the Bible show what happens when a person loses self-control due to alcohol. Two examples are Noah (Gen 9:21) and Lot. (Gen 19:33).
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul endorsed the use of wine for medicinal purposes. He told the sick Timothy, "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments" (1Tim 5:23). The book of Proverbs is replete with warnings against the abuse of the use of wine, to wit;
20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.
[Proverbs 23:20–21]
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.
31 Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.
33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things.
34 You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast.
35 “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.
[Prov 21:29–35]
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
[Prov 31:4–5]
There is a great probability that a persistent drunkard is not saved. Paul says, “ ..nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”[1 Cor 6:10] He even warns us not to associate with a drunkard.[1 Cor 5:11]. The wisest thing to do is not to allow alcohol to control us, instead the Spirit.[Eph 5:18]
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God’s Word for Today
20 Feb, 2025
28 A worthless witness mocks at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers,
and beating for the backs of fools.
-Prov 19:28-29 ESV
A SAD RESULT OF CONDEMNATION
A worthless witness mocks at justice. His testimony is corrupt to bring shame to parents.[Prov 10:1] The concept of a "false witness" in Scripture primarily refers to legal settings. However, the idea here applies to all cases of dishonesty. This kind of evil person commits what modern courts call "perjury" and acts as if justice is a joke. This attitude is associated with those who indulged in sin (Prov 2:11–15; 6:12–15).
There were false witnesses who appeared at Jesus' trials and brought untrue accusations against Him (Mat 26:59–61). Judas, who betrayed Jesus. He helped the enemies to falsely accuse Him for thirty pieces of silver. In the end, Judas became remorseful and threw the thirty pieces of silver into the temple and hanged himself (Matthew 27:3–6).
A scoffers action has dire consequence both in this life and eternity. Condemnation and beating awaits him. Whether literal or figurative, those who insist on acting foolishly are inviting disaster (Prov 10:13; 18:6). They might suffer legal consequences, social or personal harm, or even death. Worst of all, such attitudes put them at odds with the Lord, who will hold them accountable.
God's judgment will fall towards sinners unless they repent their sin and believe on Jesus (John 3:16–18, 36). The apostle Paul warned the Athenians that God "has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). Some of the Athenians, like the fools mentioned in Proverbs 19:29, mocked Paul's words, but "some men joined him and believed" (Acts 17:34). The lines are drawn in similar fashion today. Some mock the message of the gospel, but some believe. Those who refuse will face eternal punishment (Rev 20:10–15), but those who believe will receive and enjoy eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 8:1).
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God’s Word for Today
19 Feb, 2025
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
is a son who brings shame and reproach.
27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
-Prov 19:25-27 ESV
THE KEY TO PRUDENCE
It is sad that a person does spiral down towards hardening of his heart like a scoffer. A "scoffer" is a person who arrogantly, deliberately refuses to accept wisdom. This is the person who sneers at godliness and common sense, making fun of truth instead of learning from it. Even when he is literally beaten, through any consequence or affliction, he may not learn. It is pathetic sight, is it not?
The simple who sees the life of the scoffer may learn. The ‘simple’ is someone inexperienced or uneducated. Someone who is ignorant but willing to learn. This means that when fools suffer consequences, wise people learn from their example, and when you correct a wise person, they learn from the experience." Even the naïve can learn when they see what happens to foolish people. The disaster in other people's lives become unfortunate warnings, so we may say, "you don't want to end up like that person, do you?"
This is even true to the ‘man of understanding’ He should be ready to change when they are corrected. He is the prudent son. An understanding believer knows that discipline aids spiritual growth and responds accordingly.[Heb 12:10] The capacity to learn from experience never ends when a person is truly wise. (see v.:27).
The disaster we are talking about is the ‘shame and reproach’ experienced by the unruly child. ”Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.”[v.26NLT] Such maltreatment offends not only his parents and society but also God. God commanded the people of Israel to honor their fathers and mothers (Ex 20:12). By disobeying this commandment and driving his mother away, a violent son leaves her poverty-stricken. However, he does not get off without punishment. He brings shame and disgrace to himself. In Exodus 21:17 commands Israel: "Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death." That civil penalty, in the context of the ancient nation of Israel, reflects the serious sin of abusing one's parents.
Let’s shepherd the hearts of our kids. Teachable kids grow to become wiser and prudent. They listen and obey God’s instruction. This is the key to prudence. Otherwise the warning of Solomon to stubborn kids is, “If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge.”[v.27 NLT]
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Text: Proverbs 19:22-23 (ESV)
22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life,
and whoever has it rests satisfied;
he will not be visited by harm.
LOYALTY
The "steadfast love" here is the same as ‘loyalty’. This is derived from the Hebrew word ‘checed’ which is translated often as "lovingkindness" in the Old Testament.(Ex 15:13; Psa 13:5). Loyal and true friends endure hardship (Prov 17:17; 18:24). To remain loyal to a friend in trouble is risky. Choosing to retain that relationship can be costly but shows great integrity. In short, our personal integrity stands up above other concerns (Prov 16:19; 19:1; 28:6).
False friends, on the other hand, would use deceit and lies for their own gain. To deceive in order to get ahead demonstrates the opposite of personal integrity, which holds to truth, even when it's inconvenient.
Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the greatest characteristic of one being in Christ. Without love, everything else is nothing before God including the ability to understand prophecy, great faith, charity, and even martyrdom. Love is patient, kind, humble, enduring, and lasting. Pretending to be loving is hypocritical. According to Solomon, "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who breathes out lies" are things God explicitly hates (Prov 6:16–17). Love and honesty receive the Lord's favor, but unkindness and deceit receive His judgment.
Scripture rarely presents legitimate love in purely emotional terms. Real love always inspires action. A loving man is kind to others. There is more honor in being a poor man who shows kindness and help for others than to be rich and pretend to be unable to help others.
When we move to verse 23, a person who follows godly wisdom has the best likelihood for success in this life and prepares him for eternity (Prov 1:7; 3:3–8; 8:35–36; 10:16; 14:32). He fears the Lord. It's one’s reverent, humble respect that acknowledges who and what God is. The cornerstone of that recognition leads a person to Christ for salvation. To "fear" the Lord is to believe on Him.
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Text: Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
OUR PLANS AND GOD’S PURPOSE
However, Solomon was wise enough to know that human plans are never guaranteed to work out. It was David who desire to build the temple. But, Solomon worked out a design to build a temple for the Lord. That starts with seeking God's will and His direction (Prov 3:5–6). He arranged the building of an impressive house for himself. And he laid out gardens and infrastructures (1 Kings 3:1). He recognized the wisdom of consulting with others to make the best decisions. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Prov 11:14) “ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.’ [Prov 12:15] “Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.[Prov 20:18). He knew the value of diligence when making plans “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. (Prov 14:15] “ If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. [Prov 18:13, 15).
He observes here that only God's purposes are destined to succeed. Proverbs 27:1 sounds a clear warning: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." In Psalm 37:3–5, The Lord provides pieces of a formula for successful planning. The psalmist writes, "Trust in the LORD," "Do good," "Delight yourself in the LORD," and "Commit your way to the LORD." In the New testament, James tells us not to be arrogant and presumptous. Planning is not wrong by itself but it should be done in God-honoring humility. He counsels, "You ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that'" (Jas 4:15).
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Text: Prov 19:18-20 ESV
18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.
19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
-Prov 19:18-20 ESV
DISCIPLINE PROVIDES HOPE
A child left without discipline would grow into an adult without respect for authority. He may struggle with self-control and decision-making. Consequently, it will bring suffering and piles shame on his parents (Prov 10:1). Should he continues as rebellious, he will face dire consequences (Deu 21:18–21). We can effectively bend a twig of a tree while it is young. Thus, parents must know that the best time to shape a child's behavior is when they are young. This opportunity might be lost and it will be a little too late. This requires discipline, which not pleasant but it is necessary. Hebrews 12:6 says, "The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." The writer continues to say, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Heb 12:11). Godly discipline must be administered for we love the child.
An undisciplined child can’t control his passion, he’s hot tempered [v.19]. He has the tendency to make the same mistakes again and again. Being hot-tempered means lacking in self-control, so a person is liable to make the same foolish choices when put under pressure. Let us take note that if parents will ‘deliver him’, which is an allusion to pampering, they won’t learn. They will do it repeatedly. They need to suffer the natural consequences of their actions and learn.
In the light of scriptures, anyone who repeatedly gets into trouble cannot blame either his circumstances or other people for the harm he inflicts on others. His problem is within him. It doesn't stem from others or from difficult circumstances but from what he is by nature. As Jeremiah points out that the heart is desperately sick. Superficial solution doesn't change the heart. It comes only through spiritual regeneration—the new birth (John 3:3]. A person whose heart is changed or renewed (Jer 31:31–33; 2 Cor 5:17).
Then and only then the child would listen and pay attention to advices and instructions.[v.20] Embracing correction and discipline with corresponding actions will prepare a person for the future. How one responds to adverse circumstances in later years of life shows whether they acquired wisdom during younger years.
Today, let’s not slack in disciplining our young. Discipline provides hope. And, if God is disciplining us, let’s embrace and submit with humility. Otherwise, we will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
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Text: Prov 19:17 ESV
17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
-Prov 19:17 ESV
BE GENEROUS
The book of Proverbs is replete with instructions to care for the poor (Proverbs 14:21; 19:7; 21:13; 29:7). Helping the needy honors God. And, a person who does charitable acts does God's will and work. He gives not to bring for himself but to glorify God. (Mat 5:16). Definitely, God will repay those who are generous. This is the implication of the term "lend. It is not necessarily with earthly wealth but spiritual blessing.
God is not unrighteous to forget a person’s labor of love to others.[Heb 6:10] God’s repayment for the generous is foreshadowed by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25. Speaking about appearing before Him in the final judgment, Christ says to the generous, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Mat 25:40). He who waters others will be watered. He said, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”[Ecc 11:1]
During Paul’s missionary travels, he urged the believers at Corinth to give generously to the relief of poor Christians in Judea. He reminded them that Jesus set aside His riches in heaven and became poor so believers could benefit. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor 8:9). Even Paul writes, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [Rom 8:32]
Today is Valentine's Day. Let us ponder about Jesus’ love and generosity that He gave Himself to us. May we all be freed from greediness and abound in love to be generous to the least of the brethren.
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God’s Word for Today
13 Feb, 2025
16 Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;
he who despises his ways will die.
-Prov 19:16 ESV
KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS AND LIVE
The importance of following directions and instructions shouldn’t be taken for granted. Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself. [Prov 13:13] Failure to follow instructions in using machinery or tools, taking medicines, and applying chemicals can lead to injury or death. There is, in fact, a "right way" to use certain things and to accomplish certain tasks. A person who pays no attention to such things is at risk of disaster (Prov 19:8).
Solomon specifically credits the fear of God with preserving life. He says, “The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” (Prov 10:27] “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”[Prov 14:27). Thus, a person who follows God’s word keeps him from destructive situations. He will stay clear of immoral situations that drag people down spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. He will enjoy a more peaceful life. As the psalmist testifies, "I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble." [Psa 119:163–165] However, those who care nothing about obeying God's Word pursue a dangerous, destructive path.
More often than not, persistent ignorance and hard-headedness do have dire consequences. These consequences can be eternal if the person does not repent and change. Proverbs 29:1 provides a strong warning: "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing." Pride comes before the fall. [Prov 16:18]
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God’s Word for Today
12 Feb, 2025
15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,
and an idle person will suffer hunger.
-Prov 19:15 ESV
THE PERIL OF SLOTHFULNESS
A lazy person is one like being in a deep sleep. He is oblivious to his surroundings and accomplishing nothing. The slothful is at great risk of poverty and hunger. “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.”(Prov 20:4] . Solomon often condemns laziness in his writings for the perils it brings, like;
A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich.[Prov 10:4]
The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the slothful will be put to forced labor.[Prov 12:24]
Whoever is slack in his work
is a brother to him who destroys.[Prov 18:9]
Through sloth the roof sinks in,
and through indolence the house leaks.[Ecc 10:8]
To work is part of his plan for each one of us. Work may not be pleasant always but it is beneficial. Even in the garden of Eden, before sin entered humanity, God assigned work to Adam. "The LORD God took [Adam] and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." [Gen 2:15] When Adam and Eve sinned, work became difficult and backbreaking for God placed a curse on the ground. He said to Adam, "In pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life" (Gen 3:17).
The apostle Paul understood the sin of "laziness." He advised the church at Thessalonica to exclude giving handouts to those who were capable of work yet chose not to out of laziness. He commands, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." [2 Thess 3:10]
Jesus strengthens the necessity of work in reference to our accountability as His servants.[2 Cor 5:10] He said, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”[John 9:4]
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Text: Proverbs 19:13-14 (ESV)
13 A foolish son is ruin to his father,
and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.
14 House and wealth are inherited from fathers,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
GRIEF IN A HOME
Parents are deeply grieved when children make foolish choices in life. (Prov 4:1–4; 10:1; 17:2). They can "ruin" the parents. That is usually true emotionally, causing social shame and financial hardship. He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach. (Prov 19:26). A foolA foolish person has no regard for God (Prov 3:11; 10:17). He rebels against the spiritual training given by godly parents (Proverbs 15:5).
Solomon also observes that a disagreeable or contentious spouse can be a source of constant misery (Prov 21:9). ‘Quarrelling’ here is a reference to arguments, stress, and bickering. ‘Dripping of rain’ here implies something like a leak in a roof, rather than rain in general (Prov 27:15). That is, spouses don't have to be overtly offensive to bring misery into a marriage. A constant "drip" of negativity, arguing, unhappiness, criticism, or other irritations can become annoying. Instead, both should be dwelling together as partners in the grace of life (1 Pet 3:6–7).
Furthermore, Solomon highlighted the value of a godly spouse [v.14]. Just as wisdom and godliness are precious than gold, she is much valuable than a substantial inheritance (Prov 16:16]. Earthly parents may be able to offer enormous wealth to their children. But when someone is blessed with a believing, discerning spouse, that is truly a gift from God. Priceless. “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”[Prov 31:10]
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Text: Proverbs 19:12 (ESV)
12 A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
THE KING’S WRATH
‘Do not poke the bear’ is an idiom to not deliberately provoke or antagonize someone, especially someone more powerful than oneself. Those in authority have the power either to help or hurt those under them, haven’t they? Thus, it is wise not to provoke those authority figures (Prov 20:2).
A story is told about a lion in a bad mood. That morning his wife, the Lioness, had told him that his breath smelled, and that perhaps he needed to do something about it. The Lion had pretended not to care, and had roared loudly and angrily just to show the Lioness who was king. Secretly though, he was worried. So as soon as the Lioness left the den to go about her day’s work, the Lion called his three counsellors – the Sheep, the Wolf and the Fox. First he called the Sheep.
‘Tell me, Sheep,’ growled the Lion, ‘do you think my breath smells?’
The Sheep thought the Lion wanted to know the truth. So she bowed low before the Lion and said, ‘Your Majesty, your breath smells terrible. In fact, it smells so bad that it is making me feel quite ill.’
This was not what the Lion had wanted to hear. Roaring angrily, and calling the Sheep a fool, he pounced on her and bit her head off.
Then he called the Wolf. ‘Tell me, Wolf,’ growled the Lion sharpening his claws, ‘do you think my breath smells?’
The Wolf had seen the dead Sheep on the way, and he had no plans to end up the same way. He bowed low before the Lion and said, ‘Your Majesty! How can you ask me that? Your breath smells as sweet as the flowers in spring, as fresh as the…’
He could not finish what he was going to say. ‘Liar!’ roared the Lion, and ripped him to pieces.
At last the Lion called the Fox. The Fox came warily; she had seen the dead Sheep and the dead Wolf on the way.
‘Tell me, Fox,’ growled the Lion, sharpening his claws and yawning widely so that the Fox could see his long sharp teeth, ‘do you think my breath smells?’
The Fox coughed and sneezed and blew her nose, and then clearing her throat noisily, said in a hoarse whisper, ‘Your Majesty, forgive me. I have such a nasty cold that I cannot smell a thing!’ The fox was wise not to provoke the lion to anger.
It is sensible to keep a positive relationship with one's employer, government, and other leaders. But, God obligates us to disobey earthly authority in cases wherein we are asked to disobey God.(Acts 5:29) Our ultimate loyalty is to God and not to men.
Daniel’s friends had experienced the wrath of the king Nebuchadnezzar for not worshipping the image. "Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego" (Dan 3:19). They refused to participate in idolatrous worship. As a consequence, they received the death penalty. In his wrath, the king ordered a fire pit heated seven times hotter than normal and commanded soldiers to throw the disobeying believers in. In that case, God miraculously intervened (Dan 3:26–27). This is not always to happen for God may not intervene sand allow His children to undergo suffering(John 16:1–4).
Honoring God through submission to authorities may result rto blessing like Joseph. He was a good example of this truth (Gen 39:1–6, 20–23; 41:38–40). He made a good-faith effort to please his superiors, without compromising his faith in God. As a result, he became the prince in Egypt and was able to rescue His brothers and God's people.
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Text: Prov 19:11 ESV
11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
-Prov 19:11 ESV
DO OVERLOOK AN OFFENSE
It's far more honorable to ignore insults than to overreact to them. Overreaction may escalate a volatile situation. However, the wise person dissipates it by remaining calm (Prov 15:1). When a person is easily irritated, he allows them to control him. The self-controlled person doesn't let others incite them into a fight. As one wisely says, “I don’t allow anybody to ruin my life by making me hate him.” The necessity to control one's temper is a frequent subject of Solomon's proverbs (Prov 14:29; 15:18; 16:32; 19:19; 22:24; 29:11).
The apostle Paul gives advice about how to respond rightly when offended. He said, "17Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21). Instead of taking matters into one's own hand, an offended person should leave matters of vengeance to the Lord.
How to overlook an offense?
Joseph is our first example. He did not deny but acknowledge the hurt and pain. But, he saw the sovereignty of God that His good plan supersedes the offense they did. Thus he concluded, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”[Gen 50:20] At another instance, David expressed his tolerance and forbearance to Shimei who cursed him. He said, “10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.”
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Text: Prov 19:10 ESV
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.
-Prov 19:10 ESV
UNFIT FOR THE TASK
Both the fool and slave are unfit for the task of managing riches and kingdom, respectively. The fools, who are immoral and unwise, can become wealthy (Psa 37:7; 73:3] But, when they do, it's an unwelcome sight. A fool fails to understand that every possession has been entrusted to him by God (Mat 25:14–15). Instead of using his wealth and luxurious belongings for God's glory, he hoards and squanders everything for himself (Mat 6:19–20; Luke 12:20–21) And, he trusts in riches for security more than God (Prov 18:11).
Slaves are unfit to rule as princes, are they not? This is not a slight for the servants for this focuses more to their competence not status. Skills and not class, are in mind in this proverb. Take for example Joseph, he was a "slave" but was repeatedly given enormous authority because of his godly wisdom (Gen 39:1–6, 20–23; 41:38–40).. In most cases, slaves are not prepared to rule. It appears absurd to think that their roles are interchanged.
It does follow that when a person has competence, he may rule. This makes education and character essential in one’s life. The knowledgeable person governs the ignorant. Thus, the statement, ‘knowledge is power’ is true.
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God’s Word for Today
6 Feb, 2025
8 Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;
he who keeps understanding will discover good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will perish.
-Prov 19:8-9 ESV
A SENSIBLE PERSON
A sensible person cares about the state of their soul (Mark 8:36). That causes them to make wise, spiritually discerned decisions (1 Cor 2:14; Heb 5:14). God's formula for success has never changed! The Lord told Joshua to "be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7). That he should study God's written Word or the law in order to follow it diligently. Then, he added the promise, "For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Jos 1:8).
Earlier Solomon says, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” (Prov 19:5). Verse 9 is a repeat but with worst implication - death. This repetition is a deliberate way of creating emphasis as the practice in ancient times. The "false witness" is a serious offense, called "perjury" in modern laws. Slandering about or against other people is a serious moral and criminal act (Exo 20:16; Prov 6:16–19).
Such lying may have eternal consequences if not repented. In Revelation 21:8, John identifies the kinds of people that will be thrown into eternal suffering. This verse says, "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." Judgment is inescapable unless they humble and receive the forgiveness of Christ.
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God’s Word for Today
5 Feb, 2025
4 Wealth brings many new friends,
but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of a generous man,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
7 All a poor man's brothers hate him;
how much more do his friends go far from him!
He pursues them with words, but does not have them.
-Prov 19:4-7 ESV
WEALTH BRINGS MANY NEW FRIENDS
A wealthy person may have many friends. Sadly, most are shallow friends. That doesn't necessarily refer to bribes or other overt gifts (Prov 17:8; 18:16). However, a rich man's wealth can attract others like ants are attracted to sugary foods. Many do not really care about the rich man. They are primarily after his favor in the form of financial gifts. In the gospels, many went to Jesus, not for Himself as a person and His teachings. But, they were drawn because they were able to eat the ‘bread and fishes’ through His miraculous act. On the other hand, those who are poor often find themselves ignored and sneered at by others (Prov 14:21; 17:5). The same type of so-called friends who flock to a wealthy person will abandon someone if they cannot benefit from their friendship.
Solomon says further, “Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.” The statement that "everyone" is a rich person's friend implies that "friendship" grounded in wealth is unreliable. A friend of everybody is a friend of nobody. This casts doubt and scepticalism towards those who seem to be "friends," when all they really want are the benefits. They are pleased to be with him for what they can get.
Moreover, Solomon expands this sad reality to happen in a family. He said, “A poor man's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.” It is sad that even this happens in a family, wherein support and help are expected. Some despise them by looking down on struggling relatives and they don’t have the desire to help them.
But, there is a friend who stays close even when someone is in need. He is a true friend – the Lord Jesus. He loves us while we are most undeserving sinners.[Rom 5:8]
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Text: Proverbs 19:2-3 (ESV)
2 Desire without knowledge is not good,
and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
3 When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,
his heart rages against the LORD.
HASTE MAKES WASTE
A person is putting himself at risk when he will pursue his ambition without diligence or knowledge. Without weighing all the facts of a matter, an ambitious person may rush into a situation, only to discover severe consequences. (Prov 18:13, 17), "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." [Prov 14:12] Wisdom and truth are often compared to a path (Prov 4:26; 15:10). Those who fail to watch their steps are inclined to become lost: to "miss their way." Other proverbs note that rash decision-making can lead to failure (Prov 21:5; 28:20).
Believers are exhorted to trust in the Lord for guidance. According to James, God promises His wisdom and clear direction to the person who asks him (Jas 1:5) The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way. [Prov 14:8] The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.[Prov 4:15). Thus, Solomon counsels, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." He adds, "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil" (Prov 3:7).
A person who makes careless decisions will suffer the consequence. These consequences are mostly painful and tragic. Of course, not all suffering is self-inflicted (John 16:33; 1 Peter 3:17). It is undeniably true that human nature seeks to blame others for our own wrongs. Mankind has a tragic habit of ignoring reason and advice, only to blame God when the predicted consequences come to pass. The question "why did God do this to me?" often our alibis from embracing our faults and mistakes. It’s ridiculous for a drunkard to blame God why he has a sclerosis of the liver or peptic ulcers. What they sow, they reap.
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Text: Proverbs 19:1 (ESV)
Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
INTEGRITY
How valuable is personal integrity? it is more valuable than any riches or financial gain. The "crooked speeches" in Proverbs 4:24 and 6:12 imply something manipulative, immoral, or deceptive. For having a godly wisdom, it may give a person earthly success (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–4; 13:21). Yet, it does not claim that honesty is an invincible strategy for prosperity. Righteous people may suffer. In a corrupt world, diligent, honest, hardworking people can sometimes fall into some combination of prejudice and persecution (1 Pet 3:17; John 16:33). Thus, wealth is never worth the sin and immoral acts to obtain it. Is it? Our treasure is in heaven.[Mat 6:21]
Many first-century Christians were poor due to persecution, but the Lord did not forsake them. In our time, through no fault of their own, many Christians still are poor but not abandoned by the Lord. God promises us in Hebrews 13, saying, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Verse 6 follows to say, "So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" Even Paul has the confidence to be contented for Jesus is his help in every situation of life.[Phil 4;11-13]
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Text: Prov 18:23-24 ESV
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-Prov 18:23-24 ESV
A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER
In verse 23, Solomon mentions a sad reality about how human nature tends to indulge the wealthy while being impatient with the poor. Those perceived as "poor" often feel they must ask, even literally "beg when speaking with others, while those who are rich might be tempted towards arrogance and derision. We hear this happens when ‘poor’ are seeking services in government offices including hospitals.
Often, when the poor beg for help, people who are well able to respond with help answer the poor with harsh words. Is money neutral? Money can make some people rude, coarse, and cruel in their treatment of less fortunate people. It seems the rich man who appeared indifferent has mistreated the poor man Lazarus. While, the rich man ate luxuriously, Lazarus was allowed only a few scraps from the rich man's table (see Luke 16:19–21).
From a spiritual perspective, this verse can also be interpreted as a contrast between those who are "poor in spirit" versus those who are arrogant. Jesus calls those who recognize they are poor in spirit as blessed. [Mat 5:3]. Those who are arrogant plan their ways without God, whom He abhors. Prov 16:19). Being poor in spirit is a reference to humility: someone who depends on the Lord to meet their needs. He will naturally gravitate towards a gentler, calmer, and patient attitude.
In verse 24, it is not a guarantee that having large numbers of "friends" always means having many deep, committed allies in times of need. This is a reality especially, in social media like Facebook and Instagram. A "man of many companions" suggests a person seeking popularity and shallow relationships. When times are good, those kinds of associates can be a source of pride, or entertainment. But when times are rough, one finds out quickly who their true friends really are. Even a person well-known and popular can find themselves on hard times, made all the harder when their relationships are superficial.
The prodigal son is an example. When he was penniless, he "began to be in need." Consequently, he took a lowly job feeding pigs His plight was so bad that he longed to eat what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:14-16) Where are his friends? When we trust in men, even close to us, we may be disappointed. It is possible that everyone will leave us, but Jesus never. He is the believer's close, true Friend, who promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb 13:5). He is the one who sticks closer, even loves us unconditionally when we are undeserving of his love.[Rom 5:8]
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Text: Prov 18:22 ESV
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
-Prov 18:22 ESV
A FAVOR FROM THE LORD
The wife of a man is a ‘good thing’, a favor from the Lord. While the terminology here literally speaks to a man finding a "wife," the same principle applies to a woman who finds a "husband." A God-honoring spouse is a true blessing (Prov 12:4: 19:14). If a man loves the Lord and chooses a wife who loves the Lord, he will enjoy a blessed marriage and God's approval. An extended section at the end of the book of Proverbs specifically praises the value of a godly wife (Prov 31:10–31). That passage portrays an excellent wife as valuable and trustworthy.
This verse does reject the belief that God considers a celibate life "holier" than one including marriage, does it not? The "favor" mentioned here does not mean that a married man is more loved by God. Rather, the Hebrew term implies that God is "pleased" by such a choice according to hios will. Neither marriage is required for any person nor is being single (1 Cor 7:6–11). Whether married or single, we are called to glorify God in all we do (Col 3:17). Paul has counseled, "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him" (1 Cor 7:17).
Finding "a wife" is a good thing. Yet, Scripture notes that even good things can become problems when they are out of balance. Paul says, “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Cor 6:12). It is possible to either idolize a spouse or neglect her. Take for example the case of Solomon. He indulged with good things and consequently, he did not live up to his teachings of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; 25:1. It is unthinkable that he took hundreds of wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3). First Kings 11:4 adds the sad account that "when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father."[1 Kings 11:4]
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Text: Proverbs 18:16-18 (ESV)
16 A man's gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.
18 The lot puts an end to quarrels
and decides between powerful contenders.
GIVING OF GIFTS OBTAIN FAVOR.
There is a general observation in life that giving gifts does influence. This is not an endorsement of bribery. Here, the word "gift" is not an outright ‘bribe’. The Hebrew word uses separate terms for the two concepts. Using presents to create a favorable impression is a common thing (Prov 19:6). Scripture includes multiple instances where gifts were offered to demonstrate sincere goodwill. Abraham’s servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments [Gen 24:53] Jacob gave gifts to his brother Esau[Gen 33:10] Abigail gave presents to David and his men[ 1 Sam 25:27]. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, promoted and gave gifts to Daniel. [Dan 2:48).
In verse 17, Solomon warns the importance for a person to hear both sides of a case before rendering a decision. Many claims and accusations seem plausible until scrutinized. What seems obvious, at first, may be seen more accurately when looked at with a more cautious and critical eye. A person needs to hear from others involved, or at least learn all the relevant facts, before attempting to declare who is telling the truth. This principle is extremely important in spiritual matters, is it not? The Bible doesn't just endorse cautiousness but commands it (Acts 17:11; 2 Cor 13:5; 1 John 4:1; Gal 1:8).
In verse 18, casting lots may solve disputes among people. The closest modern equivalent to casting lots is rolling dice or flipping a coin. The purpose of using lots was to avoid any perception of human bias. Casting lots was used for selecting territories in Canaan for the tribes of Israel (Num 26:55; Jos 15). It chose the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:8, 10). Lots were used to pick out priests and Levites for sanctuary service (1 Chron 24:5–31; Neh 10:34; Luke 1:8). It was used to choose a successor to Judas, the betraying disciple who committed suicide (Acts 1:15–19). Before casting lots to determine Judas's successor, the believers prayed for the Lord's direction.
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Text: Proverbs 18:13-15 (ESV)
13 If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14 A man's spirit will endure sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
LISTENING BEFORE SPEAKING
Solomon understood the wisdom of hearing both sides of a matter before rendering a judgment. Speaking before listening is a sign of arrogance and overconfidence (Prov 18:12). Vain pride makes a person think he knows what to say without bothering to hear what another person has to say. James writes in Jas 1:19: "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak." Further, in verse 26 he cautions: "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless." Speaking in ignorance is not a modern problem after all. It's an ancient problem amplified by modern technology, is it not? Our social media are filled with irresponsible posts by individuals who don’t care to listen both sides of stories they heard.
Challenges and hardships are realities we all are subjects.[John 16:33] Solomon points out the absolute priority of attitude, not circumstances, in determining a person's response to such difficulties. Hard times, disasters, setbacks, insults, illness, tragedy, and persecution can be endured through a positive attitude and strong faith. Christian believers can have a positive attitude even when facing trials, knowing "that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those are called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28). Instead of being weighed down by anxieties, the Christian can fully rely on God, knowing He cares (1 Pet 5:7).
Solomon observes that an "intelligent heart" never stops learning. He is not satisfied with their stock of knowledge. He is someone seeking godly wisdom and information (Prov 15:14, 32; 17:28). Instead of stagnating in his current views, the humble and sincere seeker of truth looks for deeper knowledge. Definitely, not all people are equally equipped for deep intellectual pursuit as part of God's plan for diversity within the church (1 Cor 12:12–26). Yet each person should seek as much godly knowledge as they, themselves, can comprehend (1 Cor 14:20). Anything God deems all believers need to understand is accessible to anyone who seeks it (Rom 1:18-20; Mark 10:15; Mat 7:7–8).
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Text: Prov 18:11-12 ESV
11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
-Prov 18:11-12 ESV
A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY
Riches do tempt people towards a false sense of security, don’t they? The love of wealth can interfere with our spiritual walk for it numbs us to our dependence on God (Mat 19:23). Obviously, there are practical advantages to money. A rich person can overcome a lot of setbacks and complications in life more easily than a poor person. Yet, money neither can do everything nor secure our souls eternally. God may allow war, economic collapse, and other factors to destroy man’s wealth in an instant. Definitely, money cannot achieve the impossible.
Thinking of wealth as a stable source of security is a wishful thinking. Many work tirelessly to build a fortune, only to discover later that trusting in wealth for security is like building house upon a sand. Jesus tells a parable that wealth and possessions may collapse as surely and as swiftly as a house built on sand collapses in a violent storm (Mat 7:26–27). Even if money would last to the end of one's earthly life, it can't be brought along into eternity (1 Tim 6:7; Luke 12:16–21). In Proverbs 23:4,5, Solomon gives cautions: "Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven." Amid his trials, Job reflected on the fact that he had not put excessive trust in his gold. He knew better than to feel secure in riches (Job 31:24–25).
The abundance of money may corrupt one’s heart to become proud. He might be oblivious to his mistake. This deception due to a wrong perspective on money is also echoed in Prov 11:2, that says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. This is also enforced by Prov 16:18, “ Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Today, may we will learn to draw our confidence in Christ alone. Like Paul, we may say, “11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”[Phil 4:11-13]
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Text: Prov 18:10 ESV
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
-Prov 18:10 ESV
THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER
"The name" of God does represent His character, does it not? The righteous person finds security in all that the Lord is. Solomon has been encouraging us to rely on godly wisdom instead of worldly foolishness (Prov 1:7; 3:35). When the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with Moses at Mount Sinai, He proclaimed His name, that is, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and bounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" (Exodus 34:5–7).
During hard times, where can we take refuge? It is in the Lord's mercy, grace, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. Take note that physical safety is not always guaranteed. These verses will show us that God permits physical hardships even death;
“Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.”[Job 13:15];
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” {John 16:33},
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Mat 10:28)
However, Christians know their ultimate hope is not in this world (1 John 2:17). He will always work everything for their good and His glory (Romans 8:28–30). Proverbs 29:25 affirms, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe." Believers have no reason to fear, knowing how good the Lord is.
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God’s Word for Today
23 Jan, 2024
9 Whoever is slack in his work
is a brother to him who destroys.
-Prov 18:9 ESV
THE PRICE OF NEGLIGENCE
Negligence is sabotage. Projects, property, and even relationships can be damaged equally through negligence as they can through some deliberate act. In practical ways, this describes someone who fails to maintain a machine, or a building, which eventually causes it to fail. That failure can be just as sudden, and just as harmful, as if the machine or building were deliberately attacked.
In a relationship, it is our carelessness or apathy that destroys. An attitude of indifference does lead to just as much hurt as deliberate spite, does it not? There must be an intentionality to nurture and cultivate communication and understanding. Otherwise, it is like a neglected garden full of weeds.
A person who is lazy on the job robs his employer. Worse, they forget that work should be performed to the glory of God. Paul says in Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." He continues to teach that workers have to obey their earthly masters, "not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Col 3:22–23).
The practice of faithfulness applies also to one's Christian service. Instead of slacking off his labor for the Lord, a believer should be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Our lives are gifts from God. But, our services are our gifts to God. Are we diligent in doing His will? Someday we will face the judgment seat of Christ to give an account to Him.
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God’s Word for Today
22 Jan, 2024
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
or to deprive the righteous of justice.
6 A fool's lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
-Prov 18:4-8 ESV
THE POWER OF WORDS
Silent water runs deep. Deep waters aptly symbolize the wisdom that lies within a godly person (Prov 1:7). This implies something with a great deal of substance, and much more to be learned than what appears on the surface. Jesus' words reflected deep wisdom, and they were life-giving. Many who heard Him speak observed how unique this ability was (John 7:46). Jesus testified that His words were spirit and life (John 6:63). It is meaningful that the Scriptures are called "the word of life" (Phil 2:16). Worldly wisdom cannot compare to what issues from the teachings of Jesus, contained in the Word of God!
At the same time, deep water also obscures; it is difficult to know exactly what it hides. That murkiness is the idea being used in this proverb. Words can be taken out of context. What someone means, at first, is not easy to understand (Prov 18:13). A later proverb will also note that it takes wisdom to uncover something that's covered up, like the secrets hidden under deep waves (Prov 20:5). In contrast, godly wisdom (Proverbs 8:8–9; 12:18) is like an active stream: clear, fresh, and invigorating. It flows without interruption and never dries up. The benefits are obvious and immediate. That's not to say that godly wisdom is never "deep," as the modern world would describe it (Rom 11:33). But part of wisdom is relating truth in ways others can more easily understand (Prov 1:1–6).
The fool has no restraint with his lips that causes him troubles.[v.6] It's better to be quiet and avoid a conflict than to make a bad situation worse with loose lips, is it not? (Prov 17:14, 28). James says the "tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness…a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (Jas 3:6, 8). In contrast, a wise man knows how to tame his tongue and diffuse a potentially explosive situation. In fact, the apostle Peter wisely counseled believers to "put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander" (1 Peter 2:1).
A fool's mouth leads to his destruction and his lips ensnare his soul.[v.7] He may intend to injure others by speaking perversely but in the process he hurts himself. It is a boomerang. The psalmist aptly says, "Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies. He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends."[Psalm 7:14–16]
Gossip is a persistent temptation, isn’t it? (Prov 11:13; 16:28). Why? They are entertaining and pleasing to our fallen nature, as is a tasty bite of food to our tongue. But, like food, that "morsel" goes deep inside us. The spiritual damage of taking in slander or secrets is much more serious than it might seem at first (Rom 1:29; 2 Tim 3:2–4).
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Text: Proverbs 18:3 (ESV)
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
and with dishonor comes disgrace.
WITH DISHONOR COMES DISGRACE
In the Scriptures, the classic example of disgrace is the couple Adam and Eve. Why? They rebelled against God in the garden of Eden. By failing to obey God, they experienced judgment. The death penalty is passed upon them and all their descendants.[Rom 5:12] Shame followed their sin and caused them to hide from God's sight. No longer allowed to live in Eden, they were compelled to leave it permanently. Sorrow and laborious work replaced perfect comfort and ease. Broken fellowship with God and a marred image of God replaced perfect fellowship with God and His perfect image in them. Their son Seth was born in Adam's fallen image, and all of Adam's subsequent descendants bear Adam's image (Gen 5:3; 1 Cor 15:47–49).
Sinful living leads a person to shame and humiliation. This shame comes from God, who has contempt for the wicked person (Isa 23:9; Psa 59:8). Man was created in God's image (Gen 1:26–27) Thus, our purpose is to glorify Him [Isa 43:7]. When we act against His will and truth we consequently bring dishonor on ourselves. (Prov 1:7) This is a natural consequence of sin.
In many cases, sin can have earthly consequences as well. “The mouth of a fool brings ruin near.” (Prov 10:14]. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18). A sinful person may lose respect and ruin his reputation towards others. In short, he loses his credibility. When a person is a notorious liar, gossiper, or theft, nobody will trust him anymore. He lost the trust of people.
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Text: Proverbs 18:1-2 (ESV)
1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.
2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion
THE FOLLY OF ISOLATION
This proverb speaks out against being hardened to the views and experiences of others. The context implies that this "isolation" is less about distance and personality, and more about beliefs and understanding. The "isolating" person exhibits a superior attitude, as if other people's judgment is beneath them. Such a person can never expand their horizons; they will be left with only limited knowledge.
This verse indicates that the "isolating" person is not being passive. Such an attitude means fighting against good sense. The Hebrew word translated in the ESV as "breaks out" can also be rendered as "quarrels." This person who isolates themselves from anything they don't want to hear is said to be in an "echo chamber. He is a person who only entertains information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own. The term is a metaphor based on an acoustic echo chamber, in which sounds reverberate in a hollow enclosure.
The next verse (v.2) evokes similar truths about these people. They just want to express their own opinions, Such attitudes are not healthy. However, for believers, it is important for them to examine their positions and seek truth, even if it means admitting error (Acts 17:11; Prov 18:13, 17).
Another thing to note as believers not to isolate is to eliminate all contact with unbelievers. Yes, we should not participate in the sins of unbelievers but should not cut off our contact with the lost. We are in this world but not of this world. Take note that Jesus associated with tax collectors and sinners (Mat 11:19). But, He remained sinless (Hebrews 4:15). He emphasized that He was not removing His followers from the world but was sending them into the world (John 17:18). When He issued the Great Commission, He commanded His followers to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to everyone (Mat 28:19–20). We are the light and salt of the world. Thus, we should not ‘isolate’ but ‘insulate’ ourselves to be effectual ‘influence’ for Christ in this darkened world.
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Text: Prov 17:27-28 ESV
27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
-Prov 17:27-28 ESV
THE WISDOM OF SILENCE
Where there is restrain, there is silence. The Lord applauds the person who knows how to control his tongue. It is not just about keeping the mouth shut. The wise person chooses not to speak words without carefully considering them. (Proverbs 15:2; 16:23–24) He has a ‘cool spirit’, not hot-tempered.[Prov 15:18; Titus 1:7] He knows when to mind their speech and when to speak their mind (Prov 15:23).
The brothers James and John had to learn to restrain their speech and discipline their spirit. They were incensed at residents of a Samaritan village for they would not initially welcome Jesus. So, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" (Luke 9:54). Jesus, on the other hand, demonstrated a calm spirit. He rebuked James and John, and then He and His disciples went elsewhere (Luke 9:55–56). Restrain is so important for James to write, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (Jas 1:19). It should be noted that many people struggle with controlling their words (Jas 3:2–5).
Unrestrained speech is such a common problem that even foolish people can seem wise just by saying nothing (v.28)! Choosing to remain silent or to say nothing, at all gives an impression of wisdom. Even if someone is noted with stupidity and ignorance, his flaws are disguised by their silence. An English proverb reflects this truth, that says, "it is better to be thought a fool and remain silent than to speak up and remove all doubt."
Let’s allow the Holy Spirit today to control our hearts. When our ‘spirits are cool’ are restrained, our tongues will be tamed. Let us be quick to listen rather than to speak carelessly.
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Text: Prov 17:25-26 ESV
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.
-Prov 17:25-26 ESV
A FATHER’S GRIEF
Previously, we read in verse 21. “ He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.” But, the term here translated as "grief" leans more to the concept of offense and anger. The idea of ungodly children causing pain to their families is a common refrain in the book of Proverbs (Prov 10:1, 5; 19:26; 29:15).
Because a father is supposed to instruct his children in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6), he is deeply grieved when a foolish son rebels against his teaching and turns away from the Lord. The father of the prodigal must have felt great sorrow when his son demanded his inheritance and left for a sinful life (Luke 15:11–13). Even a mother experiences bitterness if her son spurns her tender care and love. Children raised in Christian homes may yield to peer pressure and anti-Christian philosophy. Sadly, some despise the teaching and influence of godly parents. Some even are championing the deconstructionist of the faith today. It’s not surprising that a father may provoke his children through improper actions. (Eph 6:4) Parents bear responsibility for how they treat their children, even if the child's response is part of their free choice.
In verse 26, Solomon condemns the government official who punishes a righteous person for doing what is proper. In Solomon's era, the only ones who could "strike a noble" were more highly exalted noblemen or kings. So, this proverb also rebukes the higher-ranking officer who punishes a lower officer for acting with integrity. It's immoral and shameful for those in power to use their position to attack those who do good (Prov 14:34). Whether that is inspired by greed or spite, it's a despicable act.
Such practices are not only sinful, but they also create deep resentment. After Solomon's death, the Israelites asked Solomon's son and successor Rehoboam to lighten the people's financial burden. Some apparently thought Solomon's taxes were excessive (1 Kings 12:1–5). Rehoboam sought advice from Solomon's advisors. They suggested a tax reduction to help the people. Instead, Rehoboam followed the cruel advice of his friends (1 Kings 12:6–11). To flaunt his power and authority, Rehoboam instead made the taxes much higher (1 Kings 12:12–14). While taxes are not the same thing as "fines," harsh taxation and unjust fees are an unfair and heavy burden on citizens. Rehoboam's choice led to the division of the entire kingdom (1 Kings 12:16–20).
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Text: Proverbs 17:15-16 (ESV)
15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous
are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
16 Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom
when he has no sense?
GOD DETESTS PERVERSION
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent —both are detestable to the Lord. It's especially perverted to defend evil and to condemn goodness (Isa 5:20; Psa 94:21). This applies to the individual, but it can also apply to an entire society (Prov 14:34). As contemporary cultures move further away from biblical truth, they more readily defend sin and more quickly call biblical standards "evil" (1 Pet 4:4; John 16:1–2). What was wrong before becomes right today. What was right before becomes wrong today.
Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?[NIV] The fool wrongly believes money can purchase spirituality. Proverbs defines a "fool" as someone who rejects God's truth (Prov 1:7). For such a person, it's pointless to try to buy wisdom—literally or figuratively (Prov 23:23)—since they're not open to learning (Prov 17:10). Wisdom is a gift from God to those who fear Him[Prov 1:7] No amount of money can purchase true wisdom. The fool who tries to buy wisdom is like a rich man spending money at an expensive university while refusing to study or attend his classes. This fraudulent practice is called ‘diploma mail’. It is sad when education is corrupted when diploma and grades can be bought with money. They have the grades but not wisdom. The two are different things. Paul describes a similar type of fool. He writes in that they are "always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." He insists they are "corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith", and adds: "they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all". [2 Tim 3:7-9]
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Text: Proverbs 17:12-14 (ESV)
12 Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs
rather than a fool in his folly.
13 If anyone returns evil for good,
evil will not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
MUCH DANGEROUS THAN A BEAR
How dangerous is a man filled with foolishness? He is much dangerous than a mother bear robbed of her cubs. They reject God’s truth and goodness.[Psa 14:1; Prov 14:16] Hence, they are unpredictable and capable of doing harm far worse than a ferocious bear. In the days of the New Testament, the ruling Herods were vicious and violent fools. Herod the Great ordered the slaughter of all the male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity, hoping to kill the infant Jesus (Mat 2:14–16). Another Herod killed James the brother of John, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he apprehended Peter and intended to kill him too (Acts 12:1–3).In our times, educated despots and dictators could be unconscionable in their acts of genocide. This is because there is no fear of God in their hearts.
Furthermore, they return evil for good for their conscience are seared. As a general-case observation, those who do evil in response to good can expect catastrophe. What they sow they reap. Consequently, they rarely will receive help from others. And in some cases, they might inspire others to take pleasure in their misery, instead of trying to ease it (Prov 17:5). Evil will not depart from their house. The sad consequence of sin is as the stubborn stain that stays almost forever.
Verse 14 emphasizes to stop the dispute before it breaks out. Instigating a conflict is somehow like releasing water, possibly in the context of a flood. The root words used imply ideas like bursting or breaking free. For this reason, many suggest the image of breaching a dam, letting the flood roar out. Earthen dams and levees are prone to failure when allowed to leak. The small hole allows for erosion that leads to total collapse. Similarly, the early moments of a disagreement are the ideal time to make peace. Letting an argument fester can lead to greater problems. Once the breach happens, the situation is out of control and destruction is inevitable. Jesus understood how quickly a quarrel can escalate. He cautioned us, saying, "Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison" (Mat 5:25).
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Text: Prov 17:8-11 ESV
8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
-Prov 17:8-11 ESV
WHOEVER COVERS AN OFFENSE SEEKS LOVE
It is our common observation in life that bribery works. Thus, those who are used to it trust it so much. Why? It’s an easy way to get their way. This does not mean bribery is right. Bribery has always been a common temptation for those in power. This is the reason why corruption is rampant. Scriptures from Exodus to the Minor Prophets condemn it. Moses commands Israel, "You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right."[Ex 23:8] Thus, this is not an endorsement but a warning not to involve in bribery.
Solomon emphasizes the need of discretion in dealing sins of others. "Covering sins" does not mean ignoring offenses or hiding crimes. This is not "sweeping it under the rug." Rather, this is seeking to demonstrate love with the goal of repentance and reconciliation (Prov 10:12, John 13:34–35; Rom 12:10, Mat 18). The primary goal is bringing others closer to God. Choosing to handle offenses with love may even convince an enemy of their own wrongdoing (Proverbs 16:7) The opposite extreme of repeating the news of an offense to those who have no reason to know about it is indiscretion. It is gossip. "Blabbing or divulging" about someone else's shortcomings is a form of damaging, evil speech (Prov 16:27–28). Even good friendships can be destroyed by such betrayals.
Being teachable is an important aspect of the wise person. He is open to correction. He receives godly rebuke and grows. In contrast, the foolish person refuses to be corrected, even when they suffer direct physical consequences. (Prov 1:22) Under the law of Moses, no more than forty lashes were to be administered to a guilty man (Deu 25:3). Thus, a hundred blows here is a hyperbole. It is a deliberate exaggeration used to stress how stubborn a foolish a person is to reject correction. He is an evil man who naturally rebels [v.11] This persistent rebel will eventually face consequences. That might come in the form of legal trouble, or simply as the consequences of sin (Prov 9:10–12).
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Text: Prov 17:5-7 ESV
5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.
-Prov 17:5-7 ESV
DO RESPECT THE UNDERPRIVILEGED
Bullying today is prevalent, especially in cyberspace. This proverb condemns the doing a mocking stutter or "making fun of" another. God created man in his own image (Gen 1:27). This means everyone without distinction, including those living in crude culture, has value and meaning in the Lord's eyes. Instead of ridiculing disadvantaged people, those who are better off should help the poor. God had made provision for the poor in Israel's agricultural society by instructing farmers not to reap the corners of their fields. Instead, they were to leave them for the poor to harvest (Lev 19:10). The attitude of ‘gloating over’ at others for their misfortune is totally ungodly. Jesus taught us to show kindness and goodness even to enemies.
The respect toward elderlies is important also. Family life is blessed when children cause their parents and grandparents to rejoice. Respectful grandchildren can make their grandparents feel honored or delighted. Furthermore, children should be proud of their parents. They show it by their obedience.[Eph 6:1] Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."[Psa 127:3-5]
And, as a general rule, one should refrain from speech that is lofty, excessive, or overdone. A person who parades with an air of superiority or authority. David encountered a man referred to by the name Nabal, who was arrogantly ignorant and over-sure of his own importance (1 Sam 25:1–13). Similarly, dishonesty is unbecoming to a person in authority. He is worse than a fool—because his foolishness harms those over whom he has power. Isaiah says, "The fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the LORD, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink."[ Isa 32:6]
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Text: Proverbs 16:31-33 (ESV)
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained in a righteous life.
32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
RULE YOUR SPIRIT
Having gray hair is a sign of aging and it is honorable state. Generally, a person is made wiser as he learns from his years of experience. But, there are people who are quick to become old but wisdom is lagging behind. Interestingly, it is gained in living a righteous life, meaning, by following the truth – what the Lord says. To become wise while young is possible when we heed the Scriptures faithfully. Divine living begets divine wisdom. Take for example, we do learn that using drugs is wrong based upon the principles revealed in the Scriptures not by trying it, don’t we?
A wise person is slow to speak, slow to anger but quick to listen. This self-controlled man is much stronger than the mighty. He is not governed by impulses. He who can ‘keep his cool’ is secured more than a walled city. The ability to defeat others in battle is impressive, but well-developed self-control is an even rarer gift (Jas 3:2; Psa 32:8–9). No doubt, this man is a mature man.
In the Lord, there is no such thing as out of ‘luck.’ Does the practice of dice roll, or casting of lots, ever takes God by surprise? Even those things we perceive as determined by chance are in the Lord's control (Psalm 16:5). This proverb points out that even those things we think of as "pure chance" are still under God's sovereign control. In the New Testament, we have an example of casting lots after Judas committed suicide. Peter led 120 believers to cast lots to decide who should become an apostle in place of Judas. Barsabbas and Matthias became candidates. When the group prayed for the Lord's will to be accomplished, they said: "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place" (Acts 1:24–25). Then they cast lots, "and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26). And, this was the decision of the Lord as He permitted it to fall on Matthias.
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Text: Proverbs 16:28-30 (ESV)
28 A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
29 A man of violence entices his neighbor
and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things;
he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
BEWARE OF THE EVIL MAN
An evil man is dishonest. He leverages on spreading lies. Lies can create a rift even between friends. The apostle Paul wisely counsels Timothy to reject anyone who aspires to be a church leader if he tolerates slander within his family (1 Tim 3:11). Jesus anticipated how often dishonest statements would be thrown against His people. He said, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account" (Mat 5:11).
An evil man is violent. The Hebrew word translated "violence" here is hā'mās'. This includes brute force assault, as well as oppression or unjustness and cruelty. He is deliberate in enticing people to be violent like him. Solomon has warned, “ "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood …throw in your lot with us' … my son, do not walk in the way with them." [Prov 1:10-15]
Evil people are subtle. ‘Winking the eye’ refers to those who use subtle signals to communicate with other criminals. These "shifty" facial signs are also seen in Proverbs 10:10. The imagery here is of someone who plans evil and conspires with others to secretly spring violence on an unsuspecting person (Prov 16:27; Prov 1:11, 18; Prov 16:29). But, nothing is hidden from God (Heb 4:13). He sees the heart and discerns the intentions of the heart and mind (1 Sam 16:7). He will not fail to judge the unrighteous. This is our comfort against the evil man.
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Text: Prov 16:25-27 ESV
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
26 A worker's appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.
27 A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
-Prov 16:25-27 ESV
HUNGER AND DILIGENCE
Verse 25 is a repeat of Prov 14:12. When a truth is repeated it must be important, isn’t it? Man should not be fooled to trust in his own eyes and judgment. Arrogance prevents a person from examining their thoughts and sets them up for terrible consequences. (Prov 16:5; 1 Cor 10:12). Our hearts are deceitful. Hence, desires not aligned with God's will are doomed to eventual failure (Prov 1:7; 3:5). This is the reason Scripture so emphasizes self-examination and in seeking advice from godly people ((2 Cor 13:5; Prov 11:14; 15:5). A dangerous form of this arrogance is when a person believes his way is morally "good enough" to earn salvation. Such person has wrong beliefs that what they are doing will earn them a place in heaven. Entrance into heaven is gained not by what a person does but by what Jesus has done (Titus 3:5)
When we go to verse 26, Solomon argues the benefit of hunger. Hunger—literal or figurative can become an advantage. Why? It inspires the person to work. When the mouth craves food, the person is prompted to continue working. A person should not stop working because the mouth does not stop eating.
Paul exhorts, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (2 Thess 3:10). A lazy person who refuses to work to support his family is worse than an infidel.
Moreover, Solomon mentions in verse 7 the worthless man [Belial] which is equivalent to the the English words "rascal," "scoundrel," or "villain" (Deut 13:13; Prov 6:12). He plots evil. deliberately speak evil use profane, blasphemous, and hurtful words. Solomon compares such speech to "scorching fire." The words create pain and destruction. This powerful imagery is echoed by James, who also compares the tongue's power to that of fire. He deliberately speaks evil, profane, blasphemous, and hurtful words. Solomon compares such speech to "scorching fire." The words create pain and destruction. This powerful imagery is echoed by James, who also compares the tongue's power to that of fire (Jas 3:5–6). He resembles the Devil, who Jesus said, "was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).
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Text: Prov 16:20-24 ESV
20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
-Prov 16:20-24 ESV
GOOD SENSE IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
There is great benefit in thinking clearly and carefully. A conscious effort to be diligent when assessing something tends to yield better results that an unattention or laziness (Prov 14:15; 18:13). The most crucial aspect of clear thinking is seeking God's truth more than anything else (Prov 1:7). The most valuable "word" one can consider is the ‘Word of God’ for in it are God’s wisdom and understanding.[Psa 119:97–100] And, that those who love the Word also experience "great peace" (Psa 119:165). This is especially true not to those who hear only but to those who obey His word.[Jas 1:22-25]
Moreover, the person with discernment will speak loving or ‘sweet’ words (Prov 15:1). The same Hebrew word used for "sweetness" here is also employed later in reference to a honeycomb (v.24). The same idea is highlighted in verses 23 and 24. Truth spoken in gentler tones and phrases tends to be more easily accepted or embraced.
Our example is none other than Jesus. He was always able to discern the hearts and minds of others and provide perfect answers. Christians ought to follow Jesus' example and use wise, pleasant words. Of course, this does not preclude all use of reproof or rebuke (Mat 12:33; 23:37). Even Paul has admonished us to be edifying in our words. He exhorts: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."[ Colossians 3:16 ] He also adds, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."[Col 4:6]
A carefully thought word said in a loving way edifies others. In a sense, they give life to the hearer. On the other hand, rude and hurting words tear down others. Thus we pray with David,
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’[Psa 19:14]
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Text: Proverbs 16:14-16 (ESV)
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
and a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of a king's face there is life,
and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
WISDOM IS MUCH BETTER THAN GOLD
More often than not, kings in ancient times had absolute authority over the lives of their subjects. Life or death was at his discretion when angry. This is the equivalent of the idiom, "Don't poke the bear." It is foolish of unnecessarily provoking a powerful enemy. A king's anger might not be reasonable, or fair and a wise person recognizes the wisdom of avoiding it. The same wisdom would apply, today, in any circumstance involving authority. It is preferable to keep peace with those in charge unless there is no choice. (Acts 5:29), Solomon gives advice in handling the predicament of a king's rage, saying, "If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest" (Ecc 10:4).
On the other hand, there are tremendous benefits in gaining the favor of a king. While a king's rage can bring destruction, his approval can bring life. His happiness means blessings as the clouds of rain that bless the ground. As a general rule, one has to "stay on the good side" of those in authority, when it's reasonably possible. This is not a call for believers to be insincere. Nor does it imply believers should compromise their faith for the sake of political influence. It is clear in the bible when earthly power calls on a believer to sin, that authority should be disobeyed (Acts 5:29). Moreover, the Scriptures also condemns bribery (Prov 15:27; 17:23), insincere flattery (Romans 16:18), and other manipulative tactics. A better way to please authority is through honesty (Prov 16:13) and a faithful life. Paul encourages us to pray for kings and authorities, for doing so enables us to lead a peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified life (1 Tim 2:1,2).
At the end of the day, wisdom is much value than gold. Solomon places an extremely high value on wisdom and understanding. From God's perspective, true worth is found in what a person experiences through a right relationship with God (Prov 1:7). Even Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”[Luke 12:15] The pursuit of money and earthly riches can lead to destruction (Prov 15:16; 16:8). In fact, famous and wealthy people are prone to depression, despair, unhappiness, and even suicide, are they not.
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Text: Proverbs 16:11-13 (ESV)
11 A just balance and scales are the LORD's;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
and he loves him who speaks what is right.
HONESTY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
During the ancient days, weights and balances are connected to business transactions and money. The use of scale represents impartial or fair judgment in transacting business. God expects fairness and honesty in business transactions (Prov 11:1). It is because God is just in all His dealings.[Psa 119:137] To cheat by tampering with balances and scales offends Him and transgresses the commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exo 20:15). It is unloving to our neighbors (John 13:34–35; 1 John 4:7–12).
Weights and balances are regulated by authorities, like kings. And they should not abuse their power to do evil for doing so is an abomination unto the Lord. Evildoers are a threat to a peaceful and prosperous reign (Prov 14:34). Honesty in kings and their subjects contributes to the success of their kingdoms. The psalmist in Psalm 72 cites a prayer in which he begins by asking, "Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!" (Psa 72:1–2).
But, kings are not aware about everything, are they? Thus, kings and leaders have always depended on the counsel of their advisers. Dishonest counselors might give treacherous advice that could lead to their defeat at the hands of an enemy. They could supply false information that might jeopardize the king’s leadership and loss his kingdom. But, righteous counselors would guide the king truthfully. Indeed, the rise or fall of an entire kingdom depended upon righteousness. As Prov 14:34 assures us that "righteousness exalts a nation."
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Text: Prov 16:5-7 ESV
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
10 An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
-Prov 16:8-10 ESV
BETTER IS A LITTLE WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS
All believers have access to great spiritual wealth (Matthew 5:3, 5). Paul declares, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." [2 Cor 8:9] A believer has no guarantee of great material wealth. However, God promised there needs would be supplied. (John 16:33; Mat 6:19; 8:20). The believers’ spiritual riches include salvation, peace with God, assurance of heaven, fellowship with God, assurance of His abiding presence, joy, and purposeful living (1 Tim 6:6). A person may be financially affluent, but if he does not belong to God, he is spiritually impoverished, even bankrupt.
Verse 9 is similar to Prov 16:1, that is, “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” A person can plan out every aspect of his life. Nevertheless, God alone ultimately decides what will happen. Writers such as Paul (Rom 9:20–21) and James (Jas 4:13–15) reinforce this idea. Nothing we intend can override God's will (Psa 33:10; Job 42:2). This does not mean planning is wrong—but what we plan needs to be prepared in a spirit of humility and obedience. If a person seeks God's will and walks by the Spirit in the light of God's Word, the Lord will approve and guide his steps. He is to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which he has been called" (Eph 4:1), walk not "as [unbelievers] do, in the futility of their minds" (Eph 4:17), "walk in love" (Eph5:2), "walk as children of light" (Eph 5:8), and wisely (Eph 5:15). This is the result if he learns to "walk by the Spirit."[ Gal 5:16]
An oracle is setting an expected standard set by a king. A king acting as he should does not sin through his decrees or judgments. A king was considered one of God's representatives on earth. Kings of Israel were initiated into office by the anointing of oil. As such, when he spoke, he was morally obligated to speak truthfully. When he offered judgment—a ruling, a decree, or some other decision (1 Kings 3:28)—he was expected to so righteously, and not in sin.
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Text: Prov 16:5-7 ESV
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
-Prov 16:5-7 ESV
THE STEADFAST LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
An unregenerated heart has the propensity of arrogance. An arrogant person misplaces his confidence. Instead of trusting in the Lord for salvation, he proudly trusts in his own ability to save himself. For example, the Pharisee prayed in the temple and exuded so much pride. He "thanked" God by bragging that he was better than other men, including a humble tax collector. He told God he fasted twice a week and tithed on everything he got. Jesus said the Pharisee did not return home justified. He remarked: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled" (Luke 18:11-14).
Man has to humble himself for salvation is by grace alone.[Eph 2:8,9] No human filled with pride and sin will go unpunished. Paul says, "For the wages of sin is death", which includes separation from God in this life and the next. Thankfully, through His mercy, God has provided a way to escape this punishment. Paul continues, "but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."[Rom 6:23] The goodness of the Lord should lead us to repentance.[Rom 2:4] Consequently, through the fear of the LORD, one turns away from evil.
The consequence is amazing when a person becomes righteous. A life pleasing to the Lord will make him live peacefully with his enemies. This godly living has a profound effect on his enemies. That is, a life that avoids undue insults (Prov 15:1), revenge (Rom 12:19), and unethical treatment of others (Luke 6:35; Prov 3:30) leaves little reason for others to be vengeful or hateful. In some cases, upright conduct can even win over one's enemies (Rom 12:20).
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Text: Proverbs 15:31-33 (ESV)
31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof
will dwell among the wise.
32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
HUMILITY COMES BEFORE HONOR
A humble person is a good listener to good advices. Thus, he is wise. These godly advices include corrections (Prov 1:7; 3:11). A correction that comes from godly wisdom is life-giving (Prov 10:17; 13:14). Being reproved isn't pleasant but it is essential to a righteous life. In the New Testament, Paul enjoins Timothy to preach the word and to "reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Tim 4:2). Notedly, appropriate reproof and rebuke must be based on Scripture primarily. Paul writes that God breathed out all Scriptures and that it is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."[2 Tim 3:16 ] A person could gain wisdom by examining his life in the light of Scriptures. Subsequently, he will align his life to the standard set by the Word of God.
Ignoring instruction is self-destructive. It is tantamount to despising oneself. In this context, "despising" means to prefer something else, or to go against the person’s best interests. Thus, to ignore the wise teachings is to "hate" yourself. This arrogant person may think he is superior to the instructor, but actually he is insulting and harming himself. A very sick man who rejects the only medicine that can make him well because he thinks he knows more than the doctor is a fool, is he not? Similarly, those who despise the cross that can save them are spiritually fools.
The reason why the wise listens is his fear of God. He is humble. He willingly acknowledges his reliance on the Lord for wisdom, and he humbly obeys the Lord's instructions (Prov 3:34; 11:2). A person could not have an attitude of arrogance and expect to earn honor, could he? James insists that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Jas 4:6). Humility comes before honor. Even Jesus humbled Himself by becoming a man and dying on the cross for us (Phil 2:7–8). "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" (Phil 2:9).
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Text: Proverbs 15:28-30 (ESV)
28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes the bones.
THE HEART OF THE RIGHTEOUS
A righteous person’s stability is in his heart. This distinguishes him from the one that "pours out folly" (Prov 15:2). He does not blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, he carefully considers what to say, so that his answer will be right and honoring to the Lord (Prov 15:23). On the other hand, the wicked person carelessly pours out words. The term "evil" here does not just refer to immorality, but also to disaster and misfortune. Careless answers may mislead others and cause them harm, too. Like a polluted water source, the person who speaks without thinking pollutes his environment. James gives in Jas 1:19: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak." Often, there are many sides in a situation (Prov 18:17).
The wicked is separated from the Lord. Righteousness and lawlessness are incompatible. Paul has expressed, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,
“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. (2 Cor 6:14–16).
Definitely, the Lord cannot coexist with sin (Hab 1:13). The Lord is holy, high, and lifted up (Isa 6:1–3).
The Lord also hears the prayer of the righteous. His motive in praying is right. John writes, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”[1 John 5:14] As a matter of fact, God invites believers to confidently approach His throne, expecting both mercy and help with their prayerful needs (Heb 4:16).
Let me add that Solomon refers to a person with "the light of the eyes" which refers to his happy expression. In today's, a person with a large smile is said to be "beaming." When a person beams with a big smile towards others, they would feel uplifted and encouraged. Paul understood how joy strengthens Christian bonds by urging us ‘to rejoice in the Lord always.’ (Phil 4:4). Similarly, good news does the same with others. Good news encourages those who receive it, and as a result, this encouragement promotes physical well-being. Paul recognizes “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” [Rom 10:15]
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Text: Proverbs 15:25-27 (ESV)
25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud
but maintains the widow's boundaries.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
but gracious words are pure.
27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,
but he who hates bribes will live.
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE PROUD
The proud, arrogant, or self-righteous person is guaranteed to face a day of reckoning. It is because he lifts himself up instead of humbling himself before the sight of the Lord. All he accumulates in life will come crashing down under the judgment of God (Prov 10:16, 25, 28). Justice may not be seen yet in this world but it will certainly come.
In contrast, the widow is an icon of weakness and vulnerabilities, is it not? A widow has nothing to be proud about. God’s point is that He prefers the humble person. Solomon depicts God defending such a woman and her land against thieves. Unlike the house of the proud, her house would stand. The Lord would keep the boundaries of her land in place. The weak like a widow with God is secured than the proud without God.
Moreover, the evil or ungodly thoughts of those who reject the Lord are repulsive to Him. Evil thoughts give birth not only to wicked acts but also to wicked words (Mat 12:34; 15:18–19; Jas 1:14–15). Nothing is hidden from God, not even a person's thoughts (Heb 4:13). Thoughts themselves could be sinful and God knows them (Mat 5:21–22, 28). In the days before the flood in Noah's time, "the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen 6:5). He responded by destroying mankind, excepting Noah and Noah's family.
On the other hand, the Lord hears pleasant or gracious words and deems them pure (Prov 15:26). The Hebrew adjective translated here as "pure" means something "pure, clean even fair." Believers receive exhortations in Scripture to avoid using wicked words and to speak pleasant words instead. Paul admonishes us to put away "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk" and lies.[Col 3:8–9] In the same passage later, he commands us to talk and act in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col 3:17).
Lastly, he who engages in greed and other immoral attitudes does put his family at risk (v. 29). The person inclined towards honest gain and hates bribes does avoid those drawbacks. The example is Achan. God had forbidden Israel from taking anything from the conquered city of Jericho. But, Achan disobeyed. When Joshua confronted Achan what he had done, he replied: "I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath" (Jos 7:21). Achan's crime was such a serious breach of God's specific command that it cost him and his family members their lives (Jos 7:24–25).
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Text: Proverbs 15:22-24 (ESV)
22 Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed.
23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent,
that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
WITHOUT COUNSEL PLANS FAIL
The benefit of good advice should not be overlooked. Solomon has been emphasizing its importance [ (see Prov 11:14; 12:15; 19:20; 20:18). Making plans rashly or without seeking useful advice from others implies someone has an exalted opinion of himself. Is it possible to know all facets of a situation by himself alone? No. He needs to gain the perspectives of others (Prov 18:17; 27:17). In the Old Testament, Jethro wisely advised Moses to surround himself with "able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place them over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times" (Ex 18:21–22). In the church, God has gifted us with individuals who can offer sound counsel so the church can succeed in its mission (Rom 12:3–8; 1 Cor 12:4–11; Eph 4:11–14; 1 Pet 4:8–11). If a leader or pastor in the church fails to avail himself of or tap the counsel of gifted members of the congregation, his plans are doomed from the start.
Solomon repeats about the value of well-chosen words (Prov 15:1–2, 4, 7). An appropriate answer delights both the hearer and the speaker, respectively. The emphasis is on especially well-timed words, fitting to the moment at hand. Not only is it joyful for the person who can give such an answer but a blessing to the one who hears. For this to occur, the speaker needs to pursue wisdom (Prov 2:1–7), discernment (Prov 15:14; Hebrews 5:14), and the hearer also be receptive and ready (Prov 5:7; 15:31). Jesus spoke with such wisdom that even the officers of the chief priests and Pharisees admitted, "No one ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). Our answers and words should bring encouragement to those who ask for a reason for our hope in Christ (1 Pet 3:15).
Again, Solomon reiterated that the upright is traveling an upward path. This metaphor is common in the Old Testament and refers to "the path of life." Solomon also adds that wise persons (Proverbs 1:7) are turning away from Sheol. This term refers to the realm of the dead. All who trust in Jesus as Savior are on this path (Mat 7:13–14; John 14:6). Whoever receives the gospel and believes on Jesus Christ passes from death unto life.[John 5:24] He escapes the sentence of eternal punishment and is bound for heaven. Paul states, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." [Rom 8:1]
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God’s Word for Today
19 Dec, 2024
20 A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
- Prov 15:20-21ESV
A GLAD FATHER
The children’s lives either honor or dishonor the parents. The obedient son is respectful of his parents. Thus, he honors the Lord, who commands, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Ex 20:12; Eph 6:1–3). Consequently, the parents of a wise son experience gladness because of his obedience to them and to God. In contrast, the foolish hates his parents. He resents the rules and discipline even when it's given in a loving way (Prov 15:5; Prov 12:1, Eph 6:4). Children are unique. And they respond differently even when they have the same parents. One child honors his parents by wisely fearing the Lord and obeying them. Whereas, another child rebels against them and rejects the Lord. Nevertheless, every child is accountable to the Lord for his attitudes and actions. And, it is the solemn duty of parents to nurture every child in the right direction.
The foolish child chooses to ignore discipline and ignores God. ‘Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense.”[v.21a] Why? It is because there can be temporary pleasures and amusements that sin may bring (Heb 11:25). Thus, the one lacking discernment has fun with sin for he fails to take it seriously and see its dangers ahead (Prov 11:19). This indicates that he has no relationship with God and is dead spiritually. It’s sad that Paul writes about these unrighteous people "who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.[ 2 Thes 2:12 ]" The Devil deludes people by suggesting that sinful pleasure is the true pleasure. But, true pleasure is found only in doing God's will. Paul writes, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”[Rom 12:1,2] The psalmist also writes: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psa 16:11).
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God’s Word for Today
18 Dec, 2024
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,
but the path of the upright is a level highway.
- Prov 15:18-19 ESV
BE SLOW TO ANGER
A strong person is self-controlled. He is able to contain the pressure of exploding or from outbursts. Whereas, a hot-tempered man gets quarrels easily. The lashing out of hurting words and actions sparks friction in a volatile environment. A hot-tempered person creates conflict. And, we don’t want to associate with a hot-tempered person for fear of getting "burned”, do we? When anger gets the best of us, it reveals the worst of us. Do remember that ‘anger’ is just one letter short of ‘danger.’
In contrast, he who is ‘slow to anger’ will diffuse a great deal of strife. His soft answer will turn away wrath.[Prov 15:1] Not all anger is sinful. Jesus was angry and overturned the tables at the temple. Yet, he did not sin. Jesus denounced unrighteous anger by saying, "Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment" (Mat 5:22). In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice" (Eph 4:31). The person who controls his anger keeps disagreements from reaching a boiling point. He is a peacemaker to whom Jesus promised blessing (Mat 5:9).
Solomon relates the slowness of a sluggard contrasted to the quickness of the hot-tempered person. Solomon uses an image of a neglected path by the "sluggard," or lazy person. It is grown with thorns that make it look ugly and impede progress. One couldn’t make progress while walking directly through a bristly hedge, could he? Like thorns on a path, laziness in a person's life reduces beauty and keeps him from accomplishing what is important. His life is full of obstructions, and it is going nowhere (Prov 10:4, 26; 12:27). In contrast, the path of the ‘upright’ is unobstructed and straight. This is neither a guarantee that life will be easy nor his hard work will always result in great success for the godly. The lesson is in the contrast that is, if the goal is to progress in life, laziness is like walking through thorn bushes while godliness and effort are like taking a smooth and flat highway (Psa 16:11; 25:10; Prov 4:18; 15:21).
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Text: Proverbs 15:16-17 (ESV)
16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
than great treasure and trouble with it.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
THE BETTER LIFE
Life can’t be perfect but be better. It is possible by having the right choices. Firstly, it’s the choice of worshipping God regardless of ones economic status. Living with less material wealth but knowing and honoring God is better than being prosperous and suffering the consequences of a godless life. The term "fear" is used here to mean a form of holy reverence and obedience. It is neither a state of terror or panic nor living a joyless life. Honoring God begins with acknowledging His role as our Creator and Master (Prov 1:7; 8:13; 14:27). Regardless of earthly circumstances, a sincere relationship with God changes our perspective. (Prov 15:13–14). Knowing and honoring God enables the believer to endure hardships and pressures (Phil 4:13), with a calmness in the soul, and to know God is working all things for the believer's good (Rom 8:28–30). This success comes from faithful living, which is far more secure and fulfilling in life. (Prov 10:29).
In contrast, wealth does not guarantee happiness or peace, does it? In fact, chasing money while ignoring God tends to produce anxiety and insecurity (Prov 10:9; 11:4). The Hebrew word can be translated as "trouble," "turmoil," "confusion," or even "panic." Godless living, itself, brings risks and consequences (Prov 13:15).
Another choice for a better life is the pursuit of deeper and faithful relationships of love. Possessions alone do not bring happiness and peace to a relationship. This is true especially in marriage. A husband and wife may become rich enough to dine at exquisite restaurants, live in a huge house, buy expensive furnishings, and drive luxury cars. And yet, if they hate and despise each other, their luxurious life will feel like hell. Love and fellowship make all the difference, even in lean times. A meal of plain bread and water eaten with those we love, is far more satisfying than a steak dinner among those who hate each other.
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Text: Proverbs 15:13-15 (ESV)
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil,
but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
A GLAD HEART
Joy is reflected in one’s face. But, people can "put on a happy face", pretend that all is well, and disguise their feelings. But, this sorrow can’t be hidden for too long. It will crush his spirit. Generally, however, our emotions are displayed in our physical bodies. This joyful heart is a by-product of living by faith that enables a person to live above his circumstances. Paul testifies, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” [Phil 4;13] His response to difficult circumstances is shown in his letter to the Philippian church. He could have succumbed to despair but he radiated joy. He was ‘joyful’ despite being shackled to guards while under house arrest in Rome. Moreover, he faced the possibility of being executed. But, he writes, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy" (Phil 1:3–4). His thankfulness and memory of past blessings contribute to his glad heart.
Solomon writes about a man’s right pursuit of knowledge, that is, knowing God. The righteous is in the active pursuit for God's truth (Prov 1:7; Mat 6:7–8). Those who sincerely desire godliness pursue such knowledge (Prov 8:17). This is because man is made in the image of God as His rational and spiritual creatures. (Gen 1:27) In contrast, those who reject God don’t seek God but act more like animals (2 Pet 2:12). This proverb employs a picture of livestock as the fool "grazes" on their own foolishness. This hints at their mindless and unthinking nature of embracing falsehood (2 Tim 4:3). An unbeliever does not know God so that he is "chewing on" empty pleasure, false notions, pointless pursuits, and materialistic gain.” Everyone who thinks earthly things can satisfy the soul is a fool. Jesus told the parable of the farmer to illustrate this truth.[Luke 12:19,20]
Moreover, the cheerful heart has a continual feast. He perceives his circumstances differently. In times of difficulties, he is not despairing to pessimism but confidently trust that God is in control. The afflicted without this trust perceives his days as all ‘evil’. The word translated "evil" means something unpleasant or disastrous. Those who are perpetually "afflicted" are constantly miserable under the weight of their own negativity. They make the worst of every situation. They create moutains out of mole hills. Negative people constantly complain and never see a bright side in any circumstances. They are gloomy, negative, and seem bent on making life miserable for others. The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.
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Text: Prov 15:10-12 ESV
10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord; how much more the hearts of the children of man!
12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
- Prov 15:10-12 ESV
A SEVERE DISCIPLINE
A wayward person can expect only a severe discipline. Stepping away from the established path means entering into uncertain, dangerous, and often deadly areas. Whoever strays from the path can expect adverse consequences. There is a way that seems right for a man but the end is death.
God loves His children. Thus, He disciplines them when they wander from the narrow path. The scripture teaches that "the Lord disciplines the one loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."[ Heb 12:6] His intent is not to crush our spirit but to keep us from harm. (Prov 15:4), His plan is to make his erring child better, not bitter; to draw him closer, not push him away, and to lift him up, not put him down. It should be noted that a person’s response is well to discipline if he confesses his sins and receives cleansing, as a result. John writes, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1:9] However, if the wayward person rejects correction, death may result. First John 5:16–17 exhorts believers to pray for a brother who sins, but explains there is sin that leads to death, for which believers should not pray
Solomon argues that God's infinite knowledge includes His understanding of death, eternity, and the consequences of sin. God sees Sheol and Abbadon. Sheol is the word for the unseen world, which refers to death or the grave in the Old Testament. Simply put, the Lord sees everything and everyone in the realm of the dead. God also sees Abaddon and everything in it. In the New Testament, Abaddon is the king of demons in the abyss, the" bottomless pit." [ Rev 9:1,11] Undoubtedly God sees the hearts of every man. Sadly, the scoffer remains hard -hearted. He shuns reproof. He won’t go to the wise and listen.
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Text: Prov 15:6-9 ESV
6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
- Prov 15:6-9 ESV
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND RICHES
Most likely, those who live and act according to God's wisdom see the natural benefits of his choices. They avoid the disastrous consequences of evil choices (Prov 10:8–11). They acquire wealth honestly and keep it as coming from the Lord. They conduct themselves as stewards of what the Lord has given them. As a result, the Lord blesses the house of the righteous with treasure. As the psalmist testifies,
“Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.”[Psa 112:1-3]
However, money obtained by wicked efforts results in trouble. Solomon explains, “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.”[Prov 15:27] The book of Proverbs establishes that rejection of God and His truth is the primary mark of "foolishness" that leads to future trouble (Prov 1:7; 12:1–3).
The righteous will bless others by his words. He speaks wisely and others benefit from his words. He speaks the truth and shares it freely. This is certainly true of a believer who shares the gospel with others. He presents the facts of the gospel. Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, was buried and was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Cor 15:3–8). It is also important that believers, who are Jesus' witnesses, do share the truth about Jesus and what He has accomplished in their lives (Acts 1:8). Fools ignore or reject the gospel message. Therefore, they could not share it with others.
The wicked are not honest in their hearts. His religiosity is just a show. God won’t accept that which is merely an outward show for the heart and spirit. They are not done in love and reverence for Him. On the other hand, the prayers of those who sincerely honor the Lord (Proverbs 15:9) please Him. And, He hears their prayers. A pretentious spirit is not only unacceptable but offensive to God. When the wicked pretends to honor God, his efforts are described by the Hebrew word which means something "disgusting." (Prov 4:13–14) In fact, his entire lifestyle is an "abomination" as seen in the next verse (v.9). Hollow gestures from those who refuse the Lord's truth don't please Him. Instead, they make Him angry. The righteous are richly blessed and honored while the fool will end up in shame and condemnation.
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God’s Word for Today
12 Dec, 2024
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father's instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
- Prov 15:3-5 ESV
THE EYES OF THE LORD
The Lord is a Spirit. Hence, He has no physical eyes. God communicates to us about His all-knowing attribute by using a language we understand. He uses parts of our body like the eyes. Our eyes are for seeing only things in front of us but God sees everything simultaneously at all times. Nothing escapes from the Lord's eyes. His eyes are watching everywhere and are seeing all things thoroughly (Heb 4:13). God saw the sin of David of adultery with Bathseba although he tried to conceal it. He sent Nathan to confront him.[2 Sam 12:9] Ananias and Sapphira lied before God the Spirit. Peter asked, "Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God" (Acts 5:4). Their sin cost Ananias and his wife Sapphira their lives (Acts 5:5, 9–10). The Lord also sees the good works of the righteous and rewards them accordingly.[Heb 6:10]. Jesus says, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet 's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person 's reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." [Mat 10:42-42]
Solomon compares a gentle tongue to a tree of life. A properly nourished tree grows and provides shade and refreshment for all who seek its shelter. A fruit-bearing tree provides sustenance for those who take in what it produces. In the same manner, encouraging words coming from a wise tongue provide refreshment and sustenance for those who hear. This applies to both friends and enemies. Calm, truthful, and gentle words to others are received compared hateful, spiteful, or "perverse" reactions. Conversely, perverse words could break the spirit. Paul warned us, “writes: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."[Eph 4:29]
Prudence and foolishness are seen in one’s attitude towards God’s instructions and reproofs. While the prudent heeds reproof the foolish despises it. This contrast shows the disparity of the values between the prudent and foolish, respectively Today. may we would be sensitive and teachable hearts towards Him, who sees everything so that our words will be gentle ministering to all those who hear.
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God’s Word for Today
11 Dec, 2024
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
- Prov 15:1-2 ESV
THE STRENGTH OF SOFT WORDS
It is a paradoxical statement to say “A soft answer is strong”, is it not? A soft or gentle answer can diffuse a potentially explosive situation of seething anger or wrath. The word translated "wrath" here means rage. This is the kind of volatile anger that eventually leads to physical conflict. When we're insulted or angry, the natural course of action is to become furious, also. We do reciprocate the other person's rage with similar rage, don’t we? Sadly, our reaction of rage with harsh and hurtful words will make matters worse. Harsh responses only cause the enraged person's anger to escalate resulting tor hostility.
However. a cool temper refuses to fight fire with fire. This is the response of a wise person answering gently, and his gentle words extinguish the fire. At least, a gentle response will give no more fuel for anger to burn. A calm and polite response can ease out a great deal of tension to further argument. This response of godly wisdom and thoughtfulness comes out from a clean and regenerated heart.[Mat 12:34] Paul tells us not to avenge ourselves, but to know the Lord will repay the wrong. The believer's responsibility is to show kindness to an enemy: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:20,21).
Solomon observes that the wise person complements knowledge by speaking wisely. His wise speech persuades others to pursue and gain knowledge. The fool, however, speaks foolishly. It is so natural for them to say things thoughtlessly so this reveals their lack of knowledge. Our example of a wise person is none other but the Lord Jesus Himself. He possessed all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3) He astounded people with His wise words. At 12 years old, Jesus manifested His wisdom when He conversed with the teachers in the temple. "All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers."[ Luke 2:47] Later in life in His hometown Nazareth, Jesus taught those who were present inside the synagogue. Subsequently, they "were astonished, and said, 'Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?'" (Matthew 13:54). Jesus has no formal education yet He amazed people for He knew the Scriptures.
Today, let’s not neglect the word as Jesus did. May as the psalmist, we say;
“ Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.”[Psa 119:97-99]
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Text: Proverbs 14:34-35 (ESV)
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 A servant who deals wisely has the king's favor,
but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.
RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION
The strength of a nation might come from its military or economic power. But, the source of real strength is in the nation's moral character. Law and government will always turn towards the desires of the people, eventually. The presence of righteous individuals and families makes a nation strong, but wickedness in individuals and families degrades a nation and weakens it.
In the history of Israel, we see these truths. In the book of Judges, when the people of Israel ‘did was right in their own eyes’ and forgot God, Israel succumbed to her enemies (Judg 2:11–23; 17:6). However, when the people ‘repent and called out’ to the Lord, He delivered the nation from her enemies (Judg 3:9–11, 15; 4:3, 23–24; 6:6–14; 10:10–16). Also, during the period of the kings, their idolatry and rebellion against God caused both the northern nation of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah to fall and go into captivity (2 Kings 17:6–8). However, Judah had few good kings, and periods of revival occurred during their reigns. But, Israel had no good kings, so they fell a century earlier to the Assyrians (2 Chron 36:17–21; Dan 1:1).
“A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.” is an obvious reality, isn’t it? Today, employees and subordinates should seek to be honorable as they conduct their business. Far from cheating or embarrassing their superiors, they should seek to be diligent and reap the expected rewards (Eph 6:5–9). A few examples in the bible include Joseph before Pharaoh, Mordecai and Queen Esther in Persia, and Daniel in Babylon.
In our relationship with God, the same is true. To ignore God's will insults Him and results in negative consequences (Proverbs 14:31,32). He who honors God, He will honor in the end.
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Text: Proverbs 14:31-33 (ESV)
31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,
but he who is generous to the needy honors him.
32 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing,
but the righteous finds refuge in his death.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding,
but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.
HELPING THE POOR IS HONORING GOD
Solomon was extremely rich (1 Kings 10:23). Yet, he had compassion for the needy and cautioned that oppressing the poor was a serious sin, even an "insult" towards God. The word ‘oppresses’ implies fraud, violation, extortion, or taking advantage of others. To treat the needy in an abusive way offends or assaults God's creative work. The word "insults" means "taunts" or even "blasphemes." The poor, as all human beings, are created in God's image (Gen 1:27) Thus, they are equally valuable before God’s eyes(Gal 3:28). Hence, helping those who are genuinely poor financially or materially shows reverence for God as the creator of all mankind (Mat 10:42; 25:40, 45).
The wicked will end his life miserably. His evildoings are reasons for God’s judgment. When God judges him, he has no defense. This will happen during the great white throne judgment so that all the guilty will find no hiding place. (Rev 20:11–15) In contrast, the Lord promised not to leave or forsake the righteous.[heb 13:5] The Lord is with the righteous even when they walk through dangers and discouragements of life (Psa 23:4). Death is an open door for the righteous to enter in and experience God’s splendor. The apostle Paul testifies that for a believer death is gain and to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.[ Phil 1:21, 2 Cor 5:8]
Solomon reiterated that a person of understanding has wisdom securely stationed in their heart.[v.33] This implies two things. First, that this wisdom is stable, present, and sure. Second, that wisdom is not in a hurry to draw attention to itself, that is, it is "resting," not "boiling," inside the understanding person. It makes him humble. It manifests itself in his attitudes towards his circumstances and relationships. They are unlike the fools who boast about their knowledge although they have none. Indeed, the wise is like the silent waters that runs deep.
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Text: Prov 14:28-30 ESV
28 In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.
29 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
- Prov 14:28-30 ESV
PEOPLE ARE BLESSINGS
A title of a king or prince does mean nothing without people to rule, does it not? People are a leader's greatest resource. They occupy positions of service, enrich the kingdom, and provide an army to protect it. A prince without people who are his subjects is just an an impressive label. He has no resources since he has no people. Later, it would be for his disadvantage and ruin. Good employers don't drive away good workers. This is a wise reminder to those in positions of leadership. They don't frustrate and chase away followers. But, if political leaders abuse or fail to protect their own people eventually would loss their following. One example is King Solomon, who reigned over a countless number of people. They were "as many as the sand by the sea.”, who enjoyed prosperity and were happy (1 Kings 4:20–21). Thus, Solomon's advice here applies to heads of state, company presidents, CEOs and all other leaders alike. Their employees are their greatest asset. Without people, their productivity and effectiveness will plummet and go bankrupt.
One of the things that drives people away is irresponsible, careless words. The ability to think before speaking or acting is a sign of maturity. He is a self-controlled person who demonstrates great understanding and wisdom. He weighs a situation carefully (Prov 11:14; 14:12; 18:13, 17) and reacts responsibly as the situation warrants (Prov 14:15–17). The fool, however, is hasty. A "fool" is not one who lacks intelligence but he ignores godly wisdom and makes ungodly choices (Prov 12:15). Losing his temper at the slightest provocation or at no provocation at all is a mark of foolishness, isn’t it? He is reacting from pure instinct without having gathered all the facts leads to embarrassment and a bad reputation. (Jude 1:10)
Then, Solomon addressed the issue of the heart once again.[v.30] The tranquil heart gives life. Literally, it means a "healthy heart" or "healing heart." This is in direct contrast to the envious heart. They are contrasted by the results. There is "life for the flesh" or "liveliness of the body" resulting from a healthy heart as opposed to "decay of the bones" or "rotting of the substance" to the envious heart. In short, the state of the heart has a significant effect to physical health. Envy, jealousy, and bitterness cause illments. Envy acts like a gangrene consuming the envious person from the inside. It may raise blood pressure, cause anxiety, ulcers, and mental and emotional stress. However, the righteous is forgiven and have the power to live a peaceful and contented life. These are workings of the Spirit within Him. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control [Gal 5:22-23]
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Text: Prov 14:25-27 ESV
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
- Prov 14:25-27 ESV
THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
Telling the truth is emphasized in the bible. Take for example the ten commandments. It says, “"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:16). Paul also enjoined believers to speak truthfully. stating, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let of each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."[ Eph 4:25] The witness in court is to pledge to tell the truth and nothing else by placing his right hand upon the bible. A truthful witness can save a defendant from the death penalty, or other serious harms. However, a false witness is deceitful, and his false testimony may cause an innocent person to receive a death sentence.
The person who fears the Lord fortifies faith. Difficult circumstances or alarming world events could not shake the believer's assurance that God is in control. The word translated "fear" here implies respect and reverence. While it includes some sense of fright or alarm, it does not mean horror, panic, or terror (Prov 1:7). Moses told the people "Do not be afraid." Yet, he encouraged them to "fear" reverently towards God when they received the Ten Commandments.[ Ex 20:20] This healthy respect for God and His truth helps a person to make godly choices and avoid the consequences of sin in their earthly life (Prov 12:28; 13:13–14; 14:27). It also encourages confidence that all wrongs and suffering will be corrected in eternity (Pro 10:29–30; Rev 20:11–15).
Moreover, their children, most likely, will reverence the Lord and enjoy the Lord's protection. Scripture is clear that each person is judged for their own actions (Eze 18:4, 20). Children who follow in the footsteps of their parents, however, can anticipate the same judgment (Deu 5:9–10; 6:4–9). The point is that the teaching and example of a God-fearing parent influences the children to reverence God (Prov 22:6; Eph 6:1–4). Hence, their children can share in the same confidence as their parents. They know the Lord has everything under control.
He who fears the Lord do receive life. It’s abundant as a fountain [John 10:10]. His life is purposeful. He does not wander aimlessly through life (Prov 14:15). Instead, he progresses like a runner whose eyes are on the goal of finishing well, focusing on Jesus (Heb 12:1–2). He looks beyond life on earth toward his heavenly home (2 Cor 5:1–10). There is no snares of death. Jesus has assured by saying, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25–26).
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God’s Word for Today
5 Dec, 2024
22 Do they not go astray who devise evil?
Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.
23 In all toil there is profit,
but mere talk tends only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,
but the folly of fools brings folly.
- Prov 14:22-24 ESV
WORK YOUR TALK
A rhetorical question like “Do they not go astray who devise evil? implies the gravity of the consequence of evil doings. Scripture often points out the great danger in that choice, both on earth and in eternity. In contrast, those who follow God's goodness more often experience good in this life and have corresponding hope in the next (John 3:36). The sinner's thinking is twisted. He thinks deceit and craftiness could bring rich rewards, but such thinking is flawed. Plotting evil can bring temporary advantages but it always leads to divine judgment (Psalm 73:1 -19). Those who pursue good experience the unfailing love and faithfulness of God. Jeremiah describes this in Lam 3:22–23, saying "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
There is no benefit in just mere talk. Talk is cheap. We call this ‘talknology’. They are the ‘NATO’ people, that is, No Action Talk Only. Words are easy, but unless we act upon our words, it rarely leads to anything of value. It's easy to talk all day about what we want to achieve, but if we do nothing but talk, we achieve nothing. In almost all cases, success comes only to those who work the plan to do. The slogan ‘Just do it’ makes sense. The wisdom given is that a grand, impressive plan or a speech about what will be done is not nearly as effective as actually doing something. If plans, or "mere talk," never becomes "toil," then the talk is useless. The smallest action is better than the grandest intention.
Most lazy people do talk big but ending up impoverished. But the diligent has wealth in the end. They are crowned with such honor. A godly, wise person who is diligent and hardworking (Prov 14:23) can give generously to the needy and have opportunities to provide for others. They can use their wealth to serve God. Whereas, the fools engage in foolishness and hurtful pursuits. They don’t use their wealth to help others and to serve God. When life ends, they will have nothing to look forward to except judgment (John 3:36; Prov 10:7).
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God’s Word for Today
4 Dec, 2024
20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,
but the rich has many friends.
21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,
but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
- Prov 14:20-21 ESV
BE GENEROUS TO THE POOR
In this world, wealth does determine relationships, does it not? It’s a reality that people will befriend someone, who is rich. It’s not surprising. Rich people could help them as they have the resources. Whereas, the poor neighbor has no resources to help others. The poor person often experiences social injustice as their neighbors shun him. On the other hand, the rich have an easier time finding help and support. People snub the poor but befriend the rich to get something from them. Indeed, fake friendship and true friendship are worlds apart.
The apostle James condemns the prejudicial treatment to the poor and the hypocrisy of favoring the rich. He cites the occasion in which a man wearing a gold ring and expensive clothing receives far better treatment than a poor man in shabby clothing. When the men enter the believer’s gathering, the rich man is ushered to a good seat, whereas the poor man is told to stand. In condemning this prejudice, he emphasized that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. (Jas 2:1–9)
It's a sin to despise the poor. The word rendered "despises" here is from a root word literally meaning "to show contempt" or "to belittle." Those who sneer at the poor or fail to care for them sin against the Lord. Those prejudiced people may have pride, stinginess, and hatred against the poor.
The flip side of this issue is the blessing the Lord pronounces on those who show generosity to the poor. God made provision in the Law for the care of poor people (Ex 23:11; Lev 19:15; 23:22; Deu 15:7–8).
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”[Prov 19:17] In the New Testament, Jesus tells a story of a rich man and a poor beggar. The rich man could have shown kindness and generosity to the beggar, but he didn't. The beggar had to try to satisfy his hunger by eating scraps from the rich man's table. When both died, the situation swapped. The beggar enjoyed blissful comfort, whereas the rich man was in torment and longed to have a drop of water placed on his tongue (Luke 16:19–31). The point of that parable is not that a person's eternal destiny depends on how they treat the poor. Rather, it's that earthly wealth is not a sign of moral conduct, even corrupt morals.
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Text: Proverbs 14:17-19 (ESV)
17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly,
and a man of evil devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow down before the good,
the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
THE PRUDENT IS CROWNED WITH KNOWLEDGE
A person with a short temper is like a volatile substance. A little spark an trigger a big explosion. This ‘flying off the handle’ at either the slightest provocation, or for no reason at all, shows how foolish a person is (2 Pet 2:12). It operates on instinct, not on careful thought. Having been controlled by their temper, they may say or do things they will later regret that land them in trouble (Prov 14:3, 14). James warned us, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." [Jas 1:19-20] By the the Spirit’s control, let us keep our anger at bay. [Eph 4:31] God can transform an angry person to be humble like the apostle John. He transformed him from a "son of thunder" into the apostle who appealed for brotherly love (Mark 3:17; Luke 9:54; 1 John 3:11).
A short tempered person will be hated by others just as the one who devices evil. This manipulative person who takes advantage in others will surely loss the respect and honor from others. He has a pre-meditated plan to harm others.
Solomon mentions in v.18 that the simple will inherit folly. The term translated "simple" here means someone too easily convinced or unreasonably trusting. Not every claim made by other people is true, or worth following. But, the gullible person accepts lies too easily. This approach gains them nothing but "folly." That flaw is translated from a word implying more than mere stupidity or error. His wrong choices will lead him away from God and invite disaster (see Prov 5:23; 13:16; 16:22; 19:3; 22:15). In contrast, the prudent person is shrewd in a good sense (Mat 10:16). He accepts God's Word as his guide, and therefore adds knowledge as he meets life's challenges (Prov 1:7). He learns to depend upon God's Word and the Holy Spirit for daily guidance and direction for the future (1 Cor 2:14). He grows in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18). To the prudent person, knowledge is like a crown; it enables him to trust God instead of his sinful impulses, and he reigns over temptations and trials. He is a victor over difficult circumstance instead of a victim of those circumstances.
Sadly, the wicked will eventually resign in defeat in the future. Evil may seem triumphant now. But, God's eternal perspective, all evil bows down before the righteous. The complete fulfilment of this awaits the return of Christ to rule the earth (Rev 19:11–16). At that time, He will subject the nations to His rule (Rev 12:5). Phi 2:10 states "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
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Text: Proverbs 14:14-16 (ESV)
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,
and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
15 The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.
THE PRUDENT GIVES THOUGHT TO HIS STEPS
The "backslider in heart" literally means "a turned-aside heart," or "a perverse understanding." He’s someone who has rejected God's wisdom in favor of their own preferences (Prov 1:7; 3:5; 14:11–12). Life is like throwing a boomerang. "What goes around comes around." Paul said, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."[Gal 6:7–9]
The fool promotes ‘blind faith’. Their gullibility is in contrast with the wisdom of thoughtfulness (Mat 10:16). Likewise, the Galatian churches were gullible. Instead of clinging to the true gospel Paul had proclaimed, they believed what false teachers told them. The false teachers preached a false gospel that required circumcision and conforming to the law of Moses for salvation. Paul called the Galatians foolish and bewitched. It is because they had begun in the Spirit but had succumbed to the belief that the works of the law were necessary for salvation (Gal 3:1–3).
The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. [v.16 NLT] The word translated as "cautious" here is from the same root word as the "fear" connected to "the fear of the Lord" in other verses. This implies respect or reverence, in contrast to something careless or arrogant. The Lord Jesus epitomizes wisdom in every situation, including the situation in which one is tempted to do evil. The devil tempted Jesus when He was physically weak after fasting for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness. Yet, He warded off all the temptations by quoting Scripture. Every believer should follow Jesus' example and take the sword of the Spirit, which is God's Word (Eph 6:17).
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Text: Prov 14:11-13 ESV
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.
- Prov 14:11-13 ESV
THE END OF JOY MAY BE GRIEF
Outwardly, a concrete house is more durable than a tent. But a "house" built on evil is far weaker than even a "tent" built on godly wisdom (Prov 1:7). The efforts of godless people will be reduced to nothing. What seem to be insignificant for those who honor God will last (Mat 6:19–21; Prov 12:7). It’s vain to envy the wicked for judgment will come upon them sooner or later. Those who believed in Jesus might suffer now. But, they will make up "a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" (Rev 7:9) for they are joint heirs with Him (Rom 8:17).
The fools are oblivious to their coming destruction. They think that their ‘way ‘ is the right way. He trusts his own thinking over and above God [Prov 3:5] Since the heart of man is deceitful, human desires can lead to disaster (Jer 17:9). Unless a person comes to faith in Christ, he is like a “sheep having gone astray, pursuing his own way."[Isa 53:6]
A life without God is miserable at the end. Earthly happiness is fleeting (Mat 6:19–21). Appearances can be deceiving (1 Sam 16:7; John 7:24). The sinner may be full of laughter but inside is in deep pain. Only Jesus can give real peace. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”[John 14:27]
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells us the vanity of the pursuit of meaning and satisfaction in this world. After trying everything, he concludes his book by exhorting us to seek the Lord as our priority (Ecc 12:13). “She who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.”[1 Tim 5:6]
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Text: Prov 14:9-10 ESV
9 Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
- Prov 14:9-10 ESV
HAVE A SENSITIVE HEART
Fools mock at sin. They think it is laughable to seek forgiveness for sin. In most cases, this is because they are hardened by the deceitfulness of sin[Heb 3:13]. Their value is convoluted. Fools call evil good and good evil (Isa 5:20).
Be warned. Making light of sin do insult the Savior, who paid the ultimate price to redeem sinners. "Christ died for our sins."[1 Cor 15:3] The price of our redemption was the blood of Christ (1 Pet 1:18–19). Jesus received the wrath of God because of our sins. Thus, the righteous takes a far different attitude toward sin. They do abhor their sin and humbly seek God's forgiveness, don’t they? (1 John 1:9). As a result, they enjoy acceptance with God (Heb 4:14–16). Take for example the prodigal son who humbled and repented. He was welcomed by the father who was always waiting for him to return. Similarly, God welcomes every repentant sinner with wide open arms. And, there is rejoicing in heaven taking place as a result (Luke 15:7, 20).
Consequently, the result of forgiveness is joy. This is the reason why the repentant king David prayed, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”[Psa 51:12] The forgiven is released from the bondage of guilt . Without forgiveness, the heart continues to suffer the pain of its own bitterness. Only God can do this. Nobody else. Those who He sets free are free indeed. And as freed they have unspeakable joy. This joy can’t be shared. No stranger shares its joy. No one can experience another person's joy. Every person goes through private emotions in his inner being.
Jesus is the only one who can share our deepest emotions. As Heb 4:15,16 declares, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Let’s be warned today not to have a hardened heart to mock at sin. But, let us have a soft heart to confess, repent and receive the forgiveness of our sins. And as a result, we’ll experience the ‘restoration of joy’ in our hearts.
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God’s Word for Today
28 Nov, 2024
5A faithful witness does not lie,
but a false witness breathes out lies.
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
7 Leave the presence of a fool,
for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,
but the folly of fools is deceiving.
- Prov 14:5-8 ESV
LEAVE THE PRESENCE OF A FOOL
The wise and fool are diametrically opposite. The wise do strive to learn and not to lie while the fool mocks wisdom and ‘breaths out’ lies naturally. There is no middle ground. The difference is foundational. Their innate desires are completely opposite. Then, how should the wise person relate to the fool?
Solomon has a clear admonition, that is, “Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.”[v.7] There is wisdom in silence and leaving, is it not? Life is too short to waste in pursuits that won’t matter before God. No one can be too close to the fire and not get the heat of it. In the same manner, spending time with a scoffer may influence us in the long run.
We should leave them but not without respecting them. There should be no air of superiority to disparage them. We are no better than anyone except or the grace that we received from God. It’s not our smartness or cleverness that we know God. We know God because He reveals to us through the Spirit. And, as recipients of His grace, we could never be proud. We are what we are by the grace of God alone.
What does it mean to us today? First, let’s guard our hearts. Let’s not be influenced by the lies of the fools. Let’s always keep our hearts with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life. [Prov 4:23] The apostle Paul admonishes us, saying, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”[Phil 4:8] Our minds must focus on these things. Secondly, let us guard our time. The days are evil so we have to ‘guard’ our time for fruitful pursuits, even redeem it. Paul says, “ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”[Eph 5:15-17]
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God’s Word for Today
27 Nov, 2024
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
- Prov 14:4 ESV
THE STRENGTH OF AN OX
The basketball team, Chicago Bulls, has dominated NBA in the 80’s under the leadership of Michael Jordan. During those years, the bull’s head icon with flaming eyes and towering twin sharp horns became a dominant figure portraying power and strength. This icon has been proudly displayed in Sporting Stores and jerseys the basketball enthusiasts wear. The bull or ox is noted for its strength in agriculture.
The absence of an ox gives a picture of a clean manger – no dung, no foliage no urine smell. The manger is empty and silent. But, it means also that the barn is empty. Without the ox to till and plow the field, there will be no grains. It’s by the strength of an ox that there will be abundant harvest of crops. This is how essential the ox is in farming.
Of course, the farmer has to take care this working animal. He should feed him. The animal consumes a great deal of foliage and grass. Consequently, it produces a considerable amount of waste. This means the food trough and barn have to be stocked always. The farmer should not neglect the unpleasant and menial work to keep the ox fed and healthy. This is indispensable in farming. The result, however, is something that only the strength of the oxen can provide - a plentiful harvest.
What does this mean to us today?
Firstly, we should not despise those who give us favor in life. A working animal should not be abused. Moses said, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.”[Deut 25:4] Solomon even added, saying: “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”[Prov 12:10] Should we not be much more good in treating people – the servants and employees working tirelessly and diligently for their masters or employers? Let us not be a fool to kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
James sternly warned against abusive landlords to their underprivileged laborers, saying,” Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.”[Jas 5:1-6]
The second thing to take note is hard work pays dividends. An honest day's work for an honest day's pay is a worthy principle to live by. Trying to feed and clean oxen is a tedious job. But, it’s an unimaginable hardship to farm without an ox.
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Text: Proverbs 14:1-3 (ESV)
1 The wisest of women builds her house,
but folly with her own hands tears it down.
2 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord,
but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,
but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
WISDOM BUILDS
A wise woman builds her home. She plays an integral part in homemaking. Her influence could never be taken for granted as we see the effects by her absence. She manages money or resources, even invests them into her ministry for the benefit of her family and others unto the glory of God. She is the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. A woman mindful of the needs of her family and eager to live out God's call on her life in every season. In contrast, the foolish woman is unconcerned about the needs of her husband and children. She does not honor the Lord nor seek to live out His calling on her life. Rather than build up her family, her actions damage her family.
What determines the character of the person is his reverence to God, is it not? The term translated "uprightness" implies something "straight" or honest.[Prov 2:13; 4:11] In contrast, the devious person is perverted and defiant in his ways. Jesus made this distinction very clear when He said, "So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit" (Mat 7:17–18). Their fruits will make them apparent [Mat 7:20] A person who reverences the Lord despises sin while he who despises the Lord loves sin. There is no middle ground.
Out of the heart of the foolish person comes evil. His uncontrolled and thoughtless words do hurt others and will hurt him in return. He is shooting his own foot. Their own attacking words come back to haunt him.[Psa 64:7-8] His words will hurt him sooner as one hit by a rod at his back. Rods were used for self-defense and as a form of punishment for wrongdoers. The person using careless, hurtful speech eventually faces consequences. James says, “How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (Jas 3:5–6).
What does these all mean for us today? Let’s always cultivate the fear of God in our lives so we live uprightly. That our lifestyles and talks will build up others and not tear them down.
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Text: Proverbs 13:23-25 (ESV)
23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice.
24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
LOVE AND DISCIPLINE
Out of his diligence, the poor man may till his land and get enough food to put on the table. But, he may lose it quickly through injustice. An unjust person or persons may abuse and steal what the land produces from a helpless poor man. Unfair or unwise demands from a landowner may limit what the crop produces. The apostle James slighted the rich farmers to task for keeping their workers poor. They were unjust and cared only about increasing their wealth so they could live in luxury and abuse the poor. He writes in James 5:4–6: "Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you."
Verse 24 provides a principle in disciplining a child. In literal terms, this verse is about corporal punishment. But, it is not only limited to physical discipline. This should not be taken out and justify a form of abuse. A person who truly loves a child will provide discipline (Prov 3:11–12), to keep the child from developing evil habits and attitudes. The natural propensity of human beings is to indulge in sin (Prov 19:18). Laziness and dishonesty might be the result of lack of discipline(Prov 12:19, 24; 13:4). As everyone inherits a sinful nature, everyone needs discipline, is it not?
The righteous child lives a contented life. Contentment is an illusive virtue in today's world. His disciplined life does form a habit that prompts him not to live according to the things in this world. The wicked is pictured as the prodigal. He longed to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate but no one gave him anything (Luke 15:16). They hoped something from the evil world system, they won’t satisfy their hunger, but their hope is vain.
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Text: Prov 13:20-22 ESV
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.
- Prov 13:20-22 ESV
WALK WITH THE WISE
Definitely, the people we associate with do influence our decisions and our outlook on life. Their choices can affect our lives. Peer pressure is strong, and its influence can be either good or bad. There are sad stories involving those apprehended by police with friends doing violence and crime. Hence, the mark or evidence of a wise person is in choosing the right friends. Righteous persons seek God and godly knowledge (Prov 1:7; 8:33–36).
However, those who choose companionship with fools will harm themselves. That harm can be earthly (Prov 10:27), but it also can be eternal (Prov 11:7). Indeed, bad company corrupts good morals. To enter into a friendship is a choice. Let us be like David, saying, "I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts."Psa 119:63] Even, Moses commands, "You shall not fall in with the many to do evil."[Ex 23:2]
We are what we are by the choices we make. Those who pursue sin will reap disaster [v.21a]. Such people may seem to thrive, for a while (Psa 73:2–3) But, there is a terrible end for their wickedness (Prov 11:7; Rev 20:11–15). Paul assures us that "the wages of sin is death[Rom 6:23]." And, the prophet Isaiah declares, "'There is no peace,' says the Lord, 'for the wicked.'"[Isa 48:22] On the other hand, the righteous do enjoy God's peace, don’t they? The psalmist testifies: "Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble"[Psa 119:65] Let us take note that godly people may experience pain and suffering in this world (John 16:33), but they hope for the glory of God’s redemption someday(Rom 8:18).
The ‘what you sow you reap principle’ of God’s dealings with mankind is expressed by Paul. He teaches that "the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."[Gal 6:8] Thus, Paul encourages the believers not to "grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up" (Gal 6:9).
Most likely, the righteous who avoid company with the foolish will handle his treasures well as good stewards.[Prov 1:7,11:25,19:17] He is not following the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, or the pride of life but spends as a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to him. He wisely lives within his means, and responsibly leaves inheritance to his children and grandchildren. In contrast, the foolish person rejects God (see Psa 10:4). Resultingly, he would waste or lose his wealth through unwise spending. Or. It is taken away from him as punishment for their crimes.
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Text: Prov 13:15-19 ESV
15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools
- Prov 13:15-19 ESV
A DESIRE FULFILLED IS SWEET TO THE SOUL
A person who has good sense is a prudent person. He has a common sense. He always acts with knowledge. In other words, he is conscientious to act and make decisions based on what he knows is best. He tries his best to follow that which is good, according to godly instruction and wisdom. He heeds reproof and take it humbly. As a faithful envoy, he brings healing. As a result, he obtains favor in life. His desire will be fulfilled and is sweet to the soul.
In contrast, the wicked or the fool flaunts his folly. He bragged about his foolishness and evil deeds. In fact, the idea of turning away from evil is an abomination to them. Unless, he turn around from his wicked way, destruction is certain. [Prov 16:25] poverty and disgrace come to him surely. He is undependable. Thus, he causes problems for his untrustworthiness.
How do we response from these words today? Let’s delight upon the Lord. As Psa 37:3-6 says;
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”
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God’s Word for Today
21 Nov, 2024
13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death.
- Prov 13:13-14 ESV
DO HONOR THE WORD
Honoring the ‘word’ is shown by following good instruction from an authority having godly wisdom.[Prov 1:7] Doing so brings reward or blessing. "Word" means "instruction," or "advice" here in other translations. The Hebrew term is dā'bār, which implies a message, commandment, or instruction. This is not an explicit reference to Scripture. Although, what's written in the Bible is certainly included in the wisdom that a godly person will pursue. (Prov 6:23; Psalm 1:1–2).
But, the person who laughs off such teaching brings ruin on himself. This person who "despises" instruction is the scoffer depicted in other verses as a fool (see Prov 9:7–12; 13:1).
The difference between the blessing of obedience and the ruin for disobedience is told by Jesus in His parable about the two builders. The wise builder constructed his house upon a rock, and it survived when heavy winds, torrential rains, and rising floods came. The foolish man, however, built his house upon the sand. Thus, it collapsed when strong wind, heavy rain, and swirling floods came. Jesus compared the wise builder to whoever hears and obeys His words and the foolish builder to whoever hears His words but fails to obey them, respectively. (Read Mat 7:24–27). In Luke 8:18, Jesus also says, "Take care then how you hear." When Jesus addressed the seven churches of Asia Minor, He exhorted, "He who has an ear, let him hear." And, those who hear He promised to bless them (see Rev 2:11, 17, 26–29; 3:5–6, 12–13, 20–22).
Why should we obey the word of the wise? His teaching is a fountain of life. There is a warning that ignoring godly wisdom leads to both earthly and eternal consequences. (see Prov 9:7–12; 11:7; 13:15).
A fountain does refresh and sustains life, doesn’t it? This has allusions to Jesus claims before the Samaritan woman that whoever drank the water He offered would never thirst. He added that it would be a spring of water welling up to eternal life [John 4:13-14]. Later John wrote, “For he whom God has sent utters the words of God…Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:34, 36).
The other benefit of obedience is to avoid the ‘snares’ of death. This alludes to ‘traps’ having spring shut when unsuspecting animals step in. Think of the many ploys that the enemy has to deceive people to trust for his security. But, let us not forget that Jesus offers eternal and secured salvation. And he assures that those who believe in Him are safe from the eternal death that suddenly comes upon unbelievers (see Prov 29:1; Rev 20:11–15). In other words, our obedience to His words is our security.
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God’s Word for Today
20 Nov, 2024
11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
- Prov 13:11-12 ESV
LITTLE BY LITTLE
Generally, wealth obtained through instant means like lottery, gambling, and fraud is not valued. Most likely, it will be squandered through excessive spending easily. A few days ago, a Singaporean man stole US$230 million in cryptocurrency in USA. According to CNA, “Government surveillance captured (Lam) at Los Angeles nightclubs spending hundreds of thousands of dollars per night, and gifting handbags valued at tens of thousands of dollars,” a law enforcement officer told the court, according to court documents. Management at the nightclubs said that he tried to pay in cryptocurrency and was spending about US$400,000 to US$500,000 per night. The prosecution also has a receipt from a Los Angeles nightclub where he spent US$569,528.39 in one night. He also apparently bought a “collection of luxury automobiles”, some costing as much as US$3 million. They included custom Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches. According to the court documents, he admitted to buying 31 luxury cars, 22 of which had yet to be found as of Sep 24. One of those still missing is the car with “Malone” painted on its side. On Sep 10, Lam flew on a private jet from Los Angeles to Miami to continue his spending spree. He rented multiple homes in Miami, including one on Hibiscus Island and two other luxurious homes near the water. One of those homes had a monthly rent of US$68,000. In Miami, he continued to spend money in nightclubs, as well as on jewelry and cars.” In the bible, Achan is an example.[Jos 7:24-25]
Conversely, the wealth obtained ‘little by little’ is treasured or valued. Most likely, these hard-earned riches from hard and honest labor are managed well. Thus, ultimately, the money is kept, even multiplies with careful stewardship and investment.
In verse 12, Solomon highlights the discouragements and frustrations for not seeing their hope realized. The word "deferred" means “put off, delayed, or suspended”. When a person comes to believe his hope is meaningless, he may become frustrated, even be depressed. Today. many promote salvation by works instead of by grace. They frustrate the hopes of people who believe they will go to heaven by doing good deeds. However, Paul writes "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."[ Ephesians 2:8–9] He sternly rebuked the Galatian believers for believing the false gospel, saying "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Gal 1:8). "Accursed" means devoted to destruction. There is only one gospel that guarantees genuine hope.[1 Cor 15:1-3]
What does this mean to you and me today? Let’s behave as God’s people with living hope. As Paul said, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”[Rom 15:4]
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Text: Proverbs 13:9-10 (ESV)
9 The light of the righteous rejoices,
but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10 By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
THE LIGHT OF THE RIGHTEOUS REJOICES
The ‘light’ refers to the illumination a person in the ancient Middle East had in his tent. If his oil lamp did not stay lit throughout the entire night, everything became completely dark. Similarly, the life of the wicked’s life is a lamp put out. His light will not stay lit forever. The wicked person will die and be surrounded by utter darkness (Prov 11:7). However, the life of the righteous is a lamp that keeps shining. He will live not only for a long time on earth but also throughout eternity (John 8:12). Whereas hell is described as a place of outer darkness for the wicked (Mat 8:12), heaven is described as a place of brilliant, dazzling light for the righteous. The Lord will be the light of the righteous in heaven. In fact, there will be no night or any need for the light or lamp like the sun (Rev 22:5).
Verse 10 mentions the ‘insolent’ person. It comes from a Hebrew verb that literally means "to boil." This suggests a kind of bubbling pride inside that refuses to learn anything from anybody (Prov 1:22; 12:15; 13:1). He is a contentious, know-it-all, egotistical individual exhibiting a superior attitude. He is quick to quarrel and unwilling to agree with anyone with a different view. Such persons are heavy on talks but accomplish nothing (Titus 3:9–11). He is self-deceived and is not wise.
What does this mean for us today? Paul warns us, saying, "Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."[Rom 12:16] Let us not have a hardened heart. Let us have a sensitive heart to hear and obey the words of God. As the psalmist resolves,
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.”[Psa 119:105]
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Text: Proverbs 13:7-8 (ESV)
7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 The ransom of a man's life is his wealth,
but a poor man hears no threat.
WEALTH INFLUENCES
Whether we recognize it or not, either the possession of wealth or not has its own respective effects to our lives. Verse 7 has two views. Both views are taught in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it may carry the idea of those who put on an appearance of being wealthy when they have nothing, while others make themselves out to be poor when they have plenty (Prov 11:26; 16:19; 22:9). Secondly, this could mean that those who focus on material wealth are spiritually poor, while those less concerned with worldly wealth are spiritually rich (Prov 11:24, 28; 22:1).
Let us focus on the first view first. Why a poor man pretends to be rich and the rich man to be poor? The poor man appearing rich may get respect. It’s common knowledge that people tend to favor the rich and despise the poor in this world. This impartiality is condemned by Jesus. Jesus has warned, saying, “But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” [Luke 14:10,11] He taught an important principle that the ‘servant of all is the greatest.” On the other hand, the rich tries to appear as poor in order to protect himself from any robbery. A rich man carrying a large amount of cash is at risk, isn’t it? He is at risk of being robbed, kidnapped or murdered for his money. Hence, it’s not prudent for him to wear expensive jewelries and accessories in some places where he is not protected.
Verse 8 highlights the downside in having riches. A rich man has threats while a poor man has nothing. A poor man may walk in dark streets and alleys freely while the rich can not. Furthermore, a rich man may wonder whether his "friends" are truly friends or they’re simply pretending to be his friends to get something from him. Whereas, the poor man does not suspect his friends for they know they can’t get anything from him.
In the second view, the rich who boast and trust in their riches are poor before God’s eyes. This is the blindness money may bring to a person. For example, the rich farmer in Jesus' parable boasted about his abundant produce, but he was spiritually bankrupt. Jesus called him a fool. Jesus reminded him that material goods would not accompany him beyond the grave (Luke 12:20). Another example is the church at Laodicea that boasted about its affluence, but it lacked true wealth. Jesus rebuked them, saying, "You say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked" (Rev 3:17). Whereas, the apostle Paul assumed a humble posture. He testified that he was poor yet made many rich and had nothing but possessed everything.[2 Cor 6:10] He counted everything as loss for the sake of knowing Christ.[Phil 3:8]. It is better to be spiritually rich than to feign material wealth.
What lesson can we learn today? Wealth at best is only temporal, whereas "godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world" (1 Tim 6:6–7). Our security is God Himself. As Hebrews 13:5 has assured us, saying, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
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Text: Prov 13:4-6 ESV
4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
5 The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.
- Prov 13:4-6 ESV
SIN OVERTHROWS THE WICKED
An idle person often daydreams about what they want or what they wish to accomplish. Yet they never attain those goals because they are too lazy to work for them. It is a sad truth. This is depicted by the ‘Juan Tamad’ story. As Prov 20:4 says;
“The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
he will seek at harvest and have nothing.”
However, a diligent person is much more likely to achieve his goals, for he works hard to get them. God designs that man should be creative and productive at the beginning. He gave Adam the responsibility to work. "The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." [Gen 2:15]
Looking at another angle, the wicked only results in shame and disgrace at the end. He is hypocritical. He pretends to believe one thing while doing something else. In contrast, godly people have a natural distaste for lies and deception. Jesus derided the hypocritical religious leaders during his day. He instructed, "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others" (Mat 6:16). He warned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Mat 7:15).
He who lives in “righteousness”, God has promised to guard his way to keep it blameless. "Righteousness" means a sincere seeking of God's will and obedience to His commands (Prov 1:7). Those who follow godliness and sound wisdom have a much better chance of happiness and success (Prov 3:6; 12:28). Joseph and Daniel are examples of people living in ‘integrity’. In contrast, their false accusers were overthrown. Indeed, their sin overthrew them.
Moses said, “Be sure your sin will find you out”[Num 32:23] It reveals the sin concealed. The nature of sin is such that, whether or not others discover your sin, your sin will “discover you.” You cannot run from the consequences, can you? Sin carries within itself the power to pay the sinner back, and sin’s payback is hell. Thus, don’t even think about toying with sin. It cannot be tamed, outrun, or shaken off. No matter how you feel safe you think you are. If you are a sinner, your sin will find you out someday, surely. The only cure for sin is having forgiveness through Christ.
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Text: Prov 13:1-3 ESV
1 A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
- Prov 13:1-3 ESV
GUARDING OUR WORDS, GUARDING OUR LIVES
Once again, the father offers his perspective and advice and his son should pay attention seriously. Why? He speaks from his experience. Learning from our own mistakes is part of life; choosing to learn from the mistakes of others is especially wise. Sadly, a son who is a scoffer, sneers or laughs at knowledge instead of learning from it. [Prov 1:22] He exhibits a superior attitude that he knows more than the people who try to correct them. If he keeps thinking he is beyond reproach, he will face a miserable end. Why? For pride precedes destruction.[Prov 16:18]
The righteous person speaks productive words to others. And, it leads to good things in return. This is the general principle in life. If a person speaks kind words, others will speak kindly to him in return. Blessing others will reciprocate blessing in return. His ‘good’ words will bring positive words back to him. The word, "good," in this context, means what is pleasant to taste and smell. This echoes the concept that persons reap what they sow: those who "sow” goodness and godliness can expect to harvest more of the same (Gal 6:7). Similarly, he, who strongly desires to hurt others will also receive the same treatment. The term "violence" indicates what treacherous people crave and get in return. In a fruit-tree terminology, it is getting what is crude and unripe. They crave to do violence against their neighbors. Thus, they find violence backfiring to themselves sooner or later in life.
One more striking difference between the righteous and scoffer is their restrain or no restrain in using their tongues respectively. The fool speaks without thinking, without control, and makes rash promises that he has no plan to keep. He may insult, lie, tell secrets, and offer unsound advice. He may gossip or criticize others unjustly. ‘He will eat his words’ later, that is, his careless and harsh language will rebound to harm him.
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God’s Word for Today
14 Nov, 2024
26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
28 In the path of righteousness is life,
and in its pathway there is no death.
- Prov 12:26-28 ESV
THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS LIFE
We live in a spiritually darkened world. People are gullible and are easily led astray without guidance. The righteous can provide genuine help for others. [see Prov 1:7]. The gullible are easily enticed to engage in sinful practices (Prov 9:13). However, believers have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. God will lead them away from sin and into the paths of righteousness (1 Cor 10:13). Thus, they can advice others to walk the right path. It is apparent that godly wisdom is the means to life and success (Prov 3:9–12) while rejecting God leads to calamities.(Prov 10:27; 11:7). Whereas, the ungodly will draw others into the wrong path. Satan has capitalized the modern day media, portraying these as appealing and glamorous.
Verse 27 is talking about the difference between the diligent and sluggard. The sluggard depicted might be so idle that they don't even cook the food they catch. Or, they're too lazy to seek out food, or prey, so they go hungry, as a result. Thus, either phrase, "to hunt" or "to roast" are possible translation of the word in question. In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul advised the church not to contribute to a person's laziness by including him in the church's welfare program. He said, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.”[2 Thess 3:10-11]. The diligent, most likely, would not suffer lack. Diligent people can still suffer losses either providentially like Job or by the unjust treatment of ungodly men in work. But, God has His reasons like what happened to Joseph.[Gen 50:20]
In summary, Solomon concludes that righteous living has benefited the blessings of life. A man who evades an evil lifestyle may not escape from evil in this life totally. But, he would be much safer from it because of his prudence, discipline, and carefulness. Moreover, this may imply an eternal blessing of life. The righteous are those who trust Jesus. He is the resurrection and the life, and all who trust in Him as Savior will never experience eternal death (John 11:25–26). Paul affirms by saying, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
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God’s Word for Today
13 Nov, 2024
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad..
- Prov 12:25 ESV
THE BURDEN OF ANXIETY
Anxiety has nothing good to give to our lives. It’s an unnecessary burden that weighs us down. The cares of this world can weigh heavily on one’s heart and cause him to despair or feel depressed. Anxiety can not improve our conditions as one sitting on a rocking chair – moving but not going anywhere. However, a kind word, a word of encouragement, can lift his drooping shoulders and cheer him up. This refers to Proverbs 12:18, which talks about either the healing or hurting power of words. Solomon also noted the importance of carefully choosing and applying our words in Prov 10:31–32; 11:12; 15:1.
What did Jesus say about worry? Jesus warned us strongly against anxiety. He said, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear'" (Mat 6:31). Instead, He encourages us by saying, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Mat 6:33). Our king is supernaturally benevolent to provide to us, His subjects.
The apostle Paul, too, warned us against anxiety and admonished us not to worry about anything but to pray about everything with thanksgiving (Phi 4:6). The result is for anxiety to cease and God's peace would guard the heart and mind (Phi 4:7). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit has come alongside with believers to guide us in our walk with the Lord. He is called as our Helper or Comforter who will be with us forever (John 14:16). When we are tempted to worry, the Helper brings Scriptural promises to our remembrance that assure us of God's power, presence, and provision.
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Text: Proverbs 12:24 (ESV)
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
THE DILIGENT RULES
The term ‘diligent’ is related to words that imply something sharp or cutting. Thus, the impression is the diligent person refers to someone effective, in control, and is making progress. Other verses imply someone who is hardworking, in contrast to someone lazy or distracted with trivial things. These verses are;
“A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”[Prov 10:4]
“Whoever is slothful will not roast his game,
but the diligent man will get precious wealth.”[Prov 12:27]
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”[Prov 13:4]
In a lot of cases, the "diligent" worker is more likely to be promoted into positions of authority, while the lazy tend to be left to the least desirable tasks. The reason is obvious. A diligent person is more productive.
A diligent person has restraint. He rules the circumstances in which he finds himself, rather than being ruled by them. One example is the apostle Paul. He said, “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Cor 9:26–27). He continued to press on to become spiritually mature. He said, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:12-14). Even when he was under house arrest in Rome, he did not let allow these trials to dominate his thoughts and feelings. He learned to be content or strong in every situation. He claims, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phi 4:12–13).
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Text: Proverbs 12:23 (ESV)
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
SILENCE MEANS PRUDENCE
It is prudent to keep silent. This is true in most cases, isn’t it? It’s better to keep silent when we have nothing good to say, is it not? It's better to say nothing than to babble out something foolish. Even if others might think poorly of the silent person, there is great advantage in being careful with one's words. As we learned earlier from Solomon;
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”[Prov 10:19]
As somebody says, “The fish is always safe as long as it keeps its mouth shut.” More words, more mistakes. Also, an English proverb says, "it's better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." Indeed, out of the abundance of the foolish heart, his mouth will expose it. This is corroborated by Prov 17:28, that says;
“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
However, the prudent person thinks there is right time for everything – a time to say something and a time to be silent. A "prudent" person is a "sensible" person. He has a good sense so that he does not feel obliged to ramble about what he knows or thinks he knows. It is wise to keep quiet about one's knowledge, waiting for the right moment to offer good advice. In his show of self-control or restraint, he shows humility.
In contrast, a fool is quick to speak, likely to spit out something silly, even hurting, rather than helpful. He is wearing his heart on his sleeves. His “rash words are like sword thrusts.” (Prov 12:18). He mistakes his foolish counsel as wisdom that he feels compelled to share with anyone within earshot. As Prov 13:16, compares the prudent and foolish;
“Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
but a fool flaunts his folly.”
Today, let’s consecrate our hearts unto the Lord. Like David, let’s ask;
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”[Psa 19:14]
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Text: Prov 12:19-22 ESV
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
- Prov 12:19-22 ESV
TRUTH ENDURES FOREVER
Truthful speech lasts while a lie does not. Lies will self-destruct and destroy those who make them. Truth endures because there is nothing deceptive or false about it. “An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips.”[v.13] A lying tongue is but for a moment. "For a moment" translates Hebrew phrase which is the same as the English expression "blink of an eye." For judgment will fall on unbelievers swiftly, in the blinking of an eye (Prov 29:1).
Deceit is imbedded in the heart [v.20]. In the real sense, words are indicators of the condition of one's heart (Mat 15:18). Jesus noted that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Mat 12:34). As a result, the wicked people are filled with trouble.[v.21] He is caught by the web of his lies. And the most dreadful result is their words are an abomination to the Lord.[v.22]
In contrast, there is a great benefit in having good intentions, especially peace, for others. Jesus talks about the blessedness of a peacemaker. (Mat 5:9) He finds joy through helping others find peace with God and with others (Rom 12:18). In the church at Philippi, Paul encouraged two feuding women to end their differences by finding agreement in the Lord. These believers are his joy and crown (Phil 4:1-3). As a result, no ill befalls the righteous.[v.20] Certainly, godly people are not exempted from disasters. Like others, they have trials – typhoons, loss of loved ones, etc. But, the Lord is with them in every trial, supplying grace, strength, and hope unlike the wicked. For example, the patriarch Job has experienced numerous hard trials (Job 1:12; 2:6–7), but he possessed the secure hope of resurrection and seeing the Lord someday (Job 19:25).
And, their faithful lives are delight unto the Lord. [v.22] They are full of integrity and honesty thereby will bring delight to the Lord. To "act faithfully" is to do what corresponds to a clean conscience (1 Tim 1:5) and a sincere effort to do what one has promised to do (Mat 5:37). Every believer should be a person whose word is truthful and dependable. Indeed, those who are truthful endure forever.
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Text: Prov 12:16-18 ESV
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
- Prov 12:16-18 ESV
THE PRUDENT IGNORES AN INSULT
The fortitude of the prudent is his calmness. He restrains the show of anger. The fool, however, when annoyed loses control and goes out of control. The root cause is his selfish arrogance. The righteous controls his emotions. He does not fly off the handle at the slightest provocation. This is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22–23). The Lord Jesus is our example of self-control. According to Peter, He did not revile in return when He was reviled. Neither did He threaten others when He suffered. Instead, He "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Pet 2:23). Peter continues to write, "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling…'whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.'"[1 Pet 3:9–11]
As we move to verse 17, Solomon highlights once again the disparity of the righteous and wicked hearts. Honest people are honest, and liars lie. The person whose life is marked by natural, innate honesty gives trustworthy testimony (Mat 5:37). In contrast, the person who habitually lies can't be trusted, no matter what they say. Each person reveals his character by what he says. Having been filled by the Spirit, the apostles do speak the truth even when reprimanded. When the rulers, elders, and scribes commanded them not to speak or teach in Jesus' name, the apostles answered, "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).
Furthermore, the wicked has sharp tongue. His rash words are like sword thrusts. These ‘rash words’ involve speaking carelessly or thoughtlessly. There is a saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words, never!" This could be true in some extent but words can cause damage of their own. The tongue can either be used to hurt others or to heal their anxieties and sorrows (Prov 12:25). Unkind words can pierce the heart like sharp swords. Snide remarks, gossip, undue criticism, cursing, name-calling, and false accusations hurt people, and should not be spoken by believers (Col 4:6).
Indeed, the prudent has the ability to control one's tongue. He will consider words carefully before speaking. This is a hallmark of godly wisdom (Prov 10:19; 11:12; 17:28; Jas 3:2, 5). Believers are going to use words to build one another up not to tear down. (Eph 4:29) Paul admonishes, "Be kind to one another" (Eph 4:32). A prudent person will control and use his tongue to encourage others (1 Thess 4:18; Heb 10:24). He ignores an insult and even overcomes such evil by saying something good and edifying.
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God’s Word for Today
7 Nov, 2024
13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous escapes from trouble.
14 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice
- Prov 12:13-15 ESV
THE RIGHTEOUS ESCAPES FROM TROUBLE
An evil person because of his deceitful lifestyle will be caught in the ‘web of lies’. Psalm 7:16 adds that the wicked man's "mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends." Lies are like boomerangs. They are always counter-productive. Ultimately, they are to give accounts on the day of judgment. Jesus said, "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Mat 12:36–37). ‘One can’t keep the smoke in his fist.’ The justice of God against wickedness is like a mill that may run slowly but surely.
The righteous, however, escapes from trouble. Why? He is blameless but not sinless. He who lives in the light won’t stumble in darkness. As Jesus says, “If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.’[John 11:9] Because he tells the truth, he doesn’t have to worry about catching himself in his own lies. Words matter, and therefore they should be expressed thoughtfully and prayerfully. If the word of Christ dwells in a person richly, edifying, grateful words will exude from him. As Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” [Col 3:16–17].
The words of the righteous produce ‘satisfaction’. He is satisfied by blessing others with kind, encouraging words. In return, it gains the respect and love of others. Jesus teaches that goodness and kindness will be repaid. He said, "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put in your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:37–38). The wise words are echoed back to the righteous person and therefore blesses and satisfies his heart.
Sadly, the fool, not for his lack of intelligence, but has a hardened heart and mind to listen to reason and advice. He convinces himself that there is no God. As the psalmist declares, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'"[ Psa 14:1] He may have a PhD or a highly educated, but he is a fool if he denies the existence of God. The skillful or smart farmer was called by Jesus a ’fool’. He said to him, "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" (Luke 12:20). Surely the fool throws himself into trouble. But, the righteous escapes from it.
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God’s Word for Today
6 Nov, 2024
11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.
12 Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
- Prov 12:11-12 ESV
THE VIRTUE OF DILIGENCE
Solomon contrasts the value of hard work and worthless pursuits of life. Diligent farmers will grab the opportune time in plowing, preparing the soil,and planting. They know the importance of the early and later rains. As he cultivates his field diligently, there is an expectation of fruits from his labor. There will be enough food for their tables. In contrast, they, who waste their time on lesser pursuits, lack sense. That is, they lack foresight. If a person engages in gambling for example thinking he will get more money, he will be miserable in the end. As a result, they will suffer hunger ultimately. More often than not, because of their lack, they will be jealous in what evildoers have.[see v. 12] There is a great discontentment in their lives. Like a parasite, he would suck the life out of others. He won’t be able to stand for his own for he doesn’t know how to work diligently and be productive.
A spiritual application of this principle of diligence would be the urgency of reaching others with the gospel while there is time to do so. The harvest is ripe unto harvest and is plenty that needs much urgent attention. Jesus told His disciples not to delay in the harvesting of souls. He said, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest" [John 4:35] The contrast would be failing to harvest souls because of a mind sidetracked with earthly pursuits. The psalmist observed, " Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psa 126:5–6). Should a soul is of much worth than all the riches of this world, he who really wins a lot of them is wise.
Moreover, Jesus has taught us to focus on building up treasure in heaven, hasn’t He? (Mat 6:19–33). The righteous sees life through the perspective of eternity. He lives to honor the Lord, and he does not worry about material things. He seeks "the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Col 3:1). His life is fruitful because he walks by the Spirit (Gal 5:16, 22–23). Sadly, the wicked person strives to obtain treasures on earth because life for him consists only on worldly riches. It’s pathetic that he has no interest in what is eternal (Luke 12:15–21). As the saying goes, “He is the poorest whose riches are only material things and nothing else.”
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Text: Proverbs 12:8-10 (ESV)
8 A man is commended according to his good sense,
but one of twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be lowly and have a servant
than to play the great man and lack bread.
10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
A GOOD SENSE
A man shall be commended by good men, according to his prudence. His discourses and actions prove it to be in him. A man who gives practical proof of wisdom by life and character, whose words and actions show that he is actuated by high views, is praised and acknowledged by all. As Prov 27:21 says, “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.” The perverse, however, is despised. He defames himself by his crooked judgment of men, of things, and his relationships.
Solomon expresses a sarcastic comment to the proud, who claims and boasts as a great man but lacks bread. He boasts of his rank and family, while on the verge of starvation. There is no sense in his life. In contrast to the humble, who looks after one's own business and provides for one's own necessities. He even has servants to minister to his needs but he does not raise himself up.
Another good sense of the righteous is his true compassion, even to animals. God's mercies are over all his works; he saves both man and beast; he hates nothing that he has made (Psa 36:6; Psa 145:9; Jon 4:11) God enacted that the rest of the sabbath should extend to the domestic animals (Ex 20:10); that a man should help the over-burdened beast, even of his enemy (Ex 23:4, 5); that the unequal strength of the ox and the donkey should not be yoked together in the plow (Deut 22:10); that the ox should not be muzzled when he was treading out the corn (Deut 25:4): that the sitting bird should not be taken from her little brood (Deut 22:6), nor a kid seethed in its mother's milk (Ex 23:19). Sadly, the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. There is much cruelty mixed even with their most merciful actions when they pretend or intend to show mercy. As the Greeks say, “The gifts of enemies are no gifts.” The unrighteous are pretenders and treacherous.
May by His grace, we’ll say and do things today in good sense.
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Text: Proverbs 12:5-7 (ESV)
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just;
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous will stand.
THE HOUSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS WILL STAND
The heart of the issue is the issue of the heart. The righteous desires what is fair and honest for themselves and others. They do not scheme to take advantage of another person. Their thoughts are things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy things. This is the mark of the redeemed mind. Sadly, wicked people openly harbor warped and dishonest thoughts. Their counsel leads others astray. They suggest that evil is good and good is evil (see Isa 5:20). Like the thoughts of the wicked in Noah's day, that is, "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."[Gen 6:5]
The wicked deceives others in order to perpetrate evil. He is a hungry and calculative predator lying in ‘wait for blood.’ But, the mouth of the upright shall deliver them, that is, those for whom the wicked lie in wait. They speak the truth. And, the truth will set a person free. His words build up not tear down. Moreover, this could be his prayers to God, which are effective for him. And, through his importunity he will avenge his elect, and deliver them.
At the end, the wicked will be overthrown. The picture is for them to suffer a blow from any cause or of any degree, and they succumb. They have no power of resistance. What the stroke is, or when it comes, is not expressed but surely it is the just judgment of God - temptation, trouble, sickness - but whatever it is, they cannot withstand it. As Prov 11:7a says, “When the wicked dies, his hope will perish.” In contrast, the righteous has his house endure forever. This has allusion to the church of God, the house of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth; which is built upon the Rock, Christ. For Jesus says, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”[Matt 16:18]
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Text: Prov 12:4 ESV
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
- Prov 12:4 ESV
AN EXCELLENT WIFE
Solomon turns his attention to the ‘excellent’ wife. Just as a crown identifies a man is of royalty to others, a good woman does the same by bringing her husband honor and dignity. Simply put, he will make her husband appear like an honored or crowned king. She is beautiful from the inside out. As Peter pointed out, “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,”[1 Pet 3:3-5]
One example in the Old Testament is Ruth. Boaz commended Ruth, whom he later married, by saying, "All my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman" (Ruth 3:11). She is the embodiment of the virtuous woman in Prov 31. She does her husband good (Prov 31:12); is far more valuable to her husband than jewels (Prov 31:10), and wisdom and kindness flow from her mouth (Prov 31:26). Sadly, there are wives that bring shame to their husbands. Their bad and embarrassing reputations do cause much pain. They gave pain as one experiencing ‘rottenness to the bones’.
In closing, it’s a very important matter not to be hasty in choosing a spouse. Remember, both spouses can be either honored or shamed by the conduct of their partners. And, the Lord won’t give the second best to those who trust wholeheartedly for God’s guidance. [Prov 3:5-6] For “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”[Prov 18:22]
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Text: Prov 12:1-3 ESV
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.
3 No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.
- Prov 12:1-3 ESV
LOVE DISCIPLINE, LOVE LEARNING
Solomon establishes the strong correlation between discipline and knowledge. That is, he who loves discipline loves to learn more. A wise person takes correction and criticism under consideration. We can learn by trial and error, i.e., by experience. We learn from our mistakes. But, “Experience is the hardest kind of teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson afterward.”[Oscar Wilde] Why learn the hard way, when we could learn the easy way, i.e., to listen and obey?
However, the person who refuses corrections is ‘stupid’. He is somebody with an animal's uncontrolled and simplistic mind. Those who refuse to be corrected are like unreasoning animals (2 Pet 2:12). He may be highly intelligent, well educated, but one who refuses correction is inarguably "stupid," in this sense. Do godly people "enjoy" being corrected? Not necessarily, but they welcome constructive criticism and seek to learn from it. And, those who ignore these corrections "hate" them and are acting stupidly.
The results of these differing preferences are approval and condemnation, respectively. “The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.”[v.2 NLT] "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." [Psa 84:11] Previously, Solomon wrote, "For whoever finds wisdom finds life and obtains favor from the LORD."[Prov 8:35]
God condemns, on the other hand, him who ‘devices’ evil. This word means scheming or plotting. Paul assures us that "the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done."[ Col 3:25 ] A person may think he is escaping the consequences here and now (Prov 10:2–4) but eternity will prove him wrong (Prov 10:7). He will receive God’s condemnation sooner or later.
An evil or wicked life is marked by instability. “Wickedness never brings stability but the godly have deep roots.”[v.3,NLT] Isaiah writes, “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” [Isa 48:22;57:21] Their only expectation is God’s judgment. In contrast, the righteous are secured. As Isaiah says,
“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ [Isa 28:16]
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God’s Word for Today
31 Oct, 2024
27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,
but evil comes to him who searches for it.
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and whoever captures souls is wise.
31 If the righteous is repaid on earth,
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
- Prov 11:27-31 ESV
TO SEEK GOOD IS TO FIND FAVOR
It has been said that if you seek trouble you can find it. The opposite is equally true. You seek good you find favor. [see Mat 7:7-8] Should we look for good in others or seek ways to enrich their lives, we will most likely receive favor from both God and man. Psalm 84:11 affirms, that says, "No good thing does [the Lord] withhold from those who walk uprightly." Troublemakers can expect nothing but trouble as the natural consequence of their evil attitude and actions. The consequences will be both experiences here in this world and in eternity.
Wicked people primarily trust in their riches. Scripture does not condemn money, itself, but strongly warns against forgetting how fleeting it is. The righteous trusts the Lord. He will flourish like a green leaf. The picture of one who sows good seeds. Later, the leaves and fruits appear to bless him at the end.
In contrast, the wicked is sowing ‘troubles’ in his household. To "trouble" in this instance might mean to be disagreeable or unkind. Wickedness leaves no future to his family as inheriting the wind.[v.29] Their future will be consumed. They will end up serving the wise.
In summary, the righteous is a blessing, giving lives to others.[v.30-31] The Lord Jesus is the clearest example of this principle in action. He came to earth to minister and to give abundant life to all who believe in Him. Jesus "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him" (Acts 10:38). Today, as Jesus’ disciples, we do experience the same as we share the gospel with others and lead them to Jesus. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” [Gal 6:10] ‘For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.’[Heb 6:10]
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God’s Word for Today
30 Oct, 2024
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.
26 The people curse him who holds back grain,
but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
- Prov 11:23-26 ESV
GIVING MORE, GETTING MORE
The earthly and eternal destinies of the righteous and wicked are diametrically opposite. Firstly, in this world, the righteous person's efforts create goodness in the world. They are celebrated and appreciated for improving the lives of others (Prov 11:10). Conversely, the wicked with greed and malice generate misery. As a result, their death is often celebrated by the world. In short, seeking God produces good results, for both oneself and others (Prov 1:7). However, rejecting God leads to ruin (Prov 11:6). The second implication is about their eternal destinies. Those who sincerely seek after God will find Him (Mat 7:7–8), that is finding eternal life (John 3:16–18). However, those who reject God, continuing their sinful lifestyle, will find themselves subject to the wrath of God (John 3:36).
Again, Solomon extols the virtue of generosity. The generosity of the righteous has its earthly benefits. Their kindness to others will be repaid, especially in hard times. “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”[v.25 NLT] However, those who are greedy or stingy frequently find themselves ignored during a crisis. He who recognizes God’s ownership of all things and commits to using material resources to help others will be blessed (Luke 6:38). This is crucial in the ancient world.
Moreover, a greedy person might decide to hoard supplies, looking to profit from the desperation of others. “People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need.”[v.26NLT] That would allow the hoarder to charge a higher price as grain became scarce. The result of this is common sense: the people would curse them for doing so. However, a farmer who sold his grain, even in a crisis, to those who needed it, would be praised.
The apostle Paul reflects the truth of Prov 11:24 by writing: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully…God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:6–7). In commending the Philippian believers for their generosity, Paul promised, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). As a note, the motive of the righteous is not to gain more but to serve better for having more resources to serve Him more. Thus, it is giving more that we receive more, to serve God better.
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Text: Proverbs 11:22 (ESV)
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout
is a beautiful woman without discretion.
BEAUTY AND DISCRETION
What is discretion? This is a person's awareness of what is appropriate, respectable, well-mannered, or dignified. Thus, a woman with "discretion," in this case, is one who acts sensibly and with self-control, as opposed to one who is crude, offensive, or "tacky." The culture of women wearing nose rings for ornamental purposes was a practice in Israel as it is common in many parts of the world today. Because pigs are unclean animals, the comparison made here is meant to raise eyebrows. The disgusting and filthy snout of a pig is the last place for an expensive and beautiful ring to be placed. What a waste!
The life of Queen Jezebel is a classic example of the incompatibility of outward beauty and her ugly and immoral character. It does not fit. She is traditionally assumed to be very beautiful, but in the eyes of God ugly as a pig. She possessed the seven things that God hates. (see Prov 6:16–19). She hated and killed the Lord's prophets (1 Kings 18:4); led Israel into Baal worship (1 Kings 21:25–26), and planned to kill Elijah (1 Kings 19:1–2). The earth's last picture of Jezebel was a woman with a painted face and an adorned head (2 Kings 9:30). But moments later, she was thrown from a window, trampled by horses, and eaten by dogs (2 Kings 9:31–37). Her rebellion against God, lack of morality, and character brought her to a horrific end.
A woman’s beauty is enhanced by her discretion. She is the virtuous woman. She is priceless as Proverbs 31:10 says she is "far more precious than jewels." The apostle Peter in the New Testament stresses that genuine attractiveness is not achieved by adorning the body. It is by adorning "the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious" (1 Peter 3:4).
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Text: Proverbs 11:19-21 (ESV)
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,
but he who pursues evil will die.
20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord,
but those of blameless ways are his delight.
21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,
but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
THE BLAMELESS ARE HIS DELIGHT
It is an accepted norm that God rewards righteous living with life but inflicts death on those who lead a wicked life. Those who pursue truth, goodness, kindness, and mercy are more likely to be respected and helped by others, while avoiding the natural consequences of evil and selfishness (see Prov 10:24; 11:6, 17). However, this does not mean that they won’t suffer tragedy and loss and for evil people not to prosper (see Psalm 73:1–3).
Evil people are evil from the heart.[Matt 5:19] Solomon depicts the human heart as "crooked," meaning "distorted." Even Jeremiah does corroborate, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick."[Jer 17:9] In fact, all have gone astray and turned away from God. We have wandered away from God's truth the way sheep stray from their shepherd. [Isa 53:6, Rom 3;23]
Hence, the consequences for sin are guaranteed for those who ignore God (see v.21; Prov 10:16, 28). There is one important note we need to consider. Scripture acknowledges that godliness in earthly life does not come with an absolute promise of health and prosperity (see Psa 4:1–3; 73:1–3). However, the result of honoring God here on earth typically leads to more earthly safety and blessing (Psalm 112:2; 103:1-7] God delights in the blameless.
The absolute fulfillment of this truth is in trusting Christ and His righteousness clothed upon us [2 Cor 5:21; John 10:10]. Paul says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."[Rom 6:23] Throughout his Christian life, Paul maintained self-control so that would not become disqualified in the Christian race but would receive an imperishable prize (1 Cor 9:25–27). Thus, before he died, he triumphantly says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day." [2 Tim 4:7–8]
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Text: Prov 11:16-18 ESV
16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.
17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
- Prov 11:16-18 ESV
THE BENEFIT OF BEING GRACIOUS
In verse 16, Solomon is still making contrasts. Sadly, this verse suffers from translation from one language to another. The hidden point made here is not easily seen when moving to a different culture or language pattern. Here, he points to a woman who exhibits grace and gains respect from others, as opposed to the money earned by those who are graceless. The implication is that a gracious person can earn both respect and income, whereas, the violent or callous person can only gain money. The context of this passage shows the callous person's attitude towards obtaining and trusting money (see Prov 11:4, 7). Some translations hint at this implication by adding the word "only," though there's no equivalent to this in the Hebrew text, itself.
Solomon continues to explain that kindness tends to benefit those who are kind, while cruelty often results in cruel responses. He even says in Ecc 11:1, "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." The kind man is generous in sharing his resources with others. In return, God blesses him. The recipients do reciprocate the honor and kindness to him.
This principle is emphasized by Jesus in His sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matt 5:7). He further said, "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you" (Mat 5:42). In Luke 6:35, Jesus promised, "Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great." Even when other men don't reward kindness, God notices and responds accordingly (Mat 10:42).
In contrast, a cruel man is unkind which gains him neither admirers nor supporters. Such a person has nothing to look forward to but people's disdain and ill wishes. He lacks genuine friends and leads a lonely life. By being cruel, he hurts himself. His death is more likely to be celebrated than mourned. [see v.10]. If ever people would rally for him, the reason is most likely for material gain. There is no love and kindness.
We should not follow the path of the wicked, should we? Christ has cautioned us not to work for the perishable and temporary things in this world. But, we should pursue for rewards, that are eternal. He said, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.” (John 6:27). That is, Jesus told us not to make material things our main goal in life. Instead, our priority is the eternal riches.[Mat 6:24] During the Judgment Seat of Christ, only the things we have done on earth for Jesus' sake will receive a reward (1 Cor 3:10–14; 2 Cor 5:9–10).
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Text: Prov 11:14-15 ESV
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
- Prov 11:14-15 ESV
IN AN ABUNDANCE OF COUNSELORS THERE IS SAFETY
Solomon continues in explaining the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. We have learned that the righteous person speaks wisely and causes others to rejoice and be blessed. In contrast, the wicked person speaks foolishly and causes trouble.
Here, in verse 14, there are people who refuse to take good advice. They live in their "echo chambers," where all they hear are their own opinions being repeated. They are more prone and vulnerable to lies and errors, are they not? But, there are wise people who are seeking good advices from others. They take the step of conferring with other people. And, this makes them more likely to reach a good conclusion. Wise counsel may point out a person's weaknesses and his tendency to do the wrong thing. In Prov 27:6, it says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." Good advice is not always pleasant advice. However, true friends will not merely tell a person what they want to hear but what they need to hear. In the New Testament, we see Paul counsels Timothy to warn the church at Ephesus about the influence of such people He tells Timothy, "If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 4:1-3,.6).
The next verse [v.15] talks about the harm when trusting a stranger. There is a warning not to cosign a loan, or take on other debts or obligations, on behalf of a stranger. If the stranger fails on his obligation to make payments, the cosigner is held responsible. This responsibility might bankrupt him and cause him to lose all his possessions. Prov 22:26–27 says similarly, "Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?" In short, it's important to know the person well. It makes sense that we must know the person well by asking the advises from others. Indeed, there is wisdom in consulting others.
Let’s make the rubber hits the road. How do we apply this in our relationships today? Let’s acknowledge that God is the owner of all we have – time, talents, and treasures. We are simply stewards of what He has given to us. Therefore, we should be careful to use all these in a way that He directs for His glory. Let’s not squander these by poor and reckless decisions. In every decision, especially in helping others, we must ask God’s guidance through prayers and godly advise from people who fear God.
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God’s Word for Today
24 Oct, 2024
12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
- Prov 11:12-13 ESV
TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE
The act of belittling others is a foolish idea. ‘Belittling’ implies contempt or a sneering form of spite. A derogatory attitude towards other people causes friction and hard feelings. A good response is to remain silent instead of deriding others. ‘Whoever restrains his lips is prudent.’[Prov 10:19] “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”[Prov 29:20] A hasty word is the result of poor listening attitude. We should develop an attitude of loving listening. The purpose is to understand and minister the other person in love. As James says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”[Jas 1:19,20] God gives us one mouth to speak less and two ears to listen more.
Moreover, slandering others is a show of how wicked a person’s heart is. A slanderer couldn’t keep the secrets of others he knows. Instead, he would weaponize these secrets to destroy them. He is not trustworthy and unloving. The godly, however, is motivated by love. He is dependable not disparage others and violate their trust. He will keep the sensitive information he knows realizing that spreading it would not be edifying. Their heart is pure so that their tongue is kept in check. As Peter says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” This is not condoning the sin but dealing it wisely in love, seeking for the person’s best welfare.
Let’s reflect for a moment. Have you developed the art of loving listening? Have we been listening more and talking less toward our kids and colleagues? Indeed, silence is golden. It’s wise oftentimes to say nothing. Even the fish is safe when she keeps her mouth shut. More words, more mistakes; less words, less mistakes. There is wisdom in silence.
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God’s Word for Today
23 Oct, 2024
9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
- Prov 11:9-11 ESV
WHEN THE CITY REJOICES
It is a sad reality that there are godless people who destroy the lives of others. The "godless" is hā'nēp, which also means something profane or deliberately set against God. They launch verbal attacks on their fellow men. By contrast, the righteous person's knowledge will keep him from sinning against his neighbor. He is aware God commands to love his neighbor (John 13:34); to treat others fairly (John 7:24), rather than jump to conclusions based on the accusations of a godless man (Prov 18:13, 17).
The worst is for these people to affect the community – the city. A city filled with wicked people has reasons to mourn. Instead of building up the city, they are tearing it down. This is seen in the different attitudes between the righteous and the wicked towards the use of money and authority. When wealth and power are in the hands of godly people, their proper stewardship prospered the city and caused its people to rejoice. Further, those who pursue righteousness do not commit crime, and therefore bring a sense of security and stability to their community. As Jeremiah relates God's promise of stability and security if the king of Judah would "do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place" (Jer 22:2b,3). Whereas the righteous exalt a city, the wicked residents destroy a city by berating its officials (v.9), spreading lies and rumors, and dealing in crime and crooked business deals (v.1). Indeed, “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”[Prov 14:34]
There is a need to pray for our leaders. That God would change their hearts. Only God can remove the selfishness and greediness in their hearts. As Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy 2:1–2 to pray for our government officials so that "we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." He indicates, "This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Tim 2:3). Leaders who are not perfect but just.
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Text: Proverbs 11:5-8 (ESV)
5 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight,
but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
7 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,
and the expectation of wealth perishes too.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble,
and the wicked walks into it instead.
THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS STRAIGHT
The bible often speaks of a truthful, godly life using the imagery of a straight, clear paths [Prov 3:6; Isa 26:7] In the New testament, they walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Eph 4:1). They walk in love and they walk carefully (Eph 5:1,15). Why? They walk in the Spirit[Gal 5:16] His uprightness will deliver him.[v.6] Sadly, the wicked ‘falls by his own wickedness.” It’s as throwing a boomerang. For what reason? He is deceived or self-deluded. For “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”[Prov 14:12] The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. [Prov 5:22]
The upright person has a lifestyle of righteousness which makes him safe from harm. Why? He is not engaging in the crooked and deceptive sins which lead to natural consequences. In contrast, the treacherous person is a captive to his own lust. For a person to claim that he is free to do anything, including evil, is not freedom at all. It’s slavery to one’s lust. As James says, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”[Jas 1:14-15] One day, he will suffer the consequences. Moses has this warning, “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.” [Num 32:23] In short, the wicked, oblivious to it, walk into it while the righteous is delivered from it.[v.7]
At the end of the day, the wicked will suffer eternal loss. Solomon says,
“When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,
and the expectation of wealth perishes too.”[v.6]
There is no hope for the wicked should he continue in his sinful lifestyle. Death ends his quest for wealth, and his hope of becoming rich dies with him. Worse, the evil person plunges into an eternity without hope or redemption (see John 3:36). Yet, today each one of us is given the offer to choose for Christ. Paul says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”[Rom 6:23]
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Text: Proverbs 11:1-4 (ESV)
1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
THE INTEGRITY OF THE UPRIGHT
God does approve the honest persons in their professions. On the other hand, He has a strong displeasure for those who are dishonest in their business dealings. The prophet Amos exposed the crooked businessmen who were looking forward to the end of religious holidays so they could pursue their crooked business practices. They ask: "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great and deal deceitfully with false balances?"[Amos 8:5]
In verse two, Solomon said that the outcome of pride is disgrace. The word "pride" is zā'don, which also means "arrogance." One who claims he has no need for God in his life. One who is in self-indulgent living and full of ego. He believes he is the master of his own fate, but he fails to understand that pride goes before a fall. Like King Herod in Acts 12:1-23, wherein everyone shouted that he was a god and not a man. Rather than deflect such praise, he embraced it. Immediately Herod's pride turned to disgrace. “An angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last" (Acts 12:23).
The righteous person, however, is full of integrity. The Hebrew root word for "integrity" is tummah, also translated "blameless." This indicates moral wholeness or not having any moral blemish. This does not mean a person is perfectly free from all sin. As he follows the Lord’s instructions, he is safe and secure. But, the treacherous will end up in destruction. Judas is one example who was greedy and ended his life tragically.
The righteous is eternally safe and secured. They don’t fear death (John 3:36). Clothed in the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor 5:21), they enjoy victory over death, and when they die, they enter the presence of Christ (2 Cor 5:8; Phi 1:21–23). But, those who rely on money, instead of God, will not only lose their wealth in eternity, they'll lose everything. They don’t trust in riches but in Christ alone. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath. It’s his righteousness, that is, the righteousness of Christ clothed upon him.
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Text: Prov 10:30-32 ESV
30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.
- Prov 10:30-32 ESV
THE RIGHTEOUS WILL NEVER BE REMOVED
It is our common observation that those who sincerely pursue truth will find more success than those who defy God. The righteous will never be removed. This recalls God's promise to the Israelites before they entered Canaan, the Promised Land. In Deut 27:1–2. Moses and the elders of Israel reminded the people that they would enter Canaan, "the land that the LORD your God is giving you." The psalmist in Psalm 37:29 echoes the promise God gave to Israel in Deuteronomy 27. It says, "The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever." However, he also warned, "And as the LORD took delight in doing you good and multiplying you, so the LORD will take delight in bringing ruin upon you and destroying you. And you shall be plucked off the land that you are entering to take possession of it." (Deut 28:63).
In the future, the Lord Jesus will establish His kingdom on earth, and Israel will be a peaceful, productive, prosperous land in which the righteous will dwell. However, no wicked person will set foot in it. (see Mat 25:31–46; John 3:5).
Who are the righteous persons? They are those whose mouth speak wisdom.[v.31] Common sense indicates that what a person believes will influence how they speak and act (Luke 6:43–45). They praise God, thank Him for His blessings, encourage the weak, comfort the afflicted, and correct those who are going astray. They point the way to God by presenting Jesus Christ as "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). They teach God's Word as it is to people as they are.
The wicked persons, however, lack wisdom. Their speech is described as "perverse." They profane God and insult others. They swear and tell jokes that only seem funny because they are filthy. Today, this is prevalent in the entertainment industry, is it not? The language in movies, music, and television is often offensive for the sake of being offensive. They lie and twist the truth for their personal gain. They peddle false doctrine.
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Text: Prov 10:26-29 ESV
26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.
- Prov 10:26-29 ESV
THE WAY OF THE LORD IS A STRONGHOLD
The wicked is a disappointment. He is not dependable. His habits are as distasteful as vinegar and as irritating as smoke that gets into the eyes.[v.26] Later, Solomon will remark that relying on a fool is as irrational as cutting off one's own feet (Prov 26:6). Christians, however, need to take to heart the counsel Paul gives in Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." He also encouraged the Corinthian believers to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1 Cor 15:58).
It’s a common observation that most wicked persons don’t live long. Wicked lifestyles are prone to accidents, diseases, and retributions. It’s not a guarantee but an obvious trend. Most likely, the righteous have a long life. Why? He recognizes the importance of presenting his body "as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" (Rom 12:1). He refuses to let sin reign in his body (Rom 6:12). He does not present the members of his body to sin as instruments for unrighteousness. Instead, he presents his members to God as instruments of righteousness (Rom 6:12–13). He recognizes that his body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and God has purchased his body with a price, the blood of Christ. Therefore, he glorifies God in his body (1 Cor 6:19–20).
The wicked are hopeless. They just live for the here and now. But, the righteous has future ‘expectations’ [Titus 2:13] Peter assures the righteous of a living hope. He says that God "has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pet 1:3).
There is stability to the ‘blameless. The word "blameless," in this context, is not "sinlessness." Rather, it refers to the one who chooses to honor God with his thoughts and actions, such that other people have no valid criticisms against him (Prov 2:7; Psa119:1). Indeed, “the wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”[Prov 28:1]
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God’s Word for Today
17 Oct, 2024
22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.
23 Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 What the wicked dreads will come upon him,
but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more,
but the righteous is established forever.
- Prov 10:22-25 ESV
THE BLESSING OF THE LORD, IT MAKES RICH
Verse 22 in the original, it says, “the blessing of the LORD, it makes rich.” This is not a guarantee of prosperity, but a comparison between wealth gained righteously as opposed to that obtained by deceptions and sinful practices. The righteous person is not always financially successful. We know evil people can become wealthy (Psa 37:7; 73:3). But, righteousness, put into practice through wisdom, gives a person a better likelihood of long-lasting triumph. In short, wealth obtained morally is more secure than riches gained through sinful and illegal means. What a person sows he will reap. Deceitful dealings will put a person at risk of revenge, legal trouble, or other problems (Prov 10:2, 9). Furthermore, the pleasure of having wealth by sinful means could not clean a guilty conscience.
There is a big difference between the attitudes of the godly and the wicked towards sin. A scoffer or fool thinks of sin as an entertainment. For him, it’s a joke and humorous to hurt others and defame God. He takes pleasure in transgressing God's commandments. They’re unmindful of the eternal consequences. But, God has promised to punish the offenders when Jesus returns "to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way" (Jude 1:15).
On the other hand, the wise person understands the seriousness of sin and takes pleasure in wisdom (v.23). He delights in doing what is right in the sight of God. Like Jesus, he delights to do God's will (Heb 10:7). Knowing what is right, and doing what is godly, is not merely an act of duty for a believer. It's meant to be fulfilling and joyful, altogether.
The wicked will experience the fruit of their wickedness. It’s inevitable. The wickedhas fear of punishment for his evil deeds, whereas the righteous can look forward to the rewards of blessing and God's approval. As the righteous delights in the Lord, He will give him the desires of his heart.[Psa 37:4] The same psalmist provides wise counsel, that is, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday" (Psa 37:5–6). While the wicked will perish[v.24], the righteous will flourish. "The righteous has an everlasting foundation."[NASB] Scripture teaches that the life built by an unbeliever is like a house built on sand. When heavy rains pound it and a flood engulfs it, the house collapses; but the life of a righteous person is like a house built on a rock. Heavy rains and a rising flood cannot destroy it (Mat 7:24–27).
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God’s Word for Today
16 Oct, 2024
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
- Prov 10:17-21 ESV
THE RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED CONTRASTED
The person who refuses to be corrected do continue the wrong path through life.[v.17] Sadly, they set a bad example and are able to deceive others to follow them. They are governed by hatred.[v18] Hatred makes a person mischievous. A natural tendency of hate is the use blatant lies or deception against a victim. Often, a hateful person tries to disguise their contempt for others, even pretending to like the ones he hates. In doing so, he commits hypocrisy, another sin that offends the Lord (1 Pet 2:1] Love is the opposite. Love causes a person to sacrifice for the one he loves, but hatred causes a person to wish only bad things for the one he hates (Rom 12:9).
Moreover, the wicked people are incessant talkers.[v.19] James describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness" (Jas 3:6), untamable, and "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (Jas 3:8). They are not wise, therefore, to restrain their lips. James derides the hypocritical use of the tongue. He writes: "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so" (Jas 3:9–10). James offers sound advice to be prudent by exhorting, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (Jas 1:19).
In verses 20 & 21, Solomon expressed the wicked heart is of no eternal worth. It produces evil (Luke 6:45). Out from his heart come curses, blasphemes, lies, slanders, defames, gossips, that destroy others. However, the words of the righteous person build others up. Wise words point the way to life, both eternal life and daily life. They encourage, comfort, and provide excellent counsel. Out of the good treasure of his heart the righteous person produces good (Luke 6:45). His lips speak God's words that "are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times" (Psa 12:6). The righteous person's words are true and trustworthy, like God's Word (John 17:17).
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Text: Proverbs 10:15-16 (ESV)
15 A rich man's wealth is his strong city;
the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The wage of the righteous leads to life,
the gain of the wicked to sin.
THE VALUE OF HAVING WEALTH
We recognize that a wealthy person has an advantage over a poor person. But, we have to remember that his advantage is temporary and unreliable. A rich man's fortune can provide a certain amount of security. For example, if tragedy strikes and damages his house, he has the resources to repair the damage. If an enemy threatens him, he has the resources to defend himself. On the other hand, poverty can render a person helpless. He is unable to defend against an enemy or powerless to improve his lot in life. Money is not the solution for everything, of course. But it's apparent that being poor makes everything else in one’s life more difficult and challenging.
The scriptures warns us about trusting in riches instead of in God. Paul gave Timothy the responsibility to charge the rich "not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy"[1 Tim 6:17]. Is it wrong to have riches? It is, however, wrong for riches to possess us. Take for example, Joseph of Arimathea who was a rich man. He courageously demonstrated his loyalty to Jesus by providing a tomb for Jesus' burial (Luke 23:50-56].
Let’s remember the warning from Psalm 49:6-7, that is, , "Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him" Money cannot take us to heaven, "for the redemption of their souls is costly" (v. 8). In fact, it costs the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ! Even, Jesus warned us that money may keep some people out of heaven. He says, "It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mat 19:23]
It is not a sin to have the things that money can buy as long as you don't lose the things that money can't buy, that is, eternal life. Don't have any false confidence that simply because the bank account looks good you're going to live. You can't take your money with you, can you? But, you can use it today for God's glory. When you do that, you are investing it in eternity. Make your wealth eternal by letting God direct your use of it.[Mat 6:21]
Verse 16 reminds us about the result of our choices in life. The ‘wage’ here is not about money but the natural result of our actions. The pursuit of righteousness leads to life. A righteous person experiences personally what Jesus meant when He said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). However, the wicked leads a life that produces only sin (Romans 6:23). He may indulge the passions of his sin nature (1 Pet 4:2–3), but he cannot satisfy the need of his heart for an intimate relationship with God (Rev 7:15–17).
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Text: Proverbs 10:12-14 (ESV)
12 Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses.
13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
14 The wise lay up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
LOVE COVERS ALL OFFENSES
We live in a broken world. And, it’s a given fact that others would hurt us as we do to others, either advertently or inadvertently. Choosing to respond in love is powerful. This idea is repeated often in the Old Testament (Lev 19:18; Prov 15:1) and is cited in the New Testament (Jas 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8). In short, revenge-seeking never comes to a good end. It only multiplies anger and escalates a cycle of retaliation.
We have the choice to respond with love to those who offend us. This is not referring to ignoring sin or "covering it up." Love rejoices in the truth not wrong. But love does keep on trying to find common ground and ways to work together. It waits patiently for an offender to see the error of his way and repent. It is willing to forgive and reconcile. In so far as it's possible, and reasonable, love leads us to pursue unity (John 17:21)
Jesus specified love as the evidence of belonging to Him. He said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34–35).
Verses 13 and 14 affirm the importance of listening to those who teach wisdom. To love rather than to take revenge on our enemy is the wisest thing to do. This is in line with Jesus’ teaching, is it not? When Jesus ministered on earth, He spoke wisely, and His words carried divine authority. Multitudes gathered to hear Him teach because He spoke with authority. Mark 1:22 relates that, when Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath, the people "were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes."
Let’s reflect to the truth we learned today. Jesus is the truth.[John 14:6] Those who know Him are the truly wise. They follow His words and example in relating with people – even loving the unlovable and forgiving them. However, the eternal fate of those who ignore Him as the Word of Life will be tragic. Jesus said, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”[John 12:48]
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Text: Prov 10:8-11 ESV
8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
10 Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
- Prov 10:8-11 ESV
DO WALK IN INTEGRITY
The earnest seeker of God’s wisdom is teachable. He recognizes that he has not arrived the state of knowing everything. It is the posture of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus to receive His words. Did not James instruct us to "be quick to hear, slow to speak"?[Jas 1:19] The fact that we have two ears but only one mouth ought to remind us to heed James's instruction to listen more than talk. Conversely, the ‘babbling fool’ is unteachable. He’s a busy talker, not a learner. As a result of his unwillingness to accept godly commandments, the "scoffer" (Prov 3:34) will come to a deplorable end of his life.
The wise person has a pure heart. He walks with integrity. An honest and sincere life doesn't run the risk of being caught in lies or deceit, does he? No one can legitimately build a valid case against him. As a blameless person, he is "secured" in life. Such integrity should also characterised the Christian, should it not? Paul admonishes the Philippian believers, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phi 2:14–15).
On the other hand, Solomon also points out that he who conducts himself dishonestly and commits evil will be eventually discovered. How true is what Sir Walter Scott stated, that is, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" These arrogant babblers have the same fate to the eye winkers.[v.10] Eye winking has a reference to secret signs and hidden messages (see Prov 6:13). In this context, it means a signal to evil companions to join in deceitful acts and crime. In Psalm 35:19 David prayed: "Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause."
The righteous person, however, has speech like a fountain of life. Out of the abundance of their purified hearts will come edifying words. Their words are clean and invigorating. They edify those who hear them. Unlike the speech of the righteous, the speech of the wicked corrupts. The wicked commit violent acts and use deceptive words to cover their evil deeds (Prov 4:14–17; 10:6).
Let’s ponder for a moment. Either we speak edifying words or hurting words. It depends upon the state of our hearts. A tree, as our hearts are, could not ear good and bad tree simultaneously. Jesus is the truth. His heart is pure. Thus, Jesus said, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63). And, if we claim as followers of Jesus, we should carefully guard our speech and employ words that are gracious and seasoned with salt (Col 4:6). We should shun malice, deceit, and slander (1 Peter 2:1). We should not allow any corrupt talk to come out of their mouths, "but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph 4:29).
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Text: Prov 10:6-7 ESV
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
- Prov 10:6-7 ESV
THE GOOD LEGACY
The memory of the righteous is a blessing. They exude a good legacy. The righteous out of his good heart brings forth good, and the wicked person out of his evil heart brings forth evil. The motives of the righteous and wicked are diametrically opposite to each other.
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The wicked persons play hypocrites. Jesus exposed the Pharisees for their hypocritical hearts, saying, “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Mat 12:34–37).
Consequently, the righteous through their good deeds, will leave a memorable legacy. Their lives are blessings to others. Even in Psa 112:3, the psalmist tells us that the righteousness of the person who fears the Lord endures forever. And, he will be remembered forever.[Psa 112:6] Solomon also said, "A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth." [Ecc 7:1]
In contrast, when wicked people die, those who live on are more likely feel relieved than they are to grieve, don’t they? Their memory fades away and their reputation decays. Why? Like putrefying waste, it is unpleasant so people want to forget it completely. Their names will vanish in obscurity. In history, many statues and edifices of despots or evil dictators eventually are toppled down.
Let’s ponder for a moment.
How do others perceive you and myself? Would others see the beauty of Christ in our lives? Our talk talks but our walk talks than our talk talks. As Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”[Mat 5:16]
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God’s Word for Today
10 Oct, 2024
4 A slack hand causes poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
- Prov 10:4-5 ESV
BE DILIGENT
The righteous has God the Father who will surely provide his needs. He is more precious than the birds that He feeds. However, this does not mean he could be slack and lazy. There is no virtue in laziness. A lazy person is unproductive and suffer poverty. On the other hand, the diligent is productive and becomes rich. Our faith that God provides is evidenced by our diligence, is it not?.
Scriptures consistently encourages us to diligently work and avoids laziness. Even in the garden of Eden where conditions were perfect for Adam and Eve, God gave Adam the responsibility to work. Genesis 2:15 says, "The LORD God took the man [Adam] and put him in the garden of Eden to work and keep it." In his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul condemns laziness. He writes: "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thess 5:12–14). Moreover, he said in 2 Thess 3:7–8 to the believers that he and his coworkers were not lazy when they were at Thessalonica. He recalls how they worked night and day so they wouldn't be a burden to any of the believers. In fact, his warning against laziness is stern, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (2 Thess 3:10).
The work ethic of the diligent demonstrates his prudence.[v.5]
He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame
A diligent person works at every opportuned time while lazy person misses these opportunities, even during harvesting of crops. They love to sleep. Diligent children do make their parents proud. Laziness leads kids to a bad reputation making parents ashamed of them.
What does this mean for us today?
We, Christians, ought to diligently serve God, especially in harvesting souls. When Jesus' disciples returned with food from Samaria, they offered Jesus food to eat. But, He replied that His food was to do the will of God (John 4:34). At that time, Jesus saw the crowd of men wearing traditional white robes. He said to them, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest" (John 4:35).
Today is the day for harvesting souls. Tomorrow may be too late! As Jesus admonishes us, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”[John 9:4] As used by Christ here, the "day" refers to the time left for Him to serve and fulfil God's will on earth. On the other hand, the "night" refers to the rapidly approaching time when Jesus will die, ending His earthly work (John 7:33; 12:35). Thus, like Jesus, the day is the most effective time for us to work, but it is also limited. We have only one life and soon it will pass. We have to redeem our time for the days are evil.
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God’s Word for Today
9 Oct, 2024
1 The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes a glad father,
but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
- Prov 10:1-3 ESV
A WISE SON MAKES A GLAD FATHER
The wise son is a joy to his parents. This is emphasized by the contrast to the sorrow a foolish son could give to his parents.[v.1] It is because of the true value of his heart – fear of God.
And, his fear of God is expressed in his righteous living.[v.2]
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
but righteousness delivers from death.
Indeed, a person may accumulate treasures by wicked means and gain fleeting pleasure from them. However, they amount to nothing ultimately. They could neither give true satisfaction nor can they prolong life. A billionaire who has accumulated enormous wealth, especially by dishonestly, by cleverness, or by outright violence, cannot buy even one more day to add to his allotted lifespan. History is full of stories about the untimely death of wealthy and powerful people. One very important note is that when death happens the unrighteous rich person is separated from his wealth forever. He has nothing to look forward to beyond the grave except suffering and eternal separation from God
Let’s remember to what Jesus has said. He said in Mark 8:36-38, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And in Luke 12:20-21, He concluded about the the fate of the ungodly rich man, saying, “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
The righteous, on the other hand. Is delivered from death. It’s not his own righteousness but Christ’s righteousness being clothed upon him. As Paul declares;
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:21]
Moreover, God promises to provide for the needs of the righteous.[v.3]
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Did not Jesus teach us not to be anxious about our life's struggles? He pointed out that our heavenly Father feeds the birds, and He indicated that the disciples were of greater value than the birds (Mat 6:26). He said, "Do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?'" (Mat 6:31), and promised, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Mat 6:33). The apostle Paul told the Philippian believers, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phi 4:19).
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Text: Proverbs 9:13-18 (ESV)
13 The woman Folly is loud;
she is seductive and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
THE WAY OF FOLLY
These verses depicting a folly woman are inversions to the noble and wealthy woman. [see v1-6] The noble lady mentioned earlier provides insight, life, increased learning, and longevity. This woman Folly, however, is seductive and knows nothing. She lacks understanding. There is nothing good she can provide but trouble at the end.
The ‘simple’ and ‘he who lacks sense’ fall unto her tricks. They are drawn into her house like an unsuspecting bird being drawn into a trap. She’s not content to simply wait for her victims. She aggressively searches for one. She goes through the town and sits like a queen in the town's highest places, where she can be easily seen and heard.
Similarly, it is not hard to find evil today, especially on the Internet. There is a growing trend of young viewership to porn sites. According to Josh MacDowell [2018], “the largest consumers of pornography are 12 to 17 year-old boys.”
He is captivated by her loud talk, superficial beauty, and deceit. She says;
“Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
The imagery of "stolen water" and "bread eaten in secret" is meant to evoke the idea of something forbidden or taken through illicit means. Satan is the author of lies. He points out that God is withholding good things from us, so we should defy His commands and enjoy what we want [see Gen 3:1-6] This folly woman convinced the naïve that illicit sex is more satisfying than sex between a husband and wife, which God has designed (Gen 1:28); that his sin will remain secret. However, it is not hidden from God's pervasive gaze (Heb 4:13). And the ultimate result of sin is not happiness, but death (Prov 9:18; Rom 6:23).
Let’s ponder for a moment. There is nobody strong enough to withstand the urges of his flesh by himself. “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”[Jas 1:14,15] What are we going to do? Let us ‘ put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.’[Rom 13:14]
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Text: Proverbs 9:7-12 (ESV)
THE WISE ARE BECOMING WISER
A wise person will grow wiser. The reason is in his teachable attitude which is opposite to the scoffer.[v.7-8]
The "scoffer" depicted here is unteachable, defined by a Hebrew word meaning "mocker, inflated, scorner." They hate any attempt to change their mind, preferring to pursue along their current path. They respond to other views with arrogance and ridicule. This is the same person as the "wicked" man[v.8], coming from a different Hebrew word, who lashes out violently at the person who tries to tell him the truth. This lashing out includes slander. The word "injury" implies stains or slander.
Today, well-meaning people have often suffered backlash from those who respond to criticism with hateful anger. Jesus and the apostle Paul were victims of such people who hated them for telling them the truth. Wokeism and the cancel culture have popularized this attitude.
In contrast, the wise will take rebuke with humility. They will appreciate correction and as a result, they become better. One example is Peter. He admitted in the presence of Jesus that he was a sinful man. Yet, he became a faithful follower, who loved Jesus dearly. His love was not always perfect, but he confessed that he loved Jesus (see John 21:15–17).
Generally, a wise person who receives instruction will become wiser.[v9]
His learning is dynamic not static. He will never feel he has reach a point where he has no need for additional wisdom or further learning. The Bible challenges believers to build on their faith and to grow their knowledge of the Lord. In 2 Peter 1:5–7 the apostle Peter admonishes: "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." He concludes by saying "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18).
The foundation of his right attitude to learn is his ’reverence’ toward God.[v.10]
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
The word translated "beginning" here is from the root ‘tachillah’, which implies a foundation or an origin. In this context, Solomon means it is a prerequisite for wisdom. Without a humble, sincere reverence for who God is, a person will be arrogant and instinctively lash out when they are corrected (see v.7).
It is our common knowledge that the person who lives by godly wisdom has a better likelihood of experiencing blessing and avoiding negative consequences in comparison to a life lived in sin and vices. The context is much the same as a doctor who tells a patient, "eat healthy food and you will live longer." A life of obedience to God's instructions is a good life. It is marked by peace, joy, significance, and fellowship with the Lord. The person who chooses wisdom sets themselves on a path much more likely to involve both quantity of years and quality of life.
Let’s reflect about this today. To be either wise or a scoffer is a personal choice.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
In Jesus' parable, an unwise wealthy farmer boasted, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry" (Luke 12:19). However, God answered him with this rebuke, "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" (Luke 12:20). As far as eternity is concerned, a fat bank account is worthless. You cannot take those earthly goods with you into eternity, can you? I have yet to see a hearse loaded with money with the corpse. Thus, what matters is a person's faith in the all-wise Savior. The wise believer stores up treasure in heaven and receives rewards for faithful service (1 Cor 3:10–14).
Text: Prov 9:1-6 ESV
1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.
2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says,
5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”
- Prov 9:1-6 ESV
WISDOM AND SATISFACTION
Here, Solomon continues the the imagery about wisdom. Wisdom is imagined as a noble, wealthy, and generous woman who has built a fine home. The main implication here is spiritual satisfaction and an attractive picture of life.
There is a picture of a wealthy woman giving abundant provision. The image of butchering and preparing animals was not something done without proper planning. Likewise, the imagery of mixing wine and setting a table implies hospitality. Wisdom intends to invite others and treat those guests well (v.3–5). There is no sense of lack but fulfilment and satisfaction.
Wisdom sending her servant girls to issue her invitation to dine. They call from the highest places in town, where they will easily be seen and heard. The images of feasts and banquets are meant to attract guests. This is common in Scripture. One story Jesus related is about a king who prepared a lavish feast in honor of his son. The king sent forth his servants to call the invited persons to the feast, but they rejected the call. Therefore, he ordered his servants to go back to the main roads and gather for the feast all whom they will meet at the road, both good and bad people (see Mat 22:1–10). Jesus has been sending believers into all the world to preach the gospel from the time He commissioned His disciples to do so (Matthew 28:18–20).
Like the messengers in verses 4-6, believers extend an invitation for others to come and know the One who is the Truth (John 14:6). Many of whom Jesus has invited were gullible and lacked good sense people. Generally, unbelievers are susceptible to the devil and his lies, are they not? (1 Cor 2:14). The apostle Paul writes the sad condition of our hearts as unbelievers before. He states, "you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience" (Eph 2:1–2).
Like wisdom personified as the noble lady, God in Christ has lavished us with His goodness and grace. There is no exhaustion of God’s grace. “ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness because, in his divine forbearance, he had passed over former sins.”[Rom 3:23-25] Jesus even said that as the good shepherd, He gives His sheep an abundant life.[John 10:10]
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Text: Prov 8:32-36 ESV
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”
- Prov 8:32-36 ESV
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO KEEP MY WAYS
Blessedness is neither in being informed nor in paying mental assent to God’s instruction. It is in keeping His words and not neglect it. Should we hear and obey His words, we will enjoy success in what we do for God's glory (Jos 1:7–8; Psa 1:1–3).
Once more, wisdom pleads sons to listen to her [v.32-33]. In what way? He is to listen attentively with much anticipation.[v.34]
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.
They resemble students who wait for the gates of their school to open or someone who is waiting at his door for an important visitor or message.
Receiving and rejecting wisdom do result in blessedness and blight, respectively.
35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”
The word "blessed" means happy. People seek happiness in a variety of sources. Some look for happiness in personal relationships, in money or success, in popularity or fame or in illicit pleasure. But true, lasting happiness is found only in Jesus. He spoke of His joy—full joy—coming to those who keep His commandments. The apostle John says in John 15:10–11;
“10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
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God’s Word for Today
3 Oct, 2024
- Prov 8:22-36 ESV
WISDOM AND CREATION
The eternal God is the source of wisdom. It existed before the universe. [v.22-23]
22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of old.
23 Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
Wisdom emanates from eternity for God is eternal. Wisdom says, “Before the earth was… when there were no depths… fountains… mountains…hills… nor fields… I was there” Apparently, God created the universe by wisdom (v.24-29).
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields,
or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there;
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
Because of this, the completed creation, particularly the human creation, was a source of joy to God (v.30-31).
30 then I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always,
31 rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.
“I was beside him… a master workman… daily his delight… rejoicing always before him… and delighting in the children of man” All of these expressions find their full revelation in the New Testament. Why? Christian theologians have seen the parallelism of Jesus Christ and the Wisdom of God mentioned in this remarkable passage. Christ was in the beginning with God, and was God, and without him nothing was made that has been made. As John says;
1“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”[John 1:1-5]
Even, the apostle Paul recognizes that Jesus ‘holds’ creation together. In Col 1:15-17, he says;
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
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God’s Word for Today
2 Oct, 2024
12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
- Prov 8:12-21 ESV
WISDOM IS WEALTH
One of the wealth of wisdom is prudence. "Prudence" is from a Hebrew word meaning sense and shrewdness. There is the ability to make godly decisions based on knowledge. This was contrasted with someone gullible or naïve (see v.5)
12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
There is ‘fear of God’ evidenced by hatred to evil. And, this perspective means recognizing God's holiness, goodness, and pursuing it. Thus, it includes hating and rejecting whatever is opposed to Him. In Eph 5:15–17, Paul exhorts, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
Wisdom also is power. Through godly wisdom, God’s delegated authorities will govern justly.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.
Perverse women destroy kings [Prov 31:3] but godly wisdom builds kingdom.
Wisdom also guarantees eternal riches.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
We who are believers have an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" that is kept in heaven for them (1 Pet 1:4). Someday believers will see Jesus as He is and be like Him (1 John 3:2). No amount of worldly wealth can compare to what believers have in Christ. As a hymn writer testified, "I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold."
This wisdom is not illusive. Is God illusive? Definitely not! God has initiated this for us to know Him in Christ.[Rom 5:8]. Jesus' love for us does kindle in us a reciprocal love for Him, doesn’t it? The apostle John writes, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Let’s reflect this truth in our hearts today. Do you diligently seek God today? As Jeremiah writes, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord”[Jer 29:13,14a]
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Text: Proverbs 8:1-11 (ESV)
DOES NOT WISDOM CALL?
There are two rhetorical questions asked[v.1]. Thus, wisdom is not some far-off or unattainable thing. Rather, our daily life and experience should inspire us to seek wisdom, for we can find it and have some benefits. Wisdom is personified here as the woman who contrasts sharply with the prostitute (Prov 7:10), who went into the streets in search of the foolish young man to seduce. Where could we find wisdom? We can find her everywhere.[v.2,3]
2 On the heights beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud
Wisdom is pleading in a soliloquy [talking to oneself]
4 “To you, O men, I call,
and my cry is to the children of man.
Does not Jesus call all mankind to believe on him? He extends his call to everyone by saying, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mat 11:28). Near His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus wept for Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Mat 23:37). Even, the bible closes about the Spirit’s invitation, "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price" (Rev 22:17). The good news is for everyone who is everywhere. [John 3:16-18]
In contrast to the deception of the wicked woman, wisdom provides prudence and sense.
-Please read Proverbs 8:5-7
Scripture does not encourage blind, mindless belief in God, does it? Rather, it’s sensible and reasonable to follow what's clearly revealed by God in His creation (Psa 19:1, Rom 1:18–20) The most important aspect of prudence is when a person lives with high moral values. When a fool responds to Jesus' invitation to receive salvation, he obtains sense. Christianity enables saved sinners to see life clearly and live righteously.[1 Cor 2:14]
The forbidden woman is the embodiment of lies while wisdom is for truth.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands,
and right to those who find knowledge.
Godly wisdom, in contrast, contains nothing that deviates from reality. As an expression of God's own perfection (v.22), true wisdom is never incorrect and never deceptive. Christ is the truth and wisdom for the believers. They are enlightened by the Holy Spirit so that they can clearly understand God's Word (1 Cor 2:14).
Between wisdom and riches, which is better? Solomon argues that wisdom is much better.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
This is illustrated by the story of a rich man who died and went to the place of suffering.(Luke 16:19–31). Paul also warns those who long to be rich that "we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world" (1 Tim 6:7). He explains that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Tim 6:9). Jesus even asks, "For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"[ Luke 9:25]
Let’s pause and ponder for a moment. Elvis Presley sang, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” While the voices of the world is strong everywhere, don’t neglect to listen to the call of wisdom. God is still speaking to us through His words. Have we paid our attention to the voice of God rather than to the world? Why are you doing what are you doing right now?
Text: Proverbs 7:5-27 (ESV)
5 To keep you from the forbidden woman,
from the adulteress with her smooth words.
6 For at the window of my house
I have looked out through my lattice,
7 and I have seen among the simple,
I have perceived among the youths,
a young man lacking sense,
8 passing along the street near her corner,
taking the road to her house
9 in the twilight, in the evening,
at the time of night and darkness.
10 And behold, the woman meets him,
dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.
11 She is loud and wayward;
her feet do not stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the market,
and at every corner she lies in wait.
13 She seizes him and kisses him,
and with bold face she says to him,
14 “I had to offer sacrifices,
and today I have paid my vows;
15 so now I have come out to meet you,
to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.
16 I have spread my couch with coverings,
colored linens from Egyptian linen;
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh,
aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love till morning;
let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home;
he has gone on a long journey;
20 he took a bag of money with him;
at full moon he will come home.”
21 With much seductive speech she persuades him;
with her smooth talk she compels him.
22 All at once he follows her,
as an ox goes to the slaughter,
or as a stag is caught fast
23 till an arrow pierces its liver;
as a bird rushes into a snare;
he does not know that it will cost him his life.
24 And now, O sons, listen to me,
and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;
do not stray into her paths,
26 for many a victim has she laid low,
and all her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
going down to the chambers of death.
LORD, LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION
The father is relating his observation. [v.6] This wicked woman is an expert predator. He summarizes;[v.24-27] The predator is preying the gullible young men.[v.7] A youth can be either a reckless young man like the prodigal son or young Timothy. The naïve victim is oblivious to the danger.[v.8-12] This young man walks smack into the trap. He lacks discernment.[see Psa 1] Paul warns us to abstain from the appearance of evil.[1 Thess 5:22] If you don’t want to taste a bitter fruit, stay away from the devil’s orchard.
The predator’s arrows are her flattering words, surprise, and seductive look[v.10-21]. The unsuspecting victim is following the path towards the slaughter-house. He isn’t forced. He decided for this as deceived.
He is ignorant and oblivious. It will be too late for him to realize his wrong. He is a fool, and he does not take into account that God judges sin. The damage is irreparable and fatal. God can forgive but He does not remove the consequence.
Let’s ponder for a moment. We are all gullible to Satan’s lies, are we not? Prov 14:12 proclaims, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." So we humbly pray before God, “Lord lead us not into temptation.” God does not tempt us. James says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.[James 1:13-14]
Our only safety is in obeying God’s words. And knowing what is right and wrong is by simply listening to God’s words. The words He says are right and should govern all our attitudes and actions in life. His commandments are not restrictions for happiness but protection from miseries.
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Text: Proverbs 7:1-5 (ESV)
1 My son, keep my words
and treasure up my commandments with you;
2 keep my commandments and live;
keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
3 bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and call insight your intimate friend,
5 to keep you from the forbidden woman,
from the adulteress with her smooth words.
DO YOU CHERISH GOD’S WORDS?
Solomon instructs his son to have the right attitudes towards his words. He has to cherish it. In what ways? Firstly, his son must treasure his words. Even, the psalmist testified: "The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (Psa 119:72). In the N. T., the apostle Paul counsels us to let Christ's teachings dwell in us richly (Col 3:16). Everything in this world will last but not His words.[Mat 24:35] Do you cherish God’s word like a precious treasure?
Moreover, he must reckon God’s word as essential that can make him live. Did not Jesus say, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God'? (Mat 4:4). We as sinners do receive eternal life by responding in faith to what God's Word says about Jesus. Why? Jesus claims He is the bread of life. He is the Son of God and the only Savior (John 3:36; Rom 10:9–10; 1 Tim 1:15). Also, an abundant life is offered to all who believe on Jesus, is it not? (John 10:10).
Furthermore, he should guard it as protecting the ‘apple of our eye’. This comes from the Hebrew term referring to the pupil - the center of the eye. This is a highly sensitive and extremely valuable part of the body. When a threatening object approaches the eyes, the eyelids close quickly to protect the pupils. We should feel bad when we are deprived of hearing God’s Word.
Lastly, he must embrace his words like a trusted friend or relative. These are the kinds of people we can trust to understand what we are going through in life, are they not? Embracing God’s Words is neither transactional nor dutiful. It’s a pleasure talking to a trusted friend. When we read God’s word, God is talking to us. In short, God’s word is dependable. Keeping God’s word won’t lead us astray. In fact, it will lead us to the right path.
Think for a moment. Do you have the right attitude toward the Word of God? May we will be like Jeremiah, who said,
“ Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart.”[Jer 15:16]
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Text: Proverbs 6:25-35 (ESV)
BEWARE OF FATAL ATTRACTION
The ravages of the sin of adultery are catastrophic results than we realize. It’s started with an attraction. The prostitute woman is a sweet talker, beautiful and tantalizing. But, the truly beautiful woman, is beautiful on the inside, is it not? Prov 31:30 says "beauty is vain." Physical beauty is worth nothing for she lacks godliness. First Peter 3:4 tells women, "Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
The prostitute woman will destroy a precious life into just having ‘a loaf of bread’, that is, from fullness to poverty.[v.26] Or, the service of a prostitute is as cheap as buying a loaf of bread but she can cost everything in one’s life. Many naïve men are arrogant to claim that they can handle it by their wit as a boy playing with fire. Thus Solomon asks,
“27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest
and his clothes not be burned?
28 Or can one walk on hot coals
and his feet not be scorched?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife;
none who touches her will go unpunished.
The classic example is Samson playing with fire. His adulterous affair with Delilah led to his weakness, defeat, blindness, and humiliation at the end. David’s sin also led to the destruction of his family. An adulterer may think his sin is a secret, as David did, but God sees all and knows all. He has warned, "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Num 32:23).
The evil of adultery is worse when compared with stealing bread for a desperately hungry person. Society typically doesn't hate or persecute a starving thief, does it? However, it’s not tolerated since he may still suffer the consequences when caught. [v.30] The person may die of hunger when he has nothing to eat. But the ‘lust’ of the person does not cost his life if not fulfilled, does it? Therefore, the adulterer has no excuses. That's not a sin of desperation, it's one of lust! According to Lev 20:10, adultery in the nation of Israel was punishable by death. Thus, we read in John 8 about a woman who was caught in the act of adultery, accused by the scribes and the Pharisees stoned to death. Jesus affirmed it.
A person who bargains his life for momentary pleasure of sin lacks sense, that is, he is foolish.
32 He who commits adultery lacks sense;
he who does it destroys himself.
33 He will get wounds and dishonor,
and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy makes a man furious,
and he will not spare when he takes revenge.
35 He will accept no compensation;
he will refuse though you multiply gifts.
There is an inevitable result of a wounded conscience, heart, and relationship with the Lord. He destroys his reputation and loses, whatever honor and esteem before the people who know him. He has disgraced himself before their eyes, his spouse and children. The wronged spouse can be expected to express furious jealousy. Further, those who choose to take revenge as a result aren't inclined to show mercy.[v.34,35] Moreover, his sinful act can even cause the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme God. Indeed, the ravages of sexual sins are irreparable.
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God’s Word for Today
26 Sep, 2024
20 My son, keep your father's commandment,
and forsake not your mother's teaching.
21 Bind them on your heart always;
tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you awake, they will talk with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,
and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
24 to preserve you from the evil woman,
from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.
Prov 6:20-24 ESV
GOD’S COMMANDMENT IS A LAMP
The father emphasized to his son that his instruction should affect every aspect of his life.
22 When you walk, they will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you awake, they will talk with you.
Thus, he earnestly begs for his son to pay attention to his words. [v.20,21]
20 My son, keep your father's commandment,
and forsake not your mother's teaching.
21 Bind them on your heart always;
tie them around your neck.
It is a common observation that many children often resent parental guidance but come to appreciate those messages later in life. Very often, those who ignore the wisdom of their parents come to realize when they have kids of their own that it is good advice.
Parents are like broken records as they repeatedly instruct their kids. The importance of their instruction can’t be over-emphasized. They must ‘bind them in their hearts and tie it in their necks.’ A concerned father could not take second chances. The temptation of the world is so strong and appealing to a gullible young man.
The Jews believed its importance up to the point that they copied Deuteronomy 6:8, enclosed them in leather cases and tied them to the left arm and forehead. They call these phylacteries and they wore it like an amulet. The intention is right but the method is wrong because they should hid the law in their hearts.
Today, unlike the Jews, we honor God by hiding His Word in our hearts and obeying it. Scriptures should permeate our hearts, minds and souls as verse 22 admonishes us.
22 When you walk, they will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you awake, they will talk with you.
This is the guarantee that he won’t fall prey to the ‘forbidden woman’ She operates in the power of darkness, and she could lead him to stumble and fall. But, father’s words as God’s word is, like a lamp. As the psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”[Psa 119:105]
23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,
and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
Even the son must consider subjecting himself to ‘his reproofs of discipline’ as the right path of life. The word of God is God’s instrument to make us righteous. As Paul declares, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”[2 Tim 3:16]
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God’s Word for Today
25 Sep, 2024
Prov 6:16-19 ESV
SEVEN SINS THE LORD HATES
In verse 16, it's important to note that the practice of referencing a number, followed by one more, is a common Hebrew literary pattern. It implies, sometimes, that the final item is the summary or culmination of the others. Sometimes, however, it's just a stylized way to introduce those ideas. The same pattern occurs in Job 5:19, that is, ”He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no evil shall touch you.”
First is the arrogant, egotistical, or proud person. In Psalm 101:5 the Lord says, "Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure." A prime example of someone with haughty eyes is the proud Pharisee, who boasted to God, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men…or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). Contrariwise, God is exalted in those who are "the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3).
Second is that God also hates "a lying tongue" (v.17). Earlier, Solomon mentioned the "wicked" and "worthless" person in Proverbs 6:12, who deceived others. In the book of Acts, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, and God struck them dead (Acts 5:1–10).
Third is violence against the innocent. Earlier in Prov 1:16, there are wicked people whose feet run to do evil.’ Violence, revenge, and anger are all bad enough in and of themselves (Romans 12:19). Especially heinous is to use violence against those who are "innocent," in the sense that they've done nothing to deserve that treatment from other people.
Fourth is an attitude to deliberately plan to do evil. Jesus identified the heart as the source of good or evil. He told His disciples, "Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" (Mat 15:19). Unless the Lord rules a person's heart, sin rules it, and the outcome is evil conduct.
Fifth, God hates the feet that carry out those plans. In Scripture, feet are often used as references to completing or enacting a plan (Zech 14:4; Rom 10:15). In this instance, the evil person is not just content to make wicked plans, he is eager and enthusiastic about carrying them out. One example is Judas. John 13:27–30 says that when Judas was fully possessed by Satan, he immediately left the upper room. He "hurried," in a sense, to Jesus' enemies. (John 18:3, 12)
Sixth, God hates someone who provides false testimony. Solomon has already referred to "a lying tongue" (v. 17). In a literal sense, he gives a deliberately wrong account in a trial, or a legal claim. The original phrasing here depicts someone who "breathes lies as a false witness." If there is a meaningful difference between this statement and the one in verse 17, it might involve the audience of those lies. When Jesus was arrested and put on trial, His enemies tried to find false witnesses against him. Finally, two false witnesses came forward and accused Jesus of blasphemy (Mat 26:59–61). God not only hates it when we lie "to" someone in order to deceive. He also hates it when we lie "about" someone to deceive others.
Seventh, God hates those who "sow discord." This last item is a summary of the prior six points. To "sow" is a reference to farming and means to deliberately plant seeds. The person who "sows discord" uses gossip, lies, unfounded accusations, negative criticism, and backbiting to accomplish his goal. The result which "sprouts" from those actions is strife. Think of the false teachers stirring up trouble in early churches by demeaning Paul and discrediting his message. [Gal 1:6-9].
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Text: Proverbs 6:12-15 (ESV)
12 A worthless person, a wicked man,
goes about with crooked speech,
13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,
points with his finger,
14 with perverted heart devises evil,
continually sowing discord;
15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;
in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
BEWARE OF SCAMMERS
Solomon describes a "wicked" and "worthless" person. His emphasis is on how their sins earn them those descriptions. Solomon writes that a worthless, wicked person uses deceptive speech. In other, more modern terms, we might call this person a scoundrel or a rascal. Others might choose to call this person crooked, a con-artist, or a scammer. He purposely tries to lead people astray by lying to them. Beware of scammers!
He is so subtle. His victim is completely unaware of his intentions until it is too late. Con-artists and frauds use subtle usingsign languages to communicate with their accomplices.
12b He goes with crooked speech,
13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,
points with his finger,
14 with perverted heart devises evil,
continually sowing discord;
Prov 10:10 says, "Whoever winks the eye causes trouble," and Prov 16:30 states, "Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things."
We are seeing this becoming more apparent today. Paul predicts a time when some will wander from true faith by listening to deceitful false teachers. He states, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,” [1 Tim 4:1-2]
Who is behind these scammers?
There is no doubt about the devil’s role in orchestrating all these for he is the ultimate deceiver. He is the father of lies. [John 8:44] Jesus said the devil "does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” When the devil tempted Eve in the garden of Eden, he lied. Although God had told Adam, "Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" [Gen 2:17] , the devil told Eve, "You will not surely die" [Gen 3:4]
Our consolation at the end is for evil men to suffer the consequence of their sins surely.
15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;
in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
God takes notice of their evil thoughts and actions and eventually brings judgment. This judgment will be sudden and decisive. His punishment will be full and irreversible. In at least one sense, this is guaranteed for all people; those who reject God in this life will suffer eternal destruction in the next. John, in his vision, writes, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Rev 22:14–15).
Let’s ponder for a moment. Have you embraced Jesus as the truth? [John 14:6] To be scammed with our money is painful for you may still be able to recover your money someday. But, when you are deceived in your soul to believe a lie, it’s eternally disastrous. There is no salvation and freedom apart from Him.[Acts 4:12, John 8:32]
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Text: Proverbs 6:6-11 (ESV)
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise.
7 Without having any chief,
officer, or ruler,
8 she prepares her bread in summer
and gathers her food in harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
LESSONS FROM THE ANT
Solomon emphasizes the virtue of diligence from the ant. Ants are well known for their super-strength, with some workers being able to carry up to 50 times their own body weight. Since ants – like other insects – have their skeletons on the outside, their muscles do not have to support much of their body weight, leaving them free to apply more strength to lifting. Ants like to keep busy. They’re always either working on building and cleaning the nest, protecting the queen, or searching for food and resources.
Ants are experts at teamwork and unity. They are born with a purpose, and they work together to achieve their goals of securing their future. The rainy days will come and they have to store food for themselves.
7 Without having any chief,
officer, or ruler,
8 she prepares her bread in summer
and gathers her food in harvest.
Proverbs 10:5 reinforces the importance of working hard, as it says, "He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame." As Christians, we should not need prodding or supervision to work hard, should we? The apostle Paul admonished Christian slaves to work as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart as unto the Lord. As Eph 6:6–7, says, ”not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.”
In contrast to the diligent is the indolent person. Solomon rebukes these people, saying,
9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?
"Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep." [Prov 19:15] The imagery here is represented by a person napping, nodding off, or refusing to get out of bed.
There is no virtue in laziness. Poverty is certain to happen to the lazy man.
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
Here, Solomon points out that tolerating even a little laziness is risky: what starts off as "a little" can become a crippling habit.[v.10] Those who are lazy are depicted as excessively sleeping, which is often used as a symbol of irresponsibility. Laziness puts a person at risk when they fall into hard times (v.11). In a similar way, Prov 20:13 warns, "Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty." Poverty and crisis can overtake them the same way an armed man robs an unsuspecting victim.
Let’s pause and reflect on the importance of diligence and grabbing our opportunity. Our best treasure is time. Delay is the deception of the enemy. He does not tell you to not do the right thing. He just tells you to delay it, that is to be a person with big intentions or dreams but no actions. Big things happen in our diligence in small things. It is always the right time to do the right things. If you have not trusted the Lord as yet, don’t delay. Regret will be sure for those who delay. ”Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”[ Cor 6:2]
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Text: Proverbs 5:15-23 (ESV)
REJOICE IN THE WIFE OF YOUR YOUTH
Solomon highlighted the importance of being a ‘one-woman-man’. Monogamy is much advantageous than polygamy. Even in Gen 2:24-25, the design of God is for a man to leave his parents during marriage and be ‘glued unto his wife’. Both, should endeavor to cultivate an intimate relationship, that is, being ‘naked and unashamed.’ Sexual relationship is only intended in the realm of marriage. Heb 13:4 says, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” And, this pleasure or satisfaction of an intimate marital relationship is the wall for marital infidelity.
Solomon has strong imperatives to his son, saying[v.15-19];
“15 Drink water from your own cistern,
flowing water from your own well.
16 Should your springs be scattered abroad,
streams of water in the streets?
17 Let them be for yourself alone,
and not for strangers with you.
18 Let your fountain be blessed,
and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
19 a lovely deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;
be intoxicated always in her love.
Having an intimate relationship with one’s spouse exclusively does guarantee safety as one ‘drinking water in his own cistern.’ He is sure it is uncontaminated than drinking from springs of unknown sources.[v.16] The imagery of drinking water from ‘springs or streams of water in the streets’ has two implications. Firstly, it may mean uncontrolled sexual passions. Sexual fulfillment, portrayed as drinking water, needs to be carefully managed, and not carelessly thrown around without control. The imagery of wasting water in the streets is risky and dangerous, is it not?
Secondly, it may mean the children coming from such relationships. The picture of "unwanted" children heartlessly killed in abortion, having congenital disease, are destined to live in less-than-ideal conditions, or abandoned as orphans is pathetic. Sadly, the world’s way of solving this problem is not to inhibit illicit multiple sexual encounters but the use of contraceptives. But, God’s way is the best way – enjoy with the wife of your youth.
On the other hand, there is satisfaction but momentary only in infidelity.[v.20] The consequence of infidelity should not be taken lightly. The first consequence is guilt before God. Nothing is hidden from God's eyes (Heb 4:13). He sees all, and He knows all. It should be fearful to be under the anger of God.
20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman
and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
21 For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord,
and he ponders all his paths.
Another thing is that it is enslaving.
22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,
and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
23 He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray.
However, if we cling unto Jesus, He said, "Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). However, whoever believes on Jesus as Savior finds freedom to serve God. Jesus also said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.[Rom 13;14]
Let’s ponder for a moment. Are we faithful to our spouses? Are we keeping our eyes pure and not guilty of the sin of pornography that affects our relationships? Are we discreet with our relationship with the opposite sex in our office? Let’s ask God for His cleansing. May God gives us a pure heart today.
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God’s Word for Today
19 Sep, 2024
7 And now, O sons, listen to me,
and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
8 Keep your way far from her,
and do not go near the door of her house,
9 lest you give your honor to others
and your years to the merciless,
10 lest strangers take their fill of your strength,
and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,
11 and at the end of your life you groan,
when your flesh and body are consumed,
12 and you say, “How I hated discipline,
and my heart despised reproof!
13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers
or incline my ear to my instructors.
14 I am at the brink of utter ruin
in the assembled congregation.”
Prov 5:7-14 ESV
THE CAUSE OF REGRET
Solomon calls collectively for all ‘sons’ to pay attention to him and his words. [v.7] It’s important to distinguish listening from hearing. At times, we are hearing instructions but are not listening.
7 And now, O sons, listen to me,
and do not depart from the words of my mouth
Giving in to sin is always at our losing end. “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, it will keep you longer than you want to stay, and it will cost you more than you want to pay.” Sadly, this quote is from the late Ravi Zacharias who did not take heed of his statement, like Solomon.
8 Keep your way far from her,
and do not go near the door of her house,
9 lest you give your honor to others
and your years to the merciless,
10 lest strangers take their fill of your strength,
and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,
11 and at the end of your life you groan,
when your flesh and body are consumed,
This scenario should cause us to tremble about the thought that nobody is strong against temptation. Running away from temptation is the best solution. Stay away as far as we can from the ‘door’ of sin. Sin capitalizes on the weakness of our flesh. Like a hungry monster coming from the cage, sin will devour us mercilessly. It destroys our honor and strength, so that at the end of life is the feeling of ‘groaning’ and being ‘consumed’.
There is an irreversible slide towards regret. The realization of one’s mistake is too late for him to rectify. A sigh of regret and remorse is inevitable.[v.12-14]
12 and you say, “How I hated discipline,
and my heart despised reproof!
13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers
or incline my ear to my instructors.
14 I am at the brink of utter ruin
in the assembled congregation.”
Let’s pause for a moment and ask these questions. Am I in a compromising situation right now? Am I sensitive and listening to the warning from God? Do I have a soft heart before God? Is my conscience clean? Do I need to repent? Let’s search our hearts and allow the Spirit to minister to us today.
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God’s Word for Today
18 Sep, 2024
1 My son, be attentive to my wisdom;
incline your ear to my understanding,
2 that you may keep discretion,
and your lips may guard knowledge.
3 For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil,
4 but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
sharp as a two-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps follow the path to Sheol;
6 she does not ponder the path of life;
her ways wander, and she does not know it.
Prov 5:1-6 ESV
BE DISCERNING
In another instance, the father urged his son to be attentive to his words. A parent is responsible for the instruction of his children. Moses instructs the parents in Deut 6:6–7, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." He should not walk in the way of sinners.[Psa 1:1]
1 My son, be attentive to my wisdom;
incline your ear to my understanding,
His warning is for him to ‘keep discretion’ or ‘discernment.’
2 that you may keep discretion,
and your lips may guard knowledge.
In the next verses, Solomon brings us to the image of a naive young man being enticed by a wicked or forbidden woman to indulge in sexual sin with her. The young man won’t be protected from her if he lacks discernment. Samson was so strong to kill thousands of Philistines singlehandedly but he lacks the spiritual discernment before the wicked woman, Delilah.
3 For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil,
4 but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
sharp as a two-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps follow the path to Sheol;
6 she does not ponder the path of life;
her ways wander, and she does not know it.
Friends, the way to adultery is towards death or the path of Sheol.[v.4] It is coated with honey and oil. Seducers use flattery to trap their victims. The way to destruction is sweet and smooth. Jesus later describes this path as ‘wide and easy that leads to destruction and those who enter are many.’[Mat 7:13] But, the end is as eating ‘wormwood’. Wormwood is a plant found in wastelands desert areas. Although it was used for some medicines, it was known for its extremely bitter taste. Eventually, the honey-like promises will turn into a bitter taste – a time of pain and regret in life. Wormwood often symbolizes calamity or judgment.[Rev 8:10-11] As a sharp two-edged sword, the sin of adultery will cut one'slife as a result – his family, relationships, etc. Sin is merciless like the seductress woman.[see v.6]
Sliding into sin is preventable when we are discernful. Keep the scriptures in your heart, not head, to deter sin.[Psa 119:11] However, if we’re there at the bottom, God’s arms are not short to rescue us. As Isaiah says,
“Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,
or his ear dull, that it cannot hear.’[Isa 59:1]
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Text: Proverbs 4:20-27 (ESV)
GUARD YOUR HEART
There is an intense persuasion from a father to his son for him to hear listen carefully. Asking the son to "incline your ear" brings up the picture of someone leaning forward, tipping his head to hear more attentively. The point is that these words are not to be passively taken in, but actively and carefully considered in the heart. This is like the seed that fell on good soil which represents the Word that hearers accept and show how well they accept it by bearing fruit in their lives. [Mark 4:10]. The word of God must dwell richly in the heart.[Col 3:16]. It is important, therefore, to welcome God's Word with open ears and an open heart.
20 My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
The focus of his instruction is for his son to guard his heart. [v.23] Out of the heart are the ‘springs of life’. It’s deceitful and desperately wicked[Jer 17:9] The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45).
In what way? To guard it with all diligence. More than mental assent to God's Word, we must lodge it in the heart and love it. Psa 119:11 says, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." The same psalmist also declared: "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day" (Psa 119:97). If we love God's Word, we will mull it over in our thoughts throughout the day, applying it to each situation that arises.
Moreover, the father tells him to take care about three areas in his life. The first is his ‘talk’.[v.24]
24 Put away from you crooked speech,
and put devious talk far from you.
The term "crooked" talk here is similar to Prov 2:15 which carries the idea of someone who speaks in a manipulative or immoral manner. Corrupt and foul talk betray an evil heart. Christians are commanded to put aside falsehood, angry words, corrupt talk, bitter words, slander, malice, and obscene talk (see Eph 4:25–31; Col 3:8).
Secondly, he has to watch about his ‘look’.[v.25]
25 Let your eyes look directly forward,
and your gaze be straight before you.
He has to look directly forward and to keep his gaze straight ahead. The wise person refuses to be distracted from his goal. This keeps him on task. It also avoids temptations from the example of evil people (Prov 4:14–15). Don’t be carried away by the lusts of the eyes after the world for this world is passing away, "but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:16–17).
Thirdly, he has to be watchful of his ‘walk’ [v.26,27]
26 Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
In order to maintain good use of wisdom, a person must be purposeful and careful (Prov 4:20–21). When walking, a person who deliberately considers where he steps is far less likely to stumble, or to fall into a trap. Life is a journey. We should not make hasty decisions, but discern the Lord's will and then do it (Prov 4:2).
Today, let’s allow God to search our hearts. How do our talk, look and walk reflect the condition of our hearts? Let’s pray with David;
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!”[Psa 139:23,24]
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Text: Proverbs 4:10-19 (ESV)
10 Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
11 I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15 Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.
WISDOM IS YOUR LIFE
By living according to God’s wisdom, people will have true freedom, and at the same time will be morally upright (v.10-13).
10 Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
11 I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
The way of the wise won’t be hampered. That is, it is secured, although it is through the narrow way.[Mat 7:13-14]
12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
Wisdom is personified once again as the woman who guards his life.
13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
The wise will not join in the evil deeds of those whose thoughts and actions are governed by the desire to do wrong (v. 14-17). He has to avoid by all means the farthest that he can from sin.[v.14,15] he is not to engage in the counsel of the ungodly.[Psa 1:1]
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15 Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
Why? Sin is relentless to make the naive stumble. [1 Pet 5:8] And, there is a fearful state of debasement. There is no rest or repose in sin. Doing wickedness and violence for evil people are as eating and drinking to sinners. They are unconscionable.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
The more people do what is right, the better they understand life; the more they do wrong, the more confused their understanding becomes. As God’s child, the wise does “walk in the light as He is in the Light,” In contrast, the sons of the devil revel in “the works of darkness.” Consequently, their mistakes become more frequent and more disastrous (v. 18-19).
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.
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Text: Prov 4:1-9 ESV
1 Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
2 for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
Prov 4:1-9 ESV
GET WISDOM
Despite the fact that these verses are being delivered in the form of a father’s instructions to a son, “The entire chapter may be read (and should be read) as though God was speaking to all men everywhere.” [The Teachers’ Bible Commentary]
The father has established his authority through his obedience to his father, saying;
1 Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
2 for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.
To get wisdom is the most important thing[v.5-7].
5 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
There are certain people who have a lot of knowledge but they're fools. They don't know how to use their knowledge. If there is to be a choice made between wisdom and knowledge, it's better to choose wisdom. A person may have education but lacks common sense. Unless you have wisdom, knowledge can be dangerous. Knowledge can destroy. Wisdom is the principal thing, which is actually the correct application of knowledge. It's knowing what to do with what you know.
Let’s recall that after Solomon became king, God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon. The Lord said, "Ask what I shall give you" (1 Kings 3:5). Rather than asking for power, wealth, or something worldly, Solomon asked for something he'd been taught to consider far more valuable. He responded, "Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" (1 Kings 3:9). The Lord made him wise to govern his kingdom.
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Text: Prov 3:27-35 ESV
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.
30 Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,
32 for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence.
33 The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
Prov 3:27-35 ESV
TREAT OTHERS RIGHT
Solomon has directed our attention towards treating others. We are not to "withhold good" to others. And this "good" is something we're obligated to give others. It’s like saying, "treat others right." For that reason, this first instruction touches on the modern use of the word "honor," as used for meeting an obligation. Especially when something good is expected, or owed, we should actively seek to fulfill that command. This is re-emphasized in the following verse (Proverbs 3:28) This doing good, or honoring, can take many different forms – child to parents, servants to employers, young to old people, members to church leaders, etc.
Moreover, doing good for others, especially when it's something expected or owed, is not to be delayed [v.28]. To say "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it" when help is available now is unloving and hypocritical. The same idea James is condemning to those offering words to the poor without backing them up with charitable giving (Jas 2:15–16).
Taking advantage towards unsuspecting neighbors should not be done [v.29]. He should treat him respectfully. Ex 20:16-17 says, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's." Instead. He is to love his neighbor as himself.
A wise person should not be contentious. He does not pick fights. Verse 30 allows that some conflicts are justified or reasonable. What’s condemned is strife without a compelling reason. Paul exhorts in Rom 12:18, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Common sense says that it's better not to start fights and arguments than to be constantly embroiled in them.
Solomon moved on to warn us not to be jealous to violent person. Those who are selfish, cruel, plotting, or greedy towards others might seem to gain material wealth. In Psalm 37:1, David, gives similar advice; "Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers." Instead of envying them, believers should trust in the Lord. For David says, "Better is a little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked." Asaph almost stumbled for he became envious to the wicked who were oppressive to the poor and rich.[Psa 73]
It’s not worth to envy those detestable people before God. But God befriends the upright [v.32] There is a huge difference. Why? The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright. The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!
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God’s Word for Today
12 Sep, 2024
21 My son, do not lose sight of these—
keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way securely,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
26 for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.
Prov 3:21-26 ESV
THE LORD WILL BE YOUR CONFIDENCE
As a concerned father, he urged his son to keep his instructions in his mind always, that is to be discreet. While wisdom implies the ability to act on knowledge, discretion is the capacity to closely assess something. The Hebrew word translated as "discretion" includes ideas like plotting, planning, and analyzing. A "wise" person knows how to apply their knowledge in a godly way. A "discerning" person is careful and precise in making decisions. Undoubtedly, the world do squeeze us into its mold. However, we must yield our body and mind to the Lord to experience His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Rom 12:1–2).
Consequently, life and security will be experienced upon the wise and discreet.[v.22-23] This is not meant as a universal guarantee. Danger and hardship come even to those who honor God (Prov 3:25). Rather, wisdom literature like this presents general statements. Those who follow God's will, and His plan, have much less risk and greater chance for success than those who rebel and disobey.
Moreover, living wisely leads to sound sleep.[v.24] Since God is our Shepherd, we know he watches over us at night as well as during the day. David explains that "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."[ Psalm 4:8] Also, when we honor the Lord and have a clear conscience, we aren't going to be bothered fearing for the consequences of our actions.
‘Sudden terror’ is expected even to the godly.[ 2 Tim 3:12] But we should not fear that which can kill our bodies but not our souls.[Mat 10:28] Our security is in the Lord. He is our confidence. David writes, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"[Psalm 27:1] remember , we are more conquerors through Him who loved us. [Rom 8:37]
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God’s Word for Today
11 Sep, 2024
21 My son, do not lose sight of these—
keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way securely,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
26 for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.
Prov 3:21-26 ESV
THE LORD WILL BE YOUR CONFIDENCE
As a concerned father, he urged his son to keep his instructions in his mind always, that is to be discreet. While wisdom implies the ability to act on knowledge, discretion is the capacity to closely assess something. The Hebrew word translated as "discretion" includes ideas like plotting, planning, and analyzing. A "wise" person knows how to apply their knowledge in a godly way. A "discerning" person is careful and precise in making decisions. Undoubtedly, the world do squeeze us into its mold. However, we must yield our body and mind to the Lord to experience His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Rom 12:1–2).
Consequently, life and security will be experienced upon the wise and discreet.[v.22-23] This is not meant as a universal guarantee. Danger and hardship come even to those who honor God (Prov 3:25). Rather, wisdom literature like this presents general statements. Those who follow God's will, and His plan, have much less risk and greater chance for success than those who rebel and disobey.
Moreover, living wisely leads to sound sleep.[v.24] Since God is our Shepherd, we know he watches over us at night as well as during the day. David explains that "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."[ Psalm 4:8] Also, when we honor the Lord and have a clear conscience, we aren't going to be bothered fearing for the consequences of our actions.
‘Sudden terror’ is expected even to the godly.[ 2 Tim 3:12] But we should not fear that which can kill our bodies but not our souls.[Mat 10:28] Our security is in the Lord. He is our confidence. David writes, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"[Psalm 27:1] remember , we are more conquerors through Him who loved us. [Rom 8:37]
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Text: Proverbs 3:9-12 (ESV)
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
PROSPERITY & DISCIPLINE FROM THE FATHER
Verses 9 & 10 promise that the Lord will reward faithful giving. In Deut 28:10-12, the Lord promises to Israel: "And the LORD will make you abound in prosperity…The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands." We should interpret this according to context as always in interpreting scriptures. These are meant for the nation of Israel, not for all people at all times. A "proverb," by definition, is a general statement or a wise saying. Solomon is not making a 100% guarantee to all people in all circumstances. And yet, those who honor God set themselves up for better outcomes than those who live in rebellion.
Giving back our wealth to God should be done to honor to the Lord. Nothing else and nothing less. There should not be an ulterior motive of neither ‘bribing’ nor ‘coercing’ God. Remember, God blesses people with material blessings not as His reciprocation but for His nature of benevolence. God is good to give sunshine and rain to everyone indiscriminately. Remember, those who honor God, He will honor at the end.[1 Sam 2:30]
But God’s blessings are not always a sign of prosperity. Sometimes he may show his love by allowing people to meet difficulties, with the purpose of correcting faults and improving character (v.11-12). Material blessings may corrupt our hearts. As Paul warned, “ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.’[1 Tim 6:10].
God chastens us because He loves us. As Heb 12:4,5 says;
“4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
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Text: Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
HE WILL MAKE OUR PATHS STRAIGHT
In our journey of life, we need to know the right goals, as well as the right paths in achieving them. It is an empirical fact that the straight line is the shortest distance between two points. Going through winding roads with a lot of detours does incur waste of time and energy, does it not? We do need God’s guidance or wisdom in pursuing our goals, don’t we?
There are three important reminders. Firstly, we must trust the Lord with all our hearts. The Lord sees the big picture and He always knows what is best for us. Take for example the life of Abraham. Abraham could not see how everything would work out for the best when the Lord commanded him to slay his son Isaac on Mount Moriah (Gen 22:1–2), but he trusted in the Lord with all his heart. The Lord had promised Abraham that He would establish His covenant with Isaac and his descendants (Gen 17:19) The Lord did not disappoint Abraham's wholehearted trust, nor will He disappoint us if we trust Him with all our heart.
Secondly, we should not depend on our own understanding. We need to recognize our own limitations. This does not mean that planning is not needed. We should not be mindless and naíve. We express our plans before God but don’t carve them on stone. Undoubtedly, the apostle Paul was determined to proceed to go to Galatia. However, he changed when the Lord directed him to go to Macedonia. God leads us a step at a time.
Thirdly, we should acknowledge Him in all our ways. Whether we are buying a house or looking for a spouse, choosing a vocation or planning a vacation, in all our ways we should acknowledge the Lord. The apostle James admonishes us to consult the Lord's will when we need to plan our days (Jas 4:13–15). We are to move forward only if ‘the Lord wills’. One notable example is Abraham’s servant. he who was on a mission to find a suitable bride for Abraham's son Isaac. The servant went to Nahor, a city in Mesopotamia, and rested his camels beside a spring of water when the women of the city approached to draw water. He prayed to the Lord for success in finding the right woman for Isaac (Gen 24:12–14). The Lord answered his prayer, and Rebekah would soon become Isaac's bride. At the hindsight, he said, “As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master's kinsmen" (Gen 24:27b).
There is an important reminder of watching not to be wise in our own eyes. Pride comes before a fall. This same warning is given repeatedly in Proverbs. “He that trusts in his own heart is a fool” (Prov 28:26). Isaiah wrote, “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes” (Prov 5:21); and the same precept was advocated by Paul, “Be not wise in your own conceits” (Rom 12:16). Resultingly, good health and refreshing are the normal results of a good relationship with the Lord.
Other translations to v 8, says, “it will be health to thy navel.’ The meaning of this is that, “Just as the umbilical cord (of which the navel is a part) is the only source of life and growth for the unborn child, so also that wisdom that comes from God is the only source of life and growth for God’s servant.”[from Adam Clarke Commentary] Indeed, God is indispensable in our lives, is he not?
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Text: Prov 3:1-4 ESV
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
Prov 3:1-4 ESV
A FAVOR IN THE SIGHT OF GOD AND MAN
Here, a father is charging his son not to forget his teaching. The term and setting of this tradition is established in Deuteronomy 6, where the Lord commanded the fathers in Israel to teach His commandments diligently to their children The teaching here is ‘torah’[law] which refer hardly to anything but the law of Moses. One author even said that the torah [law] may refer to the five books of Moses[Pentateuch]. Also, this has allusion to Ex 20:12, wherein children are commanded to honor their father and mother. What should the parents teach the children to do but that which is in accordance to the law, is it not? Children should be obedient to the law. Practically, parents are to diligently to teach the scriptures to their children.
Obedience leads to right living. And generally, right living will often result to ‘long life and peace’, with few exceptions. Although living to old age is not guaranteed for all Christians, the believer who avoids the harmful effects of sinful habits is far more likely to enjoy a long life along with peace of heart and mind. Disobedience, rebellion and indulgence in sin have their own sad consequences. Whatever one sows, he reaps. Sowing righteousness will reap righteousness. Whereas, sowing corruption will reap corruption.
It’s a known fact also that most countries where the Christian witness is more evident, they are blessed economically and materially. Sociology traces this to the ‘Protestant ethic’, the view that a person's duty and responsibility is to achieve success through hard work and thrift. This attitude is motivated by a strong conviction to a personal God, who he is accountable unto.
Moreover, obedience is coming from the heart. ‘Steadfast love and faithfulness’ should be in the heart. His well being should not make him neither conceited nor hypocritical. Even Jesus said, “ If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”[John 14:15] As written in the heart, obedience touches our affections.
Such life of obedience and compassion is favorable towards God and man. This brings to mind Jesus who grew in wisdom, stature , in favor of God and man.[Luke 2:52] Christian character blesses and beautifies human personality.
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Text: Prov 2:6-22 ESV
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,
12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech,
13 who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,
14 who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil,
15 men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.
16 So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words,
17 who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God;
18 for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed;
19 none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life.
20 So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it,
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.
Prov 2:6-22 ESV
REWARDS IN SEEKING WISDOM
Those who diligently seek wisdom are guaranteed to have it and will be rewarded.
He protects and watches over them (see v.7-8).
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
He gives them pleasures and inner satisfaction through their greater understanding of what is right (9-10).
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
This enlightened understanding will help guard them from deceitful men who find pleasure in wrongdoing (see. V.11-15).
11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,
12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech,
13 who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,
14 who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil,
15 men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.
Most importantly, it will save them from falling into the temptations of immoral women. These women, in making prostitutes of themselves, have left their husbands, despised God and bought lasting damage to themselves and their lovers (v.16-19).
16 So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words,
17 who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God;
18 for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed;
19 none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life.
By contrast, those who obtain wisdom have useful lives that bring lasting benefits to all (v.20-22).
20 So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it,
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.
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God’s Word for Today
5 Sep, 2024
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
Prov 2:1-5 ESV
SEEK WISDOM AS HIDDEN TREASURES
In Proverbs 1, we learn that wisdom offers herself to be found easily as one crying loud at the street. Yet, she is hard to obtain without effort. he who wants her has to work hard for her (Prov 2:3,4).
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
Definitely, this is not merely academic wisdom. He or she must start with revelation, and study it diligently, in order to obtain spiritual wisdom. He is like a diligent miner. How does a miner search for silver and gold? If you want wisdom, you must listen to God attentively (Matthew 13:9), obey Him humbly (John 7:17), ask Him sincerely (James 1:5), and seek Him diligently (Isa 55:6-7)
Obtaining spiritual wisdom isn’t a once-a-week thing by attending worship and listening sermons. But, it is through the daily discipline of digging and searching the Scriptures. But in this age of instant gratification - microwave ovens, fast foods, digests, and numerous ’made easy’ books, many people are out of the habit of daily investing time and energy in digging deep into Scripture and learning wisdom from the Lord. Internet and social media have shortened the attention span of people. As Warren Weirsbe said, “It’s no wonder fewer and fewer people ’take time to be holy’ and more and more people fall prey to the enemies that lurk along the way."
According to verse 5, such discipline will promote our understanding to how we should "fear of the Lord." The emphasizes awe and reverence toward God. On the other hand, "knowledge of God" emphasises intimacy. This discipline of searching wisdom as diligent miner is for us to know God deeper and fuller.
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God’s Word for Today
4 Sep, 2024
Prov 1:20-33 ESV
WISDOM CRIES ALOUD
Wisdom is personified as crying out for people to listen to him. Far from being an abstract principle, wisdom is presented as a dignified and well-respected woman who stands in the streets and market-places of the town and speaks openly and plainly to those who pass by. In short, she makes herself easily available to everyone. As Solomon writes;
20Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
in the markets she raises her voice;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
Wisdom pleads for the simple, scoffers and fools. [see v.22] The simple are those who are gullible and easily influenced. The scoffers or mockers are arrogant and self-conceited who trust their own ability and scorn the opinions of others. And lastly, the fools are those who have no interest in right thinking or right behavior. They are not people whose mental ability is below average, but normal intelligent people who are lazy or careless in their attitude toward things either worthwhile or not.
A refusal to listen to wisdom is disastrous. The wisdom they reject will in return haunt and mock them in the end.
23 If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25 because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
They will realize but it will be too late. It pays to heed wisdom the soonest time possible. The time of regret is always last. As Solomon laments;
28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
Solomon delineates the path and consequences of those who embrace wisdom and those who do not. To ignore God’s wisdom surely results to ruin. To seek it guarantees security [v.32-33]
32 For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
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Text: Prov 1:8-19 (ESV)
8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction,
and forsake not your mother's teaching,
9 for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
let us ambush the innocent without reason;
12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we shall find all precious goods,
we shall fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot among us;
we will all have one purse”—
15 my son, do not walk in the way with them;
hold back your foot from their paths,
16 for their feet run to evil,
and they make haste to shed blood.
17 For in vain is a net spread
in the sight of any bird,
18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood;
they set an ambush for their own lives.
19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors.
LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS
Chapters 1 to 9 are focused to the relationship of parents to children. Here in the first chapter of Proverbs, we see Solomon giving the same exhortation to follow the wise instruction of parents. Children are commanded to honor them.[Ex 20:12] This goes beyond simple obedience, and includes the ideas of respect and consideration. In the New Testament Paul points out to us that this command is the first which comes with a promise. (Eph 6:1-4). Paul also commands fathers to raise their children in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord."
The wise instructions of a parent are like fine jewelry. Jewelry is a status symbol and serves as an item of beautification. Solomon gives a clear picture that parents, specifically their instructions, are not to be despised. Instead, they should be cherished as treasures.
The number one instruction from a godly parent is for children not to indulge in sin. Solomon is not saying "if" sinners entice you, he is saying "when" sinners entice you. Verse 11-14 is a personification of sin to pressure in tempting naïve kids, that is;
11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
let us ambush the innocent without reason;
12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we shall find all precious goods,
we shall fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot among us;
we will all have one purse”—
The purpose of the example is to help us recognize and reject those "sales tactics", peer pressure, ends justifying the means, personal gain, and glory. Solomon's plea to children is to not even pay attention to these kinds of temptations.[v.15] The terms he uses here are "do not walk," and "hold back your foot." In other words, don't even let them get a word out, don't listen at all, "stay completely away from the path. In no way, shape, or form should we cooperate with those who are pursuing evil. This is an all-too-common plea from parents to their children: "Don't make the same mistakes I did."
Parents who have learned the hard way are the best teachers. They see the end from the start. As Solomon sees the consequence, that is;
16 for their feet run to evil,
and they make haste to shed blood.
17 For in vain is a net spread
in the sight of any bird,
18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood;
they set an ambush for their own lives.
19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors.
We have a wise saying in the Philippines, “Ang mga matatanda ay nagsasalita, ang mga bata ay nakikinig” This is no different to what Solomon says. The wisest thing to do is to listen and consider.
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Text: Proverbs 1:1-7 (ESV)
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
THE FEAR OF THE LORD
We are introduced to Proverbs as coming from King Solomon. Solomon was given incredible intelligence and wisdom by God (1 Kings 3:1–15; 2 Chron 1:7–13). Sadly, though wisdom is the capacity to do right, Solomon didn't always choose correctly. The book of Ecclesiastes details some of his experiences and his discovery that God's ways really are the best ways after all.
His purpose is for man to be wise. He mentioned the four levels of awareness; learning, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Learning is acquiring raw information. Knowledge is information that has been remembered for future use. Wisdom is the capacity to make the right choices, based upon knowledge and information. Understanding is a deeper form of wisdom, which can be passed along to others.
Proverbs are wise instructions. If received well, it may result to these four character traits; wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity. Receiving righteousness is learning to live a moral life. The word translated as justice means "discretion" or "determination;" it is the term used for a verdict or judgment. The third character trait to receive is discernment, or the ability to judge information and situations. Finally, equity means "prosperity and agreement." It is about treating others equitably or fairly.
Resultingly, a wise person will give insight to the simple, knowledge, and discernment to the young. The term "simple" here does not mean "stupid." Rather, it refers to someone uneducated or unaware. The same term is often translated as "inexperienced," or "naïve." This is a solemn responsibility of parents toward their children. The ideal motivation in seeking wisdom is not so much obtaining it for ourselves, but attaining a position where we can guide others. Those who have knowledge and understanding have an inherent responsibility to guide, or give "wise counsel." We should not hoard our wisdom and hide it. We must train others, likewise, to live wisely.
Moreover, the wise will continue to increase in learning. It’s not an attainment. The world is our classroom of endless learning. Wise men should understand proverbs and riddles. A "riddle," or "dark saying" in KJV is ‘hidah’ referring to a figure of speech or other indirect statements. Specifically, it means a statement that requires careful interpretation.
In what way can we approach learning rightly?
Solomon has said the key is to fear the Lord. It’s the beginning, meaning foundation. In the original Hebrew phrasing, "the beginning" does not point to knowledge, but instead belongs with the "fear of the Lord." The same phrase can be more literally translated as "giving priority to." In this context, the term "beginning" means the chief place in time, space, and order. Our reverence in God is the primary platform on becoming wise. When a person worships the true God, he would apply his knowledge rightly – to please God and help his fellow men.
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Text: Mark 16:14-20 ESV
14 [Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]
Mark 16:14-20 ESV
THE GREAT COMMISSION
Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles. He rebuked them for their unbelief when they heard the reports that He is risen. It isn't until Jesus presents His pierced hands and feet that the disciples fully believe (John 20:20, 26–27). The disciples have been characterized by hard hearts and preconceived ideas that blinded them to Jesus' real purpose. In many ways, we are like them. But, we are blessed that we have the Holy Spirit today who will guide us into truth (John 16:13) He testifies to our hearts who Jesus is (John 15:26).
After he cleared their doubts, the Lord Jesus commissioned them. He charged them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”[v.15,16] The good news that Jesus died for our sins, buried and rose again. Whosoever will believe will have eternal life. He will be baptized as a testimony that he belongs to Jesus. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, it's a response to salvation. When we are baptized, we are giving a public affirmation that we choose to follow Jesus.
The believers will be empowered by the Spirit. These will be the signs; they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. These happened during the Pentecost. These powers, in addition to gifts of healing and other miracles, were common in the early church age. During this time, many of God's prophets perform miracles so that their words would be validated. With the finalization of the canon of books having been determined to be God-breathed, we do not need miracles to affirm Jesus' words, do we?
After forty days, Jesus ascended to heaven. "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight" (Acts 1:9). He sat down at the right hand of God. It is often used as a symbol for strength and power (Psa 18:35; 20:6). At God's right hand, Jesus acts as our advocate (1 John 2:1); an active witness that although everyone deserves hell(Rom 3:23; 6:23); those who have put their faith in Him are accounted righteousness (2 Cor 5:21).
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Text: Mark 16:9-13 ESV
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.
10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.
13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.]
Mark 16:9-13 ESV
THE RISEN CHRIST APPEARS
Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene is thought to be from the town of Magdala on the western coast of the Sea of Galilee, southwest of Capernaum. She is one of several women who have followed Jesus and supported His ministry with their own money (Luke 8:1–3).
According to John’s account, she weeps at Jesus' tomb, two angels, sitting on the stone bench where Jesus had lain, comfort her (John 20:11–17). She then hears someone behind her and thinks it's the gardener. When He speaks her name, she realizes it's Jesus. She comes to Him and holds fast; John says she "clings" to Him. "Cling" is from the Greek root word ‘hapto’ and means to bind together. It means to bind molecules together. Mary doesn't just cling to Jesus. She holds Jesus so tightly with the intent on never letting Jesus go. Jesus responds, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father…" (John 20:17). He validates Mary's intention but tells her the timing is wrong. There will come a time in eternity when we see Jesus and never have to be apart. Until then, we have to trust that the Holy Spirit is what we need (John 16:7).
She went the other disciples and told them everything. Sadly, they did not believe. In John’s account, Jesus appears in the room, where they locked themselves for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). The disciples think it is a spirit (Luke 24:36–37). Later, Thomas arrives and refuses to believe (John 20:24–29). Jesus appears again and show him His hands and feet before he humbles and accept the truth. Throughout Jesus' ministry, He has had occasions He addressed the disciples' lack of faith (Mark 4:35–41; 8:14–21).
Two Christ-followers, including Cleopas (Luke 24:18), are walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. Jesus joins them but doesn't reveal who He is. He asks the two men what they are discussing. They invite their companion to stay for a meal. It isn't until Jesus takes the bread, breaks it, and prays over it that they realize who He is. Jesus vanishes from their sight and they rush back to Jerusalem and report to the disciples.
Jesus’ resurrection is the key component of the gospel. Without it, our "faith is futile" and "we are of all people most to be pitied" (1 Cor 15:17–19). Once we embrace the resurrection truth, we can freely say, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). In order to do so, we must accept what God says to us through the Scriptures, and pray that our hearts will not be hardened (Mark 6:52) and the truth will not be hidden from us (Luke 18:34).
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24.208 | THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY | Mark 16:1-8 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon
God’s Word for Today
29 Aug, 2024
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Mark 16:1-8 ESV
THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome are here to add to the fragrances Nicodemus used for Jesus’ body. Nicodemus had brought seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. [Luke 23:56] Let’s recall that the disciples and the women supported Jesus ministry(Luke 8:1–3) They followed Him from Galilee to the Mount of Olives for the Passover (Mark 15:41).
They came to the tomb when the light would have just started to creep into the sky. It could be around 5:00 a.m. and be fully above the horizon at around 6:30 a.m. John says the women come "while it was still dark" (John 20:1); Luke says, "at early dawn" (Luke 24:1); Matthew says, "toward the dawn" (Mat 28:1).
Along the way, they were asking, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” It was huge. It’s estimated to be 1 to 2 tons in weight. Moreover, A cord would have been placed where the stone meets the rockface, and wax poured over the seam. No one would have been able to move the stone without breaking the wax. In short, there was no way the women can move the stone by themselves.
Before the women arrived, Pilate has sealed the stone to the rock face and set guards so that Jesus' followers cannot disturb the scene (Mat 27:62–66). When an angel came down and rolled away the stone, the guards froze or fainted in terror. After the women leave, the guards go to the chief priests to explain what happened. The priests bribe them to say they fell asleep and the disciples stole Jesus' body.
They were greatly surprised when they saw the stone was rolled away. The angel moved it for them to see the empty tomb, not for Jesus to go out. They saw an angel dressed in white robe and they were alarmed. He told them not to fear. Jesus is risen and they are to meet Him in Galilee. They have to tell the disciples right away. They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Why they have such reactions?
Let us not be quick to criticize these women for being doubtful, fearful, not believing the angel, We ought to be sympathetic because at many times we also have doubts and unbeliefs. They did not expect Jesus to be alive. They were bringing ointments to anoint His body. Are we not like them in many ways? They heard the truth but they did not believe. They were skeptical about Jesus’ rising from dead.
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Text: Mark 15:40-41 (ESV)
40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.
THE FAITHFUL WOMEN
On this crucifixion day, Judas Iscariot is dead (Mat 27:3–10) The rest of the Twelve are scattered except John. There is no mention that Jesus' brothers are anywhere nearby (Mark 3:20–21; John 7:5). But, the women are there looking on from the distance. In John’s account, he mentions Mary Magdalene, Jesus' mother, His mother's sister, and the wife of Cleopas—mother of James the younger and Joses. When Jesus sees His mother with John, Jesus charges John with making sure Mary is cared for.[John 19:25-27]
Jesus is the oldest son and Joseph is apparently deceased, He is responsible for Mary. John is there, he is fiercely faithful to Jesus, and he will live longer than any of the other disciples. John takes Jesus' charge willingly, "and from that hour the disciple took her to his own home" (John 19:27).
But here, Jesus' mother is not mentioned as Jesus dies, and neither is it claimed that John is present. It's possible John has already taken Mary and her sister away so they do not have to witness the cruel end.
Yet, many women remained. Salome is John's own mother (Mat 27:56). Mary Magdalene has followed Jesus for years, ever since Jesus cast seven demons from her (Luke 8:2). Mary, the mother of James and Joses, is identified as the wife of Cleopas who is also known as Alphaeus (John 19:25; Luke 6:15). Later on, Mary Magdalene and Mary the wife of Cleopas will follow Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus to see where Jesus is going to be buried (Mark 15:47; John 19:39). These two Marys plus Salome, and Joanna will return after the Sabbath to prepare Jesus' body for burial (Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10).
Like these faithful women, we are thankful for faithful women who courageously follow the Lord. There were women who defied odds by anointing Jesus with expensive ointment and their own tears (Luke 7:37–39; John 12:1–8; Mark 14:3–9). Women helped to provide the Jesus’ needs in His ministry[luke 8:1-3]. In the same manner, godly women have important roles in our churches and ministries today.
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Text: Mark 15:33-39 (ESV)
FORSAKEN BY THE FATHER
During the sixth hour [3 pm], darkness covered the whole place. The time Jesus died. This coincides with the priests slaughtering the lambs for the Passover meals of the people who live in Judea. Let us recall that darkness was the ninth plague God put on the Egyptians (Exodus 10:21–29). It enveloped Egypt for three days while here it lasts for three hours. The final plague was the first Passover, the origin of the feast celebrated at this very moment. As God took the firstborns of the Egyptians to secure the rescue of His people the Israelites, God now accepts the death of His own Firstborn as a "ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
He cried before He died, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus has just cited part of Psalm 22. Taken out of context, it appears Jesus is asking God for information, but Jesus knows exactly why God is forsaking Him. It is because the weight of the sin of the world has been placed on Jesus' shoulders, and God cannot bear to see it or be in communion with He who bears it. He was in deep emotional turmoil. But "for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor 5:21).
Upon hearing Him, the bystanders commented, "Behold, he is calling Elijah." Why? Jewish tradition says that Elijah is present at the Passover meal. Legend says Elijah will come to rescue the righteous. And it makes sense if Jesus really is the Messiah. In Malachi 4:5, God promised, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes." But, in the prophetic sense, Elijah already came: as John the Baptist. John the Baptist was not really Elijah, but his mission was similar and he fulfilled the prophecy.
Jesus cried, “I thirst.” [John 19;18] This is the only time Jesus specifically expresses discomfort on the cross. Doctors suggest that His thirst is one of the many indications He is suffering from hypovolemic shock or blood loss. Most probably, He lost more than twenty percent of His blood, and His kidneys stopped functioning to preserve what body fluid was left. The heart beats faster, trying to move the decreased volume of blood. Grasping for oxygen, He has to push His fatigued body up until He can not breathe anymore. Before Jesus dies, He shouts (Mark 15:37), impossible for someone who cannot breathe, but very possible for someone who dies of the medical equivalent of a broken heart. Crucifixion victims usually take two or three days to slowly die of asphyxiation. But here, it suggests that Jesus dies of extreme trauma, a combination of severe blood loss and fluid pooling in His chest. He has literally spilt His blood for our sins as a perfect sacrifice.
Jesus as a person and His work of redemption is too hard to fathom. Jesus the Son and God the Father are one (John 10:30). God the Father is in Jesus and Jesus is in God the Father. And yet, on the cross, Jesus felt separated from the Father. That's hard to understand, and even harder for us to attempt to explain in human terms. The nature of the Trinity is beyond human thought, to begin with. All we can do is note the truths explained in God's Word. According to this passage, when the Father puts the weight of the sins of the world onto Jesus, it severed His connection with the Son. Jesus felt forsaken (Mark 15:34).
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Text: Mark 15:27-32 ESV
THE HUMILIATION OF JESUS
They were two robbers crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left. The word "robber" is from the Greek root word ‘lestes’. It refers to a plunderer or brigand. It is the same word John uses to describe Barabbas (John 18:40), although Barabbas is also described as an insurrectionist and murderer (Mark 15:7). Typically, the punishment for theft is repaying the victim many times the value of the stolen item. Crucifixion is only for theft either done inside a religious or royal building or if the thief kills someone in the execution of the theft. Scholars posit that they are insurrectionists, possibly even Barabbas' accomplices, though we have no hard evidence of this.
In the King James Version, verse 28 reads, "And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'He was numbered with the transgressors." Scholars suggest this was added as a footnote, that is, a helpful commentary by some later scribe that accidentally came to be copied into later manuscripts. This is a reference to Isaiah 53:12, the last verse that talks about Jesus as the Suffering Servant.
The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 'Ha! Look at you now!' they yelled at him. 'You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days.[v.30] They derided Him. It comes from the Greek root word blasphemeo. Literally, it means to speak reproachfully or speak evil of. To blaspheme God is a crime punishable by death in the Mosaic law (Lev 24:10–16), and this is the crime the high priest accuses Jesus of (Mark 14:64). In OT, to wag one's head is another display of derision (2 Kings 19:21; Job 16:4; Psa 22:7; 109:25).
It is a crime under the Roman law punishable by death to destroy a religious building. The Sanhedrin could have accused Jesus of this threat to Pilate, but they couldn't find reliable witnesses. Mark 15:29 demonstrates the religious leaders understood Jesus meant His body, not the literal temple. Sadly, the disciples apparently don't understand this until after the resurrection in three days (John 2:21–22; Luke 24:45–46).
They taunted Him, saying, “Save yourself, and come down from the cross!" The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. 'He saved others,' they scoffed, 'but he can’t save himself!. Jesus has retained His resolve. Let us recall that during Jesus' forty days in the wilderness, Satan tempted Him to save Himself by making bread and manipulating the angels into taking care of Him (Mat 4:1–7). But, he did not. Also, He stopped Peter who was trying to protect Him during His arrest. He told Peter, "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that I must be so?" (Mat 26:53–54).
Had Jesus saved Himself and took vengeance to His accusers and abusers, He could be a superhero worthy for a Hollywood movie now. But, He was here for a definite purpose.[Mark 10:45] He came to obediently hang on the cross (Phil 2:8), to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), to lay down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). He does so voluntarily (John 10:18). His reason for coming to earth as a man is only a few hours from completion. Nobody can stop Him, not even the devil. He is not on the cross because He cannot save Himself. He is there voluntarily, to save others. And Only when He is finished will He save Himself (John 10:17–18).
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Text: Mark 15:21-32 ESV
THE KING OF THE JEWS IS CRUCIFIED
After they scourged Jesus, they brought Him to Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). This name originally comes from an Aramaic word. Although "skull" is from the Greek root word 'kranion', the Latin translation is 'calvaria', from which we get the term "Calvary." Its location is uncertain, but tradition says it is where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now sits, outside the west wall of Jerusalem. The route from the Praetorium to Golgotha is less than half a mile, but the guards beat Jesus so severely (see Mark 15:15–19) He was too weak to carry the 100-pound [45 kg] horizontal crossbeam that distance. The guards use their rights as Roman soldiers to compel Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross.
He was offered wine mixed with myrrh but He did not take it. Tradition states that the women offer crucifixion victims wine mixed with myrrh in the spirit of Proverbs 31:6–7. It says, "Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more." Myrrh is a weak narcotic, and the women mean to dull the pain a little, but the pain relief can also lengthen the life of the victim.
Earlier, during the Passover when He instituted the Lord’s supper, Jesus said He will not drink wine until He can drink it in celebration of the fruition of His sacrifice, when the church joins with Him in heaven (see Mat 26:29). Secondly, Jesus rejects the drink is that He is not there to be comfortable. He is there to feel the weight of pain and humiliation that sin stains humanity with. Jesus is not a helpless victim who needs to find chemical solace in His condition. He is the King who must now soberly rule, even when He was hanging at the cross His composure is as one who is peacefully in control.
After they beat Jesus, they divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. John explains that Jesus has five pieces of clothing (John 19:23–24). The guards, numbering four, split the first four pieces evenly. The last is a seamless, woven garment. Not wishing to tear it, the guards cast lots for it. This is the fulfillment of Psalm 22:16–18, David describes his bad circumstances in prophetic terms:
For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
Mark's description of the crucifixion is dry and direct. Most likely, this is due to his audience, which was mostly Romans. That culture knew all too well what crucifixion entailed, and it was considered an unpleasant topic. The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." It is standard procedure for crucifixion victims to be paraded about with a sign announcing their convicted crime. The Jewish leaders and soldiers call Jesus "King of the Jews" to mock Him (Mark 15:18, 32). Pilate does it to mock the leaders. Despite the fact the Sanhedrin denies Jesus is King of the Jews or the Messiah (John 19:15), the legal charge designates Jesus is executed because He is King of the Jews. He dies because He is the Messiah.
The graphic details of His physical suffering, the scourging, the nails, and suffocation are not the primary causes of Jesus' pain. Neither is the intense shame and humiliation. It’s the separation from His Father that is incomprehensible. Through no sin of His own Jesus is abandoned and has received God’s wrath.
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God’s Word for Today
22 Aug, 2024
Mark 15:16-20 ESV
THE CROWN OF THORNS
Pilate either allows or orders a battalion of Roman guards to humiliate and torture Jesus. A battalion is a unit of about six hundred soldiers. They clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. John says the soldiers use a "purple robe" (John 19:2), Mark says a "purple cloak," and Matthew says a "scarlet robe" (Matthew 27:28). It is because of the subjective nature of describing colors. It may be that the soldiers use what they have lying around to substitute for the royal purple robe of a prince.
Certainly, they made fun of Him. They “twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. We don't know what kind of thorn bush makes the crown, but it may mimic the leafy wreath. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said” (Mat 27:29; John 19:2-5). While a crown of thorns would be exceedingly painful, the crown of thorns was more about mockery and humiliation. Here was the “King of the Jews” being beaten, spit upon, and insulted by presumably barbaric Roman soldiers. The crown of thorns was the finalizing of their mockery, taking a symbol of royalty and majesty, a crown, and turning it into something painful and degrading.
Luke explains that Pilate has Jesus beaten and tortured in hopes the pain and humiliation will appease the Sanhedrin and convince them to release Jesus. He hopes this barbarous act will convince the chief priests, elders, and scribes that Jesus is not a threat to their authority over the Jews (Luke 23:22). John, on the other hand, explains that after the soldiers put the crown of thorns and the robe on Jesus, Pilate leads Him out to the crowd (John 19:4–5). Surely, Pilate hopes, the Jewish leaders will agree that a public display of powerless humiliation is enough.
Pilate was burdened with Jesus' refusal to defend Himself, so he appealed to the crowd a final time (John 19:12–15). The Jewish leadership pulls out their trump card, insisting that releasing Jesus would be a crime against Caesar. History suggests that Pilate's tenure as governor here was not well-liked by his Roman superiors. The only worse outcome than a Jewish rebellion against Caesar and Pilate would be a Jewish rebellion against Pilate in the name of Caesar. This threat hits Pilate where he is most vulnerable, so he lets Jesus be crucified.
What does this crowning of thorns mean to us?
What the Roman soldiers meant as a mockery, was in fact a picture of Christ’s two roles, first of suffering servant (read Isaiah 53), and second of conquering Messiah-King (read Revelation 19). Secondly, Jesus was willing to endure the pain, the insults, and the shame, all on our account. The crown of thorns, and the suffering that went with it, are long gone, and Jesus has now received the crown of which He is worthy. “But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9]
Moreover, the Roman soldiers unknowingly took an object of the curse, the thorn, and fashioned it into a crown for the one who would deliver us from that curse. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” (Gal 3:13). Christ, in His perfect atoning sacrifice, has delivered us from the curse of sin, of which a thorn is a symbol. While intended to be a mockery, the crown of thorns was, in fact, an excellent symbol of who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish.
God’s Word for Today
21 Aug, 2024
6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Mark 15:6-15 ESV
AN UNDESERVED FREEDOM
The tradition mentioned here, of releasing a prisoner at Passover, is not well documented. Roman rulers may release a prisoner if a mob gathers and demands strongly, usually with shouting. This is, indeed, what the crowd of Jews do. Pilate is not offering this as a gesture of mercy. He's negotiating with a mob. It isn't the crowd but the chief priests and elders who choose Barrabas(Matthew 27:20). They convince the crowd to yell for Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion.
Not much is known about Barabbas. "Bar" means son or son of. "Abbas" means the father. Some scholars think he is an ancient-era version of Robin Hood. He is one who attacks the rich who destroy the poor Galileans with debt and take their land. He was an insurrectionist and a murderer.
It seems that Pilate presents the crowd with Barabbas and Jesus because Barabbas is so vile he doesn't think they'll choose him. But they chose Barrabas. Why? Pilate perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. Jesus, an itinerant and homeless teacher has earned the respect and authority the priests could never attain. Moreover, He has God's love and approval. Although they were witnesses to His miracles and teachings, they refuse to accept He is the Messiah.
Envy is outrageous. As Solomon says,
“Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?”[Psa 27:4]
However, the interplay of events is not random. This deeply-rooted envy that led to Jesus’ illegal or mob-led crucifixion has led to the undeserved freedom of Barrabas. He was blessed in the process. A beautiful display of God’s amazing and inexplainable grace. Indeed, the wrath or jealousy of man shall ‘praise’ Him.[Psa 76:10] Take for example God’s dealing with Pharaoh. The more Pharaoh has hardened his heart, the more God has the opportunity God was able to display His glory. Similarly, the hardness of these wicked religious leaders has enhanced the beauty of the meek ‘Lamb’, exuberating the glory of His grace to undeserving sinners like Barrabas, including us.
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Text: Mark 15:1-5 (ESV)
And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
ARE YOU THE KING OF THE JEWS?
The religious leaders have already convicted Jesus of blasphemy according to the Mosaic law (Mark 14:63–65). But, they have to find what capital offence against the Roman law they will present Him worthy of death. Thus, they have to go to Pilate early the next morning. As their custom is, the Roman officials are conducting trials in the early morning. If the Sanhedrin waits until later in the day, Pilate will not be available. At evening, the Sabbath begins, so they need to move fast.
Under the Roman law, they are allowed to enforce their own ceremonial laws and some civil laws. However, while they can accuse someone of a capital offense, they cannot execute anyone. Only an appointed Roman official like Pilate can authorize capital punishment. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, has convicted Jesus of the crime of claiming to be "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed" (Mark 14:61). "Christ" is Greek for Messiah. But, at this point in human history, the term would mean nothing to Pilate yet, or virtually anyone other than the Jewish people.
Pilate has a limited understanding of Judaism. He has to prove the charges and hear the response of Jesus. Hence, he asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Without hesitation, Jesus said, “You have said so.” The claim that Jesus is King of the Jews began with the wise men (Mat 2:2). Jesus has affirmed that claim (Mat 20:21; Mark 9:1) and the travelers to Jerusalem believe it (Mark 11:10). In addition, every time Jesus calls Himself the "son of man," He is claiming to be the figure spoken of in Daniel 7:13–14. The ‘Ancient of Days’ will give the son of man "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him…" (Dan 7:14). Thus, in principle, this would put Caesar and Rome under Jesus' authority.
In John 18:34-38, Jesus makes the question personal and asks if Pilate is inquiring on his own behalf. This is a not-so-subtle reminder for Pilate. A reminder that he is acting on the accusations of others, not his own knowledge. Jesus is also giving Pilate the opportunity to see the truth of who He is. Jesus explains that His kingdom is not ‘in this world’, but it is real. In the end, Pilate realizes Jesus is not a threat to him or Caesar. He gave Jesus the chance to defend Himself which Jesus refused Jesus' refusal has strengthened His own enemies’ resolve.
Jesus could have exercised His authority as king. Satan offered Him the world (Mat 4:8–10). But Jesus is more concerned with saving souls than taking His rightful throne before it is time (John 6:27, 40). It makes no sense to take a kingdom of people who are enslaved to sin for eternity. Only by dying can He lead the people free. Hence, He’s King coming as the Suffering Servant. As Isaiah writes, "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth" (Isa 53:7).
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Text: Mark 14:66-72 (ESV)
66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
PETER DENIES JESUS
Let us recall that on the way to the Mount of Olives, Peter was brash enough to swear before Jesus that even if all the other disciples fell away, he would never betray Him (v.31). In the garden of Gethsemane, he drew his sword to protect Jesus (John 18:10). Now, he is witnessing what these angry mob did to Jesus. He was terrified.
He was in the courtyard when one of servant girls of the high priest recognized Peter as one of Jesus’ disciples. While warming himself among the others at a fire, the lady said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” The rooster crowed as he headed towards the porch. The lady saw him again and shouted before the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” Once again, he denied it.
A few minutes later, the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Most probably, they were the same servants and officers who arrested Jesus and brought Him to the high priest's house.
The proud Peter crumbled. When we take our eyes off Jesus and act impulsively, as Peter did, we endanger ourselves. Pride comes before a fall.[Prov 16:18] He disowned Jesus who he promised to protect even unto death. He became inconsistent. Paul warns us about judging the sins of others while we commit the same sins (Rom 2:17–23) ending with, "For, as it is written, 'The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you'" (Rom 2:24).
Then, Peter broke down and wept. All of Peter's grandstanding is swept away. Luke says that at this point, Jesus literally turns and looks at Peter in his eyes (Luke 22:61). In fear for his safety, Peter has forgotten Jesus' warning to him. He finally realizes that all his bravado, claims, and presumptions mean nothing. With this dramatic, soul-crushing locking of their eyes, Peter realizes exactly what he has done, and just how unworthy he is of Jesus. He is full of deceit while Jesus has none. Later on, Jesus restored Peter. At the bank of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus will ask Peter three times if Peter loves Him. Three times, Peter readily admits he has ‘phileo’ for Jesus only. In his humility, he admits he does not have ‘agape’ love for Jesus. He is not able, in himself, to pick up his cross and follow Him [Mark 8:34]. Finally, he becomes open to Jesus to work in his heart so that he can ultimately, follow Jesus to his death.
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Mark 14:53-65 ESV
ARE YOU THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE BLESSED?
After they captured Jesus, the soldiers led them to the high priest. He was taken first to Annas [John 18:13] Unable to get a confession, Annas takes Jesus to Caiaphas, his son-in-law and the current high priest (John 18:19–24). All the chief priests, elders, and scribes came together to accuse Jesus. They were looking for legal reasons to execute Jesus. These greedy people were actively seeking fake evidence to support their political goals They were seeking testimony against Him but they found none. Many stood up and bore false witness against Him. They said, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” Yet even about this, their testimony did not agree. In the Mosaic law, a conviction requires two witnesses (Deut 19:15). Clearly, they mobbed Him leading into a kangaroo court. It was chaotic.
Today, more than two thousand years have passed and we shake our heads at their arrogance and duplicity. But, are we not seeing the same culture that confronts us? "Fake news," partial information, rumors, misleading headlines are rampant in the internet, are they not? These lies are carefully cultivated to reinforce whatever someone wants others to believe.
The chief priest prodded Him to answer saying, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he remained silent and made no answer. Like Jesus, we don’t need to panic about the perception of hostile and prejudiced people. People are entitled to their own opinions. There is strength in silence as a ‘meek lamb’ before a frenzy crowd. As Peter recalls, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” [1 Pet 2:22,23]
However, Jesus answered when He was asked directly about His identity. The high priest asked, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
This truth has made the chief priest mad. He tore his garment and concluded, saying, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” He is distraught that Jesus elevates Himself to God's right hand (v.62).It was the accusation of blasphemy against God and not treason against the Roman government that made them mad.
All became violent toward Jesus. And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows. This is the fulfillment of Jesus being the Suffering Servant as He undergoes such abuse. In Isaiah 50:6, it says, "I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting." This was not an accident but an intentional act of Jesus, He said, “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father" (John 10:17–18).
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Text: Mark 14:43-50 ESV
43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.”
45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him.
46 And they laid hands on him and seized him.
47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?
49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”
50 And they all left him and fled.
Mark 14:43-50 ESV
LET THE SCRIPTURES BE FULFILLED
The chief priests and scribes have already decided they want to arrest Jesus secretly away from the feast. This is to prevent Jesus' many supporters to create a mob (Mark 14:1–2). Thus, they would arrest Jesus during the night time secretly.
Judas arrived at Gethsemane with the guards. He used the traditional greeting of respect, honor, and brotherly love – a kiss. The tired disciples would recognize Judas and think he is returning from buying the supplies for the Feast of Unleavened Bread to be celebrated the next evening (see John 13:27–30). His kiss would guide the captors to identify Jesus. The disciples are completely unsuspicious and unprepared for what is about to happen next.
Satan had entered Judas before he talked to the chief priests about betraying Jesus (see Luke 22:3–4) Judas left the Passover dinner to coordinate the arrest of Jesus (John 13:27). However, Satan doesn't compel Judas to do anything he wasn't willing to do. Satan had deceived him because of his greed. When Judas realizes what his actions have led to, he tries to undo what he has done. It's too late, however, and instead of asking Jesus for forgiveness, Judas kills himself (Mat 27:3–10). As the saying goes, “If you give Satan an inch, he will become your ruler.”
Then they laid hands on Jesus and seized him. Jesus showed no opposition or struggle. Jesus admits that He is the Jesus of Nazareth they are looking for and identifies Himself with such power the guards fall to the ground (see John 18:4–6). Jesus even asked them, "Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture me? Every day I was among you, teaching in the temple, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." He then negotiates for the safe release of the eleven remaining disciples.
But, Peter draws his sword and cut the Roman soldier Malchus ear. He healed and put it back though. Jesus rebuked Peter that Jesus could pray and God would send twelve legions of angels to defend Him. But He would not because this arrest must happen according to the Scriptures (see Mat 26:53–54). In other words, what Peter thought was protecting Christ was preventing Him from obeying God (see Mat 26:52–54; John 18:11).
All these did not happen outside God’s plan. The unjust arrest and the betrayal from a friend. He must be arrested like a meek lamb being led to the slaughter. Jesus appears as a helpless victim to the cruelty of the soldiers before Peter and the disciples’ eyes. But, from heaven’s perspective, Jesus was an obedient Son to the will of His Father according to the Scriptures. Jesus surrendered Himself as a meek lamb under the cruelty of man and as a bold lion courageous to fulfill His Father’s will.
Later on , In His prayer, Jesus said triumphantly,
"…I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father."
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God’s Word for Today
15 Aug, 2024
Mark 14:37-42 ESV
WATCH AND PRAY
As Jesus was praying in agony at the garden of Gethsemane, Peter, James and John were nearby. Jesus told them he was sorrowful and that they should remain and watch. They must be a bit tired physically. They have just finished the long, leisurely Passover meal with its accompanying cups of wine plus an evening walk to the garden of Gethsemane.
“To watch” specifically means to pay special attention at all times so that you can avoid or prevent a catastrophic tragedy. Jesus mentions specifically that they should pray to avoid entering into temptation at that moment.[v.38] Beyond scattering and abandoning Jesus, there are other temptations the disciples can fall into. They can fall into despair, which they did. They can fear the Jewish leaders more than they trust God (John 20:19). They can reject the news of Jesus' resurrection (Luke 24:10–11) as vehemently as they denied the prophecies of His death (see Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:32–34).
Sadly, the three fell asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? This happened for three times. We recall that Jesus has already prophesied that Peter will deny that he knows Jesus (see v. 26–31). Jesus was proven right. They did not want these to happen. His diagnosis is that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Man is hopeless without the Spirit in praying.[Rom8:26] Without the work of the Holy Spirit, who gives us a new nature, the three disciples could not obey Jesus' admonition to watch and pray against temptation.
When we are praying, we are in a spiritual battle against the enemy. We must be alert and not be ignorant about the devil’s devices. He is like a prowling lion so that we need to be in constant communion with God. Peter admonished us, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” [1 Pet 5:7,8]
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God’s Word for Today
14 Aug, 2024
Mark 14:32-42 ESV
MY SOUL IS VERY SORROWFUL
In the garden of Gethsemane[meaning oil press], Jesus brought His disciples for the last time. He went there to pray. While He let the others sit, he brought along with Him Peter, James and John a little further to be with Him. They were His intimate disciples.
Why?
He was greatly distressed and troubled. His soul is sorrowful. Did He feel a weakness that He needed company? Yes, but He did not commit any sin.[Heb 4:15] The word "sorrowful" is from the Greek root word ‘perilupos’ and is also translated "deeply grieved" and "overwhelmed with sorrow." Is it not true the Jesus has suffered the worse hardship than anyone else experienced in the world? He received the wrath of God.
Like Jesus, we have to acknowledge our most agonizing feelings while obeying God who placed us on this path. Let us not deny our pain but not as one without hope.
Jesus was so distraught. He was not overreacting to His suffering, was He? In fact, He sweats so profusely the sweat drops are like drops of blood (Luke 22:44). As He prays, an angel comes to comfort Him (Luke 22:43). He knows He would experience the abandonment from His Father and he felt the gravity of God’s wrath. Are we going to minimize the agony He feels bearing the weight of our sins and watching His Father turn away from Him? How did he demonstrate His agony? He fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.[v.35]
He knew the implications of the ‘cup’ from God. Firstly, one's "cup" is referring to one's lot in life, whether good or bad. When Jesus gives the cup to the disciples at the Lord's Supper, they are taking on the life His blood provides, both the persecution that comes to His followers (Mark 10:38–39) and everlasting life in paradise (Mark 14:23–24).
One more concept of "the cup" is that it is a spiritual symbol for God's wrath. In Rev 14:10, there is a description depicting the fate of those who take on the mark of the beast. That is, "he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger…" This is the "cup" that Jesus takes on the cross for believers. It's only logical that He would want to avoid it, but He finishes His prayer submitting to the wishes of His Father.
Today, we relish to the reality that God is able to understand our pains. Jesus has been there. As Psa 34:18 says,
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.”
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Text: Mark 14:26-31 (ESV)
26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.
YOU WILL ALL FALL AWAY
After their Passover feast at the Upper room, they returned to the Mount of Olives, where they have spent every night this week (see Luke 21:37). The garden sits on the west side of the Mount of Olives, at the intersection of two roads that come east out of Jerusalem.
Then, Jesus pronounced that they will all fall away. The phrase "fall away" is taken from the Greek root word ‘skandalizo’. They will morally stumble and ultimately sin. This is the same term used to describe the rocky ground in the parable of the sower. In that parable, Jesus said, “The ones who, when they hear the word immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away" (Mark 4:16–17).
Surely, the disciples have heard Jesus' words and agree with them. But, their roots are still too shallow so that they will give in during trials and persecutions. Jesus has quoted Zech 13:7-9 that when the shepherd is stricken, the sheep will be scattered. Later, they will witness Jesus taken, as powerless lamb being tortured in a cruel and excruciating death. In fear, they will scatter like sheep when seeing a lion attacking their shepherd.
As the Good Shepherd, He knows His sheep. [John 10:14] The sheep know the good shepherd's voice and follow Him. Yes, they may scatter for a time, but those who belong to Jesus will always return to Him. Christians aren’t expected to be perfect, are we? As Psa 103:13-14 says,
“As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.”
Jesus will initiate to revive them. Jesus instructed to meet Him in Galilee after He will be ‘raised up’. Later on, we will know that Jesus met with seven of the disciples on the Sea of Tiberias, otherwise known as the Sea of Galilee (read John 21). While there, Jesus restores Peter also (John 21:15–19).
Among them, Peter rejected Jesus’ warning. He must be sincere but overly confident to trust his own heart. Jesus warns Peter that Satan has asked to "sift him like wheat" (Luke 22:31). But Jesus prays that although Peter's courage may fail at this time, his faith won't, and that Peter will be able to use this experience to give courage to the other disciples (Luke 22:32). During the Pentecost, the restored Peter has no fear of the religious leader anymore. He preached the gospel to a multitude gathered in Jerusalem. That day, about three thousand people will hear his message and believe in Jesus (Acts 2:14–41). Indeed, no failure needs to be final.
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Text: Mark 14:22-25 (ESV)
22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
THE LORD’S SUPPER
Jesus had a simple meal of lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs with His disciples as they observed the Passover. And, as they were eating, Jesus took the bread to introduce the Lord’s Supper covenant. He "broke" the bread because it is baked in a large, flat disk.
Earlier, Jesus has compared Himself to bread that His followers must eat (John 6). He explained that He is the bread of life. This symbolism has always been difficult to understand. When Jesus told the people that they needed to "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood" (see John 6:53), many of His followers abandoned Him (see John 6:66). Apparently, Jesus is not advocating cannibalism here. Jesus is speaking in a metaphor (John 6:63). When God sent manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, it kept them alive for a time, but eventually they all died. But, those who "eat" the bread of life that Jesus has offered will never die. If we take the spiritual life Jesus offers, our spirits will live.
Then, Jesus took the cup, blessed it, and passed it around. He and the disciples drink from one cup. To drink from someone's cup is to accept a deep relationship with them. As the cup of wine represents Jesus' blood, they identify with Him in a stronger way than they realize when they drink it. It means accepting the work of Jesus on the cross, taking it into themselves, changing their hearts.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites covered their door-posts and lintels with the blood of the Passover lamb. The ‘angel’ passed over the homes marked with blood and left them unscathed while the firstborns of the houses of the Egyptians died (Exodus 12:1–32). In the same manner, the impact of spiritual death will "pass over" to anyone who accepts Jesus' blood. There is no more blood needed to be shed for forgiveness from God for Jesus’ blood is sufficient(Hebrews 7:27).
Wine is drunk during a celebration (see Psalm 104:14–15). Jesus promises to drink wine again in a time and place suitable for celebration. Most likely this will be at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:7–10) wherein Jesus and all believers will celebrate His victory in glory.
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Text: Mark 14:10-11,17-21 ESV
10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.
11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.
17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve.
18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.”
19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?”
20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me.
21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”
Mark 14:10-11,17-21 ESV
THE BETRAYAL
Judas was one of the trusted disciples of Jesus. He was their treasurer. [John 12:6] At the height of the tension towards the religious leaders’ plot to kill Jesus, Judas betrays Jesus. He approached the chief priests to offer his services in bringing Jesus to them. Why? He was greedy for money. [Mat 26:15] The chief priests were glad and they offered him 30 pieces of silver. But the most plausible reason is that Satan has filled his heart. [Luke 22:3, John 13:27]
It was tragic that he spent three years with Jesus, yet it did nothing to soften his heart. He did not embrace the truth not by a mile but by an inch. What lesson can we learn? It is not a guarantee that a child growing in a godly home would fear the Lord. Hardness of hearts can occur when the stubborn heart refuses to receive the truth as the clay is under the sun. Judas has listened to Jesus' teaching and just doesn't care—about the teaching or the claim of Jesus Himself. He may have either higher, political, motivations, or as the Scriptures only mention he wants money (Mat 26:15).
During the Passover, Jesus divulges that one of them will betray Him. Nobody casts doubt upon anyone. Instead, each one sorrowful saying to him one after another, “Is it I?” Each disciple is looking into his heart to see if he has the capacity to betray Jesus, and each one is afraid he does. It is good to examine always our hearts, is it not? As David prays,
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!”[Psa 139:24-25]
During Jesus’ arrest, Peter will betray Him and the others will abandon Him. But, these unfaithfulness were recoverable. They were carried by their fear to men for a moment but they were truly related to Him. We fail Christ, but must continually return to Him in repentance for our weaknesses and sins. Thankfully, Jesus is always willing to forgive those who ask sincerely.[1 John 1:9]
However, Judas' betrayal shows an irreparable condition of an ‘apostate’ heart. He rejects Jesus and His teaching. He breaks away for he was never part of Him in the first place (1 John 2:19). What a sad comment for Jesus to say, “It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” This is true of every unbeliever. It would be better not to have been born than to face eternal judgment in hell. Countless debates have happened whether God has made us as eternal souls with the free will to choose or reject Him. But, man is always responsible to believe in order to be saved[John 3:18]
Practically, we should reflect upon this narrative and follow Jesus' example of loving the lost. We should continue to preach the gospel and mourn those who reject it. Jesus knows many will reject Him in Jerusalem. Yet, he wept over them.
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Text: Mark 14:12-16 ESV
12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him,
14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’
15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.”
16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
Mark 14:12-16 ESV
PREPARING FOR THE PASSOVER
Jesus prepared for the Passover with His disciples. This demonstrates that He honors the ceremonial law of Moses. It is a day to commemorate how God has protected the Israelites during the tenth plague when He inflicted upon Egypt. God killed the firstborns of the Egyptians, while he "passed over" the Israelites who had put the blood of a lamb over their doors per God's instructions (read Exodus 12).
He sent two disciples to prepare the place. In Luke 22:8, Luke identifies the two disciples as Peter and John. They easily find the place where they are to use. Why? Per instructions of Jesus, they would meet a man carrying water and follow him to his master’s house. It was not their custom for their men to carry water in those days.
How did Jesus have selected this place? The text isn't clear. Either, He may have coordinated with the homeowner beforehand or He may be following the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is a similar situation to Mark 11:1–7. There, Jesus told two of His disciples to enter a village and bring a specific donkey colt; when asked what they were doing they were to tell nearby men that "the Lord" needed to borrow it.
This passage demonstrates how in control Jesus is, is it not? He knows where to find a room to celebrate the Passover meal with His disciples. They are His family. He knows someone will betray Him (Mark 14:18). And He knows He will die (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:32–34). He even tells Judas when to coordinate His arrest (John 13:27). Apparently, there is nothing about the unfolding events that is outside of Jesus' knowledge and control.
To prepare for the Passover, they have to get a lamb without blemish, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and wine. As Galileans, they will eat in the evening of 14 Nisan [ equiv. to April today], as the law states (Lev 23:5). Jesus' death, however, is most closely identified with the Passover. According to Paul, His is our Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:7), who will die as the literal Passover lambs are slaughtered at the temple.
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God’s Word for Today
8 Aug, 2024
Mark 14: 3-9 ESV
A BEAUTIFUL THING
Jesus was in the house of Simon, the leper at Bethany, about two miles from the temple. On this night before His Last Supper with the disciples, Jesus has dinner with friends. John mentions a very similar event dated four days earlier (John 12:1–8).
Before this, a few days earlier, a different woman anointed Jesus as He visited with a Pharisee named Simon (Luke 7:36–50). Simon was horrified that Jesus let "a woman of the city, who was a sinner" touch Him. Jesus saw her actions as coming from her faith and declared her sins forgiven.
This is the second time in a week that a woman has anointed Jesus with extremely valuable ointment, and the second time the disciples have grumbled about the waste (see John 12:1–8). And sadly for the second time, Jesus has reprimanded them for criticizing a woman who uses her resources to worship Him (see v.6–9). How come they miss Jesus' teaching and make the same mistake twice within a week?
She broke the alabaster flask and poured the perfume onto Jesus’ head. An alabaster is a type of gypsum, a soft, white, translucent stone often used for sculptures, which appear like a marble. Perhaps, the woman "breaks" the flask, by breaking the seal on the lid. This expensive perfume nard equivalent to a year’s wage [300 denarii] comes from a plant found in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. When women are not allowed to own property or money, they accumulate clothing and jewelry as investments, which may include this perfume.
For, Jesus it was a beautiful thing. But, the disciples looked at it as a waste of money. Let’s recall in the earlier event, Judas is particularly loud in grumbling about the waste. Here, the other disciples have joined in (Mat 26:8). John reveals that while Judas claims to be concerned about the poor, he's more concerned about pocketing the money, himself (John 12:4–6). A double-standard.
The anointing has served its purpose. This woman's offering is extravagant undoubtedly. The disciples scolded her. The disciples were thinking about the good use of the money for the poor. But, Jesus recognizes that what she did was much better, a beautiful thing. She seems to know that Jesus will die so this anointing was her only opportunity. Undoubtedly, the way in which she gives it lavishly is a better indication of her love of Jesus.
When others can’t fathom our love for Jesus, our sacrifice for Him will be criticized as ‘too much’. You can’t limit the person who is ‘compelled’ with love. As the great missionary C.T. Studd said, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” Our challenge today is to demonstrate our love of Jesus by the sacrifices for Him and his glory.
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God’s Word for Today
7 Aug, 2024
It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”
Mark 14:1-2 ESV
THE PLOT
The chief priests and scribes were plotting to kill Jesus. According to Matthew, the elders are included in this conspiracy. If they are going to maintain their power, authority, and influence over the people, they need Jesus gone.
These "chief priests" are not official offices ordained by God. They are religious leaders who gain power and take control. Scribes are experts in the Mosaic law, who always argue with Jesus. They are furious because Jesus does not respect their traditional additions to the Mosaic law. Elders, on the other hand, are the well-respected, powerful businessmen of Jerusalem. All are representing the Sanhedrin that determines if someone breaks the law.
Meanwhile at his home, Caiphas, through the providence of God, determined that Jesus should die. He said, “"…it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish" (John 11:50). He thinks the death of Jesus would prevent an uprising. Resultingly, the Jews will be protected from possible retaliation from the Romans. Unbeknownst to him, it is God’s eternal plan for Jesus to die for the salvation of all nations (see John 11:45–53).
God sovereignly superintends the affairs of man. God allows man to fulfil his wicked plan but not without God’s permission. As Psa 76:10 says,
“Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”
For example, Satan could not touch Job until the Lord allowed him to do so. After his suffering from the evil plot of his brothers, Joseph says, ”As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”[Gen 50:20] Jesus was not a victim of man’s wrath but a victor through man’s wrath.
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Text: Mark 13:32-37 (ESV)
32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
STAY AWAKE
The imminence and unpredictability of Jesus' coming can’t be overemphasized. Even Jesus, in His humanity, does not know the time of His coming. While in His physical body on earth, Jesus is not omniscient. Paul explains that Jesus, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Phil 2:6–7). Part of being emptied means Jesus abdicated His rights to manifest the full nature of deity, what theologians call the ‘kenosis’. That doesn't mean that Jesus was ever not-God. It's more like part of His deity was in sleep mode. He knew what God intended Him to know (John 15:15).
The point Jesus specifically says is that the timing is not for us to know (see Acts 1:6–7). That should serve as a warning for the rest of us. Anyone who claims to know the date or time of Jesus' return is, by definition, a false teacher. They are claiming to convince others they know what Jesus says cannot be known.
His exhortation for us is to keep awake. It’s like a servant having been in-charged of the house. He is waiting for his master to arrive from a long journey who did not tell him what time he would arrive. He might be knocking at the door during the time he was sleeping. He must stay awake.
James has enjoined us to wait patiently, saying, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” [Jas 5:7-8]. Also Paul has exhorted, “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”[Titus 2:13]
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Text: Mark 13:28-31 (ESV)
28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY
Having explained the signs of the end of the world and His coming, Jesus directed their attention to the fig tree for an important lesson. Fig trees are a good indication that summer is near. It is because their leaves fall in the winter and return in late spring, a couple of months behind other plants. In the same way, we can consider how the signs given in the Bible compare to what we experience to determine if the end times are near.
The fig tree is often attributed as a symbol of Israel (Hos 9:10; Joel 1:6–7) Some scholars have speculated that the leafing fig tree here is symbolic of Israel as well. They think that when Israel feels healthy and protected enough to "put out new leaves," we should be aware that the end is near. That may mean the establishment of the modern Israel in 1948. From diaspora to its expansion even into non-Jewish-held territories is something no one has expected to happen. The nation settling back in the Promised land is no short of a miracle.
However, we should not be dogmatic that this refers to Israel when we look closely the statements of verse 29, and Luke's addition of "and all the trees" in Luke 21:29. The warning is clear that as we can tell the seasons change by watching the world around us, people in the tribulation should get a hint of when Jesus is coming by watching their own world events.
Jesus ascertained that this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. The word ‘generation’ has sparked controversy whether this refers to the four apostles, namely Peter, James, Andrew, and John. Or, is this referring to the church until Jesus' return? The most plausible is this refers to the people during the unfolding of the events mentioned in verses 6 - 27. From the beginning of the actual, end-times-impending birth pains to Jesus' return will be less than a generation. The point is that once the events of the end times begin, they will progress very quickly.
Jesus assured that His words will come to pass. It’s more possible that heaven and earth will be destroyed but not His words. All the things in this world are not worthy of our trust. They will be gone. Jesus has warned us, saying, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”[John 12:48]
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Text: Mark 13:24-27 ESV
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
- Mark 13:24-27 ESV
THE GLORIOUS COMING OF THE SON OF MAN
During the tribulation, false teachers and liars will become more apparent. They claim to be Christ and are deceiving people with counterfeit miracles (v.6, 22). The sun and moon will be darkened. The removal of light is always in the context of judgment. For example, in Isaiah 13:10, the darkness accompanies, at least in metaphor, the ruin of the Babylonian Empire. And, Ezekiel also in Ezekiel 32:7 refers to the destruction of Egypt. When Jesus is crucified, the land goes dark for three hours (Mark 15:33). This was the fulfilment of Isaiah 24:23 and Joel 2:10. Let’s remember that God is light. When light is taken away, so is God's blessing.
Luke adds a sordid picture, saying, "and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world" (see Luke 21:25–26). Despite the warnings in God's Word and the testimonies of the 144,000 and the two witnesses in Rev 7:4; 11:1–12, the people on earth won't listen. Judgment is upon them certainly (Isa 34:1–2).
Moreover, the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. This could mean a nuclear explosion causing debris to cover the sun, moon, and stars. Or, God is exerting powers over creation as in Jos 10:12-14 to halt the sun from movement. He holds the stars and He could unloose the same. Or, thirdly, the fall of evil spiritual forces. When Isaiah 14:12 talks about a fallen star, it means Satan. Isaiah 34:4 and Revelation 6:13 speak about the host of heaven falling. These powers in the heavens are demonic forces that exist in the spirit world but have influence on earth. Paul mentions mentions that we are fighting against "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."[Eph 6:12]. We are not sure but it’s possible that all these three will happen simultaneously.
However, Jesus' return will be much more glorious and powerful. The ‘Son of man’ will be coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Jesus alludes this to Daniel’s telling about the Ancient of Days to give "one like a son of man" an everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom over all the peoples, nations, and languages (see Dan 7:13–14). Thus, the ‘son of man’ appears majestic and victorious ultimately. Are you looking forward to His return? [Titus 2:13]
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- Mark 13:14-23 ESV
THE GREAT TRIBULATION
Jesus mentions of the tribulation such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. The ‘desolation’ will happen at such time. This refers to a foul, detestable, blasphemous thing, such as an idol. "Desolation" is from the Greek root word ‘eremosis’ and means something that has been stripped or laid waste. Some versions translate the phrase as "the abomination that causes desolation." An example of this occurred about 200 years earlier, when Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig to Zeus in the temple.
Did this happen during the time of the Zealots' revolt? According to the Jewish historian Josephus, from late AD 67 to early AD 68 the Zealots occupied the temple area and criminals entered the Holy of Holies. They even committed murders inside the temple. Some say it is the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem as a whole in AD70 by the Romans. Others think it refers to the way the Jewish leaders used Judaism to make money and gain power.
When are these to happen? The key in understanding this is the masculine form of ‘standing’ in the original language. In other words, this abomination is a man. Those who believe the Zealots incited the abomination say this refers to the new high priest, Phanni. But a literal approach of Revelation and the end-times prophecies in Daniel identifies this man as the Antichrist.
According to Daniel’s prophecy, in the middle of the tribulation, the Antichrist will put an end to the sacrifices in the temple. An idol will be set up in his honor that people will be required to worship (see 2 Thess 2:3–4; Rev 13:13–15). The Antichrist and his entourage will make Jerusalem desolate (Dan 9:27). Although it is possible that the prophecy has several layers of fulfillment and was perhaps fulfilled both prior to the destruction of the temple in AD 70 and will again be fulfilled during the end-times tribulation. The hint of its future fulfillment is the clause ‘let the readers understand’.
Jesus establishes that at this moment, He does not know when He will return. He does not know the timing of the end of the tribulation (v.32). It follows that He does not know the mid-point of the tribulation when the Jews will have to flee. This makes Him concerned that it will happen in winter when the rainy season will swell the streams and the mountains may see snow (v.18). People will have time to gather money, IDs, or passports. They are going to run to the nearest exit. But sadly, it will be very slim for them to escape with their lives, especially for the pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Thankfully, Paul has assured us that “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thess 5:9] As David Jeremiah says, the second coming of Christ is both certain and uncertain. It is certain that we will be with Him [ see John 14:1-3] but uncertain as to the timing. His coming is imminent which means it can happen anytime. Thus, don’t be caught unprepared. Otherwise, it would be too late like the unrepentant people during the time of Noah. Be ready now. Repent of your sins and put your trust in Jesus.
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God’s Word for Today
1 Aug 2024
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
- Mark 13:9-13 ESV
BE ON YOUR GUARD
In the light of Jesus’ coming, we are to look at events with a discerning eye and determine what the real meaning is. In these verses, Jesus does not mean for us to be on our guard passively or to just analyze events so we can determine when He will return. He means for us to consider what is going on and determine what our response should be.
There will be persecutions that we must be surprised. [1 Pet 4:12] Jesus identifies two groups who will persecute His followers. The "Councils" refers to both local Jewish councils and the Sanhedrin which is responsible for determining if Jews broke the Mosaic Law during their time. Governors and kings" refer to civil authorities in whichever region the disciples happen to be. The first recorded fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Acts 4:1–22.
The resolve to endure persecution here in the ESV, it says, "to bear witness before them," In the International Standard Version, it says, "in order to testify to them." Christians throughout the church age have shared the gospel with those who put them on trial. Here, however, the phrase has another meaning. To stand before those who persecute you and to remain firm in your faith is to testify that following Christ is possible and good. It declares that those who reject Christ are in the wrong. Noah did this when, out of faith, he built the ark, proving that in that wicked generation it was possible to follow God (Heb 11:7).
Thus, despite persecutions the preaching of the gospel has to be faithfully done to all nations. Mission work has to continue until every ethnic group has an opportunity to hear the gospel. Today, more than eighty percent of the world has internet access, and the number is quickly growing with the spread of cheap smartphones. Jesus' words won’t fail for certain.
We should be on guard and guided by the Holy Spirit not to be anxious and what to say. Luke says, "Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”[Luke 21:14-15] Does this mean we should not prepare our knowledge at all? Not at all! (1 Pet 3:15) It’s only that we don't need to be obsessed about those particular moments. Being confident in the Holy Spirit doesn't mean being carelessly unprepared. Our examples are the apostles. They prayed for boldness in the first days of the church, that they would be able to preach Christ despite the threats (see Acts 4:29–31). Paul, despite his natural forceful personality, asked for prayer that he would continue to be bold and not afraid (Ephesians 6:19–20). The prayers worked, and Paul was even able to give his defense under heavy persecution (2 Timothy 4:17).
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God’s Word for Today31 Jul 20243 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.- Mark 13:3-8 ESV WHEN AND WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF JESUS’ COMING?From the Mount of Olives, the disciples can view the front wall of the temple across the Kidron Valley, through the Eastern Gate. In AD 810, the gate was closed by Muslims, only to be reopened three hundred years later by the Crusaders. In 1541, Ottoman Sultan Suleiman bricked it in closed, either for defense or in an attempt to thwart the prophecy that Jesus will use it when He returns.Peter, John, James, and Andrew are stirred by the prophecy about the temple’s destruction. They ask Jesus for clarification. Mark records a more generic question. But Matthew adds that they ask, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Mat 24:3) Jesus' answer begins with a warning, "See that no one leads you astray.” It implies discerning what is going on when the situation is not obvious. Popular internet resources list nearly two hundred doomsday prophecies. None of which have come true. Most puzzling are "prophets" who live to see their first prophesied date come up empty, only to revise their schedule and try again.One thing to take note also is Jesus’ answer here is the longest answer to a question recorded in the Gospels. It covers His coming and signs of the end of the age. The prophecy encompasses the disciples' near-future persecution; the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem; our present time of persecution, wars, and natural disasters; and the catastrophic horror of the tribulation.Jesus' words are not primarily to the disciples but to Christ-followers in the end times. The theme is applicable to all believers, however. They need to know that the hardships will be temporary (Mark 13:30), they have work to do (Mark 13:34–37), and they must guard themselves against sin (Mark 14:37–38). These end-times prophecies have vague, incomplete fulfillment in our own modern age; this means we need to keep our eyes on God's kingdom, as well. Our anticipation of the end times should fuel the urgency of our work, not distract us from it. That sense of Jesus' imminent return should always remind us that while this world is temporary, our relationship with God is eternal.Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcastSpotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark k
Text: Mark 13:1-2 (ESV)
And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
A WONDERFUL BUILDING
The temple and surrounding courtyard are indeed "wonderful." One of the disciples was mesmerized of its beauty. It is massive, made of great white stones. The eastern side is covered in gold. Herod not only expanded the temple. But, he expanded the top of the temple mount. He built great walls to roughly square off the plateau, and back-filled them to flatten the top. There are porticoes or open-air porche that line the top edges. The largest, Solomon's portico, borders the southern edge. On the northwest corner is the Antonia Fortress. It is home to the garrison that guards the temple Mount against riots. It is this garrison that will save Paul when he is wrongly accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple (see Acts 21:27–36).
The temple, indeed, is architecturally a magnificent emblem that represents both the worship of God and the nationalism of the Jews, respectively. Sadly, it has become more of the latter and less of the former. The building that should be the centerpiece of worship to Jehovah is now a symbol of corruption (Mark 11:15–19). The worship has gravitated to mere rituals and dead ceremonies. Nothing more.
But, Jesus told him, “'Yes, look at these great buildings. But they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!'[NLT} Jesus prophesied that the temple will come into ruins literally in the near future.
How did it happen?
Since the return of the exiles from Babylon, Herod the Great started a massive renovation. This happened 15 years before Jesus was born. It included the plateau it sits on. The major work was finished, but the details won't be completed until AD 67. A year before the temple was finished, tension between Jews and Romans has heightened. This conflict has escalated from minor skirmishes into a revolt. The Jews drove the Romans out of Jerusalem. Nero responded. He sent General Vespasian, who swept through Judea and herded the rebels into Jerusalem. Vespasian will return to Rome to become emperor, leaving General Titus to finish his work of destroying and burning the city in AD 70.
The Romans took the implements used in the temple. They burned the temple, melting the gold that covers the east wall into the cracks of the stones in the pavement. In order to get at the precious metal, the Romans will tear the temple and the paving apart, stone by stone. When Jesus says that not a single stone will be left stacked, this is not an exaggeration. The destruction of the temple will be so complete that modern researchers, to this day, aren't exactly sure where it sat. the general location is known, but unlike other ruins, there is nothing left to precisely define the building.
What is the lesson we learned today? That Jesus and His judgments are true. [Matt 24:35]. He is the truth and His words are real. Moreover, let’s not forget that God is jealous GOD. He will see to it that His honor will not be desecrated in the end. The church’s purpose is to glorify God through gospel proclamation and living. Otherwise, God is not honored like the church of Laodicea, which is big but hollow. Jesus is outside the church.
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Text: Mark 12:41-44 (ESV)
41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
PUTTING IN MORE
Jesus and Hs disciples was in the area of the temple where the offerings are collected. This is also called the Court of Women because women are not allowed to enter any further into the temple complex. That Jesus is "opposite" the treasury suggests He may be sitting under the east portico, not far from the Beautiful Gate which looks out over the Mount of Olives, which is His next destination (Mark 13:1–3).
There is a chest where she has put the coins into. It is likely one of six dedicated chests to freewill offerings. That means she has absolutely no obligation to donate at all. It's interesting to note that Jesus honors her offering of her only two copper coins and does not try to stop her. We don't know her situation. We know that if we trust God, He will add to the food and clothing we need, but He will not necessarily keep us from starving (Mat 6:33). Jesus has made it very clear that children are to care for their aging parents (Mark 7:9–13), but we don't know if this woman has family.
Jesus has exposed that the temple complex is corrupt (Mark 11:15–19). But, the woman is not giving to the rich priests and greedy city elders. She's giving to God and His temple. She trusts God to take care of her. She doesn't offer some of the abundant resources she owns but she offers her whole self. This is something the rich young ruler was unable to do (Mark 10:17–22). It is this heart that Jesus says is essential to receive eternal life (Mark 8:34–38). She gives not out of portion but of proportion.
Jesus commends that the widow has given "more." He isn't necessarily referring to the percentage of her assets, although that's part of it. It's the attitude with which she gives. This attitude is also seen in the chief tax collector Zacchaeus who, when shown encouragement by Jesus. He joyfully accepts Him and proves it by promptly giving half his goods to the poor and recompensing his victims fourfold (see Luke 19:1–10). No doubt, such generosity doesn't place Zacchaeus in the same impoverished tax-bracket as the widow, but his attitude is the same. In contrast, Ananias and Sapphira who donate money to the church, but do so only to gain recognition (Acts 5:1–11).
IIn our times today, there is no standard for how much we should give or what percentage of our wealth we should donate. Like Zacchaeus, we should give as much as we feel God is leading us (Luke 19:1–10) and we should give joyfully (2 Cor 9:7). Most importantly, we should recognize that we are giving to God. If we give so that others can see us and praise our generosity, our desires are for worldly status and not devotion to God (Matthew 6:1–4).
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Text: Mark 12:38-40 ESV
38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces
39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,
40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
- Mark 12:38-40 ESV
BEWARE OF THE SCRIBES
Previously, Jesus has commended a scribe of the Pharisees for his understanding that loving God and others is more important than following the regimented Mosaic law. He even says the scribe is close to finding the kingdom of God (Mark 12:28–34). Shortly after, Jesus uses Scripture and logic to prove that although the Messiah is the Son of David, His authority to rule comes directly from God (Mark 12:35–37).
Here, Jesus goes on the offensive to warn the people to beware of the scribes. The scribes are very knowledgeable about the law. But, their vanity and pride of their expertise in the Law leads them to miss the truth about the Messiah. Jesus exposes their lifestyle by saying, they “walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers.”
They dress to attract the adoration of people. They loved ‘greetings.’ Matthew explains that the scribes like to be called "rabbi" (Mat 23:7). Jesus says that to seek out the title of rabbi, father, or instructor is dangerous and opposite to servant leadership. [Mark 9:33-37,10:35-45] They pray long pretentious prayers. "Pretense" is from the Greek root word prophasis, which means "for show, with a false motive." One of the problems with praying for worldly reasons is that you only get worldly rewards (Mat 6:5).
Here is only a quick synopsis of Jesus' condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees. Matthew has more details in Mat 23. Jesus calls the religious leaders vipers sentenced to hell. He compares them to Cain, who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy for his relationship to God (Mat 23:33, 35). Yet, Jesus shows compassion. He then mourns for Jerusalem and its people who kill the prophets God sends to draw them to Him (Mat 23:37–39).
Jesus pronounces judgment to hard hearted people only after He showed compassion to them.
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Text: Mark 12:35-37 ESV
35 And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?
36 David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”’
37 David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.
- Mark 12:35-37 ESV
CHRIST IS THE SON OF DAVID
Jesus asked the scribes for what reason the scribes in the past say that the Messiah is the son of David. These scribes directly started to refer the Messiah as the son of David 500 years before Jesus was born. Jesus quoted unto them Psa 110:1 wherein David called the Messiah Lord. Then, how is He his son? Jesus doesn't contradict this scribal teaching but explains more fully what it means. He shows how two seemingly contradictory statements can both be true.
It was a common belief in Judaism that the ancestors should outrank all his descendants. One example is the priesthood of Melchizedek . He is pre-eminent over the priesthood of the Levites because Abraham, the great-grandfather to Levi, gave tithes to Melchizedek (Heb 7:1–10). Similarly, the Messiah, who would be the descendant of King David, would be subordinate to David (1 Chr 17:11–14; Jer 23:5–6). Thus, their tradition would state that while the Messiah would be lesser than David.
However, contrary to cultural assumptions of the time, David acknowledges that his "son" outranks him despite being his descendant. Yes, Jesus is the physical descendant (Luke 3:23–31) and legal descendant (Mat 1:6–16) of David. And, He will rule Israel in a similar manner someday. Yet, He is not solely defined by this subordinate relationship to David. It is because Jesus is also a priest in the order of Milchezedek. Therefore, he has a claim to priestly authority over Aaron's descendants (see Hebrews 7) Thereby, Jesus receives the authority to reign as king from God, not from David.
Just as the spiritual priesthood of Melchizedek supersedes that of Abraham's descendants, David understands that God's spiritual kingdom has supremacy over Israel. This has been what Jesus trying to teach the disciples for the last three years. He has not come to rescue Israel from foreign threats like Rome during His first coming. He came first to fight the spiritual battle for the souls of humanity.
He came to be the Savior of the world from sins.[Mat 1:21]. He came in order to reconcile the world to God. Is He your Savior and Lord?
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God’s Word for Today25 Jul 202428 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.- Mark 12:28-34 ESV THE GREATEST COMMANDMENTThe scribes was a Judaism sect that is knowledgeable of the law. And this time, they have a conversation with Jesus about the law. One of them asked what is the the most important of the law. There are 613 laws of Moses. That term is taken from the root word ‘prōtos’ which means "foundational or principal." This implies the law from which all others come. Jesus responds him by describing this as the "greatest" law. The root word is ‘megas’. It refers, therefore, to a law that is greater in scope and degree than any other. But it's interesting to note that the "greatest commandment" doesn't start with loving God and others, but with "hear." The first principle we need to obey is to hear and understand and accept that the Lord is our God and the Lord is one. The rest of the Mosaic law—in fact, all of Scripture—means nothing without the understanding of who God is.Thus, these laws are the basis for all the Mosaic law as well as all the prophets (Mat 22:40). Jesus' three-part law—know God, love God, love others—isn't just the first law we need to consider, it encompasses everything God wants us to do.Amazingly, the scribe affirms it even saying it is “much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” For whatever reason, the scribe has succinctly stated what Jesus has been trying to tell the Pharisees for three years. That is, their futility to do rituals without obedience of the heart. The scribes have spent centuries adding to the Mosaic law, trying to create a hedge so that the people will obey God and God won't punish the nation. Here, like Jesus, this scribe ignores those extra laws. And not only that, he dismisses the ceremonial law as irrelevant compared to the ethical law of know God, loving Him, and loving others.Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcastSpotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today24 Jul 2024- Mark 12:18-27 ESV YOU ARE QUITE WRONGThe Sadducees are one sect of Judaism, like the Pharisees, Essenes and Zealots. They believe that there is no resurrection. They believe in an extremely literal interpretation of the Old Testament and deny the existence of the spirit, judgment after death, or the afterlife. Without a resurrection and afterlife with God to look forward to, it's understandable that they would seek authority and wealth on earth. They are concerned that if Jesus' popularity continues to grow. If more people will start believing He is the Messiah to rescue them from Roman rule, the Sadducees will quickly lose their Roman allies.They asked Jesus a question about levirate marriages in the Old Testament. According to this law, if a man dies, his younger brother or kinsman redeemer is required by law to marry the widow and provide an heir for the older brother (Deut 25:5–10). Not only would the older brother have a legacy, the widow would have a son to care for her.They said, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.” [v.19-23]. Subtly, they just want to discredit Jesus, while trying to paint the idea of resurrection as absurd. Jesus tells them they are wrong, even quite wrong. The reason is they don’t know the scriptures and the power of God. He addressed their mistake of believing that there is no resurrection or afterlife. He told them about that God told Moses that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Ex 3:6). By the time Moses was born, these patriarchs had been dead for hundreds of years. Why does God identify Himself with these men if they are dead. This just shows that these patriarchs are alive, thus proving the existence of an afterlife. God is the God of the living not dead.If a person is not knowledgeable of the scriptures, he is gullible to believe a lie. Why? The scriptures is the truth. [John 17:17] We should learn the whole counsel of God. Partial knowledge of the scripture is dangerous like the Sadducees. James will say, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1). Anyone who teaches the Scriptures needs to know the Scriptures well. Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcastSpotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 12:13-17 (ESV)
13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances,[c] but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius[d] and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.
RENDER TO GOD WHAT IS DUE UNTO HIM
According to the account of Luke, gives details that the scribes and chief priests want a valid excuse to arrest Jesus there and then. Thus, they send the Pharisees and Herodians to try to trap Jesus into saying something that would incriminate Himself. They were intentional to trap Jesus. "Trap" is from the Greek root word ‘agreuo’ and literally means to hunt. The word implies an intent to capture by surprise. On the other hand, Matthew's account uses "entangle" which is from the Greek root word ‘pagideuo’, that is "to ensnare, as a bird in a net" (Mat 22:15).
Jesus knows it so that He asked, “Why put me to the test?” He knows that they pretend to be sincere.[Luke 20:20] As a note, the Pharisees and Herodians dislike each other in every other context, but cooperate to oppose Jesus early on in His ministry (Mark 3:6). The Pharisees were threatened because Jesus rebukes them of their man-made traditions over Mosaic law. Whereas, the Herodians were concerned that Jesus may start a rebellion that would provoke the Roman government.
They trapped Him about paying taxes. Does Jesus support the Roman government by paying taxes? Jesus rebuke them using the denarius. He confirmed with them that Caesar’s image is enscribed in it. A denarius is a coin equivalent to a day's wage for a laborer. (Mat 20:1–16). The design of coin itself is scandalous to the Jews. Why? The image of Emperor Tiberius is pressed into one side with the words "Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine Augustus." This means, the coin claims Tiberius is a demigod and his parents are gods of the emperor cult.
Jesus made a proclamation about the delineation of the human government and His kingdom. He said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Tiberius' authority is acknowledged by Jesus. It is well within the rights of His government to issue coins and collect taxes. It is within a private person's rights to use those coins and pay taxes.. If "bearing the image" of someone implies obligation, then coins bearing the image of Caesar are legitimately owed to Caesar. However, a life bearing the image of God, therefore, is rightfully owed to God (Gen 1:27).
Paul reiterates Jesus' words to the Christians in Rome. He explains that secular rulers are servants of God, commissioned by God to enforce justice. As such, they are owed their taxes, and we are to pay what is owed (Rom 13:1–7). It is possible to give due respect to a God-established but ungodly civil government and worship God at the same time.
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Text: Mark 12:1-13 (ESV)
THE PARABLE OF THE TENANTS
Reading these words today, the primary roles in this parable are clearer. This refers to the relationship of god to His people, the jews. The landowner is God. The tower is God's protection over Israel, Judaism, and the temple. The tenants are the jewish religious and civil leaders (Mat 23:31). The trip the landowner takes could be the four hundred years of silence between Malachi and John the Baptist, but it can also mean the entire history from Joshua's conquest of Canaan until this point.
In Jewish history, God sent prophets to the people to gather what the Jews owed God. In return for the blessings God gave the Israelites, He expected worship, sacrifice, obedience, and devotion. The treatment of the servants is a direct reference to how the Israelites reacted to God's prophets. Looking at the Old Testament prophets from a distance, we ask, “Are not God's actions almost seem cruel to them?” Why did He send so many messengers to ungrateful people, knowing they would be dishonored, beaten, and killed?
Undoubtedly, it is God's nature to continue to reach out to us (Hos 2:14–20; Jer 3:12–14). He is the covenant keeping God. Peter says, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). God's constant stream of messengers is His call for us to return to Him. Today, we are called to follow in those footsteps. Jesus calls all believers to pick up their cross and follow Him (Mark 8:34).
Sadly, the Messiah was sent by the Father and they rejected Him. The religious and civil leaders kill Jesus because they want to stay in power. They won’t give up their corrupted religion of Judaism which they created. The Lord allows the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 so that the Jews once again are in diaspora until now.
This was a direct fulfilment to Psalm 118:22-23. Rabbis taught that the stone represented either Abraham, David, or the Messiah, and often interpreted "the builders" to mean the experts of the Mosaic law. That the stone was rejected from being a part of the sanctuary means the Jewish religious leaders reject Jesus as a significant part of their religion and relationship with God. That same stone becomes a part of the porch[cornerstone], through which all true God followers will be welcomed. God is not stymied by our misinterpretations of His will, whether intentional or by mistake. He will fulfill His plan and when we look back, we his followers call it "marvelous" (Mark 12:11). As a note, the Messiah was described as having no majesty or beauty that would automatically attract others to Him (Isa 53:2).
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Text: Mark 11:27-33 ESV
27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him,
28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”
29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.”
31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.
33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
- Mark 11:27-33 ESV
THE QUESTION OF AUTHORITY
As Jesus walking around the temple area, three groups of leaders confronted Jesus – the chief priests, scribes and elders. These people don’t usually unite because of their differing religious and political differences. But, they were one in confronting Jesus – their common enemy.
They asked, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” They were upset that Jesus drove the merchants away from doing business at the temple courtyard. They always believed they have the authority in Jerusalem, much more in the operation at the temple. They lost their business.
Jesus in His wit and wisdom, answers them by setting a condition. Thus, He asked them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.”
Jesus had done enough signs and wonders. They saw them and they should have acknowledged that His authority comes from heaven. But, they won’t. They even accused Jesus of performing miracles by the power of Beelzebub or Satan.
Jesus directed them to the ministry of John the Baptist, His forerunner. They also not acknowledged that John’s authority was from heaven. As they discussed how to answer the question, they found out their dilemma. They said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”
And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Jesus did not fall in their trap. Jesus knows that they were not looking for answers but argument. They deflect Jesus' question and refuse to answer. This exposes them as hypocrites and liars. Their influential positions and popularity are more important than standing up for what they suppose to believe (John 12:42). Solomon has warned us in dealing with this kind of people, that is;
“Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own eyes.” [Prov 26:5,6]
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Text: Mark 11:15-19 ESV
15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.
16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple.
17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.
19 And when evening came they went out of the city.
- Mark 11:15-19 ESV
MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER
As He came to the vicinity of the temple, Jesus saw the place as a market place. He drove out those who sold and those who bought in the temple. And, He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. Jesus was angry but He did not sin.[Heb 4:15] By this act, He definitely does not allow these commercial practices to continue.
Why?
The religious leaders made the temple as a ‘den of robbers.” They ran the business of money changing and animals for sacrifices. The house of God is supposed to be a house of prayer for all the nations. It, turned out to be a place of commerce. They use their religion not to serve and sacrifice unto God but to enrich themselves. This is sad as we see a lot of cults are doing the same today.
Are there not cynical people towards churches today because of what they perceived about churches? That is, religious leaders, specially from cultic groups, are talking most of the time about money and how raise it. Jesus is justified to show force. Why? These religious leaders are calloused. They sought a way to destroy or kill Jesus instead of repenting from their sins.
As a house of prayer, the reverence and fear of God should permeate in the temple. This was absent. Yes, their rituals continue but the spirit is not there anymore. As Psa 50:7-12 says,
7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.”
May we won’t loose our sense of awe and wonder to our God.
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God’s Word for Today18 Jul 202412 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.-Mark 11:12-14, 20-23HAVE FAITH IN GODJesus was hungry because He is human, too. As fully man, Jesus does experience hunger (Mat 4:2), fatigue (Mark 4:37–38), and pain. A life lived in service to God does not protect Him from physical discomfort or harm. He saw a fig tree with lush leaves but no fruit. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” He just declared unequivocally that the tree will die. Apparently, Jesus' pronouncement against the tree is a sign that God is about to judge Israel (Mark 13:1–2). The fig tree is a symbol of Israel. The tree appears good: it is vegetative, but it produces no figs. Thus, it is useless. The temple looks good: rebuilt by Herod the Great some fifty or sixty years before, but the religious leaders choose not to bear fruit spiritually. And his disciples heard His words. The next morning, they passed by the tree and it has died to its roots. The tree is completely dead. They were amazed so that Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” It was unbelievable before their eyes. Nevertheless, the Lord rebuke them gently, “Have faith in God.” They should have believed His words. But, they did not. They were surprise for their lack of faith to the authority of Jesus’ words.As an application of trust to His words, He exhorted them saying, “Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” Could we just use this promise as a blank check? Could we do anything as long as our faith is strong? Far from it! We should believe anything that Jesus or God says. As, John says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”[John 15:7] He expanded this in his epistle by saying, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” [1 John 5:14-15] Faith that works is not faith in our faith but faith in Him, the faithful promiser. Watch in YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcastSpotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today17 Jul, 20247 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.-Mark 11:7-11 ESVHOSANNA! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD! They brought the donkey to Jesus. They throw their cloaks on it before Jesus sits on it. This has prophetic symbolism [Zech 9:9]. Why He rides on a donkey not a horse. In that era, donkeys were exclusively used for work, whereas horses were more frequently used for war. Rather than entering the city on a horse, like a military conqueror, Jesus arrives on a donkey. This is somewhat like the difference between a modern person riding into town in the back of a pickup truck, as opposed to an armored personnel carrier. Take note, Jesus is going to finish His work at Calvary.As Jesus entered into the city, the people started praising God and laying their cloaks on the road and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. "Leafy branches" is from the Greek root word ‘stibas’ and can mean branches with leaves or rushes. Interestingly, John also mentions that the people used palm branches (John 12:13). But, palms are not native to Jerusalem. This implies the people brought them, on purpose and in advance, from Jericho.Everyone from behind and ahead is shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Hosanna is a Hebrew term. It's a cry of praise or a prayer for salvation. To come "in the name of the Lord" is to come in God's authority, with His permission and purpose. These two phrases are each the first phrases of Psalm 118:25 and 26, respectively. This is known as the thanksgiving Psalm. The people are rightly celebrating that the Jewish Messiah has finally arrived. But, they are incorrect. They assume that His purpose is to rescue Israel from the Roman oppressors.Jesus is surrounded by a mob celebrating that He has come to re-establish the kingdom of David (Mark 11:10). Indeed, it's no exaggeration to say the triumphal entry has accelerated the plans to kill Jesus. The religious leaders are concerned and jealous since this event clearly established Him as a "problem" which would never go away. But far from what they expect, Jesus is not concerned for the Jewish crowd to be saved from Rome. But, He came to save them from their sins which will lead them to eternal damnation.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 11:1-6 (ESV)
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go.
THE LORD HAS NEED OF IT
Jesus and His disciples approached the town of Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives. It was in Bethany where they ate with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 12:1). Then, Jesus sent two of his disciples, and said, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.”
Interestingly, Jesus knows exactly about this colt and where they could find it. He is sure. Otherwise, He would be just bluffing. We are not told how old the colt is. It has never been ridden before. According to Matt 21:2, the colt is tied with the mother indicating that it is still young. The fact that the colt is also tied shows he is at least old enough to wander from his mother.
Doesn’t Jesus know everything that will transpire in His life in the next few hours? This is in line with the prophecy in Zech 9:9, in which God tells Israel "your king is coming to you…humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Jesus will enter the streets of Jerusalem riding on a donkey. In reflection, does He not know the details of our lives as well? Even a hair that will fall on the ground, the Lord knows.
Jesus also warned the two disciples, on the other hand, to anticipate that they will be asked, “‘Why are you doing this?’ The reason is obvious. The owner of the colt should be surprised. In His authority, Jesus coached them to just say, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ Jesus asserted that He is Lord. He has been called "Lord" by the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:28), a leper (Mat 8:2), a centurion concerned about his servant (Mat 8:6), and the father of the mute, possessed boy (Mat 17:15). This word as used by Jews usually refers to God.
So they left and did just what they were told. These two disciples show faith when they agree—in their limited understanding—to seemingly steal the donkey just because Jesus told them to do so. They seemed not worried about it.
We have seen here examples of pure faith on Jesus’ authority – the disciples, the owner of the colt, even the untamed colt! Nobody has ever ridden it yet the Lord Jesus Christ has tamed it that someone has to ride its back.
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Text: Mark 10:46-52 (ESV)
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO FOR YOU?
Bartimaeus was a blind beggar sitting by the roadside in Jericho. His hopeless life has been marked by begging on these streets of Jericho, day in and day out. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The mob ignored, even reprimanded him to keep quiet. But, he shouted even louder.
Bartimaeus was desperate for Jesus’ mercy. Have we realized we need God’s mercy, too. Hence, we should crave it as Bartimaeus did. Though, the enemy will oppose us. Like Bartimaeus we should even cry more and louder. Should we be convinced that Jesus is our only hope, we should not allow anything to pull us away from pursuing Him.
And Jesus heard him. He stopped and invited him to come near. And, Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Why did Jesus ask such an obvious question? We should not assume but be specific in our request before Jesus. As a beggar, his greatest need is sight. He knew that if he could see, he should not be begging again.
Jesus saw his faith and healed him, saying, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. He became a follower of Jesus. Every healing should draw us closer to Jesus, should it not?
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Text: Mark 10:41-45 ESV
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
-Mark 10:41-45 ESV
SERVANT LEADERSHIP
When the others heard about James and John’s request, they were indignant. They were very displeased. Why? Did they want to sit beside Jesus too in his glory? Perhaps. There was some competition among them to bring such reactions. As James says, “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions" (Jas 4:2–3).
Their idea about honor and glory is like the Gentiles. If not, Jesus should not have corrected it by saying, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you.” Greatness is about control and subjugating others. Such attitudes should not be found among Jesus’ leaders. There should not be a power struggle among His followers.
Why?
They are operating in another realm – the kingdom of God. It has a different model. In Christ’s kingdom, the leader is the one who serves. The leader is the greatest should he serve all. The word "slave" is from the Greek root word ‘doulos’. It means someone who is bound to another to meet their needs. The submission of a ‘doulos’ is at a higher level than that of a ‘diakonos or servant’ (see Mark 10:43). He is not thinking about himself and his honor but towards others on how to meet their needs. This is servant leadership.
This is modeled by Jesus Himself. He came to serve and not to be served, even to sacrifice His life to redeem us. Paul articulated this beautifully, saying, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”[Phil 2:5-8]
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Text: Mark 10:35-40 ESV
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”
37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized,
40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
The brothers James and John expressed to Jesus their ultimate desire. That is, each of them will sit at Jesus’ right and left sides, respectively. First, we admire them for their noble desire. They want to stay so close to Jesus. Certainly, this implies that they believe Jesus would reign in glory someday. And they are excited about it.
What made them audacious to express this to Jesus? Was it because they were two of Jesus' three closest friends. And, are they willing to face what will come to make Jesus king? (Mark 10:39). Were they influenced by their mother?[Mat 20:20-21]
Initially, it appeared that there was nothing wrong in their request. But, Jesus rebuked them, saying, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” James and John have no thought about the suffering they are to go through. Jesus expresses it in metaphors of ‘drinking the cup” and ‘baptism”. To "drink someone's cup" means to share in their fate. The tense used for the verb "drink" here may mean that Jesus is in the process of drinking, not that the "cup" is yet to come. On the other hand, baptism is a metaphor for being overwhelmed or immersed in something.
Both affirmatively say, “We are able.” Were they willing to sacrifice for Jesus? James and John did suffer. Although, they suffered not exactly like Jesus. James was the first of the Twelve to be martyred when King Herod killed him with a sword (Acts 12:1–2). The Bible does not record John's fate. John, on the other hand, according to tradition was placed in a cauldron of burning oil. He not only survived but he continued preaching while still in the pot. He was then exiled to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. Eventually, he was released and died of old age.
Yes, we are told to suffer for Jesus. But, there is nothing we humans can do to add to or fulfill Jesus' work on the cross. We are incapable of doing anything to earn salvation (Eph 2:8–9). Paul does speak of our necessary sacrifice, when he says, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church" (Col 1:24) Our work as Christians do is not to complete the gospel, is it? It is to spread the gospel. That is, to "make the word of God fully known" in the world.(Col 1:25). Whenever we drink the cup or accept the baptism of suffering and sacrificial service, it is not to "do" the work of salvation from sin. Rather, it is to spread the news that Jesus has already completed.
Furthermore, Jesus highlighted that God the Father has prepared these places for whom He has chosen. In other words, there is no use of craving for honor when God the Father has foreordained it. There is no reason for self-seeking. We are saved by grace, kept by grace and be glorified by His grace. As Paul expressed, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.”[1 Cor 15:10]
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God’s Word for Today11 Jul, 202432 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”-Mark 10:32-34 ESVLET US FACE OUR FEARSAs they were heading to Jerusalem, Jesus' followers expressed their fear. Most likely, these followers primarily refer to the Twelve. But they may be other disciples following the Twelve. Previously, Jesus had warned the disciples two times before that He would be killed (see Mark 8:31–33 and 9:30–32). However, this is time, He notes the location - Jerusalem. The threats that have been building against Jesus could have caused their fear.Unlike His disciples, Jesus has the resolve not to fear. The night before His crucifixion, He resolved with much anguish (Mark 14:34–38). As human Himself, the mocking, spitting, flogging, and death by crucifixion must have caused His anguish. He calls Himself “the Son of man”. Even worse than the physical pain, the betrayal by His friend Judas, rejection from His own people, and the wrath of His Father upon Him as the payment for the sins of the whole world(Mark 15:33–39). However, the knowledge that His sacrifice will be accepted by God the Father and would cover the sins of countless sinners gives Him the courage to walk to Jerusalem. Many of the world seems to put the blame upon the Jews for killing Jesus. This is sad. However, in essence, all of us killed Him because of our sins. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. In the account of Luke, he adds some insight as to the disciples' misunderstanding. In Luke 18:34, he writes, "But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.” Apparently, God hid the full meaning of Jesus' words from the disciples, but we aren't told why. God does this to us as well, doesn’t He?. We desire to know what will happen in our lives or what decisions we should make. But, we're not always ready to hear the truth. It is wise for God to give us time to grow a bit first, in knowledge, maturity, or faith. Oftentimes, we don’t know how strong we are and how well we will be able to handle what's coming. But, God knows the perfect time. [Ecc 3:11] When God doesn't answer our prayers for clarity, we can always trust Him and pray that He will prepare us for the future. Knowing His sovereignty to execute His plan and purposes may be our comfort when approaching the unknown.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
like God’s Word for Today10 Jul, 202423 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”-Mark 10:23-31 ESVWHO CAN BE SAVED?As the rich young ruler went away, Jesus turned to His disciples. He said, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” Jesus loves the rich young ruler. He recognizes his mistake. He won't give up his riches for Christ. His riches were a plague. Jesus' comment had startled the disciples.Then, Jesus addressed this difficulty through a metaphor, by saying, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus may mean the narrow gate in the wall of Jerusalem called a needle’s eye wherein camels could hardly pass through or an exaggeration for a literal camel to pass through a literal needle used for sewing. Whatever it is, He meant to ‘enter heaven’ is impossible for man.The disciples understood it to say, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and answered, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” The certainty of salvation is assured and settled in the power of God. It’s not about what man can do but what God has done and is doing.Then, Peter, having heard Jesus words to the rich young ruler, said, ““See, we have left everything and followed you.” He argued that he and the others left everything for Jesus while the rich young ruler did not. They left their boats, nets, and families to follow Jesus. And Jesus acknowledged it, even commended them for it. He said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”Jesus concluded, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Jesus has established this principle that a person who sacrifices his life for Him and the gospel will save or gain it in the end. [Mark 8:35-38] Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 10:17-22 (ESV)
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
YOU LACK ONE THING
A man ran and knelt before Jesus and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answers with a question, “Why do you call me good?” Jesus explained that no one is good except God alone. Definitely, the man has either a vague or wrong idea of good.
Although Jesus knows his heart, He starts to cross-examine Him. He asked, “You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” These questions were intended for the man to realize his need to be humble and recognize his covetousness.
But, he was proud. In a show of much self-righteousness, he said, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” He is a moral person. His relationship with others is admirable. He respects others as the golden rule says.
Jesus did not comment on his claim is affirming. He looked and loved him as a man needing help. Jesus wants to rescue him from his covetousness. He says, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But, he was disheartened. He went away sorrowful. Why? As a rich guy, he won’t give up his possessions. He did not believe and followed Jesus. His possessions are more important to him than Jesus.
Simply put, he wants to inherit eternal life on his own terms. He thinks his goodness was enough for him to merit eternal life. Before people, he was morally right but gripped with covetousness in his heart. A person who is acceptable before God is he who is broken and contrite – he who is poor in spirit.[Matt 5:2]
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Text: Mark 10:13-16 ESV
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME
Jesus must have endeared families. Parents were bringing their children for Him to touch and bless them. The word "bless" is from the Greek root word 'eulogeo' and can mean to praise, celebrate, or consecrate the thing or person being blessed. To bless someone is to do work for their benefit or to hope or pray for one's benefit. Perhaps, the parents think Jesuss a respected rabbi. He can pray that God will act on behalf of their children. Though, they don’t understand at this moment that He is God, and He genuinely delights in the children.
But, the disciples prevented them. For them, these kids maybe were nuisances. Although they see Jesus’ tenderness to the weak and powerless, they rebuked the kids flocking in toward Jesus. Certainly, they insulate Him from any mob (Mark 3:7–9; 4:1)
Jesus was indignant when He saw it. The word "indignant" is from the Greek root word ‘aganakteō’, which is used for irritation or exasperation. In modern terms, it refers to someone who is "irked." Up to his point, they did not understand Jesus’ heart for the least and lost. Jesus was angry but did not sin.[Heb 4:15]
He commanded them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Children are part of God’s kingdom too. Jesus knows the disciples’ hearts. They have a vague idea about God’s kingdom. In their minds, this kingdom certainly doesn't include giving importance to the powerless. Jesus compares their attitude to that of the Gentile rulers who lord over their subjects (Mark 10:42). He tells them, once again, that He is there to manifest the kingdom of God
And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Here, He takes time away from His journey to Jerusalem and the cross to show love to the least of these. As parents, we must prioritize our kids like He does. Parents still have a mysterious place in their children's lives. And, their relationship with God can reflect on their kids (1 Cor 7:14). God gives every parent the important and honorable duties of praying for and guiding children. They are to ask His blessings and draw them to a relationship with Him.
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Text: Mark 10:1-12 ESV
1 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.
2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”
4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.”
5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’
7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,
8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.
9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.
11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her,
12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
-Mark 10:1-12 ESV
HARDNESS OF HEART
The Pharisees question Jesus not because they want to know the truth but to test Him. They desire to trap and destroy Jesus. Here, they ask, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Jesus answers with a question, “What did Moses command you?” They answered, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.”
The Pharisees were right that divorce was allowed by Moses. But, Jesus addressed the root cause why. He said, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
In Matthew's account on this topic, Jesus is more specific. He says, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so" (Mat 19:8). He then goes on to say that if a man divorces his wife for anything short of adultery and marries another, he commits adultery. It was permitted but not required or mandated. We see this when Mary is pregnant. Joseph, thinking she had slept with another, "being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly" (Mat 1:19).
The Mosaic law does not command divorce for any reason. The passage on divorce, Deut 24:1–4 is not that the Law commands divorce. Adulterous persons are to be put to death (Lev 20:10). Even then, however, God prefers reconciliation, as He showed it through Hosea wooing Gomer back. God’s heart for a broken marriage is always restoration, and divorce always comes as a result of sin, whether by one spouse or both.
Hardness of heart results in Moses’ permission of divorce. So, are there valid reasons for divorce beyond what the Bible specifically identifies? Perhaps. God allows us to make choices and live with the consequences. Without a doubt, issues related to a struggling marriage and divorce are complex and difficult. But, we must trust what God says and follow His Word. As we make wise and God-honoring decisions, may we uphold the truth of Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” And may we be careful to not go beyond what is written.
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Text: Mark 9:42-50 ESV
42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.
45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.
47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,
48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
49 For everyone will be salted with fire.
50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
-Mark 9:42-50 ESV
DON’T BE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO OTHERS
All sins, known and unknown to others, are obnoxious before God. Yet some sins , because they offend the little ones are regarded as severe in its consequence. The ‘little one’ means someone younger but can also mean someone of lower rank and a lesser experience.
The little ones are tempted and emboldened to commit sin. Let’s accept that our primary view of temptation is always an enticement to do something wrong. It is an attempt to draw someone away from God. Jesus explains this could be by keeping them from serving (Mark 9:38) or discouraging them from approaching Jesus (Mark 10:13–16). How about church culture today? Perhaps, we have established rules that keep others from fulfilling their God-given responsibilities of serving Him or learning more about Him.
Jesus has a stern warning to such offender, “It would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” This type of mill made up of two stone cylinders was particularly large. The upper and smaller stone cylinder could be three feet in diameter and eighteen inches thick, making it more than enough to drown someone.
Whart are we going to do?
Jesus’ solution is severe and ultimate. Should a hand or foot causes us to sin, we’ve to cut it off. Should our eye causes us to sin, let’s tear it off. This metaphor of mutilation carries the weight of how are we going to value holiness and righteousness as His children. Sin will be severely judged. Of what use is a person with two hands and feet but suffer judgment in hell? There must be a bold and courageous measure to avoid sin. As His children, it’s better we ‘enter life’ hurt and crippled. To "enter life" doesn't refer to being born. As "hell" means eternal punishment, "life" means eternal presence with God for those who are saved through Christ. Jesus isn't giving a detailed description of eternity, here, though. Let us take note that in Matthew 5, Jesus is illustrating how impossible for our body to keep from sinning. This is not a reason, however, that we should not strive to keeep our hearts pure and holy.
What will happen if we don’t deal sin?
As true believers, we should not allow our hearts to be hardened by the decitfulness of sin.[Heb 3:13] Jesus pictured the wasted life like a salt losing his saltiness. He asks, “Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? His exhortation is, “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” That is, let us maintain our testimonies in order to impact the gospel to others and live harmoniously among each other.
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God’s Word for Today4 Jul, 202438 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.-Mark 9:38-41 ESVDIFFERENT BUT NOT AGAINSTAfter learning the lesson about greatness, John told Jesus, ”Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”[NLT] They don’t learn the lesson on humility, do they? The disciples assume they are first and will have the most authority. They're still being too exclusionary. The fact that this man, apparently, was successful where the disciples themselves had recently failed. This could be a blow to their pride also. How often do we discourage someone who has success where we failed?Paul talks about this when he rebukes the church in Corinth for claiming to follow human leaders, either Apollos or Peter or himself (1 Cor 1:12). Such thinking leads to ungodly tribalism or schism. We are all servants of the Lord, are we not? (1 Cor 3:3–5). Anyone who is not against us is for us. This is an important point that we modern believers often forget. It is good to study the Bible and learn the details of theology. It's not bad to discuss issues with people who have different views. What is bad is to vilify anyone who differs in their beliefs or views. Our enemy is not flesh and blood but evil spiritual forces (Eph 6:12). If we follow Christ, we should encourage any work that builds His kingdom and intentionally avoid building our own. There is no ‘us’ versus ‘them’ but ‘we’ in God’s family. Should others are different, it does not mean that they are against us.Let’s be like Paul in being magnanimous in attitude, that is, esteeming others as better than ourselves. [Phil 2:3] When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he was maligned by other preachers. They preached Christ to ‘add afflictions’ to his life. Yet, he was thankful and joyful that the gospel had been preached. His agendum is the advancement of the gospel. [1 Cor 2:2, Gal 6:14]There should not be competition among God’s children. The popular preacher is no better than somebody who does the simplest deed in the name of Christ. Jesus has assured this by saying, “For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” Both the one in the limelight and in secret receive their respective rewards. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today3 Jul, 202433 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”-Mark 9:33-37 ESVWHO IS THE GREATEST?Jesus heard the disciples discussing about something on their way to Capernaum. He waited for the right time to address it when they settled in a house. He asked, “What were you discussing on the way?” His question doesn't reflect a lack of knowledge but provides an opportunity for them to take responsibility for their actions. One of the biggest mistakes we tell ourselves is that God either doesn't know or doesn't care about what we do and say. We do think that we're too unimportant or that He isn't interested in us, don’t we?They kept it by themselves. They were too ashamed to tell Him about their arguments. We will learn in Luke 14:7-11 that the disciples are displaying the same prideful assumptions as the Pharisees. Jesus tells the Pharisees a story about a guest at a wedding feast who faces a choice to take an honorable seat commensurate to his position or to sit in a lowly spot.However, in a show of great tenderness, Jesus sat down and called the twelve. Instead of rebuking, he taught them a paradoxical truth. He said, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” To be great in God's kingdom is to realize that we are not great, is it not? We are not worthy of forgiveness or consideration or position. God's notice of us and blessings for us are because of His love, not our effort (Eph 2:8–9). And so the "greatest" in Jesus' kingdom is the person who acknowledges this by seeking God, rather than seeking themselves.And as an object lesson, He took a child in his arms and said, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” Jesus is not saying that they should accept the child because he is innocent or blessed with secret wisdom. No. It is because he is of the lowest social status and completely without power. And as a note, during this time household servants had authority over children. Jesus, surely, is pleased when we take care of the kids in our Sunday School and other activities, not because of what we can get but in what we can give to them. This is the essence of greatness – to give away our lives for the least and lost.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 9:30-32 (ESV)
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
JESUS’ SACRIFICE REVEALED
Jesus and His apostles slipped from the crowd through Galilee. Nobody knows where they were. What Jesus shows here is that it's okay, and often essential, to take a break from active ministry in order to grow personally. Just as He takes time to pray (see Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32–39), we need to set aside time to learn, rest, and allow God to renew our relationship with Him.
In this secluded place, Jesus, once again, taught them about His future, saying, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” The word "delivered" is from the Greek root word ‘paradidomi’ and means to give up. This shows the "deliverer" has power, and "the delivered" does not agree with what is happening. Bible interpreters, therefore, translate the word as "betray" which Judas did.
It's important to realize that it isn't the Jews who crucified Jesus. It's traditional religious leaders, governments, soldiers, and common people—really it is every person who ever sinned, including every human alive today, who is responsible for Jesus being crucified. Perhaps even more astounding, it is Jesus Himself. He willingly submitted to crucifixion so that all who put their faith in Him could be saved from our sins.
But they did not understand the saying of Jesus, and were afraid to ask Him. In Matthew’s account the disciples are "greatly distressed."[Mat 17:23] This word "distressed" is from the Greek root word lupeo which means grieved or offended. It's natural to become distressed when we don't understand what's going on. What is less justifiable in their minds is how they watched Jesus heal, expel demons, calm the sea (see Mark 4:37–39), and walk on water (Mark 6:48). They did not understand what He meant by being killed and raised after three days. They are still caught up in their expectations of what the Messiah ought to do and be. How can the liberator of Israel die?
Similarly, there are truths revealed in the Scriptures that are hard for us to chew upon. The truth that God is working for good during our sufferings and lack is not readily acceptable by many of us, is it not?
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Text: Mark 9:28-29 (ESV)
28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
PRAYER IS POWER
When the disciples were together alone in a house, they asked Jesus why they couldn’t drive the spirit away from the mute boy. They have a good reason to wonder why they seem to have no authority over the demon. Earlier, they traveled around Galilee and experienced healing and casting out demons by themselves(see Mark 6:13).
Did they trust their experience? Perhaps. We have no idea. We should not presume that we can do an extra-ordinary work today since we have done it before. It is possible that the disciples have displayed the same arrogance that Jesus condemns the Pharisees of. They're filled with self-confidence since they're associated with Him. And they allow that self-confidence to feed the belief they have an autonomous power and authority outside of God.
Jesus explains that such a challenge can be overcome only by prayer. Impliedly, Jesus addressed their lack of prayer. However, in Matthew 17:20, Jesus reveals that they did not have enough faith. Faith and prayer are closely twined. The more faith in God we have, the more we realize how much we need Him. Thus, we do pray when we believe, don’t we?
Trusting that He will work all things together for good (Rom 8:28), we keep our eyes on the One in whom the faith is placed and not on the circumstance in which the Faithful One acts. Even this posture is partially expressed as prayer. Even when we don’t understand, we pray with thanksgiving in our hearts. And the Lord will act in ways beyond our comprehension and flood our souls with peace. [Phil 4:6,7]
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Text: Mark 9:14-26 ESV
I BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF!
When Jesus, Peter, James, and John came down, they saw a great crowd and scribes arguing with the rest of the disciples. Jesus inquired what they were arguing about. Out from the crowd, a man said, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” This boy has been sick since his childhood. He was oppressed by a demon that caused him to be deaf and mute and have seizures. Perhaps, there was frustration from the father and crowd when their expectations were not met. And the unbelieving scribes may have used it against them, taunting them as fake and deceivers. They even accused Jesus of being Satanic in His healing work.
Upon hearing it, Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith, saying, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” Jesus is patient with the disciples most of the time. But, He was hard unto them should they refuse to accept what He has taught them. He has rebuked the Twelve for being hard-hearted (Mark 8:17) He equated Peter's words with those of Satan (Mark 8:33). Jesus also has already exposed the scribes for their ' lack of faith (Mark 3:22–30). In Matthew 17:20, Jesus reveals that the faithless generation includes both the scribes and disciples.
The father was doubtful. He has just spent time with Jesus' nine followers who could do nothing for his son. Moreover, the Jewish scribes apparently argue that they do not have the power or authority to do so (v.14). yet, Jesus is understandable to him. He encourages him, “’If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes." Jesus isn't saying that we can accomplish anything we want if we have enough faith; this isn't an endorsement of the Word of Faith teachings. True faith doesn't presume that God will do what we want but that God can do what He wants (see Mark 1:40–42).
Without hesitation, the father responded, "I believe; help my unbelief!" In an expression of honest vulnerability, the father declares what faith he has alongside his doubt and fear. Definitely, He is our example of someone who understands God wants all of us, not just the bold confidence of the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24–30), or the adoration of Mary of Bethany (John 12:3). He also wants the limitations of Peter (John 21:15–19) and the terrible miscalculations of Paul (1 Tim 1:13). Simply put, Jesus wants whatever else we have in our hearts, both good and bad. We can’t hide anything from Him anyway.
Jesus expelled the demon completely. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." A person who is freed from a demon can expect the demon to reappear with other spirits (Mat 12:43–45). But it's safe to assume this demon obeyed Jesus' command not to ever afflict the boy again.
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Text: Mark 9:1-8 ESV
1 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.
5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
-Mark 9:1-8 ESV
THE GLORY OF JESUS
Jesus was with Peter, James and John alone. They went up to a high mountain. These three were His core disciples. This mountain is either Mt Hermon or Mt Meron. As Jesus prayed, He was ‘transfigured’. It comes from the Greek root word 'metamorphoo'. It means to change forms. While Jesus prays (Luke 9:29), His body changes from a purely human form to one that more accurately displays His deity and glory.
In verse 1, Jesus promises that some of the disciples will see "the kingdom of God after it has come with power" before they die. This, according to many interpreters, is the display of the power of the kingdom of God Jesus promised seen by Peter, James and John. His clothes became as "white as light[Mat 17:2]; in Luke 9:29 says "dazzling white," like a flash of lightning. The original text doesn't say "bleach" but "whiten." Other versions give the more precise word of "launderer" or "fuller." A fuller is someone who uses nitrium to clean woolen cloth. In John’s vision in heaven, the twenty-four elders and the tribulation martyrs will also receive white robes (Rev 4:4; 7:13–14). His clothes are a metaphor for the righteousness that characterizes the presence of God. We will never be good enough, just as a launderer can never bleach Jesus' robes white enough so that we must receive Jesus' gift of forgiveness of our sins.
Amazingly, the images of Moses and Elijah appeared also. This has an allusion to the OT law since two witnesses were required to prove someone's guilt (Deut 17:6; 19:15). Now, God sends two witnesses to validate Jesus' identity. Both Moses and Elijah represent how Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection fulfill the requirements of Judaism (Mat 5:17).
Peter, James, and John are terrified. They do not know how to respond (v.6). They have no reason to think Moses and Elijah are leaving any time soon, so Peter offers to make tents, similar to the booths used in the Feast of Tabernacles. They are to enjoy the precious moment. Do such august visitors need shade from the sun?
But, a cloud overshadowed them. It was the ‘Shekinah glory’ of God. A voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" This was a repeat affirmation during Jesus’ baptism. When faced with this image of glory and the voice of God, Peter, James, and John fall on their faces in terror until Jesus comes to them, touches them, and says, "Rise, and have no fear" (Mat 17:6–7). Similarly, when we are confronted with the overwhelming glory of Jesus, a reverential fear is felt.
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God’s Word for Today27 June, 202434 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”-Mark 8:34-38 ESVDO FOLLOW JESUSFirstly, to follow Jesus is a choice. The phrase ‘If anyone would come after me’ is an invitation for us to decide personally. There are many ‘professors’ but few ‘possessors’ of true faith in Christ. Good deeds are evidence of true faith as the shadow is to the man.Following Jesus has conditions. There is a denial of self. The word ‘deny yourself’ means to forget your own self-interest. It doesn't mean abandoning worldly comforts like a monk or rigid actions via spiritual disciplines. It means to refuse our rights and privileges that get in the way of God's kingdom. What, specifically, we will have to deny depends on our situation. It could be comfort, worldly responsibilities, or even the connection to our family or past (Luke 9:57–62). Moreover, we are to take up our cross daily. It doesn't mean to accept a specific burden from God. It's parallel in meaning to "deny [your]self." If we learn to sacrifice ourselves to God, we won't fret about sacrificing our things. We will belong to God, not to our things, position, reputation, or comfort.Following Jesus is most commendable. Jesus said, ”For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” There are little ‘deaths’ we should embrace in following Jesus. Rift in familial relationships and persecutions may happen.[Mat 10:35-36, 2 Tim 3:12] But the Bible promises compensation or rewards. Jesus calls those who listen to Him His own family (Mark 3:33–35). And God will give rewards in heaven to those who are persecuted on Jesus' account (Mat 5:12).In a rhetorical question, Jesus asked, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” Obviously, nothing! Jesus condemns people's desire for "the world." His subjects should abide in His kingdom laws.[Matt 6:33] Nothing in the world is more precious than our life—our immortal soul's potential to live for eternity in God’s presence. Jesus knew this when Satan offered Him the world (Mat 4:8–10). Not only would Jesus not sacrifice His own integrity for the world, He would not sacrifice our souls for our comfort.Lastly, it’s our source of comfort or pleasure. True followers of Jesus are not ashamed of His name. here, Jesus warns the disciples that their idea of what is shameful and what is honorable is completely warped. Later in the book of Acts, the Jewish authorities has called in the apostles, who preached Jesus. They beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.[Acts 5:40,41] As John Piper said, “God is most glorified in us when we are the most satisfied in Him.” Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today26 June, 202431 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”-Mark 8:31-33 ESVGET BEHIND ME, SATAN!Jesus gathered His disciples. He began to teach them about His forthcoming suffering and death under the elders, chief priests and the scribes. These three—the chief priests, scribes, and elders—make up the Sanhedrin, the legal and political branch of Judaism. But, after three days He will rise again. He said this plainly. There was no ambiguity.When Jesus calls Himself the "Son of Man," He's not just emphasizing His human nature. He is referring to the prophecy in Daniel wherein the Ancient of Days gives the Son of Man "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed" (Dan 7:13–14).After this announcement of His death, the disciples make some kind of dominant protest, led by Peter. Impliedly, Peter claims he has authority by rebuking Jesus. His crucifixion is the pinnacle of self-sacrifice and humility and love. However, the Twelve are still caught up in the fact that their friend will be King. Let’s be watchful. We may fall into the same trap as Peter did. Jesus did not come to make some earthly territory into a superpower, did He? His purpose is to save individuals from eternal damnation. He did not come to lead Christians to redeem or control the culture, but to serve others. Was not Paul surrounded by friends who would rather see him safe than follow God's plan? (Acts 21:3–4, 25:8–11). Is not the primacy of health and wealth over the gospel a manipulative act of the devil in this generation?Peter might have good intentions for Jesus’ comfort and safety. Unbeknown to him he became an instrument of Satan. Jesus strongly rebuked Satan who was behind Peter’s protest. Anything good or better we pursue as a substitute of fulfilling God’s will may subtly comes from Satan. Moreover, we see the gullibility of Peter’s heart. At Through the Father’s revelation, Peter declared that Jesus is the Christ.[Matt 16:16] And in a moment, he was influenced by Satan to oppose Jesus. It is Satan’s intention to either sidetrack or block Jesus’ death at the cross.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 8:27-30 (ESV)
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.
YOU ARE THE CHRIST
They left Bethsaida. Mark says they went to "the villages of Caesarea Philippi. " The Greek root word for "village" is ‘kome’ which refers to where the laborers slept, that is, we may say a "bedroom community." Jesus and the disciples are "on the way"—indirect though it may be—to Jerusalem, both chronologically and theologically. As they grow nearer to the crucifixion, Jesus takes the time to teach them what they need to know.
Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” Some people say that Jesus is John the Baptist—who was his cousin of almost the same age or Elijah or Jeremiah (Mat 16:14), or any of the other Old Testament prophets. They don't mean Jesus was literally one of the former prophets. They mean He came in the same style, power, and authority, and with a similar message.
There is no doubt that Jesus’ message and authority is reminiscent of the old prophets. Yet, it did not cross their minds that Jesus might suffer the same fate as the old prophets. Elijah was almost killed by Jezebel. Jeremiah was thrown into a muddy cistern. John the Baptist was beheaded. Even more, the disciples don't yet understand that "a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him" (John 13:16). The disciples know they follow the Christ (Mark 8:29), but they have a vague idea about what a hard road they will face in the next few weeks to follow.
It was Peter who recognized Jesus as the ‘Christ’. "Christ" is from the Greek root word ‘hristos’ and means anointed. In Hebrew, it is "Messiah." Luke's version says, "the Christ of God" (Luke 9:20); Matthew 16:16 says, "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Mark, as he often does, condenses the statement. Peter is given the honor of finally answering the question the Twelve had posed after they witnessed Jesus calming the storm: "Who then is this?" (Mark 4:41). Sadly, before too long, however, Peter will deny even knowing Jesus (Mark 14:66–72).
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Text: Mark 8:22-26 (ESV)
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
HE SAW EVERYTHING CLEARLY
Jesus was in Bethsaida. It was a fairly large city near the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. This is not the first time Jesus has healed the blind. He had done other such miracles before John the Baptist died (Luke 7:22), but it is the first recorded in Mark's Gospel. It's possible the people know of these other healings, as they ask Jesus to "touch" the blind man, and not merely bless him by laying hands on him.
He took him outside the village and had spit in his eyes. Why? Scholars suspect that Jesus’ purpose was to assure the people that He didn't use an esoteric magic spell. Here, He appears to use an accepted medical practice to show the crowd He isn't using witchcraft. God is well able to heal using medical practices—even those that have no basis in science. Sometimes He may do so to hide the fact His work is a miracle.
Interestingly, after Jesus asked him if he saw anything, he said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around." His healing wasn’t instant and complete, unlike the others. The bible doesn't say why some healings are immediate and some take a little time. One possible reason here is that this provides a metaphor for the progressive spiritual revelation. They are beginning to see Jesus for who He is—and, indeed, Peter will soon declare Jesus to be the Christ later(Mark 8:29)
He touched him again. His sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. "Clearly" is from the Greek word ‘telaugos’ and actually means "at a distance." It may mean that Jesus' first effort made the man near-sighted and the second brought his full vision back. That would explain why he thought the people were walking trees (Mark 8:24).
God won’t do something either half-done or mediocre. He would complete what He has started.[Phil 1:6] Moreover, this healing reminds us of the sanctifying process of God in our lives. When we become believers, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us to teach us the truth (John 16:13). We begin as the blind man, seeing Jesus and people as a tree, walking around. But as He works in us, we learn more about God and what He has planned for us.
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Text: Mark 8:14-21 ESV
14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.
17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?
19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.”
20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.”
21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
-Mark 8:14-21 ESV
BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES AND HERODIANS
Jesus and His disciples left the place, to avoid the Pharisees. He rebuked them for asking Him sign when they saw His miracles. It was a waste of time to be with them. They moved away fast so that they forgot to brIng bread with them in the boat except one loaf. Or, they presumed someone had brought bread. A lack of foresight may plague us sometimes in ministry.
As they were in the boat, Jesus warned them, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” A leaven is used as a metaphor for influence and growth (Gal 5:9) either for evil (1 Cor 5:8) or good (Mat 13:33). Jesus argued with the Pharisees several times about their insistence in putting man-made tradition above the needs of the people (see Mark 2:15–28; 3:1–6; 7:1–23). Herodians were not religious sects but exerted secular and political power. In short, Jesus wishes to warn the disciples to avoid their teaching (Mat 16:12)—whether the love of manmade tradition or secular power.
And in a moment, the disciples were discussing that they were not able to bring bread. That is, they lack food to eat during the journey. Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? They forgot altogether the two miracles of feeding which resulted to 12 and 7 baskets of excess bread. Having experienced the miracles, they doubted and were filled with unbelief. They are in danger of rejecting Jesus just like the Pharisees and Herodians, who were filled with unbelief, are they not?
Like the disciples, we are prone to doubt and distrust God, are we not? God has been so good to us everyday. Yet, we doubt whether He can sustain us tomorrow. If we really believe Jesus is our Savior, we will trust Him to give us what we need. If we believe God is loving, we will trust Him to take care of us. If we believe that our commission as believers is to spread the gospel and seek God's kingdom, he will sustain us through His abiding presence.
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Text: Mark 8:11-13 ESV
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
-Mark 8:11-13 ESV
WHY DO YOU SEEK A SIGN?
The Pharisees and scribes have been following Jesus for quite sometimes. They were well aware of the miraculous works Jesus did—including healing the blind and deaf—and exorcisms.
But, they want something more extreme, that is, a literal "sign from heaven." Otherwise, they won’t be convinced that Jesus' authority is from God and not Satan (Mark 3:22–30). They want something like Elijah calling down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice (1 Kings 18:36–38) They want something that validates His claim as God's Messiah who will lead them into freedom from the Roman empire.
Instead, Jesus rebukes these hard-hearted Pharisees. Matthew records that they have an understanding of the weather but not the prophecies of the Old Testament (Mat 16:2–3). Their attitude was similar to Satan’s during the second temptation (Mat 4:5–7). Satan had suggested Jesus has to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple.
Is it not ludicrous that they obliged Jesus to prove His deity before their presence? They had even the audacity to give credit for the miracle He did to Satan (Mark 3:22). The people would have tried to make Jesus king (John 6:15). But, He evaded the crowd. Later, Jesus will face this same temptation while hanging on the cross from the thief (Mark 15:29–32).
Don’t we have people in our own lives with the same hardened heart today? They find something wrong in the Bible undermining its authority and choose to reject Jesus because of it. Instead of submitting to all the evidence that Jesus is who He said He is, they close their ears, eyes, and understanding and come up with ridiculous arguments to justify their decision.
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God’s Word for Today20 June, 2024In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.-Mark 8:1-10 ESVHOW CAN ONE FEED THESE PEOPLE WITH BREAD HERE IN THIS DESOLATE PLACE?Again, a great crowd of about 4,000 people had been with Jesus and His team for three days in a desolate place. And, they have nothing to eat. They were captivated by Jesus – in His teachings and work. Jesus saw them with compassion. He called his disciples to him and said to them, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” [v.2,3] Definitely, Jesus had set the stage for them to trust Him that He is in control. He was not going to feed the crowd only but to foster the faith of His disciples also. He was hitting two birds with one stone.However, they said, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” Have they forgotten how Jesus fed the 5,000 men crowd [without counting the women and children] a few months earlier? Is Jesus able to perform the same miracle? Like the disciples, we do doubt, don’t we? We do argue that no two lightnings hit the same object twice, don’t we? This miracle of feeding the crowd was not different in many respects from the previous one. He fed the crowd with 7 loaves and a few fishes. I just wondered if a few from the crowd knew the miracle he did previously. This was a different crowd. Jesus fed everyone plus seven baskets left over. Again, Jesus has demonstrated that He can provide more than our needs. The prophet Jeremiah has declared, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ [Jer 33:3]Today, we should trust that Jesus is our great provider even in our ‘desolate’ circumstances. He is neither advanced nor late. We can rest in Him. At a hind sight, we could see that everything is beautiful in His time and terms. Since Jesus is faithful, He would continue to do what He has done yesterday. He remains faithful. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.[Heb 13:8]Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today19 June, 202431 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”-Mark 7:31-37 ESVHEALED GENTLY AND PRIVATELYFrom Tyre and Sidon, Jesus made a circuitous route to Decapolis to avoid the district of Galilee. The last time He had been in Decapolis, He healed the demon possessed man. He was driven away by the crowd. Apparently, this time the people are much more receptive. Was this because of the testimony of the healed demon possessed man?They brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. It appears that the locals like or respect this man. Like the crippled man who was let through the ceiling (Mark 2:1–12) and the blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22–26), they bring him to Jesus. Unlike the cases of the blind Bartimaeus and the unnamed demon possessed man. They were not brought by anybody. In either case, even when we don't have others to lift us up to God, He hears us where we are.Jesus shows particular gentleness with him. He sets him aside privately. Jesus doesn't use him as a public object lesson like He does the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34) and the Canaanite woman (Mark 7:24–30). He touches his ears and tongue after spitting. A spit is thought to have healing powers in Jewish and Greek traditions. Apparently, this deaf and mute person did not know what is happening until Jesus touched him. His healing did not depend upon him. Then Jesus prayed, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” Although Jesus is God, He often prays to God. This shows His relationship with the God-head. He is separate from the Father (John 5:19–27). In fact, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Phil 2:7). Jesus' power comes from the Holy Spirit, not Himself (Mark 3:22–30).The healing was immediate. This corresponds directly with the work of the Messiah. As Isaiah says, "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy" (Isa 35:5–6). Although our healing may not be immediate today, there is hope for those of us who are suffering now. We might never see complete healing in this world. Those who insist that you will be totally healed if you have "enough faith" are false teachers.He charged them not to spread the news. But, the more zealous they proclaimed it. Physical healing isn't His primary mission. It is secondary to His more important purpose. That is, to reveal the way of salvation and train others to spread the gospel after He leaves.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 7:24-30 (ESV)
24 And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” 29 And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
THE DOGS UNDER EAT THE CHILDREN'S CRUMBS
Jesus went to Tyre and Sidon. This is the first and last time Jesus wentt to a Gentile territory. Tyre and Sidon are the major cities of a district known as the economic competitors of Galilee. Thus, the Jews distanced from them. Josephus, the historian, called them "our bitterest enemies." Here, Jesus and the disciples retreated wherein they could avoid the Jewish crowds in a hostile Gentile district. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden.
But, a Syrophoenician woman took the opportunity to seek Jesus' help. Her daughter had an unclean spirit. Hence, in desperation, she went to Jesus bowing before Him and begging for Him to cast away the Spirit out from her. Jesus’ popularity as a healer has spread beyond Galilee. A feeling of desperation has prompted her to seek Jesus.
In quite a strange response, Jesus said, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” Was Jesus indifferent? Was there a racial slur and insult in His comment? Matthew gives more context to this particular encounter. This Canaanite woman is begging Jesus to free her demon-possessed daughter, while the disciples beg Jesus to send her away (Mat 15:23). Once Jesus has the disciples' attention, He tells the woman, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mat 15:24). This was purposely done to demonstrate the faith and wisdom of a Gentile woman.
The woman understands Jesus' metaphor. The "children" are the Jews (Deut 14:1) and "bread" is God's provision in whatever form it may take. She is the "dog," and although He uses a diminutive form of the word that means household pet. It was not an insulting remark but not very flattering as well. She was begging. And, she couldn’t be demanding but wait and expect Jesus would act out of mercy and kindness. She was expecting the least, as the happy pet dogs eating crumbs falling from the table. Similarly, the woman with an issue of blood was just happy to touch Jesus’ garment. Such simple faith has caught Jesus’ attention and commendation.
Evidently, Jesus introduces an image of the children and the dogs as a metaphor for Christianity. God has fed the Jews with truth until they could take it no more. They hanged Jesus on the cross. Then, He sent the gospel to the Gentiles (Rom 3:29). The Gentiles who are happy to receive the crumbs under the table will find themselves at the wedding feast of the Lamb (Rev 19:6–9).
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Text: Mark 7:14-23 ESV
14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
WATCH YOUR HEART
The hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes was exposed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Here, Jesus calls their attention to realize what cleanness and uncleanness are about, respectively. They questioned and criticized Jesus why He allowed His disciples to eat with unwashed hands. Whereas, they neglected the law of honoring the parents when somebody practiced ‘Corban.’ Jesus had highlighted their double standard.
Spiritual cleanness is a matter of heart. Jesus pointed out that nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. These religious leaders had mixed up the practice of doing ceremonial laws [like washing hands] could make a person holy or morally upright. In the ceremonial law, God gave standards for what the Jews were to eat and avoid eating. But, is eating shrimp or bacon more serious than the selfishness and pride that fill the hearts? For the Pharisees, it is? God gave food laws[kosher food] to the Israelites as a sign that they were set apart from the pagan nations around them. Non-kosher food is called unclean, but those who eat it are not called unclean. They committed the error of making a ceremonial law as the end. Thereby, they appear cultic and are skewed in their attitudes.
This truth was not readily understood by the disciples also. They asked Him about this parable when they were alone with Him at home. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding. He explained to them this truth in much detail. “Whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled. (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”[v.17-23]
“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.”[Prov 4:23]
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Text: Mark 7:1-13 ESV
1 Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem,
2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed.
3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders,
4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And, there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.)
5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?”
6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!
10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)—
12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother,
13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
-Mark 7:1-13 ESV
THE WORD OF GOD AND TRADITIONS
For whatever reason, the Pharisees and scribes gathered around Jesus. They were always stalking Him and the disciples. They asked Him,” “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” they were offended upon seeing the disciples eating with unwashed hands. They got this as a traditional practice from their great fathers.
Jesus addressed by rebuking them, saying, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
Jesus, without hesitation, has alluded their reaction as fulfillment to prophet Isaiah’s prophecy. That they’re hypocritically serving God. But, in reality, they leave the commandments of God and hold on man-made traditions. An outside ritualism without reality in the heart.
They are doing it in a very subtle way. Jesus exposed it through their invention of the Corban, that is, devoted to God as a gift. The word described something to be offered to God or given to the sacred treasury in the temple. If something was “Corban,” it was dedicated and set apart for God’s use. Jesus exposes their corruption of the Law by citing their abuse of “Corban.” Moses had instructed God’s people to “honor their father and mother” (Ex 20:12).But, the Pharisees negated that command by teaching that they could give money to the temple in lieu of helping their parents in need.
The Scriptures is our source of authority for belief and practice. Why? “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”[2 Tim 3:16,17] Nothing must be added to the Scriptures. Instead, every tradition and practice must be subservient to it.
When tradition is in conflict with the Scriptures, would you forsake your traditions in order to embrace the Scriptures. Some traditions have their own merits, but that tradition is only authoritative insofar as it is aligned with biblical truth.
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Text: Mark 6:35-44 ESV
GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT
The great crowd of 5,000 men besides women and children stayed with Jesus at this desolate place. As the sun was setting down, the disciples became concerned about the problem of feeding them. They suggested to Jesus, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” To dismiss the crowd while they have time to go to the towns to find food for themselves was a practical solution, was it not? Despite, their experiences of seeing the miracles Jesus’ did, they still think this way. Perhaps they sighed that a restful trip with Jesus winds up being yet another day of watching Jesus heal and teach. Perhaps, the Twelve were thinking of their own hunger and fatigue.
But, Jesus commanded them instead, “You give them something to eat.” They did not expect it coming. How could they feed them when they have nothing? This is a common issue for us today. In the thick of ministering others, it can be difficult to determine how much more we should stretch ourselves.
Although they have nothing in their pockets, they forget that Jesus is with them despite surmountable needs. Jesus is our sufficiency, is He not? Jesus commanded them to feed them because they can do it if they believe in Him.
But, Jesus was out of the equation in their thinking as yet. They doubted. They commented, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?" A denarius is roughly a day's wages of a common laborer (Mat 20:2). It was Philip who pointed out that it would take nearly a year's income to give everyone just a bite (John 6:7). Clearly, Jesus wants them to learn that God will always give them what they need to do His will. Where the Lord leads He will provide. They were calculative and practical. This is our default thinking.
Jesus asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." Andrew sighed to find a boy with five barley loaves and two fish only (John 6:7–9). Jesus already knows how He will feed the people. He allows the Twelve a moment to fully recognize the situation (John 6:5). God does this to us as well, doesn’t He? He may wait until the day before the rent is due to provide the money, or just give us time to fully understand our helplessness before coming through to rescue us. Is He cruel? Definitely not! He's positioning us to see a better look at His power and authority. God is our present help in trouble.[Psa 46:1]
Reminiscent of the Shepherd in Psa 23, Jesus is our shepherd and we are not going to experience lack. This is not a time to panic. He let everyone sit down in the grass quietly in a group of hundreds and fifties. He blessed and multiplied the five loaves of bread and two fishes And in an orderly manner, he let the twelve distribute the food to each one. Everyone ate and was satisfied. In fact, they took up twelve baskets extra full of broken pieces and of the fish. As the ‘bread of life’ is to the whole world, God’s provision is more than sufficient. [John 3:16]
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God’s Word for Today13 June, 202430 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. -Mark 6:30-44 ESVCOMPASSIONThe disciples returned from their mission. They were excited to tell their stories about their experiences – what they did and taught. It was a testimony time. And, Jesus showed His compassion. He knew they were tired and weary. He said, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. They have to unwind by themselves at a place away from the crowd after a hard day of ministry. Giving them time to rest was the first thing Jesus did to them.They rode a boat. But, the crowd saw and recognized them. They either ran or walked on foot and got there ahead of them. Undoubtedly, they were excited to hear and be ministered by Jesus. May we have the same excitement to meet Jesus every day in prayer and worship.As they approached the shore, Jesus saw the great crowd, about 5,000 men plus women and children.[Matt 14:21]. He was touched with compassion. Why? He saw them as sheep having no shepherd. As much as Jesus needs to spend time alone with His shepherds-in-training, He can't neglect the thousands of lost sheep who so urgently need Him now. "Compassion" is from the Greek root word “splagchnizomai”, which means "to be moved with love in the deepest part of a person."The present religious and political systems were like wolves, ravishing their innocent and vulnerable lives. These souls are oppressed, scattered, and hopeless by these greedy predators. They used the law of Moses to harass them unto their advantage. Only, the Messiah is their hope – the good shepherd. In Ezek 34:23, Jesus is the fulfillment. "And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd." As the shepherd of Israel, Jesus cannot refuse the sheep who come to Him. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today12 June, 202421 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.-Mark 6:21-29 ESVHATRED IS OUTRAGEOUSOne day, Herod arranged a birthday banquet with his nobles and military commanders. Herodias, who hated John the Baptist, was there with her daughter. There was much revelry. Food and drinks are splattered everywhere. There was music and dancing. Her daughter entertained and pleased Herod and the guests with her sensual dancing. In a spur of a moment, Herod asked the lass, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” His pride and conceit made him careless about his words. Wealth and fame do blind sound judgment in many cases.The girl went to ask her mother Herodias, who grabbed the opportunity to harm John the Baptist. She asked for his head on a platter. Herod was bound to fulfill his vow so that a few minutes later John the Baptist’s head was cut and placed on a platter. Hatred is outrageous. The passion of Herodias to kill John the Baptist has overruled her desire for fame and fortune. The head of John the Baptist was more valuable to her than half of Herod’s kingdom. It sounds ridiculous. But, this is what happens when the heart is corrupted by bitterness and anger. The writer of Hebrews has warned us, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” [Heb 12:15] Definitely, the hatred of Herodias became her obsession. She was hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.[Heb 3:13]Let’s ask the lord to make our hearts soft and sensitive. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”[Psa 139:23-24]Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 6:14-20 (ESV)
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
A RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY MAN
Jesus’ name became very popular. So the people had a lot of speculations of who He really is. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”
This reached Herod. He was perplexed. He was responsible for the imprisonment and beheading of John the Baptist. He did not want to kill John the Baptist. He feared him because John the Baptist was righteous and holy.
Why was John imprisoned? It’s because he was vocal in denouncing the adulterous relationship of Herod and Herodias. He took Herodias from her husband Philip, who is his brother. This infuriated Herodias so she always wanted to kill him.
Solomon says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”[Prov 26:1] A person who is full of integrity is marked with exemplary boldness. John did not fear King Herod but only God. Indeed, he who fears God has nothing else to fear. In contrast, the wicked Herod feared John the Baptist. He fled and evaded the painful truth. Thus, He imprisoned John believing he would silence him. This was a cowardice act. While John has peace inside the prison, Herod is guilty as he sits on his throne. How do we know? The name of Jesus, who he suspected as the risen John, had made him perplexed or disturbed.
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Text: Mark 6:7-13 (ESV)
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. And he went about among the villages teaching.
SENT OUT
Jesus chose 12 men to be with Him that someday they may proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. They won’t be with Jesus forever. For three years Jesus modeled them until he was crucified. Then, He commissioned them for a short mission for the first time.
Here, there is wisdom for Jesus in sending them out in pairs - two by two. The circumstances they would meet may be harsh and one could be easily discouraged than two. Partnership in serving God is beneficial.
What does it mean as sent out?
Firstly, they were given the authority to heal and perform miracles. Delegating involves empowering. This gives us confidence that we would have discretion of authority to accomplish our purpose. The resurrected Savior before He ascended to heaven, has assured us that we can go and make disciples because of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit given to us.[Mat 8:18-20, Acts 1:8] And, this authority the Twelve have over demons isn't absolute. In Mark 9:14–29, they will be unable to exorcise a demon from a little boy, despite their successes in this earlier experience.
Moreover, there should be provision. However, Jesus sent them out with little to bring. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. Jesus assured them that somebody would accommodate for them to stay for a certain period of time. They would shake off the dust of their sandals to a home that would not accommodate them.
In short, they would go equipped only with faith in the promise of God. God is enough. Could we believe that God in the person of the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we go? May He would increase our faith just like the disciples. They should expect those they minister to provide for them (Mat 10:10), just as we are expected to provide for our spiritual leaders (1 Cor 9:14). We're only promised that we'll be provided with what's necessary to accomplish the will of God. Even if we die of starvation in our service to God's kingdom, we will hear "well done" (Mat 25:21, 23). Paul addresses this in Phil 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." This means he can accomplish God’s mission though he had not everything he wants. It means he knows how to handle both hardship and abundance (Phil 4:11–12) with the assurance that God will provide what he needs to do God's will.
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Text: Mark 6:1-6 ESV
1 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.
2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?
3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.”
5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.
6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
-Mark 6:1-6 ESV
REJECTED IN HIS HOMETOWN
Jesus returned to Nazareth, his hometown. It is a small town, of a few hundreds of people, located in central Galilee, about twenty-five miles from Capernaum. He went to the synagogue. Instead of the religious Pharisees and the scribes (see Mark 3:1–6), He faces His own familial townspeople. These people knew Him since His childhood. And they are shocked by what they heard and saw in Him. They muttered, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”
Here, Mark doesn't record what Jesus is teaching. However, Luke does (see Luke 4:18–27). Jesus claims the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1–2, asserting that He is filled with the Holy Spirit to bless and rescue the poor, captives, blind, and oppressed. Undoubtedly, this is a sacred description that Jews believe will fit their Messiah. In other words, Jesus is saying that He is the Messiah they have been waiting for. But, they couldn’t just accept Him. They were offended. Perhaps, it was their unbelief, Jesus did not do big miracles here except for a few healings.
In response, Jesus laid out a reality, and said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Coming from the mouth of Jesus, let’s take note that people who are familiar with us may not readily believe us. It will take time. Yet, we have to witness to them. It’s our obligation and leave the result to God.
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Text: Mark 5:21-24,35-43 ESV
21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea.
22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet
23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”
24 And he went with him.
35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”
37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.
38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.
39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”
40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.
41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.
43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
-Mark 5:21-24,35-43 ESV
DO NOT FEAR, ONLY BELIEVE
When Jairus, the synagogue ruler, approached Jesus, he showed much desperation. His daughter was dying. He implored Him to come. But, while he was still speaking, somebody from their place said, ”Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” The reporter was insinuating that it was useless to bother Jesus.
How did Jairus feel with such news? Perhaps, he felt it was devastating. It seems Jesus was a little too late. The amber of hope was beginning to fade. Then, Jesus overhearing their conversation assured him, “Do not fear, only believe.”
Jesus went with Peter, James, and John to Jairus’ house. There was a commotion, as people were weeping and wailing loudly. But, they laughed at Jesus, who asked, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” Apparently, they were cynical.
Jesus has to put everyone out of the house, including the parents. Taking the 12-year old girl’s hand, He said, ““Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking and they were immediately overcome with amazement. Everyone went from weeping to laughing[scorning] and now amazement. He charged them to give her something to eat and not tell anyone of what happened.
We should recognize our fears and worries. But, let’s also believe that Jesus is in control. There is no such thing as late in Christ. There is always hope in him when our circumstances seem hopeless. Let’s be transformed from fear, hopelessness, and sadness into wonder of God and gladness.
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God’s Word for Today6 June, 2024-Mark 5:1-20 ESVFROM THE TOMBS TO HOMEOne reason why Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee is to meet this demonized man. He lived in the tombs of Gergesa alone. Everyone gave him up for no one could tame him. He was alone, crying, cutting himself for pain from the demons. Jesus went to him. While everyone else gave him up, Jesus was interested in this hopeless man. Imagine. The demon’s name is Legion. And a legion included 6100 foot soldiers and 726 horsemen. Anyway, the exact quantity of demons is unknown. The name simply indicates a large number working as one. The demons were terrified that Jesus would torment them. It appears that the legion knows they will one day be sent to torment in the Abyss and are imploring Jesus that they be not sent early. Instead, they begged and were sent by Jesus to the pigs, numbering to 2000. The owners of the pigs suffered the loss great deal of capital. But, it paved the way to heal a man they had come to fear and despise. Did they think it was a fair trade? Would we be willing to risk our livelihood if it meant a hard-case celebrity, politician and local personality we loathed came to Christ?Resultingly, the man was healed. The people came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. They aren't afraid that the man will revert to his former behavior; they're afraid of the awesome power it took to free him—as the disciples were when Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:35–41). The lesson is to note that only the power of Jesus can set hardened sinners right, put them back into their right mind spiritually, and clothe them in righteousness (Isa 61:10). Consequently, he wanted, even begged to follow Jesus. What would be best for him to do other than follow Jesus and enjoy His fellowship? But Jesus advised him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Jesus finds it best to make God known, particularly His mercies.[Rom 11:36] To publish His name is the best way to show our gratefulness.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today5 June, 202435 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”-Mark 4:35-41 ESVSLEEPING IN THE STORMJesus has been busy teaching by the Sea of Galilee, at Capernaum most specifically. The crowd seemed uncontrollable so that, they had to escape to the other side. It was Jesus' idea. There were other boats that followed them.A great storm came and the waves began to pound upon the boat. The boats were filling with water but Jesus was sleeping at the stern. He was apparently exhausted. It seems that sinking is inevitable if the storm continues. These disciples are well acquainted with this sea. Storms on the Sea of Galilee are too dangerous for even the most skilled fisherman. Thus, they woke Jesus up, saying insultingly, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Immediately, Jesus rebuked and calmed the storm, “Peace! Be still!’ As if a wild dog muzzled and curling its tail behind, the sea became calm at an instant. Christ has shown His authority that amazed the disciples. They have seen Jesus' authority over sickness and illnesses, as well as demons, but they are only beginning to understand who Jesus really is.[v.41]What lessons could we learn?Jesus is in control. He was sleeping in the middle of the storm. What matters in our lives is not how rough is the storm. Are we on a journey wherein we know for certain that we’re following Jesus' words or commands? Secondly, are we aware that Jesus knows what lies ahead? Crossing the Sea of Galilee was Jesus’ idea. And Jesus knows the storm is coming. His sleep was both a necessity and an intentionality. He was tired but also He made it as an object lesson for faith. He rebuked the winds but more sternly their lack of faith. It was intended for them to discover who Jesus really is.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 4:30-34 (ESV)
30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
LARGER THAN ALL
Jesus in this parable is highlighting the spread of God’s kingdom through the gospel. It’s like the growth of a mustard tree through planting its seed. Although the mustard seed is not the smallest in the world, it is the "smallest" in the Jewish proverb. These seeds are about one to two millimeters in diameter or about 1/16 inches.
However small it is, it will grow to become the largest of all the trees. God wants us to realize the power of His gospel message of grace. In contrast to Pharaism with all its legalism, the gospel of grace in Christ will grow and spread to the uttermost part of the world.
But, we should take note that Jesus promises that nothing could prevail the advancement of His kingdom through the church.[Matt 16:18] His kingdom is irresistible but the process of growth needs time.
What does it mean for us today?
We’ll just need to prod on sowing seeds faithfully and patiently. [1 Cor 15:58, Gal 6:7-8, Psa 126:4-5] As Jesus has outlined the scope of His authority, we should believe that the preaching of His gospel would reach unto the end of the world before the end comes at His second coming.[Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8]. Think of the glory in heaven when people from all walks of life – from every tribe, tongue, and ethnicity who are singing in an endless exaltation of the Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world.[Rev 5:12]
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Text: Mark 4:26-29 (ESV)
26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
HE KNOWS NOT HOW
This parable gives us an idea as to how God operates in His kingdom. Firstly, His subjects, represented by the sower, have a responsibility. God expects him to scatter the seed on the field during the day. And God expects him to rest during the night. There is a rhythm of work and rest. This is part of the reality of humanity. For a man to work without rest is an abuse. Rest without work is pampering. God knows our limits. Rest isn’t unspiritual as most think. God modeled for us the rest by requiring the Sabbath. Christ is our rest. But, the principle of establishing a rhythm of work-rest is still beneficial.
The farmer labors hard until he needs to sleep. And, while he’s in deep slumber, the seeds he had sown will germinate, grow, and bear fruit. And, he doesn’t need to know how. This is beyond the farmer’s control, is it not?
This is true in our spiritual walk and service, is it not? We should faithfully grab an opportunity, even create one, to proclaim the gospel. But, the fruit of our labor belongs to God. Did not Paul say, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”[1 Cor 3:6,7]
The gospel, as a seed, is the powerful message of life.[Rom 1:16] Should we were able to proclaim it to the least and lost, let us believe that it would give life to those who heard by the Spirit. Faith comes by hearing the word[gospel].[Rom 1:16] This truth should give us relief to note that God is in control. And, there is no need to know how God works.
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Text: Mark 4:21-25 ESV
21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?
22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.
25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
-Mark 4:21-25 ESV
MORE WILL BE GIVEN
The word "light" represents different things. Here it is the word of truth about the kingdom of God as taught through parables. For example, in the parable of the sower (v.1–9), the "seed" is Jesus' words. His parables contain truths that until this time have been concealed. These truths include who the Messiah is, what the Messiah has come to do, and how God plans to save His people. As Jesus began His ministry, it is time to uncover these secrets.
The apostles have been specially chosen and trained to proclaim these truths(Mark 3:13–19). But, they will not be able to reveal too much until Jesus has been resurrected (Mark 9:9). The salvation for the Gentiles will stay hidden until after Jesus' ascension (Eph 3:6).
In short, Jesus' mysteries are available for anyone who wants them, in any degree they wish to understand (see v.24–25, 33). He invited tem, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” The disciples who ask Jesus for clarification of His parables are the "good soil." They choose to stay close to Jesus and ask Him the deeper truths of the parables He teaches.
Is having the "ears to hear" restricted to people who are well-educated, smart, or even wise? The Pharisees were well aware of God's work in Israel better than anyone else. Yet, they still don't take the time to contemplate and consider the implications of Jesus' teaching.
Moreover, there is a need to pay more attention. That is, to crave for more ‘measure’ of understanding.[Jas 1:5] The "measure" consists of our time, attention, and submission to Jesus' words." Today, our personal devotions, regular church attendance, and intentional application of Scripture in our lives are parts of a large measure. Thus, the “more that will be added” isn't power, influence, or material possessions. It's spiritual wisdom. Jesus is saying that if we approach His teaching as if we were carrying a big basket, our basket will be filled with understanding and enlightenment.
And amazingly, when we continually fill up our hearts with as much of God's wisdom, it grows and multiplies. Conversely, if we only accept a little truth about Jesus, it will not stay in our hearts. Learning the truth doesn't stay if it's not reinforced.
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Text: Mark 4:1-20 ESV
1 Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.
2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:
3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.
4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.
5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.
6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.
7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.
8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
10 And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
11 And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables,
12 so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”
13 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word.
15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.
16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy.
17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.
18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word,
19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
-Mark 4:1-20 ESV
WHAT KIND OF HEART DO YOU HAVE?
This parable as a story is easy to understand. The sower with seeds sowing to different kinds of soil are so familiar to the audience. But, what are the implications in this story are hard to comprehend. No wonder, the disciples asked Jesus what does this mean when they were alone with Him.
Jesus assured them by saying, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” The quote Jesus gives is a paraphrase of Isaiah 6:9–10. Jesus is willing to give the twelve and the other disciples a special understanding of how God is working at that moment while it is a secret[mystery] to others.
There are four kinds of soils [referring to hearts] that respond to the seed[word or gospel], namely the hard path, rocky, thorny, and good soil. There are four different reactions to the Word of God: the hard heart, the shallow heart, the crowded heart, and the fruitful heart, respectively. What kind of heart do you have?
May God break our hearts of stone and transform us to have a humble and meek heart. Let us seek God for He is the only one who can do so. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”[Ezek 36:26,27]
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God’s Word for Today30 May, 202431 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”-Mark 3:31-35 ESVWHO ARE MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS?Perhaps Jesus’ family were a bit worried about the reports concerning Him that they came. For some unknown reason, Joseph is out of the picture, but Mary still has four other sons and at least two daughters (Mark 6:3). His family was skeptical about Him. The people in Nazareth do not accept His authority. They've seen Him always as an ordinary boy growing up and there is nothing special about His family. In that culture, they call Him a bastard—a slight on Jesus by referring Him as the "son of Mary." It was an insult against His parentage (Mark 6:3). Some consider Him insane (Mark 3:21). Obviously, they were not seeking Jesus to find out whether He was true but to keep Him out of trouble and controversy. The reason was for their own. Conversely, we are enjoined to seek God by faith. [Heb 11:6] We must seek Him as He is, not as someone to do our bidding so that our earthly lives are easier, do we? God must be the end not a means. Who is His family? Jesus broadened the concept of His family by saying. “For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus is clear that following Him will cause serious tensions within families. He says, "And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake.[ Mark 13:12–13] In Matthew 10:35–36 He says, "'For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.'" Eventually, Mary and at least two of Jesus' brothers join His spiritual family. James becomes the leader of the church in Jerusalem and writes the book James. Judas writes the book Jude.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today29 May, 202428 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”-Mark 3:28-30 ESVTHE UNPARDONABLE SINApparently, the miracle Jesus did was clearly from God. Yet, the scribes ascribed it to Satan. Their claim is ridiculous, in fact blasphemous. Jesus said that all sins are forgiven except for one – the blasphemy against the Spirit.Jesus said, “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” What, exactly, this sin is? Some say it is attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. This includes the fear of criticizing any church or ministry. Others say that Jesus' warning only applies to people who personally watched Him perform miracles under the power of the Holy Spirit. Many insist that today, the unforgivable sin is rejecting Jesus' sacrifice (Heb 11:6). All of the above are valid.The scribes had made up their minds already. Their minds are locked up. They have rejected the work of the Holy Spirit to convict (John 16:7–11), counsel (John 14:16), guide (John 16:13), witness (1 Cor 12:3), and sanctify (Gal 5:22–23). They saw it clearly but put it as from Satan.What does this mean for us today? Today, to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to reject His work, particularly His work to convince us about who Jesus is (John 15:26). It is to reject or ‘harden one’s heart’s work throughout one's entire lifetime. No confession, repentance and belief in Jesus would happen. A steady rejection of the convicting and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit throughout an entire lifetime. Those who persist in that rejection will not be forgiven. Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 3:22-27 (ESV)
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
A RIDICULOUS ACCUSATION
Jesus had cast out a demon from a man who was blind and mute. [Mat 12:22-23]. When the scribes saw it, they commented, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” Beelzebul is Aramaic and means "lord of the house." The similar "Beelzebub" is a parody which means "lord of the flies." Beelzebul is a variation of Baal, the primary God of the Canaanites and Phoenicians. Were they right? These scribes have a high degree of education and expertise in the Torah. Thus, they feel they have the qualifications to judge Jesus. According to their line of thinking since Jesus doesn't follow the same rules as they do, His supernatural power must come from a different spiritual force other than God.
In His perfect wisdom, Jesus answered by asking a question. “How can Satan cast out Satan? He then explained, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end.”[v.24-26]
Apparently, the accusation of the scribes is out of plain logic. It’s ridiculous. For Jesus has concluded, “But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.” Jesus cannot use Satan's power to cast out the demon. He needs to bind Satan first in order to free the man. He does this through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Text: Mark 3:13-21 (ESV)
13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
CHOSEN TO BE WITH HIM
The night before, He had spent alone praying to God (Luke 6:12). It is only after conferring with His Father that He chooses who will be His closest followers. Let us take note that He has already chosen Simon, Andrew, James and John (Mark 1:16–20), and Levi[Matthew] (Mark 2:13–14). Here, He completes the number of His disciples, who Mark calls, "the twelve."
Jesus "appointed" these men, from the Greek root word ‘proskaleomai.’ This appointment was not just for them to leave their jobs or their homes, which is a significant sacrifice. Jesus commissions them to follow Him, mind and spirit. These men are to show interest in His ministry beyond the healings. That, their hearts should be open to His teaching.
And their learning should happen when they are ‘with Him.” Resultingly, they would become proclaimers, authenticating their message by doing supernatural acts, such as casting out demons. After three years, hostile religious leaders confirmed this. Luke said,” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” [Acts 4:13]
As they went back home, the crowd gathered around Him, calling Him,” “He is out of his mind.” His family came to seize and rescue Him. This could be enough reason to discourage the disciples to not follow Him, but they did not. Jesus was unpopular, yet they were committed to follow Him.
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Text: Mark 3:7-12 ESV
7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea
8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.
9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,
10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.
11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”
12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
-Mark 3:7-12 ESV
THE TRAP OF POPULARITY
Jesus was both powerful and wise through His teachings and miracles. He is becoming popular and His enemies were plotting to destroy Him. He could easily overpower them but He is also wise. His mission is to go to the cross.
As He withdrew to the seaside, a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. These people were attracted to the fame of Jesus – He healed the sick and performed miracles. This mob pressed around to touch Him. Those with unclean spirits saw him, fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”
His popularity is beyond question among the people. But, Jesus warned them strictly not to make Him known. Why? The demon's apparent compulsion to declare Jesus as the Son of God works against God's plans. Satan is the father of lies[John 8:44] Jesus has His eyes fixated to the cross. Let’s learn the lesson that could side-track us from doing His will. Popularity isn’t necessarily the measure of success. Doing His will is the only thing that matters.
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Text: Mark 3:1-6 ESV
1 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand.
2 And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him.
3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.”
4 And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent.
5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
6 The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
-Mark 3:1-6 ESV
JESUS IS ANGRY AND GRIEVED
Once again, we see Jesus inside the synagogue. This shows that Jesus is still a practicing Jew. A "synagogue" is from the Greek root word ‘sunagoge’ which means "a gathering or assembly." With reference to a religious center, this is a place where Jews gather to read Scripture and discuss what the passages mean.
There was a man with a withered hand. Apparently, he was there wanting to be healed. This is the third instance He would do a controversial healing during the Sabbath. However, they took this as an opportunity to accuse Jesus and weaponize this sick man. They were watching whether Jesus would heal him during the Sabbath and to accuse Him, should He would do it. But, this time, Jesus heals for the express purpose of confronting the Pharisees' hard hearts.
There is a great display of emotions of Jesus. No doubt, Jesus with great compassion, inviting the sick man, “Come here.” He has been inviting all the needy, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Mat 11:28-30]
And in a twist, Jesus turns to the religious leaders, asking, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” Their legalistic attitude had angered and grieved His heart. They have a stony heart unable to show compassion to the sick man. In fact, after the healing, they went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.
Jesus is the perfect demonstration of love and truth. He can’t just be emotional to do nothing for the sick man. He loved him in the truth. On the other hand, He couldn’t just let the religious leader get off the hook without rebuking the hardness of their hearts. Love rejoices in the truth.[1 Cor 13:6]
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God’s Word for Today23 May 202423 One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26 how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”-Mark 2:23-28 ESVJESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATHThe Sabbath is an extremely important part of Judaism. As the fourth of the Ten Commandments, God commonly condemned the Israelites should they refuse to honor the Sabbath (Eze 20:13, 16, 21). It is kept in order to honor the seventh day of creation, on which God rested (Ex 20:11), trust Him for their needs (Ex 16:22–26), rest from labor (Ex 20:9–10), exhibit righteousness (Ex 31:14), and as a mark of distinction between Israel and pagan nations (Eze 20:12).According to Deut 23:25, plucking corn from someone’s field is not stealing as long as they use their hands not sickle. The question is whether plucking grain is allowed on Sabbath or it is categorized as ‘work’. It is said that Jewish leaders had created thirty-nine Melachot (working) prohibitions to ensure no good Jew came close to breaking the Law. It's reasonable to assume these Pharisees lived by similar prohibitions. By plucking grain, separating the wheat from the chaff, disposing of the chaff, and eating the grain, the disciples violate at least four of the Melachot: reaping, threshing, winnowing, and selecting.This was the reason why the Pharisees questioned Jesus as they saw His disciples plucking grain. According to their traditional laws, this was an act of "work" dishonoring the Sabbath. Interestingly, Jesus did not argue with them about the law. He cited the hungry David who ate the ‘bread of the Presence’ inside the tabernacle which no one is supposed to do except the priest[1 Sam 21:1-9]. In other words, he did something related to ceremonial laws which was arguably far "worse" than His disciples did. Evidently, he addressed the heart-attitude of the Pharisees.What the priest did by giving David and his men the bread, they acknowledged a "higher law" at work. In that particular case, the command to have mercy on the needy supersedes the purely ceremonial law limiting who can eat the bread. While not explicitly stated, implicitly woven into the Law is the idea that feeding the hungry is a God-given priority. Caring for the needs of the needy, for instance, is more important than ceremonial rituals. Grace supersedes the law. He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
God’s Word for Today20 May 202418 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”-Mark 2:18-22 ESVNEW GARMENT & NEW WINESKINSAt this time, John the Baptist is in prison. Like him, his followers apparently maintain some of his ascetic lifestyle. They might be fasting in mourning and repentance for Israel's sin, the current political situation or to ask God to release John. The Pharisees, however, were legalistic religious leaders and they fasted openly to impress everyone knew how spiritual they were. Jesus does not condemn their fastings, but does criticize the public spectacle they make (Mat 6:16–18).Observers asked why Jesus' disciples did not fast. And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” By this, Jesus indirectly explains that He is whom the Jewish people seek and that they are not going to mourn. As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. According to Jesus, it is inappropriate to mourn in the presence of the Messiah. It is a time of celebration, similar to the week-long feasts held during a Jewish wedding. Jesus was saying He is bringing a new thing, a relationship not a religion. compares the rigid, dry religion of the Pharisees to an old garment. He did not come to patch Judaism with a new piece of unshrunk cloth. Why? It would result in the destruction of the entire piece. He came to complete Judaism and renew it into what God intended. To wash the garment as white as snow (Psa 51:7). If He "patches" Judaism, the patch will tear away from the old, leaving the Jews worse off than ever. Jesus comes to redeem, not patch holes.Another metaphor Jesus has used is that of new wine and old skins. Old wineskins, like the Pharisees' rules, are brittle and inflexible. When old wineskins are filled with "new wine," the skins are likely to break apart. Similarly, the freedom of a grace-filled life cannot fit in the legalistic and rigid religion of the Pharisees imposed on their followers. As Paul said, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." [Gal 5:1]Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcastAudible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday#bookofMark
Text: Mark 2:13-17 (ESV)
13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
JESUS CAME FOR SINNERS
Jesus called Levi[Matthew], son of Alphaeus, to follow Him as one of His 12 disciples. Did he know of Him prior to this moment? Perhaps, he knew Jesus like Peter and Andrew. This explains his willingness to abandon his very lucrative post as a tax collector and follow Jesus. He was collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman ruler, most likely Herod Antipas.
Immediately, Levi invited Jesus and others for a great feast at his home. They reclined at the table, laying on their sides or bellies with their legs behind them, leaning on their left arms and eating with their right hand. He also invites "sinners." This is a technical term given by the Pharisees to Jews who do not have no interest or inclination to follow their rigid religion.
This gathering for dinner in the house of ungodly Levi and his friends with Jesus and His followers has angered the devout Jewish religious leaders. But, many ‘sinners’ followed Him. On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'
His words offer a double implication in a sense. Firstly, He explains His mission as a friend of sinners who comes to save lost people. Secondly, Jesus also subtly rebukes the religious leaders who see themselves as righteous and without need of Jesus and the salvation He provides.
Like Jesus, we must have a heartbeat for the least and lost, the sin-sick people in this world. And, unlike the religious leaders, we must not be proud to think we’re better than others - branding others as less spiritual than ourselves.
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Text: Mark 2:6-12 (ESV)
6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
THE QUESTIONING IN THE HEARTS
The healing of the leper in the synagogue has marvelled everyone except the scribes. They were sitting and watching, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Unlike the four friends with strong faith, they were adamant in unbelief. Their hardened hearts led them to discredit Jesus as a liar and blasphemer. The real problem is their hearts are "evil."[Mat 9:4]
Jesus saw their questioning hearts. Jesus addressed their problems by asking questions. “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?” If Jesus can command the obvious miracle of healing a paralytic so that he can walk, before their eyes, what right have the scribes to discredit His authority to declare that the man's sins are forgiven, a situation which only God can see?
Thus, Jesus had asserted by saying, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” Later, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”[Mat 28:18]
Jesus' words are authoritative. In front of their eyes, He said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” He rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all. Hence, they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” May we will continue to be amazed by the words and works of Jesus, not to question in our hearts.
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Text: Mark 2:1-5 ESV
1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.
3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.
5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
-Mark 2:1-5 ESV
THE FOUR FAITHFUL FRIENDS
Jesus’ popularity had increased in Galilee. At the village in Capernaum, the crowd was flocking inside a house. Jesus was inside. Jesus was welcomed in this hospitable home. The idea of hospitality is important in the culture and in the Bible. The apostle John in his epistle of 3 John is devoted to the idea. In Hebrews 13:2, it says that we must be hospitable for we may entertain angels without knowing it. In the Old Testament, Abraham received guests which included not only angels but the LORD Himself (Gen 18:1–8).
Jesus was preaching. And, many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. The news reached to these four men. They have to bring their paralytic friend to Jesus for healing. But, they couldn’t get in even near at the door.
It seems there was no way to enter in. However, an old adage says, “Necessity is the mother of creativity and invention.” They refused to surrender and created way. They removed the roof above him to make an opening. Then, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay in front of Jesus. For them, there was no close door but a new strategy. May we emulate their tenacity, relentlessness and creativity in advancing the gospel.
Jesus saw their ‘faith’. It’s not the faith of their paralytic friend that Jesus saw. Immediately, Jesus healed the sick man. Their faith made a big difference, in fact, paved a miracle to happen. Like them we must bring the least and the lost to Jesus by creating opportunities.
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Text: Mark 1:40-45 ESV
40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”
41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”
42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once,
44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”
45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
-Mark 1:40-45 ESV
A CERTAIN KIND OF DISOBEDIENCE
A leper came near to Jesus. As an outcast, he was imploring and kneeling in desperate need for healing. Moved with much compassion, he touched and healed him instantly. There was no fanfare. His leprosy was gone immediately. Jesus' healing is marked with supernaturality.
Jesus charged him, saying, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” Jesus was asking the priests to validate His work. His intent was to reach out to the religious leaders not to undermine them.
But the man went away telling everyone else about His healing. Who won’t be excited? What was wrong? He disobeyed Jesus. He did not seek popularity. Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
Sadly, this man has valued the physical and social blessings more than the spiritual cleansing. Consequently, he drew the attention away from Jesus' teaching and onto His miracles. Remember, this was the first temptation that Jesus triumphed over in the wilderness (see Mat 4:1–4).
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God’s Word for Today
15 May 2024
21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
-Mark 1:21-28 ESV
THE HOLY ONE OF GOD.
As the Lord Jesus began His travel, His next stop was Capernaum. He went to the synagogue during the Sabbath. Teaching in the synagogue becomes the norm of Jesus’ ministry. And, the people were ‘astonished’ at His teaching as one with authority unlike the scribes.
Why?
Jesus taught with authenticity. His life and works backed up His message. For example, He healed a man with an unclean spirit inside the synagogue. The demon recognized and proclaimed, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” That, the demon expressed Jesus as the Holy One of God is quite fascinating! Indeed, the demons believe and tremble.[Jas 2:19]
Jesus is the holy one of God.
Nobody could argue His authority. The unclean spirits obeyed Him. He is the God incarnate. At the wilderness temptation and here, Jesus has expressed His authority by subjugating the demons. Yet, He did not exercise it to annihilate the demons as yet. He was fixated upon His goal to sacrifice at the cross.
Jesus, the Holy One, has humbled Himself by being born like us. As Paul articulated, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”[Phil 2:6-8]
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Text: Mark 1:16-20 (ESV)
16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
FOLLOW ME
Jesus started His ministry by chosing His followers or disciples. He called the fishermen brothers Simon [Peter] and Andrew, while casting their nets into the sea. A little while, Jesus also invited Zebedee’s sons James and John, while mending their nets. No one was thinking and expecting that Jesus will invite them to follow Him that day. Life’s opportunities come at an unexpected moment. They were busy in their daily routines when the invitation came.
The choice is either to remain a fisherman or be a follower of Jesus. Opportunity is a blessing disguised as difficulty. Should they follow Jesus, they have to drop everything – nets, boats and even parents. And they did it immediately and unequivocably. To be a disciple of Jesus is a tall order as a call of a lifetime commitment, is it not?
Jesus promised them a more meaningful life of catching men.Jesus is inviting them how to live not how to earn a living. To be men catchers, they should be first faithful Jesus’ followers. The cart could not be before the horse, could it be?
The disciples have been with Jesus for three years, wherever He goes. Hence, our primary concern everyday is how to be a faithful follower of Jesus like them. And He would transform us to become effective fishers of men.
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Text: Mark 1:9-15 (ESV)
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
YOU ARE MY BELOVED SON I AM WELL PLEASED
Jesus grew up as a Galilean, from Nazareth. Before He started His public ministry, He was baptized by John the baptizer. John’s baptism was for repentance but Jesus needed no repentance. Jesus argued that it should be done because “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Mat 3:15). His baptism confirmed Himself as the Messiah. Secondly, it confirmed John as the forerunner to the Messiah. Both Jesus and John were acting in fulfillment of prophecy. Interestingly, God the Father was pleased.
Immediately, the Spirit led Him to the wilderness to be tempted. It should be noted that His obedience led Him to trials and in danger with wild animals. The devil was allowed to tempt Him but the angels were ministering to Him. God won’t lead us to where He isn’t able to protect us.[1 Cor 10:13]
Afterwhich, He began preaching in Galilee, for the people to repent and believe the good news. His message is backed up by His impeccable character. His courage was notable that though John was arrested, it did not deter Him to preach the truth. What prompts us to proclaim the good news to others?
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Text: Mark 1:4-8 ESV
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
-Mark 1:4-8 ESV
REPENTANCE
John's message to the people to repentance [turn away from their sins] is the spiritual truth behind the geographic metaphor. Their repentance would prepare them for the coming Messiah. In like manner, by rejecting our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we smooth the way for our hearts to receive God and the forgiveness we so desperately need.
John did appear much different than others. He was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. He himself has recognized that he was the ‘voice from the wilderness.’ And as such, he and his message of repentance was counter-culture and unpopular.
He was a simple prophet with a straight forward prophetic message. The Messiah would soon appear. He exalted Him so much, expressing that the Messiah is so great that a menial job of untying the sandal he felt so unworthy to do. In other words, serving Him is the greatest privilege for John. Do you feel the same?
Why?
He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He grants forgiveness and baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. His giving us the Spirit is the best expression of God’s goodness. As Jesus said, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” [Luke 11:13]
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Text: Mark 1:1-3 ESV
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”
-Mark 1:1-3 ESV
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD
Mark begins by quoting Isaiah’s prophecy [Isa 40:3] which anticipated John's ministry. The phrase "before your face," in the ESV, simply means John preceded Jesus. In the the NASB this is stated as "I send my messenger ahead of you." The first 13 verses [Mark 1:1–13] is the first section of this book describing how God used John the Baptist, Israel’s last prophet, to prepare His people.
In this section, John "prepares the way" for Jesus and the message of salvation, and shows how John prepared for His ministry. The Messiah's arrival had happened finally as prophesied in Genesis 3:15.
He introduced Jesus as both the Christ[Messiah] and the Son of God. The term "Messiah," means the "anointed one." By His anointing, God has chosen or commissioned Him to save us from our sins and restore our relationship with God. And, as the "Son of God," Jesus is both Messiah and divine. Jesus is the one who has come from the Father and is equal with the Father. He is God and man in one person, fully God and fully human.
God has been warning His people not to sin. A number of prophecies exhorting the Israelites to look for the Messiah's coming. Similarly today, He will often send messengers to us, preparing our hearts for His truth. Our responsibility is to listen and take God's warning.
John's message to the people to repentance [turn away from their sins] is the spiritual truth behind the geographic metaphor. Their repentance would prepare them for the coming Messiah. In like manner, by rejecting our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we smooth the way for our hearts to receive God and the forgiveness we so desperately need.
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God’s Word for Today
9 May 2024
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
-Psa 150:1-6 ESV
LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD!
The final psalm forms a climax to the whole book. Worshippers at the temple join with angels in the heavens to praise God for the greatness of his person and his deeds (v.1-2)
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
In every way possible people everywhere should praise God (v.3-6).
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
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God’s Word for Today
8 May 2024
Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats
and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the LORD!
-Psa 149:1-9 ESV
LET ISRAEL BE GLAD IN HIS MAKER
God is the one who created them. However, as they gather to worship, they have a reasonable cause to praise God. He is their king and the one who rules over them.(v.1-3).
Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Moreover, they are chosen as His representatives in promoting his rule throughout the world. Hence, salvation from their attackers and enemies is a cause for the whole nation to praise God.(v.4-5).
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
let them sing for joy on their beds.
But, if God’s rule is to be established in the world, the rebels must first be punished (v.6-9).
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats
and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the LORD!
The phrase “high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands” is something to note. Worship God while engaging in warfare. This is possible because God is fighting for us.
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Text: Psalm 148:1-14 (ESV)
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD!
LET ALL PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD
All creation displays the wonders of God. Thereby, every created thing should praise him.
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!
What is the reason behind?[v.5a-6]
For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
Creatures including the angelic beings and all the beasts of the earth should praise him. From the farthest regions of outer space to the depths of the sea, his name should be praised (v.7-10).
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!
Above all, human beings in particular should praise him. Without distinction of age or rank, the people of the world should exalt God. They should praise him not only because he is the sovereign Lord of the universe, but also because through Israel he has made himself known to them (11-14).
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD!
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Please read the text: Psalm 147:1-20 (ESV)
IT IS GOOD TO SING PRAISES TO OUR GOD
God’s people should praise him constantly. It’s pleasant and befitting. (v.1-2),
Praise the LORD!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
God’s care extends over to those who are sorrowing and humble as He takes care His creation intimatetly through His power (v.3-6).
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The LORD lifts up the humble;
he casts the wicked to the ground.
God delights to sustain creation and provide for the physical needs of his creatures (v.7-9).
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!
8 He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry.
But of all his creatures, He does not delight in those who are proud but toward those who humbly trust in his steadfast love (v.10-11).
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
That is why he delights in Israel above other nations. He protects his people and gives them food to enjoy (v.12-14).
12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
he blesses your children within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders;
he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
He sends them a tough winter weather to make them tough in order to endure hardship. After the winter, He sends them pleasant weather to remind them of His continual care(v.15-18).
15 He sends out his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool;
he scatters frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
who can stand before his cold?
18 He sends out his word, and melts them;
he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.
Most importantly, He has given them his word. Through His word, they can know him better and as a result bring him further joy. (v.19-20).
19 He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and rules to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
they do not know his rules.
Praise the LORD!
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Text: Psa 146:1-10 ESV
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
-Psa 146:1-10 ESV
THE LORD WILL REIGN FOREVER
No matter how stable people may appear to be, they can never be fully relied upon. They do not have unlimited power and their lives may be cut short at any time (v.1-4).
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.
God, on the other hand, can be relied upon, for he is the all-powerful Creator and his life never ends (v.5-6).
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
Also, he has special care for those suffering from poverty, injustice, physical handicaps and social insecurity (v.7-10).
7 who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
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Text: Psa 145:1-21 ESV
1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,
12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]
14 The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
-Psa 145:1-21 ESV
GREAT IS THE LORD, AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED!
The last 6 chapters of the book of Psalms are six hymns of general praise.
This psalm [chap 145] is David’s ‘Song of Praise’ and is an acrostic. Whereas, he other five have no titles. Notedly, each begins and ends with the words ‘Praise the Lord’.
God’s greatness is unsearchable. Thus, He is worthy to be the object of people’s praise, day and night, for ever and ever (v.1-3).
Those who know God’s greatness should meditate upon it and proclaim it to the next generations.(v.4-7).
He is full of goodness too, showing His covenant faithfulness to his people and gracious love to all people (v.8-9).
Those who have experienced his love should show their gratitude by praising him and telling others of his mighty works. In this way they will help spread his rule to the lives of others (10-13a).
His generosity and graciousness are always available to all his creatures (13b-16).
[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]
14 The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
He is always on the side of those who call upon him, honour him and love him. But he is against those who in their sin reject the offer of his mercy (17-20).
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
All creation, and most specially His people, should bring him continual praise (v.21).
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
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God’s Word for Today
2 May 2024
-Psa 144:1-15 ESV
BLESSED ARE THE PEOPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD!
Most of the verses in this psalm are found in some other parts of the book, especially Psa 18. David praised God for granting victory in past battles and requested success in a present military encounter with an enemy. He was confident that God would save His people. This is used by the king on a special occasion of national celebration.
Israel’s king praises the almighty God for his continual protection and deliverance over their enemies. And, he is confident that He is still his present refuge (v.1-2).
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.
As he thinks much deeper, the king praises God for his concern for the human race. How could God be interested to insignificant and weak creatures (v.3-4).
3 O LORD, what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him?
4 Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.
Since God has saved his people in the past, they are confident in God to save them in present and future crises (v.5-8).
5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!
Touch the mountains so that they smoke!
6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;
send out your arrows and rout them!
7 Stretch out your hand from on high;
rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,
from the hand of foreigners,
8 whose mouths speak lies
and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
Hence he is favored of God’s victories, the king will praise and worship. He concluded with expressions of his continued trust in God as his deliverer alone (v.9-11).
9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,
10 who gives victory to kings,
who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.
11 Rescue me and deliver me
from the hand of foreigners,
whose mouths speak lies
and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
Projecting his thoughts to the future, the king prays that the nation will enter a renewed life and joy of God’s blessings. (12-15).
12 May our sons in their youth
be like plants full grown,
our daughters like corner pillars
cut for the structure of a palace;
13 may our granaries be full,
providing all kinds of produce;
may our sheep bring forth thousands
and ten thousands in our fields;
14 may our cattle be heavy with young,
suffering no mishap or failure in bearing;
may there be no cry of distress in our streets!
15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!
Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!
There is security and prosperity where families will grow and flourish, fields and flocks will be fruitful, and that people will enjoy peace and contentment. However, he warns them such blessings are given only if they maintain their loyalty to God.
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God’s Word for Today
1 May 2024
Hear my prayer, O LORD;
give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is appalled.
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
7 Answer me quickly, O LORD!
My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD!
I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
for I am your servant.
-Psa 143:1-12 ESV
YOU ARE MY REFUGE
David knows that he is a sinner like others. There is no way of escaping God’s punishment of sin. God is righteous. Perhaps, he was thinking that God might be using the enemy to punish him for his sins. There were not so much options. He therefore casts himself entirely upon the mercy of God(v.1-2).
Hear my prayer, O LORD;
give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.
David expressed his troubles as to how he has been pursued and was forced to hide under the shadow of darkness in the cave (v.3-4).
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is appalled.
But, he remembers God’s mighty deeds in the past. And, he prays that God will deliver him once more. (5-6).
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
He fears himself to languish in hopelessness as those who die without God. He longs for a fresh experience of God’s steadfast love. (v.7-8).
7 Answer me quickly, O LORD!
My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
He prays that God, having rescued him, will instruct and guide him in the future (v.9-12). His petition of deliverance is for his desire to fulfill God’s desire.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD!
I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
for I am your servant.
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Text: Psalm 142:1-7 (ESV)
1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
3 When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.
5 I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me.
I CRY TO YOU, O LORD
Having been pursued by his enemies relentlessly, David has escaped from Gath and fled to the cave of Adullam.[1 Sam 22:1). He was a fugitive and alone.
He is overwhelmed with a terrible feeling of loneliness. He feels that no one cares for him. Thus, he cries out to God (v.1-4).
With my voice I cry out to the LORD;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
3 When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.
God does know all about David’s problems beforehand, does He not? But, David did not eliminate the necessity of his calling upon God for help. Jesus said, “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Mat 6:32).
He prayed that God will deal with his enemies. That God will bring him out of prison. And for him to live a normal life in freedom and security again (v.5-7).
5 I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me.
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Text: Psalm 141:1-10 (ESV)
1 O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
and let me not eat of their delicacies!
5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
8 But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
and from the snares of evildoers!
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by safely
MY EYES ARE TOWARD YOU, O GOD, MY LORD
David has been maligned and slandered. How should he respond? He was tempted to use strong words and vile speech in return but he did not. David prays that he may be kept from such sins. That he won’t follow the evil ways of the wicked (v.1-4).
O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
and let me not eat of their delicacies!
If ever a godly person has a cause to rebuke him, David prays that he may receive it as a blessing. I is as if he has been anointed with oil. But, he will always remain opposed to evil (v.5).
5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
People will be forced to take notice when God acts, for his punishments will leave the wicked completely shattered (v.6-7).
6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
Even when the wicked is still actively on attack mode, David prays that he will be saved from the traps and deception they have set for him (v.8-10).
8 But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
and from the snares of evildoers!
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by safely.
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Text: Psa 140:1-13 ESV
1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
6 I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!
7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah
9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
-Psa 140:1-13 ESV
I SAY TO THE LORD, YOU ARE MY GOD
The next four chapters belong to the time when David was fleeing from Saul. David was a fugitive who went to the Philistine city of Gath. But, he found no refuge there and narrowly escaped. Those events are recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10 - 22:1. Subsequently, David went to the cave at Adullam where many desperate men joined him later.
David’s enemies used treacheries and slanders to attack him. These wicked men are like venomous snakes, asps and cunning hunters (v.1-5).
1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
But, David’s confidence is in Yahweh, His God, God is his defender in whom he trusts for deliverance and salvation (v.6-8).
6 I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!
7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah
David’s enemies will receive a fitting retribution. They would suffer the torments that they intended to inflict upon David (v.9-11).
9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
David praises God confidently to see his justice in punishing the wicked and delivering the innocent to the afflicted and needy like himself. (v.12-13).
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
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Text: Psa 139:1-24 ESV
1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
-Psa 139:1-24 ESV
SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART!
God is all knowing. He knows all about the psalmist’s life - what he does, what he thinks, where he goes and what he says (v.1-4).
Because of the realization that God is all around him, the psalmist sometimes feels helpless (v.5-6).
A person may be tempted to run away from such an overpowering presence, but no escape is possible. Surely, this may bring fear to rebels. But, it brings comfort to believers (v.7-8).
Wherever he goes, God is present with him (v.9-10).
Whether in darkness or in light, God sees him constantly (v.11-12).
Being the Creator, God has perfect knowledge of those he created. He knows their innermost thoughts as well as their physical characteristics, and has a detailed knowledge of their lives that are yet to be (v.13-16).
As the psalmist contemplates about the wonderful works of God, he finds they are too vast to understand and too numerous to count. When he awakes after his meditation he knows that God is still with him (v.17-18).
Through his meditation, the psalmist has grown so close to God. As a result, he sees the wicked as God sees them and hates evil as God hates it. His heartbeat is as God’s heartbeat. He therefore prays that God will act in righteous judgment (v.19-22).
Nevertheless, he also looks at her heart. He is also aware that he himself is not perfect. He honestly prays that God will show him his sin, cleanse him, and lead him into a life of holiness (v. 23-24).
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God’s Word for Today
25 Apr 2024
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
-Psa 138:1-8 ESV
GREAT IS THE GLORY OF THE LORD
David, showing his love to God, contrasted all lifeless gods how useless they are and how great is the only true God. This God loves his people, answers their prayers and gives them the strength to face life’s difficulties with boldness (v.1-3).
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
The rulers of other nations ought also to honor this God. In God’s sight, their status doesn’t matter. That is, their high position does not make them any better than the poor and lowly (v.4-6).
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
God is not respecter of persons. This truth encourages the psalmist. It is because those who are in positions of power are most abusive and wicked. They even try to kill him. However, he knows that God in His plan and steadfast love will save him (v.7-8).
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
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God’s Word for Today
24 Apr 2024
By the waters of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
2 On the willows there
we hung up our lyres.
3 For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
4 How shall we sing the LORD's song
in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!
7 Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites
the day of Jerusalem,
how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare,
down to its foundations!”
8 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed,
blessed shall he be who repays you
with what you have done to us!
9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones
and dashes them against the rock!
-Psa 137:1-9 ESV
WHEN WE REMEMBER ZION
The Israelites who sang this song were captives in Babylon. They were working in a slave camp beside one of Babylon’s rivers. As a torment for their victims, the Babylonian slavedrivers created some amusement for themselves by asking the downcast slaves to sing some of the merry and glorious songs of Zion.(v.1-3).
By the waters of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
2 On the willows there
we hung up our lyres.
3 For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
This cruel insult from their oppressors had grieved them greatly because their beloved Jerusalem is in ruins. How can they forget? Jerusalem means so much to them. And singing glorious songs that would now be a mockery? They would rather be struck dumb and forget their skills than do such a thing (4-6).
4 How shall we sing the LORD's song
in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!
At the time of Jerusalem’s destruction, the Edomites had encouraged the Babylonians (7).
7 Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites
the day of Jerusalem,
how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare,
down to its foundations!”
Undoubtedly, the Babylonians were the ones mainly responsible for the merciless slaughter of God’s people. The psalmist announces a retribution on the Babylonians. That they might be punished by similar infliction of barbarism that they did upon them. (v.8-9).
8 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed,
blessed shall he be who repays you
with what you have done to us!
9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones
and dashes them against the rock!
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Please read the text: Psalm 136:1-26 (ESV)
FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
In the Jewish tradition, Psalms 136 was sung after the Hallel at the Passover Feast. As a reminder, Psalms 113 to 118 form a collection called the Hallel or Praise songs. Israelites sang the Hallel at various annual festivals, the most important of which was the Passover.
In each verse from verse 1 to 26, the leader sings of the greatness of God, and the congregation replies that this is seen in his loyal love to his people, a love that will never end.
Israel’s God is good, and He is the only true God (v.1-3).
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
He has perfect wisdom and he created all things (V.4-9).
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
He saved his people from bondage in Egypt (V.10-15)
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
He gave them victory over their enemies (V.16-20)
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
17 to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
And, He guided them into Canaan (v.21-22).
21 and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
All this was not because his people deserved his blessings, was it? No, but because he exercised his steadfast love towards them (v.23-26).
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
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Please read the text: Psalm 135:1-21 (ESV)
PRAISE THE LORD!
This psalm of descriptive praise extols God for His greatness and for blessing His people. Like Psalms 134, it calls on the priests to praise the Lord. There is a call to the worshippers to gather in the temple to praise God because he has chosen the nation Israel to be his people (v.1-4).
Praise the LORD!
Praise the name of the LORD,
give praise, O servants of the LORD,
2 who stand in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God!
3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
God’s choice of Israel is particularly significant, because anything God does is deliberate. It is as sure and certain as his acts in the creation and control of nature (v.5-7).
5 For I know that the LORD is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,
in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and all deeps.
7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
who makes lightnings for the rain
He demonstrated his special care for the people of Israel by rescuing them from Egypt, conquering their foes and giving them Canaan for their homeland (v.8-14).
8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
both of man and of beast;
9 who in your midst, O Egypt,
sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10 who struck down many nations
and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land as a heritage,
a heritage to his people Israel.
13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
14 For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.
By contrast the so-called gods of other nations are merely useless and lifeless pieces of stone or metal (v.15-18).
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but do not speak;
they have eyes, but do not see;
17 they have ears, but do not hear,
nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them become like them,
so do all who trust in them.
All Israelites should therefore offer thankful worship to their covenant God (v.19-21).
19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD!
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD!
You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion,
he who dwells in Jerusalem!
Praise the LORD!
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Text: Psa 134:1-3 ESV
1 Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!
3 May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!
-Psa 134:1-3 ESV
COME, BLESS THE LORD, ALL YOU SERVANTS OF THE LORD
This is the last of the fifteen Psalms called Songs of Ascents. And, it is closely connected with the two preceding Psalms [132 & 133]. It is an exhortation to the priests and Levites who kept nightly watch in the temple, to serve zealously in praising the Lord.
It seems to consist of two parts: 1. An exhortation, probably from the high priest, to those priests and Levites who kept watch in the temple by night, to spend their time profitably, and duly celebrate the praises of God.[v.1-2]
Priests were on duty round the clock at the temple. They served as guards, offered sacrifices and carried out other priestly functions during the daylight hours. The psalmist exhorted them to praise God even during the night.
They are to lift their hands unto the Lord. Lifting up the hands in prayer was a common posture that symbolized the petitioners offering praise up to God and receiving
blessings from Him.
The second part is the prayer of the priests and Levites for the high priest, who seems now to be going to his rest.[v.3]
The pilgrim then asked God to bless these special servants of His. The reference to God being the Maker of heaven and earth recalls and highlights His greatness (see Psalms 115:15). That, He alone is worthy of praise and worship. This verse is also an appropriate book end to the collection of the 15 ascent psalms, from Psalms 120 to Psa 134.
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Text: Psa 133:1-3 ESV
1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
-Psa 133:1-3 ESV
WHEN BROTHERS DWELL IN UNITY
This refers to the priests and Levites having returned from captivity, and are united in the service of God in the sanctuary. They enter God's temple and pour out their benediction. And, here, the beautiful order and harmony of the temple service had been pointed out.
Unity is good and pleasant. “Unity is, according to this scripture, a good thing and a pleasant; and especially among brethren-members of the same family, of the same Christian community, and of the same nation. And why not among the great family of mankind? On the other hand, disunion is bad and hateful. The former is from heaven; the latter, from hell.”[Clarke’s Commentary]
How the pleasantness of it is illustrated?
It’s as the holy anointing oil, which was strongly perfumed, and diffused its odors, to the great delight of all the bystanders, when it was poured upon the head of Aaron. This has an undeniable application as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s infilling. Brethren dwelling together in unity is possible only when such fruits of the Holy Spirit as love, joy, peace, goodness, longsuffering, kindness, faithfulness, self-control, etc. (Gal 5:22,23) are found among them, isn’t it? Where these are present, one finds a little breath of heaven on earth. Blessed indeed is such unity.
What’s the result?
It sets the blessing from God. It is God's prerogative to command the blessing, man can only beg a blessing. Blessings according to the promise are commanded blessings, for he has commanded his covenant forever. Blessings that take effect are commanded blessings, for he speaks and it is done. There is ‘life’ where love is.[John 13:35]
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God’s Word for Today
18 Apr 2024
-Psa 132:1-18 ESV
MY RESTING PLACE FOREVER
As they arrive at the temple, it is a fitting occasion to recall the beginnings of the temple. David, with much difficulty, eagerly brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem with the aim of building God a house for it later (see 2 Samuel 6:3-13; 2 Samuel 7:1-3; Psalms 24).
Remember, O LORD, in David's favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the LORD
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 “I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
Previously, the ark had been stationed at Kiriath-jearim, also known as Baale-judah. Here, it is called ‘the fields of Jaar’. David therefore went from Bethlehem (Ephrathah) to Kiriath-jearim to collect the ark and bring it to Jerusalem ( see 2 Samuel 6:2,2 Samuel 6:14-19; 1 Chronicles 13:5; 1 Chronicles 13:5).
6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 “Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!”
8 Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy.
Although David wanted to build God a house in Jerusalem, God wanted to do something far greater for David. God wanted to build David a house in Jerusalem; not a house of stone, but a line of royal descendants to rule from Zion where the living God dwelt ( cf. 2 Samuel 7:4-16).
10 For the sake of your servant David,
do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:
“One of the sons of your body
I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them,
their sons also forever
shall sit on your throne.”
13 For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14 “This is my resting place forever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
God would give his people all they needed for healthy lives, physically and spiritually (v.15-16).
15 I will abundantly bless her provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation,
and her saints will shout for joy.
He would give the Davidic king power, prosperity, victory and glory (17-18).
17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David;
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on him his crown will shine.”
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God’s Word for Today
17 Apr 2024
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore.
-Psa 131:1-3 ESV
I HAVE CALMED AND QUIETED MY SOUL
“Some think that David composed this Psalm as a vindication of himself, when accused by Saul's courtiers that he affected the crown, and was laying schemes and plots to possess himself of it. Others think the Psalm was made during the captivity, and that it contains a fair account of the manner in which the captives behaved themselves, under the domination of their oppressors.”[Clarke Commentary]
David expressed his disinterest about cravings of the world. He might be accused of being proud and ambitious. But, he was consciously aware that he is not ambitious and greedy for ‘things too great and too marvelous’ for him. He vehemently expressed that he distanced himself from lofty ambition of advancing himself, to any position or status of the state, rank and honor.
As quoted in Dr. Constable’s Expository Notes, "The godly knows that true godliness begins in the ’heart’ that is not proud (cf. Proverbs 18:12), with eyes that do not envy (cf. Psalms 18:27; Psalms 101:5; Proverbs 16:5), and with a walk of life (MT, ’I do not walk’ for NIV, ’I do not concern myself’) that is not preoccupied with ’greatness’ (cf. Jeremiah 45:5) and with accomplishments (’wonderful,’ i.e., ’difficult’ or ’arduous’; cf. Deuteronomy 17:8; Deuteronomy 30:11)." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 803.]
Why?
He has ‘calmed and quieted’ his soul. He is as a ‘weaned’ child not to crave wildly for his mother’s milk anymore. ‘A little child thus clinging to its mother - laying its head gently down on the bosom - languishing - looking for nourishment - would be a most tender image of meekness and gentleness.’[Barnes Notes]
There is an apparent reflection to the teachings of Jesus, who set a little child in the midst of the overtly ambitious apostles. They were quarreling about who was going to get the chief seats in the Kingdom of God. And, He emphatically taught them, saying,“ “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3,4).
The human soul needs “weaning” from all of its anxious ambitions and worldly things, doesn’t he? Then and only then, he can enjoy the tranquillity of a heart in tune with God’s will. The psalmist here affirms that he is indeed weaned from such fleeting things. Like the merchantman in the New Testament parable seeking goodly pearls, and when he discovered the `pearl of great price,’ sold everything for it.
Instead of being restless, Israel should ‘hope ‘ in God, now and always.
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Text: Psalm 130:1-8 (ESV)
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!
2 O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
WITH YOU THERE IS FORGIVENESS
A great sense of their own sinfulness overwhelms the travelers as they approach the temple.[v.1] There is no deeper pit than the black hole of despair. It is when the soul has painful realization that one’s sins have separated him from God. “The beginning of true personal religion is the sense of personal sin. An insufficient realization of that is the mother of heresies in the creeds and superficial deadness in the practice of Christianity.”[Alexander Maclaren]
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!
They know that they badly need forgiveness. No person in a sinful condition can stand before the holy God in his holy presence at the temple (v.2-4). “The only hope is in God’s forgiveness, which in turn quickens the feeling of awe”[Wycliffe Bible Commentary
2 O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
They wait for the assurance of God’s forgiveness with the same longing as watchmen on night duty waiting for the light of dawn (v.5-6). The repetition occurring in verse 5 is emphatic; implying, that he trusted in God even with the deepest affections of his soul. Verse 6 could be rendered, "My soul waiteth for the Lord from the morning watches to the morning watches." That is, "I wait both day and night."
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
And at all times, they have unwavering confidence that God, in his stedfast love, will forgive them (v.7-8).
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
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Text: Psalm 129:1-8 (ESV)
1 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—
let Israel now say—
2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back;
they made long their furrows.”
4 The LORD is righteous;
he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 May all who hate Zion
be put to shame and turned backward!
6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
which withers before it grows up,
7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand
nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
8 nor do those who pass by say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
THE LORD IS RIGHTEOUS
Recalling their sorrows when they were in bondage, the travelers recall that the days of the nation’s ‘youth’ in Egypt where they suffered much. The backs of the people had been whipped and severely bruised as slaves. (v.1-3).
“Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—
let Israel now say—
2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back;
they made long their furrows.”
But, God is righteous. He’ll save them from slavery and set them free.
4 The LORD is righteous;
he has cut the cords of the wicked.
However, the enemy hated and troubled them. The traveler prays that God will turn back their enemies. That, He will make them wither as stalks of grass and die under the sun (v.5-7).
5 May all who hate Zion
be put to shame and turned backward!
6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
which withers before it grows up,
7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand
nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
The destruction of the enemy is overwhelming. They’re left without friends, and have no one to help them. This caused them to bless God. (v.8).
8 nor do those who pass by say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
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Text: Psa 128:1-6 ESV
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!
-Psa 128:1-6 ESV
BLESSED IS EVERYONE WHO FEARS THE LORD
Blessedness is always a result of fearing God (v.1,4).
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
Wherever God dwells, whether in the sense of dwelling in the family or in the sense of dwelling in Jerusalem, his people there will enjoy his fullest blessing. First, he would be blessed in his labor (v.2). Labor isn’t a curse but a blessing.
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Moreover, there is a metaphor of fruitfulness as vine and olive shoots. These refer to his wife and children, respectively.[v.3]
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
The fear of the Lord is the backbone that provides stability. And ultimately, as families that fear God today are blessed, so is the next generation that follows and the city of Jerusalem.[v.5-6]
5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!
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Text: Psa 127:1-5 ESV
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
-Psa 127:1-5 ESV
THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE
The travelers have to take note that God is in-charge in building the city of Jerusalem or a family. In both cases, they must acknowledge the sovereign rule of God. Their days, maybe, are filled with worry and they have sleepless nights. And, these could affect them adversely. Thus, they have to recognize God and Him alone as the builder (v.1-2)
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Moreover, these travelers should be encouraged to trust in God by reminding themselves that their large and healthy family is a blessing from God. Their children provide stability, strength and honor in society (v.3-5)
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Today, let’s not forget that Jesus is the builder of our lives and family.[1 Cor 3:11]Apart from Him we are nothing.[John 15:5,16]. God is indespensable. Otherwise, we are building in vain.
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God’s Word for Today
11 Apr 2024
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
-Psa 126:1-6 ESV
THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US
Jerusalem was plundered and the land was threatened for a while. But, God won’t allow it to happen for a long time. Israel rejoiced in God’s loving deliverance in an unexpected fashion (v.1-2a).
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
The nations recognized that it is the work of God.[v.2b-3] The deliverance could be attributed to God alone.
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
However, their problems were not over as yet. Hard work is what they need to do if they were to restore the land. They relied on God to provide water in the dry Negeb region.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negeb!
But, they recognized that they would have to work hard and long before they could enjoy the fruits of the land again. (v.5-6).
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
The lesson for the travelers, even for us, is that we must persevere if we are to enjoy God’s blessing. God promises to provide the rain but we have to be industrious to prepare the land and sow the seeds.
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God’s Word for Today
10 Apr 2024
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel!
-Psa 125:1-5 ESV
THE LORD SURROUNDS HIS PEOPLE
As the worshipers approach Jerusalem, they recall some of the hardships that the city has gone through. They reflect these as typical of their experiences as God’s chosen people. Like the formidable city of Jerusalem, they are completely secured and fully protected (v.1-2).
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
There were times that Jerusalem came under the rule of its enemies. But, God would never allow these enemies to control it for long. These happens as God’s chastisement when His people lost their devotion to him (v.3).
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
God is just and righteous. Their security rests in the character of God. Surely God cares for the righteous and punishes their enemies (v.4-5).
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel!
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Text: Psalm 124:1-8 (ESV)
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—
let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
6 Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
THE LORD WHO WAS ON OUR SIDE
These travelers were persecuted in the foreign lands where they dwelt. Once more, they recall the experience of David’s affliction as persecuted and sing one of his psalms that reflects their own experience. Their help was in the Lord entirely [v.1,2]
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—
let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
when people rose up against us,
Only through God’s grace and power have they been kept from much worse treatment. Their oppressors are as violent and destructive as a raging flood (v.3-5) as cruel as wild animals and as cunning as bird-trappers (v.6-7),
But, the travelers have the great Protector. He is the Creator on their side (v.6-8).
6 Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth
Let’s not forget that in most cases, God allows us to pass through hardships. He permits the enemy to attack us but ‘with the trials He would give us a way to bear and escape it.’ [1 Cor 10:13] Thus, we say, ‘If it had not been the LORD who was on our side”. The Lord is our help. In short, the battle is the Lord’s.
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Text: Psalm 123:1-4 (ESV)
1 To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he has mercy upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than enough
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
O LORD, HAVE MERCY UPON US
The pilgrims are persecuted. Though tempted to look for worldly help, he resolved to only seek God and his help. This was not an equivocal decision.
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
How did he describe his trust unto God?
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he has mercy upon us.
He perseveres for he believes God is merciful. He pleaded for mercy patiently. And, nobody can demand God’s mercy.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than
enough of contempt.
The enemy is relentless. They had more than enough troubles. But he trusts God won’t tolerate their wicked works.
4 Our soul has had more than enough
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
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Text: Psa 122:1-9 ESV
1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3 Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5 There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!”
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
-Psa 122:1-9 ESV
LET US GO TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
This psalm expresses the excitement of the pilgrim to worship. Like David, he is imagining himself as standing in Jerusalem to worship (v.1-2).
1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
He sees Jerusalem as a beautiful, well-built city. The tribes of Israel are united in their worship of God. He recognizes that God rules his people through the throne of David (v.3-5).
3 Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5 There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.
He encourages everyone to pray that God will always preserve the city and prosper its people (v.6-8).
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!”
He himself will do all he can for the city’s good (v.9).
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Yes the Lord is the builder of the city. But, he is not a passive bystander. He is actively involved to enhance the good of the city’
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Text: Psa 121:1-8 ESV
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
-Psa 121:1-8 ESV
THE LORD IS YOUR KEEPER
The pilgrim journeys through the hill country. He looks up and that God who made the hills cares for him (v.1-2).
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He could be tired and weary so that he sleeps by the roadside at night. But, God, who never sleeps, watches over him (3-4).
3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
God protects him from dangers by day and by night (5-6).
5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
Surely, they will be back home again safely. For God will keep him through his journey to Jerusalem and bring him safely home again (V.7-8).
7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
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God’s Word for Today
4 Apr 2024
In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O LORD,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you,
and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior's sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!
-Psa 120:1-7 ESV
I AM FOR PEACE
Each of the psalms from Psa 120 to 134 is entitled ‘A Song of Ascents’ (RSV; NIV). These psalms were apparently sung by worshippers as they journeyed up to Jerusalem for the various annual festivals.
It is also noted that they have been arranged in a sequence that reflects the feelings of the travelers. That is, the travelers are singing expressing their emotions through these songs as they step-out and begin their journey from distant regions to Jerusalem, and ultimately join in the temple ceremonies.
This chapter opens with a cry from one who lives in a distant region and is bitterly persecuted by his neighbours (v.1-2).
In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O LORD,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.
They suffered insults, as like sharp arrows piercing and burning him like red-hot coals. He prays that God’s punishment of them will be just as painful (3-4).
3 What shall be given to you,
and what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior's sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!
He is tired of being victimized. He feels as if he lives in a far-off land where he is surrounded by attackers from hostile tribes. He will set out for Jerusalem and seek some peace and refreshment of spirit in God’s house (v.5-7).
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war!
He closes this psalm in a mild lament. The psalmist is displeased with his neighbors. They are traveling from distant lands, where they were often persecuted. Most scholars agree, however, that Meshech and Kedar here are idiomatic references to “barbarous and hostile people.”[The Pulpit Commentary] “Meshech was a nation of Asia Minor, and Kedar was part of the Syrian desert south of Damascus.” [The Interpreter’s Bible] Apparently, they were actually pilgrims from such hostile places to join the annual processions to Jerusalem.
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God’s Word for Today
3 Apr 2024
Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O LORD,
and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
-Psa 119:161-176 ESV
LET MY SOUL LIVE AND PRAISE YOU
His enemies tried to hurt him but he wasn’t hurting inside.
161Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
He keeps himseLf occupied with God’s word. Peace is the result of his discipline of meditating God’s word.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
There is a commitment to keep God’s word no matter what his circumstances was.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
Again, he expressed his joy, delight and anticipation in God’s word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
He ended this psalm, with the pleading to God’s favor of preserving him. There is always a sense of weakness as a lost sheep who needs a shepherd to look for him.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
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Text: Psalm 119:145-160 (ESV)
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O LORD;
give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
THE SUM OF YOUR WORD IS TRUTH
In the midst of difficulties, we can hang on and hope in God’s word.[v.145-147]
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
With great expectations, we should saturate our minds with the words of God.[v.148,152-154]
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
Ironicallly, his persecutors just drove him nearer to God. [v.149,150-151]
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.
A godly life is far better than wickedness[v.155-158]
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O LORD;
give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
He concludes expressing his satisfaction in God alone.[v.159-160]
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
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Text: Psalm 119:129-144 (ESV)
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
137 Righteous are you, O LORD,
and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL
There is pleasure to the soul in keeping God’s Word. [v.129-130]
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
As a hungry and desperate man, he longs for the word.[v.131-133]
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
He is sad for people who dishonor His word. And, he desires to be free from anyone who would pull him away from God [v134-136]
134 Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
He always maintains the truthfulness of God’s word.[v.137-138]
137 Righteous are you, O LORD,
and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
In the midst of pressure, he did not cave in for his confidence is in the faithfulness of God. He delights in God’s word despite his difficulties.[v.139-144]
139 My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
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Text: Colossians 3:1-4 ESV
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
- Col 3:1-4 ESV
YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST
Paul's use of "if" here is not really a question, but an assumption. He writes for those who are saved by faith in Christ. Appropriately, their goal was to live with an eternal perspective rather than a focus on the rules and regulations of this world. We live because Jesus lives. Christians are to set their minds above, because that is where Christ is. Christ didn’t remain in the grave—He is at God's right hand. This was the consistent teaching of Jesus, and of the early church (see Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33; 5:31; 1 Peter 3:22).
The "things of the earth" are associated with ungodly activities. This does not mean that believers should ignore all earthly concerns completely. It does, however, mean that believers ought to give their time and attention to things pleasing to God, rather than things pleasing to men. Or, using the things in this world as means to glorify God.
Why?
We have died and live in Christ. This metaphor that a believer has "died" to sin, in the sense of being separated from it. Thus, his life is "hidden," or "contained" within Christ. Let’s remember that Christ is not only the giver and sustainer of life (Colossians 1:16); Christ is our life [v.4]
And that we will appear with Him in glory. There is an anticipation to Christ’s return at any moment. This is a subject both consistent and clear through the New Testament. When Christ "appears," believers will be with Him in glory (1 Thess 4:13–18; 1 John 3:2).
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Text: Hebrew 13:13 ESV
Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
-Heb 13:13 ESV
LET’S BEAR CHRIST’S REPROACH
Today, as we comemorate the gruesome sacrifice of Christ, we ask. “What does His sacrifice mean to me today?” This verse encouraged us to endure like Him.
We read in the gospels the way Jesus was taken outside the city walls of Jerusalem for His merciless execution. One thing certain. It was a journey of no return. Jesus won’t be coming back to the city again alive. In John 19:17–20, we read;
“17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek.”
This parallels to the way sacrificed animals to consecrate Aaron's priesthood were also taken outside the camp to be burnt and forgotten. Jesus is the fulfilment of the animal scrifices in the Old Testament. We read this in Exodus 29:14, that is, “But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering.”
Christians, having been scattered and persecuted for their faith, need to "hold fast" to faith in Christ, despite persecution (see Hebrews 3:6; 4:14; 6:18; 10:23). It’s worth for them to look unto the example of Christ. They should hold on firmly the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant of animal sacrifices.
Our difficulties today are not signs of failures, are they? God allows them. They’re often part of God's plan to grow our faith (Hebrews 12:3–11). And, tribulations are expected for believers living in a fallen world (John 16:33). Elsewhere in the New Testament, we're told that hardships, particularly persecutions, comes because we're so closely identified with Christ. It is a vital sign of our relationship with Him (1 Peter 4:14).
Rather than despairing when that hardship comes, or running from it, we should embrace being identified with Christ. Did not Jesus teach us to bear our cross on daily basis? [Luke 9:23]
The actor of the infamous film ‘The Passion of the Christ’[2004], Jim Caviezel was warned by Mel Gibson, the director-producer, about the adverse effect of his role as Jesus to his carreer at Hollywood. He said, 'We all have to embrace our crosses.” He added: "Jesus is as controversial now as he has ever been. Not much has changed in 2,000 years."
If Jesus has given His all for us, should we not give our all for Him as well.
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God’s Word for Today
28 Mar 2024
I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
-Psa 119:113-128 ESV
MY FLESH TREMBLES FOR FEAR OF YOU
There is a corresponding expressions of love and hope to God and His words. He only hope in God and His promises alone. [v.113-114,127-128]
I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
A strong craving to God’s word means a strong dislike to wickedness.[v.115-119]
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
There is a strong reverence to God. As the saying goes, “He who fears God has nothing else to fear.”[v.120]
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
There is a complete trust on God’s control. There is no need to be manipulative. We can rest in God.[v.121-126]
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
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God’s Word for Today
27 Mar 2024
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
-Psa 119:97-112 ESV
OH, HOW I LOVE YOUR LAW!
The writer just fell in love with God’s word. How did he express it?.[v.97, 101-102]
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Why?
It’ is because the word of God provides him wisdom more than his enemies, even the wisest men on earth.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
Moreover, he found out that the word of God is his source of light in darkness.[v.104-106]
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
Though severely afflicted, he holds on to the overwhelming trustworthiness of God through His words.[v107-112]
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
He offered his freewill offerings. He testified that God’s testimonies are his heritage forever for they are the joy of his heart.
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Text: Psalm 119:81-96 (ESV)
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
89 Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
I HOPE IN YOUR WORD
The writer has experienced hardships. See v. 83-87.
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
His anguish and longing for help is understandable [v.81-82, 88]
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
His faith towards the stability of God’s word kept his feelings at bay.[v.89-91]
89 Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants
His resolve is to grasp firmly to God’s word. It’s his delight[v.9-96]
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
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Text: Psalm 119:65-80 (ESV)
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
TEACH ME GOOD JUDGMENT AND KNOWLEDGE
The psalmist is wise to ask good judgment and knowledge.
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
The result was his proper perspective towards sufferings. He found God’s word to be real and embrace it wholeheartedly[v.67-72]
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Hardships were not to harm but to harness his resolve; not to destroy but develop him to become a better person[v.73-76]
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
While his enemies will be put to shame, he will become stronger day by day to become a blessing to others. As a much wise person now, he will be able to encourage and teach others.Hardships should make us not bitter but better, even blameless, to bless others.[v.77-80]
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
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Text: Psa 119:49-64 ESV
49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
57 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!
-Psa 119:49-64 ESV
YOUR PROMISE GIVES ME LIFE
Basically, in these verses, the psalmist expressed his comfort and hope in the promise of God.[v. 49-50]
49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
He was attacked and it stirred up feelings of righteous anger against those who deliberately ignore God’s standards (v.53).
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
However, the psalmist does not allow discouragement to overwhelm him. What did he do? He draws his vigour by meditating on God’s word (v.54-56).
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
There is a growing enjoyment of God himself to those who cherished His words (v.57-58).
57 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
It results to a life of obedience and prayer.[v.59-62]
59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.
Although there is hatred from the wicked, but he finds company among those who share his love for God (v.63-64).
63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!
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Text: Psa 119:33-48 ESV
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
-Psa 119:33-48 ESV
INCLINE MY HEART TO YOUR TESTIMONIES
In a nutshell these verses the psalmist focused on having our lives being built around our devotion to God’s word. He does not want to be sidetracked by trying to gain wealth or prestige (v.33-37).
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
What he dreads most is to displease God. What he longs for is a life directed by God through his word (v.38-40).
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
What does the word give him? An assurance of salvation. This salvation in turn gives him courage to answer those who mocked him (v.41-43)
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.
There is a confidence to live because of the freedom God has given him (v.44-45)
44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.
And, there is boldness to testify about God to the nation’s rulers (v.46-48).
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
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God’s Word for Today
21 Mar 2024
Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
-Psa 119:17-32 ESV
YOU ENLARGE MY HEART
The author did a full circle here. Let’s look at verses 11 and 32 to see the similarity in emphasis in these verses.
11 Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
We can’t keep God’s Word unless he deals bountifully with us and enlarges our hearts, can we? The psalmist recognizes this important truth. God has to stir our affections in order so that obedience to His word won’t be mechanical. We should cultivate our love and affection toward God by surrendering to the Spirit’s control. Let us take note that love is the fruit of the Spirit. God has to work in us inorder to obey His word for His holy pleasure.
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God’s Word for Today
20 Mar 2024
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
-Psa 119:1-16 ESV
YOUR WORD IS IN MY HEART
This is another of the alphabetical or acrostic Psalms. There are twenty-two parts, according to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Every part is composed of eight verses, and each verse begins with that letter of the alphabet considered. For example, the first eight verses have aleph prefixed; the second eight is beth, and so are the rest.
It is not easy to have any general analysis of this Psalm. It is enough to say that it expresses in general the privileges and happiness of those who observe the law of the Lord. That law is exhibited by various names and epithets tending to show its various excellences. And, earnest prayers are offered to God for wisdom to understand it, and for grace to observe it faithfully
The words which show that revelation that God had given to men, are generally reckoned to be the following: Testimonies, Commandments, Precepts, Word, Law, Ways, Truth, Judgments, Righteousness, Statutes. To these, some add the following: faithfulness, judgment and name. But these are not used in the sense of the other ten words. It is observed that almost in every verse of this Psalm one or other of those ten words is used.
Like all other portions of Divine revelation, it is elegant in numerous synonyms. The author has beautifully expanded, diversified, and illustrated the same idea; presenting it to his readers at all possible points of view, rendering it pleasing, instructive, and impressive.
This psalm probably is descriptive of David's state; his experiences, and affairs, during or under the captivity, were formed out of his notes and recollections.
This morning, we will focus on v.9 to v.11.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
The way for a young man to keep himself pure is by keeping God’s word. The word will keep us from wickedness if we store it in our hearts. The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
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Please read the text: Psalm 118:1-29 (ESV)
HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER
Originally this song was apparently sung by a combination of the temple singers, the congregation and the king, to mark some great national occasion such as a victory in battle. The scene is set in the temple, where the royal procession enters the gates and moves to the altar (see v. 19,20,27).
The singers call Israel to worship, and the congregation responds with praise to God for his steadfast love (v.1-4). The king then recounts how, in answer to prayer, God saved him from his enemies (v.5-7). The people respond that God is worthy of people’s trust (v.8-9). The king describes the hopeless position he had been in, with enemies attacking him on every side, but with God’s help he overthrew them (v.10-14). The people respond that God is all-powerful (v.15-16).
After expressing his confidence in God and his gratitude for God’s chastening, the king commands that the temple gates be opened to him (v.17-19). The gatekeepers open the gates, but they add the reminder that only the righteous can enter God’s temple (v.20). The king responds by thanking God for his righteous salvation, for this alone enables him to enter God’s presence (v.21).
The people then sing their rejoicings. When the king had been on the edge of embarassing defeat, he seemed like a useless stone that the builders had thrown away in disgust. Now, with his triumph, the same stone seems to have been brought back and made as the chief cornerstone, giving perfection and character to the building (v.22-25).
From the altar in the temple courtyard, the priests sing their welcome as the worshippers, in procession and waving branches of palm trees, draw near. The palm branches give the appearance of binding the worshippers together as they surround the altar in preparation for the sacrifice (v.26-27). Before the sacrificial ceremony commences, the king, followed by the congregation, offers a final thanksgiving (v.28-29).
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Text: Psalm 117:1-2 (ESV)
1 Praise the LORD, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!
GREAT IS HIS STEADFAST LOVE
This is the shortest psalm but loaded with great truth. It’s a recognition of God’s loyal love to Israel. And, this should cause his people to spread the good news of His love to other nations. And consequently, will cause the people of those nations to bring their praise to him (V.1-2).
God’s love is great towards us. It’s steadfast, meaning it won’t change and fade away. His love isn’t dependent on our goodness. It flows from His nature of love. God is love. The nation of Israel was unfaithful in many instances. Did God abandon them? He chastened them as a father does to his children.
His steadfast love prompts them to testify and glorify God. When our hearts are full, our mouth speaks. May, as His children, we will praise and glorify Him unashamedly in this world. God should be known in and through His redeemed people.
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Text: Psa 116:1-19 ESV
I LOVE THE LORD!
This psalm is about an individual worshipper bringing a sacrifice to God to pay his vows and offer thanks (v. 17-19).
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!
However, prior his offering of sacrifice, he pauses to muse on the great mercy and love of God. As he does so, he finds that his own love towards God increases, particularly when he recalls how God has answered his prayers and saved his life (v.1-4).
1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!”
He has personally experienced God’s compassion and goodness (v.5-7).
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
When he was unable to help himself and when so-called friends proved useless, he still trusted God. He prayed, and God gave him new life (v.8-11).
8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10 I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”;
11 I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”
Then, He openly thank God by offering prayers and sacrifices in fulfillment of his vow (v.12-14).
12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,
14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
He sees how highly God values the life of the believer. Yet, God does not allow him to die [v.16]. The death of His people is precious in God’s sight. The writer recognizes that God preserves him alive, and for this, he offers overflowing thanks (v.15-19).
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!
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Text: Psalm 115:1-18 ESV
1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
9 O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
12 The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron;
13 he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.
14 May the LORD give you increase, you and your children!
15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!
16 The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.
17 The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!
Psa 115:1-18 ESV
TRUST AND SERVE THE LORD!
The Israelites have been unfaithful to him. Despite of this, God was always faithful to them. The psalmist highlighted that their sins have brought God’s punishment upon them. Thus, it caused their pagan neighbours to mock them with the accusation that their God was unable to help them but has deserted them.[v.1,2]
1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
The truth is that their God is alive and in full control. He is in the heavens! In contrast, their pagan gods are useless. Why? They are lifeless. And worse, those who trust in them will achieve nothing like their idols that couldn’t move, hear and see (v.3-8).
3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
Therefore, Israel has to trust in God for help and protection alone (v.9-11).
9 O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
God will surely bless them and their descendants, for He is the almighty Creator (v.12-15).
12 The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron;
13 he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.
14 May the LORD give you increase, you and your children!
15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!
Moreover, God is good to mankind. he has given the earth to men as a dwelling place. But, He has limited the number of years that each person may live on it. Therefore, God’s people should make sure that they fill their few short years with praise and service to him (v.16-18).
16 The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.
17 The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!
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God’s Word for Today
14 Mar 2024
When Israel went out from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
2 Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.
3 The sea looked and fled;
Jordan turned back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like lambs.
5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
6 O mountains, that you skip like rams?
O hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water.
-Psa 114:1-8 ESV
THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
This psalm highlights the events marking the Jewish deliverance from slavery in Egypt as acts of God’s mercies. God released his people and gave them new life by dwelling among them (v.1-2).
When Israel went out from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
2 Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.
God’s miraculous acts include dividing the Red Sea, stopping the flow of the Jordan River and an earthquake on Mount Sinai (v.3-4).
3 The sea looked and fled;
Jordan turned back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like lambs.
This was the work of God alone. He rescued them from their hopeless situation in Egypt. But, He also looked after them throughout their journey to Canaan (v.5-8).
5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
6 O mountains, that you skip like rams?
O hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water.
Apparently, the metaphorical references refer to the wonders that occurred at Sinai where God delivered to Israel the Decalogue, ratified with them the covenant, and gave instructions for the construction of the tabernacle. Why the mountains skipped? the little hills frolicked like lambs? the Red Sea fled before Israel? and why the Jordan river at flood stage suddenly presented Israel with a dry-land crossing? Who turned the rock into a pool of water? It was all due to the presence of God. All nature obeys His voice. He spoke, and great wonders ensued.
Where God is miracles happen. God’s presence is our assurance. [Mat 28:18-20, Heb 13:5,6]
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God’s Word for Today
13 Mar 2024
Praise the LORD!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD!
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the LORD is to be praised!
4 The LORD is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the LORD our God,
who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the LORD!
-Psa 113:1-9 ESV
WHO IS LIKE THE LORD OUR GOD
Psalms 113 to 118 form a collection called the Hallel. Israelites sang the Hallel at various annual festivals, the most important of which was the Passover. They sang Psalms 113 and 114 before eating the meal, and Psalms 115 to 118 after the meal (cf. Mat 26:30).
This introductory psalm of the Hallel urges us to praise Him. The phrase ‘Praise the Lord’ is repeated 3x in v. 1 for emphasis sake.
Praise the LORD!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD!
Praising the Lord is appropriate because of Hs sovereignty. Verses 2 to 4 express the extent of His sovereignty.
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the LORD is to be praised!
4 The LORD is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
It is praising God for His absolute sovereignty over all things! [ see Rom 11:36]
The Lord is enthroned on High[Psa 11:4,103:13] yet He humbles Himself to identify with His people and their neeed.
5 Who is like the LORD our God,
who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
He gives favor to man, lifting him from his lowest to honor him. The psalmist uses the metaphor of dust, ashes and barrenness.[v.7-9]
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the LORD!
From the most destitute state as dust and heap of ashes , He makes His own people sit with princess. Moreover, the tragic state of woman’s barrenness, He shows kindness for her to become a joyful mother. This favor is unmerited as our salvation is. The reason why we exalt God – Praise the Lord!
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Text: Psalm 112:1-10 (ESV)
1 Praise the LORD!
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
7 He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;
he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
the desire of the wicked will perish!
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO FEARS THE LORD
It should be noted that both Psalms 111 and 112 are equal in length and similar in form, so that they can be read as a pair, and are acrostics. While Psalm 112 considers the greatness of God, Pa 112 considers the character of His godly people.
When people respond to God in such a reverential way, God blesses them with a respected, upright, and prosperous line of descendants (v.1-3).
Praise the LORD!
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Blessed people become a blessing. They share. God commends those who are just in their treatment of others, even generous with their resources(v.4-6).
4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
They are also stable. Their lives will be enriched with a sense of security and confidence so that they fear nothing (v.7-8).
7 He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from such lives which is in sharp contrast to the wicked, who are envious and hopeless. (v.9-10).
9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;
he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
the desire of the wicked will perish!
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Text: Psalm 111:1-10 (ESV)
1 Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
GREAT ARE THE WORKS OF THE LORD
Psalms 111 and 112 are equal in length and similar in form so that they can be read as a pair. Both are acrostics (see note preceding Psalms 9:0). However, there is a difference in emphasis. Psalm 112 considers the greatness of God, while Pa 112 on the character of His godly people.
God’s wonderful works, both in the creation and in history, are reasons for praise by all his worshipping people, privately and publicly (v.1-3).
Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
In his sovereign power, He took the productive land of Canaan from its heathen inhabitants and gave it to the Israelite people according to the covenant he had made with them (v.4-6).
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
His desire is that they rule themselves according to his just law (v.7-8).
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He is the mighty and holy covenant-redeemer of his people, as he promised to Abraham. And they should fear him, honour him, obey him and praise him (v.9-10).
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
His redemption should prompt exaltation. And those who worship God will grow in wisdom and understanding. And the wiser they become, the more able they are to do or obey His commandments.
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Text: Psalm 110:1-7 ESV
1 The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.
-Psa 110:1-7 ESV
JESUS AND MELCHIZEDEK
This is evidently a more prominent Messianic psalm than the other chapters. Here, there are 9 citations in the New Testament with reference to the Messiah, only to be surpassed by Psa 118, where there are 11 citations. It has three units of thought, each describing the Messianic king.
Firstly, He is the divine King [v.1-3]
Secondly, He is the eternal priest after the order of Melchizedek.[V.4]
And third and last, he is the victorious warrior.[v.4-7]
The focal point in this psalm is the Messiah’s role of priesthood after Melchizedek. Who was Melchizedek? He was priest-king of the Canaanite city-state of Salem, later known as Jerusalem. He was a man so pure and upright that he was called king of peace, king of righteousness and priest of the Most High God (Heb 7:1-10). He first appears in the biblical record when he met and blessed Abraham, who was returning after a victory over some raiders. Abraham refused to take any reward from those who benefited from the victory, but instead made offerings to God’s priest. In this way he recognized that God was the sovereign ruler in human affairs (Gen 14:1-24).
When David conquered Jerusalem and set up his throne there, he became heir to Melchizedek as Jerusalem’s ideal priest-king. (The Melchizedek kind of priesthood was distinct from the Aaronic kind of priesthood.) notedly as God’s representative, David also was to be king of peace, king of righteousness and priest of the Most High God. It seems that David wrote this psalm to be sung by the temple singers to celebrate the establishment of his throne in Jerusalem (2 Sam 5:6-12).
To David it seems that, with his conquest of Jerusalem, God has given him victory over all his enemies and invited him to sit in the place of supreme power (1). From Mount Zion in Jerusalem, David rules his people and conquers his foes (2). The people willingly offer themselves to the king for his service in spreading his rule throughout the land. An army of young men with the life-giving freshness of dew and the strength of youth present themselves to the king (3). Just as the authority of Melchizedek, God’s representative, had no historical or national limits, so David’s authority in the name of God is limitless, in time and extent (4). God will lead his king to universal conquest and rule (5-6). He will refresh him by renewing his vigour continually, till he stands victorious, master of all (7).
It is evident as we read the psalm that David was but a very faint representation of the universal priest-king. The Jews in later times interpreted the psalm as applying to the Messiah. And Jesus confirmed their correct application (Mat 22:42-45; Mat 26:64; Acts 2:34-35; Heb 1:3, 13). The Melchizedek’s priesthood that David inherited was in name only, a mere title to add to the other titles held by the Israelite king. Jesus Christ’s priesthood after the order of Melchizedek is complete and never-ending fulfilment(Heb 5:6; Heb 7:1-28). His final conquest and royal rule will be final and universal (1 Cor 15:24-25; Rev 19:11-6).
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Text: Psalm 109:1-31 ESV
1 Be not silent, O God of my praise!
2 For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues.
3 They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause.
4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer.
5 So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
-Psa 109:1-31 ESV
I GIVE MYSELF TO PRAYER
David expresses to God about the unjust attacks of his opponents. They slander against him (v.1-3).
Be not silent, O God of my praise!
2 For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues.
3 They encircle me with words of hate, and attack me without cause.
However, he has no desire for personal revenge. Rather, he has prayed and shown love for his enemies. (v.4-5).
4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer.
5 So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
Nevertheless, we read that he prayed for God to judge them in the prayer that follows.[v.6-20] David uses strong language as he pleads for justice to be done. With the cruelty of his enemies increasing, he hands the case over to God, the righteous judge, who will repay the wicked for their wickedness. In particular David has in mind the leader of his accusers (6-7). However, the reason the psalmists called for divine punishment was not necessarily that they wanted personal revenge.
This is seen in Psalms 7:3-6, where the psalmist, before praying down divine judgment, emphasizes that he has no desire to return evil for evil personally. The psalmists’ overwhelming desire was to see God’s standards of righteousness established. In fact, it often seems that, in regard to righteousness, they knew God better than we do. For this reason sin appeared worse to them than it does to us. They saw sin as God sees it and hated evil as God hates it (Psalms 139:21-22). They knew that wicked people had to be punished according to their wickedness (Psalms 109:16-19).
The evildoer will receive fitting justice if he suffers the sorrows he intended to bring upon David. The curses listed here display the character of the aggressor and the evil he intended to do to David and his family (v.8-15). The man ruthlessly persecuted those who could not defend themselves, and deserves a punishment that is similarly ruthless (v.16-20).
As for David, he is weak, sick and despised, as helpless as an insect about to be blown away. Only God can save him now (v.21-25).
21 But you, O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!
22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me.
23 I am gone like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust.
24 My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt, with no fat.
25 I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads.
He wants God to save him and punish his persecutors in such a way that people will see the events as the direct work of God (26-29).
26 Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!
27 Let them know that this is your hand; you, O LORD, have done it!
28 Let them curse, but you will bless! They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad!
29 May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; True justice is found with God alone. David is therefore confident that God will rescue him (30-31).
30 With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng.
31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.
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God’s Word for Today
7 Mar 2024
-Psa 108:1-13 ESV
MY HEART IS STEADFAST, O GOD!
This Psalm is a repeat of two previous Psalms. Verses 1-5, are the same with the Psalms 57:7-11 while verses 6-13 are the same with the Psalms 60:5-12. There are only few variations
Either these two Psalms referred unto were made by David, and were applicable to the then state of his affairs. Or, the captives in Babylon composed this and applied it to their state. Seeing their captivity nearing to an end, they look and pray for their restoration to their own land. They’re attributing to the prosperous days of David. The Syriac considers it as a prophecy of the vocation of the Gentiles. But, the Hebrew and others attribute it to David.
The word ‘stedfast’ is, in the sense of “standing erect” [Psalms 9:7], to “establish” or “strengthen” [Psalms 89:4; Psalms 10:17] And hence, it’s to be erect; to be firm, steady, constant, fixed. His heart was firm and decided. He did not waver in his purpose, or lean now to one side and then to the other; he was not “swayed” or “moved” by the events happening around him. He felt conscious of standing firm in the midst of all his troubles. He confided in God. He did not doubt his justice, his goodness, his mercy; and, even in his trials, he was ready to praise him, and was “resolved” to praise him. The repetition of the word ‘fixed’ in Psa 57, gives emphasis and intensity to the expression. It is designed to show in the strongest manner that his heart, his purpose, his confidence in God, did not waver in the slightest degree.
My heart is steadfast, O God!
I will sing and make melody with all my being!
2 Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
3 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
While Israel has been fighting to the north and east, Edom and its allies have attacked from the rear (i.e. the south). Israel’s forces have suffered such heavy losses it appears God has deserted them. They have been thrown into confusion, as if hit by an earthquake. They stagger like a person who is drunk (1-3).
Since they are God’s people, will he not reverse this disaster and lead them to victory (4-5)?
4 For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
give salvation by your right hand and answer me!
Surely he will, for he has given them his promise. All the enemy-occupied areas, whether west of Jordan or east, will be liberated, for they belong to Israel by God’s appointment. The southern attackers - Moab, Edom and Philistia - will be overthrown and made to serve Israel (6-8).
6 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
give salvation by your right hand and answer me!
7 God has promised in his holiness:
“With exultation I will divide up Shechem
and portion out the Valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet,
Judah my scepter.
Why then should God’s people doubt him? He has not forgotten them. He will indeed lead them against the enemy strongholds and give them victory (9-12).
9 Moab is my washbasin;
upon Edom I cast my shoe;
over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
10 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Have you not rejected us, O God?
You do not go out, O God, with our armies.
12 Oh grant us help against the foe,
for vain is the salvation of man!
13 With God we shall do valiantly;
it is he who will tread down our foes.
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God’s Word for Today
6 Mar 2024
-Psa 107:1-43 ESV
LET THEM THANK THE LORD FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE
Apparently, this psalm seems to refer to the time of the Jews’ return to their homeland after their exile in Babylon. It is a song of thanksgiving to be sung by those who have been saved from some great affliction or danger (v.1-3).
Four separate experiences are mentioned which describes the dangers. We see notes of prayer, outlines of the answer and concludes with a word of lessons and warning.
The first thanksgiving is their account as homeless wanderers. They were lonely, hungry and thirsty when they cried to God. And God led them to a place of safety and security. Hence, they should now bear in mind that complete satisfaction is found only in God (v.4-9).
The second thanksgiving is when as a people who were in prison or bondage because of their sins. But when they cried to God, he set them free. Thus, they should remember that no bondage is too strong for God (v.10-16).
The third thanksgiving is their account of being sick who once suffered for their wrongdoings. But have now been healed. They should respond to God’s grace by telling others of what he has done for them (17-22).
The fourth thanksgiving is that of people who have been saved from terrible storms at sea. They should bear in mind that God is the one who brings all peace and calm (v.23-32).
When people are wicked, God may turn nature against them, punishing them with thirst and hunger. But when thirsty and hungry people are in need, God sends his generous blessings of nature upon them (v.33-38).
When rulers are wicked, God may turn them into homeless wanderers. But when the poor are oppressed, God lifts their families into places of honour (v.39-43).
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Please read the text: Psalm 106:1-48 (ESV)
HE SAVED THEM FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE
Like the previous psalm, this psalm recounts the history of Israel. But whereas Psalms 105 emphasized God’s faithfulness, Psalms 106 emphasizes Israel’s unfaithfulness and the punishments it suffered as a result.
Since God is good, people should praise and obey him. Then they will enjoy, as individuals and as a nation, the full blessings God desires for them (v.1-5). The psalmist admits, however, that he and those of his generation have sinned as did their ancestors (v.6).
The psalmist gives many examples of Israel’s sin. God saved his people from Egypt by his mighty power, but they had gone only as far as the Red Sea when they rebelled against him (v.7, see Ex 14:1-13). God again saved them and destroyed their enemies (v.8-12), but in their selfishness and greed they rebelled again (v.13-15; see Ex 16:1-7; Num 11:1-35). On another occasion they rejected their divinely-given leaders (v.16-18; see Num 16:1-50). At Sinai they rejected God himself (19-23; see Ex 32:1-35). They gave a further demonstration of their lack of faith when they refused to believe that God could lead them victoriously into Canaan (24-27; see Num 13:1-35).
After forty years in the wilderness, the people again showed their stubborn disobedience when they fell into idolatry and immorality (v.28-31; see Num 25:1-13). Throughout those forty years their bitter complaining spirit was a constant cause for God’s displeasure (32-33; see Num 20:2-13).
When at last they entered Canaan, the people forgot God and copied the idolatrous practices of their heathen neighbours (v.34-39; see Jud 3:6; 10:6). God used the surrounding nations to punish his people, but when they cried to him he turned in mercy and freed them from their oppressors (v.40-46; see Jud 2:11-23). On the basis of his unfailing mercy, the distressed people call on God to save them again (v.47-48).
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Text: Psalm 105:1-45 (ESV)
1 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
4 Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
6 O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
7 He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
8 He remembers his covenant forever,
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
9 the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
11 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
as your portion for an inheritance.”
MAKE KNOWN HIS DEEDS AMONG THE PEOPLES!
God’s covenant people Israel, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, are reminded to worship their God continually and to tell others of the great things he has done (v.1-6).
In particular they are to recall God’s faithfulness to the covenant He made with Abraham. This covenant is unilateral, meaning it was His work alone. Among all the people of the world, He chose Abraham and promised to make a nation through him. He will give the land of Canaan to be their homeland (v.7-11).
In their early days, when they were very few, enemies could easily have wiped them out. But, God did miraculously preserved them (v.12-15).
And during the great famine of the land, God has preserved his people through Joseph. Although Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave, God exalted him to high office so that He could provide for his needy family (v.16-22).
Through Joseph, all of Jacob’s family moved to Egypt, where they grew into a strong and unified people (v.23-24).
Unfortunately, this brought envy and oppression from the Egyptians (v.25),
but God worked terrible miracles through Moses in order to punish the Egyptians and free his people (26-36).
Having freed them, God guided and preserved them according to the covenant promises given to Abraham (37-42).
Eventually, God led them into the land He had promised to settle there. Was this because of anything good thay have had done? No, it’s solely because of God’s grace. For God’s covenant faithfulness, they should be faithful in keeping and obeying his laws (v.43-45).
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Text: Psalm 104:24-35 ESV
24 O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
25 Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great.
26 There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.
27 These all look to you, to give them their food in due season.
28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
30 When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.
31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works,
32 who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke!
33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.
35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more! Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!
-Psa 104:24-35 ESV
O LORD MY GOD, YOU ARE VERY GREAT!
This psalm of praise is about the wisdom and power of God as seen in creation. It talks about the splendour of the heavens. The light of the sun, the expanse of sky reaching down to meet the earth on the horizon, the movement of clouds blown by the wind, the flashes of lightning - all these things speak of the magnificence of God who dwells in and rules over the universe (1-4).
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
2 covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent.
3 He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind;
4 he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire.
The expanse of land and sea also displays the greatness of God. He determined where they should be and how far they should extend (v.5-7).
5 He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved.
6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
7 At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.
Mountains and rivers are showcases of God’s complete control over the powers of nature, so that the land is well watered and able to support life (v.8-13).
8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them.
9 You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth.
10 You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills;
Because of God’s control, the earth supplies people and animals with food, and with all the other materials necessary for them to live in safety and security (v.14-18).
He arranges seasons and weather, night and day, so that the natural world can meet the needs of the various forms of life (19-23).
Before going on, the psalmist pauses to praise God for the vastness of his creation and for the wisdom that designed and maintains it (24).
He then returns to his consideration of the natural world by showing how the immeasurable sea speaks further of God’s greatness. It is full of the most wonderful creatures. Ships sail on it for distances farther than the eye can see or the mind imagine (25-26).
God is the one who provides all creatures with life and food, and who determines how long each should live. He also controls the earthquake and the volcano (27-32).
In light of the immense power that God has under his control, the writer extols God. He wishes and pleads before God to cleanse the earth of wickedness. Then, He will have complete pleasure in his creation and in the worship that his creatures offer him (v.33-35).
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Text: Psalm 103:1-22 ESV
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
-Psa 103:1-22 ESV
BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL
The psalmist begins and ends by extolling God.[v1,2 and v.20-22]
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
The phrase ‘Bless the Lord’ is repeated 6x to make it obvious as the theme of this psalm. The extolling of the Lord is perpetual in nature and universal in scope.
The ‘benefits that the Lord’ has done and given us are compelling, such as mentioned from verse 3 to 14.
The compassion and lovingkindness of God are highlighted at the backdrop of man’s finiteness. [see v.15-16]
15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
Why man’s life is brief and fragile? It’s because of the fall decay and death happens [Rom 5:12, Jas 4:14, Psa 90:3-4]
Man only exists because of God’s mercies.[v.17-18]
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
His sovereignty is our assurance[.v19] Everything and everyone, even the angels ;v.20-22] are subject to His power. A sovereign God prompts fear if not for His mercies. We should have been consumed by a sovereign God if not for His steadfast love.[Lam 3:22,23] His hand that could crush us has cared and caressed us. Think of a muscular construction man that can pulverize rocks by his massive hands. He comes home and carries his little child with it.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
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God’s Word for Today
29 Feb 2024
-Psa 102:1-28 ESV
YOU WILL REMAIN
Jerusalem is in ruins, God’s people are in captivity, and a weary sufferer pours out his complaint to God (see heading to the psalm; also v. 13-17). The opening part of the prayer describes the psalmist’s afflictions similar to that of many psalms. The writer is ill and dying, partly because he is unable to eat (1-5).
Hear my prayer, O LORD;
let my cry come to you!
2 Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
answer me speedily in the day when I call!
3 For my days pass away like smoke,
and my bones burn like a furnace.
4 My heart is struck down like grass and has withered;
I forget to eat my bread.
5 Because of my loud groaning
my bones cling to my flesh.
He is lonely and cannot sleep (6-7).
6 I am like a desert owl of the wilderness,
like an owl of the waste places;
7 I lie awake;
I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.
He is persecuted by his enemies and feels he has been deserted by God (8-11).
8 All the day my enemies taunt me;
those who deride me use my name for a curse.
9 For I eat ashes like bread
and mingle tears with my drink,
10 because of your indignation and anger;
for you have taken me up and thrown me down.
11 My days are like an evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.
But, God is still Lord. He does not change. David declares, “But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever;
you are remembered throughout all generations.”[v.12]
He is always faithful to his people, is He not? For example, he sees their love for their broken-down city, he hears their prayers, and he will rebuild their city for them. Israel will triumph over its enemies as of old (13-17).
13 You will arise and have pity on Zion;
it is the time to favor her;
the appointed time has come.
14 For your servants hold her stones dear
and have pity on her dust.
15 Nations will fear the name of the LORD,
and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.
16 For the LORD builds up Zion;
he appears in his glory;
17 he regards the prayer of the destitute
and does not despise their prayer.
All who are oppressed and discouraged should take note of this and praise God. He will hear the cries of his captive people, release them from bondage and bring them back to their beloved Jerusalem (18-22).
18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:
19 that he looked down from his holy height;
from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners,
to set free those who were doomed to die,
21 that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD,
and in Jerusalem his praise,
22 when peoples gather together,
and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.
There is no need to doubt God. Though, life is full of troubles and uncertainties (23-24), and even the natural world suffers from wear and tear (25-26), but God is changeless.
23 He has broken my strength in midcourse;
he has shortened my days.
24 “O my God,” I say, “take me not away
in the midst of my days—
you whose years endure
throughout all generations!”
25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you will remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,
His troubled people, from one generation to the next, can depend on Him to rescue them and bless them (27-28).
27 but you are the same, and your years have no end.
28 The children of your servants shall dwell secure;
their offspring shall be established before you.
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God’s Word for Today
28 Feb 2024
I will sing of steadfast love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will make music.
2 I will ponder the way that is blameless.
Oh when will you come to me?
I will walk with integrity of heart
within my house;
3 I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me.
4 A perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will know nothing of evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly
I will destroy.
Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart
I will not endure.
6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he who walks in the way that is blameless
shall minister to me.
7 No one who practices deceit
shall dwell in my house;
no one who utters lies
shall continue before my eyes.
8 Morning by morning I will destroy
all the wicked in the land,
cutting off all the evildoers
from the city of the LORD.
-Psa 101:1-8 ESV
I WILL WALK WITH INTEGRITY OF HEART
David is called the man after God’s heart. But, he wasn’t perfect. He failed God many times, especially his family. But we can’t doubt his desire to make amends and live rightly before God. His heart was broken and tender before God.
His desire is to make music or to sing before God, to extol God’s steadfast love and justice. He wants to meditate only on that which is blameless or pure. And, he recognizes his inability, so that he appeals to God, “Oh, when will you come to me?”[v.2] It’s impossible to apprehend God so we can just plead for God to apprehend us. A pure life is impossible without Him ‘coming to us” or ‘visiting us’ The gospel should be real to us everyday.
David desires to live a life of integrity in heart, not sinlessness for it is impossible but a blameless life for he may sin but should settle it with God. The issue of the heart is what matters.[Prov 4:23] How? This is when ‘God will come to him’. We can’t do much without His grace.
When God is real, there is a significant change in our desires and actions. Firstly, there is a commitment to live pure in heart and mind. He won’t allow his eyes to be glued on the worthless works of those who ‘fall away’. As far as possible, he will distance himself from what makes his heart ‘perverse’, towards ‘evil things.’[see v.3 &4]
Another key to live pure is to dissociate ourselves from evil men. These men are slanderous and stab others in their backs secretly. Therefore, it needs discernment. They had haughty looks and were arrogant. Such self-centered people must be shunned away for they are not after for the glory of God.
Lastly, walking with integrity isn’t a lone ranger endeavor. David recognizes his need for a godly community. David wants to be surrounded by faithful and blameless men. Perhaps, the agony of a rebellious son, Absalom, and some of his former trusted men has strengthened his resolve to not tolerate such men within his camp.
Thus he concluded;
“7 No one who practices deceit
shall dwell in my house;
no one who utters lies
shall continue before my eyes.
8 Morning by morning I will destroy
all the wicked in the land,
cutting off all the evildoers
from the city of the LORD.”
Seeing to it that evil won’t thrive in his house, morning by morning he uprooted them as a meticulous farmer visiting his farm, uprooting the evil and not giving second chances.
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Text: Romans 16:25-27 (ESV)
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
PAUL’S DOXOLOGY
Paul ends this longest biblical letter he writes with a doxology. It’s like a hymn or song of praise to God. First, Paul refreshes the brethren in Rome that God can strengthen them by or through "my" gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ. Paul insists that "his gospel” he has consistently preached and presented is the final word on what is true about Jesus. In fact, nobody should accept any other version of the gospel of Jesus, which surely is a false gospel (Gal 1:8–9). Paul has declared this great truth is a mystery, meaning it was not something discovered or uncovered by himself or anyone else. Instead, it was revealed by God when the time was right. It was hidden for the "long ages" as generations of humanity came and went until the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God in human form.
The truth of the gospel message has been made known to all the nations of the world through the ‘prophetic writings.’ However, many people in the world still remain to be reached with the gospel message. He seems to mean that all the barriers have been removed. Hence, the truth about salvation through faith in Jesus is available to be understood and believed by everyone everywhere.
Why has God commanded this revelation of the gospel, the good news about Jesus? He wants people to obey Him by believing in Jesus. Salvation is more than an opportunity to be saved from hell and spend eternity with God. Belief in Jesus, in the gospel as Paul has presented it in Romans, is God's command to all peoples.
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Text: Romans 16:17-23 (ESV)
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
BE WATCHFUL, WISE, AND INNOCENT
After completing his list of greetings, he jumps back into some last-minute important instructions. These three instructions start with an urgent warning against divisions between believers. Paul is deeply concerned that all those who are in Christ should remain united. He expresses harsh language against those people who would cause divisions, especially those who do so by false teaching.
Like the Romans, we should watch out for anyone who joins us but begins to teach ideas that are different than what we’ve been taught in the Scriptures. These warnings are not new to Paul, who also in dire terms expresses in his other writings, like Gal 1:8–9 and 1 Tim 6:3–4. These divisive people might not have infiltrated the church in Rome yet. Indeed, prevention is much better than cure. His prescription is simple, that is, avoid them, shun them, and mute them. Don't give them a chance to make the case for their distorted version of truth. They do not in any way serve Christ. Instead, they serve their own appetites. Sadly, by smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
Paul then acknowledges their stellar attitude of obedience. A cause for Paul’s rejoicing. Yet, they must be wise. They must recognize false teaching when it comes their way. He wants them to know the truth so thoroughly that they immediately recognize lying distortions of it.
He wants also to be "innocent [about] what is evil." The word in original Greek here is akeraios, which can also mean "unmixed, pure, or simple." Impliedly, he wants them to continue to avoid shady sinful practices in order not to be tainted or scarred by participating in them. Did not Jesus say, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Mat 10:16).
The Christian life isn’t to isolate and shut out ourselves from others. It is to insulate in order to shine for others. Compromise will diminish our luster as light and effectivity as salt in this earth. It pays to remain faithful. Why? The God of peace will soon crush Satan under their feet. In other words, the work of Satan among them will ultimately fail and God will prevail through His people.
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Text: Romans 16:5-16 ESV
5 Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.
6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.
11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.
12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.
15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
-Rom 16:5-16 ESV
ALL THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST GREET YOU.
Most of the names mentioned by Paul here aren’t familiar to us but they were very special to him and his team. I have the chance to visit Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial Park lately. There were old visitors who I believed were veterans. I see the pictures of military men and women at the walls. But, unlike these veterans, the inscribed names has a minimal effect or impact to me, who had not been in the war trenches. Nevertheless, as believers in Christ, we are united for we believe and sacrifice in the same gospel message, are we not?
Notedly, these names at one degree or another, had labored and sacrificed for Christ and the gospel. Paul hasn’t visited and hasn’t seen them personally yet he has had this affinity to them. We do really love those who love the Lord, don’t we? Paul exhorted them to greet one another with a holy kiss. There is no pretentious attitude to the truly children of God.[John 13:35]
Paul summed it up by his general greeting, ‘All the churches greet you’. For indeed, the unity of the churches then were real. As years gone by, the devil has successfully diluted the church so that not everyone who carries the name of Christ is true anymore.
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Text: Romans 16:3-5 ESV
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.
5 Greet also the church in their house.
-Rom 16:3-5 ESV
PRISCILLA AND AQUILA, THE FAITHFUL COUPLE
These husband and wife tandem are Paul’s fellow workers in Christ Jesus. From Acts 18:1–3, we learn how Paul first met them in Corinth and worked with them for a time in the trade of making tents. Soon, the pair came to Christ and worked with him in ministry. They lived in Italy, but they were forced to leave and went to Corinth when the emperor Claudius decreed that all the Jews out of Rome.
Both accompanied Paul to Ephesus, where he left them to establish a church meeting in their large home (Acts 18:18–19; 1 Cor 16:19). They didn’t miss the chance to offer their home and resources for the ministry. Paul eventually returned to Ephesus and served with them there for quite a while.
Apparently, both are knowledgeable in the things of God yet are humble enough to mentor young leaders. They graciously taught a passionate young evangelist named Apollos a better understanding of the gospel (see Acts 18:26). Churches having couples in the likes of Priscilla and Aquila should be very grateful.
Paul describes them as having "risked their necks." The Greek phrase here is similar to our English statement, ‘they risked their lives to save Paul.’ We don't have a record of when this happened, but they were likely present when Paul was nearly killed during a riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23–41). A friend in deed is a friend in need. Why they risked their lives? The only reason surely is their love of the gospel.
At this time of Paul’s writing, Aquilla and Priscilla were back in Rome most likely. They had returned after the death of Claudius and the end of his ban on Jews in AD 54. Indeed, Paul had a long and close relationship with this couple.
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God’s Word for Today
22 Feb 2024
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
-Rom 16:1-2 ESV
PHOEBE, A SERVANT
Phoebe is the lady who will deliver Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome. She was traveling from Corinth, where Paul was staying. Paul describes her as "our sister" [in Christ] and as a servant of the church in Cenchreae. Cenchreae was a seaport town located not far from Corinth.
The Greek word Paul uses for servant is diakonon, the same word sometimes translated as "deacon." It's possible Phoebe held some official position in the church, which may be one reason she was qualified to deliver the letter to the Romans on behalf of Paul. It's important to note that Phoebe is referred to as a diakonon "of the church," rather than a servant in general.
While Paul's explanation of the role of an elder is clear when it comes to gender (1 Tim 3:1–7), verses such as Romans 16:1 are one reason some Christians believe roles such as deaconess are biblically allowed.
Moreover, in v.2, she will be described as a ‘patron’, This is from the Greek word prostatis, a feminine noun specifically meaning a woman in some supervisory or guardian's role or one who aids through providing resources. It's possible that Phoebe helped support Paul's work financially or in other ways. Given her description in verse 1 using the word diakonon, some interpreters believe Phoebe was a deaconess—a female deacon—sent by Paul to deliver this letter.
Paul then instructs his readers to welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints. In other words, they were to receive her honorably as they would welcome a sister in Christ. In addition, they were to help her with whatever she needed while she was with them. This instruction fits with Paul's command in Romans 12 that living-sacrifice Christians seek to show hospitality (Rom 12:13).
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God’s Word for Today
21 Feb 2024
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
-Rom 15:30-33 ESV
STRIVE TOGETHER WITH ME IN YOUR PRAYERS TO GOD
Paul wants these believers to strive or wrestle with him in prayer to God on his behalf. He uses strong words in asking his readers to pray for him. He appeals to them by Christ Himself and by the love they have because of the Holy Spirit. Paul often closes his letters by asking for prayer as in Eph 6:18–20; 1 Thes 5:25 and Phil 1:22.
This is not a casual request. What he asks is also weighty. This request is different from most of those other appeals, as these verses reveal. Paul is deeply concerned about three specific things.
The first thing he wants them to ask God for is that he will be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea. Paul has learned by repeated experience that the religious Jews want to kill him (Acts 14:9; 23:12; 25:3). Paul was right to be concerned because previously in Acts 21:27–36, he describes what happened when the Jewish religious leaders found him in the temple in Jerusalem, grabbed and dragged him out of the temple, and tried to kill him.
Secondly, his request was that the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem would receive the gift of financial aid he was delivering from the Gentile believers. Why would they not? Perhaps tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians was running high. Perhaps the Christian Jews would reject the gift out of fear of the unbelieving religious Jews. Maybe Paul was concerned about being robbed or imprisoned on the way. In any case, he wanted desperately for the gift to be received.
Thirdly, He asked his readers to pray that, by God's will, he could come to them with joy and be refreshed in their company. This did eventually happen, in a sense, though Paul traveled to Rome as a prisoner and was shipwrecked along the way. This story is found in Acts 27–28.
God always answers the prayers of His people. Sometimes He says no. Sometimes He says yes, but in entirely unexpected ways that we could never anticipate. Paul's life demonstrates that God often does not follow our idea of what He should do, even as He acts for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
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Text: Romans 15:22-29 (ESV)
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
SHARING OF BLESSINGS
Paul kept prodding himself unto new territories where the gospel had not yet been preached. He had to fulfill his mission to introduce each region to Christ. This hindered or prevented him from traveling to Rome since a group of believers had already been established there by the work of others.
But now, he writes to them that he has run out of unreached places to preach in his part of the world, freeing him up to come and see them on his way to Spain. He has longed to come and see them for many years. His longing to see the Romans echoes his mentions in his desire to strengthen them spiritually, to give and receive encouragement, and to reap a spiritual harvest among them (see Rom 1:10–13). There is really a time for everything in God’s plan. [Ecc 3:12]
Aside from his desire to enjoy his fellowship with them personally, he was hoping they will be able to help fund his missionary efforts in this new region. [v.19] Paul is always leveraging on gospel partnerships. Their funds would surely further the gospel work.
In fact, Paul had initiated to raise money from the Gentile Christians to meet the needs of the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. (1 Cor 16:1–2; 2 Cor 8:1–9). At this time, he was headed to Jerusalem to deliver it. The churches in Macedonia and Achaia, he writes, have been pleased to contribute what they could to the poor saints in Jerusalem. Paul may have pushed hard for it, but the giving was not mandatory.
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Text: Romans 15:18-21 (ESV)
18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.”
MY AMBITION
Paul recognizes himself as an instrument of God to be used for God's purposes. He said, “Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them” [v.18] He is proud of what God has used him to accomplish—bringing the Gentiles to obedience. Yet, it’s not him but Christ through the Spirit. He refuses to take personal credit for his accomplishments. It is Christ who has accomplished this work through him. He merely participated in the work Christ was accomplishing.
He lists how Christ has accomplished this work through him. He mentions first the "word and deed." Paul has used words to spread the good news of salvation through faith in Christ extensively, both near and beyond. His deeds have included heroic acts of service, as well as miraculous signs and wonders. He said, “They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit. In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.” These miracles are pieces of evidence of the Holy Spirit's power when groups of people believed in Christ and received the Spirit. Let us be encouraged therefore that God still provides the power to do the work. He sends us and we go. He accomplishes His purpose through us.
Amazingly, his mission travels began from Jerusalem and reached Illyricum, also known as Dalmatia, a region north and west of Macedonia [now Greece], and even part of modern-day Croatia. In claiming that he has fulfilled his ministry of delivering the gospel of Christ to all these places, he did not mean that no work remains to be done there. He means, most likely, that he did in each place exactly what Christ gave Him to do.
Yet, He did not pat his shoulder and was satisfied. He said, “My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.” Is there something wrong with preaching the gospel of Christ in an area where it has already been preached? Of course not! People are moving to different places and some people need to hear the gospel more than once. But, why preach to places more when other places have not heard even once?
An ambition is noble when it’s for God’s glory. [Phil 1:21, 1 Cor 2:2, Gal 6:14] Paul's ambition was to preach the gospel only to what we call today "unreached peoples." His work was not to build on the work done by other preachers before him. His work was to break new ground, to bring the truth of God's grace to new ears. Paul labored more abundantly than anyone else. [1 Cor 15:8]
Paul quotes Isaiah 52:15, saying,“ but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” Clearly, the work he has done around the world has not ultimately been his own work. Hence, he is not taking credit for the results. He has been tasked by God to bring the good news about salvation through faith in Jesus to people who have never heard it before.{Acts 20:24]
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Text: Romans 15:14-17 ESV
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.
15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.
-Rom 15:14-17 ESV
I HAVE REASON TO BE PROUD OF MY WORK FOR GOD
Paul expresses his satisfaction upon seeing the lives of the believers in Rome. There were three reasons. Firstly, they were full of goodness. This means they abound in good work as apparent pieces of evidence of their real faith in Christ. We are not saved by good works but are saved unto good works.
Secondly, they were filled with all `knowledge. This means that they have a good grasp and knowledge of the truth of God. And thirdly, they were able to instruct one another. They were able to encourage or edify each other.
By way of reminder, Paul insists that he writes to them by God's grace, not by his own merits. All his authority as an apostle and teacher comes from God, not from the excellence of his own mind or study or achievements. His teaching was surely used by God to help shape the living-sacrifice lives of the Roman Christians into something acceptable to God. Yet, he is not the one who accomplishes those. Definitely, the Holy Spirit is the one who supernaturally sanctifies believers, transforming us from the inside out (2 Cor 3:18). This is the reason why Paul was proud of his work for God.
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Text: Romans 15:8-13 ESV
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,
9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”
10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
-Rom 15:8-13 ESV
ABOUND IN HOPE
Paul is highlighting the unique relationship between the Israelites and Gentiles in God’s sovereign plan. God has progressively revealed this plan over the ages. Initially, Christ, in His earthly life and ministry, became a servant to the Jewish people, particularly as circumcised to mark their unique identity. Jesus claims in Matthew 15:24, saying, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Paul echoes this claim about Jesus' purpose in Galatians 4:4–5, saying, "God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law."
The Gentiles, on the other hand, were not left out. They would glorify God for His mercy. When the Jews refused to come to God through faith in Christ, God offered the gift of His grace through faith in Christ to the rest of the world (Rom 11:11–12).
Was this incidental? Definitely not!
This was always God’s plan. In fact, Paul has quoted Old Testament prophecies that the Gentiles ar included in His plan. These prophecies are not explicitly spelled out how this would come to pass. But, Paul is eager to point out the inclusion of the Gentiles in the praise of God.
First is Psa 18:49, “For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name.” Verse 10 is possibly a quotation from Deut 32:43, which says, “Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people’s land.”
And the next verse is from Psa 117:2, “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!” The Gentile nations would be praising the Lord for His steadfast love and faithfulness. And, Paul quotes Isa 11:10-12, “
“10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
11 In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea.
12 He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”
These prophecies follow a primary emphasis of New Testament teaching. That is, the gospel applies to all people and cultures, throughout all of mankind. No exception. Undoubtedly, Christ has become the Lord of all people groups. And, the Gentiles who come to God through faith in Christ have placed their hope in Him for their salvation. Paul's basic thought is that Jesus is the fulfillment of all these Old Testament writings or prophecies both for Israel and for the Gentile nations (Gal 3:28–29).
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God’s Word for Today
15 Feb 2024
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
-Rom 15:4-7 ESV
THE SCRIPTURES GIVES HOPE
The scriptures, referring to the Old Testament, were written to teach us modern Christians. It’s not exclusive to the people in those times and have become outdated or irrelevant as many claim. Those Scriptures are for us, too, today. They bring encouragement and hope to God's people in every generation. They help us to endure, even in and through suffering.
As theologians say, “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. The New Testamentis the Old Testament revealed.” God revealed progressively from the Old Testament until the New Testament when the Messsiah came. God is immutable so that His purposes and plans would never change. The prophet Malachi writes, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. “[Mal 3:6] And the author of Hebrews also writes, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”[Heb 13:8] If God was in control in the past, He should be in control today and tomorrow.
Collectively, Paul is hopeful that the God of endurance and encouragement will grant us to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. That together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.[v.5,6]
As a result, we do welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us, for the glory of God.[v.7] Put in another way, we should not oblige others to be like us but embrace them as they are with their uniqueness and idiosyncracies. Afterall, Christ has embraced us as we are.
Unity isn’t uniformity but harmony in diversity. We Christians are singing the same song, but are singing in our different parts. This necessitates two things, firstly, we must adjust our pitch and tone down. These would make us coordinate with each other while we are performing our individual parts in the song. This is the harmony that the gospel could bring into God’s family – the church.
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God’s Word for Today
14 Feb 2024
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
-Rom 15:1-3 ESV
CHRIST DID NOT PLEASE HIMSELF
Paul strongly urges the ‘strong’ among us to please the neighbor and to build him up. In the gospel community, there should be a feeling of obligation to bear the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. This reminds us to what Paul wrote in Romans 12:10 that Christians must outdo each other in showing honor. In other words, they must honor each other above themselves.
In an intentional way, each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.[v.2 NIV] . That is, those of stronger in faith must not provoke the weak to violate their convictions. Paul articulated this in his letter to Philippi, saying; “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”[Phil 2:3,4] This thinking is in-line with Christ’s.[Phil 2:5-7] This reminds of DBS catchy slogan, “Neighbors first. Bankers second”
Christ is our example. Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” Paul quotes from Psalm 69:9, and he applies it to Jesus. This means the reproaches, mockeries and criticisms of those who reproached God the Father fell on Christ. Similarly, Paul says that strong-faith Christians should be willing to give up meat, or wine, or to skip the Sabbath, or any other matter of their personal freedom, for the sake of building up their weaker siblings in Christ. This life of sacrifice makes us more like Christ more than anything else.
Joy is an acronym for Jesus first, others second and you last. Nothing could be further from the truth. Joy is the byproduct of selflessness. He who loves begets love.
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Text: Romans 14:20-23 (ESV)
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
WHATSOEVER IS NOT OF FAITH IS SIN.
Paul affirms that everything is indeed clean. But, as simple as eating may tear down the work of God. Paul is telling those with stronger faith to be willing to give up eating the meat they are free to eat if that will build up and unify the church. Otherwise, their insensitivity would divide and tear down the church. It is wrong to cause other to stumble by what we eat.
He is calling on Christians to consider the weakness of others before pursuing their own enjoyment. “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”[v.21] Did Paul fully restrict Christians fully not to eat meat or drink wine? Not really. Paul has agreed that nothing is unclean for those who are in Christ (1 Tim 4:4). There is no sin in eating meat or drinking wine. They should keep this faith that they are free to eat and drink these things between themselves and God. They will be blessed to have no reason to condemn themselves for publicly approving something that may cause another person to stumble.
On the other hand, for someone to violate their own convictions by participating in one of these disputed areas is to act against faith instead of from faith. Paul writes in clear language, that person is condemned as sinning if he is not eating "from faith." Put another way, he is eating against his own faith. Paul does not mean that such a person is condemned in the sense that he will no longer be a Christian. He is condemned in the sense that he is guilty of sin, though still in Christ.
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Text: Romans 14:13-19 (ESV)
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
PURSUE PEACE AND MUTUAL UPBUILDING
Those who are stronger in faith, particularly those who are exercising their freedom in Christ to eat meat or not observe special days, need also to be very deep in their love and understanding towards those who are ‘weak in faith.’ They should be willing to abstain, if need be, for the sake of the others. Therefore, it does mean they ought to consider the weakness of others when deciding when and if to partake food or not observe special days.
Paul affirms to them that nothing is unclean so that they can eat whatever they want. And, they must consider that anything could be unclean to those who think it is unclean. And if the ‘weak in faith’ brothers see them you eating an unclean food, they will be grieved and stumbled. And the issue now is they’re not ‘walking in love’ anymore. By, a simple meal they destroy a brother, who Christ died. A reminder of how precious are these brothers to Christ.
The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. That is, when Christ is King, we will pursue the things that promote righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit more than the enjoyment of eating and drinking. In other words, we are free to eat and drink anything as long as it won’t affect our righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit. We could not afford to enjoy on something which other brothers are grieving upon, could we?
This sensitivity is a mark of a true servant of Christ. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.[v.18] He is willing to sacrifice for others. Hence, in God’s family of diverse opinions, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
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Text: Romans 14:10-12 ESV
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
-Rom 14:10-12 ESV
THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF GOD
We are free in Christ. This means that everyone has liberty, specially in our choices and preferences in life. But, our freeness is not to be equated to liscentiousness. We ought to do only that which pleases the Lord. Why? Firstly, He owns us. It’s just appropriate that the owner decides what to do to things that belong to Him.
Here, we are warned that we are to stand at the judgment seat of God. Thus, passing judgment or despising others on matters of food and special days are expressions of pride. In a sense, that the person assumes he is the judge. Judgmentalism, that is putting oneself as better than others, should have no place in God’s family. There is only one judge – God. We will not be the ones sitting in the judge's chair. Instead, we will be all equally standing before the judge.
Paul quotes mostly from the second half of Isaiah 45:23 to support the idea of God judging our works during the end times. This judgment seat is also described by Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians. Soon after His coming, Christ will judge the works of all believers. It’s not about judging whether we go to heaven or hell. This is settled when we came to God through faith in Christ (Eph 2:8–9). Instead, as 2 Cor 5:10 says, "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." In other words, Jesus will look at all our choices in our lifetime and reward our good works (1 Cor 4:5. He holds us accountable in some way so that there will be losses if our works are worthless before Him(1 Cor 3:8).
Yes, this day of judgment is real and it is coming very soon. Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Let’s just be faithful unto our specific calling and tasks. Judging other Christians in this lifetime is not our job.We can agree to disagree but continue to love each other.
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Text: Romans 14:7-9 ESV
7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.
8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
-Rom 14:7-9 ESV
WE ARE THE LORD’S?
All believers belong the Lord. The statement ‘no one lives or dies to themselves’ does not mean believers live in a vacuum. In contrary, we are always connected with the Lord and with each other. Thus, in whatever we do, God is always involve for we belong to Him. He who owns us. Paul declares,
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”[1 Cor 6:19-20]
What does this imply to us?
Our decisions and choices must be done for His honor and in accordance to His purpose. In the context of Romans 14, this includes all our choices and preferences about whether we should eat meat or not and observe special days or not. Surely, it should encompass all the choices we make in this life. As 1 Cor 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
We also die to the Lord. That is, God determines our death. And even after death we still continue to belong to Him in eternal state. Our awareness towards this should impact our choices and decisions in life.
All believers are free. But our Christian liberty must be exercised in view to God’s ownership of our lives. True freedom is not a license for us to do what we want. It’s His empowerment for us to do the right thing that pleases Him. As Jesus said, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” [John 8:32,36]
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God’s Word for Today
8 Feb 2024
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
-Rom 14:5-6 ESV
IS YOUR MOTIVE TO HONOR THE LORD?
Concerning ‘gray’ areas, we have diverse opinions. But, we should have the same motive – to honor the Lord. Paul uses the examples of observing days or not and eating or abstaining from certain food or not. In all cases, the motive must be for God’s honor.
Sadly, the Pharisees were observing certain laws and regulations to be seen and praised by men. God looks at our hearts and not the outside. This is consistent with Paul’s act in condemning the Christians in Galatians for continuing to observe "days and months and seasons and years" for wrong motives(Gal 4:10). These Christians at Galatia were trusting their religious rule-keeping to save them instead of trusting God's grace through faith in Christ alone.
Let us continue to hold on and be persuaded by the merits of our opinion in some gray areas of our Christian life. However, we must be doing it for God to be honored alone and nothing else. This means we should examine our motives and not be dissuaded by any other fleshly sentiment to be proud and arrogant.
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God’s Word for Today
7 Feb 2024
4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
-Rom 14:4 ESV
WHO ARE YOU TO PASS JUDGMENT?
Believers should not fall into either the extremes of legalism nor in superstitious beliefs. The gray areas should remain gray and not to be forced as either black of white. Tolerance is the key. Who is right or wrong in their opinions?
The most important consideration in answering this question is looking at ourselves as not the master or judge. Thus, Paul asked, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?” Let’s posture ourselves humbly not arrogantly. We have no right to be judgmental to a brother on matters which only God has the authority.
Let’s remember that we are not our brother’s master. In fact, we are all servants of the same master – Jesus. It's not the role of servants to pass judgment on each other. The master passes judgment. Paul cautions us about judging each other by saying,
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”[1 Cor 4:3-5]
Here, Paul insinuates that the Lord is not condemning any or both groups about their differences of opinion. Since the Lord is not doing so, why would we think it is our right to do so? God tolerates them.
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Text: Romans 14:1-3 (ESV)
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.
BE MAGNANIMOUS
There are many gray areas in our life. We have been freed from the obligation of the law.[Rom 7:4-6] But, many Christians do not yet fully trust that God has set them free from observing the law or observing religious rule. They struggle to accept that everything God created is good (1 Tim 4:4), and can be used for a good purpose. They are called by Paul as believers of ‘weak faith.’
How are we going to relate with them?
He commands us to welcome those with weaker faith community of the church. Moreover, Paul instructs us not to welcome them with an ulterior motive of convincing them that they are wrong. In matters of opinions, we are not to quarrel but but do respect one another. There is a distinction between an opinion and outright works of darkness.
Paul gave two distinct examples, namely the religious ‘vegetarians’ and the ‘non-vegetarians.’ Paul does neither condemn the religious vegetarians nor the others for their opinion. Instead, he forbids both groups from despising or passing judgment upon each other. In short, both sides need to respect and tolerate each other. As Paul writes,
“ Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (Col 2:16–23)
Let’s be magnanimous for the sake of the gospel.
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Text: Romans 13:11-14 (ESV)
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
GET UP FROM SLEEP
In a spiritual metaphor, Paul pictures that the sun is about to rise and it's time to get up. Salvation is nearer to us now. That is, the time of salvation’s ultimate glory and judgment is imminent and fast approaching. More than two thousand years had gone by and we are looking forward to it. Even creation groans along with us as we wait for our adoption to be finalized and the redemption of our bodies on that day (Rom 8:22–23).
The night is far gone. It’s soon daybreak. We must throw away any works of darkness, any of the worthless things that we have done that belong to the night – orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, sensuality, quarreling and jealousy. These are nighttime lifestyles. We need a new way of living as children of light. Thus, we have to put on the armor of light.
Christians are to fight against the darkness rather than condone it. In Eph 6:10–17, Paul describes in detail our spiritual armor to put on as we stand against the forces of spiritual darkness. In verse 14, we have to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. This means we will symbolically wear Jesus - His triumph. In other words, our goal as Jesus-followers is to live as Jesus would empower us how to live. That we won’t gratify the flesh, that is our human appetites not to go wild and berserk.
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Text: Romans 13:8-10 ESV
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
-Rom 13:8-10 ESV
LOVE IS THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW
Paul argues that we are indebted to love others. It is a debt we will never pay off. We will never be done with "paying" love to each other. Why? It is because Jesus said that to love God and our neighbors are two greatest commandments that summed up the law (Mark 12:29–31) Thus, we’re always bound to love others, are we not?
By ‘owe no man anything but love one another’ implies that we’re to settle our debts. Moreover, it is love that would motivate us to keep all the other commands, not to disregard them. Love is like the peg that holds our commitment to do good and bless others.
Paul lists four of the Ten Commandments - forbidding adultery, murder, stealing, and coveting. Paul then adds the statement "and any other command” to mean "etcetera," or "etc." He has in mind all the commands included in the law, especially those about human relationships. This is summed up in one command, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." [Lev 19:18]
Could somebody murder or steal from somebody he loves? This is an absurd question. Love does not do wrong to his neighbor. We don’t want to hurt anyone. Thus, love fulfills the intention of every other commands given to protect people from harm. Let us take note that this refers to those who are in Christ. Having been empowered by the Spirit, we are called to keep on loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.
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Text: Romans 13:4-7 ESV
4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.
7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
-Rom 13:4-7 ESV
SUBMISSION AND OBEDIENCE
We do live without fear of those in authority if we are doing good, don’t we? God has given the role of those in authority to keep order in the community. They are servants for good. Knowingly or not, an authority is a servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.[v.4] This is His design to limit the influence of evil in the world (2 Thess 2:7) Those in authority will most often give their approval to people who are contributing to that order by making things better. The good may include paying taxes and obeying other civil laws.[v.6,7]
Our fear of God and those in authority is not the only reason to obey the law but also for the sake of conscience. We know, as Christians, that it is the right thing to do to submit to authorities. It is God's will for our lives. In a general sense, it's part of the Christian sense of humility. We are not the ultimate authority, so we ought to be submissive to those in power over us.
Are Christians not going to pay taxes if the government is funding evil practices? Jesus and Paul disagree. Both paid taxes to the same government that ultimately killed them and persecuted other Christians. Neither Jesus nor Paul endorsed the option of not paying taxes as a matter of conscience.
In almost every law and human authority, submission is God's will for His children is encouraged. Submission and obedience are normally the same thing—but they are not always the same. Jesus and Paul are always submissive to authorities but they were not always obedient to them. But, they were willing to suffer the consequences when they disobeyed.
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God’s Word for Today
1 Feb 2024
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
-Rom 13:1- 3 ESV
DO SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY
Paul turns to the issue of how Christians by God's grace should interact with our present governments. This describes the biblical doctrine of submission to human authorities, which Peter also teaches (1 Pet 2:13–17). Are believers going to obey the authorities in all cases? Paul and the other apostles refused to obey commands from people in authority to stop preaching the gospel in Acts 5:27–29 They, however, they submitted to those in authority in all matters that were not in contradiction to the will of God. If it was, they were willing to obey God and were willing to accept the consequences. Thus, civil disobedience is only allowed when a Christian is being asked to sin, disobey God, or act in some ungodly way.
Why we do submit to authority?
Every authority in the world was established by God. It is a recognition that human government, in general, is a legitimate authority ordained by God. Human government is one of the ways God restrains the influence of evil in the world (2 Thess 2:7). Resistance to authority will result in judgment. It's not clear if Paul has in mind the judgment from the government or judgment from God. Both are possible.
We cannot use our faith as an excuse for civil lawlessness, can we? In fact, the contrary, we must be law abiding citizens. The Roman empire ruled much of the known world at the time. It was led by the Emperor Nero from AD 54–68. He was infamous for being cruel and unfair to Christians. Paul knew the implications of this command definitely.
Jesus has the absolute authority yet He did not overturn the Roman government for their oppressive government. He was governed by a higher authority. Thus He says, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”[John 18:37]
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God’s Word for Today
31 Jan 2024
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
-Rom 12:19-21 ESV
OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD
When we are wronged, we are not going to ‘get even’. To avenge is never our option. Either the hurt comes from a believer or from an unbeliever. What is the reason behind?
We should refuse to take revenge because God is much better at it than we are. God says to us, "Trust me to handle revenge and justice for all who harm you instead of seeking it yourself." In a sense, Paul implies that taking our own revenge would dilute God's opportunity to avenge for us in His great anger against those who harm us.
A desire for justice for ourselves and those we care about is not wrong by itself. Paul simply reminds us to trust God's timing and power to deliver justice as He sees fit. Paul quotes Moses’ words from Deut 32:35 to declare that God has always His intention to take vengeance against those who wrong others.
Moreover, we are called to an active, positive, and generous engagement with those who harm us. This is counter culture. Our natural tendency is to ignore the harmful person, is it not? It’s supernatural act to do good to the person who hurt us. Does this mean that we are going to tolerate abuse? Definitely not!
Retreating from violence or avoiding a physical abuser is not being discouraged here, at all. If we can take steps to avoid future injury, that is the right and wise thing to do. God is not commanding us to welcome any kind of abuse.
Paul quoted Prov 25:21-22, “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” This appears to work towards our disadvantage by relentlessly kind in seeing and meeting the enemy’s basic needs.
What is the wisdom of God? As we do this, two things could happen. Firstly we reflect God's own mercy to us who were once His enemies (Rom 5:10). Secondly, we do that we do not deserve to be treated poorly and that we are stronger than those who harm us.
By so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. This has an allusion to a known custom. To carry a pan of burning coals on one's head as a sign of repentance. Kindness and forgiveness to those who abuse us, ideally, will make them ashamed of themselves, and hopefully bring them to repent. The strongest, most powerful response to persecution and hatred is to love your enemies.
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Text: Romans 12:16-18 (ESV)
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
LET US PROMOTE PEACE
Because of the gospel, let’s strive to live harmoniously. Harmony during musical rendition requires everyone to adjust his or her own pitch with one another. It is not to perfectly match each other but to be compatible so that the blend happens when put together.
It's not surprising, then, that Paul's next exhortation is for us not to be haughty or arrogant. Definitely, to live in harmony needs humility from everyone. We are to associate with the lowly. In other words, we don't think of ourselves as being too good to hang out socially, specially with the underprivileged. In Christianity, women, children and slaves are welcome which is foreign to the Roman culture.
And being humble involves not behaving as wise in our own signt. The idea is not that we’re not wise. It is to posturing of ourselves to listen to others and not accept our own opinion as the final word. We submit to the word of God, as well as to the input and ideas of others.
Even to the hostile towards us, we must resist our natural human instinct for revenge and refuse to ever pay back evil when evil is done to us. Instead, we should be thoughtful when evil is done to us. It is that moment which is as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love. We cannot, after all, display the love and forgiveness of Christ until we have the opportunity to forgive. This is an honorble sight before people.
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Text: Romans 12:13-15 (ESV)
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
DO BLESS OTHERS
We are members one with another. Brotherly affection and honoring one another is encouraged. It would be demonstrated by contributing to the needs of others. During the early days of the church, wealthier Christians sold their belongings to meet the physical needs of Christians who were not as well off as them. “And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”[Acts 2:45] Paul even exhorts us, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”[Gal 6:10] These surely authenticate that Christians are genuine. This meant they had to offer safe and welcoming spaces to believers of other believers. Traveling from town to town in Paul's day was always risky because of the weather and robbers on the road.
Even when being treated badly, they are not to retaliate. Paul echoes the direct teaching of Jesus: Bless those who persecute you and don't curse them (Mat 5:44). Don’t we feel the natural desire to curse those who hurt us and to avoid doing good for them at all costs? Yet, as believers, we must bless them. And this will show that we belong to God. As Jesus teaches, “43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”[Matt 5:43-48]
And we must be sympathetic to the hurting especially. The weak among us need our gentle support.[Gal 5:1] As Christians, who have received great mercy from God, we ought to be merciful to others (Rom 11:30–31; Eph 4:32) We should be following Jesus who can sympathize in all our pains and struggles.[Heb 4:15-16]
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Text: Romans 12:12 ESV
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
-Rom 12:12 ESV
REJOICE IN HOPE
The three commands in this verse are keys to the emotional and spiritual well-being of every Christian. We are commanded to rejoice in hope. Can we command anyone how he should feel? The concept here, though, is more about declaring ourselves as having reason for joy. It's not a command to be emotionally happy per se, but to have the right perspective on our situation. Our hope isn’t wishful thinking but certain. Paul said, “And not only the creation, but we, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”[Rom 8:24-25] The hope of the redemption of our bodies and being united with our Father forever is guarranteed.
Having this hope, we could be patient in tribulation. Certainly, Paul is not downplaying the pains and hurts during suffering. Tribulation is part and parcel of our spiritual journey. [John 16:33] Paul has pointed out that the struggles of life on earth are not worth comparing with the glory to come (Rom 8:18). Thus, we wait with patience.
Believers who are anticipating a bright future and are praying to the Father continually have a much easier time being patient during hardship. Let’s pray therefore without ceasing. [1 Thess 5:17]. This is a posture of dependence and peace, which marks a strong Christian. Patience during tribulation could be a product of constant prayer.
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Text: Romans 12:11 ESV
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
-Rom 12:11 ESV
BE ZEALOUS
Paul is urging us to be ‘outdoing one another’ in our attempts to give honor to each other [v.10]. And apparently, he is urging us to live with zeal or enthusiasm, that is, to remain focused, intentional, and positive about our purpose in treating each other well in the body of Christ.
We must keep our spiritual fervor. It comes from the Greek word here is ‘zeontes’ related to the root word for "life.” This phrase could be translated that we must be ‘boiling in our spirit’. This either mean to keep up our own spirits or that we should be set on fire by God's Spirit in us. In either case, there must not be slackness but give our best shots.
What is our motivation? We are serving the Lord! We are saved to serve. Otherwise, He should have taken us into glory. The Lord deserves our all and best. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”[1Cor 10:31]
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God’s Word for Today
25 Jan 2024
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
-Rom 12:9-10 ESV
LET LOVE BE GENUINE
These verses are quick commands about how Christians should conduct their everyday lives. It’s a fundamental attitude that we should love each other. But, Paul's instruction is that our love must be genuine or sincere. In other words, Christians are not to show a fake attitude of love for each other. He has to find ways to express God's love meaningfully, as an extension of God's love for us and ours for Him.
Negatively, we believers, too, are called to hate what is evil, meaning sin. This is especially true of sin that brings harm to the innocent. This is one of the results if we are transformed to think like God (Rom 12:2). Hating evil, especially the sins that intrigue us, does not always naturally. The word ‘hate’ often translated is from the Greek term apostygountes, which implies a dislike or revulsion towards something. It’s directed to sin not people.
Positively, we are to hold fast to, or cling to, what is good. What is good is that which the Lord refers as good. Hence, we must learn to see the world through God's perspective, in order to discern and keep that which is truly "good."
As a family, we ought to show love as a kind of devotion to a sibling. We must love each other with a brotherly affection. God adopts us as His children, welcoming us into His family. And this family includes everyone who knows God as Father.
Paul moves on, encouraging us to ‘compete’ in a good sense. We're told to outdo one another in showing honor to each other. We should be motivated to continue asking ourselves, "How can I show more honor than he showed to me?" Such selflessness is possible only when the Spirit is in control.
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God’s Word for Today
24 Jan 2024
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
-Rom 12:6-8 ESV
USE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The church is Christ's body on earth. She is to function in the world as a single entity. This does not mean, however, that God designs for each member to be exactly the same. The relationship is neither mechanical nor robotic.
Each one is to to function, in service to each other, in the power of God. Paul describes our differing functions in the body as "spiritual gifts." These gifts are given to each believer through the Holy Spirit to use in our specific service in the church. We describe each of these gifts as the supernatural ability to perform or fulfill a specific function that our fellow members in the church truly need. These are differentiated from natural talents.
God intends for us not just to have these gifts of grace to make us unique but to actually use them. Paul begins with the gift of prophecy should use it in proportion with their faith. In other words, proclaiming a prophecy from God to the other members of the church is an action that requires faith that the message has been given by God.
Next is the gift of serving. This gift of service, sometimes called "helps," is the ability to step in and meet the practical needs of individuals or the church as a whole.
The gift of teaching is believed by most as a primary role in the church. It is the supernatural ability, to make clear to a diverse group of hearers what God's Word declares. The early church relied heavily on Spirit-gifted teachers to help them understand the truth, like today.
The gift of exhortation is another gift which the Spirit-enabled ability to build someone up by challenging another to be strong and do better.
Another gift is giving. It is the ability to see the financial need and to step in to help meet that need. As Paul writes here, it requires generosity. Giving generously does not require that someone be wealthy, does it? Many Christians with very limited resources are ones of the most generous in the church as they are led by the Holy Spirit to exercise this gift.
Leadership is another gift. Sometimes this is called the gift of administration. This is the supernatural ability to call others to follow in the best direction for the everyone. Paul urges for them to use it with zeal or enthusiasm. Spirit-gifted leaders help to set the energy level for the entire group.
Last in the list is mercy. It reflects the mercy God has shown to us. It involves ministering to the hurting and less fortunate. In either case, Paul urges this gift to be exercised with genuine cheerfulness.
What is your spiritual gift? Have you used for the edification of the body of Christ?
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Text: Romans 12:3-5 (ESV)
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
THINK WITH SOBER JUDGEMENT
Instead of thinking highly about yourself, think with sober judgment. We must cultivate "sober judgment," or an objective eye. We need to be honest with ourselves and see objectively what we're good at and what we're not. That is, it is looking by faith at our giftedness. Hence, it is not thinking of ourselves as worthless or terrible.
Why we’re more drawn to think highly of ourselves? Our flesh is weak. It will always prompt and appeal to see that which is sensual – lust of the eyes, flesh, and pride of life. This tension must be always addressed by the transformation of our minds through obedience to the scriptures by the Spirit.[Gal 5:16]
Christianity is not an individualistic religion but a collective one. We are one body with many members, and the members do not all have the same function. Every Christian is uniquely designed by God to think beyond himself so that everyone should think about how to serve others. He should be having an ‘other orientedness’ thinking. It is hard to serve others if we are thinking most of the time about ourselves, isn’t it?
Like a human body with different members, so is the church. And each members have different functions to complement one another not to compete with one another. Though many, we are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. One disfunctioned member can affect the rest in one degree or another. This dynamic is captivated in this poem,
“For want of a nail, the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe, the horse was lost.
For want of a horse, the rider was lost.
For want of a rider, the battle was lost.
For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.”
Everyone, including the little member, has a significant role in the body of Christ. Hence, each one must not think highly of himself but think soberly – what is his strength and giftedness and where he could serve to advance the cause of the gospel of Christ.
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Text: Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
AN ATTITUDE AND ACT OF WORSHIP
Paul has concluded the section dealing with the doctrine of salvation [chap 1-11] and what it means to come to God through faith in Christ. Now he begins to describe how those of us who are in Christ should live. How should we respond to God's great mercy to us?
Despite our wickedness, God’s abundant mercy is showered lavishly upon us is baffling. How then should we respond? As the Jewish people offered killed animals as sacrifices to God, so Christians should offer themselves, our bodies, to Him as living sacrifices every day. This is the most appropriate response. Under the old covenant sacrificial system, every Jew had to be set apart from the herd for that purpose and chose with care to make sure they were acceptable, that is, unmarked and unharmed. Let’s give to God our best shots.
For our world to be acceptable, we must separate from the world, that is worldly thinking and system. The apostle John described this worldly way of living as "the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life" (1 John 2:16). By instinct, all of us chase those things in pursuit of happiness and meaning. We should be transformed moment by moment. We must be changed in how we think, to have our minds renewed so that we can begin to understand God's will for our lives.
God doesn’t have an aversion to pleasure, possessions, and status in various forms. They’re not wrong by themselves unless they become our end goals in life. Instead, we ask, how do these pleasures and possessions help in the fulfillment of the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God? Knowing and doing the will of God only pleases God.
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Text: Romans 11:33-36 ESV
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
-Rom 11:33-36 ESV
UNSEARCHABLE AND INSCRUTABLE
These verses are Paul’s poem, structured much like a hymn. He expresses his profound reaction both to God's ways and His mercy towards sinful human beings. Indeed, God’s goodness is unsearchable and inscrutable. Earlier, Paul wrote about the riches of God's kindness and patience (Rom 2:4), the riches of His glory (Romans 9:23), and His mercy for the world (Rom 11:12). It’s lavish and never-ending.
Human beings cannot simply fathom why God decides what He does. God's ways and thoughts are much higher in level than we do. Isa articulated it by saying,
“ For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts” [Isa 55:8,9]
Quoting from Isa 40:31, he asked two questions, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?' The answer is so obvious that Paul does not bother to respond. We are just filled with awe and wonder, are we not? The only response that makes sense is to worship Him and accept His decisions as right and true.
The third question was taken from Job 41:11, “Who has given a gift to God that God needs to pay back? In other words, who could ever give to God anything valuable enough that God would be in their debt? Paul is driving the hard truth that God simply does not anybody, including ourselves.
These are humbling thoughts, yet reassuring. We don’t need to manipulate. God is on top of everything. Everything that exists has been made for God's purposes. They all reflect glory back to Him. Nothing exists that doesn't serve His great plan and purpose for all things.
Paul finishes his hymn with a statement of great reverence and worship, “ To him be glory forever. Amen.” An affirmation of a reality and a prayer for its soon fulfillment. All the glory will flow to God forever. And, Paul affirms it in the form of a prayer or plea. This desire is highlighted by ending in "amen," meaning "so be it" or "let it be so."
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Text: Romans 11:25-32 ESV
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
26 And in this way, all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.
29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience,
31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.
32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
-Rom 11:25-32 ESV
GOD’S MERCY FOR ALL
God’s dealing with the nation of Israel isn’t capricious. God would fulfill His covenant to them in the future. A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Not that every Gentile has to be saved, but this means "as many as will believe," or "the complete number." This is a mysterious truth that we may not grapple with in our minds.
They are enemies of the gospel now but later, God will fulfill His covenant with them. Not all of Abraham’s descendants are true Israel. All true Israel will believe the Messiah someday and be saved. In the future, as prophesied by Isaiah, the Lord will save the ‘true Israel’ from trials and tribulations.’ This would be fulfilled during Jesus’ second coming. As Isaiah prophesied;
“And a Redeemer will come to Zion,
to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.[Isa 55:20]
Paul's words convey the idea that this will include enough Israelites to represent the nation as a whole. But, it does not necessarily include every Israelite living at the time. The sin of the Israelites will be removed when they obey the gospel and trust in Christ for their salvation.
God will surely fulfill His covenant. Why? For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. God gave to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, great and unconditional promises that He would bless them and make them a mighty nation. Since these promises were given by God, they carried the weight of certainty and perfection. God’s promises are God's gifts, are they not? God called the patriarchs to follow Him and He made an everlasting covenant with them that is binding to their descendants.
The Gentiles should watch not to be arrogant. Both have demonstrated disobedience to God, without any doubt. Paul expects that God’s mercy be abundant to the rebellious Jews in as much as He did to disobedient Gentiles. In short, God has mercy is upon all. [Lam 3:22-23]
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God’s Word for Today
18 Jan 2024
22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.
-Rom 11:22-24 ESV
THE KINDNESS AND THE SEVERITY OF GOD
The Holy God is severe towards the unbelieving Jews but kind to the undeserving Gentiles. The point raised by Paul is not that Israel is being "cut off" from eternal salvation. Rather, God had "cut off" some of Israel for their rejection of Him, and "grafting in" Gentiles. The context here is not about eternity, but the relationship and communion with God as a nation.
An implication is Israel will return to her special relationship with God when they will come to faith in Christ. Paul is confident that this is Israel's future. That they’re ‘broken off’ temporarily because of their unbelief now. But, God could graft them in easily in the future.
Paul’s reason is the favor of God to the Gentiles. Since the Gentiles being wild olive branch was grafted in by God while undeserving, it is not hard for God to graft in the natural branch. How much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree?[v.24]
Paul seems to emphasize to the Gentiles for them to take note that this re-grafting is possible. Second, instead of being proud, they should be humble and glad to look forward to it themselves. After all, God took the wild olive tree, that is, people from pagan religions of the world, and graft them into His own cultivated tree through faith in Christ. Similarly, God can easily graft back into His tree the natural branches – the Jews.
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God’s Word for Today
17 Jan 2024
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
-Rom 11:17-21 ESV
FEAR GOD BUT NOT PROUD
Because of their unbelief, the Jews were ‘broken off’, that is, pruned away as in olive fruit farming. The metaphor here of wild olive branches, referring to the Gentiles, were grafted in. Thus, the Gentiles is sharing the nourishing root of the tree. This should humble us [Gentiles] and not brag or despise the Jews. Anti-Semitism should have no room among the Christians. We should be fearful not arrogant.
The most obvious reason is that we owe them the blessing. As Paul reminds us, “Remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.” The branch is nothing without the roots. We should not forget our roots. We may have progressed and grown through the years in our spiritual and theological journey. We’re fuitful and are becoming the better version of ourselves. But, we should not despise our humble beginnings – the church and people whom God used to lay the foundation of our lives.
Secondly, the thought of God’s sovereignty. Undoubtedly, God loves His people, the Jews. But, it was not a pampering love. When they insisted in their unbelief, God ‘broke them off.’ For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you if He decides for it. God deserves all the right to do what He wants because He is sovereign.
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Text: Romans 11:11-12 (ESV)
11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
RICHES FOR THE WORLD
Did God cause the Israelite to stumble over Christ, the stumbling stone (Romans 9:32–33) in order to make them fall down? In other words, Paul asks if God caused Israel to be tripped up in order that they might permanently fall and never to rise again. Was this what God wanted to happen for Israel? Paul answers his own question once more with a resounding "By no means!"
Paul argues that God has two purposes for Israel to stumble over Christ by refusing to believe in Him, to wit;
First, Israel's trespass, or sin has made it possible for salvation to come to the Gentiles. When Israel rejected Christ, God used that rejection to make His offer of salvation by grace through faith in Christ available to all people.
Secondly, this provokes Israel to jealousy. Paul expressed this idea in Romans 10:19. God plans to use this favor with God enjoyed by Gentiles in order to provoke many Israelites to eventually seek Him. And, in the same manner, they should believe Christ.
Paul opens up the “How much more questions?” Paul noted that Israel's sin brought the riches of sharing in God's glory to the world. Israel's failure to believe has brought those riches to all the Gentiles. Then how much more will Israel's full inclusion in Christ mean for all of us? Stated in another way, since Israel's sin can result in that kind of glory, it’s unimaginable how much glory will result when Israel accepts Christ!
God has hardened most Israelites to faith in Christ for a time. However, He will eventually bring many Israelites to faith in Christ. And the consequence for us today is life from death for all of us. Hence we can say with Paul in Eph 3:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
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Text: Romans 11:7-10 (ESV)
7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written,
“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
down to this very day.”
9 And David says,
“Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them;
10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,
and bend their backs forever.”
HARDENED BY UNBELIEF
The elect [ Jewish and Gentile believers] obtained righteousness from God by faith. Sadly, the rest of the Israelites are hardened.
Paul quoted Isaiah 29:10 and Deut 29:4 to clarify this truth of hardening. In both instances, God was said to have kept Israel from understanding what was true. The people were overcome by a spirit of stupor, or sleepiness, and were not given eyes to see and ears to hear. God was the one who kept them from understanding.
God has hardened them. As the Scriptures say, 'God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear.'[v.8 NLT] Is this fair? On God's side, Paul made clear in Romans 9, that God retains the right to give or withhold understanding, to soften or harden hearts, as He sees fit and for His greater purposes. Just as Pharaoh was resistant to God, and so God enhanced that resistance, Israel's "hardening" comes as part of God's overall plan to fulfill His own purposes.
Paul also alluded to Psalm 69:22–23, that this could apply to those Jewish people who have rejected faith in Christ. That these Jewish unbelievers would be trapped and tripped up and punished by their own "table" when they think they are at peace. They would be fooled into complacency, although they are in mortal danger.
David prayed that his enemies would have darkened eyes so they could not see or understand. And, by Paul's implication, the Jewish unbelievers also are so hardened and blinded to the truth., That is, they will be hardened to the truth that Christ is the Messiah. And thus, they refuse to have faith in Christ and be saved by God's grace.
Indeed, persistent unbelief can lead to the hardening of hearts.
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Text: Romans 11:1-6 ESV
1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?
3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.”
4 But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
-Rom 11:1-6 ESV
A REMNANT CHOSEN BY GRACE
Paul has just written that God has offered Himself to the non-Jewish nations through faith in Jesus, while Israel has rejected the gospel of faith in Christ. Thus, he asks, “has God rejected his people?” "By no means!" This again uses the phrasing mē genoito in the original Greek, a strong, emphatic "may it never be!"
What’s the proof? Paul points to himself as the first evidence. He is an Israelite and descendant of Abraham. More specifically, he belongs to the tribe of Benjamin. Paul becomes one of the most vocal promoters of Christianity of his day. Yet, he still held on to his status as an Israelite. He insists that God's relationship with Israel as a nation continues.
Secondly, God foreknew His people. Paul seems to describe God as foreknowing Israel as a nation or a family (Amos 3:2). That is, God knew Israel as His people before they even existed. God promised that He would never forsake or abandon them (Psa 94:14; 1 Sam 12:22). This promise always stands.
Paul argues God’s faithfulness to His covenant by providing the example of Elijah. Elijah was discouraged thinking no prophet had remained and believed Jehovah except himself. In 1 Kings 19:10, he complained against God's people Israel. They had killed the other prophets of God. They had destroyed the altars used for making legitimate offerings to God. Elijah believed he was the only one left still faithful to the Lord. They wanted to kill him, too. Practically he believed that everyone else has turned away from God and worshiped Baal. He was wrong. God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
Similarly, when we notice that things and circumstances are becoming sour, we feel like Elijah – disouraged and confused. But, God is always faithful. Though most of Israel has missed the righteousness of God by rejecting faith in Christ, a remnant will be saved. They would be faithful to God in and through Christ. There is a remnant chosen by grace.
Having been chosen by God's grace means that they have not earned their place in this faithful remnant of Israelites. Just as Gentile Christians are chosen by God's grace, they have received salvation purely as a gift. Not on the basis of works. Otherwise, it is not grace. Paul wants to be clear the Israelites and anyone have not earned it in any way by being faithful to the law of Moses. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.[Eph 2:8,9]
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Text: Romans 10:18-21 ESV
18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”
19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”
20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
-Rom 10:18-21 ESV
THE GRACE OF GOD TOWARDS THE GENTILES
Once again, Paul is asking rhetorical questions; Have they not heard? Did not Israel did understand? Definitely, the gospel has been dessiminated widely enough among the Israelites and the rest of the world. Paul expresses the spread like creation when God broadcasts His majesty to all.[see Psa 19] By echoing Psalm 19, God has made Himself knowable to humanity by what He has made (Rom 1:19–20). Here, though, Paul insists that God is making Christ Himself known to the world through the preaching of the gospel. The Jews have no reason not to hear or understand the message of the gospel. Believers had been preaching the message in Jerusalem and around Israel for more than 20 years by the time this letter was written.
Like the Israelites, the main reason why people don’t come to Jesus today is not that they have not heard it and could not believe. It’s their willful rejection. And, their continual refusal made their hearts hardened.
By their hardness pf hearts, God expressed His favor to the Gentiles. This is a fulfilment to O.T. prophecy that Paul quoted Deut 32:21. That is, "They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation." In other words, God became angry and jealous because of their idolatry so God has extended His goodness to welcome the Gentiles. This would provoke them to jealousy. Paul exactly referred this as the reason why God saves Gentiles who trust in Christ.
Paul also quotes Isaiah. In the context of Isaiah 65:1, He applies them as an analogy of how God has rescued the Gentiles. He has been found by those who didn't look for Him. He has shown Himself to those who didn't ask Him. Does this mean the Gentiles automatically become part of God’s family? This will bring us back to Rom 9:30-31, when Paul says, “What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness failed in reaching that law." God had declared believing Gentiles righteous based only on their faith in Christ.
Today, let’s not forget that God has chosen us, Gentiles, because of His sovereign grace. But we won’t become His child without our faith in Him. [Rom 10:9,10] God extended His favor to the Israelites. Yet, they rejected Christ. As John writes, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”[John 1:11-13]
We can just marvel upon the grace of God. He has been pursuing a people who continually reject Him. This did not deter Him. He extends His favor to all. We found Him when we did not seek for Him. This paradoxical truth should continue to amaze us.
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God’s Word for Today
11 Jan 2024
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
-Rom 10:14-17 ESV
FAITH COMES FROM HEARING THE GOSPEL
The greatest thing to happen for us sinners is to be saved. And, salvation is by faith alone in Christ [v.9,10] And, faith comes only upon hearing the gospel. Can anyone believe in something he’s not aware of? It’s a necessity that sinners must hear the gospel.
Firstly, we must be conversant ourselves about the good news. We can’t give out something we don’t have. What is the gospel? In 1 Cor 15:3-4, we read, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” That is the life and works of Jesus must be clear to us. This gospel is the power of God unto salvation.[Rom 1:16]
And this must be presented clearly to the unsaved. Let us be sure then that they hear and understand the gospel clearly. And that, the Holy Spirit will remove their blindness [2 Cor 4:4], and bring conviction and faith unto them.
This gospel must preached to them. Let us not wait for them to come to us. No one seeks after God.[Rom 3:10] The light must be flashed to the dark. Let’s look for opportunities, even create them to bring the gospel to the lost. Paul is saying of sending gospel proclaimers, “And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” We must go and preach.[Matt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8]
We must be realistic too. Not all who will hear would believe. As Paul writes, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”[v.16] Paul was saying that people have the choice to believe or not. Thus, we should neither peddle nor coerce them to believe. Convicting of sin and seeing the beauty of the gospel is the work of the Spirit of God.
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God’s Word for Today
Jan 2024
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
-Rom 10:9-13 ESV
SALVATION MADE SIMPLE AND EASY.
Salvation is neither concealed nor distant from the Israelites, even to all of us. For the Jews, instead of seeking to become righteous by following the law, they should confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord. Moreover, they should also believe in their hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead. If they do those things, they will be saved.
Belief in the heart is expressed by the mouth. These two important conditions; a belief in the heart to Christ's resurrection from the dead and a verbal confession of His place as Lord of all serve as evidence that our faith is in Christ. Paul makes this certain by saying, “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”[v.10] This faith in Christ from the heart that leads to salvation is personal and internal (Jer 31:31–34). Then, the mouth expresses this faith in Christ.
This simple yet sure salvation is backed up by scripture. Paul quoted Isa 28:16 which says, “For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Christ is the precious cornerstone God has laid in Zion. All who trust in this cornerstone, this sure foundation, will be vindicated. The foundation will hold. They will find themselves standing on the Rock.
This salvation is free for all. As Paul declares, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [v.1,13]
How could anyone neglect such an offer?
Salvation is made easy and simple for us. Hence, rejecting this entails the greatest consequence. As Jesus said, “ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.’[John 3;18] No sinner can find any reason to reject Christ’s offer of salvation.
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Text: Romans 10:5-7 (ESV)
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
THE WORD IS NEAR TO YOUR HEART
Christ fulfills the law unto righteousness [Rom 10:4]. Paul was consistent to what Moses taught. In Leviticus 18:1–5 is described a path to righteousness for those who keep the law and live by the commandments of the law. In the context of the old covenant, this was a means for Israel to honor their relationship with God, and obtain His earthly blessings (Deut 30:15–18).
But sadly, nobody can possibly maintain this obedience. Paul said in Gal 3:21. “For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.” Nobody could perfectly, even nearly well enough to earn eternal salvation (Rom 3:10,23).
James expresses this impossibility, saying, "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it" (James 2:10). Those who seek to be justified before God based on their deeds are doomed to failure (Rom 3:20).
This is why God promised, even before Christ, to establish a new covenant to resolve these flaws. As Jeremiah prophesied,
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” [Jer 31:31–34]
God said the command He had given to Israel was not hard for them anymore. They should not ask "who will ascend into heaven" to find out this information. They already have the command in their mouths and hearts (Deut 30:14). Christ is at reach. Are they going to expect some new person to go to heaven to find the Messiah? It’s a futile attempt to bring Christ down when He has already come down and walked among them. Or, are they going to expect someone to descend into the abyss to bring the Messiah up? Has not Jesus died on the cross, descended into the abyss, and then ascended back to earth before ascending to heaven already?
In other words, salvation is very near to them in Christ who perfected the law for us. They’re so near yet so far because of their unbelief. A miss by an inch is the same as miss by a mile.
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Text: Romans 10:1-4 (ESV)
Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW
Paul turns his attention to the Christians in Rome to whom he is writing this letter. He tells them that his heart's desire and prayer is that the Jewish people may be saved. Some Jews have come to faith in Christ Paul’s preaching, and from the other apostles. Yet the nation as a whole has rejected the Messiah, including the Jewish religious leadership. Sadly, this is still the case in the current times. They even tried to silence, even kill, Paul for preaching Christ.
They were sincere. In fact, they were very zealous but for the wrong reasons. Paul was like them before he knew Christ. [Phil 3:4-7] He was even a persecutor to Christians. Paul calls them ignorant of the righteousness of God. What did he mean?
Firstly, he may mean that they do not understand that God requires absolutely perfect righteousness in order for anyone to be received by Him on their own merits. No human being is able to achieve that level of righteousness (Rom 3:23). Or, they lack understanding that God offers His righteousness for free to all who come to Him through faith in Christ. In either case, they were missing the key to being accepted by God and saved from His wrath.
This ignorance caused them to try to set up their own standard of what it means to be righteous in God's eyes. Paul describes this as a prideful attempt to decide for what God should be satisfied with. Instead, they should submit to His declaration or revelation of what it means to be righteous before Him.
This revelation is Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. By His sacrifice at the cross, He kept it perfectly and fulfilled its righteous requirements once and for all. This righteousness is available to everyone who believes in Him. [2 Cor 5:21] Christ’s perfect sacrifice means to end man's dependence on rituals and animal sacrifices as explained in Hebrews 8.
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Text: Romans 9:30-33 ESV
30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith;
31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law.
32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,
33 as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
-Rom 9:30-33 ESV
RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH
Paul asks once more his standard question after making a profound and difficult point, that is “What shall we say then?” The Jewish readers might have asked, “Are you saying that the Gentiles who didn't even try to become righteous before God have received righteousness from God, anyway, because of their faith?"Precisely, this was the point of Paul. Whether Jews or Gentiles, righteousness is received only by faith alone.
In contrast, the Jews insisted on pursuing righteousness through the law but to no success. Why? Nobody can fulfill the law.[Rom 3:10,23] Righteousness is not based on works.
They were as blinded as Paul was. Paul argues that Jesus' sacrifice would be unnecessary if righteousness was through the law. He declares, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”[Gal 2:21] Paul was blameless with respect to obedience to the law as a Pharisee. But, he counted it as dung in order to obtain righteousness through Christ. He said, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”[Phil 3:8-9]
Since they were blinded, they stumbled against the stumbling stone. They ignored and rejected Christ, whom God has provided. In the gospels, the Jews who rejected Jesus were offended by Jesus’ claim. Paul reveals that Jesus is the stone mentioned by Isaiah in Isa 28:16. They tripped over the cornerstone, they should trust. He who believes in Him will not be put to shame.
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Text: Romans 9:27-29 ESV
27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,
28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.”
29 And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.”
-Rom 9:27-29 ESV
A REMNANT
Paul quotes from Isaiah 10:22–23, regarding the Jewish people. God has kept and fulfilled His promise to Abraham that His children would become the sands of the sea. In Gen 22:17, God said, “I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies.” Yet, this did not obligate God, however, to eternally save every son and daughter of Israel. In fact, Isaiah pointed out that only a remnant will be saved.
Contrary to their assumption that every Israelite would be saved, God’s mercy extends beyond them – to the Gentiles. They must recognize this: it’s by God’s mercy that we are saved and not their status.[Titus 3:5] They must come to Him through faith in Christ to be saved from the penalty of their sin. Sadly, many do not believe in Jesus but a remnant of Israelites will believe in Christ, as their Messiah.
Why is there a need for God’s mercy for both Jews and Gentiles? “For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”[v.28, NIV] As a quote from Isaiah, God’s judgment is coming. The Lord will carry out his sentence on the earth for the sins of humanity. In terms of God’s timing, it will come quickly and without delay. In other words, when that moment of judgment comes, God will not hesitate. It would be too late if sinners were caught unrepentant at His coming.
The remnant is a result of God’s mercy. Otherwise, they would be wiped out like Sodom and Gomorrah. [Gen 19:24-25] Yes, it’s only by His mercies that all of us are not consumed. [Lam 3:22-23]
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God’s Word for Today
4 Jan 2024
24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea,
“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
-Rom 9:24-26 ESV
MY PEOPLE
Paul has been emphasizing that God will make known the riches of His glory—in Christ—as "vessels of mercy" which He has prepared beforehand for glory. These vessels of mercy are "us." This refers to all those God has called out, in Christ, from both the Jewish people and the Gentiles.
Being ‘called out’ isn’t based on our national identities. We become God’s people regardless of our heritage. He has been showing that "not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel" (Rom 9:6)
He points back to the history of Israel, inscribed in the Scriptures, to support his argument.
He quotes Hosea 2:23, which Hosea writes;
“and I will sow her for myself in the land.
And I will have mercy on No Mercy,
and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’;
and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’
This was originally written about God's commitment to restore the exiled northern ten tribes of Israel in the future. Under Spirit’s inspiration, Paul applies Hosea's prophecy to both Gentiles and Jews. Similarly, Peter appears to refer to this application in 1 Peter 2:10, “Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
God exercises His sovereignty as Creator by showing mercy to all who come to Him through faith in Christ. The Israelites, having been proud of their heritage, might have insisted that only they are the original "chosen people”. Thereby, they are entitled to be redeemed by God. Paul argues the contrary. Because of sin, nobody deserves God’s mercy (Rom 3:10; 3:23) God has the right to use His creations as He sees fit for His pleasure (Rom 9:20–21).
What does this mean to us? We couldn’t be proud but humble. His goodness should lead us to repentance. [Rom 2:4]. We should be awed always by God’s love. As John declares, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”[1 John 3:1]
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God’s Word for Today
3 Jan 2024
19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory
-Rom 9:19-23 ESV
WHO CAN RESIST HIS WILL?
Paul has anticipated a question that may arises, that is, “Did God really force Pharaoh to say no to Him?” However, Pharaoh hardened his own heart repeatedly (Ex 7:13; 8:15) before God stepped in to make that hardening permanent. Whatever the case is, He is God and He has the absolute and sovereign right to do so. This is the foremost, and main reason to any charge that God treated Pharaoh in an "unfair" or "unjust" way.
Paul showed the truth of God’s sovereignty through the potter and clay relationship. Created things don't talk back to their maker, do they? Neither do human beings have the right to influence their Creator about His choices. God is God. We are not. As crushing as it might be to our sense of pride, we must embrace the reality that God has no obligation to us whatsoever. He owes us nothing - not mercy, not love, not grace. That, in fact, is one reason the gospel is so incredible. His love and mercy lavished unto us, in securiring for our salvation, is something absolutely and completely unearned and undeserved. No human contribution is necessary for our salvation. Salvation belongs to God. Period.
Hence, God has the sovereign right to do anything He wants with His own creation. If the potter makes a pot as flower vase and one for cooking, nobody could question His design and intention. Nobody could resist Him. Justly, we should be punished in hell. All of us. And yet He chooses to show some of us profound mercy through salvation. Thus, we can only glory in God.
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Text: Romans 9:16-18 (ESV)
16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
GOD’S MERCY AND HARDNESS OF MAN’S HEART
God gives mercy to undeserving sinners. Based upon the justice of God, all sinners deserve His punishment. All are proven guilty before the Just God beyond any reasonable doubt. We can just plead for mercy but not demand it. No beggar begging you has the right to accuse us of unfairness should you not give him a cent while you give to someone else.
In our relationship with God, the bestowal of mercy absolutely lies in the hands of God. Human will, which is distorted by sin, is ruled out. Our will is always tainted with selfishness, isn’t it? A sinner won’t seek God, that is, he is always thinking of what he can get. Thus, a religious person like the Pharisee may behave morally but for himself not for God.
How do God’s mercy and man’s hardness of heart interrelate with each other? There is no doubt that God has hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Did He overrule Pharaoh’s will? He did not. Were Adam and Eve coerced by God to obey God? Both sinned consciously and volitionally.
How then did God harden Pharaoh’s heart? It was through the display of His mercy. The Lord commanded Moses to demonstrate God’s power and glory before Pharaoh. The plagues evidently were acts of God’s power, but also His mercy. Who is Pharaoh that the God of the universe should prove to him who He is? How many times did God through Moses plead with Pharaoh to let His people go? Was not God patient with him? But, Pharaoh refused over and over again, hardening his heart.
Take for example the Lord Jesus Christ’s compassion for Jerusalem, weeping over the city’s hardness of their hearts. As Jesus approached the city, He cried, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”[Matt 23:37]
It is through God’s mercy that He reveals Himself [Rom 1:18-20]. But, men refused thinking that they are wiser than God. Thus, God ‘gave them up’ to wallow in their sins.[Rom 1:26] The more they resisted the harder their hearts become. Man’s refusal to recognize God and His mercy leads to hardening of their hearts. This a solemn warning to us.[Heb 3:13]
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Text: Exodus 14:13-16;30-31 (ESV)
13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” 15 The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.
30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.
OUTLOOK 2024
Have a blessed New Year everyone!
Our transitioning from Y2023 to Y2024 is as the Israelites journeying towards crossing the Red Sea. There are parallel ‘outlooks’ we can learn from these pilgrims, namely;
Look back! By looking back, they saw the pursuing Egyptian armies. God designed it. But, they blamed God instead of being broken and desperate to cling to God’s mercies and grace. Let’s be always humble people. Unlike the Egyptians who drowned to bother them no more, our enemy is relentless though he is a defeated foe. He is a predator pursuing us. Let’s not panic like the Israelites and put our guards down. Our God is with us as the ‘pillar of cloud and fire’ that protected them.
Look around! All they saw were mountains and dry desert. The realities of physical, cultural, and social hardships are hard to ignore in 2024. Instead of cursing this darkened world, let’s glow and shine at our homes, work and play – building relationships to share the gospel light!
Look forward! God commanded them to follow Moses to thrust forward. But, before them is the vast and deep Red Sea. An impossible task but God split it. If God can open ‘seas’, can there be ‘closed doors He couldn’t open for us? We have to take the next step as long as it is forward. It must be a step of faith. For ‘God will make a way when there seems to be no way.” Let’s commit to do something that unless God is in it, is doomed to failure.
Lastly, look up! This is the most important outlook. We won’t stumble if we always gaze towards the heavens. As the psalmist says, “Let us look unto the hills from whence comes our help.”[Psa 121:1] Our resources is ‘up’ there. It’s so high that we can reach it only on our knees. ‘Let’s be still and see the salvation of the Lord.” This stillness of communion with God is not to get something from God – but to know God personally and intimately. He is most important more than what He would do, is it not? The Israelites did not only see what God did to their enemies. They saw an ’awesome’ God!
Indeed, we stand today at the ridge of Y2024, overlooking the canyon where Y2023 is vanishing at the opposite horizon. Look back. Look around. Look forward. Look up.
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God’s Word for Today
28 Dec 2023
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
-Rom 9:1-5 ESV
PAUL’S GREAT SORROW AND ANGUISH
Believers are secured in God’s love that won’t wane. After expressing these believer’s privileges in Rom 8, Paul shifted his focus. He thinks of his own people Israel. Some Jewish people had come to faith in Christ, but the vast majority had rejected Jesus as the Messiah. And, this broke his heart. God is his witness about his great sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart.
How did he show it? He made a bold statement. That is, he wishes that he himself could be accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of his Jewish brothers by birth. He seems to be saying he would wish for such a thing. He feels so strongly that he would trade his own eternal place in God's family through faith in Christ to have his Israelite kinsmen believe in Jesus.
Paul does not appear to be actually asking God to make this happen. Is it permissible? After all, only Jesus was accursed for our salvation. As one who is in Christ, absolutely nothing could separate him from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, including a prayer like his (Rom 8:39). Paul is saying in absolute sense. Those who are truly saved, through faith in Christ, are saved eternally and forever (John 10:28–29).
The Israelites were a special people. Why? Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. [v.4,5 NIV]
Israel was adopted in a national sense. God described them as his firstborn son in Ex 4:22. God had favored Israel by revealing His glory to them, especially during the time of Moses (see Ex 16:10; 24:17). God's covenanted with their father Abraham (Gen 15:18) and David (2 Sam 7:12–16). God gave many great promises to the patriarchs [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob] and all of their descendants. And eventually, through the line of the patriarchs came Christ Himself, the promised Messiah.
Despite of all these, they did not believe Christ. They’re at the doorstep yet had missed to enter in. A miss by an inch is the same as by a mile. This made Paul’s heart broken. Perhaps, Paul was saddened about this insult they did to Christ.
What breaks your heart manifests our values. Paul has many altercations with the Jews, yet he was deeply burdened for their salvation. He did not take it personally. He understood where they were coming from as he was once a zealous yet blinded persecutor to believers. He did not count his life dear unto himself but that more lost souls be brought unto the feet of Jesus.[Acts 20:24] May we will have the passion like Paul.
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God’s Word for Today
27 Dec 2023
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Rom 8:35-39 ESV
WHO SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST?
Our spiritual journey isn’t an easy ride, is it? We’re groaning for the completeness of our redemption when we see Christ face to face. We may undergo suffering. Are these hardships evidences of the lack or absence of God’s love? Absolutely not!
Nothing we do can keep Christ from loving us, and nothing that happens to us can mean that Christ no longer loves us. The worst things that can happen in this life, include trials, hardship, persecution for our faith in Him, hunger, lack of clothing or shelter, physical threats, or death by violence. Yet, this doesn’t mean God has stopped loving us during difficult times. His love isn’t a pampering one but a filtering love. [john 16:33, Heb 12:6].
Paul would be more familiar than almost anyone else. He himself experienced most, if not all, of those hardships and remained convinced of Christ's love for him (see 2 Cor 11:23–29). By quoting Psa 44:22, Paul is showing that God's people have faced persecution and hardship for generations. Thus, we should not equate hardships as an absence of God’s love.
In fact, we are more than conquerors in Christ. We conquer those terrible things in the sense that Christ has already won the most important victory for us. That is, our place in God's family, our share in the inheritance of His glory, could never be taken from us by any means. We conquer in the sense that none of these things can overcome what God's love has gained for us. Paul covers virtually everything anyone might think of to challenge God's love for His elect (Rom 8:29–30).
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Text: Romans 8:33-34 (ESV)
33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
IT IS GOD WHO JUSTIFIES
Believers are God’s elect. They’re foreknown, predestined to be like Christ, called, justified and glorified.[v.29-30] Here, the emphasis is our justification.
Our justification implies that we have the problem of sins. Men are guilty, unjust and unpure before the holy court of God. They deserved condemnation. The holy Judge would not cover our sins under the carpet, would He? Holiness demands perfection and purity. Thus, men, as soon as they are conceived, are considered sinners and has the sentence of condemnation already.[John 3:18]
The worst nemesis of God is Satan. He is described in Rev 12:10 as the accuser who stands before God night and day bringing accusations against "our brothers and sisters." He always accuses us of sin in order to convince God of our unworthiness to be in His family. He taunts us, hinting our hearts with much thought that God could never forgive, love and accept us.
But, God stepped in to our rescue. He justifies us in Christ. Christ has ‘imputed unto us’ His righteousness.Paul said, “ For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:21] As verse 34 says, “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
As the devil rlentlessly bombards us with much accusations, Christ is interceding us. As the apostle John writes, “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”[1 John 2:1,2] Christ is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. [Heb 7:25]
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Text: Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
THE GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY
The spirit of Christmas should be of spiritual joy. In contrast to the revelry of the world, we must focus on what the bible’s account is. Under Roman rule, the shepherds felt the pinch of life. They had to spend countless sleepless nights to watch their sheep. “Is there a way out from this rut?”, they may have asked. Since the fall, man’s life has been walking through a dark tunnel.
Unexpectedly, the glory of the Lord shone around them. The good news of great joy came during the time they needed it most. The grace of salvation appeared to them first, then to all men. [Tit 2:11] In the ‘fulness of time’ Jesus was born as the fulfillment of God’s prophecy.[Gal 4:4] The angel announced what Isaiah had written 700 years earlier, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”[ see Isa 9:6]
Quite different than everyone has expected, the sign or sight of the King’s birth is to be wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. Blessings in life may come at seemingly wrong times and wrong places to wrong people. Why Jesus has to be revealed in such a fashion does continue to boggle our minds. As Paul expressed, “ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”[2 Cor 8:9]
This Christmas we’ll celebrate our spiritual riches in Him. Let’s not be carried away by the momentary glitters of this world. We have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. [Eph 1:11] Like Paul, let us ‘look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.’[2 Cor 4:18] And, as Moses, let us cherish ‘Christ’s greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.’ [Heb 11:26]
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Text: Romans 8:31-32 ESV
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
-Rom 8:31-32 ESV
GOD GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL
Christmas season has been one of the most abused festivities of the year. Sadly as a tradition, it has evolved into a time of indulgence and selfishness to a lot of people. More people are becoming self-centered - expecting good towards themselves. This is contrary to God, whose generosity is incomprehensible.
Paul first says, “God is for us.” How come a holy God would side with sinners like us? The reason is His unfathomable love. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”[Rom 5:8] if the God of the universe is on our side, who among His creatures could dare to go against us? Nothing!
He did not spare Jesus for Himself. His love prompted Him to give Jesus unto us.[John 3:16]. Even Jesus did not think of staying in His state of glory but emptied Himself by humbling to be born as a man, a servant. [Phil 2:5-7] This generosity of the Godhead should revolutionize our lives. In Christ, we should not feel the lack in life.
In fact, Paul also expressed the benevolence of God in Eph 3:20-21. He writes, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Moreover, Paul also writes, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”[2 Cor 3:5].
Let’s be encouraged to depend and wait upon God in every circumstance. Let’s bring unto God everything in prayer. [Phil 4:6,7]
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Text: Romans 8:28-30 ESV
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.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
-Rom 8:28-30 ESV
ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD
Let’s take note that Paul has been describing the life of Christians on this side of heaven. We are groaning as we long to escape the suffering of this life and to be with our Father God in person (v.18–23). We wait in the sure hope of the day our bodies will be resurrected and we will share in God's glory (v.24–25) through the intercession of the Spirit [v.26-27]. Hence, we could be joyful, hopeful, and even thankful because of His promise.
This promise is exclusive to those who are saved. Non-believers are excluded. To the saved ‘all things will indeed work together for good. It’s inclusive too. It includes all things. "All things" should be taken to mean each and every circumstance one might experience, even in pain or suffering. Moreover, it’s cohesive. The word "Work," or "work together," must be understood in light of God taking action in the world. He is the one who causes all things to work together in and through all circumstances toward a specific end. What is that end?
That end goal is "good." God’s plan is also superb. The ‘good’ does not necessarily mean happy painless or financially successful or our idea of the best possible outcome on any given day. God's ultimate good for us is to glorify us in eternity (Rev 21:1–4). As Paul expounded, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” [v.29,30]
Hence, we say ‘God is good all the time; all the time God is good”
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God’s Word for Today
21 Dec 2023
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
-Rom 8:22-25 ESV
A LIFE OF HOPE
In this present moment, all of creation continues to groan together in the pains of childbirth. Clearly, this suffering from bondage to decay has been going on since sin entered the world. Is there hope? Yes! Paul describes our hope as the pains of childbirth. In other words, the pain is real, vivid, and intense, but it leads to a moment of "birth" when life will come and all the pain will be forgotten.
As Jesus said, “When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”[John 16:22]
The truly saved Christians are those who have the "firstfruits of the Spirit" or "the Spirit as a first result of being in Christ.” They do groan inwardly in this waiting, don’t they? Christianity does not dismiss the reality of pain and suffering. Indeed, God's children through faith in Christ (Rom 3:26) can experience love, joy, peace, and hope in the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, we should also expect to experience suffering (John 16:33), not just the suffering of persecution (2 Cor 5:1–5).
Christians wait eagerly for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. We have already been adopted and have become the full children of God through faith in Christ. But, we have yet to meet our Father in person. Our bodies continue to experience the temporary consequence of sin, that is decay unto death.
Then what are waiting for? That our bodies are to be redeemed after we die physically and resurrected as Christ was. Then, our adoption could be considered complete when we will be united with the Father eternally. We’re not home yet but it is guaranteed. Our hope is certain, but it has not materialized as yet. We can't see it but it’s sure to happen. If we could see, it would not be hope as Paul argues. Therefore, the life of a Christian should be marked with anticipation. A life of hope. Thus, a Christian should wait with patience, should he not?
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God’s Word for Today
20 Dec 2023
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
-Rom 8:18-21 ESV
PRESENT SUFFERINGS AND FUTURE GLORY
If you’re a Christian, you share in Christ’s sufferings.[v.17, Phil 1:29] How did Paul view sufferings? Paul's perspective is that our present sufferings are not even worth holding up in comparison with the glories that will be revealed in us. Is he glossing over or sugarcoating the pain and anguish due to suffering? Definitely not!
He argues that all of our suffering cannot compare to the glories that will be revealed at some time in the future to us, saved believers. We are God's heirs with Christ, are we not? Indeed, those endless glories must be wonderful, fulfilling, and meaningful beyond comprehension. We’ve fallen short of God’s glory because of sin[Rom 3:23] and without Christ, we would never have a glimpse of that glory.
Interestingly, we are not the only ones who long for the moment when suffering will be replaced by glory but also creation. More specifically, the creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God. What does this mean?
Interestingly, Paul describes creation as experiencing a degree of awareness that something better is coming in the future. By "creation," Paul seems to refer to all that God has made – plants, animals, and everything else. The creation is full of expectation for redemption, not in the way the ‘Save the Earth’ enthusiasts think today. God did not design creation to suffer, did He? That hardship came after all that was meaningful and "very good" was affected by the curse. God cursed all of creation as a result of human sin (Gen 3:14, 17–19).
What does Paul have in mind when saying that the children of God are "revealed"? Of course, it should be made clear that those in Christ are already the children of God. We accept this about ourselves although, on the surface, we appear the same as everyone else. But, John says we will be like Christ when He appears. In 1 John 3;2, he says, “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”
Paul says that every believer should hope for God’s glory. Creation is looking forward to be healed. All suffering will end. All will be made right (Rev 21:1–4). How does this truth encourage you today?
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Text: Romans 8:12-17 (ESV)
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD
Christians have no obligation to do what their sinful nature urges them to do. [v.12] It is not who we are as Christians anymore. In fact, God specifically calls us to abandon that lifestyle and to live in the power of God's Spirit. Christians aren't meant for sin and selfishness any more. Living according to the flesh is a life without Christ. This is a worldly life of serving self, first and always. And, they can not submit to God's law and please God (Rom 8:7,8).
Conversely, Christians through the power of the Spirit will put to death the deeds of their sinful nature. Thus, they will live. Not to obtain eternal live, but to appropriate or actualize the life given to them. This life is from the Spirit. ‘For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.’[v.14, NLT]
We are children of God. We have not received a spirit that makes us fearful slaves. Instead, we received God’s Spirit when he adopted us as his own children. [v.15] He did not free us from slavery to sin simply to add us to His pool of servants. He rescued us from sin to make us His children.
Now we call him, 'Abba, Father.' He is the Spirit of adoption, allowing us to cry out to God as little children call out to a loving father. The word ‘Abba’ is a Greek and English adaptation of the Aramaic word for father. It was often the word used by young children to address their father as "papa" or "daddy." That's the relationship God wants with us, and He has made it possible through the Spirit.
Moreover, God initiates to affirm from His Spirit to our spirit that we are His children. His Spirit "bears witness," That is, He keeps communicating to us over and over that we belong in God's family now that we are in Christ. He confirms to us what is true on some deep and unspoken level. And as His legal children, we have become God's heirs. Paul said in Eph 1:11, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will”
Although, as His true children we suffer for we bear His name util He will take us into His glory. Our sufferings doesn’t make us heirs but because we are heirs we sufffer with Him. [Phil 1:29] As Paul said later, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”[Rom 8:18]
If you’re a Christian, how do you value this privilege as His child? How would you respond to your sufferings?
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Text: Romans 8:9-11 (ESV)
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU
Paul makes it clear that non-Christians only live by the flesh, serving themselves [Rom 7:25]. Paul leaves no room for anyone who claims that he can live both by the flesh and live by Spirit, simultaneously. It’s not possible. Christians live by the Spirit, even if we are sometimes distracted by sin. A true believer in Christ can sin (1 John 1:9–10). But, sin is not the normal pattern of behavior for someone who is in Christ (1 John 3:4–6). Why? Believers belong to God because God gives His Holy Spirit to them. The ‘Spirit of God’ dwells in them. Without the Spirit, we are not Christians (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Tim 1:14).
“And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.”[v.10, NLT] The idea is that having Christ in us means that we are spiritually alive, in the Spirit, even though our sin-ridden bodies are still dying because of sin. Without Christ, without the Holy Spirit, we should be spiritually dead. There is no inherent spiritual life in us. This spiritual life in us is credited because of righteousness, not ours but Christ's righteousness (Romans 5:21).
Moreover, the Spirit guarantees our resurrection. As Paul argues, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”[v.11 NIV] Resurrection is a work of the Holy Spirit of God. That's one of the things He does. He raised Jesus from the dead, and He will do the same for all who are in Christ when the time comes.
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Text: Romans 8:5-8 ESV
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
-Rom 8:5-8 ESV
SET YOUR MIND ON THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT
Christians do not walk or live according to the flesh but according to the Holy Spirit. It is no longer our path, our nature, to walk by the flesh. What is the difference between walking by the Spirit and walking by the flesh as we used to do before we were Christians?
The difference is in our minds. Those who are not Christians, who are living by the flesh, think only of things of the flesh. The flesh refers to the wants and needs driven by the physical body, and the desires of the fallen world. The flesh is hooked to selfish wants and needs, moment by moment.
Setting our minds on one or the other leads in two different directions. A focus on our sinful, selfish desires—the flesh—leads to death. This is the law of death. Whereas, focusing on the things of the Spirit leads to life and peace. That's the law of the Spirit of life.
Christians have not just changed their status from "death to life." We have changed roads from "the road to death to the path of life." Paul’s idea is that true believers will keep going down this road. They keep their minds focused on the Spirit's things because that's the way we're going. That's who we are now. We have left the death way behind. He has a different pursuit in life.
This has been Paul’s injunction in Col 3:1-4, that is, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
The mindset on serving self only cannot submit to God's law. He is not capable of obeying God, no matter how pious he or she might be. It’s anti-God and must serve self above all, including God. This is the mindset that says, "I would submit to God's law only if that does not keep me from getting what I want?" Hence, This way of thinking could not please God.
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Text: Romans 8:1-4 ESV
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
-Rom 8:1-4 ESV
OUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST
There is a twist from frustrations because of the flesh to freedom in Christ to us believers in Romans 8. The statement "there is therefore now no," as in the ESV, is very emphatic. It states a permanent, present, and complete lack of "condemnation." In an unambiguous language, the apostle Paul indicates that there is absolutely no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. Let us take note that there is no other way to be free (Acts 4:12; John 14:6), and those who persistently reject this free salvation will not be rescued from condemnation (John 3:18).
How is this freedom secured?
When we place our faith in Christ, God sees us with His Son and He gives us credit for Jesus' sinless, righteous life. And, He receives Jesus' death as satisfactory payment for our death-deserving sin. Paul explains this clearly in 2 Cor 5:21, that is, "For our sake he made him be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Thus, since God is judging us based on Jesus' righteousness, how could we ever be condemned? If God has punished Jesus in our behalf, how could He punish us? Why should God prosecute a person twice for the same offense? It’s double jeopardy.
Moreover, we receive the Spirit of life. The law[authority] of the Spirit of life has set us free in Christ Jesus from the law[authority] of sin and death. It’s because we believe in Christ that made it possible to receive the Spirit.
What did God do? He sent Jesus who has had a human body just like all the other human bodies. Except Jesus' body did not commit sin (Heb 4:15). God could condemn all sin through the punishment of Jesus’ sinless body. “He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us.”[v.4, NLT] In other words, our personal sin has been paid for by Jesus' personal death.
Hence, we should ‘not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.’[v.4b]
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God’s Word for Today
14 Dec 2023
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
-Rom 7:21-25 ESV
TORN BETWEEN TWO LAWS
Paul describes a tension between two opposing laws of doing what is right and what is wrong. Here, Paul uses the word "law" to describe not the law of Moses but a universal principle of human behavior. Every time we want to do what is right, evil is waiting nearby. As Christians, we have been freed from the power of sin but not from the desire to sin.
Christians have a new nature, that is, a new desire.[2 Cor 5:17] They have a new delight in the law of God in his or her inner being. Hence, they love God's law and want to follow it. But, the sinful desires that live in his flesh go to war against the law of his mind that wants to do what is right. The reason behind that he may fall to temptations at times.
The believer is not sinless, but one who sins less and less. Not a sinless perfection but a sincere progression. We won’t outlive the weakness of the flesh. It is a reality we have to bear in our lifetime that we should master about. It always craves to do beyond that which is lawful so that we will do that which is displeasing to God. We’ve got to put on the Lord Jesus and not gratify the flesh. [Rom 13:14]
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God’s Word for Today
13 Dec 2023
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death for me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
-Rom 7:13-20 ESV
The law is not responsible for our death, is it? The law is good. It is God's revealed standard of right and wrong. Our sinfulness is what causes our spiritual death and separation from God. Sin takes advantage of the law, to demonstrate clearly that we are sinners. And, it leverages upon our rebellious nature. It uses our knowledge of the law as an inspiration for more sin. God's law shines brightly as a spotlight on just how sinful we really are. Despite our awareness of our sinfulness, we find ourselves sinning all the more.
The law is spiritual. Paul contrasted personally that he is still attached to his ‘flesh’. Paul exists in a body and that body is driven by sinful desires. In addition, Paul describes himself as living in a body, flesh, which has been "sold under sin." Paul as describing himself as a Christian is saying that his body, his flesh, was previously sold as a slave to sin, and still desires sinful things. That, although he has been freed from sin through faith in Christ, he still struggles to keep himself from sinning.
In other words, it is the flesh, our unspiritual minds and bodies, which contains those sinful desires and impulses that keep us from obeying God's spiritual law. Paul is brutally honest about his ongoing struggle with sin. Why do I keep disobeying God's commands even when I don't want to? Like Paul, we continue to do what we hate. We sin even when we mean to do what is right before God. It's not that we are still slaves to sin, but that we are divided by our own competing desires.
This is a sad reality of being a fallible, mortal human being (2 Cor 5:2). There is an ongoing tug-of-war between the Spirit and the flesh. As Paul exhorts us, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”[Gal 5:16-17] The same exhortation he says in Rom 13:14, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
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Text: Romans 7:7-12 (ESV)
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
IS THE LAW SINFUL?
Paul's critics may have suggested he was teaching that the law was, in itself, a bad thing. He quickly answers his own question about this by saying "By no means!" Did Paul teach that the law is sinful? Of course not! Instead, it is the way that God reveals to us that we are sinful. It shows us what sin is and then reveals our propensity to commit sin in a definite way.
He used the example of coveting. It is the deep desire for something (or someone) that belongs to another person. How do we know it’s a sin? It’s because God revealed this to Moses, who commanded Israel, "You shall not covet" (Ex 20:17; Deut 5:21).
Sadly, the very existence of a restriction does provoke us to want to cross that line, does it not? Curiousity killed the cat. In that sense, the mere existence of the law is something our sin nature will use to encourage us to sin. Remember, foolishness is bound in the heart of a child. [Prov 22:15a] Our hearts are deceitful.[Jer 17:9,10]
Moreover, God's law shines a spotlight into our hearts that allows us to discover the existence of sins we didn't even know about before. Oblibious or not, these sins have always existed there in the crevices of our hearts. And it is the law that unearths them to us, is it not?
Paul describes himself as someone who once lived with no awareness of the law.[v.8] Notedly, he doesn't suggest by this that he was without sin. He seems to be talking about his own awareness, or his perspective. The law showed Paul that he was a sinner and not a righteous person. A patient may feel fine until the doctor pronounces his diagnosis.
Many have the wrong notion that the purpose of the law is to show human beings how to live in order to be righteous before God. They claim, “If we will just keep the commandments, God will give us life.” It’s true but not achievable. Why? Because nobody can keep the law (Rom 3:10, 23).
Is it good to live in sin without knowing the law? No! Why? It deceives us that acting on our own desires is better in some way than obeying God. As the serpent did with Eve in the garden, sin says to us, "God is not good" or "You will not surely die." In that case, sin leads us astray. The law was a great gift from God to the people of Israel. In it, God revealed His heart and His standards for right living. Paul is not condemning the law. Instead, he has pointed to the greatest benefit of God's perfect law. That is, it shows us that we can never keep the law, so that as desperate sinners we will go to to Jesus for salvation.
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Text: Romans 7:1-6 (ESV)
1 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.
4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, so that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
RELEASED FROM THE LAW
The truth is that Christians are under grace not law. Paul has emphasized this to the ‘brothers’ who are familiar with the law, primarily of Jewish background. This pertains to the law of Moses, which Christians are not required to do to earn merit before God.
In essence, those who died, in the spiritual sense, are not required to keep the law anymore, which they tried to keep but could not. Paul will use the concept of marriage to illustrate this severance from the law. The law of Moses remains in effect only for the living. In the same manner, the law of marriage binds together two living people. If a married woman lives with another man, she will be charged as an adulteress. However, if her husband dies, the law no longer holds her. She is free to marry another man. The legal obligation has ceased in that particular relationship.
Likewise, death is the condition that nullifies that law. Paul's point is that someone who has died is no longer bound to follow the law of Moses. He died to the power of the law when he died with Christ. And now he is united with Christ who was raised from the dead. Paul has described our faith in Christ's death for our sin it has identified us with Him and His death. This death has freed us from sin’s authority and from our responsibility to the law. (Rom 6:2, 18)
Christians have a new identity in Christ. They exist to bear fruit for God. This death to law and resurrection in Christ has created for us a new purpose. Our lives now should contribute to God's harvest of useful "fruit." The "fruit" or outcome of sin-controlled living under the law is always and ever death. The law both made us aware of sin and tightened our bondage unto it.[v.5] “But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.”[v.6]
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Text: Romans 6:20-23 ESV
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Rom 6:20-23 ESV
THE TWO MASTERS OF MAN
Slavery to sin and slavery to righteousness are diametrically opposite. Slavery to sin is freedom in regard to righteousness. In other words, there is no expectation for a sinner to do righteous deeds. Sinners had no identity in Christ. They had no mandate or calling to do what was right. That is "freedom," in a sense, is it not? Hence, we should not be surprised when sinners sin and enjoy it as the pig wallows in the mud. Whereas, slavery to righteousness is so closely connected to Christ that it is becoming our nature to serve righteousness. There is a new desire to follow and obey God. Either we are saved by grace [Eph 2:8-9] or sinners condemned for rejecting Him.[John 3:18;12:48].
Because of Christ, the massive rescue from the slavery of sin unto Christ’s dominion has been happening until today. Through faith in Christ, a sinner is forgiven and saved. He is ushered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. From sin’s enslavement, they’re ushered to Christ. He does own us for He bought us with a price, does He not?[1 Cor 6:19,20].
There are just two masters of man. Because of Adam’s fall, man is bondage to sin and doomed towards death. Man commits sin because he is corrupted in his nature, having the propensity to do evil. It was a day of infamy but not without hope. God offers a way away from death unto Him in Christ. Christ can be his new master. Should a man reject Christ, his ‘wages’ is death. On the other hand, should he receive by faith the ‘free gift’ of Christ’s sacrifice at the cross, he would receive eternal life.
Man is condemned already because of his sinfulness [John 3:18] as Damocles's sword is ready to fall. Unless and until, he repents and trusts Jesus, he will languish in hell as Heb 9:27 says, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” The free gift of Christ’s salvation is immensely great to ignore.
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Text: Romans Rom 6:15-20 ESV
15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!
16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,
18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
-Rom 6:15-20 ESV
WHOSE SLAVES ARE WE?
We are not under the law but under God's grace through faith in Christ. So Paul asks, “What then? Are we to sin? By no means. On the contrary, our freedom from the authority of sin should cause us to resist and reject our sinful desires. Definitely, we are not to take God's grace and forgiveness lightly by indulging in them.
We should decide who to obey and become the slave of him. Paul pointed out that we are in an ongoing battle to serve Jesus, the right master. Sin isn’t our master anymore. But, one could be a slave to sin by choice not by default. We don’t need to but we can choose to be a slave to sin.
Our slavery to sin is a thing of the past.[v.17] Thanks to God. It’s manifested in our obedience from the ‘heart’ as we are taught. We’ve become slaves to righteousness. By this, Paul means that as Christians living in this present world, we should be presenting ourselves, our bodies, and minds to God to accomplish His righteous purposes.
It sounds odd to the modern mind, that Paul would describe this commitment to be used by God for righteous purposes as "slavery." Thus Paul, said, “Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this.”[v.19]Paul has emphasized that Christians are absolutely under the full authority of God to be used for His purposes. However, God, as our master, is not a tyrant, is He? He is always a loving Father and does not compel us to act against our will. As the eternal good father, He is ever calling us to obey Him out of love not by compulsion.
Man could not be morally independent or neutral, could he be? There are only two choices, either serving sin or serving righteousness. This depends on what kind of heart does a person has, either from an unregenerated heart or a new heart.[2 Cor 5:17] An unrenewed heart loves to sin. While a renewed heart desires to live godly.
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God’s Word for Today
7 Dec 2023
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
-Rom 6:12-14 ESV
INSTRUMENTS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
Paul charged us to think of ourselves as dead to sin and alive to God in the same way that Christ is dead to sin and alive to God. Did he not tell us that the "body of sin" has been done away with? (Rom 6:6) Have we not been set free from sin by dying with Christ when we trusted in Him (Rom 6:7)?
But, we do still sin, don’t we? Why? The plain reason is that although we have been freed from the authority of sin over us, yet we have not lost the desire to sin. In short, sin still appeals to us through the flesh. For the truly born-again believer, our sinful desires are not our boss anymore. Christians should choose to not give over control to those urges.[v.12] Unlike the unbeliever, we are not enslaved by sin anymore.
We are free by position or status. But we have to live and practice it. We must present our bodies to God to be used for righteousness.[Rom 12:1-2] In fact, we should appropriate it as God’s people who have been brought from death to life. How do we do that? We should claim firstly that we have actually and genuinely been brought from death to life. We should live up to the label of who we are.
It’s a daily choice. We must strive not to present our members, that is, any part of our bodies, for sin to use to do unrighteous things. It’s a daily struggle. For, our new desires want us to live for Christ against our flesh. And this is the evidence that we don’t belong to this world anymore as a fish struggling taken out of the water.
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God’s Word for Today
6 Dec 2023
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
-Rom 6:5-11 ESV
THE DEATH OF DEATH
When we put our faith in Christ, we experience a spiritual death with Him. Spiritually speaking, we died, were buried, and were then resurrected into a new spiritual life. The same will eventually happen for those who are in Christ physically, as well.
Christ did not die to His own sin, did He? He never sinned (Heb 4:15). Thus, He died to pay for the sins of all those who trust in Him. He died once for all (Heb 9:26). It was a one-time payment for the sins of those who trust him, including past, present, and future sins. Does He need to go back to the cross every time we sin again? No! It is finished.[John 19:30] He has perfected the job of dying for the sins of humanity. Death as a consequence is over. This is the death of death.
By the time He rose from the grave, death has no longer power or authority over Him. Likewise, we who are "dead" to sin through faith in Christ are no longer forced to submit to sin. Moreover, this separation from the power of sin is permanent. Death can never again reign over the life of a believer.
Does this mean Christians would never sin again? Christians are still capable of sinning (1 John 1:9–10). But, we are never obligated to do it (1 Cor 10:13) And those who have been saved could choose not to live an incessant sinful lifestyle (Gal 5:19–24; 1 John 3:6–9). Instead, we could live for Christ. [Gal 2:20]
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Text: Romans 6:1-4 (ESV)
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE
His grace abounds where sins abounds. Paul must have pre-empted the thoughts of his hearers. What does this mean, though, for those who have been reconciled to God through faith in Christ? Is the grace of God a license to sin? Thus, Paul asks, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” What are believers supposed to do about sin now that they are reconciled with God?
Definitely not! Why?
Firstly, it’s inappropriate. As Paul asks, “How can we who died to sin still live in it?” A person who is repentant of his sin won’t love to continue to sin.
Secondly, we are baptized into Christ’s death. This is not directly talking about water baptism. Baptism in Christ simply means having been identified in Christ’s death. As a cloth is soaked into a dye, so are we buried and raised with Christ. In other words, Christ’s victory over death is ours as well. Thus, we must walk in the newness of life.
God’s grace isn’t a license for us to sin more. On the other hand, it grants us our freedom to abhor sin and live for Christ.
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Text: Romans 5:18-21 (ESV)
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
WHERE SIN INCREASES, GRACE ABOUNDS
Condemnation of all comes through Adam while justification for all comes in Christ. Does this mean all are justified automatically in Christ? No. Christ’s abundant grace offered must be received by faith. In other words, salvation is conditioned by the decision of a sinner to trust Jesus.
His death at the cross was neither incidental nor coercive. The Father decided for it and even Jesus chose to give His life as a sacrifice. "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil 2:8).
Now, when the law of God is given, our trespasses increase. In what way? Our awareness of sin is highlighted by the law when we violate it. As Paul said, “for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”[Rom 3:20] This knowledge of sin does cause torment, does it not?
But, where sin abounds, the grace of God abounds as well. That is, there is no sin too big that God’s grace of cleansing and forgiveness couldn’t handle. As God has invited us, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”[Isa 1:18]
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Text: Romans 5:15-17 ESV
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.
16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.
17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
-Rom 5:15-17 ESV
THE FREE GIFT
A gift is always free, is it not? This redundancy is for emphasis' sake. Through Adam’s trespass, we all are corrupted by sin. Therefore, all will be condemned and die, as a consequence. In contrast, through Christ we receive the grace of His righteousness.
Adam is a type of Christ. But, in an opposite sense. The choice of Adam led us to condemnation. Whereas, the choice of Christ leads us to righteousness. Adam’s disobedience resulted in the doom of God’s judgment to humanity. Jesus’ obedience resulted in the salvation of humanity from God’s condemnation.
Righteousness is the gift of Christ. It is the action He took by dying in our place for our sins on the cross. This free gift brings salvation unto us from death, deliverance from the wrath of God, and shelter from the judgment of sin. Jesus is the only hope and light for the hopeless and darkened sinners.
All who trust in Christ do receive this gift, rather than to face death like Adam, who introduced sin into the world. Adam brought death and condemnation to all. In him, death reigned. On the other hand, Jesus brought justification to all by not sinning so that He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. In Christ, death has no more dominion.
No person is righteous [Rom 3:10,23] but Jesus’ death pays the penalty in order for us to be reconciled with God.[Rom 5:1] This life in Christ is only available through Him. And, this is only to those who "receive" the abundance of God's free gift.[John 1:12] But sadly, not all do receive Jesus. Thus, not everyone escapes death's reign.
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Text: Romans 5:12-14 ESV
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.
14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.
-Rom 5:12-14 ESV
A DAY OF INFAMY
Sin came into the world through one man, Adam. As the first man, he was created from dust by God Himself (Gen 1:27). God breathed life into him. It was his privilege to place Him in the garden of Eden with one responsibility. As Moses has written, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Gen 2:15–17).
Sadly, Adam, along with his wife, Eve did exactly what they were instructed not to. That very day, they fell and sin entered the world. It was a day of infamy. The "world," in this context, is specifically a reference to humanity. The relationship between human beings and God has been severed. Does ‘all death ’ include death of animals?
Paul must have pre-empted his readers who are thinking that sin began by breaking God’s law. Didn’t Paul say, “where there is no law there is no transgression”?[Rom 4:15b] Or, is sin not counted where there is no law given as yet? No, sin started at Adam’s fall. We don’t doubt that there is fire when we see smoke, do we? Similarly, Paul argued that there was a sin for Adam and all after him died.
Everyone is born with a sinful nature. People lie, steal, murder, commit adultery, and do what is morally wrong. Though the people after Adam until Moses, they’re in direct violation of God's written command, they still suffered the consequence of Adam's sin – death. All were born into it. They all died. In short, death reigned.
Adam sinned uniquely because as previously innocent and committed sin. We, on the other hand, are sinful by nature so we commit sin. Adam was a type of Christ in the beginning until he failed the test. He sinned. Jesus, as the second Adam, is sinless and remains to be so even when he is tempted like everyone else.[Heb 4:15]
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God’s Word for Today
30 Nov 2023
9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
-Rom 5:9-12 ESV
JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD
The wrath of God is expressed against all sinners. It’s the logical response of the righteous and holy God towards convicted sinners as the sun melts the wax. God’s anger to punish the guilty is an inevitable verdict in the perfect court of God.
How then could we escape from the wrath of God?
The answer is plain yet not simplistic or frivolous. Christ shed His blood to justify us. In other words, His sacrifice by shedding His blood has appeased or satisfied God. As a note, in most pagan religions during Paul's time, there was a prevailing idea that man should offer various gifts or sacrifices to appease their ‘gods’. Otherwise, their gods will express outrage. This holds true today in many rural villages in the Philippines where superstitious beliefs are rampant.
In the Old Testament, God commanded the Jews to sacrifice animals at the temple for the forgiveness of their sins. But, the blood of the animals was to point later to the perfect sacrifice. Jesus, in God’s perfect time, Jesus, the sinless God-man was crucified at the cross. As Peter expressed, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”[1 Pet 2:24]
Aside from escaping from God’s wrath, we, as His enemies, are now reconciled with Him. There is an irrevocable status that we have a relationship with God. We are saved from God’s wrath. And, He embraced us as His friends now. We have swung from one extreme to the other. How come that an enemy of God becomes an heir of God as His legitimate child? He did not only pick us up to cleanse us from our filth but He adopted us as His own – a people belonging to Him.
Doesn’t this truth excite you? As one who has hurt Him and His name in the past now has been embraced as one belonging to His family. He is not ashamed to call us His own. Why should we be ashamed of Him? He who has given His all for us should deserve our all as well. Hence, let’s love the Lord Jesus with all our hearts, mind, and soul. May we exclaim as John says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the children of God.”[1 John 3:1]
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God’s Word for Today
29 Nov 2023
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
-Rom 5:6-8 ESV
AN INDESCRIBABLE LOVE
Paul has zeroed in to Christ’s sacrificial death for us prompted by His love. He emphasized its immensity by dying for us when we are ‘weak and ungodly.’ This sacrifice was made while we were still weak, or "powerless," or "helpless". This comes from the original Greek word to imply something feeble or sickly. Moreover, we’re ungodly. This is to mean ‘filthy and worthless.” Yet, He sacrificed His life for us.
Hence, no strength in us could earn this salvation. It was entirely offered on the basis of God's grace, at the right time.
Paul reasons out a common-sense point here. Some people, perhaps, would be willing to give their lives for the sake of a good and righteous person. This is a rare possibility. A person would be hesitant to die for others he found morally lacking, would he not be?
And yet Jesus died for us. He sacrificed His perfect life for us, the ungodly, weak, and filthy people. We deserve judgment for our sins, don’t we? (v.6). Why would God do such a thing? What good could He get from you and me? This is too good an act to be true.
We couldn’t believe that Barrabas was freed instead of Jesus. Although, it was a political maneuvering of Pilate, but the spiritual implications of grace and love are apparent.
How about the thief at the cross? Why did Jesus promise him to enter Paradise or heaven? On what basis? The only evident answer is ‘God loves sinners, like us’ although we could not explain it. Shouldn’t we be filled with wonder and awe?
What does this mean for you and me today?
If you’re not a believer as yet, don’t waste His offer of free salvation. Don’t despise His sacrifice. Humble yourself, repent of your sins, and trust Jesus wholeheartedly. When a sinner breathes his last without Jesus, he would be ushered to a hopeless end. On the contrary, the one who dies having Christ would have endless hope.
If you’re a believer, be motivated by His love. Let’s be awed always by this unfathomable love. We love Him because He first loved us.[1 John 4:19] Let’s therefore serve Him with all that we’ve got as our act of worship.[Rom 12:1,2]
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Text: Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
REJOICING IN SUFFERINGS
For an unbeliever, it is preposterous thought for someone to rejoice in his sufferings. Pain and joy couldn’t go together, could it be? The natural human reaction to sufferings is by complaining and murmurings. But, to rejoice? It is not in the list.
This is a paradoxical truth.
Does this mean that believers find pleasure in pain? That we should deny pain? Definitely not! This rejoicing is neither by escapism nor by denying pain. It’s not an emotional experience but a spiritual response based upon the word of God.
Suffering is inevitable in our fallen world. Thus, believers have to embrace it as a reality. But, God is greater than our pains. In fact, He makes pain to work for us and not against us. This knowledge or perspective of God’s process to make us better persons should make us glad. Sufferings produces endurance. A person who is carrying a load for sometime would be able to bear and endure it. He is becoming more resilient. And a resilient person is a man of strong character, isn’t it? He has tested and proven the grace and strength of God in his daily walk with God. Would he be pessimistic and full of negativity during adversities? He becomes hopeful even during adverse conditions of life.
What is his source of strength?
It’s the love of God ‘poured into their hearts’ through the indwelling Spirit of God. This love makes us secure that no matter what His love doesn’t wane aor change. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. [Rom 8:39] Yes, only a heart immersed by the love of God in Christ could respond
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Text: Romans 5:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
PEACE WITH GOD
The believers in Christ are declared righteous. As a result, they are at peace with God, that is, reconciled with God. This means the wall has been broken and man is reconnected with God. This is by virtue of the righteousness of Christ clothed upon us. [2 Cor 5:21]
This truth should set us free from fear. The wrath of God is as Damocles’ sword haunting every sinner. As Jesus said, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”[John 3:18] But the condemnation is gone. [Rom 8:1]
Furthermore, through faith we also has access to His grace, in which we stand. The grace is pictured as a foundation of our security. He who saves us by grace will keep us by His grace. We always falter but God remains faithful. [2 Tim 2:13]
Our attitude of rejoicing in hope of His glory should be a result also of the reconciliation we have with Christ. The days ahead is uncertain. But, having the assurance of God’s peace and grace should be the cause of rejoicing. Someday, Jesus is coming again and would take every believer into His glory.
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Text: Romans 4:16-25 ESV
16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb.
20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,
21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”
23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone,
24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,
25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
-Rom 4:16-25 ESV
THE PROMISE RESTS ON GRACE
The promise of God to Abraham wasn’t only given to the adherent of the law but to everyone who shares the faith of Abraham. He is the father of all believers. Now, as evidence of this truth, Paul quotes what God said to Abraham in Gen 17:5, "I have made you the father of many nations." Clearly, these nations include all people coming from diverse background and ethnicities, whose faith is in God.
This promise of righteousness rests on God through His grace alone. For Paul has further argued, “in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” [v.17b,18]
Abraham and Sarah were considered as dead to procreate even at their ages of 100 and 90, respectively. Yet, God has promised Abraham a son in his old age and he will become a father of many nations. But, God is the giver of life to the dead as Christ was resurrected from the grave. This is all because of God’s power alone.
And the key to the fulfilment of this promise is Abraham’s faith. As Paul said, “In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb.”[v.18,19]
Abraham did not waver. As Paul described his faith, “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.[v.20,21]
As a result, God counted his faith as righteousness. Similarly, all of us who believe in Jesus are counted as righteous. What an indescribable grace. As Paul affirms, “It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” [v.24,25]
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Text: Romans 4:13-15 ESV
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.
15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
-Rom 4:13-15 ESV
THE LAW MAKES US AWARE TO OUR SINS
God told Abraham that he and his descendants would be heirs of the world, centuries before giving the law to Moses. It was initiated by God. He commanded and promised Abraham while he was an idolator as yet in Ur of Chaldees. God instructed him to "go" from his country into another land. And God promised to make him a great nation, to bless him, to make his name great, to bless those who blessed him and curse those who dishonored him, and to bless all of the families of the earth through Abraham (Gen 12:1–3). Did Abraham believe all these promises from God? Apparently, he did. For Abraham went" (Genesis 12:4). Paul's point is that because of the faith of Abraham, God made him righteous.
The inheritance is through the promise alone. If only the adherents to the law [those who obey the law], faith serves no purpose. As Paul said in Gal 2:21., “ I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” It is a gift because nobody can keep the law. [Rom 3:10,23] Nobody can perfectly keep the law no matter how hard he tries.
Thus, it follows that the law brings wrath. Where there is the law, there is an awareness of sin. The sign ‘No stepping on the grass’ makes one who steps on the grass guilty. Should there be no sign, there is no accusing of any sin or violation. This is the use of the law.
By facing ourselves in the mirror, we become conscious of our countenance.
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God’s Word for Today
23 Nov 2023
9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
-Rom 4:9-12 ESV
FAITH COUNTED AS RIGHTEOUSNESS
The blessing of righteousness obtained by faith is for both the circumcised [Jews] and the uncircumcised[Gentiles] alike, is it not? As a note, Paul’s Jewish readers have always thought that circumcision makes one righteous for Abraham was circumcised. They got it wrong.
How did Abraham obtain his righteous standing before God? It is by faith alone apart from works, which include circumcision. Thus Paul asked, “Was it before or after he had been circumcised? Paul answered his own question saying, “It was not after, but before he was circumcised.”[v.10]. In other words, Abraham was an uncircumcised Gentile when he was declared righteous by faith.
What is the purpose of his circumcision then? Paul said, “He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised so that righteousness would be counted to them as well.”[v.11] Circumcision does not make one righteous but it serves as a mark that one is already declared righteous.
Abraham, hence, became the father of faith to all who believe ‘without circumcision’. This means that circumcision is ruled out as a requirement for the uncircumcised. On the other hand, to the Jews [circumcised], Abraham could only be their father if they ‘walk in his footsteps of faith’ before he was circumcised. This means, their faith will be counted as righteousness and sealed with circumcision. Circumcision without a preceding faith is just a wound at the foreskin, having no spiritual significance at all.
Today, some would believe that they are Christian for they are born and are baptized in a Christian family. The rites of water baptism are nothing but just like bathing without the reality of genuine belief in the gospel. Like circumcision, water baptism is a seal of righteousness that is received by faith in Christ. In other words, it’s a picture of the reality of who we are in Christ.
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God’s Word for Today
21 Nov 2023
What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
-Rom 4:1-8 ESV
THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM AND DAVID
Abraham and David are two of the great figures in Israel’s past. They were righteous before God. First, let’s talk about Abraham. Was he righteous because of his works? Or, because he obeyed the law, including the circumcision? Definitely, not! Abraham was counted righteous by faith alone. Why? Paul’s first reason is that Abraham has something to boast about if he was justified by his work. Secondly, Paul based his argument on the scriptures, quoting Gen 15:6. Thus, he asked, “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Third and last, his righteousness is a gift not a wage due to him. Abraham wasn’t perfect, was he? He was a sinner or ungodly, too. However, when ‘one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”[v.4]
Likewise, David expressed his blessedness for being forgiven and declared righteous. Was it because of the good works he did? Definitely not also! Forgiveness is a gift of mercy from God. David felt deserving to be condemned as the result of his sins of murder and adultery. He repented and asked for God’s cleansing. In His great mercy, the Lord pronounces him forgiven. Thus, he is proclaimed guiltless and righteous already before God. Forgiveness is a gift from God to the humble and poor in spirit. Thus, he wrote Psa 32 to account for this favor from God.
As explained by Paul, both Abraham and David have demonstrated that any person being forgiven and declared righteous has earned nothing. Yet, he has been given everything. This is the heart of the gospel. Man lost it all. Christ paid it all. Man regains it all.
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Text: Romans 3:27-31 (ESV)
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
THE LAW OF FAITH
Definitely, salvation is not by doing the law. Paul has in mind the audience, the Jews, to be asking, “Then what becomes of our boasting?”So he answered, “It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires work? No, because of the law that requires faith.”[v.17, NIV]
Boastings are excluded because God has done all the work. And, He offers His full acceptance to all by faith in Christ alone. Paul reiterated, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”[v.28] Work and faith are mutually exclusive with respect to salvation.
Thankfully, God has provided the sure and only way man can be ‘justified.’ It is entirely based upon God and can be received freely by faith alone.
Now Paul may be is thinking that many Jews throughout Israel's history that God belongs only to them. So, he asked two questions: Is God only the God of the Jews? Paul says "No, God is also the God of the Gentiles, the non-Jews." He is the only God of all. All people are answerable to Him. Hence, it follows that God's perfect and righteous judgment would be the standard for all people.
“There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.”[v.30 NLT] The descendants of Abraham by blood have some advantage in their special relationship with God (Rom 3:1–2]. But, they will be held accountable to the exact same standards as anyone else (Rom 3:9–10).
Paul then asked, “Do we then overthrow or nullify the law by this faith?” He answered, “Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. Paul insists that his teaching about faith in Christ does not overthrow or nullify the law. Instead, it upholds or establishes the law.
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Text: Romans 3:21-26 (ESV)
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness because, in his divine forbearance, he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD
There is an obvious twist here through the two words ‘But now.” Everyone is helpless to attain God's righteousness. But, this has now been “manifested” or "made known," apart from the law. In short, Paul is stating a point that there is hope. There is a path to obtain the righteousness of God which does not require us to keep God's law.
The law and the prophets bear witness about God’s righteousness, that is, pointing us all unto it. This righteousness is by believing in Jesus only. How did it happen? Paul explains further that only Jesus has ever kept the law perfectly. He died for all our sins. Hence, when we place our faith in Jesus, God credits His righteousness for His death is the payment of all our sins.
The good news is that ‘there is no distinction’ As all have sinned, all also can believe in Christ. Those who believe are justified [declared righteous] and are ransomed freely. This is God’s grace given to men. That is, all are given the opportunity to receive a privilege we don’t deserve.
We cannot be justified by following the works of the law, can we? For what reason? Because none of us can fulfill the law but have transgressed against it. Everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God. That's why God in His love has to justify us by His grace, as a gift impossible for us to earn. This gift is given through faith in Christ to "all who believe" (Rom 3:22).
The payment of sin is death. But, Jesus has ransomed us. He died in our place as our substitute. He received the wrath of God's judgment because of our sin in His own body.[1 Pet 2:24]
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Text: Romans 3:9-18 ESV
9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin,
10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands; no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
-Rom 3:9-18 ESV
NONE IS RIGHTEOUS
Once more, Paul asks the question, "What then, are we Jews better off?" Paul claims that he too is a Jew, He says they are not. Paul points out once more that every person is "under sin," whether Jewish or Gentile.
Paul begins to substantiate his claim with a series of quotations from the Old Testament. This means that this idea of the universal sinfulness of mankind is not a new idea. Paul quoted David who wrote Psalm 14:3, "There is none who does good, not even one." He moved on to quote Psa 14:2, “The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God."
God was not glancing at the worst attitudes and actions of humanity. In a figurative way, He "searched" to see if there was anyone who understood God or looked for Him. Nobody did. This is a crucial reality, which is fundamental to the gospel. Nobody seeks after God without God’s working through the Spirit’s conviction. Our nature is corrupted so we cannot and do not know God by ourselves.
Paul continues as he paraphrases David's words in Psalm 14:3. All have turned aside from following God's righteous path. All become worthless and corrupt. Not a single person is found to do good, with respect to the standards of a holy and perfect Judge.
As a caveat, Paul is not saying that man could not do anything good. What, he means is that the standard of man’s goodness isn’t acceptable before God. An act of man may help the needy and is in accordance with the bible. And, it is good. But, the heart is inclined to a self-serving motive. The bottom line is that humans are capable of doing good, but we universally choose not to, by God's standards. We want what we want and not what He wants.
Paul is highlighting the sins of through our tongues and mouths as he quoted Psa 10:7. That is who we are apart from God's help and power. He described man’s feet as quick to shed blood. Paul references this to Isa 59:7–8. Sadly, every place where sinful people has been is corrupted unto ruin and misery, desolation and destruction. Indeed, there is nothing good the flesh can produce but corruption. Thus, peace for him is elusive. It's not our nature to walk away from sin and conflict for we create it along the way.
This is the longest string of quotations from the Old Testament that Paul did. He has shown how human beings use our bodies to express our sinful natures. When we speak, sin comes out. Paul concluded with a quote that comes from Psalm 36:1, where David describes "the wicked" as having no fear of God before their eyes. Paul insists that all human beings, Jews and Gentiles alike, meet this description (Rom 3:10). Certainly, we are not righteous. We deserve God’s anger and judgment for our sinfulness.
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Text: Romans 3:1-8 ESV
LET GOD BE TRUE THOUGH EVERY ONE WERE A LIAR
Previously, Paul has expressed that there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles. All have broken the law and are equally guilty. So, is there any advantage to being included in the Jewish people and being circumcised, as God has commanded?
Definitely, it’s yes. Firstly, they were entrusted with the "oracles of God." In short, the Jewish people were given the enormous privilege of receiving and handing down the very words of God to all people. His point here was simply that their Jewishness itself, would not keep any person from answering to God's judgment for his or her sin. More of the benefits are listed in Romans 9:1–5.
Now, Paul is unpacking a question-and-answer session between himself and an imagined critic of his words. He asked, “What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?” They were given God's law, but they did not keep it. Collectively as a nation and as individuals, every Jew had sinned.
Now that they sinned, does this nullify God’s faithfulness? Does this mean that God will no longer be faithful to them? Paul answered a resounding, “By no means!” Why? God's faithfulness does not depend on human faithfulness. The quotation, "God will be true even if every man is a liar" may come from Psalm 116:11. In other words, God always keeps His word and remains faithful to His people regardless to what they do. Hence, His words and judgments are justified. He would never break His part of any covenant agreement. Moreover, Paul quotes directly from Psalm 51:4 to describe this aspect of God's faithful character: "That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged."
Furthermore, Paul asks, " But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) [v.5,6] Put this in another way, "If our being bad makes God look good, why is God angry with us? He is arguing from a human standpoint as he said it in parenthesis.
Again, he was emphatic that this is not so. He argued, “By no means! For then how could God judge the world?” Paul logically asked, "How could God judge the world if He were in any way unrighteous?" God's role is the overall judge of mankind. And this requires that God be above judgment Himself by being perfect in His righteousness. It should be noted clearly that God is the only standard of justice, is He not?
Another question Paul asked is “But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come? That is, if our sin like lying brings glory to Him, in a sense, should He really condemn us for it? So, it’s better to continue to lie or do evil for it promotes God’s glory!
Because God remains faithful even when we do not, they slandered Paul saying that he is telling people to keep sinning. Clearly, there is a deliberate, dishonest lie meant to damage his reputation and his efforts. This accusation that the gospel of grace implies a license to sin is one Paul will address later, particularly in chapter 6:1, where Paul asks,” What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?" Hence, they are slanderous and their condemnation is just."[v.8] In other words, they have earned God's wrath.
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God’s Word for Today
16 Nov 2023
25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God
-Rom 2:25-29 ESV
A MATTER OF THE HEART, BY THE SPIRIT, NOT BY THE LETTER
Another mindset of the Jews is their Abrahamic heritage because of the rite of circumcision. Does being circumcised, in obedience to God's command to Abraham and his descendants ensure that they would be identified as God's people? (Gen 17:9–10) Unfortunately, many of them believed that they would not be judged by God even if they broke His law. The ritual was enough to establish their salvation according to them.
Paul did not dispute the importance of circumcision for the Jews. But, it becomes worthless if they’re breaking and not practicing the law. Those being circumcised are no better than those who are not circumcised. These words should be a shock to religious Jews who always believed they were saved through circumcision and by it belonged to God's chosen people.
As an application, Paul challenged this attitude of anyone who thinks that religious rituals, ceremonies, or other sacraments can overcome the stain of sin. Nobody can be saved a certain rituals and ceremonies.
Paul goes even further to say, “And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people?”[v.26, NLT] This could have infuriated the Jews. His lack of physical circumcision won't prevent him from being regarded by God as one who is circumcised, would it be?
Everything comes down to whether a person keeps God's law or not, whether one is Jewish or Gentile. But, the truth is nobody could keep it.[Rom 3:10,23] Paul even has gone on to say that the Gentile law-keeper will condemn the Jewish law-breaker, even though he has been given the law by God and has been circumcised!
Paul further argues that their Jewishness by race and religion is nothing if they are not obedient to the law. Who then is a real Jew? It's not about being born Jewish or even being physically circumcised. True Jewishness, Paul emphasizes that it is about the state of a person's heart before God. He said, “A Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
Today, as we reflect on this truth, we ask. Are we Christians by heart or by religion only.
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God’s Word for Today
15 Nov 2023
17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
-Rom 2:17-24 ESV
PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Here, Paul addressed this discourse to people who proudly called themselves Jews. How good is it to be Jewish back then? First, he who recognizes himself as a Jew is a member of the nation of Israel, God's chosen people (Deut 7:6). It is a high honor. Secondly, such a person may "rely on the law." The law alone given to them is loaded with promises of blessings. Yet, it was also a gift. It is the revelation of God's standards for how to live on earth. Thirdly, a Jew who relies on the law, can also "boast in God." Paul is not advocating selfish bragging. But, the Jewish people could rightly boast that the one true God was their God and they were His people.
Thus, they become custodian and proclaimers of the truth or law. As Paul said, “and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth.”
Hence, the onus is upon them to prove to others by following the law themselves. Paul, then asks rhetorical questions. “you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.”[v.21-23] He is asking that if all these things are true for Jewish people, why don't they live according to the law?
In every privilege, there is a corresponding responsibility. Adam and Eve were privileged to live in the garden but had the responsibility to obey God. Likewise, the Jews who were privileged to hear the law must model themselves by obeying it.
How many of us are privileged to be raised in Christian homes. Sadly, many assumed that God’s favor was upon them because of their Christian parents and upbringing in the church. They regularly go to church and activities but no changes are seen in their lives. They know so much about God and the bible but do little to apply it. They can talk but not walk the truth. The walk is more important than the talk. Why would any self-righteous person actually think God would ignore their sin? Familiarity breeds contempt.
Why would these Jews think they were exempt from God's wrath when they did not keep the law He gave to them? Because of their inconsistency, they stumble the Gentiles. As Paul said, “For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”[v.24] In the same manner, how many are turned off by church people who can preach the gospel but are not living according to their claims.
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Text: Romans 2:12-16 (ESV)
12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature, do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
GOD JUDGES THE SECRETS OF MEN BY CHRIST JESUS
Paul has identified two categories of sinful people with respect to the law, namely: those who sinned under the law and those who sinned without the law. Those who sinned under the law do so because they heard the law but did not do the law. [V.13] These Jewish hearers might have thought that hearing the law was enough to make them righteous. Most Jews grew up listening to the books of the Law read aloud from the time they were very young. Does intellectual knowledge of the law make them righteous? No. not at all! It’s obedience to the law that makes one righteous, which nobody is able to do perfectly.
The Gentiles, however, are ignorant of the law. Nevertheless, they are also called sinners ‘without the law’, that is, having no awareness of the written law. However, they have the law written in their hearts. The human conscience in many cases prompts people to "do the right thing" even without the written law to tell them to do it. As a default through nature, they are a law to themselves. This brings us back to Paul's point in Rom 1:18-20 earlier that God makes certain His existence and creation are obvious to all. Nobody is excused.
Is Paul suggesting that a Gentile who lives according to his conscience will be declared righteous by God? Of course not! His emphasis, as implied here, is only that such a person is following some kind of minimum standard for right and wrong. God who gave the law also built into the heart of all a sense of what is right and wrong - the human conscience. It condemns us when we do wrong and defends us when we do right. It’s not a perfect standard though because it can be either softened or hardened. Thus, Paul mentions about "conflicting thoughts," as the conscience talks to us about the varied and relative choices of morality.
Whether a Jew or a Gentile, each one falls short of God's standard of perfection (Rom 3:9–10). Eventually, Paul refers to the day when God will judge the "secrets of men by Jesus Christ. Man’s conscience will stand as a witness in regard to what he has done, right or wrong. God's judgment of Gentiles, however, will be as fair and consistent as His judgment of Jews.
Sin is always sin, whether we have been given an explicit list or not, whether we are aware of it or not. May we have sensitivity to our sins.
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Text: Romans 2:6-11 (ESV)
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
FOR GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY
Paul describes the difference between those who will receive wrath or reward from God in these verses. He cites from Psa 62:12 and Prov 24:12 to express the universal truth that God will repay to each person according to his works in verse 6.
Verse 7 does not mean that we will be saved by our good works. Paul seems to indicate here that God judges all people on the basis of their behavior. However, this is the same idea expressed by Jesus Himself in Mat 16:27, that is, “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” If we see this in terms of reward, this is absolutely right. Each person is judged on the basis of their deeds (Rom 14:10–12; 2 Cor 5:10).
In short, one’s works would show that a person is either righteous or not in the first place. However, Paul will show later in Romans 3 that none of us are able to live such a righteous life. If man is perfect, then, his works "would have" been able to save him. Absolutely, we are not and could not be perfect.
Here, Paul is building his case that God has no partiality to anyone[v.11]. “Those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.” Unrighteous people receive God’s wrath and fury. Righteous people will receive glory and honor.
But, none of us are righteous. Thus, no one can hope to stand before God on our own merits and receive anything but the judgment we have earned with our sinfulness. Paul will make clear in this letter, that no one can be saved by their good deeds (Rom 3:23). Our only hope for salvation to rescue us from the penalty of our sin is Christ and His work at the cross. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ.[Eph 2:8,9]
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Text: Romans 2:4-5 ESV
4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.
-Rom 2:4-5 ESV
WHY DOES GOD SHOWER US WITH GOODNESS?
All of us are sinners. Thus, all are deserving to receive His wrath and judgments. But, some moralists presume that they are exempted. Most probably, they were predominantly religious Jews [with few Gentile proselytes ] who assumed their special status with God. This attitude prompted them to be judgmental towards "sinful Gentiles" and were complacent towards their own sins.
This is presumptuousness, plain and simple.
These self-righteous sinners are presuming on or showing contempt for the riches of God's kindness, forbearance, and patience they received from God. Despite their pride and arrogance, God has been good to them. Sadly, the receiving of material blessings from God is interpreted as both a confirmation and approval of their self-righteousness. A presumptuous sinner may say something like this, “What I am doing is right and approved by God [although it is sinful based on God’s word] because God is blessing me with good health, riches, and other good things in this life.
God’s goodness and mercy are poured towards undeserving sinners as He sends both sunshine and rain to all. God’s kindness and patience should not be interpreted as His approval to our sins. Take for example; a tardy and irresponsible student to pass his papers late. His kind teacher has been patient and tolerated him at all times. Until one day, the teacher penalized him. His response wasn’t expected, as he is saying, “Sir, since my freshman until now I have passed all my subjects. You are so unkind to flunk me now that I am graduating.” What can you say about this guy?
Why God is patient and kind to the world? Why does He shower us with His goodness and delay His coming? Peter explains, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”[2 Pet 3:9]
Just because that God is good to us at this moment, should we assume that God is okay with our sins? Definitely not! It is a fatal and dangerous presumption, is it not? Life is a privilege, not an entitlement. God's kindness today is meant to lead us to repent or turn away from our sin, and not to continue in it. In fact, those who refuse to repent from their sin are storing up God's wrath for themselves. God’s judgment is sure though it is slow. Someday, Jesus will come and God will express His anger on the "day of wrath," the day when His righteous judgment will be revealed.
As Peter said, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”[2 Pet 3:10]
Instead of presuming, we should be repenting. As Peter exhorted us, “ Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”[2 Pet 3:11-13]
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Text: Romans 2:1-3 ESV
1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.
3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?
-Rom 2:1-3 ESV
YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE
Evidently, Paul has addressed his Jewish readers, who religiously followed the law of Moses. They may have imagined Paul's description in Romans 1 to have been directed to Gentile—non-Jewish—pagans and those they considered "sinners." There may even be Gentiles, who followed moral philosophies and imagined Paul's words as being meant for other ears.
Moralists may protest that they are not bad sinners as they pass judgment upon others. But Paul said, “For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.”[v.1b]
These Jewish people think that following the law of Moses has made them right with God, and therefore free from His judgment. Paul anticipated this mindset. He knew many of his Jewish readers assumed that the list of sins and the resulting judgment of God did not apply to them. After all, they were God's special people. He would not condemn them. But they were wrong.[v.2]
They should not assume they are immune from God's judgment. Thus Paul asked, “Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?”[v.3] For having been self-righteous, they are presuming on or showing contempt for the riches of God's kindness, forbearance, and patience. Aware of God's vast kindness, they have miscalculated that God won't ever judge their sin, even though He may judge the sins of others.
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God’s Word for Today
9 Nov 2023
-Rom 1:24-32 ESV
GOD GAVE THEM UP
As God revealed His glory through creation, God also revealed His wrath to rebellious mankind. [v.18]. Consequently, man’s thinking becomes worthless, and his heart grows darkened towards worshipping idols. There is an impossibility to know of the only true God. God takes idol worship personally. The first two of his Ten Commandments to Israel are that they should have no other gods before him and not worship or serve any image of any created thing (Exod 20:3-6). However, man still longs to worship something. And so, he creates images, like people and animals, to worship foolishly. In doing so, he’s thinking that he has become quite wise (Rom 1:22–23). Thus, God’s wrath is ‘fully disclosed’ against humanity for all ’suppress the truth in unrighteousness.’
In what ways?
God gave them up. This has been mentioned 3 times with different emphases each time. [v.24, 26 & 28] From verses 24-25, Paul’s reason has emphasized to our abandoning of the truth in order to embrace a lie. God who is “giving us up’ is "stepping away," in a sense. God removed the restraint for man to pursue the lusts of their hearts to impurity. The idea seems to be this, if we are pursuing to worship images of animals, God will permit us to live like animals in our relationships with each other.
From verses 26 to 28, Paul emphasizes the dishonorable or distasteful sexual perversions of mankind. Natural sexual relations [heterosexual relations thru marriage] are abandoned and are replaced with sexual perversions [same-sex sexual relations]. They are “consumed with passion”, so that they become shameless in their acts. Thus, they are receiving due penalty for their error.
Paul moved on to summarize that God gave them up to their ‘debased mind’[v.29] Sadly, humankind by rejecting God became filled with all kinds of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. etc. Our desire to do wrong to get what we want has gone wild unchecked. From one degree to another, we are guilty of engaging in hurting others to get what we want. This leads us to be full of envy, murder, strife, deceitfulness, and maliciousness. We also gossip freely, an action the Bible always holds as a great evil. It is so ugly how sin has corrupted man’s heart, isn’t it?
Mankind does not do these things in total ignorance, does He? [see v.32]. Paul declares again that human beings, by nature, know these things are wrong. Even when we directly know that God has announced that those who practice this way deserve to die, we keep doing these things, anyway! Moreover, we also applaud other people who practice these sins.
Is there a way out of our part in all of this unrighteousness and back to God?
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God’s Word for Today
8 Nov 2023
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
-Rom 1:18-23 ESV
THE WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED
The origin of God's wrath is heaven. It is coming from His essential nature and existence, not from some other creatures or circumstances.
The reason?
God’s wrath is against human ungodliness and unrighteousness. Human beings, apart from God, express their unrighteousness, by suppressing and rebelling against the truth about God and for who He is.
God could be known because He reveals Himself through creation. The problem is not that truth is unavailable. But, the problem is that the truth is being suppressed. They don’t believe it because they do not want to. God reveals clearly but man rebels willfully. Verse 19 says, that in a plain way, God has revealed himself to those who deny and disobey Him. Their disobedience is not a result of ignorance, is it? Apparently, It's caused by rebellion.
In what ways God has revealed?
Paul asserts that human beings can easily know at least some things about God by looking at creation. We should look at what is visible around us in nature, and what God has made, and arrive at some obvious conclusions about what is not visible. Considering every aspect of creation, we should understand from nature that God has eternal power and a divine nature. David expressed similar truth in Psalm 19:1–6.
Does the world come into existence without a creator? Such a feat would require "eternal power," or endless and inexhaustible power. Such a Creator must also be divine and not merely human. He must be God, in other words. Human beings should look at creation and decide there must be a God who made it, a God we must answer to on some level.
Rejecting God as creator has its worst consequence. It leads to the hardening of hearts - a refusal to honor or give thanks to God. After all, why honor a God who did not make the world? And if God is not the creator, why would we assume that He is the provider of all we need? Why give thanks to God for what we believe we have developed and acquired for ourselves? This is foolish thinking. Psa 14:1 says,
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
there is none who does good.
Let’s not be a fool by believing in God today.
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Text: Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
The apostle Paul has the audacity to declare his pride in proclaiming the gospel. There is neither embarrassment nor fear in Paul’s heart to declare the gospel to others.
Why?
It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. The gospel is the only message that brings salvation to all who believe. There is no other means. [Acts 4:12, John 14:6]
The key is faith. The righteousness of God is received by faith in Christ. Christ’s sacrifice is what makes us righteous. As Paul explains, “ For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:21] When we believe in the gospel we will be declared righteous and reconciled, that is being at peace, with God. As Rom 5:1, says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
As one’s valued possession could be trash to another, the gospel is as stupidity to the unbelievers. As Paul declares, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”[1 Cor 1:23,24]
Are you proud of the gospel?
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Text: Romans 1:13-15 (ESV)
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
THAT I MAY REAP SOME HARVEST AMONG YOU
Undoubtedly, Paul was desirous to visit the Christians in Rome but has been prevented up to this point. These preventions are coming from God who exercises either His direct or permissible will to keep Paul from going to Rome. Satan may hinder God’s work as allowed by God. But, God’s timing is always right.
Another reason for his desire to visit is to reap a harvest among them. This is a figure of speech that Paul describes leading people to know Christ. That, more people will put their faith in Christ in order to be forgiven for their sins and ushered into the family of God. Did not Jesus assure us that the harvest is plenteous? [Matt 9:37-39]
The apostle recognizes that proclaiming the gospel is not only a privilege but an obligation also.[v.14] This balance should be considered in order not to swing to the extremes of pride and performance in proclaiming the gospel. Focusing on our privilege should make us humble. Who are we to be chosen as His instruments? [John 15:16] Focusing on our obligation should make us compassionate to the least and lost. The love of Christ burning in our hearts towards the perishing souls should constrain us. [2 Cor 5:14]
Such a condition in the heart of Paul has brought eagerness in him to go to Rome. May we develop such outlook, compassion, and attitudes as well.
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Text: Romans 1:8-12 ESV
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you
10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—
12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
-Rom 1:8-12 ESV
I THANK MY GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST FOR ALL OF YOU
Like here, Paul’s letters to Christians and churches in various cities often begin with a declaration of his gratitude for those to whom he is writing.
His thankfulness for the Romans is that their faith is proclaimed in all the world. In other words, the Christians in Rome have become famous far and wide for believing in Jesus. This is exactly what Paul's mission is all about, that is, to see faith in Christ as the Savior spread to all the nations of the world (v.5).
There is nothing frivolous when Paul says that God is his witness. In a very serious manner, he serves God with his spirit in proclaiming the gospel. In short, serving God by preaching Christ is his whole life’s foremost commitment and nothing else.
His devotion to the gospel work is the basis that he prayed for them ‘without ceasing.’ In this case, we should take "without ceasing" to mean "regularly and continually." It implies that Paul does not take days off from praying for them, for they are important to him.
He always wanted to see them in person. The Christians at Rome should understand that. He has submitted this desire to God in regular, ongoing prayer, waiting to see if it is God's will (v. 8–10).
Why?
Definitely, he cares about them. He wants to bring to them a spiritual gift of some kind that will strengthen them. Perhaps, this means Paul wants to come and exercise his spiritual gifts of evangelism and teaching to help them to be stronger in Christ. Or maybe, he means to impart unto them some kind of supernatural blessing. In either case, his desire is to help them become stronger.
Moreover, Paul recognizes that he knows it would be mutual. Both they and he would end up encouraging each other's faith. The very reason why the writer of Hebrews exhorts "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Heb 10:24–25).
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Text: Romans 1:1-7 ESV
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh
4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,
6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Rom 1:1-7 ESV
A SERVANT AND AN APOSTLE
Paul begins by identifying himself first, as a servant of Jesus Christ. He claims as a ‘doulos’, a bondservant, someone who had sold himself into slavery to another person either for a specific amount of time or indefinitely. Thus, he is owned by Christ. He referred to himself as an apostle which means a person who is sent by another to represent him and his authority. Thus, he would speak with the authority of Christ Himself. Notedly, the 12 disciples of Jesus became known also as His apostles.
Paul is a messenger of the gospel which is not a new thing that begins with Jesus' death and resurrection. It has been promised by God long ago through what his prophets wrote in the holy Scriptures. [see Gal 37-9] The gospel is about Jesus, a descendant of David in the flesh, who would sit on the throne of Israel forever (2 Sam 712–16). But, Jesus was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, who is the Lord. [v.4] Jesus’ resurrection from death to life proves that He was more than just a man. That event, predicted by Jesus Himself has established that He was in fact the Son of God. (Mat 286)
Paul has received grace [an unearned favor] as well as his apostleship, which is his authority to speak on Christ's behalf. Paul has been sent by Christ, for His name and honor, unto the obedience of faith. Clearly, he has not been sent by Christ to get people to obey the law of Moses.
And he is commissioned to bring this about among all the nations. Paul's unique mission, given to him directly by Jesus, was to carry the good news about salvation through faith in Christ to all the non-Jewish peoples of the world, including the Romans.[see Acts 915] The gospel is for everyone, not just for the select few.
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God’s Word for Today
2 Nov 2023
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
-Psa 100:1-5 ESV
SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS!
This is the climax of this group of six psalms.
All the people of the world have to worship God gladly.[v.1,2]
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
They have to acknowledge Him as their God, their maker, and their shepherd (v.3).
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
They are invited to come into his temple. It is there where they could unite in thanking and praising Him for his lovingkindness and faithfulness unto them (v.4-5).
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
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God’s Word for Today
1 Nov 2023
The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble!
He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The LORD is great in Zion;
he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
Holy is he!
4 The King in his might loves justice.
You have established equity;
you have executed justice
and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the LORD our God;
worship at his footstool!
Holy is he!
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.
They called to the LORD, and he answered them.
7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;
they kept his testimonies
and the statute that he gave them.
8 O LORD our God, you answered them;
you were a forgiving God to them,
but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
9 Exalt the LORD our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the LORD our God is holy!
-Psa 99:1-9 ESV
HOLY IS HE
From his throne in Zion, the city of God, God rules over the earth in holiness and justice (v.1-4)
The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble!
He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The LORD is great in Zion;
he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
Holy is he!
4 The King in his might loves justice.
You have established equity;
you have executed justice
and righteousness in Jacob.
Consequently, the people respond with worship (v.5).
5 Exalt the LORD our God;
worship at his footstool!
Holy is he!
The psalmist refers the lives of Moses, Aaron and Samuel. As priests, God answered their prayers for they submitted to His rule and obeyed His law (v.6-7).
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.
They called to the LORD, and he answered them.
7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;
they kept his testimonies.
However, when people disobeyed, they were punished. And, when they repented God forgave them (v.8).
8 O LORD our God, you answered them;
you were a forgiving God to them,
but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
He exhorts them to exalt and worship Him at Mt. Zion. Why? The God who rules in Zion is holy.(v.9).
9 Exalt the LORD our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the LORD our God is holy!
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Text: Psalm 98:1-9 (ESV)
1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The LORD has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
8 Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
9 before the LORD, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
THE STEADFAST LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
This psalm is an invitation to welcome the divine universal king. By his power, He has conquered evil and established his kingdom in righteousness and love (v.1-3).
Oh sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The LORD has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the earth is to praise God with music and singing because of his great victory (v.4-6).
4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
The personification of His creation having been invited to join in the praise and rejoicing for He rules the earth with justice (v.7-9).
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
8 Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
9 before the LORD, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
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Text: Psalm 97:1-12 (ESV)
REJOICE IN THE LORD
This psalm corresponds with the previous psalm, concluding that God is king over the earth. God’s holiness, righteousness, and justice are the basis of His kingdom.
Based on God’s attributes, the psalmist expresses God’s judgment upon the world. It will be as universal as a flash of lightning and as powerful as an all-consuming fire (v.1-5).
1 The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
His power is too apparent for people to ignore. Thus, everything will worship before his rule (v.6-7).
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!
His own people already recognize Him as Lord and worship in joy befitting Him(v.8-9).
8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O LORD.
9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
They can experience the light and joy of his salvation in their everyday lives. In what way? It is when they reject what is evil and choose what is good (v.10-12).
10 O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
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Text: Psalm 96:1-13 ESV
SING UNTO THE LORD A NEW SONG
After the worshippers have heeded the warning of the previous psalm and prepared their hearts in the right attitude of worship, they are urged to praise God with further singing.
Besides praising him for his great works, they are to proclaim His wonders to others (v.1-3).
1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Pagan gods or idols couldn’t be known, could they? The reason is because they have no life. In contrast, the living and true God can be known. In what ways? It is through the created universe and the worship of the sanctuary (v.4-6).
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Thus, people everywhere should offer unto him worship, praise, and sacrificial offerings (v.7-9).
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!
For He is the Lord of the universe, all creation joins in bringing him praise. He is also the Lord of also of mankind. Thus, He will establish his righteous kingdom on the earth (v.10-13).
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
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Text: Psalm 95:1-11 ESV
1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I loathed that generation and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways.”
11 Therefore I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter my rest.”
-Psa 95:1-11 ESV
O COME, LET US WORSHIP THE LORD
Psalms 95 to 100 are grouped so as to form a series of psalms designated for special use in temple worship.
This first psalm, Psa 95 particularly, opens by calling people to worship God. Why? Firstly, it is because He is the savior (v.1-2),
1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
Secondly, it is because God is the great God (v.3)
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Thirdly, the psalmist also reasons that God is the creator and controller of the universe (v.4-5),
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
Fourthly, God is the maker of the human race (v.6)
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
And, fifthly and above all, He is the covenant Lord and shepherd of his people (v.7).
7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
Worship, on the other hand, must be accompanied or evidenced by obedience. Israel’s example and experiences in the wilderness show their lack of true worship. Why? They claimed to belong to God but were complaining, disobedient, and stubborn. Thus, God said that it is impossible for them to enjoy the inheritance God promised (v.8-11)
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I loathed that generation and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways.”
11 Therefore I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter my rest.”
These accounts could be read in Ex 17:1-7; Num 11:1-23; 20:2-13; and Heb 3:7-10.
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God’s Word for Today
26 Oct 2023
-Psa 94:1-23 ESV
THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
The psalmist, tired of the oppression caused by the wicked is asking God to take vengeance. God is the God of vengeance. Thus, he pleads for a fitting divine punishment from God upon on all those who oppose Him and his ways (v.1-3).
O LORD, God of vengeance,
O God of vengeance, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O judge of the earth;
repay to the proud what they deserve!
3 O LORD, how long shall the wicked,
how long shall the wicked exult?
They brutally oppress the weak and helpless, even believing that God does not see them (v.4-7).
4 They pour out their arrogant words;
all the evildoers boast.
5 They crush your people, O LORD,
and afflict your heritage.
6 They kill the widow and the sojourner,
and murder the fatherless;
7 and they say, “The LORD does not see;
the God of Jacob does not perceive.”
How foolish are they, are they not? They forget and reject that God is the one who made them. He knows what they are and what they do. He controls their destinies and will punish them for their wrongdoing (v.8-11).
8 Understand, O dullest of the people!
Fools, when will you be wise?
9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear?
He who formed the eye, does he not see?
10 He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
He who teaches man knowledge—
11 the LORD—knows the thoughts of man,
that they are but a breath.
Does God abandon the godly in their troubles? Definitely not! He may use their troubles to teach them lessons of patience and love. [v.12]
12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD,
and whom you teach out of your law,
Then, when at God’s opportune time, he punishes the oppressors and gives relief to their victims (v.13-15).
13 to give him rest from days of trouble,
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not forsake his people;
he will not abandon his heritage;
15 for justice will return to the righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Take notice that the suffering believer has no defense against the wicked. He has no source of comfort except in God alone. In his desperate condition, God is his consolation. (v.16-19).
16 Who rises up for me against the wicked?
Who stands up for me against evildoers?
17 If the LORD had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
18 When I thought, “My foot slips,”
your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.
19 When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul.
These wicked oppressors are rulers in places of authority. They oppose God whose law they should be administering. [v.20-21]
20 Can wicked rulers be allied with you,
those who frame injustice by statute?
21 They band together against the life of the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
However, the righteous’ only hope is to trust in the overruling government of God (v.22-23).
22 But the LORD has become my stronghold,
and my God the rock of my refuge.
23 He will bring back on them their iniquity
and wipe them out for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will wipe them out.
Obviously, this psalm is out of a psalmist’s troubled heart because of the oppression of the wicked. But, he acknowledgment that God is the God of vengeance. God will avenge, and uphold the righteous. But those that have been guilty of wickedness shall be brought in judgment one day.
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The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
2 Your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the LORD on high is mighty!
5 Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, forevermore.
-Psa 93:1-5 ESV
THE LORD REIGNS
God is the sovereign Lord and he reigns in majesty. He existed before the universe and he rules over it (v:1-2).
The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
2 Your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
The opposition of the ungodly world is like a raging flood that tries to overturn his throne, but it is powerless to move him. It’s ridiculous for a creature to fight against his creator, is it not? (v.3-4).
3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the LORD on high is mighty!
Moreover, His glory is displayed not only in his great power. But, it’s demonstrated also in his holiness and truthfulness. Hence, all should obey and worship him (v.5).
5 Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, forevermore.
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Text: Psalm 92:1-15 (ESV)
1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
5 How great are your works, O LORD!
Your thoughts are very deep!
6 The stupid man cannot know;
the fool cannot understand this:
7 that though the wicked sprout like grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they are doomed to destruction forever;
8 but you, O LORD, are on high forever.
9 For behold, your enemies, O LORD,
for behold, your enemies shall perish;
all evildoers shall be scattered.
10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;
you have poured over me fresh oil.
11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.
12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the LORD;
they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
15 to declare that the LORD is upright;
he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
HOW GREAT ARE YOUR WORKS, O LORD!
According to the title of this psalm, it is for use on the Sabbath. God is pleased when people cease their ordinary work for a day in order to engage in worshipping him and proclaiming his love [v:1-4)
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
As they meditate upon the nature of God, their mindset will be changed. They will see things from God’s perspective. And these things are not perceived by the ordinary person. For example, the puzzle of why the wicked prosper materially over the righteous. God is the supreme ruler and judge, and he is always in control. Thus, ultimately, the wicked will be destroyed and their prosperity be gone forever (v.5-9).
5 How great are your works, O LORD!
Your thoughts are very deep!
6 The stupid man cannot know;
the fool cannot understand this:
7 that though the wicked sprout like grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they are doomed to destruction forever;
8 but you, O LORD, are on high forever.
9 For behold, your enemies, O LORD,
for behold, your enemies shall perish;
On the contrary, those who remain true to God will prosper. As a wild ox grows powerful, so the righteous will be strengthened. As privileged people are anointed with oil, so the righteous will be blessed (v.10-11).
10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;
you have poured over me fresh oil.
11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.
Moreover, the righteous is pictured as a magnificent tree flourishing, so he will be strong and fruitful as years unfold. And as a house built on a rocky hill, he is safe and secure (v.12-15).
12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the LORD;
they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
15 to declare that the LORD is upright;
he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
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Text: Psalm 91:1-16 (ESV)
MY REFUGE, MY FORTRESS, MY GOD
This psalm has been sung in temple worship in a time of danger, apparently. The singer begins with an affirmation of the security and protection enjoyed by those who trust in God. To those who are living constantly in God’s presence (v.1-2).
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
He affirms that God will protect them from both seen and unseen dangers, day in and day out. Neither cruel enemies nor deadly diseases will overcome him. God will protect them as a hen guards her young or as a soldier guards his fortress (v.3-6).
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
Countless men may fall, but those whose refuge is the Most High will be always safe (v.7-8).
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
God will direct his angels to watch over them with special care (v.11-12).
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
No one could overcome him. He will triumph over the strong, fierce, even the cunning and deceitful ones (v.13).
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
There might be another singer who personifies God. God’s blessing be upon him who trusts God. [v.14-16]
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.
He highlights the importance of his relationship with the Lord. That he has a close personal knowledge of God, loves, and talks with him. As a result, God will protect, deliver, guide, comfort, and honor him. God will grant him the blessing of long life. Thereby, he can enjoy God’s salvation or deliverance to the full.
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Text: Psalm 90:1-17 ESV
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”
4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning:
6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
7 For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed.
8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.
11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?
12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
-Psa 90:1-17 ESV
LORD, YOU HAVE BEEN OUR DWELLING PLACE
Who is permanent and enduring but God alone! Hence, the only true security of man is God Himself alone (v.1-2).
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Human life, by contrast, is so fleeting and uncertain, and is brought to an end as God decides and when he chooses. No matter how long a person lives, even to a thousand years, his existence is insignificant compared with the timelessness of God (v.3-6).
3 You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”
4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning:
6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers
What shortens the life of man? It is sin. It has corrupted human life and brought about God’s judgment upon him in the form of life’s troubles. Finally, he will die (v.7-10).
7 For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed.
8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty;
Sadly, the wicked live to please only themselves. Having no fear of God, they don’t care that they are heaping up sins so that they are building up God’s judgment against them.
But, those who love God have to seek God’s wisdom. That they may know how to use their short lives in the best way as designed by God (v.11-12).
11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?
12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Since the psalmist wants to live his life wisely, he prays for God’s grace and mercy. As a result, life’s sorrow will be replaced with joy. And, life will become fruitful in serving God (v.13-17).
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Text: Psalm 89:1-52 ESV
GOD WILL FULFILL HIS COVENANT WITH DAVID
Sadly, Israel, in her rebellion, had suffered a lot of defeats that threatened its existence. Hence, some Jews think that God had forsaken his anointed king. The psalmist therefore recalls the covenant God made to David to preserve his dynasty forever.
And on this basis, he claims God’s help (v.1-4; see 2 Sam 7:8-16).
1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
2 For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
3 You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant:
4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah
Moreover, the psalmist praises God for his majesty and greatness. Nobody in heaven can compare with him (v.5-7).
5 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,
7 a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?
On the earth, on the other hand, God is all-powerful, crushing his foes, working wonders, and administering justice (v.8-14).
8 O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?
9 You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.
10 You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11 The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
12 The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
13 You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
The reality is that God of the people of Israel. That, He is their glory, joy and strength, the one who gave them their king (v.15-18).
15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
16 who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted.
17 For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted.
18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Assured of God’s perfection and sovereignty, the psalmist turns to consider the covenant that God made with Israel. He outlines how God chose David to be his anointed king (v.19-20)
19 Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: “I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him,
He gave him victory over all his enemies (v.21-23)
21 so that my hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.
22 The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him.
23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
He enlarged his kingdom beyond the borders of Israel (v.24-25)
24 My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.
And, He gave him power and glory (26-27).
26 He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’
27 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
Above all, God made a covenant with David to establish his dynasty permanently (v.28-29).
28 My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.
29 I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens.
God’s Word for Today
19 Oct 2023
-Psa 88:1-18 ESV
A PLEA FOR ESCAPE FROM DESPAIR
Obviously, the writer is overcome with trials and sees no way out of the situation. Thus in desperation, he prays to God (v.1-2).
O LORD, God of my salvation,
I cry out day and night before you.
2 Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry!
Seeing himself at the brink of death, he expressed his despair for being destined for doom (v.3-5).
3 For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
I am a man who has no strength,
5 like one set loose among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
He feels overwhelmed by rejection. He feels as if he has been abandoned alone to die by both God and friends (v.6-8).
6 You have put me in the depths of the pit,
in the regions dark and deep.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me,
and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah
8 You have caused my companions to shun me;
you have made me a horror to them.
He needs God’s saving power urgently. Otherwise, it would be too late(v.9-12).
9 my eye grows dim through sorrow.
Every day I call upon you, O LORD;
I spread out my hands to you.
10 Do you work wonders for the dead?
Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah
11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave,
or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Are your wonders known in the darkness,
or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
These four rhetorical questions he asked need no answer. The answers are obvious, are they not? The psalmist implores to continue to live in order to worship God.
Looking back, the writer sees that all his life he has had nothing but suffering, yet God still seems to ignore him. [v.13-15]
13 But I, O LORD, cry to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?
Why do you hide your face from me?
15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.
In his experience, it seems that God has deliberately attacked him, crushing him with sorrow and taking away from him even the comfort of friends. (v.16-18).
Your wrath has swept over me;
your dreadful assaults destroy me.
17 They surround me like a flood all day long;
they close in on me together.
18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
my companions have become darkness.
In spite of this, he does not turn away from God, but brings his burden to him daily.[v.13] We realize that the posture of daily praying is what God is after in our lives. It’s the wisdom why God allows us to go through despair.
1 O LORD, God of my salvation,
I cry out day and night before you.
2 Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry!
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God’s Word for Today
18 Oct 2023
1On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. Selah
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”
-Psa 87:1-7 ESV
THE LORD LOVES THE GATES OF ZION
This psalm looks forward to the gathering of people of all nations into Zion, the city of God. It is a picture of God’s gracious act in welcoming all who want to be his people, regardless of their nationality. This is possible because of the gospel. (cf. Mat 8:11;28:19; Gal 3:28; 4:26; Eph 2:13-19 and Rev 21:22-24).
God loves Zion, his city where he dwells among His people. He chose it as pre-eminent above any other place (v.1-3).
On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
3 Glorious things of you are spoken,
O city of God. Selah
BibIically, Mt. Zion is the same as Mt. Moriah, where Abraham offered Isaac a sacrifice. David purchased the location as the place for sacrifice as God told him. The place where Solomon built the temple.
God brings men and women from Gentile nations, and former enemies, and places them in his city (v.4).
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.
He gives them equal rights as his children along with the faithful of Israel and those of the nations (v.5-6).
5 And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in her”;
for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.” Selah
The metaphor of childbearing describes that its only by His grace we can be part of His family. Those who are part of Zion are born anew in Christ.
All the faithful do rejoice together in the pleasure and delight of God’s city (v.7).
7 Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”
This provides a glimpse of the praise and rejoicing during Christ’s return when He will rule from Zion. Are the “springs” literal or figurative? Either way, the springs are a source of flowing from God Himself and Messiah the lamb on His throne in Zion. [see Rev 22:3]
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Text: Psalm 86:1-17 (ESV)
1 Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
3 Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me.
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant.
17 Show me a sign of your favor,
that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
YOU ALONE ARE GOD
This is another psalm David writes expressing his confidence towards God in times of distress. He knows for certain that God is on his side when treated unjustly so he prays for God to help him. This concept of God’s sovereignty is indicated by the 7 times repetition of Lord, Adonai.
He expresses his trust in God’s steadfast love (v.1-7).
Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
3 Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me.
God is sovereign above all. All of creation and history show that he is the only true God (v.8-10).
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.
Therefore, the psalmist David desires to know and obey Him more, to faithfully and praise him more fervently (v.11-13).
11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
On the basis of his intimate relationship with God, David appeals to God for strength to overcome those who are trying to kill him (v.14-17).
14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant.
17 Show me a sign of your favor,
that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
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Text: Psalm 85:1-13 ESV
1 LORD, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.
8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him
and make his footsteps a way.
RESTORE US AGAIN, O GOD
They were in crisis. Firstly, the psalmist rehearses about what God did in the past when they fell to their enemies. That is, God has forgiven his people and poured out his blessings on them anew (v.1-3).
LORD, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
In verses 4-7, the psalmist expressed whether God won’t in their present crisis do the same once more
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation
The psalmist hopes for the spiritual fellowship that results when people are living in a right relation with their God. The steadfast love flows down from God and is met by covenant faithfulness from his people (v.8-11).
8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
And as God’s people respond to God’s steadfast love, there will be a new dawn of fruitfulness. The blessings of God are poured afresh (v. 12-13).
12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him
and make his footsteps a way.
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Text: Psalm 84:1-12 ESV
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
-Psa 84:1-12 ESV
THE JOY IN GOD’S PRESENCE
Israelites are required to visit the temple once or twice each year on a pilgrimage. This psalm reflects the joy and satisfaction of one such traveler or pilgrim as he comes to the temple to worship (v.1-2).
How lovely is your dwelling place,
1 O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
As he observes the birds building their nests in the temple courtyard, he finds them at rest. Similarly, he finds rest in God’s house (3-4).
3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
He experienced troubles and hardships on the journey but upon arriving at the temple now it seems his hardships are nothing. Although he was faint and weary in a waterless country, God strengthened him to go on (v.5-7).
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
As he offers praise to God he does not forget to pray for the king (8-9).
8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
He finds such joy in worshipping in God’s house, The almighty God alone is the source of all true blessing (v.10-12).
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
That he would gladly bear any difficulties, no matter how tiring the journey is, just to stand at the door. To be in the presence of God at the temple worshipping with God’s people is his joy. He would rather go through hardships and be at the temple than remain at ease but be far away from God.
Evidently, the pilgrim’s faith in God’s goodness keeps him in his pursuit and journey.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
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Text: Psalm 83:1-18 ESV
1 O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
2 For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads.
3 They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones.
4 They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”
5 For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant—
6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites,
7 Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. Selah
9 Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
10 who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind.
14 As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze,
15 so may you pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your hurricane!
16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD.
17 Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace,
18 that they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.
-Psa 83:1-18 ESV
O GOD, DO NOT KEEP SILENCE
This psalm concerns an attack on Israel by enemy nations. Their hatred of Israel results from their hatred towards God (v. 1-4).
1 O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God! 2 For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. 3 They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. 4 They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”
On all sides, enemies in conspiracy gather together to fight against God and his people (5-8).
5 For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant— 6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, 7 Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. Selah
But, the psalmist rehearsed God’s deliverances in the past, namely; God defeated Sisera and Jabin in the time of Deborah[Judges 4:1-31], and the Midianites in the time of Gideon[Judges 6:1-28]. He has the confidence that God would defeat the gathered armies again (v.9-12)
9 Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, 10 who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground. 11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, 12 who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
The psalmist prays that God would destroy them completely(v.13-15)
13 O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind. 14 As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze, 15 so may you pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your hurricane!
Consequently, the people will acknowledge God’s sovereign power and praise his holy name (v.16-18).
16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD. 17 Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace, 18 that they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.
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God’s Word for Today
12 Oct 2023
God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 I said, “You are gods,
sons of the Most High, all of you;
7 nevertheless, like men you shall die,
and fall like any prince.”
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth;
for you shall inherit all the nations!
-Psa 82:1-8 ESV
BEWARE NOT TO ABUSE YOUR DELEGATED POWER
This psalm is written to discredit all those who act unjustly in their position as God’s representatives in administering justice. Sarcastically, they are even called gods (v. 1,6) Who are these people? They are God’s delegated authorities affirmed in the New Testament by Jesus in John 10:34 and Paul [Rom 13:1,4,6), respectively. They are to face God’s judgment someday.
However, instead of rescuing the helpless poor from the powerful rich who enslave them, they show favor to those with influence and money (v.1-4).
God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
As a result, they are blind to all justice, truth, and mercy. Thereby, the society becomes unstable (v.5).
5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
They may have high rank, but it will not save them on the day when they themselves are judged. They will be destroyed along with other wicked people (v.6-8).
6 I said, “You are gods,
sons of the Most High, all of you;
7 nevertheless, like men you shall die,
and fall like any prince.”
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth;
for you shall inherit all the nations!
As the old adage says, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This is an evidence of the depravity of man. The problem isn’t the granting of the authority but the unregenerated heart that has it. The access to power would enhance, even fuel, the pride until it becomes extremely unbearable. Indeed, “when the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”[Prov 29:2]
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God’s Word for Today
11 Oct 2023
-Psa 81:1-16 ESV
OPEN YOUR MOUTH WIDE, AND I WILL FILL IT.
This song is sung annually at the Feast of Tabernacles as their tradition. (see Lev 23:33-36;39-43) This begins with a reminder of God’s command to keep this as a joyous festival. [v.1-3]
Sing aloud to God our strength;
shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
2 Raise a song; sound the tambourine,
the sweet lyre with the harp.
3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
at the full moon, on our feast day.
This is in remembrance of his goodness in saving his people from slavery in Egypt (v.4-5).
4 For it is a statute for Israel,
a rule of the God of Jacob.
5 He made it a decree in Joseph
when he went out over the land of Egypt.
I hear a language I had not known:
The psalmist recounts how God has lifted the burden of slavery from the backs of his people and preserved and provided them as they journeyed through the wilderness (v.6-7).
6 “I relieved your shoulder of the burden;
your hands were freed from the basket.
7 In distress you called, and I delivered you;
I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
And when they were at Mount Sinai, He gave them his law. He pledged to bless them fully if they were faithful to him (v.8-10). Indeed, in every privilege, there is a corresponding responsibility to fulfill.
8 Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!
O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
9 There shall be no strange god among you;
you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
10 I am the Lord your God,
who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
In verse 10, the imagery of a hungry birdling opening its mouth wide as the mother bird feeds it. This humble dependence and trust should be their response before God. There is a blessing to the obedient child of God.
But their stubborn disobedience prevented them from receiving God’s blessing (v.11-12).
11 “But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
to follow their own counsels.
One of the worst consequences in disobeying God is being left alone to oneself, unprotected and vulnerable to the enemy.
Despite their rebellion, God reaches out to them. He desires his to repent and turn unto Him and bless them once more. (v.13-16).
13 Oh, that my people would listen to me,
that Israel would walk in my ways!
14 I would soon subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes.
15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe toward him,
and their fate would last forever.
16 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Indeed, He alone can give them protection, provision and pleasure of life. Nobody else. They may run away from God but He would run after them and win their hearts again unto Himself. This is grace in action.
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Text: Psalm 80:1-19 (ESV)
RESTORE US, O GOD
Both Psalms, 79 and 80, are cries to God for salvation after Israel has suffered defeat and desolation. Its historical background is uncertain though. Yet, once again, the people plead with God for His decisive action that will save them from their present plight (v.1-3).
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up your might
and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
They are overwhelmed with grief, are they not? God seemingly has forgotten them. And, their enemies mercilessly mock, deride and destroy them (v.4-7). This pain has prompted them to ask for God’s restoration.
4 O LORD God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6 You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
The psalmist described a metaphor for their relationship, God as the farmer and they are the vine. Like a vine, they were transplanted from Egypt into Canaan, where they grew and spread. It covered the mountains, burst its boundaries, and reached the Lebanon mountains and the Euphrates River (v.8-11).
8 You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
9 You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
10 The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches.
11 It sent out its branches to the sea
and its shoots to the River.
But, why then does God allow the wild beasts of the forest to plunder and destroy his vineyard? Why does he allow enemy nations to crush Israel (v.12-13)? Definitely, they felt God had left them as a vineyard untilled and uncultivated.
12 Why then have you broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
13 The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.
The people pray that God will rescue the suffering nation, that he will save the damaged vine and restore it to healthy growth (v.14-16).
14 Turn again, O God of hosts!
Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
15 the stock that your right hand planted,
and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.
16 They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down;
may they perish at the rebuke of your face!
They pray that he will give back to Israel the strength it once had as his specially chosen nation (v.17-19).
17 But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!
18 Then we shall not turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call upon your name!
19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts!
Let your face shine, that we may be saved!
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Text: Psalm 79:1-13 (ESV)
1 O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple;
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2 They have given the bodies of your servants
to the birds of the heavens for food,
the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.
3 They have poured out their blood like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there was no one to bury them.
4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors,
mocked and derided by those around us.
5 How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever?
Will your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out your anger on the nations
that do not know you,
and on the kingdoms
that do not call upon your name!
7 For they have devoured Jacob
and laid waste his habitation.
8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities;
let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
for we are brought very low.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins,
for your name's sake!
10 Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants
be known among the nations before our eyes!
11 Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;
according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die!
12 Return sevenfold into the lap of our neighbors
the taunts with which they have taunted you, O Lord!
13 But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
HOW LONG, O LORD?
Like a previous psalm of Asaph, Psalms 79 is an account of Jerusalem’s destruction and the capture of the people by the enemies.
The scene is horrible. The temple has been flattened down to the ground, the city is literally in great ruins, and worst, decaying corpses are all over the place becoming food for wild birds and animals. Aside from their great sorrow is their feeling of shame because of the mockery of their neighbors (v. 1-4).
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple;
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2 They have given the bodies of your servants
to the birds of the heavens for food,
the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.
3 They have poured out their blood like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there was no one to bury them.
4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors,
It's true that they were judged by God because of their sin. But, they ask whether the devastation is not enough? Will not God now reverse his judgment and punish those who eat up his people (v.5-7)?
5 How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever?
Will your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out your anger on the nations
that do not know you,
and on the kingdoms
that do not call upon your name!
7 For they have devoured Jacob
and laid waste his habitation.
What could they do except to plead God’s mercy? That, he will forgive their sins and restore them to their land. Brokenness leads to true repentance.
In this way, he will silence those nations who mock him as being powerless to save (v.8-10). God’s name must be exalted!
8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities;
let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
for we are brought very low.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins,
for your name's sake!
10 Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
God’s captive people cry out to him to rescue them and punish those who insult him (11-13).
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Text: Psalm 78:1-72 ESV
1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,
6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
-Psa 78:1-8 ESV
HISTORY IS HIS STORY
Upon writing this psalm, the psalmist is concerned about the spiritual condition of his people. His goal is to share the events in the history of Israel so that future generations may learn and take warning (v.1-4). If we don’t learn from history, we are bound to repeat it.
God’s law is their only guide. God’s track record of faithfulness will be an encouragement to the future generation despite the record of Israel’s failures. And, it’s a warning for them not to follow suit (v. 5-8).
The first reminder is about the stubbornness of the tribe of Ephraim during the crucial battles. (v.9-11}
The Ephraimites, armed with the bow, turned back on the day of battle. 10 They did not keep God's covenant, but refused to walk according to his law. 11 They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them.
By contrast, God was always faithful to Israel. He freed the people from Egypt and provided for their needs miraculously are two undeniable examples. See v.12-16.
But as soon as the people experienced the hardships of desert life, they complained bitterly. They dared to challenge God. That God would prove his kindness and power by giving them the food they wanted (v.17-22).
Yet, God through His abundant grace, provided for them (v.23-28), But their greed became the means of their punishment (v.29-31)
And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved. 30 But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, 31 the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel.;
Israel’s constant lack of faith was well demonstrated in the people’s refusal to believe that God could give them victory over the Canaanites. In punishment, they suffered disaster and death over the next forty years (32-37). Yet in his mercy, God did not destroy the rebellious nation (v38-41)
By his great power, he saved the Israelites from the terrible judgments he sent upon Egypt, both its land and its people (v.42-51] He cared for his people as they traveled through harsh and rugged routes, from the Red Sea to the borders of Canaan. Finally, he brought them into the land he had promised them (v.52-55)
Then he led out his people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. 53 He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. 54 And he brought them to his holy land, to the mountain which his right hand had won. 55 He drove out nations before them; he apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.
Soon, however, they had forgotten all that God had done for them. They turned away from the true God to follow the idols of the Canaanites (v.56-58) Consequently, this led to the destruction of their place of worship at Shiloh and the capture of the ark of the covenant to the Philistines (v.59-64)
Text: Psalm 77:1-20
1 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.
2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.
3 When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah
4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
5 I consider the days of old, the years long ago.
6 I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search:
7 “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?
8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah
10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
16 When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.
17 The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side.
18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.
20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
-Psa 77:1-20 ESV
HAS GOD FORGOTTEN TO BE GRACIOUS?
As Psa 73, once again here, Asaph has a concern that is causing him much anxiety. He cries to God in his distress but God seems silent (v.7-8).
7 “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? 8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah
At the outset, he expressed his confidence through his persistent prayer. [v.1,2]
I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.
He prayed not based on his good feelings. But, he has expressed his honest feelings, hasn’t he?
He expressed his dilemma and confusion by saying. [v.3,4] The more he thinks of God’s dealings with him, the more distressed he becomes. It appears that God not only refuses to comfort him, but even he senses that God has prevented him from sleeping.
Hence, as he lies awake even during the wee hours of the night, he thinks of God’s kindness to him in days gone by as he expressed in verses 5 and 6.
5 I consider the days of old, the years long ago. 6 I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search:
God was gracious to him then, but has he forgotten him now? It certainly seems so. He was overwhelmed to feel that God was so distant (see v.7-10).
As his mind wonders with questions unanswered, his faith in the sustaining care of God lits up. God’s love and power in sustaining Israel is the proof(v.11-15).
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. 15 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
The particular spectacular events are Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea and God’s coming to his people at Mount Sinai (v.16-19).
God’s Word for Today
5 Oct 2023
1 In Judah God is known;
his name is great in Israel.
2 His abode has been established in Salem,
his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah
4 Glorious are you, more majestic
than the mountains full of prey.
5 The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil;
they sank into sleep;
all the men of war
were unable to use their hands.
6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
both rider and horse lay stunned.
7 But you, you are to be feared!
Who can stand before you
when once your anger is roused?
8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;
the earth feared and was still,
9 when God arose to establish judgment,
to save all the humble of the earth. Selah
10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.
11 Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them;
let all around him bring gifts
to him who is to be feared,
12 who cuts off the spirit of princes,
who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.
-Psa 76:1-12 ESV
GLORY TO THE SOVEREIGN GOD
God is again praised, this time for some great deliverance in saving Jerusalem from an enemy (V.1-3).
“In Judah God is known;
his name is great in Israel.
2 His abode has been established in Salem,
his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah
God is known indicating the intimate familial relationshipof God with Judah.He made Zion His dwelling place signifying His endearment to His covenant people.
His glory, majesty and power are seen in the decisive way he crushed the enemy (v.4-6).
“4 Glorious are you, more majestic
than the mountains full of prey.
5 The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil;
they sank into sleep;
all the men of war
were unable to use their hands.
6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
both rider and horse lay stunned.
His glorious acts at the Red Sea is alluded where in both rider and horse were drowned.
The one who defends Jerusalem is also Lord of the universe. Nothing can stand before him. His power is absolute in the heavens and on the earth (v.7-9).
“7 But you, you are to be feared!
Who can stand before you
when once your anger is roused?
8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;
the earth feared and was still,
9 when God arose to establish judgment,
to save all the humble of the earth. Selah
Even the most difficult circumstances, the ‘wrath of man’ as displayed by the Egyptians shall ‘praise God’.
Angry rebellion against God has become a source of praise to Him. Simply put, His triumph brings glory to His name.[v.10]
“10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”
Since God will be glorified in every situation, whether people submit or rebel against Him, they will do well to bring glory to him willingly by offering true and humble worship (v.11-12).
11 Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them;
let all around him bring gifts
to him who is to be feared,
12 who cuts off the spirit of princes,
who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.
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God’s Word for Today
4 Oct 2023
We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.
2 “At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
5 do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’”
6 For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
7 but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.
9 But I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.
-Psa 75:1-10 ESV
THE EXALTED GOD
At the end of this psalm, there is a resolve of Asaph, as the leader of the congregation. He gives an assurance that they will always remain faithful to exalt God and despise evil (v.9-10).
“9 But I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.
As a psalm designed for use in public worship, the congregation begins by thanking God for all his mighty deeds (75:1).
“We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.
Asaph, representing God, expresses that even when conditions in the world look dire and hopeless, God is still in control. He will intervene when he sees fit (v.2-3).
“2 “At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
Therefore, the wicked is warned not be proud. It is a futile stubborness like an ox that struggles against its master (v.4-5).
“4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
5 do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’”
Hence, the only resolve is to exalt God. That, God determines the affairs of our lives. The opinions of people mean nothing (v.6-7).
“6 For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
7 but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
Remember that punishment lies at the hands of God. Surely, the wicked will drink his cup of anger to the last drop (v. 8).
“For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.”
God is in control. He knows what He is doing. We can be ‘still and know God’[Psa 46:10]
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Text: Psa 74:1-23 (ESV)
O GOD, WHY DO YOU CAST US OFF FOREVER?
In this teaching psalm, Asaph is recollecting the ruining of Jerusalem and the damage of the sanctuary. [v.3-11] God’s people were captured and exiled into foreign lands. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed (2 Kings 25:8-12). Now, with the center of their religious life gone, the people feel cut off from God. Worse than that, the bitter years in captivity lead them to doubt God’s faithfulness.
Has God forgotten his covenant with Israel? The people invite him to go and inspect the ruins of the city and the temple. Perhaps it will rouse him to remember his covenant and bring them back to their homeland (v.1-3).
“O God, why do you cast us off forever?
Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?
2 Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old,
which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!
Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.
3 Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;
the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!
Asaph describes their onslaught. [v.4-9]They completely flattened, destroyed and defiled the temple, in fact, heathen symbols were set up in the Holy Place (v. 4); the beautiful woodwork broken, smashed and burnt (5-8); not a messenger of God to be found anywhere in the land (9).
“4 Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place;
they set up their own signs for signs.
5 They were like those who swing axes
in a forest of trees.
6 And all its carved wood
they broke down with hatchets and hammers.
7 They set your sanctuary on fire;
they profaned the dwelling place of your name,
bringing it down to the ground.
8 They said to themselves, “We will utterly subdue them”;
they burned all the meeting places of God in the land.
9 We do not see our signs;
there is no longer any prophet,
and there is none among us who knows how long.”
In such a horrible sight, he invoked God to break his inaction and act (v. 10-11).
“10 How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?
Is the enemy to revile your name forever?
11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!
Certainly, he is not lacking in power, is He? God has demonstrated His work for them in the past. He is the creator and has the power to direct the world of nature in such a way as to save Israel [v.12-17).
“12 Yet God my King is from of old,
working salvation in the midst of the earth.
13 You divided the sea by your might;
you broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters.
14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan;
you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.
15 You split open springs and brooks;
you dried up ever-flowing streams.
16 Yours is the day, yours also the night;
you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.
17 You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;
you have made summer and winter.
What did he expect for God to do? Will he not therefore silence those who dishonour him? Will he not save his weak people[as dove before wild beast] according to His covenant with them (v. 18-21)?
“18 Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs,
and a foolish people reviles your name.
19 Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts;
do not forget the life of your poor forever.
20 Have regard for the covenant,
for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
As a note, it’s not Israel ultimately that the enemy has reviled. It’s God himself.
Against the oppressors, God can defend his cause and rescue his people (v.22-23).
“Arise, O God, defend your cause;
remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!
Do not forget the clamor of your foes,
the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!
God does not need our help to defend Him, does He?
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Text: Psalm 73:1-28 (ESV)
1 Truly God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicaked.
4 For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment.
7 Their eyes swell out through fatness;
their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and speak with malice;
loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 Therefore his people turn back to them,
and find no fault in them.
11 And they say, “How can God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
always at ease, they increase in riches.
13 All in vain have I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I have been stricken
and rebuked every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
GOD IS MY STRENGTH AND PORTION FOREVER
Asaph, the psalmist, has confessed his envious heart, and it almost stumbled him.[v.1-3] He said,
“Truly God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
His envy happened because of observing their prosperous lives in comparison to the righteous.[v.4-12]
It is said that ignorance is bliss. But, the wicked pompous, and arrogant lifestyle is too prominent to ignore. Our attitudes and behaviors are affected by what we see around us, are they not? The posts in social media[fb, instagram, tiktok] are too much to incite us to envy.
He was deeply bothered or disturbed. He can’t take it out from his mind and heart. It was brewing and churning within. [v.13-16] But, this confusion is soon to end. In what way? He went into the sanctuary of God.[v.17-20]
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
His meeting with God had prompted him towards repentance.[v.21-22]
He realized he was more blessed than the wicked. What were his realizations? [v.23-26]
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Jeremiah warned us not to rejoice in our riches but in our relationship with God. [Jer 9
Finally, having understood, the plight of the wicked, he resolved to stay close to His God and serve Him alone.[v.27-28] He says;
“27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.”
Having realized and resolved that God as his all, his cherished treasure, has made all other things not appealing anymore. In Jesus’parable, we should treasure Him as our pearl of great prize to let go of all other treasures in life. [see Matt 13]
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Text: Psalm 72:1-20
GIVE THE KING YOUR JUSTICE, O GOD!
Either, this psalm is written or David’s writing collected by King Solomon. According to Barnes notes, “Supposing the psalm to have been composed by David in view of the inauguration of his son and successor Solomon, this is a prayer that God would bestow on him the qualifications which would tend to secure a just, a protracted and a peaceful reign.”
He began by asking God to bless him as the monarch of Israel and to bless him with wise judgments and a reign displaying God’s righteousness. This is his great request to God in 1 Kings 3:5-9. Thus in v.1-4, the psalmist prays for wisdom, saying;
“Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the royal son!
2 May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice!
3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness!
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor!”
Should God grant his prayers, it would mean that the people of Israel, that is, the king, his government, and the people would fear the Lord forever, throughout all generations..[v.5-7]
5 May they fear you while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
7 In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
“The Scriptures often connect the ideas of righteous and just government and blessing upon the ecology and produce of the land. “The Psalm as a whole, shows that what we call the ‘moral realm’ and the ‘realm of nature’ form one indivisible whole to the Israelites. A community which lives according to righteousness enjoys not only internal harmony but also prosperity in field and flock.” (Anderson, cited in VanGemeren)
Although the psalmist sees the king and his immediate rule, he alludes to the greater king. Should David have written this, he talks about his son Solomon and his Greater Son the Messiah. [v.8-11]
“8 May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth!
9 May desert tribes bow down before him,
and his enemies lick the dust!
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands
render him tribute;
may the kings of Sheba and Seba
bring gifts!
11 May all kings fall down before him,
all nations serve him!
Specifically, the King’s reign is of compassion and justice.[v.12-14]
“ 12 For he delivers the needy when he calls,
the poor and him who has no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
and precious is their blood in his sight.
The poor and needy are often considered to be of little worth, even nothing. However, the Messiah, the Greater King, will regard their lives as precious. May, our religion reflect this compassion. As Jesus claims,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”[Luke 4:18-19]
And for the reasons above, the psalmist burst in exalting the King. [v.15-17]
“15 Long may he live;
may gold of Sheba be given to him!
May prayer be made for him continually,
and blessings invoked for him all the day!
16 May there be abundance of grain in the land;
on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
may its fruit be like Lebanon;
and may people blossom in the cities
like the grass of the field!
17 May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
all nations call him blessed!”
Text: Psalm 71:1-24
1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!
2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me!
3 Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.
5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.
-Psa 71:1-24 ESV
O LORD, ARE MY HOPE, MY TRUST, FROM MY YOUTH.
The psalmist [probably David] is looking back on a long life and his struggles with the wicked who always opposed him. But just as God has carried him through since young, he confidently continues to trust and hope God, even more. He expressed this by saying in v 1-6,
In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! 2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! 3 Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. 5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. (v.1-6).
As years progress, there is no guarantee that our circumstances will be better. Yet, our hearts could remain steadfast in God.
The psalmist’s life has been a constant example of the believer’s trust and God’s faithfulness (v. 7-8). He was happy to testify God’s righteousness and His salvation and do it all day long. He feels the entire day was needed commensurate to the limitless blessings of God’s righteousness and salvation. May we be as grateful as the psalmist.
He prays that now, at his late stage in life, God will not withdraw his umbrella of protection. And, he desires that no one could accuse against him or of God’s faithfulness(v.9-13).
He recalls that from his youth he has faithfully proclaimed the righteous acts of God. And he prays that God will let him continue to proclaim the message of divine salvation and righteous deeds until his last breath (v.14-18).
Confidently, the psalmist believes that God will give him the extra years and strength that he needs to complete his life’s work (v.19-21).
Such assurance has led him to his ultimate outburst praise to God’s faithfulness and righteousness (v.22-24).
I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. 24 And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, for they have been put to shame and disappointed who sought to do me hurt.
Indeed, “better should be the end of a thing than its beginning.”[Ecc 7:8]. Life’s struggles and hardships need not make us bitter but harness us to become better. As H. Wadsworth Longfellow says, “That tree is very old, but I never saw prettier blossoms on it than it now bears. That tree grows new wood each year. Like that apple tree, I try to grow a new little wood each year.” May by his grace we remain steadfast in God.
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God’s Word for Today
28 Sep 2023
Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
O LORD, make haste to help me!
2 Let them be put to shame and confusion
who seek my life!
Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!
3 Let them turn back because of their shame
who say, “Aha, Aha!”
4 May all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!”
5 But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay!
-Psa 70:1-5 ESV
GOD IS GREAT!
There is a sense of urgency that David expressed. He opened and closed this psalm with an earnest prayer, that is;
“Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
O LORD, make haste to help me!”
5 But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay![v.1,5]
We don’t pray like David should there is no sense of desperation and helplessness, do we? When God is silent, the Lord isn’t delaying, is He? G. Campbell Morgan believed that such prayers were flawed in their understanding of God. “It reveals a mistaken conception of God. God never needs to be called upon to hasten. He is never tarrying uselessly or carelessly.” We can be theologically off in prayer at times but it’s our sincerity that God is after of. Job is a classic example.
There is no doubt that the psalmist is hurt deeply by the scoffing and taunting of the enemies. He narrates,
“Let them be put to shame and confusion
who seek my life!
Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!
3 Let them turn back because of their shame
who say, “Aha, Aha!” [v.2,3]
As he addressed God as “Yahweh”, God will be true to His covenant no matter how he felt. The psalmist to look unto God and hope, saying,
“4 May all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!”
His groanings are transformed into gladness! Prayers may not change the outside circumstances. But surely, it will change our hearts. God may seem silent and distant. But, He is great!
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God’s Word for Today
27 Sep 2023
Text: Psa 69:1-36
-Psa 69:1-12 ESV
SAVE ME O GOD
Many sections are quoted in the New Testament, such as, . v. 4 with John 15:25; v. 9 with John 2:17, Rom 15:3; v. 21 with Mat 27:34, Mat 27:38; v. 22-23 with Rom 11:9-10; v. 24 with Rev 16:1; v. 25 with Acts 1:20; and v. 28 with Rev 20:15. David was using some circumstances in his own life to describe or make allusions about Him.
As a person sinking in a mire and drowning in swirling floodwaters, the psalmist David feels he is being overwhelmed by his sufferings. He was weary for no help is near no matter how he cried(1-3). His countless enemies attacked him for no apparent cause (4). He knows he is not sinless, but he also knows that he has tried to live uprightly before God.
He does not want his enemies to triumph over him for the reason that other believers may become discouraged and God;s name dishonored (5-6). Clearly, his suffering is for God’s sake. Sadly, he is an outcast even among his own family (7-8). They capitalize on his acts of devotion as an excuse to mock him and insult God (9-12).
“For zeal for your house has consumed me,
and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
10 When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting,
it became my reproach.
11 When I made sackcloth my clothing,
I became a byword to them.
12 I am the talk of those who sit in the gate,
and the drunkards make songs about me.” [v.9-12]
However, the psalmist turns to focus on God’s steadfast love. His sufferings may not be diminished, yet he trusts God will rescue him from all of them (13-18). He turns to God to express his despair for friends deserting him. No one pities him. They increase his torture by the poisoned food and bitter drink they give him (19-21). The psalmist prays that his persecutors themselves will taste something of the tortures that they are doing, like, the poisoned food, the dark hiding places, the weakness the fear, the loneliness (22-25). As they have heaped sorrow on the godly, may God heap his punishment on them (26-28).
Although in pain and despair, the psalmist still hopes in God, believing that God will hear him. He promises that he worships God with a sincere and genuine heart, far more than the mere sacrifice of animals (29-31). Surely, his deliverance would encourage the others oppressed also to put their whole trust in God (32-33). And if God can save the individual, he can also save the nation and make it a fitting dwelling place for the righteous (34-36).
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Text: Psa 68:1-35
GOD SHALL ARISE
Most commentators believe this psalm is about the coming of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (see 2 Samuel 6). It was a celebration not only for that event but also for God’s faithfulness to give Israel victory over her enemies, making Jerusalem secure enough to bring the ark into the city.
Thus, the psalmist began by imploring God to scatter the enemies as a smoke and wax melting.[v.1-2] In contrast, the righteous should rejoice,
“ But the righteous shall be glad;
they shall exult before God;
they shall be jubilant with joy!”[v.3]
There is a call to celebrate the compassion of God. His greatness isn’t only in His military triumphs but in His compassion for the weak, needy, and vulnerable like the widows and orphans. See v.4-6. He went out before His people through the wilderness, such as providing abundant rain. They also experienced the protection of God in the wilderness, even prospering them, pictured poetically by a dove with wings covered with silver and gold. [v.7-14]
The presence of God in Zion is the key of blessing. God chose Zion not the towering Bashan to mark His presence.
O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan;
O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan!
16 Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain,
at the mount that God desired for his abode,
yes, where the LORD will dwell forever?
17 The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,
thousands upon thousands;
the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.
18 You ascended on high,
leading a host of captives in your train
and receiving gifts among men.
even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. [v.15-18]
What did God do after the battle was over? God dealt with His enemies (led captivity captive) and He received gifts of tribute and submission from them. This was an even greater confirmation of God’s ownership of the land (that the LORD God might dwell there).
Moreover, in v.19-23, the psalmist for His rescue in battle and victory over the enemy. God daily has given benefits to His people apparently. Yet this verse [v.19] could accurately be translated as, Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden (RSV).
There is a triumphant procession of the ark.[v.24-27] After the great triumph over their enemies, David and Israel could bring the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). This was not David’s parade, was it? However, he acknowledged, “Your procession, O God.” Honor is unto God alone.
David was confident that in the end, God and His covenant people would survive and thrive despite their enemies among the nations. In the end, others would come in to pay tribute to the temple in Israel, not the other way around.[v.28-31]
Knowing the ultimate victory of God, David invited the nations to worship Him now. It was far better for them to do it now, out of a willing, surrendered heart than to do it later as conquered enemies of God.
All the kingdoms of the earth should praise the God of Israel.
O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
sing praises to the Lord, Selah
33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
and whose power is in the skies.
35 Awesome is God from his sanctuary;
the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God! [v.32-35]
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Text: Psalm 67:1-7 (ESV)
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
6 The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us;
let all the ends of the earth fear him!
LET THE PEOPLES PRAISE YOU, O GOD
The key expressions stated in v.1, such as, ‘be gracious’, ‘bless’, and ‘make his face to shine upon us’ are to signify both physical and spiritual provision regardless of external circumstances. And, God’s covenant faithfulness in His redemption is intended that ‘His way may be known on the earth.’ In addition, His saving works among all nations be known in fulfillment to God’s promise to Abraham., to bless the world through his seed, the Messiah. [see Gen 22:18]
As a result of the Lord’s salvation being known on the earth, the peoples of the earth will praise God, As the psalmist articulated,
“3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy.”[v.3,4a]
Our goal is to magnify God by making others glad when they will know the Lord. The completion of this may happen when Christ reigns physically here on earth ‘judging’ the peoples with equity[uprightness] and ‘guide’ the nations as the shepherd.
In v.6 and 7, the psalmist affirmed the material blessings., in the sense that ‘the earth has yielded its increase.’ This is corroborated by Psa 85:12, that is,
“Yes, the Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.”
His provision and protection are two inseparable blessings. God sees to it that His own will never cease from being His people, reiterating His unconditional promise to Abraham. [Jer 31:37; Gen 12:2,3] In Psa 105:8-10, the psalmist assures by saying,
“He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
8 He remembers his covenant forever,
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
9 the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute.”
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Text: Psalm 66:1-20
1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
2 sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!
3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
4 All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah
5 Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
6 He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him,
7 who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations—let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8 Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard,
9 who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip.
10 For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.
11 You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
12 you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.
13 I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you,
14 that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals, with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
17 I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue.
18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
19 But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!
-Psa 66:1-20 ESV
HOW AWESOME ARE YOUR DEEDS!
There’s a call for every human being to sing praise unto God. The psalmist writes,
Shout for joy to God, all the earth; 2 sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. 4 All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah
The reason? The salvific deeds of God. His work of redemption is recognized by everyone. Turning the bottom of the Red Sea into a dry land is always awe-inspiring, is it not? One day all the earth will worship God. [see Phil 2:9-11]
Moreover, the psalmist thanked God for His purifying work. He says,
“8 Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, 9 who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip. 10 For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. 11 You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; 12 you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.[v.8-12]
God will test His people not to destroy but to develop our faith.[v.9,10] What seemed to be oppressive[v11] turned into an experience of abuundance[v.12]. Divine correction is an endearment of a father to his kids.[Heb 12:4-13, Prov 3:11-1]. Later, James pointed out a similar truth that trials are for our own good.[Jas 1:2-4]
For all these blessings, the psalmist resolves to worship God, by saying,
“13 I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you, 14 that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble. 15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals, with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah[v.13-15]
It's important really to ascertain why we do what we do. Because of God’s salvation, we will sacrifice unto God freely from our hearts.
He further resolved to encouraged others to continue their ‘fear of God’. He exhorted,
Text: Psalm 65:1-13
1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed.
2 O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.
3 When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions.
4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas;
6 the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might;
7 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples,
8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.
9 You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it.
10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.
11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy,
13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.
-Psa 65:1-13 ESV
GOD IS GOOD
This is a song of David set in Zion, where God's presence is [see v.1] He expressed God’s goodness in three ways God blesses mankind. Firstly, it’s God’s forgiveness. David says,
“Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. 2 O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come.
3 When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. 4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!”[v.1-4]
In verse 2, it's not that ‘all flesh’ is automatically forgiven. But, all flesh are given the opportunity to be forgiven. Whether Jew or Gentile, anybody is offered forgiveness [Gen 6:19,Isa 49:26,Jer 32:27,Joel 2:28] Forgiveness is from God’s own initiative not by the striving of man.[Eph 2:8,9]
Secondly, God shows His goodness by His righteous deeds. David writes,
“5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; 6 the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might; 7 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, 8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.”[v.5-8]
This alluded to the great miracle God did at the Red Sea. Psa 106:22 has the same account, that is, “..wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.”
Third and last, God’s goodness is demonstrated by His providence. David expressed how God has provided man his needs by saying,
“9 You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. 11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. 12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, 13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.”[v.9-13]
God blesses the earth with rain and sunshine for all mankind to enjoy and thrive. [Matt 5:45] Theologians call this the common grace of God. Like Naomi who experiences losses, we may be encouraged to know that ‘the Lord had visited his people and given them food.’[Ruth 1:6].
Text: Psalm 64:1-10 (ESV)
1 Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;
preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
from the throng of evildoers,
3 who whet their tongues like swords,
who aim bitter words like arrows,
4 shooting from ambush at the blameless,
shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
5 They hold fast to their evil purpose;
they talk of laying snares secretly,
thinking, “Who can see them?”
6 They search out injustice,
saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.”
For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.
7 But God shoots his arrow at them;
they are wounded suddenly.
8 They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them;
all who see them will wag their heads.
9 Then all mankind fears;
they tell what God has brought about
and ponder what he has done.
10 Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD
and take refuge in him!
Let all the upright in heart exult!
LET THE RIGHTEOUS ONE REJOICE IN THE LORD
David files his complaint before the Lord.[v.1] Why? The enemies are relentless in destroying his life. He describes the ruthless deeds of his enemies by saying,
“Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
from the throng of evildoers,
3 who whet their tongues like swords,
who aim bitter words like arrows,
4 shooting from ambush at the blameless,
shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
5 They hold fast to their evil purpose;
they talk of laying snares secretly,
thinking, “Who can see them?”
6 They search out injustice,
saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.””[v.2-6]
As hunters set an ambush and pursued their prey, they whet and fire their darts at him. David marveled the depths of their intentions by saying,
“For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.”[v.6b]
However, God knows and is on top of every situation. As David says,
“7 But God shoots his arrow at them;
they are wounded suddenly.
8 They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them;
all who see them will wag their heads.
9 Then all mankind fears;
they tell what God has brought about
and ponder what he has done.”[v.7-9]
Nothing is hidden before God. [Heb 4:13, Psa 139]
Since God is our refuge, we can be secured and rejoice in Him, despite the dangers the enemies are doing.
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Text: Psalm 63:1-11 (ESV)
1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6 when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life
shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword;
they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God;
all who swear by him shall exult,
for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
YOUR STEADFAST LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
The background of this psalm is the time when David was in the wilderness of Judah, either when he was a fugitive from Saul or from his son Absalom.
He claimed that ‘God, you are my God.’ It’s one thing to know about God and another thing to know God personally. This relationship involves the ‘hungering and thirsting’ of our soul. Where there is life there is a physiological need of food and water, is it not? Thus, he expressed,
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”[v.1]
Although he was removed from the presence of God at the temple, he was filled with optimism, to say,
“So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.”[v.2,3]
God’s steadfast love has guaranteed him complete joy and satisfaction in the next life It is better than anything in this life. In his circumstances, his resolve is to be satisfied by God alone. He says,
“So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.”
In his circumstances, his hope makes his soul be ‘satisfied with marrow and fatness.’[v.5] God has been David’s focus the whole time in his wakeful hours, to say,
“when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.[v.6-8]
The whole time he was awake, he’d been ‘meditating’ upon God. He was always in the ‘shadow of God’s wings ’ so that he felt secure. He felt so intimately close to God through his statement, “my soul clings unto you’, an expression of intimacy between husband and wife.[Gen 2:24]
Since “God’s right hand upholds him”, David’s enemies won’t succeed. He ended this psalm with such confidence to say,
“But those who seek to destroy my life
shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword;
they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God;
all who swear by him shall exult,
for the mouths of liars will be stopped.”[v.9-11]
In a prophetic sense, there is a mention of this king coming from Judah who would rule the nations.[Gen 4:8-12; Num 24:7,17]
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God’s Word for Today
19 Sep 2023
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will all of you attack a man
to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse. Selah
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.
-Psa 62:1-12 ESV
FOR GOD ALONE MY SOUL WAITS IN SILENCE
It’s one thing to wait. It’s another thing to wait in silence.[v.1,5] It’s a surrendered silence. Amidst the temptation to trust in other things, God alone is his salvation, his glory, his rock, his strength, fortress, and his refuge. The description is of a man completely focused upon God for His help, firmly resolved to look nowhere else. Isaiah testified that “in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”[Isa 30:15]
He expressed this twice in this psalm, namely in verses 1 and 5.
He rebuked his enemies, saying,
“3 How long will all of you attack a man
to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse. Selah’[v.3-4]
They only think through a matter if it involves bringing down a man of God. But they’re like a leaning wall, a tottering fence. They won’t succeed.
David’s description of those who trust others and not God alone is futility,
“9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.”[v.9-10]
That only God is his legitimate help and nothing else. Thus he said,
“Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.”[v.11-12]
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God’s Word for Today
18 Sep 2023
Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
8 So will I ever sing praises to your name,
as I perform my vows day after day.
-Psa 61:1-8 ESV
THE ROCK HIGHER THAN I
Definitely, this psalm is marked with deep earnestness.[v.1] His image of being ‘from the end of the earth’ and ‘faint’ signify his feeling of vulnerability and desperation. Literally, his ‘’heart is overwhelmed.’ Most scholars believe this psalm was written while David was escaping for his life from his son Absalom (2 Sam 15:13-37). Absalom killed his brother Amnon for raping their sister Tamar (2 Sam 13:1-33). His feeling of being distant and having a family falling apart could be devastating to him.
Yet, in his great desperation, he hung on to pray,
“Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.”[v.2,3]
It’s not for protection alone but for intimate fellowship. Hence he pleads,
“Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!”[v.4]
In Psa 27:4, David says,
“One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.”
For a relationship with God tested with time, he confidently says,
“For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.”[v.5]
God has already heard him. His prayer is based on God’s continual faithfulness. The present situation won’t affect and change the faithfulness of God. He is assured that his security is in the Lord. His prayer of preservation is an appeal to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. He says
“Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!”[v.6,7]
Clearly, this is prophetic alluding to Jesus, the eternal king whose throne endures forever. Those who trust Him should not doubt His unchanging love. [Rom 8:38,39]
David, though overwhelmed and desperate has ended this psalm with the hope of abounding joy. A perpetual time of singing and worship unto God.[see v.8] Similarly, we should hope that God would turn around our setbacks to a time of spiritual worship.
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Text: Psalm 60:1-12
1 O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us.
2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters.
3 You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.
4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah
5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!
6 God has spoken in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.
8 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.
11 Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!
12 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.
-Psa 60:1-12 ESV
FOR YOU, O GOD, ARE MY FORTRESS
The background of this psalm is based on the account in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18. While David was at war with the Ammonites and Arameans to the north, the Edomites had a surprise attack from the south. Hence, the tone of this psalm is a desperate prayer for God to help them in order to survive the onslaught. It ends with a confident declaration that the Lord will provide victory (v.12). In a decisive move, David sent both Abishai and Joab (1 Chron 11:6; 18:12) to counter the Edomites, resulting in a great victory. The encounter happened south of the Dead Sea, in a place called the Valley of Salt.
He recognizes that God allowed this setback and only God could turn this in their favor. It is the Lord who has "rejected," "broken," and "been angry" at them so it is the Lord he implores for "restoration." See also v.10, which says “Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.”
How did David describe the onslaught? As earthquakes split lands, so the Edomites’ invasion had divided their ranks.[v.2] As one intoxicated, the forces of Israel staggered in confusion, weakness, and chaos (Isa 19:14; Job 12:25).
However, God has given them a rallying point in which they are safe by a banner. Banners are large flag-like objects often used to issue signals on a battlefield (Isa 5:26) David credited God as being in control over these events. David says,
“4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!”[v.4,5]
Let us recall that during their war with the Amalekites, God gave Israel the victory. And Moses built an altar and called it, "The Lᴏʀᴅ is My Banner" (Ex 17:15).
God always assures His ownership to His own. David writes,
“6 God has spoken in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.”[v.6,7]
Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah were areas associated with a rich Israel's history and her tribes.
Conversely, God does humiliate Israel’s enemies. As David writes,
“8 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”[v.8]
A washbasin was used in cleaning. This implies Moab’s dirty, humble role, and not a position of honor. Moreover, it describes unimportance, control, and subjugation. On the other hand, throwing a shoe could represent intense insult or taking possession in a hostile way. The Lord's purpose for Edom was harsh judgment.
David asked how God would help them?
9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.”[v.9.10]
Text: Psalm 59:1-17
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me;
2 deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men.
3 For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD,
4 for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see!
5 You, LORD God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah
6 Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.
7 There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips—for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?”
8 But you, O LORD, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision.
9 O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress.
10 My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.
11 Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by your power and bring them down, O Lord, our shield!
12 For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter,
13 consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah
14 Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.
15 They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill.
16 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.
-Psa 59:1-17 ESV
FOR YOU, O GOD, ARE MY FORTRESS
This psalm has alluded to David’s experience when he escaped from Saul’s plot to kill him. Saul sent men to watch the house in which David lived with his first wife Michal in order to murder him. This story is found in 1 Sam 19:11-17. Saul was angry that he had been rejected by God and was jealous of David (1 Sam 15:11; 19:9–10). Though David had done nothing wrong, Saul was determined to have him killed (1 Sam 20:30–33). Years later, the Pharisees and Jewish leaders sought to kill Jesus for no evil He had done[Mat 27:23, Luke 23:2]. Jesus was as an innocent lamb [1 Pet 1:19;2:22]
Hence, David pleaded with God for protection.[v.1] He recognized the conspiracy against him (v.2–3). He referred to his enemies as "evil," "bloodthirsty," and "fierce." David will repeatedly depict them as a pack of savage wild dogs (v.6, 14–15).
He prayed with "imprecatory" statements”. That is, he was wishing harm, calamity, or judgment on someone. It was an appeal for the Lord to express His wrath against evil (Psa 5; 58; 137). A key point of these prayers is that they are not plans to enact revenge or excuses for reprisal. Instead, they appeal to God for His divine intervention.
The enemies are "howling" and "bellowing." Their words are as dangerous and violent as sharp weapons (Psa 58:1–6] Corrupt words hurt.[Eph 4:29,31] But, "He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. God will…terrify them in his fury…shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (Psa 2:4–9).
At the middle of this psalm, David shifts gear by focusing unto the Lord not to his enemies,
“O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. 10 My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. [v9-10]
He look unto God who would give him victory. Simlarly, the apostle Paul writes, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession" (2 Cor 2:14). That, "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us."[Rom 8:37]
God’s Word for Today
12 Sep 2023
-Psa 56:1-13 ESV
IN GOD I TRUST; I SHALL NOT BE AFRAID
This psalm corresponds to David's experience when he fled to the Philistine city of Gath (1 Sam 21:10–15). It was his desperate move away from the murderous jealousy of Saul (1 Sam 19:1–2; 22:17–19). He calculated that he would be safer in Philistine territory, where they would see him as a supposed rebel against Saul, than to hide in Israel. When David was recognized, David pretended to be insane so the Philistine king would free him alone and unharmed.
He felt he was ’trampled all day long.’[v.2] Even in v 5 and 6, David described their threats,
“All day long they injure my cause;
all their thoughts are against me for evil.
They stir up strife, they lurk;
they watch my steps,
as they have waited for my life.
On all sides were David’s enemies, like a pack of predators trying to take him down. He also describes their acts using a Hebrew word that is often translated as "arrogant" or "pridefully."
But David to resolve to trust God,
3 When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?[v.3,4]
David did not claim to be immune from fear. Let us recall. He was literally shaking in fear (see Psalm 55:5). He resolved not to lose faith on account of anxiety (see Psalm 3:6; 27:3), often speaking as if he is reminding himself of God's protection (see Psalm 27:1; 56:4). Rather than falling apart due to fear, David resolved to rely on the Lord (seePsalm 11:1). Fear can either drive a person away from God or to God.
God knows everything as David declares,
“For their crime will they escape?
In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!
8 You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?
9 Then my enemies will turn back
in the day when I call.
This I know, that God is for me.[v7-9]
David rehearsed his strong conviction, saying,
“In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
12 I must perform my vows to you, O God;
I will render thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered my soul from death,
yes, my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.[v.10-13]
God was working for him, not against him. As the apostle Paul assures believers in Romans 8:31 "if God is for us, who can be against us?" His words will never fail.[v.10] Because of God’s deliverance, David looked forward to offering praise.[v.12,13] See also Psa 50:14-15.
Despite the threats, he is ‘walking before God in the light of life ’ And surely, he won’t stumble.
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God’s Word for Today
11 Sep 2023
-Psa 55:1-23 ESV
CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD
David’s situation was so severe so that he expressed in v.1,2 repetitively his desire for God to resolve it by such phrases; give ear, do not hide, give heed and answer me. He narrated his emotional and psychological torment. He was ‘restless.’[v.3], that is, he was "thrown off," or "was not himself." Various translations use words such as "distracted" or "overwhelmed." He was in ‘anguish’[v.4], overwhelmed with fear[v.5] However, he is desperate to escape as a dove, in order to obtain "rest" by being far from all trouble (v.7). While David sought to fly from danger, in the form of a dove, the prophet Jonah tried to flee from God's direct command. And, interestingly, Jonah's name means "dove." (Jonah 1:2; 4:1–3).
He describes his situation as a violent thunderstorm.[v.8] He was not immune from fear. Our natural tendency in times n such dreadful times is to run from trouble, to get as far from it as much as possible, is it not?
In v. 9-11, David pleaded with the Lord to intervene. David laments the "ruin, oppression, and fraud" plaguing the city of Jerusalem. This happened during the rebellion of Absalom, aided by Ahithopel (2 Sam 15:13–14). They filled Jerusalem with evil and dissension. The "violence and strife" were likely part of turning the hearts of the people away from their king (2 Sam 15:4–6). When David heard this, he prayed that God would reduce the effectiveness of Ahithophel's advice (2 Sam 15:31).
In v.12-14, he alleged that he was betrayed by a close and trusted friend, which made it more painful. He said,
“For it is not an enemy who taunts me—
then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—
then I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man, my equal,
my companion, my familiar friend.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together;
within God's house we walked in the throng.”[v.12-14]
20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends;
he violated his covenant.
21 His speech was smooth as butter,
yet war was in his heart;
his words were softer than oil,
yet they were drawn swords.[v.20-21]
Likely, this refers to Ahithophel, a former advisor who turned to support David's rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:31). Although David had many enemies, men in the likes of Ahithophel caused him especially great pain.
This foreshadows Judas's betrayal of Jesus. Judas had been Jesus' disciple for longer than three years. Yet, he delivered Jesus into the hands of those who arrested Him. But, Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray Him (John 13:21–30).
We should not expect so much on people. We should be realistic. People change but God does not. They could have a form but not the true substance of being true. The apostle John writes about traitors to the cause of Christ. He says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us" (1 John 2:19).
David prays for divine retribution.[v.15] He not only prayed that God would defeat his enemies, but that they would be taken directly to the land of death. In his confidence that God will save or redeem him[v.16,18]. He prayed ‘evening, morning and noon’ to utter his complaint [v.17]. The reason for his confidence? They do not change and do not fear God.[v19] His justification for seeking such dire consequences is the absolute evil that his foes exemplify.
As a teaching psalm [maskil], David urged us to,
“Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.”[v.22]
And, he expects god would judge his enemies,
“But you, O God, will cast them down
into the pit of destruction;
men of blood and treachery
shall not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.”[v.23]
Text: Psalm 54:1-7
1 O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.
2 O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.
3 For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah
4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
5 He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.
6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
-Psa 54:1-7 ESV
BEHOLD, GOD IS MY HELPER
Prayer is our most vital resource, isn’t it? Here, David pleaded for rescue (v.1). When he was hiding from the evil king, Saul, David was betrayed by local people in the region of Ziph (1 Sam 23:19–20). This forced David to vacate, looking for a new hideaway to rest (1 Sam 23:24–25). The "strangers" mentioned in verse 3 are the people who betrayed David to his enemies, and the forces of Saul are the "ruthless men" who want to kill him. Interestingly, the Ziphites and David were all from the tribe of Judah. Clearly, the Ziphites turned against David and disregarded the God of Israel. They told Saul about David’s whereabouts twice [ 1 Sam 23:26-28 & 1 Sam 26:21]
The apostle Paul commands us to put on the whole armor of God in their battle against the Devil. The Devil is scheming against us and is rallying the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph6:10-12). In addition to putting on the whole armor of God, we ought to pray "at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication" (Eph 6:18).
But, David expresses confidence in the Lord, declaring’
“Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. 5 He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.”[v.4-5]
Confidence in God led David to a sense of calm assurance. Likewise, in Romans 8:31 Paul asks rhetorically, "What then shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" As a show of his confidence, David sets aside the burden of revenge. David believes those who seek to kill him we be repaid by God. When we trust God we won’t be manipulative. There were at least two occasions David had an opportunity to kill Saul, but refused to attack God's anointed king of Israel (1 Sam 24:4–8; 26:8–17).
Undoubtedly, his confidence in God was so strong that he entrusted all justice and retribution to the Lord's care. Many believe also that David wrote Psalm 118, wherein he testifies, "The Lᴏʀᴅ is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those that hate me" (Psa 118:7). Consequently, he expressed his praise,
“With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good. 7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.”[v.6,7]
A "freewill offering" is not required. It is voluntary and would express David's gratitude for the Lord's goodness. Likewise, we should gladly present ourselves to the Lord out of gratitude for His kindnesses, should we not? Paul writes, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."[Rom 12:1]
It is just amazing that a moment of crisis was transformed into a time of praise and worship.
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Text: Psalm 53:1-6
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
4 Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?
5 There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
-Psa 53:1-6 ESV
DON’T BE A FOOL
Aware or not, we are either a fool or wise before God. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”[v.1] It does not necessarily mean a person is unintelligent, does it? Rather, it implies that his particular choice is irrational, unwise, or ridiculous. He may be like the smart and capable farmer in Jesus’ parable. But, God called him a fool because he valued material possessions instead of God. God said to him: "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" (Luke 12:20).
His rejection of God leads him to do corrupt and abominable acts. Since he doesn’t believe that God exists, he does not care about God's laws. Thus, he leads a lawless life. He is free to define what is right and wrong according to his own standard. In a sense, he is acting like God.
Yet , ‘God looks down from heaven’. He is seeking who is seeking Him but He found none.
2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. 3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.[v.2-3]
God is not literally seeking information for He already knows. Hebrews 4:13 declares: "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." After Adam sinned, God was seeking Adam not because He did not find him but for Adam to find God.
Adam’s fall has plunged the world into foolishness. As Paul said, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”[Rom 5:12] A sad reality that all of us are sinners before God.[Rom 3:23] Furthermore, Paul alluded to this psalm by saying,
‘as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.’[Rom 3:10,11]
Over the years, sin had snowballed to point that the human race was completely corrupt. In the days before the flood, "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen 6:5). What about today?
David seems so shocked to ask?
Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?[v.4]
They are so blind to their own evil that they do not "call on" God. There is a hardening effect of sin. A distorted morality is the result. People are calling what is evil as good, and good as evil.
Those who do not fear God but experience great terror when God judges them. Prophetically, this terror might also be aimed at the armies that follow the Devil at the end of the millennium. They, too, will lay siege to Jerusalem, but they will experience terror when God judges them by raining fire upon them (Rev 20:7–9). The imagery to the dead bodies scattered by God indicates the dreadful disgrace that He will inflict on the wicked.
In contrast, David turns to God in hope saying,
“Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.”[v.6]
Please read our text:
Psalm 52:1-9 (ESV)
THE STEADFAST LOVE OF GOD ENDURES ALL THE DAY.
This psalm is about Doeg. He was the Edomite who informed David's enemy Saul about David's encounter with the priest Ahimelech (1 Sam 22:9–10). He then slaughtered those priests and countless innocents at Saul's command (1 Sam 22:17–19). For this, David sarcastically calls him a "mighty man" and condemns him for arrogance (v.1).
What was his motive? Perhaps for self-promotion. Rather than being honest or declaring Saul’s order as evil, he chose to do it arrogantly and unconscionably. Thus David accused him, saying,
“Your tongue plots destruction,
like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.
3 You love evil more than good,
and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah
4 You love all words that devour,
O deceitful tongue.[v.2-4]
Jesus has warned His disciples about evil men who would oppress them. He said, "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake" (Matt 24:9). Like the devil, He accused the scribes and Pharisees as liars. He told them: "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).
The apostle Paul warned the churches of Galatia about deceitful men like Doeg. They flattered the Galatian believers to win them to their side, away from the truth. He asks in Galatians 3:1, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?" He accuses the false teachers, in Galatians 4:17, of making much of the Galatians, "but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them."
For Doeg’s atrocities, David confidently says God’s judgment is upon him. He said,
“But God will break you down forever;
he will snatch and tear you from your tent;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.”[v.5]
This happened to Noah’s mockers[Gen 6:5-13], King Herod who defied God.[Acts 12:1-4]. Jesus will return and avenge for His own children.[1 Thess 1:7-10]
A principle in Galatians 6:7 promises that "God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Doeg would pay the price. But, not all retribution will happen in our lifetime. But God surely will judge the wicked. David says,
“7 “See the man who would not make
God his refuge,
but trusted in the abundance of his riches
and sought refuge in his own destruction!”[v.7]
In contrast, David testifies for God’s prosperity and blessing, saying,
“But I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
forever and ever.
9 I will thank you forever,
because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,
in the presence of the godly.” [v.8,9]
As olive trees are renowned for their long lives and continual productivity, so is David. The prophet Jeremiah declares "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lᴏʀᴅ, whose trust is in the Lᴏʀᴅ. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." [Jer 17:7–8]
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Please read our text:
Psalm 51:1-19 (ESV)
CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD
David argues that a truly blessed person is one who is forgiven. [Psa 32:1-2] David sinned by killing Uriah and having an affair with Bathsheba. He was hiding it for almost two years. Eventually, he was confronted by Nathan, the prophet. He became broken and contrite in heart as expressed by his confession.
What motivated David to confess and repent of his sins? The abundant mercy because of the steadfast love of God.[chesed]. See v.1,2. There is no other ground to ask for God’s cleansing apart from God’s mercy. Sinners like us don’t deserve His forgiveness, do we?
How did David recognize his sinfulness and its effect upon him? David made neither excuses nor blame others for his sins. He did not perceive of sin as merely a mistake. He confessed that his sins stick as stubborn dirt[v.2,7], his sinful nature and bents, even having been conceived in sin.[v.3,5], his accountability to God alone.[v.4], untruthful[v.6], sorrow and pain.[v.8], shame and embarassment[v.9], uncleanness[v.10] and having been separated from God because the Spirit left him.[v.12] and severely guilty [v.14]
Confession is agreeing with God. There is a humble recognition of it according to God’s judgments. True confession will result in significant transformations. As David expresses his desire to teach others. He said,
“Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.”[v.13]
Moreover, there is a new desire to sing and worship God with the right heart.
“14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.[v.14-15]
He now understood true worship should be coming from the heart. It’s not on the outside through sacrifices but in the right motive and posture of the heart. Thus he said,
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19 then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.[v.16-19]
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God’s Word for Today
5 Sep 2023
-Psa 50:1-23 ESV
GOD HIMSELF IS JUDGE!
The setting is in the court of God, where God judges His people. Asaph, the author, presented the judge with His credentials. The use of three separate terms [ Mighty One, God, Lord] which identify God has emphasized the power and sovereignty of God. He’s the creator and sustainer of the earth as one who ‘summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.”[v.1]. He’s manifested His presence in Zion, where the temple is. [v.2] He comes accompanied by a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest is reminiscent of God’s manifestations at Mt Sinai when He gave the law to Moses. He’s the Awesome God and He has the right to summon everybody to stand before Him. As Asaph says,
“ He calls to the heavens above
and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness,
for God himself is judge!”[v.4-6]
There are three kinds of people before God; the righteous, moralists and wicked. Firstly, he addressed those who belong to His covenant people, saying,
“ 7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house
or goats from your folds.[v.7-9]
They were commended for their faithful or continual sacrifices [v.7] But the Lord couldn’t accept them.[v.8] They offer these animals continually thinking God is like a hungry and needful being, who depends upon them. Thus God says to them,
10 For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and its fullness are mine.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?[v.10-13]
By saying that these goats are coming from their folds signifies their claim that they own these. [v.8] They are arrogant to forget that God owns every animal, including their offerings. Perhaps, the routine of offering had numbed their hearts. What they do with their hands is not reflected in their hearts. Familiarity with God’s blessing may cause the loss of our wonder towards God. Form becomes more important than the substance.
But, God did not rebuke them without offering His grace. Thus He says,
“14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”[v.14,15]
This is the group of people that God is pleased. When their hearts are right. They serve God with the attitude of thankfulness, humility, brokenness and dependence. Then their offerings would be acceptable to God. [Psa 51:16-19]
The third group God calls them wicked.[v.16]. He rebuked them sharply, saying;
“ But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to recite my statutes
or take my covenant on your lips?
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.[v.16-21]
They knew the law but totally disregarded it[v.17], even approving sins such as immorality, slander, and evil speaking, without qualms about it.[v.18-20] In fact, he enjoys ‘God’s silence’ but he interpreted this as an approval. God’s silence doesn’t mean approval but grace. [Rom 2:4]He believes that his thinking is one like God. And thus, this ‘unconscionable’ state has insulted God.
But God’s grace is offered,
“22 “Mark this, then, you who forget God,
lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!”[v.22-23]
There is a time to repent and God will manifests His salvation to the repentant.
God’s Word for Today
4 Sep 2023
-Psa 49:1-20 ESV
WHY SHOULD I FEAR IN TIMES OF TROUBLE?
The psalmist required everyone in the world to pay attention.[v.1-2] What is to be discussed is relevant to all people, in all cultures, and at all times. His method is through a song.[v.3,4]
The cheats and frauds are on the rise. And the psalmist asks, “Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me?”[v.5] It is no sin to be wealthy, but it is immoral to use wealth to abuse others. It makes the rich arrogant[1 Tim 6:17] James warns the greedy businessmen in his time to mourn for the ruin that awaits them (Jas 5:1–6). Why? No man [who trusts in his wealth] can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life.[v.7a] It’s more than money could afford. Money could delay but not prevent death.[Heb 9:27] No man can accumulate enough riches to save his own soul, or anyone else's (Titus 3:5). In fact, money could suddenly be gone and ‘sprout with wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.’(Prov 23:4–5). Jesus even said, “For it easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:24–25). He is the poorest and has nothing else but money. Wealth has no value in eternity (Psa 73:15–20)
Death respects none.[v.10] Sadly, “their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names.”[v.11] Ultimately, those who reject God in this life will suffer in torment (Luke 16:22–31). Conversely, Christians' inheritance is assured as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Pet 1:4).
Their earthly glamour will end at death as an animal.[v.12] Ecclesiastes 3:19–20 says "For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return." Thus trusting proudly in riches is ‘foolish confidence’[v.13] like the rich fool Jesus told in Luke 12:13-21. As unsuspecting sheep, they are led unto their grave by ‘death as their shepherd’[v.14]
But, the psalmist confidently says, “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.”[v.15] Job had a similar confidence, saying, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another" (Job 19:25–27).
His redemption should provide us peace and security not to be intimidated by what the wicked does. Thus he said,
“Be not afraid when a man becomes rich,
when the glory of his house increases.
17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
his glory will not go down after him.
18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed
—and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—
19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,
who will never again see light.
20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish”[v.16-20]
In summary, God’s gift of redemption should be our source of joy and security. As Jesus reminded his disciples after they had done great things, saying, “do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”[Luke 10:20]
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Text: Psalm 48:1-14
1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain,
2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.
4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together.
5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.
6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor.
7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah
9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.
10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!
12 Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation
14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.
-Psa 48:1-14 ESV
LET MOUNT ZION BE GLAD!
Clearly, in the bible, the city of Jerusalem has been referred to as a symbol of God's power and majesty. This city of Israel's great God (Mat 5:35) was located on Mount Zion (Psa 2:6). It was David who took over Mt. Zion from the Jebusites (2 Sam 5:6–9; 2 Chron 11:4–7). However, it did not become "holy" until David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and installed it there. Thus, Mount Zion became God's holy dwelling (Psa 99:9). Is it not that only the presence of a holy God makes a place holy? Even a spot in the desert was declared holy because God chose to be present there (Ex 3:4–5).
This beautiful city in elevation may describe its location at the hill just south of old Jerusalem, and at other times it refers to the temple mount. The mention of Zion's location "in the far north" refers to the position of the temple mount within ancient Jerusalem. Many years later, Jerusalem has brought joy to all the earth. Jesus died outside the city (Heb 13:12; Mark 15:20) to pay the penalty of sin and give eternal life to all who believe in Him as their Savior (John 3:16–18).
Within her citadels, God has made himself known as a fortress.[v.3] He was their "fortress:" their protection. Indeed, "the LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." [Psa 9:9,10] Similarly, our salvation is assured. Jesus promised, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:28–29).
Those who dared to attack Jerusalem were dumbfounded, The psalmist describes,
“For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. 5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. 6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. 7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.”[v.4-7]
It's unlikely that ships would be used in any meaningful assault on Jerusalem. The term "ships of Tarshish" might be entirely symbolic. Every language has familiar metaphors for strength and power. One metaphor is the "cedars of Lebanon" in such a context (Psa 29:5; 92:12; Isa 2:13). God has subdued His enemies overwhelmingly.
Such testimonies are too glorious to ignore or deny. [v.8] The people observing the city, and thinking about these events, are realizing how special the city is. They remember the steadfast love of God., saying,
“We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.”[v.9] They did nothing to deserve God's steadfast love, did they?
Text: Psalm 47:1-9
1 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
2 For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
3 He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.
4 He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
5 God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!
8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.
9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!
-Psa 47:1-9 ESV
GOD SITS ON HIS HOLY THRONE
There is an overflow of the psalmist's joy as he requests applause and songs to worship God. Why?
2 For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
God shows it in many ways.
Firstly, He subdues peoples.[v.3] It might have been a military victory in history, such as when God foiled the armies attacking Jehoshaphat (2 Chron 20:22–26). Or, it was when Sennacherib was defeated during the era of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:35–37). Prophetically, this depicts the rule of Jesus Christ over the entire earth (Rev 5:11–14; 19:6–8). Indeed, "The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty."[Psa 93:1]
On the other hand, the psalmist pointed out that “He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves.”[v.4] This relates to God's sovereign choice to make Israel His chosen people (Deut 7:6–11). It also resonates with the gospel, which allows sinful men to be "adopted" as children of God (John 1:12; 1 Pet 1:3–4; Eph 1:5; Rom 8:16–17; Rev 21:7). We should be always awed when we think of His grace, should we not?
The shout and sound of a trumpet mentioned in verse 5 are the sounds of triumph as the Lord victoriously ascended to His throne. Simultaneously, a call of great chorus has to reverberate in the air,
“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! 8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.
And, this time God will move the ‘princes of the people’ to worship Him.
9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted![v.6-9]
Sooner or later, every knee should bow and every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord. [Phil 2:11]
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Please read: Psalm 46:1-11 (ESV)
BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD
Believers are not exempt from trials and difficulties, are we? Jesus has said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”[John 16:33] We don’t want troubles but they come. Troubles in various forms and sizes are inevitable. Either we are approaching it, experiencing it, or leaving it. But, our confidence as the psalmist is “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”[v.1] Is He to you? The concept of God being "very present" could also be phrased as "clearly proven" (Deut 4:7). Our past experiences, including history, do show that God is worthy of our trust, don’t they? (Heb 12:1). The word "trouble" literally means “confined space”, which closely resembles the expression "in a tight spot."
Because of their faith in God’s sheltering power and presence, their fears about frightening problems like natural disasters are overruled. As the psalmist resolved,
“ Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah”[v.2-3]
God remains the same. Our economy and political climates do. But, the prophet Malachi declared about God’s claim, that is, "I the LORD do not change"[Mal 3:6] And Hebrews 13:8 describes Jesus Christ as "the same yesterday and today and forever."
On the other hand, there is security and abundance. As the psalmist affirms,
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.”[v.4]
Streams and rivers are common symbols of abundance perpetually flowing. This imagery here resembles that of the river that Ezekiel 47 describes, gushing forth from the temple when Christ rules the earth during the millennium. Moreover, in Revelation 22:1–2 depicts a "river of the water of life" flowing in the New Jerusalem. Or, this refers to an abundant supply of water through Hezekiah’s underground water aqueduct despite the raging and foaming threat from the Assyrian army.
God’s presence in their midst is the key. As the psalmist says confidently’
“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah [v.5-7]
Many believed this was inspired also by the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the invasion of Assyria, wherein 185,000 Assyrians were killed by an angel (Isa 37:36, 2 Kings 19:35). Indeed, God is in the midst of Jerusalem.
In his unequivocal trust, he invites us to trust God saying,
“8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah[v.8-11]
What an amazing truth that we can be still in the midst of the storms! The phrase "be still" uses a Hebrew term which can be rendered as "relax," "let go," or "stop." It implies an act of surrender—a release of striving and hostility. That is, to "sit quietly and listen for God." This trust and submission is the key to what it means to "know that I am God." Think of a parent telling a child, "don't be afraid, keep in mind how I've kept you safe in the past always."
Please read: Psalm 45:1-17 (ESV)
YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER
The king is the most attractive. Was Jesus attractive? Isaiah 53:2 describes Him as having "no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him." However, the time of His glorification is soon to arrive. And Isaiah 33:17 says, "Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty." He girds with a sword, meaning military power. Jesus, once a meek lamb, would display His military might, majesty, and glory at His second coming (Rev 19:11) A champion of truth, meekness, and righteousness.[v.4], these virtues speak of Jesus, who John 1:17 says, "grace and truth" came.
Verses 5 and 6 connect to the role of Messiah. The writer of Hebrews notes the words of these verses to connect the throne of David's line to God's promise to send a Savior. Jesus is the “heir of all things and the Creator” (Heb 1:2), "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Heb 1:3), superior to the angels (Heb1:4), God's Son (Hebrews 1:5). He is worthy of worship (Hebrews 1:6), and He is God (Hebrews 1:8). His throne is "forever and ever" and His scepter is "the scepter of uprightness" (Heb 1:8). He would be anointed with the oil of gladness beyond His companions. This was part of Hebrew marriage proceedings and it represents joy (Isa 61:3).
As he is dressed lavishly and impressively in His ivory palace, He is anointed with pleasant perfumes. Myrrh is a pleasant-smelling resin from trees in Arabia. It was used as a perfume (Prov 7:17). Aloes were also used for their fragrance (Num 24:6; Proverbs 7:17). Cassia was another perfume derived from roots or bark which might have resembled cinnamon. Myrrh and aloe, however, were also used to prepare bodies for burial (Matthew 2:11; John 19:39). This is another point that connects this psalm to the then-future work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
He is surrounded by "ladies of honor" bridesmaids. [v.9] The queen is standing beside the bridegroom-king. She is arrayed in gold of Ophir. Ophir was probably located in western Arabia and its gold was highly valued (1 Chron 29:4; Job 28:16). She has to "forget" her people and her father's house.[v.10] This does not mean to erase them from her memory. Instead, it means to set them aside in favor of her marriage. She was about to begin a new relationship.
What was true for the king's bride is also true for the Church, Jesus' bride. Christians should renounce their former love of the world. The apostle John writes: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). As the king desires her beauty, so is the King of kings, the Lord Jesus, looks upon His bride, the Church, as beautiful. Ephesians 5:25–27 explains that Christ gave Himself for the Church to separate her from the world and bring her to Himself. In response, the bride is to honor Him with full devotion. [v.11]
The people of Tyre are bringing gifts [v.12] David received cedars and carpenters to build his place. [2 Sam 5:11] Someday, when Jesus, the Son of David and heir to his throne, resides in the New Jerusalem, the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city (Rev 21:24–26). As His redeemed, what do we present to God in return? [Rom 12:1,2]
In v.14-16, what a joy the king's bride and her bridesmaids will experience as they are escorted to the king's palace for the wedding. This anticipates the return of Jesus Christ to earth for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19:7–8 says, "'Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."
God’s Word for Today
29 Aug 2023
23 Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!
24 Why do you hide your face?
Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust;
our belly clings to the ground.
26 Rise up; come to our help!
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!
-Psa 44:23-26 ESV
WHY ARE YOU SLEEPING, O LORD?
The psalmist acknowledges that he and his people were told stories of God's miraculous works for and on behalf of Israel (v.1-3). God was the sole reason that Israel survived and was able to flourish in the Promised Land. These are reasons for their trust, as the psalmist declares in v.4-8,
Proverbs 3:5 exhorts us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Let’s remember that Christ is on the believer's side, the believer is more than a conqueror (Rom 8:37). We are fighting from victory, not for victory.
Yet, the psalmist will go on to voice frustration that Israel has recently been humiliated in battle (v.9 -16).
“But you have rejected us and disgraced us
and have not gone out with our armies.
10 You have made us turn back from the foe,
and those who hate us have gotten spoil.
11 You have made us like sheep for slaughter
and have scattered us among the nations.
12 You have sold your people for a trifle,
demanding no high price for them.
13 You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,
the derision and scorn of those around us.
14 You have made us a byword among the nations,
a laughingstock among the peoples.
15 All day long my disgrace is before me,
and shame has covered my face
16 at the sound of the taunter and reviler,
at the sight of the enemy and the avenger.”
God does not always grant earthly victory or success. The reasons for this are not always clear—after expressing faith. [v.17-22]
17 All this has come upon us,
though we have not forgotten you,
and we have not been false to your covenant.
18 Our heart has not turned back,
nor have our steps departed from your way;
19 yet you have broken us in the place of jackals
and covered us with the shadow of death
20 If we had forgotten the name of our God
or spread out our hands to a foreign god,
21 would not God discover this?
For he knows the secrets of the heart.
22 Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.
His claim suggests their defeat is not justified. Scripture presents human perspectives with brutal honesty. With experiences that seem to frustrate us (see Hab 1:2–4; Psalm 73:2–3). But we should not praise the Lord only when conditions are favorable, should we? Like Job who said should we receive only good from God and not evil? 1 Thess 5:18 instructs us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." That does not mean we thank God "for" hardship per se, but that we can always find reasons to thank God, even "in" hardship (Rom 5:3–5; 1 Peter 1:3–9, Rom 8:28). Faith sees the goodness of God more through the veneer of human experiences.
But, the psalmist in confusion asked God out of desperation [v.23-26b]. What more could he wish for? Nothing else but God’s redemption because of the steadfast love of the Lord, saying, “Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!”[ v.23-24] His steadfast love should draw us to himself. Whenever we can’t understand, we should go back to the cross where we are reminded of the unconditional love of God. Why should I complain when Jesus, who did not sin, did not complain at the cross? This should quiet our hearts.
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God’s Word for Today
28 Aug 2023
Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
deliver me!
2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?
3 Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
-Psa 43:1-5 ESV
GOD IS MY EXCEEDING JOY
Psalm 43 shares themes with Psalm 42 so that many believe they may have originally been a single work. It is an appeal for God to deliver righteous justice [vindication] in an experience of sinful oppression or persecution from "ungodly people"[perhaps, Gentiles?] probably he was exiled in Babylon or somewhere in the north[Psa 42:6]
Such hardship may have caused grief, even a suspicion that the Lord has abandoned him. The psalmist says,
“For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?[v.2]
There is a danger to focusing on our circumstances than on God’s immutable character. Though our circumstances are going from bad to worse, God remains the same.
In a sudden twist, the psalmist pleaded for God’s ‘light’ and ‘truth’ to guide him back to the ‘holy hill’, referring to the temple of God at Jerusalem. [v.3] Habakkuk 2:20 affirms that "the LORD is in his holy temple." This implies that the psalmist was groping in darkness, farther from the truth. There was a holy dissatisfaction in his life.
Today, God's Spirit guides believers by granting them understanding through God's truth, His holy Word. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things (John 14:26;1 Cor 2:6–16), and He identified God's Word as truth (John 17:17).
The psalmist anticipates a hopeful moment, looking forward to approaching the altar and praising God with music once again. For, God is his exceeding joy. Is He to you and me? Even David has expressed this joy, as he says, “
“One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.” [Psa 27:4]
There is no experience comparable to being in the presence of God. As Psa 84:10 says,
“For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”[Psa 84:10]
Nothing can quench this desire. Thus, the psalmist concluded,
“ Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.”[v.5]
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Text: Psalm 42:1-11
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.
8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
-Psa 42:1-11 ESV
HOPE IN GOD
This is the first of the second "book" of Psalms, continuing through Psalm 72. The authorship is unclear, although the author may have been a worship leader in the sanctuary (v.4). The text refers to "the Sons of Korah," likely to mean the descendants of a group spared from their family's destruction after the exodus (Num 26:9–11).
No doubt, this psalm expresses an intense desire to know God intimately. The psalmist compares his thirst for God to a deer's thirst for flowing water. [v.1,2] The Hebrew term translated as "pant" or "panting" implies an intense experience. This is not a simple thirst, but rather a desperate need for something vital, associated with pain and anguish.[v.3] To add insult to injury, his enemies are mocking him, taunting him, saying, "Where is your God?"[see v.3,10]
The Bible commends those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. In fact, Jesus said , "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Mat 5:6). Jesus is the only quencher of soul’s thirst (John 4:13–14).
He was situated in a remote place, at Mt. Mizar, the peak of Mt. Hermon. And, in his musings, he recalled his past. He was leading a procession of worshipers to the sanctuary in Jerusalem. This strongly suggests the writer was a worship leader. Perhaps the festival alluded to in this verse was the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:39–43). As the multitude moved along, they shouted with joy and sang praises. Such a joyous experience is gone, haunting him. Are you in a place where there is no Christian fellowship? Do you miss the gathering of God’s people? [Heb 10:24-25]
However, the psalmist refused to let depression to win. He told his soul to hope in God. He resolved,
“ Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.”[ v.5-6 & 11]
His grief is like floods cascading over his head. Nevertheless, he refers to those floods as the Lord's "breakers and waves." As he describes,
“Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.”[v.7]
This would imply a constant barrage: an unending chain of these overwhelming feelings and experiences. The depths of the psalmist's desire for God call out for an intense response from the Lord as Jonah was in the belly of the fish.[Jonah 2:3] When trials sweep over a believer, he can take courage, knowing that the Lord has a purpose in allowing those trials.
Text: Psalm 41:1-13
1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;
2 the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
3 The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.
4 As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”
5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?”
6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.
8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.”
9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
10 But you, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!
11 By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.
13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.
-Psa 41:1-13 ESV
O LORD, BE GRACIOUS TO ME
The compassionate in heart towards the underprivileged may lead to God’s protection. As David says,
“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; 2 the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.”
As a note, this doesn’t mean the godly and generous are immune to troubles.[Psa 73:2, Hab 1:2-4] However, those who honor God may invite fewer risks than the wicked in their lives.
Though David was good to the needy, he did not make it a leverage to earn God’s favor. Good deeds couldn’t compensate for our sins. He acknowledged his sins and failings. For it could be dealt with only by humble confession and repentance, saying,
“As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”[v.4]
Healing comes not from concealing our sins before God [Prov 28:13] Cherishing sin in our hearts builds a wall between us and God.[Psa 66:18, Isa 59:2] The one and only key to dealing with our sin is God’s forgiveness through humble confession.[1 John 1:9]
Sadly, as most often the case be, David’s enemies have been gloating over his sins. He describes,
“5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?” 6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. 8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.”[v.5-8]
Their wishes for his downfall and death reveal the evil in their hearts . Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”[Matt 15:19]
Adding more insult to his injury is his close friends betraying him. He said,
“9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”[v.9]
Eating together is a sign of close friendship. Perhaps, this referred to Ahithopel’s betrayal of David who sided with his rebellious son Absalom. This statement Jesus quoted when Judas betrayed him, whom he considered a friend.
Despite all of these, David hopes for the graciousness of God. As Psa 103:8-12 says,
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
Let us please read the text taken from
Psalm 40:1-17 (ESV)
YOU ARE MY HELP AND MY DELIVERER
David has waited patiently for the Lord to answer his urgent prayer. And as God’s response in a poetic image, God is "leaning forward" to hear David, the way a person might do for a child who speaks quietly. The Lord heard David's urgent prayer.[v.1] David was like one having been abandoned in a dark pit in the ground filled with water, mud, and slime.[v.2] That is why he sings a new song before God for having been rescued by God.[v.3]
His trust in God has brought him great happiness. God has multiplied His deeds toward him[done so much] that they are more than can be told. Most likely, David had learned this in the wilderness to rely on the Lord for safety, and he was not disappointed.
How he might show his gratitude for all the wondrous things God had done for him? (v.1–5). He knew that God accepted and even commanded certain physical sacrifices. However, David knew for certain that God looks at the worshiper's heart and not simply at his sacrifices and offerings. David’s delight is obedience of His will. He said, “I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”[v.8] The scrolls often refer to God's written Word as the source of wisdom and truth (Psa 12:6; 40:8). The book of Hebrews cites this verse as part of an explanation of Jesus' role as Savior (Heb 10:5–7). In his joy, he testified and proclaimed God’s goodness in the great congregation with much fervor.[v.9-10]
Furthermore, David believes the Lord's unfailing love and faithfulness will not wane but would keep him safe always. His mercy is what we need every day. Otherwise, we would be consumed! [Lam 3;22-23] Humbly, David claims he is so distressed by his own mistakes that he cannot see clearly. They are too many to count. They are more than the hairs on his head.
His life is at the mercy of God so he pleaded for God to deliver him quickly. Even from his enemies who seek his downfall. Those who are against David celebrate his troubles and failures as emphasized by their ‘Aha’. But, David committed his desperate situation to the Lord. Like David, instead of taking matters into our own hands, we are instructed to leave them in God's hands. More than desiring the defeat and disgrace of his enemies, David wanted the Lord's people to declare ‘Great is the Lord.” He wanted to maintain that he is poor and needy. That he is desperate to need God urgently as His help and deliverer, moment by moment.
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Text: Psalm 39:1-13
O LORD, MAKE ME KNOW MY END
We wonder why David had determined to refrain from speaking here. No details are given about the situation which inspired it. Was he being confronted by wicked people about some sin or failure on his part? (v.8–11). Or, was he worried that his words would be overly harsh, or that he would return slander with slander? It's also possible David didn't want to speak wrongly about God.
He found out that this choice was very difficult and frustrating. Whatever David hoped to accomplish in his own heart by saying nothing, he instead became more agitated.[ v.1,2) The Hebrew phrasing rendered "to no avail" can also be translated, "without success."
Inevitably, David could not stay silent any longer, so he spoke. Wisely, however, he chose to express himself to God in prayer. It is unwise and unhealthy to refrain from speaking to God. Our silence only leads to a troubled heart, doesn’t it? Remember, Hebrews 4:15 assures us that the Lord sympathizes with our weaknesses. Let’s bring everything unto Him who could give us peace. [Phil 4:6,7]
David did not want to sin with his lips. So, he asks God to work on his own heart. In praying, “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” He was not asking the exact time and nature of his death. Having been reminded of the short, fragile, imperfect nature of all humanity, he would be less concerned over his current issues. Rather than being aggravated by his situation, David asked God to alter his perspective, so he could see things in a more godly way.
Seeing through God's eternal perspective, our concerns here are tiny, so we can trust His goodness when frustration sets in (v.5). Investing one's life in spiritual pursuits must be our focus not on material wealth. Jesus taught His followers to lay up treasures in heaven. He pointed out that treasures on earth are subject to ruin or theft, whereas treasures in heaven never wear out and are not subject to theft (Mat 6:19–20). However, the wicked persons David noted might have been scrabbling for power and wealth. Chasing money is a foolish plan (Psa 37:16–17; Prov 23:4–5; Ecc 5:10–12; Mat 6:19–24; Luke 12:13–21; 1 Tim 6:10; Heb 13:5). A common cliche is "you can't take it with you." Matter of factly, it’s left behind for someone left behind to enjoy. "The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17). Proverbs 23:4–5 depicts wealth as flying away as soon as a person tries to look at it. He understood that quantity of years is not as important as the quality of one's life. How many moments a person has is not as important as what one does with those moments.
Thus, he wasted no longer but wait and hope unto the Lord alone.[v,7] He asked for the blessing of having been forgiven[v.8] Is there a greater blessing other than being forgiven and right before God? He knows it's better to be humble and silent before God.[v.9] Having repented and admitted his sin, David asks for God to give him a renewed sense of peace and confidence. He knew he would smile again with joy in his heart if the Lord would remove His discipline.[v10,11] He understood that life is fleeting and before long he would depart this life and "be no more." In v 12, David correctly saw himself as a temporary resident of earthly life. This perspective was echoed by those praised in Scripture for their great faith in God (Heb 11:13–16). And as a sojourner with the Lord, he was not traveling alone. (Deut 31:8; Mat 28:20) Likewise, we as believers bound to heaven, the Lord is with us always (Heb 13:5).
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God’s Word for Today
22 Aug 2023
-Psa 38:1-22 ESV
O LORD, ALL MY LONGING IS BEFORE YOU
There is no doubt that David loves the Lord. But, he was not morally perfect. He openly recognized his sinfulness, saying,
“ I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.”[v.18]
Was he referring to his sins against Uriah and Bathsheba here?
He praised for God’s mercy often(Psa 28:6; 86:15). But, he also knew God is just and righteous to chastise him. Thus, he asks God to lift His hand of discipline toward him. Notedly, to be "disciplined" by the Lord for sin is a mark of belonging to God. [Heb 12:7–8]
He compares the pain of God's correction to arrows penetrating deeply into his body.[v.2] Clearly, David cites God's indignation as the reason for his illness [v.3]. Of course, not every physical illness and disease should be attributed to sin but as a platform for glorifying God (John 9:1–3). In other cases, it's simply part of living in a broken world. Hence, a believer who endures illness with trust and praise serves as a testimony to God's sufficiency.
How painful was God’s discipline?
David lamented that it is so overwhelming; a burden too heavy to carry[v.4], stinking and festering wounds[v.5], he was bent over, flattened to the ground mourning all day long [v.6], filled with burning, imagery of extreme inflammation [v.7], crushed and worn out as one whose energy was spent, [v.8], and once a robust warrior-king but now groaning and shouting in pain.
The price of sin is extremely costly (Rom 6:23). However, the Lord Jesus "is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25). Yes, David mourns over his sin. But, he doesn't abandon hope. Instead, he looks to the Lord who sees his condition (v. 9) and asks for salvation (v.22).
He cried, “O Lord, all my longing is before you” It's fitting for him to call God using the Hebrew term Adonai, which literally means "Master." As a servant, he acknowledges that the Lord is omniscient, that is, nothing is hidden from Him. Our Father knows our frame that comforts us. Similarly today, Jesus, our great high priest, is available. He assures us to sympathize with our struggle since He experienced temptation but didn't sin (Heb 4:15). Hence, we can confidently approach God in prayer, as we seek to "receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:16).
Moreover, David felt as if his friends and relatives were abandoning him.[v.11] It’s either because of his drastic change in mood, or specifically because they despised his sin. Whatever the cause, David's sin seems to have given his enemies renewed motivation and intensity in their plotting.[v.12] David's enemies were eager to celebrate his defeat. [v.16-19] His response was silence.[v.13] Was this merely an expression of deep shame (v.8). Or, he runs out of wisdom to speak against his attackers. Most probably, it is his humble response to his sin (v.18). A ‘no defense, no attack’ response[v.14]. Peter comments, "If when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God" (1 Pet 2:20)
David realized that only God could resolve his desperate circumstances.[v.15]His prayer reveals two key facts about himself. First, he patiently looked to the Lord for relief from his suffering (v.8, 22). Second, although he had committed serious sins (v.1–4), he realized God was still his God.
Thus, David pleads with God to stay with him and guide him through all these ordeals. He trusted in the Lord as his personal God. Although there is a sense of urgency [v.22], his prayer is not a cry of despair, but of faithful confidence (v.21). Likewise, God has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'"[Heb 13:5-6]
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God’s Word for Today
21 Aug 2023
-Psa 37:1-11 ESV
DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD
David’s admonition not to fret over evildoers is repeated three times [v.1,7,8]. This suggests the problem of injustice he undergoes. The word translated "fret" means "to get heated up or to burn." How can a good God allow good things to happen to bad people? Why should we not be distressed?
Firstly, their enjoyment is just temporary. They will wither like grass.[v.2]
Instead, we are to delight in the Lord. To "delight in the Lord" is to enjoy and be contented with all the blessings found in Him, because they are from Him, not merely because they are to our benefit. The person who delights in the Lord values Him, the Giver more highly than His gifts. The word comes from a root word that implies pleasure and enjoyment.
Obviously, the one who "delights in the Lord" has righteous desires and deeds. He commits, trusts, waits and does the will of God. He is generous and gives. He does not do evil. He would not desire anything that springs from selfish desires and displeasing to God, would he? As David expressed,
“The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;”
his steps do not slip. [v.30-31]
Nobody should expect God to give something contrary to His will, or the Lord's glory. Hence, if our wills are attuned to the will of God (John 14:15), our requests will be granted (John 14:14; Mat 6:33). This idea is expressed often in the Psalms (Psalm 21:2; 145:19).
Moreover, to delight in the Lord could mean also that the Lord will place into our hearts those desires which are godly. In other words, when we delight in God, He makes us want what He wants (Rom 12:2; Gal 5:16–24).
The promise of God is preservation, protection, and provisions. However, the wicked in a moment will be gone.[v.10], victims to their own plots[v.12-15], broken and perish like smoke[v.20] The Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.[v.13]
God, on the other hand, has promised the meek to inherit the earth and have peace[shalom]. Jesus calls him the blessed man in His teachings about the beatitudes in Matt 5. He is not living a perfect life but a spiritually healthy life. As David recognized,
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.
I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.”[v.23-26]
The blessed man is a secure man, as David concluded,
“The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.”[v.39,40]
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Text: Psalm 36:1-12
1 Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
4 He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.
5 Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.
HOW PRECIOUS IS YOUR STEADFAST LOVE
In v.1-4, David has portrayed sin as deeply rooted in the human heart (see Mat 15:18–19). Jeremiah 17:9 has reinforced this truth by saying, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?" A "transgression" deep in the heart is literally a "going beyond a line", which implies a deliberate violation. The wicked person is one being self-deceived, assuming that he will suffer no consequences for what he is doing. His lies and deceptions are rooted in the heart (Prov 6:16–19; Psalm 7:14). “He plots evil in his bed” either means he loses sleep over their constant plotting of sin. Or, he is so addicted to wickedness that he cannot rest until accomplishing some perverse goal (Prov 4:16). Such is the heart where the love of God is absent.
In contrast, God's limitless love [chesed] is poured and offered to wicked men. God's love knows no limits. It extends to the heavens. As David describes,
“6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”[v.6-9]
It’s inexhaustible [Lam 3:22-23] and unfathomable as the mountains and deep. God preserves life, both man and beast. [Noahic covenant]
As John 3:16 affirms that He loved the world so much that "he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Even Paul in Romans 5:8 points out that "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
This steadfast love transforms, As David expressed,
“8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”[v.8-9]
In God is his satisfaction and joy. He is the only source of light. Otherwise, this world would be hopeless and full of darkness. And David does not want to be removed from such relationship. Thus, he prays,
“Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.”[v.10-12]
As Augustine writes in his Confessions, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Earlier, in Psalm 16:11 David writes: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Text: Psalm 35:22-28
22 You have seen, O LORD; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me!
23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord!
24 Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me!
25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart's desire!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me!
27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.
-Psa 35:22-28 ESV
VINDICATE ME, O LORD, MY GOD
In v.1-3, it is apparent that David expressed his desire for personal vindication. His request is to God alone. Why? He sets the standard to what is right and not man. And, God alone will ultimately sit as judge over everyone.
David pleaded for the defeat of those who devise evil against him. That they would be put to shame, in dishonor and humiliation. That they would be like ‘chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away!’[v.5] The angel of the Lord is described in Psalm 34:7 as protecting those who fear the Lord (Prov 1:7) This wording resembles other "imprecatory psalms" that appeal to God for retribution against enemies, many of which are ascribed to David (Psa 69:22–25; 109:8–15).
David resolves that his request for the destruction of his enemies (v.1–8) is to celebrate his relationship with God. He plans, in advance, to extol God and thank Him for being rescued. Here, he expressed the merit of his personal vindication.[v. 9-26]
Certainly, he did not consider himself sinless, yet he affirmed his innocence when attacked maliciously and falsely.[v.11] Let’s recall. Both Saul (1 Sam 19:1–2) and Absalom (2 Sam 15:13–14) likely spread propaganda and falsehoods about him as they tried to influence people over to their side. They repay him evil for good.[v.12] He gave us an example of this kind of behavior toward his enemies when they were in trouble.
“But I, when they were sick—I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning. But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth.”[v.13-16]
However, they rejoiced at his stumbling.[v.15-16] Under this circumstance, David asks ‘How long?’ His petition for rescue was not for his glory but that he could give thanks in the great congregation, in the temple.[v.17-18]
His confidence is in the reality that God sees everything. He said,
“You have seen, O Lord; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me!”[v.22]
The Lord is always near us [omnipresent, omniscient] even though at times of difficulties we may feel as if He is distant and far away.
David’s motivation for vindication is worth noting. It is not that he would be proven right but that the Lord would be magnified. As he ended this psalm with this desire,
“Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.”[v.27-28]
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Kindly open your Bible and read the following passages:
Text: Psalm 34:1-22
THE LORD REDEEMS
It is a commitment of David to bless God at all times, no matter what the situation is.
“I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!’[v.1-3]
God allowed him to be in a seemingly hopeless state yet the Lord heard his cry for help,
“4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.”[v.4-7]
Today, we might fear anything from physical injury or illness to job insecurity, difficulties in relationships, political collapse, the threat of incoming nuclear missiles, and everything in between. No one is exempt from trouble. However, our faith should replace fear. The angel of the Lord encamps around us.
In David’s excitement, he urged us to experience the goodness of God,
“8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.[v.8-10]
He then invited them to learn from him to fear God.
11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”
12 What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?[v.11-12]
The fear of the Lord made him wise. [Prov 1:7]
David raises this rhetorical question, ‘Who wants a full, good life?’ Firstly, avoid a lying tongue.[v.13] Proverbs 21:23 offers a wise counsel: "Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble." Secondly, choose good over evil, and peace over sin.[v.14] This is simply another phrasing of what it means to "fear the LORD" The fear of the Lord does affect not only what we say but also what we do or don't do, does it not? If we fear the Lord, we will avoid evil. And, this action involves a choice.
David has assured us that God is on those who fear Him. On the other hand, He would surely condemn the wicked. As He said,
“15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
21 Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned..”[v.15-21]
In conclusion, David has declared,
“The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.”[v.22]
Text: Psalm 33:1-22 (ESV)
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4 For the word of the LORD is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;
he puts the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
13 The LORD looks down from heaven;
he sees all the children of man;
14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out
on all the inhabitants of the earth,
15 he who fashions the hearts of them all
and observes all their deeds.
16 The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might it cannot rescue.
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
SHOUT FOR JOY IN THE LORD
There’s a call to worship God for the righteous, which is befitting for them to do. Giving thanks through singing, especially singing a new song unto Him.[v.1,2] This is a reiteration of the last 2 verses of Psa 32.
Why?
In v.4-5, God’s attributes are too evident to ignore. The psalmist declares,
“For the word of the LORD is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.”
Moreover, His sovereign power in creating the world through His word.
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;
he puts the deeps in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.” [v.6-9]
The plans and purposes of God are immutable.
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.”[v.10-11]
His sovereign knowledge of man’s heart and intentions is one of the reasons.
“13 The Lord looks down from heaven;
he sees all the children of man;
14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out
on all the inhabitants of the earth,
15 he who fashions the hearts of them all
and observes all their deeds.”[v.13-15]
Also, His preserving power over his own people.
“The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might, it cannot rescue.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.”[v.16-19]
Upon knowing that God is our help and shield, our resolve is to wait upon Him whatever the circumstances might be, is it not? Waiting is evidence of calmness, control, and trust. If God is in control we must be calm and composed. [v. 20-22]
God’s Word for Today
15 Aug 2023
-Psa 32:1-11 ESV
THE BLESSING OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS
For David, the blessed man is one who is forgiven by God. [see v.1]. A righteous and upright standing before the Lord should only be the cause of our rejoicing and gladness. Everything can be bought with money but not peace and gladness of heart.
David has everything but guilt was eating him up. He testified;
“3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah’’
The right thing he did which is the only right thing is to confess, He said,
5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Confession should be done as soon as possible and not be delayed. David said,
“6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.[v.6]
Sin has a hardening effect with time[Heb 3:13] to make one unconscionable. At such time repentance from sin is almost impossible. No one should procrastinate about calling on the name of the Lord. A person who thinks they can wait to submit to God until later is playing a dangerous, foolish game (Luke 12:19–20).
The expression of genuine confession and repentance is humility and teachability, As David exhorted,
“7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.”[v.7-9]
While unconfessed sin brings discomfort, there is protection from false guilt. A sense of deliverance and peace from God. Unlike the wild horse or mule, there is a new love to obey and follow God. A new delight to keep the scriptures in the heart. As Psa 119:10,11 says;
“ With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.”
David found out that a wicked[ who keeps sins unconfessed] is filled with sorrows. Conversely, he who trusts the Lord [one who subscribes to God and His words] will experience the steadfast love of the Lord. The encompassing mercy and favor of God is in the one who ‘trusts’ in the Lord. His being righteous and upright in the heart is a gift – a favor or a blessed gift from God.
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God’s Word for Today
14 Aug 2023
-Psa 31:1-24 ESV
FOR YOU ARE MY ROCK AND MY FORTRESS
David expressed his complete trust in God, who is always righteous. [Gen 18:25] God is an impregnable ‘Rock’ and ‘Fortress’ to him, unto whom David pleads for protection urgently. In many instances, he was under attack (1 Sam 23:25 and 2 Sam 21:15). These are situations that made him physically and emotionally exhausted, especially when the enemy was closing in on him.
David was ‘trapped in the net’ by people who betrayed him but God rescued him. He committed his life to God as one ‘entrusting his money in a bank.’ He was so committed to God that he hated those who cling to worthless idols. Conversely, he rejoices and is glad in God’s steadfast love, in the midst of his afflictions and distress. The Lord sees everything, that is, each temptation and trial. And, He invites every believer to approach His throne of grace in prayer to "receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:16). This understanding is key for the believer; peace of mind can be enjoyed if one understands their life is in God's hands whether circumstances are rough or calm (see v.7)
David was affected badly, so that, he asked;
“Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also.” David’s physical well-being was affected by his emotional and spiritual weakness. [v.7-10] His enemies reproached him so that his neighbors and friends ‘flee’ from him. A mixed feelings of being forgotten, useless as a broken vessel, and hunted down.
On a positive note, he expressed his trust and hope in the Lord, saying,
“But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!
Make your face shine on your servant;
save me in your steadfast love!’[v14-16]
He believed God will not allow the wicked to go unpunished.[v.17-18] He looked unto the ‘abundance of God’s goodness’ stored to those who fear Him[v.19]. He would be sheltered by the ‘cover of God’s presence’. These are all expressions of God’s ‘chesed’[stedfast love] when he was in a ‘besieged city’ God saved him in the nick of time, that is he felt he was ‘cut off from God’s sight’ yet God has answered His plead for mercy. It’s never too late to pray unto God.
For this, David had rallied the people to love the Lord [v.23], to be strong and courageous, and to wait upon the Lord. The Lord is in control.[v.24] See Psa 7:13-14 also.
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Text: Psalm 30:1-12
1 I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
3 O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
-Psa 30:1-12 ESV
JOY COMES WITH THE MORNING
David vows to praise God for "drawing him up." A picture of pulling up from danger and away from death. Psalm 71:20 echoes this experience, which says, "You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again." This referred to David's brush with God's wrath, for pride that he conducted a census in 1 Chron 21:7–13. God’s judgment came in the form of a pestilence or plague. Undoubtedly it was terrible. David said to the LORD, 'I have sinned greatly in what I have done.'" In 1 Chron 1:14, "David said to Gad [a prophet], 'I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great.'" Indeed, sin is a hard taskmaster, and misery is part of its payment. But, it was a better alternative to something worse, that is, to be conquered by his enemies and that they would "rejoice or gloat over" his defeat.
He was spiraling down into a hopeless pit but God lifted him up. Broken, he begged for mercy unto God who healed him. Confession is the key to healing [1 John 1:9, Psa 32:1-2] God’s anger is just for a moment. But, God’s favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for a night. But, joy comes in the morning. A cause for him to rally God’s people to celebrate and sing praises unto God.
David became proud in times of prosperity. He became too self-confident, and felt secure in his prosperity which is translated as "complacency" as in Prov 1:32. Thus, he confessed,
“As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.” 7 By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong”[v.6,7a]
Because of his pride, God showed his disfavor upon him. ‘He hid His face and David was dismayed.” David showed his great distress by saying,
“To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord, I plead for mercy: 9 “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? 10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!”[v.8-10]
His resolve was to worship the Lord forever. A thing that could not be done in the grave. He said,
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”[v.11-12]
This favor from God must be the reason why this psalm is for the dedication of the temple. And, David may have written this prophetically in anticipation of the future dedication of the temple which Solomon has to build later.
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Text: Psalm 29:1-11
1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
-Psa 29:1-11 ESV
ASCRIBE TO THE LORD GLORY
The absolute sovereignty and pre-eminence of God are affirmed by David. He indicated it by calling us to ‘Ascribe to the Lord for three times for emphasis. David says,
“Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.”[v.1,2]
This psalm lifts up God's perfect and absolute worthiness to be praised in the strongest terms.
David extols the manifestations of God’s glory. David’s imagery must have been prompted by his experience of a storm hovering in the Mediterranean Sea. The thunderous voice perhaps were deafening. Indeed, Godd’s voice is powerful and majesty.
How powerful is His voice?
At creation, the Lord said, "'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). He spoke, and waters separated from waters, dry land came into existence, created vegetation, seed-bearing plants, and fruit trees, the sun, moon, and stars, marine life, birds, and animals, in fact, all living things (Genesis 1:3-25). Finally, God spoke man into existence as He formed Him from dust (Gen 1:26–27).
The Lord’s power shakes the earth too. Lebanon and Sirion [ Sidonian’s name for Mt Hermon] The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.[v.7] "Shaking" could mean the emotional impact of desert-dwellers seeing divine power, or a literal physical experience (Acts 4:31). It could also refer to the results of a huge storm or earthquake (Acts 16:26). His power could change the course of nature.
But, interestingly, the response inside the temple is the recognition of His glory from His people. They all cry, “Glory!’[v.9b]
How glorious God is? The Lord is seen as sitting down enthroned. David says,
“The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!”[v.10,11]
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Text: Psalm 28:1-10 (ESV)
To you, O LORD, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary.
3 Do not drag me off with the wicked,
with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors
while evil is in their hearts.
4 Give to them according to their work
and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
5 Because they do not regard the works of the LORD
or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.
6 Blessed be the LORD!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
8 The LORD is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
BLESS YOUR HERITAGE
Clearly, David did not hold back his distress and anguish. He poured it fully unto the Lord, saying,
“To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,”[v.1]
David did not demand to hear him. He pleaded based upon God’s mercy[v.2]. His utter dependence upon God’s mercy is indicated by his admission of the real possibility that God might choose to be deaf and be silent to his appeal[v.1] And, God may drag him away with the wicked, which is a punishment, not a chastisement.
God would never sweep away the righteous with the wicked, would He? Did David imply he was wicked? This just means how he showed his contrite heart before God. He expressed this in Psa 13:1,2,
“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?”
David, then appealed for God’s justice towards his enemies, in his prayer, that is,
“Give to them according to their work
and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
5 Because they do not regard the works of the LORD
or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.”[v.4-5]
On top of that they are enemies of David God’s people, they are opposed to the person, standards, and works of God Himself. [see the prayer of Asaph in Psa 83]
On the other hand, he pleaded for God to save His people, and His heritage, saying;
“9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.”[v.9]
This shepherding care that he longs for is based on his strong confidence in the character and mercy of God,
“Blessed be the LORD!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
8 The LORD is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.”[v.6-8]
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Text: Psalm 27:1-14 (ESV)
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the LORD will take me in.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION
It is said that if we fear God, we have nothing else to fear. This is a reverential fear expressed by David to Yahweh, referring to him as his ‘light’, ‘salvation’, and ‘stronghold.’ Against a backdrop of insurmountable threats, God is His impregnable defense. Sometimes, we may feel surrounded by threatening circumstances, but the Lord does surround us with His grace that is sufficient for every crisis, does He not? (2 Cor 12:9).
Interestingly, his delight to dwell in the ‘house of the Lord’ is not for self-preservation. It’s his fascination with God’s beauty.[v.4] God’s work of hiding and sheltering him is secondary. Consequently, he who takes pleasure in God is honored by God. Thus, David confidently says,
“And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.”[v.6]
In God’s presence, David couldn’t be proud, as one fully exposed under an overwhelming light. David saw his imperfections which drove him to plead for God’s mercy. He said,
“ Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!”[v.7-9]
His parents may have forsaken him, but the Lord won’t. Certainly, He will take him in. Did his parents abandon him? In such extreme cases, the Lord will always be on his side.[v.10] God is His satisfaction. Unless the Lord would preserve him, the enemy may deceive and lure him away from ‘God’s way’, which is the ‘level path’ signifying stability.
Thus, He resolved by confidently declaring,
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!”[v.13,14]
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God’s Word for Today
8 Aug 2023
Vindicate me, O LORD,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2 Prove me, O LORD, and try me;
test my heart and my mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness.
4 I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites.
5 I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O LORD,
7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8 O LORD, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are evil devices,
and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on level ground;
in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.
-Psa 26:1-12 ESV
VINDICATE ME O LORD
David was maligned. Otherwise, he shouldn’t have asked God to vindicate him. David claims to have walked consistently with integrity so that he was not hypocritical. A man full of integrity doesn’t mean he is perfect. He knew he has settled his sins before the Lord and is forgiven.
He asks the Lord to search him and see that his claim is substantiated. Such is the man of integrity before God. He is bold and courageous. Not because of his inherent propensity to be holy and blameless. But, for the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord. There was no self-aggrandizement but exalt God.
He narrated what he does not do. That is,
“4 I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites.
I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence”[v.4-6]
He is such a blessed man[Psa 1:1] He distanced himself with these men by saying,
9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are evil devices,
and whose right hands are full of bribes.[v.9,10]
Did not Jesus desire us to be holy also? He prayed, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world…They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:15–16). Why? The world's culture is characterized with evil desires, that is, "the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life." Contrariwise, the believer's delight is to do God's will (John 7:17).
Not only on what he does not do but a believer should be noted by what he is doing. Thus David claims’
“I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O Lord,
proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
O Lord, I love the habitation of your house
and the place where your glory dwells.” [v.6-8]
He was occupied with praise and worship. A busy man in the Lord has no time for the devil anymore. His heart is on full throttle unto the Lord.
David's pursuit of holiness was neither sporadic nor was it temporary. His sincere devotion to God was the regular pattern of his life, was it not? He chose to be a man of integrity because he relied on God’s redemption and grace.[v.11]. In this, he confidently claims he is standing on ‘level ground.’ In Psalm 143:10 David prays, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" The believer cannot slip from the path of righteousness if he is submissive to God's will and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
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God’s Word for Today
7 Aug 2023
-Psa 25:1-22 ESV
MAKE ME TO KNOW YOUR WAYS, O LORD
David ‘lift up his soul’ unto the Lord, signifying this prayer as an intense one. He prayed with great confidence.[v.3] He faces a perilous situation so he asked the Lord to preserve him from disgrace, either inflicted by his enemies.[v.2-3], even from his own failings.
“The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.” [v.17-20]
Then, David, not acting out of impulse, expresses his request for guidance, saying, “ Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.”[v.4] Life is a journey not a single step so His guidance is crucial [Prov 3:5,6] He further asked, “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you, I wait all the day long.”[v.5]. Notedly, to David, prayer and scriptures are vital. Even Jesus emphasized this in John 15:7.
Where did he base his confidence? David recited then…Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. [v.6]….according to your steadfast love remember me….for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! [v.7]…..Good and upright is the LORD[v.8]….All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness. [v.10] To David, God’s ‘chesed.’ He is irresistibly good.
This is true, however, to the humble and one who fears Him only. As David expressed’
“He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.”[v.9]
“Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.”[v.12]
“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.”[v.14]
In great confidence, he ends this prayer, saying,
“May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles.”[v.21,22]
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Text: Psalm 24:1-10
1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah
-Psa 24:1-10 ESV
THE LORD OF HOSTS, HE IS THE KING OF GLORY!
Reminiscent of God’s declaration to Moses that ‘all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord.’ [Num 14:21] But, David’s phraseology indicates “the earth is the Lord’s and all it contains[its fullness]”
What kind of people would God delight with? The answer in verses 3-6 almost corresponds to Psa 15.
“3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah”
In v.7-10, the focus is on exalting the king’s military glory, as indicated by the repeated word ‘mighty.’ The ‘gates’ and ‘ancient doors’ should be wide open for the coming of ‘The King of Glory.’ He is the divine Messianic King, taking His seat in the temple after His military victories at the end of days.
The ‘Lord of hosts’ is presented as the mightiest warrior King returning in victory. The title reflects the truth that, although David was their king in Jerusalem, their real king was Yahweh. Later in fulfillment to prophecy, the glorious king who will enter Jerusalem is the Lord Jesus. Paul expressed that He is the Lord of heaven and earth by virtue of creation and redemption. In Col 1:15–17, Paul describes Jesus as having created everything in heaven and on earth, not only visible objects but invisible, which include the angelic host. Jesus holds everything together.
Someday the Lord of hosts will return to earth with mighty angels to execute judgment on unbelievers and to reign from the throne of David (Isa 9:6–7). He will strike down the nations. As in the vision of John,
“ From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”[Rev 19:15,16]
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Text: Psalm 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
-Psa 23:1-6 ESV
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
In Psa 22, wherein we learned David relating his suffering with the view in the future about the suffering of Messiah. Evidently, there is a twist here. David extols the Lord by claiming, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”[v.1]
What does it mean for David that the Lord is his shepherd?
David doesn’t feel a lack at all. In the Lord, he has had sufficiency in times of abundance and adversities. God’s abundant grace is described as; “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul.” [v.2-3]
Green pastures…still waters…are imageries of God’s tender loving care. The Lord wants His children to enjoy His blessings. That is just, He led him there in order to be lavished with His refreshing grace and goodness of the pleasures of life. Ravaged by a lot of wars, David has been wearied so that his soul needs to be restored.
However, he would lead us to ‘paths of righteousness’ wherein there are challenges. As David expressed, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”[v.3-4]
The shepherd’s sufficiency is expressed in His presence, power and provision. Thus David said, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.’[v.4-5]
And in great confidence, David expressed his assurance by saying, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”[v.6]
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Text: Psalm 22:1-11 (ESV)
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
and by night, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our fathers trusted;
they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried and were rescued;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
8 “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him;
let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”
9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;
you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.
10 On you was I cast from my birth,
and from my mother's womb you have been my God.
11 Be not far from me,
for trouble is near,
and there is none to help.
MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?
Certainly, David was writing about his experience of suffering and anguish. However, this psalm transcends his experiences or to that of his contemporaries.
Take, for example, David wasn’t brought to the ‘dust of the earth.’ [v.15, ‘’hands and feet were not pierced’[v.16] and ‘his garments wasn’t subjected to a cast of lot’[v.18]. These particular descriptions fit Jesus’s crucifixion, which David has alluded unto.
Psa 22, is divided into two-fold emphasis. It began with the suffering Messiah [v.1-21] and is followed by the Exalted Messiah [v.22-31] Both Matthew and Mark recorded these words ‘My God, my God why hast you forsaken me?’, given in original Aramaic. The reason perhaps is to highlight that Jesus became the sin offering.
How did God the Father forsake Jesus? Most probably, the reason was emotional. Jesus understood the reason for His suffering. ‘God can not look with approval upon sin, as Habakkuk says. [Hab 1:13] Thus, Jesus did not become literally sin, but He was a ‘sin offering’ He became our substitute.
David elaborated some predictive references of the Messiah, such as, all my bones are out of joint, my heart is like wax.. melted within me[v.14].. strength is absent as moisture in a potsherd, You lay me in the dust of death [v.15] and pierced my hands and feet [v.16]. Thus, there is this seeking of God’s presence to be near [v.19] expressed for only God can help [v.19-21]
In v.22-26, there is a dramatic shift. The exalted Messiah will praise God.
“I will tell of your name to my brothers, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: Verse 23 says, “ You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!”
Moreover, the nations will exalt the Messiah.
“All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before you.
28 For kingship belongs to the LORD,
and he rules over the nations.”[v.27,28]
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Text: Psalm 21:1-13
O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices,
and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
2 You have given him his heart's desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah
3 For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through your salvation;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.
8 Your hand will find out all your enemies;
your right hand will find out those who hate you.
9 You will make them as a blazing oven
when you appear.
The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath,
and fire will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
and their offspring from among the children of man.
11 Though they plan evil against you,
though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.
12 For you will put them to flight;
you will aim at their faces with your bows.
13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength!
We will sing and praise your power.
BE EXALTED, O LORD, IN YOUR STRENGTH!
This is a Messianic psalm. David began by affirming that it is only in God’s strength that a king could [and would] be glad. That is, the Lord is the true satisfaction in his royal office. Definitely, He credited that only in His salvation can the king truly rejoice. See v.1-6. The key is trust in God’s steadfast love. As David says,
“For the king trusts in the LORD,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High, he shall not be moved.”[v.7]
As believers, we may experience setbacks but nothing can separate us from God's love revealed in the Lord Jesus. As Paul assured, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us….neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 8:37-39).
To be humble is not easy when a person is surrounded by great accolades of power and wealth, is it? Humility is rare among us. Yet, it was very prominent In the Messiah’s life. Jesus was always obedient and submissive to the Father.
In v.8-12, David anticipates the coming judgment the Lord will do to his enemies by his powerful hand. He said.. “Your hand… your right hand…’ speaks of authority and power. [v.8] The plans of the wicked won’t succeed.[v.11]
As a bookend, David concluded and resolved in praise and worship, saying,
“Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength!
We will sing and praise your power.”[v.13]
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God’s Word for Today
1 Aug 2023
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah
4 May he grant you your heart's desire
and fulfill all your plans
5 May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with the saving might of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright.
9 O LORD, save the king!
May he answer us when we call.
-Psa 20:1-9 ESV
WE TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
The king is anticipating a ‘day of trouble’[v.1,9] The people were pleading and looking forward to celebrating the victory God would bring through their king (Psa 20:1–5). The people pleaded that God would grant the kings plans and desires [Prov 3:5,6].
Today, we ought also to pray for our government officials and other leaders regardless of their political views or spiritual status, should we not? [1 Tim 2:1] The authority does not rest upon an earthly ruler but on the Sovereign King! "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psa 124:8).
David responded to the congregation's prayers for him by assuring the people that God delivers His anointed.[v.6] He knew the Lord would answer him from heaven and reach down with His mighty right hand to protect him from the enemy. God would send help from the sanctuary and Zion (v.2), but He would also send help from heaven, God’s dwelling place.
In His covenant, the Lord assured David, "I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you" (2 Sam 7:9). And, that he would have rest from all his enemies (2 Sam 7:11). David took the Lord's words at face value because He believed God fully. He was so sure the Lord would grant him victory in the upcoming battle. Do we have such faith? We live by God’s promises.
The world may trust any means from the world’s best ‘chariots and horses’. However, David expressed his absolute trust in God alone.[v.7]. All the forces of the world would collapse – flat and gone. But, David expressed, “we rise and stand upright.” Did he mean here about the defeat of the Amalekites or Goliath?
In Psa 33:17-19, "The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might, it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine." Thus, in our struggles, we must not rely on our own resources but trust in the Lord. Why? "He is our help and our shield" (Psa 33:20).
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God’s Word for Today
31 July 2023
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
-Psa 19:1-14 ESV
FROM THE HEAVENS TO THE HEART
Apparently, David’s goal in this psalm is heartfelt worship of the Lord. It was his resolve. But what was his reason?
When he looked unto the skies and scriptures. Creation isn’t designed primarily for us. God’s glory is the primary reason, as David began this psalm, saying;
“The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
Creation speaks simply and clearly, 24/7 without fail that God is the designer. [v.3-4] The king of his creation is the sun[v.5-6]. There is nobody who could deny the ‘heat’ of the sun.
The second revelation of God is the Scriptures which David loved in his heart. The 5 metaphors[ law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, and rules] had one commonality – perfection. Thus, it’s should be our most coveted treasure. David, concluded about its value by saying,
“ More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.”[v.10,11]
These wonderful revelations had an awe-inspiring impact on David, a shepherd who meditated in the hills in broad daylight and night watches. Who won’t feel how insignificant we are before an awesome God?
His prayers centered on the purity of his heart so he said;
“Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression”[v.12-13]
Is it not that presumptuousness is the most stubborn sin? It hides at the crevices of our hearts deceitfully.
In his reverential fear, he asked the Lord’s grace by pleading;
‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”[v.14]
The revelations of God should prompt our reverence for God.
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Text: Psalm 18:30-50
30 This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?—
32 the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.
33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.
36 You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed.
38 I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet.
39 For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.
40 You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed.
41 They cried for help, but there was none to save; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them.
42 I beat them fine as dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets.
43 You delivered me from strife with the people; you made me the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me.
44 As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me; foreigners came cringing to me.
45 Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their fortresses.
46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation—
47 the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me,
48 who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence.
49 For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name.
50 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.
-Psa 18:30-50 ESV
FOR WHO IS GOD, BUT THE LORD?
David’s question suggests that God is incomparable. He is David’s rock of refuge. This designation of God signifies a massive rock formation that is humanly impossible to move, such as a cliff, a quarry, or the side of the mountain.
David affirms God’s salvation is comprehensive – both external and spiritual salvation. David’s deliverance was solely because of God’s power he appropriated by faith and obedience. As David expressed,
“He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”[v.34]
He acknowledged, “You have girded me with strength…You have subdued under me as well as his speed…I pursued my enemies and overtook them…I shattered them so that they were not able to rise.. I beat them fine as the dust before the wind.”
In v.43-45, David recognized God made him victorious and honored him. He said,” You have delivered me.. You have placed me as the head of nations.’
Even in v.46-50, David re-affirms his devotion to God. He blessed the Lord by saying,
“The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation.”[v.46]
In loving response to God’s acts of deliverance, David declared;
“ For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name.
Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.”[v.49,50]
Later on, Paul quoted this in Rom 15:8-11 for having been fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah – the Lord Jesus Christ. This has proven that the word of the Lord to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was true and His mercy has extended to the Gentiles or the whole world.
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Text: Psalm 18:20-29
20 The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.
21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22 For all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me.
23 I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt.
24 So the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
25 With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
26 with the purified you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
27 For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.
28 For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.
29 For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
-Psa 18:20-29 ESV
THE LORD HAS REWARDED ME ACCORDING TO MY RIGHTEOUSNESS
David attributed God’s actions to his righteous behavior. That is, God has rewarded him according to his righteousness. He did not claim sinlessness or perfection but presented his devotion to the Lord and live with integrity before God.
God is not interested only in the betterment of his outward life [physical, material, political, and military] but in his maturity in the inner life or spiritual life. This is indicated by David’s assertion in v.20-24, such as ‘according to my righteousness’[v20,24], ‘kept the ways of the Lord and not wickedly departing from God[v.1], following his rules and his statutes[v.22], being blameless and keeping himself from any guilt[v.23]. The ‘cleanness of his hands’ are only seen and perceived by God. In other words, God allowed these difficulties to make David a better[not bitter] person in the end.
In v.25-29, David shows the reciprocation of God to man’s godly action. He is merciful to those who are merciful. He proves blameless to the blameless. God would save the humble but bring down the haughty, In other words, obedience to God leads to blessing. And disobedience brings His judgment.
At the end of the day, David recognized that it was all by God’s grace. He expressed;
“For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.”[v.28,29]
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Text: Psalm 18:1-19 (ESV)
I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
4 The cords of death encompassed me;
the torrents of destruction assailed me;
5 the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called upon the LORD;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears.
7 Then the earth reeled and rocked;
the foundations also of the mountains trembled
and quaked, because he was angry.
8 Smoke went up from his nostrils,
and devouring fire from his mouth;
glowing coals flamed forth from him.
9 He bowed the heavens and came down;
thick darkness was under his feet.
10 He rode on a cherub and flew;
he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him,
thick clouds dark with water.
12 Out of the brightness before him
hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.
13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens,
and the Most High uttered his voice,
hailstones and coals of fire.
14 And he sent out his arrows and scattered them;
he flashed forth lightnings and routed them.
15 Then the channels of the sea were seen,
and the foundations of the world were laid bare
at your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
16 He sent from on high, he took me;
he drew me out of many waters.
17 He rescued me from my strong enemy
and from those who hated me,
for they were too mighty for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a broad place;
he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
I LOVE YOU, O LORD, MY STRENGTH
David expressed his devotion to God. David's devotion was inspired by God's immense help in rescuing him from Saul and his many other enemies. He acknowledges the love of God – showing him as his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of his salvation, and stronghold.
“David’s devotion is characterized, such as one might show toward a respected yet distant superior, but rarer by love – as indicated by his opening words ‘I love you[erhamekha] which is derived from the same root as the Hebrew word for ‘womb’[reheem], and denotes a deep and emotionally charged sense of personal attachment and commitment.”- The Moody Bible Commentary
In v,3-6, the key to David’s victory is prayer. When Saul was pursuing David in the wilderness (1 Sam23:15), David felt doomed. Here, he draws the same picture as in Psalm 18:4. The feeling of being trapped, tied up, or entangled in ropes parallels David's sense of being helplessly caught by his enemies.
And in v.7-15, David highlighted the awe-inspiring power of God’s deliverance, such as; the earth quaked[v.7], and the foundations of the mountains were trembling[v.7]. He rode upon the cherub [v.10] the Lord also thundered[v.13] and lightning flashes in abundance [v.14],
In v.16-19, God’s deliverance is further described as ‘He delivered me from the strong enemy’[v.17] The basic explanation of God’s actions in David’s defense is ‘He rescued me because He delighted in me.”[v.19]
In short, it is by God’s favor or grace bestowed upon him.
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Text: Psalm 17:8-15 (ESV)
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps;
they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear,
as a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him!
Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
14 from men by your hand, O LORD,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.
You fill their womb with treasure;
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
I SHALL BEHOLD YOUR FACE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
David began by asking God humbly to attend to his cry[v.1,2] Not hypocritical but sincere, he pleaded his case before the holy God. David claims he was free of deceit. He had not lied about others or his situation. He knows that sin hinders prayer as he writes in Psa 66:18,19: "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer." His claim is emphatically indicated by his statements, namely; ‘You have tried…You have visited…You have tested, yet he affirmed that God found nothing in him that is unconfessed and unsettled sin.
He avoided the ways of the violent. How? By heeding God's Word. He firmly said;
‘My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.’[v.5]
Cherishing God's Word in the heart keeps a person from sin (Psa 119:11) Obeying God and avoiding sin involve a choice, and it is the right choice. He also writes, "I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me" (Psa 119:30). The path of obedience is the safest, preventing us to stumble and fail (Prov 4:12, 26).
In v.6-9, David showed his great confidence in God to show his steadfast love, as His savior. God will keep him as the ‘apple fo God’s eye’ and ‘hide him in the shadow of His wings’ These metaphors indicate God’s protection as one protects his eye and a hen her chicks.
His confidence is undeterred by the fierceness of his enemies as a ferocious lion surrounding and setting an ambush [see v.10-12] It's possible this psalm was written during David's persecution by King Saul (1 Sam 20:32–33).
David believed vengeance is from the Lord. His battle is God’s. So, he invoked God to ‘arise, confront and subdue and deliver him’ from the enemy. These pleadings involve God as his only source of security and safety. Interestingly, in v.13, there is no preposition ‘by’ in the Hebrew text so it reads ‘Deliver my soul from the wicked your sword’ that is, the enemies were the sword of God’s chastisement – seeing everything as from the hand of God.
Amidst the threat, David could just lift face high to say,
‘Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.’[v.15 NLT]
Similarly, our future is also glorious. It includes the promise of resurrection. (see John 11:25) And the prospect of seeing the Lord face to face and being like Him (see 1 John 3:2).
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God’s Word for Today
25 July 2023
-Psa 16:1-11 ESV
YOU ARE MY LORD
David had found God as his refuge. That is, God is his shelter, from threats or disasters as a tower or cave.
The English versions may read ‘I said to the Lord” but in Hebrew it is ‘You said to the Lord”, in which the ‘You’ David refers as the Messiah. David is the author of this psalm but he is writing as the prayer of the Messiah.
He delights in God as his Lord. Having a personal relationship with the Lord, his faith is anchored in God alone. The Lord is his delight. Apart from God, nothing less and nothing else was comparatively good in David. In fact, only God is the source of anything good.
Moreover, He delights in the Lord’s people and dislikes those who are running after other gods [idolators][v.3,4] In the New Testament, Jesus commanded believers to love one another, which mirrors His love. He said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34). And this love is evidence that believers are truly His disciples (see John 13:35).
The Messiah’s portion is the Lord. This has an allusion to the tribe of Levi, whose portion is God. God said unto them, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel" (Num 18:20). Likewise, David's most valuable inheritance was his relationship with the Lord. He rejoices that the "boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places,…a delightful inheritance."[NIV] (v.6).
He trusts in the Lord to protect and defend him. The "right hand" represents ultimate strength and power. In the case of David, the sense that God was at his right hand was a feeling of confidence. Even death and decay couldn’t hold him. [see v.9]
In this psalm, David prophesied the Messiah’s' resurrection. He prophesied that the Lord would not abandon His soul in Sheol, the vague Hebrew concept of the afterlife[v.10]. Definitely, the Lord would not allow the "holy one to undergo corruption’. Peter, in his address to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost, applied the words of this psalm to Jesus' resurrection (Acts 2:22–32). Moreover, Paul also quoted Psalm 16:10 at Antioch (Acts 13:35–37).
In verse 11, He would enjoy eternal bliss in God’s presence, where He is seated at the right hand. Not only that He would be preserved from decay and corruption but be exalted after He is risen. As Paul declares, “24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.[1 Cor 15:24-28]
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God’s Word for Today
24 July 2023
O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
and does no evil to his neighbor,
nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
but who honors those who fear the LORD;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.
-Psa 15:1-5 ESV
WHO MAY WORSHIP IN YOUR SANCTUARY, LORD?
Who is qualified to be the Lord's guest in His tabernacle? David’s desire isn’t just as a guest but as one who is a resident in God’s sanctuary. Everyone has fallen short of God's glory (Psa 51:1–2; 143:2; Rom 3:23). Today, a person might ask similarly, "Who could live in heaven with the Lord?" The answer is that Jesus assures us that whoever believes in Him, God's Son, has eternal life. In John 14:1–3, Jesus has assured His disciples, including all believers that He will come again and take them to be with Him at His Father's house together and forever.
Genuine believers in the Lord will demonstrate blamelessness. He is not sinless but one who sins less. He is sincere and free of any legitimate charge of sinful conduct, in so far as that's possible for a fallible person (1 John 1:8–10). Did not Paul exhort us to be "blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation"? (Phil 2:15) Clearly, his life is marked by truth and integrity in conduct.
His speech also shows that they are true followers of Jesus. His speech is gracious and seasoned with salt that edifies others(Col 4:6). We know the heart of a person upon hearing what comes out of his mouth. He won’t take advantage but like the Samaritan man, is compassionate and tender to the needy neighbor.
Moreover, a truly godly person respects those who honor God and rejects the lifestyles of those who hate Him. He despised a vile or worthless person. He honors those who honor God. In other words, his fellowships and partnerships speak volumes that he genuinely desires to honor God. As Paul strongly opposed unequal yoking, by asking, “For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols?"
Lastly, he does not practice usury to take advantage of people who are in need. His desire is to minister unto them. It should be noted that there is a big difference between lending to those who are in need and lending for those who will engage in business. He doesn’t bribe for his advantage. In short, he is not a lover of money and gain. He has the mind and heart of Christ.
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Text: Psalm 14:1-7
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD?
5 There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous.
6 You would shame the plans of the poor, but the LORD is his refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
-Psa 14:1-7 ESV
THE PROFILE OF A FOOL
Sanity is associated with believing in the existence of God. Sadly, those who reject God's existence or live as if He does not exist are fools according to the Scriptures. Even those respected as good citizens are depraved fools if they reject the truth that God exists and divine justice. These are the atheists. The word ‘nabal’, used here, implies someone senseless, with an emphasis on being willingly disobedient. The "fool" of this type is characterized by animal behaviors such as donkeys and mules. (Psa 49:20)
Let’s take note of a certain character ‘Nabal’ in 1 Samuel 25. He exemplifies the type of "fool" this psalm condemns. He was obstinate, ignorant, crude, and unreasonable (1 Sam 25:17). He refused to help David and his men despite clear evidence, and good reasons. "Fools" like Nabal chose to act arrogantly and selfishly. David could have killed him if not for Abigail (see 1 Sam 25:21–35).
The continual rejection or dismissal of God's existence is so corrupt that it leads to a wicked life. Paul explains, “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.’(Rom 1:21-23).
They won’t seek and call upon God[v.3,4] but they are in great terror. In fact, all of us are not seekers of God.[Rom 3:10] We are dumb as sheep described by Isaiah in Isa 53:6: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way." We were fools until God found us and we know Him.[John 6:44]
In contrast, God is with the ‘generation of the righteous’. While the fools would be destroyed but the poor, who they oppressed, are safe for the Lord as their ‘shelter or refuge’. David expressed that Israel will be protected as His covenant people. Today, nations are persecuting Israel. But, David anticipates the kingdom as a joyful time of restoring Israel's fortunes. Jesus will return to establish His kingdom on earth, He will vanquish His enemies (Rev 19:11–16), cleanse Israel of her sin (Zech 13:1), and inaugurate the kingdom (Zep 3:16–20). Even, Isaiah says that Israel will confess on that day: "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation."[Isa 12:2]
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Text: Psalm 13:1-6
1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
-Psa 13:1-6 ESV
MY HEART SHALL REJOICE IN YOUR SALVATION
Apparently, David’s life was difficult. Scriptures is replete with verses about believers having to undergo suffering. Two examples include Asaph and the prophet Habakkuk who also express their confusion and frustrations to God (Psa 73:2–3; Hab 1:2–4). David’s question of "how long?" repeated 4 times, is more than just a question of time. He was asking for an explanation. There is a sense of "why?" carried within these complaints.
God is not the author of evil but He allows it. Pain and sorrows are an integral part of our lives. David has a similar note of concern in Psalm 22:11, wherein he pleaded with God, "Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help." We could identify with his feeling of abandonment at times. Like him, our troubles may happen and provoke us to think God has forsaken us and no longer cares for us. However, the Lord would never forsake us for He cares for him (Heb 13:5; 1 Pet 5:7).
He asks the Lord to light up his eyes[v.3]. ‘Light’ is the embodiment of wisdom, truth, and goodness in the Hebrew mind. He asked for a proper perspective on his troubling situation. We, believers, should pray for wisdom when facing trials, should we not? (Jas 1:5). Otherwise, we would be deceived and carried away by our emotions.
Moreover, he also longs for encouragement[v.4]. Fear of death was not an exaggeration, but a very real threat to David. Death and defeat would surely happen unless God intervenes. David has a lot of threats, especially from King Saul and his son Absalom. We need the grace of God.[2 Cor 12:9,10]
Thankfully, David's struggle to find an answer will not lead him to reject God. He did not wait for God to answer. Instead, He responded to his fears with faith (v.5,6). Yes, there are times that our enemy may seem to triumph over us. However, "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us", are we not? (Rom 8:37) Jesus assures us that ‘He overcomes the world’ even though we pass through tribulations.[John 16:33] At the end of the day, David will sing to the Lord because the Lord has been so good to him. The word "bountifully" suggests his trusts to the abundant God's goodness. Praise should be constant although our difficult circumstances have not change. God's love is unfailing. Thus, God's people like us could rejoice, knowing that God is good all the time.[Rom 8:28]
Today, let’s remember the realities of struggle. Let’s not be carried by our emotions but should hold unto the truth. We live by God’s promises not by explanations.
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Text: Psalm 12:1-8 (ESV)
Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone;
for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
2 Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.
3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips,
the tongue that makes great boasts,
4 those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail,
our lips are with us; who is master over us?”
5 “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the LORD;
“I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”
6 The words of the LORD are pure words,
like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.
7 You, O LORD, will keep them;
you will guard us from this generation forever.
8 On every side the wicked prowl,
as vileness is exalted among the children of man.
TRUSTING GOD’S WORD IN A GODLESS CULTURE
In this Psalm's introduction, the word ‘sheminith’ is mentioned. It is often left untranslated. It is apparently related to the Hebrew word for "eight" or "eighth." This instruction might refer to an eight-stringed instrument or some other musical requirement.
David lamented about the decline of faithful believers. From his point of view, it seems there were no good people left. A culture replete with deceptive smooth talk, dishonesty, and fraud. This was so rampant that David indicts "everyone" as practicing it.
There are bible characters who were plunged into a godless culture. One of them is Lot[Gen 13:10-13]. Peter states, "for as that righteous man lived among [the wicked people of Sodom] day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard" (2 Pet 2:8). Even Paul has encouraged us to shine in a ‘crooked and perverse’ culture.[Phil 2:15] as light shines through in darkness that Jesus spoke about in Mat 5:16.
In verse 4, he prays for the Lord to silence these ‘arrogant big talkers’, who flatter and boast. These evil ones are bragging about their sins of oppressing and plundering the weak[v.5], thinking there will be no consequences. This is quite common nowadays at our social media platforms, is it not? There is no sense of accountability before God and man. They disregard the third commandment, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" and ‘not bear false witness against a neighbor’.(see Ex 20) James is right indeed, when he says, "No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (Jas 3:8).
In the midst of decadent culture, David held to the truthfulness of God and His words. “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”[v.6] The perfection and purity of God's Word is as metals [silver and gold] separated from impurities by melting. Purifying a metal, repeated seven times, do surely burn away most of the worthless material. Unlike lies and flattery in oppressing the poor and needy (v.2), the Lord's words are true and reliable. Jesus knew the value of God’s word. In His prayer, He did not ask us to be out from the world but for us to be sanctified by His words, for His words are true.[John 17:17]
Hence, David believed in the security of those who trust in Him and His words. He resolved, “Therefore, LORD, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation.”[v.7] Even though, wicked people are everywhere, as he said in v. 8;
‘On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.”
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Text: Psalms 11:1-7 (ESV)
In the LORD I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
“Flee like a bird to your mountain,
2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow;
they have fitted their arrow to the string
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
3 if the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.
5 The LORD tests the righteous,
but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
6 Let him rain coals on the wicked;
fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the LORD is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.
THE LORD'S THRONE IS IN HEAVEN
Clearly, David was facing an impending danger, prompting and urging him to run away. The image is of panic and self-preservation. Whether he was told by someone or merely self-enhanced, he was tempted to react like a startled bird fleeing to a high place. Are we not like David in a lot of ways?
Is it not in a time of crisis, believers are confronted with two choices. To focus on their obstacles or on God? A lack of faith in God has caused Israel to wander for 40 years in the wilderness (Num 14:20–23). Similarly, this lack of faith in God has caused believers to wander away from Him (Heb 4:7–11).
When the enemy triumphs, David expressed his concern by saying,
“if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”[v.3]
He was Israel's king, so that if the enemy would succeed, the nation's very foundations would be destroyed. A proper system and order grounded in righteousness and justice of God, under a godly king, would crumble surely. When evil and chaos happen, what could the righteous do?
Of course, David held unto the truth that the “Lord is in his holy temple and His throne is in heavens” He knows everything. [v.4] God is sovereign. He is on top of everything.
However, God allows this threat as ‘tests for the righteous’ This is to prove the genuineness of their faith. Definitely, this is not to tempt them to sin (Jas 1:13; 1 Pet 1;7, 1 Cor 10:13). David's trust during troubles and God's response has strengthened his reliance on the Lord more (see Psa 3:4).
As God’s nature is just, He hates the wicked and the one who loves violence, He would avenge his enemies as Lord rained fire and sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah.[v.6] He indicates that these disasters as "the portion of their cup." Notedly, the cup of the Lord is often used in connection with His judgment of evildoers. Take for example in Revelation 14:10, God warns that whoever worships the beast and its image "also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger."
In a twist from fear to faith, David expresses his hope for God. “For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.’[v.7] God is judge yet He is loving. This is displayed in Christ. Because the Lord is righteous, He cannot allow the wicked to go unpunished. Nor will He allow those who are evil and sinful to be with Him in eternity. Our Redeemer Jesus was cursed for our sin [Gal 3:13] in order for us to be righteous and reconciled to God. [ 2 Cor 5:21]
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God’s Word for Today
18 July 2023
12 Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted.
13 Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”?
14 But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none.
16 The LORD is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
17 O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
-Psa 10:12-18 ESV
THE HELPER OF THE FATHERLESS
The most common yet the hardest question to answer is’
‘Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? [v.1]
Where is God in my sufferings? Why God, if He is good and loving, do allow these hardships in my life? David wasn’t exempted to express his anguish and dismay. He saw the wicked prosper. [see v 5-10] Proudly, the wicked says, ‘I shall not be moved’ and “I shall not meet adversity’ and ‘“God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”. Cursing and deceit are in his mouth. This evil man lurked, ambushed, and seized the helpless. The helpless are crushed and sink down. They with their evil deeds seem to slip away from His judgments and sight [v.5]
Yet, David hoped in God. He refused to be overwhelmed with his emotions. He prayed,
‘Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”? [v12,13]
He affirmed his faith that God sees and that He is ‘the helper to the fatherless’. He extolled that ‘God is king forever and ever.’ The nations ‘perish’ is a common feature of prophetic-predictive statements, as it happened already from God's timeless perspective. The Lord has heard the request of the humble and would vindicate the orphan and the oppressed so that nobody could touch them anymore.
In Psalm 23, David testifies that the Lord is his shepherd, even preserving him in the valley of the shadow of death. Thus, David fears no evil because the Lord is with him. Similarly in Heb 13:5, God has assured the believers that the Lord will never forsake them.
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God’s Word for Today
17 July 2023
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies turn back,
they stumble and perish before your presence.
4 For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
their cities you rooted out;
the very memory of them has perished.
7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever;
he has established his throne for justice,
8 and he judges the world with righteousness;
he judges the peoples with uprightness.
9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
-Psa 9:1-10 ESV
THE LORD SITS ENTHRONED FOREVER
Thankfulness and singing with gladness are results of David’s recounting to God, the ‘Most High’, and His wonderful deeds.[v.1,2] His enemies turned back, stumbled, perished, and are blotted forever. For example, in Exodus 17:14 records the Lord's words about Amalek after Joshua and his people defeated the Amalekites. The Lord said to Moses, "Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." Only that Sovereign God could utterly blot out, even the memory of sin. The apostle Peter’s message to the Jews gathered at Solomon's portico was to urge them to repent and turn back to the Lord so that their sins would be blotted out (Acts 3:19).
David claims that God has ‘maintained his just cause’ to mean, God has vindicated him personally. Throughout history, Satan and his minions have tried to destroy the people of Israel, but the Lord has turned them back just as He turned David's enemies back. Yes, God allowed Israel to suffer defeat at times because of their sin. However, they never faced annihilation. Conversely, ‘the enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.’[v.6]
But, God lives forever on His throne. David exalts that God is, has been, and always will be the Supreme Authority over all of creation. Moreover, His rule reflects with righteousness and uprightness (v.8).
In Psalm 93:2 the psalmist expresses, "Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting." Psalm 106:48 proclaims, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting." And that from His heavenly throne, He "will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed [Jesus]; and of this, he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:31. Isa 9:6-7).
Consequently, David expresses his confidence to God’s help, saying;
‘The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!
Tell among the peoples his deeds!’[v.9-11]
Apparently, David’s motivation was more than for his ease and comfort but rather the that the glory of God might be manifest. Thus he exclaims,
‘Be gracious to me, O Lord!
See my affliction from those who hate me,
O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
14 that I may recount all your praises,
that in the gates of the daughter of Zion
I may rejoice in your salvation.’[v.13,14]
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Text: Psalm 8:1-9
1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME
It’s not difficult to see the focus on God’s greatness as the theme of this psalm. He opened and closed it with the same exultation unto God, ‘O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!’[ v.1,9]
As David viewed God's creation, he was overwhelmed by how wonderful, great, or exalted God is. In Psalm 19:1–6, David also attributed the creation with a similar revelation of God. In Genesis, the Lord instructed Abraham to look at the heavens and number the stars. [Gen 15:5] The word, "majestic" may be translated. "wonderful," "great," or "exalted." It’s tragic and a great perversion for corrupted man to worship the creation rather than the Creator. Thus, the apostle Paul indicated that those who fail to believe in God are without excuse. (Rom 1:22–23)
Though how strong and majestic God is, He could use infants and children to praise Him and shame the enemy. Jesus referred to this verse just after He cleansed the temple.[ see Mat 21:16). It’s unthinkable that those still being weaned can bring down the enemy, is it not? He chooses the weak to shame the strong[1 Cor 1:27]. In short, it is all about God so the instrument is immaterial.
Reflecting upon the greatness of God, David felt his nothingness, as every one of us should. He said,
“what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”[v.4] The "man" in this verse is actually the term ‘enos’ used to refer to mankind. Man is created lower than the angels yet He cares for them, even ‘crowned him with glory and honor”
His care for man is sown with the common grace that He gives. Everything else in creation is under his dominion… domesticated animals, even the wild and fishes in the oceans. Jesus even said,
“He [God the Father] makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.’[Matt 5:45]
Most importantly, the greatest blessing about this psalm is the act of compassion God did to become like us. This psalm is a Messianic psalm and is quoted 4 times in the New Testament.[1 Cor 15:57, Eph 1:22, Heb 2:6-10 and Mat 21:16] Jesus was born and lived as a man. The angels did not. And as fully human could He only serve as a sacrifice for humanity (Heb 2:11). On that cross, Jesus cried out in victory, "It is finished" (John 19:30). His death was sufficient payment for all time for the sins of humanity. Our salvation could never be purchased for anything less than His precious blood, and in nothing else (1 Pet 1:18–19). But, Jesus though his humility is exalted. [Phil 2:6-10] Even Isaiah has prophesied, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder…Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and to uphold it."[Isa 9:6,7] And Paul writes Christ’s exaltation after rising from death, "For 'God has put all things in subjection under his [Jesus'] feet."[1 Cor 15:27]
Today, we should continue to be awed by the wonder of God’s creation and humiliation, should we not?
Text: Psalm 7:8-17
8 The LORD judges the peoples; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.
9 Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous—you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!
10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.
12 If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow;
13 he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.
14 Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies.
15 He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made.
16 His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.
17 I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.
-Psa 7:8-17 ESV
GOD IS A RIGHTEOUS JUDGE
Relentlessly, David’s enemies were pursuing him as a lion. But his trust is the Lord, his refuge.[v.1] David declared his integrity. Should he has done evil toward others [v.3-6], he was willing to be chastened. He was so confident to even encourage it. Indeed, ‘the righteous are bold as a lion.’[Prov 28:1b]
He asked for God’s vindication only according to his righteousness and integrity. [v.6-8] God is a righteous judge. Having been convinced of his innocence, He looked unto God not as a ‘judge’ but as his ‘shield and savior’. He said, “ My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.’[v.10]
His unrepentant rebellious enemies do cause God to ‘whet their sword’…’ prepared for him his deadly weapons for the enemies’ own destruction. Their evil plot[ mischief, wickedness, falsehood] will return unto their own head. [v.12-16]
David’s gloom turned into gladness because of God’s righteousness. He resolved, “I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.”[v.17]
Today, let’s take note that we may not have control over what others will do to us. But, we can choose to respond. Perhaps, God wants us to check the integrity of our hearts. Should we have not done anything wrong, we have God as our shield. He is the righteous judge to vindicate us. The Lord is on our side. The issue isn’t people attacking us but whether are we on the side of God, who would avenge us. He would turn their attacks unto themselves in due time.
Thus, let’s resolve with Paul, who says; ‘Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’[Rom 12:17-21]
Text: Psalms 6:1-10 (ESV)
1 O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
nor discipline me in your wrath.
2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O LORD—how long?
4 Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;
save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of you;
in Sheol who will give you praise?
6 I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
7 My eye wastes away because of grief;
it grows weak because of all my foes.
8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my plea;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
CONFESSION AND CONFIDENCE
Undoubtedly, David has admitted his guilt and has been pleading for God’s mercies[v.1-3] He was deeply troubled. He acknowledges God’s wrath and hatred toward sin. But, he appeals to God as a father who deals with his weak child. [Prov 3:11,12]. His question ‘How long?’ is an expression implying grief, is it not? As sinners, like David, we can only look and hope unto the graciousness of God, not on His justice.
Indicative of his relationship with God, David's pleadings were based on God’s covenantal love – His lovingkindness. [v.4,5] He pleads for mercy upon his life for there is no opportunity to mention the Lord in Sheol[death]. Let’s not forget that our time isn’t perpetual. Death happens and we would lose opportunities to enjoy our relationship with him if we fail to recognize him as our Father now. Life is too short to indulge and wallow in an emotional whirlpool.
In v.6-7, David expressed his anguish before the Lord. Problems and challenges of life may take a toll to our health – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He said, “I am weary…I wet my bed with tears…I drench my couch with weeping…My eyes waste away and grow weary.” It is okay when we feel we are not okay before the Lord.
But, there is hope always in God. David affirmed his trust in God.[v.8-10] On a positive note, he looked not to the past only to what God has done but more to what God would do in the future. Let’s not rest on our past laurels and successes for our God is a covenant-keeping God. The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous. As Solomon said, “The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”[Prov 15:29]
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Text: Psalms 5:1-12 ESV
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD;
consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
3 O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil may not dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouth;
their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
they flatter with their tongue.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.
EXPERIENCING GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE
In v.1-3, we notice that the degree of our relationship with God determines our confidence in prayer. David referred to God as ‘my God and my king’. And he enjoys his communion with him on a daily basis. He expressed,
“O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”[v.3]
In v.4-7, moreover, David focused on God’s two attributes, His holiness, and fatherly love. God is opposed to all that is unholy[v4,5] Definitely, He doesn’t delight or take pleasure in wickedness and evil doesn’t reside in Him. No falsehood, deceit, and iniquity are found in Him.
But, David was motivated to draw near to God boldly – into His house of worship [temple] and Holy presence because of His abundant lovingkindness. This covenant love is ‘chesed’. God’s love is irresistible, isn’t it? We are attracted to go to God because of His unconditional love.[Rom 5:8] There is the reverential fear of David towards God as a result. He said,
“I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.”[v.7b]
This led David to plead for God’s righteousness. Saying, ‘Lead me O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before me.”[v.8] There is a new desire to live righteous for those who have received the love of God, is it not? As David related the wickedness of his enemies [i.e. no truth in their mouth, their throat is an open grave], he has desire no vengeance unto them. But that they would bear their own guilt and fall to their own plans and devices. David needs not to soil his hands like what God did to Haman who fell to his own gallows when he planned to destroy the righteous Mordecai. We can trust that God is in control.
David concluded in v.11-12 with great confidence to experience God’s blessing in following the Lord. He will bless him and cover him with favor[grace] as with a shield[v.12] Against the backdrop of wickedness from his enemies, he was full of gladness and singing with joy!
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God’s Word for Today
11 July 2023
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
-Psa 4:1-8 ESV
THE LORD IS MY RIGHTEOUSNESS
For David, God is the source of his righteousness. God is righteous and therefore He could never do anything wrong. This was a relief to his distress. Then, David turns his attention to his wicked pursuers, asking them, "How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies?"[v.2]
David’s confidence is his being ‘set apart’ unto God. To be "set apart" for the Lord is to be seen differently from the ungodly. That, David is declared holy and his holiness is a gift from God. Today, this distinction exists between His people and unbelievers. Even, the apostle Paul writes, "The Lord knows those who are his,' and 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."[ 2 Tim 2:19]
Most likely, v.4 and 5 referred to David’s own men who were agitated toward David’s enemies. That those who trust in the Lord’s sovereign control are not to be controlled by their passion. As David expresses his trust, saying, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"[Psa 27:1] The Hebrew translated "be angry" here literally means "to tremble, shake, quake, or be agitated." And, Paul, citing the Septuagint Greek translation of this Psalm, also refers to the idea of anger in Ephesians 4:26.
Though outnumbered by their enemies the Lord is powerful. Thus, they should,
‘Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.’[v.5]
Indeed, many of his people say, 'Who will show us better times?' David could just hope, saying, ‘Let your face smile on us, LORD.’ Discouragement may drift our hearts towards despair, yet Rom 8:28 is always our encouragement as light at the end of a tunnel.
David concluded with the assurance of ‘joy and peace’ in the Lord. Not because their resources and circumstances became better but because the Lord is their righteousness. Sleep and rest become sweet even if the threat of the enemy is real.[v.7,8]
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God’s Word for Today10 July 2023
O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;2 many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God!For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah
-Psa 3:1-8 ESV
THE LORD IS MY SHIELD, GLORY, AND THE LIFTER OF MY HEAD
This is David’s lament about his son Absalom’s rebellion, whose account is read in 1 Sam 15. Many, in fact thousands [v.6] sided his son and Dvid became a fugitive , running for his life in the wilderness, alone and helpless. In 2 Sam 17:1–3 tells us of Ahithophel asking Absalom to allow him to take 12,000 men to pursue David until David became so tired and discouraged. They were scouring and taunting saying, “There is no salvation for him in God.”[v.2] Are you pressed in a corner where there seems no way out?But, salvation belongs to the Lord.[v.8] From a human perspective, he was hopeless. But, he affirmed that God is his ‘shield, glory and the lifter of his head.”[v.3] When could be stripped of everything, but not prayer. He lifted up unto hill from where his help comes.[Psa 121:1] The Lord and nobody else is his comfort. This is the same confidence David has expressed earlier when he confronted Goliath. Courageously, he called out to Goliath, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand…For the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hand" (1 Sam 17:45–47).Because of his trust to God, David was able to sleep and wake up through Sovereign God’s watching eyes. [v.6,7]. Fear has no grip on his praying heart. He who fears God has nothing else to fear. Who are these wicked men before his God? Today, we can likewise confidently bring everything in prayer. As Paul exhorted us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6,7) We may not be surrounded by wicked men and enemies. However, we are bombarded with trials and afflictions, are we not? [John 16:33] yet, the apostle Paul has assured us "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom 8:37). Salvation is of the Lord. Glory to His name.
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Text: Psalm 2:1-12
1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
GOD LAUGHS
Pagan nations led by their rulers and kings, had opposed ‘the Lord and His Anointed’.[v.1-3] They take their stand proudly against God. They "set their counsel" here implies deliberate preparation and arrangement. It's ridiculous to think that one can overpower, undermine, or escape from the will of God, isn’t it? Why? It’s an attempt to throw off the authority of the Sovereign God and His Anointed One.[v.3]
Anointed [mashiach], from which is derived the English word Messiah or Christos in Greek, is predictive of Jesus. The opposition to God and the Messiah are inseparable. John declares, “No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.”[1 John 2:23] Similarly Luke says, “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”[Luke 10:16]
But, our confidence is in the victory of the Messiah [v.4-9] God "sits", a reference to His throne (Isa 6:1), from which He rules heaven and earth. From that lofty and majestic position, He sees the frantic and feeble nations. He laughs. Isaiah declares, "Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness."[Isa 40:15,17] Take for example the proud Nimrod who built Babel who ultimately crumbled.
Victory is certain. The sovereign Creator of the universe will set His King, the Lord Jesus Christ, Israel's Messiah on Mount Zion, His holy hill.[v.6] Let’s recall Gabriel's address to Mary. He prophesied concerning Jesus: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end" (Luke 1:32–33). As King David has ruled from Jerusalem, so King Jesus will rule from Jerusalem[Zion]! He is begotten.[v.7] Interestingly, in the ancient near east, a king was considered ‘begotten’ when he entered into kingship. He is assured that the nations of the earth would be his heritage and the earth his possession. The prophet Zechariah anticipates Messiah's possession of the nations by declaring, "And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you."[Zech 2:11] He would smash the rebellious with a rod of iron and break them into pieces as crushed pots.
But, the Lord has offered hope to the nations.[v.10-12] God warned them to be wise and humble lest they be crushed. Pride is the recipe for destruction.[Prov 16:18] They must revere and serve Him. Serving God is the hallmark of Christianity, isn’t it?
Text: Psa 1:1-6 ESV
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
-Psa 1:1-6 ESV
THE BLESSED MAN
The world has a different view of blessedness. He who has the most of the world’s goods and pleasures is considered the most blessed, is it not? The current race towards a life of affluence is the undeniable evidence to such pursuit. But Jesus said that our life doesn’t consist of the things we possess.
How does the Lord depict the blessed man?
He is the one who distances himself from sin but devotes in the scriptures. Sin and scriptures are mutually exclusive. One negates the other. Should a person be blessed, he must avoid a sinful lifestyle. It starts in the mind[counsel of the world] that corrupts manners [standing and sitting with sinners] eventually. A lifestyle of sin isn’t an overnight product. It’s a gradual process.
On the other hand, our blessedness comes about as a growing tree. The person who faithfully reads and meditates God’s word is changed from one degree of glory to another. [2 Cor 3:18] The changes are coming from the inside out as the sap is producing fruit in a tree. As His branches, we are nothing if we don’t abide in Him. [John 15:5] The absorption of nutrients and water from the ground [ and river] results in fruitfulness regardless of circumstances. Thus, a blessed person isn’t dictated by his surroundings – on sunny or stormy days his Christlikeness isn’t affected. Don’t you like to be such a person?
Moreover, it’s the approval of his life at the end that makes a difference. The wicked will suffer loss while the blessed person is exalted. In Matthew 7, Jesus is talking about the futility of such a person who is building his house upon the sand that at the time of judgment, he wouldn’t stand and suffer embarrassment.[see John 12:48] While the blessed person is the ‘righteous one whose way the Lord knows or determines’. Like a person who builds his house upon the Rock [Jesus and His words], he remains and is even rewarded.
By God’s grace, let’s be sure that we have a relationship with God through Christ. If you’re in Him, you would be truly blessed should you remain in His word.
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Text: James 5:19-20 ESV
(19) My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, (20) let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
WINNING BACK THE WANDERER
Severe hardships have a heavy toll upon many believer’s faith. They stumbled and wandered away. Or, maybe they are never true believers at all, but merely part of the organized community. In either case, they've wandered away after false beliefs.
Instead of abandoning them, the faithful must pursue them relentlessly. James declared that ‘whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.’ We are not told how but efforts should be done to attempt to bring them back. Restoring these sinful wanderers has to be done with great love and concern for their souls. There is a ‘covering a multitude of sin’. That is, there should not be condemnation, judgment, or arrogance but a sincere interest and loving effort to help someone else. Paul has similarly enjoined us in (Gal 6:1,2), wherein he said, “Brothers if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Some strongly suggest that since their souls will be saved from death, which is likely eternal death, these must be non-believers who came so near to Christ but without ever crossing over into a sincere commitment of faith.
At the end of the day, James did encourage us to do whatever it takes to rescue the lost. We can throw the gospel lifeline to the drowning soul. However, only God could remove the scales from their eyes and bring conviction to bring them back to Him and the community of believers. In other words, we are not to dilute the truth and manipulate it. It’s the truth that can set them free.
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Text: James 5:16-18 ESV
(16) Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (17) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
CONFESSIONS AND HEALING
It should be the common practice for believers to confess our sins to each other and to pray for each other, so that we may be healed. This is the dynamic of a community that experiences the love of Christ. There is the idea of Christians being in close relationships with each other. They are open and vulnerable with each other. In this loving environment, each could acknowledge to the other what sins are most difficult for them, and all could pray for each other to overcome those sins.
What promotes vulnerability? Definitely, when there is unconditional acceptance, one won’t hesitate to open up his life. A community wherein the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.[1 Cor 12:25b,26] There would not be hypocrisy and pretense but truthfulness. Did not Paul say that love rejoices in the truth, not in falsehood? [1 Cor 13:6] Can you truly love a person wearing a mask?
Where sins are confessed and forgiven, prayers become effective. Sins do make God shun our prayers, don’t they? [Psa 66:18, Isa 59:2] The righteous is one whose prayers are effective. As a result, the spiritually weak or physically weak would be strengthened among us. We ‘encourage the fainthearted, and help the weak .’[1 Thess 5:14]
Elijah is an example. His prayer was powerful and effective. Prayer works, but not because of the power of him who prays. It works because God hears, and responds with all of His power and effectiveness. In fact, he is no different than anyone of us - fallible, mortal, and limited human beings. And yet, when he prayed that it would not rain and for the rain to come, it didn't rain and the rain came after, respectively.
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God’s Word for Today
4 July 2023
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
-James 5:14-15 ESV
PRAYING FOR THE SICK
The question James asks is how should believers respond when they are "sick.” Moreover, what result should we expect when we take the action? Bible scholars are divided in referring to the ‘sick’ here between a physical illness and spiritual weakness or lack of faith.Those who believed that this is spiritual sickness primarily cited this as similar to the weakness mentioned in Rom 5:6. Perhaps, the ongoing suffering or some other causes had weakened his faith. The elders who are the spiritual leaders of the church should be asked to pray for him. This instruction comes with the promise that the Lord will re-establish his faith. And, that any sin responsible for his spiritual weakness will be forgiven.The others simply said that this is about a physical illness. Physical healing and the assurance of the forgiveness of sins happened through the prayer of faith of the elders. Whatever the case, the elders are called to anoint this unwell person with oil in the name of the Lord. There are a few meanings for the use of oil. In the ancient world, it is used as a general medicinal cure. At other times, it was applied to express concern to show emotional care for a person. Or it's part of a sacrament of healing or a physical symbol that a person was being set apart for God's purposes.Apparently, God’s primary message through James is for Christians not to suffer alone. He doesn’t want us to pray for ourselves in private alone without ever revealing our problems, especially to the elders. Secondly, God has enjoined the spiritual leaders of local churches to be ready and willing to pray together for the struggling people in their congregations or communities.Does the promise of healing guarantee that every person who follows these specific steps are healed of any illness at any time? It doesn't seem to suggest when or how God will raise him up. Perhaps it will be immediate or in eternity. Ultimately, the believer in Christ would surely be raised eventually and forever, which we can be assured of.
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God’s Word for Today 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.-James 5:13 ESV
PRAYER AND PRAISE Suffering is inevitable to the Christian. Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”[John 16:33] Sufferings are coming at varying degrees and do happen in just a matter of time. Let’s not be surprised.How should we respond? We should pray as our natural response. We should ask for strength to remain faithful despite the suffering, should we not? In other words, they provide us opportunities to move closer to God in prayer. Storms make us prayerful. During sunny days, we tend to forget God. Thus, prayerlessness even though in times of trouble should be a spiritual alarm to us. It's a symptom of a spiritual dearth. The person is proud and not living in dependence on God.What about during happy days? How are we going to conduct ourselves? Let us sing praises unto the Lord. As Paul said, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”[1 Thess 5:16-18]Prayer and Praise should mark our lives. A person who is living in dependence on God. Another appropriate action is to be quick to sing songs of praise unto Him when we feel cheerful or happy. In summary, prayer should be our natural response to any circumstance. As Paul also declared, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”[Phil 4:6,7] Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-googlepcast Audible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audible Follow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio
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12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
- James 5:12 ESV
BE TRUTHFUL
However, this seems an odd verse. But, it’s an important part of James' intent. James begins by saying "above all," indicating that this is a vital truth. And, in an almost word for word to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:34–37, he commands us in taking oaths.
It’s important to note that the "swear" here is neither about using coarse language nor speaking God's name as a cuss word. James is talking about a practice that was apparently common in their time. It is about taking an oath to prove his sincerity that he was telling the truth or that he would keep a promise.
In other words, the issue appears to be about honesty. Truthfulness should be the absolute norm for those who trust in Christ. Our simple yes or no should be completely binding. There is no ambiguity. Deception is a sin and should never characterize our lives as we relate to others. Thus, if an oath is required to convince someone of our honesty or intent to be faithful, it may imply that we may not be known for telling the truth in certain circumstances.
It seems to us that oaths do become a way of manipulating people, does it not? It is used just to get some kinds of contracts, loan money, etc. James is clear for us believers, for those in Christ, dishonesty is never our lifestyle. Trust is. No oaths are required or needed for those whose integrity couldn’t be questioned.
Are Christians forbidden from taking oaths in legal settings such as courts of law or military service? Definitely not! James emphasized in taking personal oaths, especially those used for purposes of deception or manipulation.
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7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
- James 5:7-11 ESV
BE PATIENT
The oppression from greedy rich people may have provoked the brethren to give up their faith. Be patient was the charge of James unto them. They need to count their undergoing trials as joy in order to endure toward maturity in Christ. [Jas 1:2-4]. Trials are not forever, are they? Jesus is coming to judge the wicked and secure His children eternally. The day of the Lord or the "day of slaughter" surely will come (Jas 5:5). Is it not His coming back our motivation to persevere? Thus, James said, ‘Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look--the Judge is standing at the door!”[v.9, NIV] Even Paul said, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”[Phil 4:5]
Waiting is hard when you're suffering, isn’t it? Hence, James used three object lessons for us not to be dissuaded but to persevere. First, is the patience of the farmer. He endures pain in preparing the field before sowing the seeds. After sowing, he has to wait for the ‘autumn’ and ‘spring’ rains so that the crops grow and produce a few months later. He embraces the waiting as the reality in a life anticipating a harvest.
The prophets are another example James referred unto. These men proclaimed God's messages faithfully. Most often, they included warnings of God's coming judgment. Although, many years passed by without them coming to pass. Yet, they remained steadfast as they often suffered great persecution while they waited for God to fulfill His word.
The last example is Job, whose stedfastness amidst sufferings couldn’t be equalled. Blessed is the stedfast, which literally means "to count as blessed, or happy, or successful." Job endured unbearable suffering while holding on to his faith in God. In the end, God rewarded him by restoring all he had lost and giving him even much more. God is vindicated. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Be patient my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. It’s too soon to quit.
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1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.
2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.
4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
-James 5:1-6 ESV
RICHES: A BLIGHT OR BLESSING?
James condemns harshly some rich people among them. Is being rich wrong by itself? The condemnation here is not for having wealth, itself, but for those who love wealth causing them to fall into sins. In James 1:10, he offers instruction to wealthy Christians about how to evaluate their true riches. Similarly, Paul warned the rich clearly. He writes, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.[1 Tim 6:17-19]
Most likely, most of these wealthy people were unbelievers who used their wealth to harm others. They may include those who did not use their wealth to help others (Jas 4:17). Apparently, they used their wealth to oppress the poor Christians so that James was harsh unto them. Paul described them as trapped. He said, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”[1 Tim 6:9,10]
Instead of being blessed by their riches, these riches are a blight unto them. James described them, saying, “Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.” The failure for those hoarding with wealth is to trust their riches, rather than upon God (Mat 19:23–24). For all will soon be gone. Solomon is right to say,
“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings,
flying like an eagle toward heaven.”[Prov 23:4,5]
They are not really rich in the eyes of God. All they have is money and nothing else. They are corrupted by so much greed. How then are we comforted when facing such people? Firstly, God will not allow injustice to go unpunished. These cheated and oppressed laborers are crying against them. James said the “cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.” [v.4,5] Their doom is sure.
Today, let’s relish on the truth that our riches are in Christ alone. Paul said, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”[Col 3:1,2] Like Moses, let us choose ‘not to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin but consider the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt[world].”[Heb 11:25,26] May God help us to guard our hearts.
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God’s Word for Today
28 June 2023
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—
14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
-James 4:13-17 ESV
IF THE LORD WILLS
James has addressed to some individuals among them who were presumptuous. They expressed their arrogance by making decisions without God. Their boasting is evil. They had said, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit” They are not different to the rich fool that Jesus mentioned in His parable in Luke 12:16-21.
A proud person is always presumptuous, which is the path to destruction. As Solomon says,
‘Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.’[Prov 16:18,25]
Overconfidence in the self is blinding. James is referring to this man who is making business plans and vowing to keep them in his own power and by the force of his own will. Perhaps he is influenced by the prevalent worldly thinking. He became oblivious to his limitations or shortcomings. He forgets that his life is short and uncertain as a mist that vanishes in a moment.
Do we know what would happen tomorrow? Of course, not! We can't predict or control the future. Thus Jesus says to us, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”[Matt 6:34]
What then are we supposed to do?
We ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” Let us seek the mind of God in prayer. Jesus promised, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”[John 15:7]. Even John corroborated by saying, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”[1 John 5:14,15]
Don’t forget that God has no aversion unto us when we plan. But, the only plan that will work is God’s plan. He is not denying sound and God-led planning. Let us therefore, “commit our work to the Lord, and our plans will be established.’[Prov 16:3] James exhorts us to carry with us an awareness that every moment, every movement, we should be dependent on God's grace, mercy, and will. There is no exception. This is the right thing to do. Failure to acknowledge God in our plans is not just morally wrong but a sin.
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Text: James 4:11-12 ESV
“(11) Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. (12) There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
BEWARE OF A JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDE
We do exercise judgment every day, don’t we? It’s the sin of slandering or judgmental that we should avoid. It’s unbecoming for believers to turn on each other by slandering or disparaging each other. To slander means to discredit someone, to spread hurtful lies about him, saying unkind and harmful things about him. In short, to be judgmental is to assume a position of authority over him.
It’s important to note that James’ readers were of Jewish descent. Thus, they probably have high respect to the Old Testament Law. In [Lev 19:16], Moses wrote, “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.” Instead, they are to love their neighbor as they love themselves. [Lev 19:18] We should seek the best for others as we seek the best for ourselves.
To disobey the Law by judging another person is a way of putting oneself above the Law. We are going to focus as doers of the Law, and nothing more. Let us avoid looking over others’ shoulders and judging them for what they are doing. Again, James is urging us to walk humbly in our relationship with God and with each other.
God is the only person who deserves to judge. He is the only one able to save and destroy. He is the lawgiver. There is no other. On the other hand, We are all flawed yet by His grace are forgiven. And as undeserving recipients of His grace, should we not be gracious to others? Should we mean to be forgiven by the Judge on the basis of His grace alone through faith in Christ, we are saved. And, as people dependent on His grace, we should not presume to pronounce any verdict against others based on our own judgment. Thus, to make ourselves judges of other people's sins is being hypocritical, even arrogant.
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God’s Word for Today26 June 20236 But he gives more grace.
Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
-James 4:6-10 ESVHE GIVES MORE GRACE
Even if they have been living the worldly way, they won’t outrun the grace of God. James offered hope. This favor or grace is given to all who trust in Christ. Yes, our sin is serious, corrupting, and wicked, but God gives us more grace. He forgives us in our sinfulness in Christ and continues to give us the benefit we have not earned.Quoting Prov 3:34, James relates a simple yet powerful principle. God opposes the proud. Isn’t one’s refusal to trust God to provide what he needs, and his insistence on getting what he wants for ourselves an act of pride? Impliedly, it is an attempt to play God in our own lives. God in a loving way expressed His jealousy. He opposed us when we do so yet offered us hope in Christ should we humble ourselves before Him.Humility is evidenced by submission. Submit to God anew. Give up the lifestyle of getting what you want. And embrace all the good He gives. We must surrender ourselves to align with His desires and commit ourselves to serving others. Humility is a direct assault on the devilish mind. Satan is instrumental in inciting the selfish pursuit away from God. It demands that we should continually counter his lies by telling ourselves the truth about God's goodness, love, and power toward us. Definitely, this is our motivation to draw near to God. This comes with a corresponding promise. That is, God will respond by moving closer to us as well. A demonstration of His incredible act of mercy on His part. God owes us nothing. Yet, He promised His closeness. What an indescribable grace on His part to come in our direction at all! In response to His goodness, we should pursue holiness and purify our hearts. A show of brokenness is a demonstration of true repentance. We should grieve the lost hours, days, and years spent in pursuit of worthless things. This pleases God. As David expressed, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.”[Psa 51:17,19]
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What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
- James 4:1-3 ESV
WHERE DOES CONFLICT COME FROM?
“Anger management” is a skill popularized today by experts as a solution in solving tensions in relationships. While their purpose is noble, most have just solved the symptoms and not addressed the root cause or source. As long as we embraced the world’s idea of success in life, there is always fire among us. What is success according to the world? It is defined by whether we get what we want out of life at all costs. It is driven by envy, to say, "I want what you have.” And by selfish ambition, to say, "I will do whatever it takes to get it." This ‘rat race’ that people pursue will always end with them behaving like rats!
The problem is rooted in their ‘desires’. These strong selfish or fleshly desires would tell us to fight, scratch, and hurt each other if that is what it takes to get what we want. James rebuked them saying. “Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it.”
What the world is fighting about could be ours by just asking - praying. Jesus said, “ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”[Matt 6:31,32] These blessings are gifts from God the Father. We neither need to manipulate nor coerce others. As Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” [ Matt 6:33]
But these people refused to trust Him to provide what they needed. They refused to pray unto God for what they desired. God might say no, after all. They won’t take ‘no’ as an answer anyways. Who determines what is best for us? God or us? Their evil hearts reveal that they would rather hurt someone else in attempting to get it for themselves.
Today, let’s delight ourselves in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [Psa 37:4] That is, God would change our desires should we delight in Him. It is when we seek Him first that our affections would change. When we embrace the spiritual things as more valuable then we won’t compete for material things. Let us be heavenly-minded that the cravings for the things in this world would fade away.
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13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
-James 3:13-18 ESV
WHO IS WISE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG YOU?
This question must have provoked those who were proud among the believers. James had used two different Greek words, with two distinct meanings. "Understanding" focuses on intellect and factual knowledge. While "wisdom," is more related to practical, real-life use of moral reasoning. Is intellect not important? Of course not. James just emphasized the action, the doing. It’s foolish to say we have faith and don’t show it with our actions. Hence, James focused more heavily on the applied "wisdom" aspect.
The true test of God's kind of wisdom is a life well lived, a life spent doing good works for others. A truly wise person demonstrates humility through his good works. He’s not taunting his good works for the attention of others, not putting himself above others. This is the mind of Christ as expressed by Paul in Phil 2:4-7a, that is “ Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,”
On the other hand, a person driven by envy and selfish ambition perhaps is wise in the eyes of people but he is not before God. The world put a premium on the one who is the best and has no equal in his career and life. It promotes unhealthy competition. It’s ugly and unbecoming in the body of Christ where the servant is the greatest of all, is it not? It "is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic." In other words, its origin is the devil. In this demonic wisdom, pain and destroying one another become the norm. It prompts a person to even hurt someone else to get what he wants. He doesn’t care as long as he gets it. It encourages him to make excuses for his selfishness.
Whereas, the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.[v.17, NLT] This is wisdom from God. That is, to trust God to provide all our needs. Is He not the giver of every good gift? (Jas 1:17). Is He not going to fulfill every desire of our hearts for eternity with Him in heaven? With this outlook, it’s not hard to sacrifice opportunities for "more and more" money, pleasure, and power in the world. Instead, we do make ourselves available to serve and meet others’ needs, don’t we?
As a result, there is no provocation to unhealthy relationships. On the other hand, it promotes peace. As James said, “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”[v.18 NLT] Most likely, we reap what we sow. We overcome the evil of selfish competition into having a harmonious relationship.
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Text: James 3:3-12 ESV
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?
12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
-James 3:3-12 ESV
SMALL BUT TERRIBLE
The tongue is a small organ yet we have to handle it seriously. It can either encourage or disparage a person. Solomon said that death and life is in the power of the tongue. It has neither head nor feet but it can travel fast. It has no bones but could break the lives of people. Its power should not be taken for granted. Its power is illustrated in three powerful objects, namely, the rudder of the ship, the bit of a horse, and fire.
The ship’s direction is controlled by the small rudder. The wild horse could be controlled by a small bit. These two are the positive aspects of the use of tongue. As the rudder can direct ships, so we can help a needy and confused person to go the right path and make the right decisions by the words we say. Or, as the bit can control wild horses, so we could nurture an immature person by the words we teach unto them.
However, if misused, a tongue can devour like a small spark of fire that could wipe out forests. Such is the evil power of the tongue. It depends upon the state of our hearts. As Jesus said, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Most people reason out that they often have a slip of the tongue. Why? It is wet, it’s slippery. Wild animals can be tamed but not the tongue. It’s a restless evil. An outburst of wrath and anger is like volcanoes spewing lava destroying the life and vegetation around.
James argued the absurdity of the duality of the tongue – to bless and curse God. It’s impossible to have both salty and freshwater flowing from the same spring simultaneously. Is it possible that a tree can bear olive and fig trees at the same time? It’s against the norm. Similarly, from the same mouth should not be blessing and cursing happen simultaneously. James pleaded, “My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
It's time to check our hearts. Such duality should not be in the believer’s heart. The key is to tame the heart by the Spirit’s control. Without the power of the Spirit, it’s impossible to control the tongue. One of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. We ought to live and speak as we ought to. Otherwise, our flesh or self would be out of control. Thus Paul admonished, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”[Gal 5:25,26]
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"(1) Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. (2) For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. "
-James 3:1-2 ESV
ON BEING TACTFUL
James has addressed the issue of influencing others with their words as they teach. His caution is to have second thoughts for those would-be teachers. Why? They would be judged with greater strictness. Jesus warned. “If someone who is blind leads another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.” [Matt 15:14] Paul corroborated the danger of being influenced wrongly by false teachers. Thus, he said, “Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.”[1 Tim 1:6,7]
Teaching others is a much-needed ministry in the church. God has gifted individuals to fill it (1 Cor 12:28; Rom 12:7; Eph 4:11). They are to help make the Word of God clear to other Christians. They are not to prophesy or reveal new truths from God. Instead, they are to explain what has been revealed and make it easier for others to understand and make proper applications in life.
Moreover, it's not just enough that we are sure to teach the truth. God wants us also to bridle our tongues. Speaking the truth could hurt. However, if it is said in a tactful way it does show our maturity and would be taken objectively and edify. In short, both saying the right thing and saying it in the right way matter greatly.
One of the marks of a mature person is the way they talk. We all stumble[offend] in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble[offend] in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. Let’s be watchful today in the way we talk. As Paul exhorted, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”[Col 4:6] Let’s think twice before we say anything. As Solomon advised, “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”[Prov 10:19] Let’s follow the example of Christ, that is, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return.” [1 Pet 2:23]
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God’s Word for Today19 June 2023
20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.-
James 2:20-26 ESVCONSIDERED RIGHTEOUS BY FAITH ALONE
James has been describing the differences between a living faith and dead faith. What would you say about someone wanting to go somewhere but riding on a dead horse? Foolish! Such is the person who has faith without works - dead faith.But, we couldn’t say Abraham and Rahab were foolish by their faith shown by their actions, could we? James affirmed that the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. The proof that Abraham believed truly was that he obeyed the command of God to sacrifice Isaac at the altar. He rose early in the morning, walked with his son Isaac, made the altar, laid his son, and pulled the knife to kill him. But, an angel restrained him. Could we doubt the belief of Abraham? Had he not obeyed, we do have reasons to doubt, don’t we? Similarly, the pagan prostitute Rahab received and hid the spies. She could be killed for treason but she was not afraid and did what she did. Could we doubt her faith in the God of Israel? Definitely not!James pointed out that Abraham’s and Rahab’s faith was the motivating power behind their works. They were justified or declared righteous because of their faith. The term ‘justify’ here James referred to as proof in the eyes of people. He did not contradict Paul who writes about Abraham’s justification, saying;‘What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness”[Rom 4:1-5]
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14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? -James 2:14-20 ESV A USELESS FAITH James began these verses by asking a provoking question, “Could someone claiming to have faith in Christ, which does not lead him to do good works, be the kind of faith that leads to salvation?” Take note that he questioned the validity of ‘such faith.’ He is not questioning or contradicting the truth that salvation is by faith alone as Paul declares in Eph 2:8-9. The faith that saves is the only faith that produces good works. Apparently, "such faith" which is only a mental agreement or assent is not saving faith, is it not? James illustrated this by giving a situation. Supposing a fellow believer in Christ lacks enough clothing or food and comes to their gathering. Perhaps this happened because of some favoritism problem they have had. Needy brethren were a common sight because of persecution and poverty. James asked, “What good is it when anyone of you would say; Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs? Nothing! There is a big difference as night and day between a person who only has claimed [says] of faith and the person who actually has by showing his faith. People would always act on their true beliefs. The person who says he wants to see a poor man helped, and nothing else, doesn't really want to help. Similarly, a person who claims to have saving faith in Christ, but who does not act accordingly, does not actually have saving faith. If it is not accompanied by action, ‘such faith’ is dead faith. Plain and simple. At no point does work is required to earn salvation, or to keep it. Rather, James points out that what we do is the result of what we truly believe. As Luther says, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” Whenever there is a real person walking under the sun, he casts a shadow. Similarly, real faith is accompanied by good works. This dead or phony faith is quite deadly. Why? It has a resemblance to the faith of demons. They believe in the existence of God but they shudder. They believe that God is one. That He is a real person. They know God but they don’t trust Him, in fact, they rebel against Him. Are they fighting against an illusion? It’s absurd to fight for nothing, is it not? Today, ‘examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!’[2 Cor 13:5] Is our faith shown by our works. Otherwise, it is useless.
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10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- James 2:10-13 ESV
ARE WE BLINDED AND UNCONSCIONABLE?
The problem to most Christians isn’t ignorance to the truth but numbness when violating it. Being unconscionable could make us blinded. Why? Our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. [Jer 17:9,10] Most likely, these partial, even judgmental, believers had thought it was not wrong to show favoritism. If ever it was wrong, for them it’s not that big sin. Is it? Human nature will prompt us to be dismissive of our sins at times.
Why they did not feel guilty of the sin of favoritism? Perhaps they classified it as a lesser sin than others. They thought they could be in good standing as long as they do all the other commands. But James said, “ For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” In other words, there is no classification of sin.[v.10] We recognize however that there are sins that the moral consequence is more painful than others. The consequence of lying may not be as painful or devastating as adultery. Yet, God’s wrath is expressed to both without distinction. Everyone is a lawbreaker and should feel equally guilty.[Rom 3:23]
Our resolve, therefore, is to speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. James referred to the ‘law of liberty’ as freedom for having been forgiven in Christ. That is, we are free to show love because we are empowered in Christ. Moreover, we can’t be proud for we are a people also in need of great mercy from God, fellow sinners also forgiven by the blood of Christ.
We are all just recipients of God’s mercy, are we not? Thus, in deep humility, our appropriate attitude towards the least and lost is showing mercy not judgment. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What is the cause of our wrong attitude toward others? What are we going to do about it?
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8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
-James 2:8-9 ESV
THE ROYAL LAW
We should remember that Jesus taught the royal law of love, referencing what Moses taught in the Old Testament Law (see Lev 19:18; Mat 22:39). Reflecting upon this truth, James asserted that favoritism violates this clear and crucial injunction from God. We should love our neighbor as we love ourselves, should we not? It means treating our neighbor as we would want to be treated. More specifically in our gatherings, we will treat our poor Christian brothers and sisters with the same honor and respect we would give to any rich man or woman.
What do make it a "royal" law?
Either because it was endorsed by Jesus, who is the King of Kings so James calls it royal. (Matthew 22:36–40) . Or, it just one of the commands Jesus teaches that stands out among the rest. In either case, this command should guide us in showing honor to every person, regardless of their status in the larger community. As Paul expressed in Col 3:11, "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." The body of Christ should not be segregated or fragmented. Showing impartiality is sin apparently.
What makes the church attractive is its unity because of love. As Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have a love for one another.”[John 13:35] This ran contrary to the Roman caste system, repudiating the culture of classifying the value of people relatively by their educational and economic status.
Today, as we search our hearts, are we guilty of breaking the royal law? Are we prejudiced against some ethnic or indigenous group of people? May the love of Christ permeates our hearts to love the least and the lost. Let’s not forget the poor are rich in faith.
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My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
-James 2:1-7 ESV
THE UGLINESS OF FAVORITISM
Under severe persecution, how may these believers in the church have thought? James had anticipated for them to think that "If we treat the rich and powerful people well. they will treat us well.” This is evidence of the lack of faith that God is in perfect control as well. Is not the Lord fully capable of providing all that we need at all times and forever? His glory is ours for eternity, isn’t it? If you and I are trusting the Lord to meet all of our needs, should we show favoritism to anyone expecting that they will provide for us and avoid harming us?
Favoritism is ugly. James painted a scenario that ‘suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here's a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,'[v.3-4, NIV] This is making distinctions and making oneself as an evil judge.
In a paid concert gathering, we are not surprised when the rich and dignitaries are seated and treated with great honor while the poor are sidelined, are we? As it was the culture then, it hasn’t changed that much today among the non-believers. However, this should not happen in church. Christians gathering are not to discriminate against poor people in favor of rich people. Doing politics should neither be practiced nor tolerated in our churches.
In such a case they didn't really believe that Christians who are poor in this life will be equal heirs of the riches of glory forever. Instead, they made themselves the judges, determining who was worthy of honor and attention and not. Such discrimination has revealed their fleshly way of thinking.
Favoritism doesn’t make sense. Why? The poor are rich in faith so they are heirs of God’s kingdom. The rich, however, oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court, blaspheme the honorable name by which they were called. Our God is no respecter of persons. Jesus mingled with publicans and sinners because he loved them. Why should Christians be different?
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22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
-James 1:22-25 ESV
BE A DOER OF THE WORD
How do people grow in faith in God in a day-to-day basis? James makes it clear that those who trust God don't merely become experts at listening to God's Word. Those who believe are good listeners (Jas 1:19). They take the time to hear and understand. But the faithful don't stop there. To believe is to act on what we hear. As somebody said, “Faith in Christ is not just the map, it's the actual journey.” Merely nodding our heads in agreement at the Word is not enough, is it? We do need to do what the Word tells us to do, don’t we? We have to figure out which way God wants us to go, and then actually pursue that way.
Merely listening to God’s word without doing it has an element of absurdity. Why? James likened him to a man seeing the dirt in his face through a mirror and forgetting and ignoring it altogether. Why is he looking through a mirror in the first place? It doesn’t make sense if he’s not going to act based upon on what he sees, does it? It follows that those who don't obey prove that they don't really trust Him at all.
Rightly, we Christians should look intently into the perfect law, that gives freedom. When we heartily do and obey what we see there, we will be blessed in what we do. In short, blessings are for those who obey.
Let us take note that James is not calling believers to follow a legalistic rule-following as the path to being free and blessed. No. He is writing to people who believe that Jesus has fulfilled the Law of Moses by obeying it perfectly Himself. Christ is the fulfillment of the law [Rom 10:3] Hence, if we are In Christ, the Word has been planted in us (Jas 1:21). That Word is a perfect law, the law of the love of Christ, which brings freedom.
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19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
-James 1:19-21 ESV
QUICK YET SLOW
There is a paradox of quickness in life that makes us slow. A quick listener results to slowness in our comments and outburst of anger. Quick listening slows the outburst of anger, specifically verbal anger. When we listen and understand the person, we do learn how to be more tolerant and sympathetic, don’t we?
Take for example, we may be impatient to a person who is slow to get simple instructions that we have been repeating many times. Until we listen and know that he has had hearing impairment and other reasonable factors. Then, our anger is replaced with pity. In many ways, we do conclude before asking, don’t we? When we feel like we or God is losing control, we will be tempted to get angry.
James' instruction makes it clear that we can learn to control, or at least slow down our angry impulses. To refuse to let our passion for anger control us is itself an act of faith, is it not? It is a choice to strongly believe that our Father is in control, that He loves us, He is good and He is on top of everything.
To be carried by anger is disastrous. It does not lead one to do the righteousness of God. Our human selfishness, fear, or desire to control are exposed to the world around us should we be angry. These destroy our testimony. However, those who trust the Father to be in control, to provide what is needed, and to bring justice when the time is right, have their passions put at bay.
And, what is the key? The ‘remove and receive or put away and put on’ principle. Put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word. Removing our wickedness without receiving the word is a futile effort or attempt to use our fleshly ability. The Holy Spirit should control us. The power to change is through His word that the Spirit, uses to engraft the Word of God into our lives. Unless this happens, the Word of God is foreign and change won’t happen.
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16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
-James 1:16-18 ESV
GOD’S GOODNESS REMAINS
Let us not believe the lie that trials are allowed by God to destroy us. However painful our trials are yet they do give us the opportunity to trust God more deeply, don’t they? Difficult times are instruments to grow our spiritual strength. It drives us nearer to God rather than farther away from Him.
A healthy and growing believer in his faith isn’t governed by his passions or emotions. Emotions are powerful things, but they are not outside of our control. Our feelings often follow the lead of our perspective. When we remind ourselves of the truth, we are more likely to trust in it. It matters immensely that we tell ourselves the truth about God and His care for us.
God is always good – immutable or unchangeable. His goodness is the very reason why everything works together for good.[Rom 8:28] Our Father is ‘the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.’ God does not change when our circumstances change. He doesn't swing from being a good God to a bad God when our trials happened. He is still the source of all the good in our lives. He never changes. Doesn’t this truth encourage us to hang on even when the tides are changing to our disadvantage?
James expressed one example of God’s goodness. That is, we believers are the "first fruits" of His creation. That is, we have this status above all the rest of what He has made. What more evidence do we need that our God is good and loving and powerful and faithful to us? Let us rejoice because our names are written in heaven.
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12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
-James 1:12-15 ESV
THE CROWN OF LIFE
Is it worth remaining steadfast under trial? Certainly! Those who would stand in the test will reive the crown of life. God has promised it. And, His promises are always true. He would never mock us, would He?
Why does a person remain steadfast in serving God despite pain? Indeed, he loves God genuinely. Love bears all things. May His love permeates our hearts. As John says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.”[1 John 5:3] And his commandments are not burdensome. Do we love God as a response to His love for us? [1 John 4:19]
Conversely, a person who won’t endure is one who is lured by the promptings of his flesh. A person tried by God is tempted by Satan to sin. Jesus was brought by the Spirit unto the wilderness to be tried. And it was there that Satan tempted Him to sin but he did not sin. God doesn’t tempt anyone. But, Satan does. And, anyone tempted by him doesn’t sin until he bites it. Satan may whisper a doubt to our ears, like Is He strong enough to provide for us? faithful to meet our needs? compassionate about our pain and heartbreak? Is God good? Is He loving? Is He powerful?
Satan can’t force us to sin. He entices through the weakness of our flesh. And if he sins, he can’t reason out that the devil made me do it. He must accept personal responsibility for his sins. He decides to let his wild desire to let loose until it becomes uncontrollable. As in gestation, the process of sin becomes an inevitable development as in gestation – a point of no return. Death is the result. Instead of a crown of life, condemnation of death.
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9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
-James 1:9-11 ESV
HUMILITY & HONOR
James mentioned both the poor and rich brother. What’s their differences? Nothing much before the eyes of God. The lowly brother shouldn’t be ashamed for being poor as a consequence of trials. Instead, he should rejoice in his exaltation. Why? It is because God is pleased in his life that is growing in faith. [v.2-4, Heb 11:6] As John Piper said, “ Gosd is most g
Conversely, the rich brother must rejoice in his humiliation. He maybe is tempted to boast of his riches as his security and satisfaction. He must be humble. He must change his perspective. Did not Jesus warn us, saying, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”? [Luke 12:15] Life and everything else in this world is fleeting. As James articulated, “Like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”
Even Paul has warned, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”[1 Tim 6:9,10] This is the danger of the rich people.
It is not wrong to be rich. The bible is littered with characters who are rich – Abraham, Job, King David, King Solomon, etc. What makes it wrong is when they ascribe their security unto their riches rather than the Giver.
Hence, we should resolve like Paul to say, “ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”[ 2 Cor 4:17,18]
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5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
-James 1:5-8 ESV
WISDOM AND FAITH
The growth of faith happens through trials. Most often than not during a prolonged trial, we are affected emotionally so that we begin to question the wisdom of God in allowing suffering. The wisdom from God is his revelation of what is right and wrong contrary to the world’s perspective. Wisdom is an answer to our prayers.
And God surely will answer us because He is ‘generous’ and ‘not reproach us.’ He is the true source of wisdom. God will answer us through the written Word, wise and godly counselors (Prov 11:14), and through observing His creation (Psa 19:1)
It is important to note however that our faith must be genuine. Do we take God as true to His promise? As the writer of Hebrews said, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”[Heb 11:6]
Otherwise, we are just mocking ourselves. God won’t answer our prayers that are merely hollow and meaningless words. These reveal how unstable we are like debris floating along the waves in the ocean. A doubtful Christian is unstable not in some ways but in ‘all’ ways.
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James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
-James 1:1-4 ESV
JOY DESPITE TRIALS
James was writing a lot of his readers, who most likely were facing poverty and persecution. He used the words "trials of various kinds.” Let us be realistic that trials of life can be like sparks that fly simultaneously upward [Job 5:7]. What are the trials that you are facing today? How are you handling or embracing them?
Surely, trials are painful and difficult, are they not? Yet we should ‘count’ or consider it as a reason for joy. We could be joyful upon knowing the reason why. James assumed that they ‘know’ beforehand the truth about the purpose of God in allowing trials. That becoming ‘matured’ in Christ could only happen through trials. Perhaps the readers were reminded of the heroes of faith in the Old Testament like Joseph, David, and many more. As Job said, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”[Job 23:10]
It is said that a pearl farmer will place an epoxy inside the mother of pearl oyster so that it will produce the substance to counter the irritation. He is the potter and we are the clay. Could a clay complain about how he is molded? God allows our trials in order to irritate us. Then, through these trials will produce steadfastness. As Paul also expressed similarly, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope and hope does not put us to shame” [Rom 5:3,4] Our character of being faithful, patient, humble, and hopeful is the result of the tempering of fire. Circumstances, especially the difficult ones, should cultivate us to become like Christ. [Rom 8:28] We couldn’t control our circumstances but surely we can control our ‘thinking and feeling’ about them by the grace of God.
Let’s be like the kettle. We should sing while under fire, should we not? As a runner gains endurance by forcing to run another mile, we also gain the ability to trust God through trials. Each experience grants us a deeper, stronger level of trust in Him. In all areas of life, growth only comes through overcoming difficulty.
In closing, this process of maturity isn’t towards sinless perfection but into becoming developed in every part as a ripened fruit.
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7 After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, theLORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against yourtwo friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Jobhas. 8 Now, therefore, take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Joband offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray foryou, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly.For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” 9 SoEliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went anddid what the LORD had told them, and the LORD accepted Job's prayer.
10 And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when hehad prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he hadbefore. 11 Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had knownhim before, and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathyand comforted him for all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him. And eachof them gave him a piece of money and a ring of gold.
12 And the LORD blessed the latter days of Job morethan his beginning. And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen,and 1,000 female donkeys. 13 He had also seven sons and three daughters. 14 Andhe called the name of the first daughter Jemimah, and the name of the secondKeziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch. 15 And in all the land therewere no women so beautiful as Job's daughters. And their father gave them aninheritance among their brothers. 16 And after this Job lived 140 years, andsaw his sons, and his sons' sons, four generations. 17 And Job died, an oldman, and full of days.
-Job 42:7-17 ESV
RESTORED
The tension is over. Job repented and is restored with God. On the other hand, God rebuked Eliphaz [representing his friends as the eldest]saying,
‘“My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. 8 Now, therefore, take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” [v.7,8]
Eliphaz and his friends did repent for misrepresenting God to Job. They did as God told them. And, the Lord accepted Job’s prayers for and on behalf of Job’s friends. Their relationships both with the Lord and Job were restored. Moreover, Job’s siblings came to comfort him and each one blessed him with money and ring of gold.
The Lord bless Job’s latter more than before his losses and suffering. It is believed that Job was between 50-70 years old when he suffered. And he lived for the next 140 years. Job must have died at 200 years old, enjoying God’s blessings for the rest of his life. As James summarized God’s goodness in his life, saying,” Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”[Jas 5:11]
It's important to note that the blessing was not a reward to Job because of his upright behavior, was it? The Lord is compassionate and merciful.[see Lam 3:22,23] His is a story of redemption. He deals with us not according to our sins but with His mercy. Job clearly sinned but he did not curse God to His face as Satan has predicted.
Many today wrongly believed either that life’s blessings and miseries are God’s retribution. Or, their blessing is an entitlement for it’s God’s design for us to receive comfort and blessing. Conversely, Job got the message that the Lord never explains his suffering in this life. Instead, he obtain peace to submit unto the sovereignty of God. That, God knows what He is doing – He is always right!
Then Job answered the LORD and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
-Job 42:1-6 ESV
NOW MY EYES SEE YOU
As a jackhammer pounding a rock, God had pounded Job with tough questions. Having been aware of these unanswerable questions was more than enough to override his questions.
At long last, Job was brought back to his knees and see God as before. He acknowledged and exalted God’s sovereignty, saying; ‘“I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.;[v.2]
He recognized his ignorance and confessed it, saying, Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.’[v.3]
Why did God speak with Job without answering his questions directly? Author Dr. David McKenna had beautifully explained, saying;
‘The answer is that Job is casting a dark shadow between his mind and God’s mind with the why of ethical questions about his sufferings, which the human mind can not comprehend or understand. We lack the perspective of God’s view in creating the universe, controlling its forces, and caring about its creatures. Job needs to learn that the issue is not ethical, the question is not why, and the need is not understanding. The issue is spiritual, the question is who, and the need is trust.’
In other words, we should not pursue the ‘why’ questions but ‘who’ question. The ‘why questions’, generally, are unanswerable. They are as waves pounding the shores constantly reminding us how vast the ocean is. Our God is inscrutable. He is in charge! He calls the shot! Can we trust Him even though his wisdom is past finding out?
This shift of focus made Job realize his mistake and he exclaimed; ‘I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.’[v.5]
Job knew God and that settled everything. He saw God.
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Text: Job 41
“Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord?
2 Can you put a rope in his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?
3 Will he make many pleas to you? Will he speak to you soft words?
4 Will he make a covenant with you to take him for your servant forever?
5 Will you play with him as with a bird, or will you put him on a leash for your girls?
6 Will traders bargain over him? Will they divide him up among the merchants?
7 Can you fill his skin with harpoons or his head with fishing spears?
8 Lay your hands on him; remember the battle—you will not do it again!
9 Behold, the hope of a man is false; he is laid low even at the sight of him.
10 No one is so fierce that he dares to stir him up. Who then is he who can stand before me?
11 Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.
-Job 41:1-11 ESV
BEHEMOTH, LEVIATHAN AND GOD
Job found it impossible to grasp the natural and physical order of creation. God furthermore has directed him to study two beasts – behemoth and leviathan. Two examples are enough to stun Job that he faces an impossibility.
The first of these is the monster behemoth, generally thought to be the hippopotamus. Perhaps, it’s something bigger. It is among the strongest creatures of God’s creation (40:15-18), all-powerful on the land, untroubled in the water and very difficult to capture (40:19-24).
The second beast described to Job is the leviathan, the mythical sea monster or, possibly, the crocodile, whale, or dinosaur. Can Job catch one with a hook as he catches a fish? Is he able to make it talk, work for him, or make a pet of it? Can he catch and sell it in the marketplace (v.1-6)? Even if Job were able to catch one he would regret it. He won’t do it again (v.7-8)! Hence, no one in his right mind would dare stir up leviathan. It follows that it is unthinkable to try to stand up against or contend against God (v.9-11).
This dragon-like beast is described as ferocious and enormous, is it not? Its armor of tough skin, strong jaws, and terrible teeth are terrifying(v.12-17). Aside from that it blows air and water out of its nostrils, it appears to be blowing out fire and smoke too (v.18-21). The animal is so fearfully strong that just the sight of its movements would make even the strongest feel terror (v.22-25). No weapon can pierce through its iron-like skin (v.26-29). His movements through the mud like is as a threshing-sledge whipping up white foam on the water (v.30-32). Undoubtedly, this gigantic creature is the king of beasts, whose strength no human could match. Yet, both are special part of the world God has created (v.33-34).
God said’ ‘On earth there is not his like, a creature without fear.’[v.33]
Job should fear this creature. Should he not fear God? We can just reflect on how great is God, the creator of the universe! We should marvel in worship of His awesomeness and majesty, should we not?
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Text: Job 40
And the LORD said to Job:
2 “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
3 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
4 “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
I lay my hand on my mouth. God’s Word for Today5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”
6 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
7 “Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.
8 Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be in the right?
9 Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his?
-Job 40:1-9 ESV
SHALL A FAULTFINDER CONTEND WITH THE ALMIGHTY?
Job had accused God of treating him unjustly , and thus reproached God. He said;
‘I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me.’[Job 23:4,5]
Faced with God’s questions for which he has no answer, he wisely chose to be silent. He said,
‘“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.
5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”[v.4,5]
For the second time, God spoke to Job through the storm[v.6]. He challenged Job to ‘dress for action as a man’, evento to ‘adorn himself with majesty and dignity’ as God.[v.7-14]. Why? He wasn’t repentant as yet.
God directed Job to consider two animals, the behemoth and leviathan. Here, God challenges Job to see how thebehemoth function. Although, a lot are skeptical about their existence or consider them mystical, behemoth and leviathan are arguably real. Why? All theother animals mentioned in this book are real. Are they dinosaurs? Whatever the identity of this gigantic creature [v.15-24], its impressiveness is beyonddoubt, is it not? It’s so large and powerful that only his maker could approach and tame him, even subdue him. These observations from the intricacies andmysteries of God’s creation should erase our doubt about a wise, powerful yet compassionate God, should they not?
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Text: Job 39
13 “The wings of the ostrich wave proudly,
but are they the pinions and plumage of love?
14 For she leaves her eggs to the earth
and lets them be warmed on the ground,
15 forgetting that a foot may crush them
and that the wild beast may trample them.
16 She deals cruelly with her young, as if they were not hers;
though her labor be in vain, yet she has no fear,
17 because God has made her forget wisdom
and given her no share in understanding.
18 When she rouses herself to flee, she laughs at the horse and his rider.
-Job 39:13-18 ESV
AMAZING ANIMALS SHOWING GOD
In chapter 38, God used numerous features of inanimate creations to question and refute Job’s slight to Hiswisdom and power. These include questions about his knowledge of the creationof the earth, oceans, dawn, sun, the expanse of the earth, light and darkness,snow, hail, frost, thunderbolts, etc. Here in chapter 39, He posed rhetoricalquestions to Job about the dynamics of the animal kingdom.
These questions include; Do you feed lions and their cubs or ravens and their young? [ 38:39-41], Do you know whenmountain goats and deer are born?[39:1-4], Did you lose the wild donkey andcare for each one?[39:5-8], Do you control the wild donkey or does he obey you?[39:9-12], Did you give the ostrich low intelligence? [39:13-18], Did you givethe war horse abilities for war?[39:19-25] and Did you give the hawk and theeagle incredible eyesight?[39:6-30]
Job was tongue-tied. He accused God of being silent. Now, he is the one in silence. It is impossible for Job oranyone, to know and explain all these, is it not? Animal scientists may be ableto discover that a cattle that eat grass could produce milk. But, we ask,‘Could man invent a machine that could transform grass into milk? What makesthese animals tick with their unique features, skills, behavior, and survivalinstincts are controlled by God.
Furthermore, their distinct descriptions do demonstrate God’s goodness to each animal, seeing to it thatthese animals survive, don’t they? For example, it appears as if the ostrichneglects her eggs and has no concern for her young because when she is frightenedshe runs away and leaves them. Hawks and eagles make their nests in higherplaces than other birds. Are they disadvantaged in looking for food? Yet theyhave remarkable eyesight, which enables them to see the tiniest objects from agreat distance.
God cares for them. How much more to us His very own children? Did not Jesus say, “Look at the birds of the air:they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Fatherfeeds them. Are you not of more value than they?[Matt 6:26]
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Text: Job 38
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
-Job 38:1-7 ESV
UNANSWERABLE QUESTIONS FROM GOD
There is a hint that an approaching storm may have prompted Elihu’s poetic praise of the God of nature (see 36:27-37:5). If so, through it the voice of God spoke to Job. Notedly, Job had repeatedly challenged God to answer his charges against Him.
Here, God accepts his challenge (see v.1-3).
In his reply, God asks Job tough questions. Apparently, these questions can’t be answered, in order to let him realize how little he knows of the mind and activities of the Almighty. God has started his ironical questioning of Job with a poetic description of his work in creating the world, that is, long before Job or any other human being was born. Only the heavenly beings [angels] have witnessed his work (v. 4-7). God has separated the waters in the atmosphere from the waters on the earth and caused dry land to appear (v. 8-11).
God challenged Job if he is able to make the sun rise so that those who rely on darkness to do evil are exposed. They are ‘shaken’ out of their hiding places as insects are shaken out of clothing (v. 12-13). Can Job use the rays of the rising sun to create beautiful tapestry and colors on the earth’s surface (v.14-15)? Has Job been into the depths of the sea or the ends of the earth? Does he know where the sun dwells so that he can make it rise each morning and take it to its resting place each evening? Job should be able to know these if he has such great knowledge as he claims (16-21).
Does Job know how God controls the weather (v.22-24)? Is he aware of who makes snow, hail, wind, rain, and lightning (v.25-30)? Can Job direct the stars (v. 31-33)? Is Job capable to send floods or create drought as he wishes (v. 34-38)?
Unanswerable questions should not prompt us to throw the baby with the bath water into believing God. The secret things belong to God.[Deut 29:29] They are meant to be unanswered to make us realize that God is inscrutable so we should give Him the benefit of the doubt.
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Text: Job 37
14 “Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Do you know how God lays his command upon them and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
16 Do you know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge,
17 you whose garments are hot when the earth is still because of the south wind?
18 Can you, like him, spread out the skies, hard as a cast metal mirror?
19 Teach us what we shall say to him; we cannot draw up our case because of darkness.
20 Shall it be told him that I would speak? Did a man ever wish that he would be swallowed up?
21 “And now no one looks on the light when it is bright in the skies, when the wind has passed and cleared them.
22 Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty.
23 The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
24 Therefore men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.”
-Job 37:14-24 ESV
STOP AND CONSIDER THE WONDROUS WORKS OF GOD.
Elihu continued to speak on behalf of God. He described the thunder as like the voice of God proclaiming his majesty (37:1-5).
‘“At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place.
2 Keep listening to the thunder of his voice and the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
3 Under the whole heaven he lets it go, and his lightning to the corners of the earth.
4 After it his voice roars; he thunders with his majestic voice, and he does not restrain the lightnings when his voice is heard.
5 God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend.’
When God send rain, snow and ice, people do stop working and animals look for warmth in their dens ( v.6-10). God uses the forces of nature according to his perfect purposes (v.11-13).
Who is Job to argue with such a God? What does he know of God’s workings (v.14-18)? Nothing. Who can question such a sovereign God? By contending against him, Job is running the risk of being struck dead (v.19-20).
Should the sun is too bright for people to look at, how much more will the majesty of God be. Definitely, it’s blinding unto them. People cannot fully understand God, but they know He always acts rightly. Job should not argue with God but stand in awe of him (v. 21-24). Thus Elihu concluded,
‘23 The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
24 Therefore men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.”[v.23,24]
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Text: Job 36
Behold, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him?
23 Who has prescribed for him his way, or who can say, ‘You have done wrong’?
24 “Remember to extol his work, of which men have sung.
25 All mankind has looked on it; man beholds it from afar.
26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable.
27 For he draws up the drops of water; they distill his mist in rain,
28 which the skies pour down and drop on mankind abundantly.
29 Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion?
30 Behold, he scatters his lightning about him and covers the roots of the sea.
31 For by these he judges peoples; he gives food in abundance.
32 He covers his hands with the lightning and commands it to strike the mark.
33 Its crashing declares his presence; the cattle also declare that he rises.
-Job 36:22-33 ESV
GOD IS GREAT AND WE KNOW HIM NOT
In this fourth and final speech of Elihu, he spoke with the authority of God.[v.2] He spoke of the greatness of God. However, there are hints that his assessments of Job’s problems hasn’t changed. His arrogance is on display as he stated, ‘For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.’[v.4]
Though Job had questioned God’s justice, Elihu argued it, along with God’s strength and mercy in v.5-11. Should a person encounter difficulties, it’s because of their sins. ‘And if they are bound in chains and caught in the cords of affliction, then he declares to them their work and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly.’[v.8,9]
Yet, Elihu’s view is more positive than the other friends. Sufferings could be redemptive not just retributive. They are means of instruction toward repentance and restoration. As Elihu said, ‘He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from iniquity. If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness.’[v.10,11]
Not learning from sufferings may lead to ‘death by the sword and die without knowledge.’[v.12] Instead of accusing God of injustice, Job should submit to his afflictions, realizing that by these God is teaching him (v.22-23).
Elihu then reminds Job of the mighty God before whom Job should bow. He is so great even beyond a person’s understanding (v.24-26). God makes and controls everything - clouds, rain, lightning, and thunder, and he uses these things to bring upon us either blessing or judgment (v.27-33).
Elihu questions who is Job to argue with such a God. What does he know of God’s workings? Who can question such a God? By arguing with him, Job is running the risk of being struck dead (v.19-20). People cannot fully understand God, but they know he always does what is right. Job should not argue with God but stand in awe of him. As Elihu exhorted Job, ‘ Take care; do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction. Behold, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him? (v.21-22).
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Text: Job 35
And Elihu answered and said:
2 “Do you think this to be just?
Do you say, ‘It is my right before God,’
3 that you ask, ‘What advantage have I?
How am I better off than if I had sinned?’
4 I will answer you and your friends with you.
5 Look at the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds, which are higher than you.
6 If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?
And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him?
Or what does he receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself, and your righteousness a son of man.
9 “Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty.
10 But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,
11 who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth
and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’
12 There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evil men.
13 Surely God does not hear an empty cry, nor does the Almighty regard it.
14 How much less when you say that you do not see him, that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him!
15 And now, because his anger does not punish,
and he does not take much note of transgression,
16 Job opens his mouth in empty talk; he multiplies words without knowledge.”
-Job 35:1-16 ESV
AM I BETTER OFF THAN IF I HAD SINNED?
Elihu continues His speech to expose the problem of Job’s claim. Job had observed himself that the wicked prosperswhile he, having been living a moral life was suffering. Thus Job sighed in despair,
‘What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’
Behold, is not their prosperity in their hand?
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.’[Job 21:15,16]
In this third speech of Elihu, he, then, challenges Job, saying,
‘“Do you think this to be just? Do you say, ‘It is my right before God,’
that you ask, ‘What advantage have I? How am I better off than if I had sinned?’’[v.2,3]
In the first place, God is supreme so that he is not affected by man’s sin or innocence. God remains unscathed byhuman actions, good or bad. Elihu has rightly said,
‘If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?
And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him?
Or what does he receive from your hand?’[v.6,7]
God has impartiality and objectively determined that men get what they deserved. We can resonate with the problem ofJob. When we are emotionally overwhelmed, we are prompted to look for answers–we seek logical explanations. Should we are blind from what we observed aroundus – the prosperity of the wicked and happiness of the abusers, we won’t beaffected. The urge to compare would be too strong.
Thus Job concluded that living a righteous life and wicked life have no difference based upon the consequencesof life. This requires a new worldview. Let’s see life from God’s perspective.Let’s recall that at the beginning Job has this perspective of ownership. Hesaid, ‘The Lord gives te Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.’ Yetin his lingering pain, his soul was affected.
A 3-kilo load is nothing when you’re carrying it for 2 hours, isn’t it? But, it would be a different story whenyou’re carrying it wherever you go for three months. The question Job asked,‘Am I better off than if I had sinned?’ is loaded with emotion. Job did nothave a lifestyle of sinning, did he? Yet, he couldn’t help but ask for thetension within is so strong.
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Text: Job 34
“Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding:
far be it from God that he should do wickedness,
and from the Almighty that he should do wrong.
11 For according to the work of a man he will repay him,
and according to his ways he will make it befall him.
12 Of a truth, God will not do wickedly,
and the Almighty will not pervert justice.
13 Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world?
14 If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath,
15 all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust.
-Job 34:10-15 ESV
GOD IS NOT UNJUST
Elihu invited Job’s other friends to evaluate Job’s claim rightly[v.1-3]. For Job has said,
‘I am in the right, and God has taken away my right;
in spite of my right I am counted a liar;
my wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’
What man is like Job, who drinks up scoffing like water,
who travels in company with evildoers and walks with wicked men?
For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing
that he should take delight in God.’[v.5-9]
Elihu argues that since God is infinitely higher than his human creatures, people’s sin neither could harm himnor their goodness benefit him. Therefore, Job’s suffering cannot be because of any unnatural action on God’s part but because of his wickedness (v.5-8). Thefault is always on man, not upon God. Let God be true and every man a liar. As he said,
‘Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice.’[v.12]
God is sovereign. This should settle the issue of justice. Thus Elihu said,
‘Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world?
If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath,
all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust.’[v.13-15]
In v. 29, Elihu asked, ‘When he is quiet, who can condemn?
When he hides his face, who can behold him,
whether it be a nation or a man?
God is not a respecter of persons. And as the Creator, He reserves the right to decide what He would do to things Heowns. And nobody could question Him. Unlike to earthly judges, God needs not to have certain set times to hear evidence, nor does he carry out investigations.He does see and know everything, doesn’t He? Hence, he punishes the guilty according to his perfect knowledge (v. 21-28).
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Text: Job 33
“Surely you have spoken in my ears,
and I have heard the sound of your words.
9 You say, ‘I am pure, without transgression;
I am clean, and there is no iniquity in me.
10 Behold, he finds occasions against me,
he counts me as his enemy,
11 he puts my feet in the stocks
and watches all my paths.’
12 “Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you,
for God is greater than man.
13 Why do you contend against him,
saying, ‘He will answer none of man's words’?
14 For God speaks in one way,
and in two, though man does not perceive it.
-Job 33:8-13 ESV
GOD IS GREATER THAN MAN
In this first speech of Elihu, he gave the assurance that he would speak withsincerity and with respect for the God who created him (v.1-4). He also speaksas one who is on a level of equality with Job (v.5-7).
As he listened Job’s speeches, he recalled Job’s claim to be innocent and accusationthat God has treated him as if he were guilty (v.8-11). Elihu was shocked thatJob could make such an accusation against God, hence, he boldly rebuked Job. Hesaid,
‘ 12 “Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you,
for God is greater than man.
13 Why do you contend against him,
saying, ‘He will answer none of man's words’? (v.12-13).
God does speak, Elihu asserted. God was speaking to him, possibly through a dreamor vision. The implication is that Job failed to hear God’s message. God willthen show him his pride so that he might repent of it and be saved from destruction(v.14-18).
Like the other fiends, Elihu expressed that God punishes the sinner with disease andsuffering.[v.19-21] However, he expanded it by asserting that when a person issoon to die, He sends a messenger to show him his sin and lead him torepentance (v.22-23]. Did Elihu mean himself as the messenger? Perhaps. Then,the person is saved from death, his body is healed and good health returns(v.24-25). He then, rejoices in fellowship with God again, and confesses to allthat though he was justly punished for his sin, God has mercifully saved him(v.26-28).
Elihu ended his speech with an encouraging note of God’s mercy that Job has to takenote, saying,
‘“Behold, God does all these things,
twice, three times, with a man,
to bring back his soul from the pit,
that he may be lighted with the light of life.’[v.29-30]
God in His wrath has shown mercy. He does not rejoice in our miseries.
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Text: Job 32
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned withanger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather thanGod. 3 He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had foundno answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. 4 Now Elihu hadwaited to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 And when Elihu sawthat there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said:
“I amyoung in years,
and you are aged;
therefore I was timid and afraid
to declare my opinion to you.
7 I said, ‘Let days speak,
and many years teach wisdom.’
8 But it is the spirit in man,
the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.
9 It is not the old who are wise,
nor the aged who understand what is right.
10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;
let me also declare my opinion.’
-Job 32:1-10 ESV
A TIME TO LISTEN AND A TIME TO SPEAK UP
Another friend, Elihu, has been silent, listening to their speeches, untilhere. He was exasperated to hear Job’s arrogant claim of innocence andself-righteousness. He was also furious against Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar fortheir flimsy argument. He was burning inside so that he couldn’t just listenanymore but speak.
He was ‘full of words’. He felt so pent up so that he said,
‘ For I am full of words;
the spirit within me constrains me.
19 Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent;
like new wineskins ready to burst.
20 I must speak, that I may find relief;
I must open my lips and answer.’[v.18-20]
What does Elihu’s actuation teach us?
There is a time to listen and a time to speak up. There is wisdom in waiting for theright time. Elihu spoke out of respect not out of outburst.[see v 6-7] As Jamessaid, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 forthe anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”[Jas 1:19,20] Thisis not easy when our hearts are burning with so much emotion. As Jesus haswarned us, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”[Matt12:34]
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Text: Job 31
“I have made a covenant with my eyes;
how then could I gaze at a virgin?
2 What would be my portion from God above
and my heritage from the Almighty on high?
3 Is not calamity for the unrighteous,
and disaster for the workers of iniquity?
4 Does not he see my ways
and number all my steps?
5 “If I have walked with falsehood
and my foot has hastened to deceit;
6 (Let me be weighed in a just balance,
and let God know my integrity!)
7 if my step has turned aside from the way
and my heart has gone after my eyes,
and if any spot has stuck to my hands,
-Job 31:1-7 ESV
DOES NOT HE SEE MY WAYS?
Job ended his discourse here in this chapter. He listed several categories of sinor crimes, in which he was willing to suffer the consequences had he committedany of them. He invoked judgment upon himself if he committed such crimes. Theword ‘If’ occurred 14 times here. He strongly claimed that he made a covenantnot to indulge in these crimes.
The crime she mentioned include lust against women [v1-4,9-10], falsehood[v.5-7],oppressing servants[v.13-15], opressing the poor[v.16-17], thefatherless[v18-23], greed and covetousness[v.24-28], joy over the calamity ofothers [v.29,30], inhospitality to strangers[v. 31,32]. Lying [v.33-34], andland grabbing[v.38-40]
He even was willing to be weighed in a balance and was confident that he wasinnocent of any falsehood [v.5-7]. This was Job’s point. Contrary to theaccusations of his friends, he couldn’t find any reason to argue in his casethat he was morally upright. Otherwise, if he was guilty, he could just resignin silence.
We should not pose ourselves as perfect.
Yet, we should strive for moral uprightness. God sees the heart and that is all thatmatters. If a thousand voices would say that you are evil today when the truthdeep in your heart is that you’re right, that does not change the fact that youare right. It’s not the perception of others. Let’s be true unto the Lord inour hearts. God sees our hearts. Let’s keep short accounts before God. Whatothers have done unto us should not determine our character. Instead, whathappened in us – the transforming power of the gospel should be the thing thatdetermines our character and integrity.
Text: Job 30
God has cast me into the mire,
and I have become like dust and ashes.
20 I cry to you for help and you do not answer me;
I stand, and you only look at me.
21 You have turned cruel to me;
with the might of your hand you persecute me.
22 You lift me up on the wind; you make me ride on it,
and you toss me about in the roar of the storm.
23 For I know that you will bring me to death
and to the house appointed for all living.
24 “Yet does not one in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand,
and in his disaster cry for help?
25 Did not I weep for him whose day was hard?
Was not my soul grieved for the needy?
26 But when I hoped for good, evil came,
and when I waited for light, darkness came.
27 My inward parts are in turmoil and never still;
days of affliction come to meet me.
28 I go about darkened, but not by the sun;
I stand up in the assembly and cry for help.
29 I am a brother of jackals
and a companion of ostriches.
30 My skin turns black and falls from me,
and my bones burn with heat.
31 My lyre is turned to mourning,
-Job 30:19-31 ESV
WHEN I HOPED FOR GOOD, EVIL CAME
In the previous chapter, Job 29, there was a recollection of Job’s good old days.Whereas, Job 30 is his recollection of the unexpected disasters in his life.Here, Job lamented for the fact that ‘those younger than himself mockedhim’.[v.1] In verses 2-8, these cruel crowds are far ‘from human company’acting like wild animals. They, who he had helped in the past, now taunting andinsulting him. Job penned his pain by saying,
‘ A senseless, a nameless brood,
they have been whipped out of the land.
“And now I have become their song;
I am a byword to them.
They abhor me; they keep aloof from me;
they do not hesitate to spit at the sight of me.’[v.7-9]
There are no restraints in their attacks. He felt God has withdrawn from him makinghimself defenseless. Thus, he sighed;
‘Because God has loosed my cord and humbled me,
they have cast off restraint in my presence.’[v.11]
‘I go about darkened, but not by the sun;
I stand up in the assembly and cry for help.
29 I am a brother of jackals
and a companion of ostriches.
30 My skin turns black and falls from me,
and my bones burn with heat.
31 My lyre is turned to mourning,
and my pipe to the voice of those who weep.’[v 28-31]
Job was shocked to receive the unexpected. Thus he said,
‘Yet does not one in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand,
and in his disaster cry for help?
25 Did not I weep for him whose day was hard?
Was not my soul grieved for the needy?
26 But when I hoped for good, evil came,
and when I waited for light, darkness came.’[v.24-26]
Having been vulnerable, this brood of enemies attacked him in full fury. He describedit as a marauding army terrorizing and knocking a ramp in siege of a helplessperson like him.[v.12]. Abandoned and helpless, he said;
‘God has cast me into the mire,
and I have become like dust and ashes.
20 I cry to you for help and you do not answer me;
I stand, and you only look at me. [v.19,20]
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Text: Job 29
And Job again took up his discourse, and said:
2 “Oh, that I were as in the months of old,
as in the days when God watched over me,
3 when his lamp shone upon my head,
and by his light I walked through darkness,
4 as I was in my prime,
when the friendship of God was upon my tent,
5 when the Almighty was yet with me,
when my children were all around me,
6 when my steps were washed with butter,
and the rock poured out for me streams of oil!
7 When I went out to the gate of the city,
when I prepared my seat in the square,
21 “Men listened to me and waited
and kept silence for my counsel.
22 After I spoke they did not speak again,
and my word dropped upon them.
23 They waited for me as for the rain,
and they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.
24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence,
and the light of my face they did not cast down.
25 I chose their way and sat as chief,
and I lived like a king among his troops,
like one who comforts mourners.
- Job 29:1-7, 21-25 ESV
WHEN THE ALMIGHTY WAS YET WITH ME
Job continued his adamant claim that he was upright enough, a reason for him not todeserve his unjust sufferings. In this chapter, he recalled the blessed days inthe past when God had been with him.
He yearned for the return of his prosperous and happy times before the calamityhappened. A time wherein God watched him[v.2], in the light of God’s favor[v.3], God was his friend [v.4-5a], having been surrounded by his ten children[v.5], great prosperity [v.6] and his prestigious status and influence as arespected leader.[v.7]
As a result, he was respected by his peers. Even the nobles fell silent when hearinghim speak[v.8-11] He championed in showing justice and mercy to those inneed.[v12-16] He saw to it that help and justice were not turned away from hisdoor to anyone, even to people he did not know - strangers. [v.16b]. Hestrongly opposed the wicked. He even rescued these helpless prey from the jawsand teeth of their predators. As a result, people looked unto him for being aready helper as one ‘waiting for rain’[v.21]
He expected to continue with God’s blessing on him up to his death. He said,
‘Then I thought, ‘I shall die in my nest,
and I shall multiply my days as the sand,
19 my roots spread out to the waters,
with the dew all night on my branches,
20 my glory fresh with me,
and my bow ever new in my hand.’[v.17-20]
But, the unexpected testings happened. He lost all.
When everything was okay, the unexpected and inevitable happened to all. What doesit mean unto us today? We are not the ones crafting our destinies. God is.Hence, if it happens, we must see to it that we can look back with no regrets.That we may say, ‘There is no regret because I had not wasted my life onsomething of no eternal value.’ If we do everything for God’s glory [1 Cor10:31] then we expect He would honor us as well in His presence someday. Thosewho honor God, He would honor.[1 Sam 2:30] ‘For God is not unjust so as tooverlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving thesaints, as you still do.’[ Heb 6:10]
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Text: Job 28
20 “From where, then, does wisdom come?
And where is the place of understanding?
21 It is hidden from the eyes of all living
and concealed from the birds of the air.
22 Abaddon and Death say,
‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.’
23 “God understands the way to it,
and heknows its place.
24 For he looks to the ends of the earth
and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he gave to the wind its weight
and apportioned the waters by measure,
26 when he made a decree for the rain
and a way for the lightning of the thunder,
27 then he saw it and declared it;
he established it, and searched it out.
28 And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
-Job 28:20-28 ESV
WHERE SHALL WISDOM BE FOUND?
This chapter extols God’s wisdom, demonstrated in His sovereign skill and knowledgein creating and controlling the universe. And as such, He is administering theaffairs of men also. Wisdom is always personified as an agent of God.
Job has indicated that human and his technology is amazing yet no one canfathom the wisdom of God. His example includes mining done intricately in orderto find gold. [v.1-11] Men dug trenches where light couldn’t penetrate, oftenfacing danger in the process. They had gone to where no bird of prey and fiercelions has ever gone to search for precious metals. Yet, they couldn’t fathomthe wisdom of God.
These observations and statements of Job were slight to his friends who thought theyhad it all figured out when in reality they had not. Their retributive theology– that people suffer because of their sin is too reductionist or simplistic,thereby putting God in a box.
There is no argument that sin results in suffering. Yet in other cases, it isfor pruning and discipline [Heb 12:1-11], even for God’s glory.[John 9:3] Jobknew for certain that their theology did not fit his circumstances. Only God,in His infinite wisdom and knowledge, knew why this turmoil had happened toJob. His purposes remained inscrutable for him and his friends.
All unanswerable questions do lead to God, don’t they? God is the beginning.Otherwise, there is no logic to trace rationality in explaining the dynamics ofthe universe, including man’s existence. There must be a Cause because of theeffects we see around us.
Thus Job said,
’23 God understands the way to it,
and he knows its place.
24 For he looks to the ends of the earth
and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he gave to the wind its weight
and apportioned the waters by measure,
26 when he made a decree for the rain
and a way for the lightning of the thunder,
27 then he saw it and declared it;
he established it, and searched it out.’[v.23-27]
Then Job quoted what God said, that is;
‘‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”[v.28]
The fear of the Lord is wisdom. A wise person has the skill for living andmanaging is life to depart from evil and live to glorify God His creator. Thisis derived from his fear of God. [Prov 1:7]
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Text: Job 27
And Job again took up his discourse and said:
2 “As God lives, who has taken away my right,
and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,
3 as long as my breath is in me,
and the spirit of God is in my nostrils,
4 my lips will not speak falsehood,
and my tongue will not utter deceit.
5 Far be it from me to say that you are right;
till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
6 I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go;
my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.
-Job 27:1-6 ESV
I HOLDFAST MY RIGHTEOUSNESS
Job held his ground fastly that he was innocent. He invoked his purity to swearbefore God’s name and existence. Strangely, he ascribed the Almighty who hasmade his life bitter. Yet in v 3, he claimed’
‘as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils.’
This was the reason why he won't accept that his friends were right. [see v.5] Onthe other hand, he pronounced his indictment to his enemies [friends], who hecalled them wicked to receive the same fate. His friends’ false accusationsagainst Job put them in the class of the ungodly. [v.7-10]
What his friends had been telling him, he knew for certain. [v.11,12] Job reversedtheir accusations toward him unto themselves. In fact, Job explained orrecounted some of the traditional belief for them to hear about the plight ofwicked people, such as: the families of the wicked are exterminated (v.13-15),their wealth is squandered (v.16-17), their houses are destroyed (v.18-19), andtheir lives end horribly (v.20-23).
His friends were pressing him to feel guilty. As if they were saying to Job,"Aren't you sorry for what you've done? That's horrible!" And whatwas Job’s response? He said, ‘I don't want you laying some guilt trip on me,you hypocrite. You've done just as bad.’
Job has asked the essential question,
‘For what is the hope of the godless when God cuts him off
when God takes away his life?’[v.8]
Later, Jesus somewhat has an allusion to this, when he said,
"What should it profit a man if he gained the whole world and loses his ownsoul?" ( Mat 16:26 ) Eternal loss and futility!
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Text: Job 26
Then Job answered and said:
2 “How you have helped him who has no power!
How you have saved the arm that has no strength!
3 How you have counseled him who has no wisdom,
and plentifully declared sound knowledge!
4 With whose help have you uttered words,
and whose breath has come out from you?
5 The dead tremble
under the waters and their inhabitants.
6 Sheol is naked before God,
and Abaddon has no covering.
7 He stretches out the north over the void
and hangs the earth on nothing.
8 He binds up the waters in his thick clouds,
and the cloud is not split open under them.
9 He covers the face of the full moon
and spreads over it his cloud.
10 He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters
at the boundary between light and darkness.
11 The pillars of heaven tremble
and are astounded at his rebuke.
12 By his power he stilled the sea;
by his understanding he shattered Rahab.
13 By his wind the heavens were made fair;
his hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
14 Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways,
and how small a whisper do we hear of him!
But the thunder of his power who can understand?”
-Job 26:1-14 ESV
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
Tired of their vindictive words, Job, with pointed sarcasm, thanked Bildad for hissympathetic understanding and congratulated him for his outstanding knowledge,that was worthless. He said, ‘“Howyou have helped him who has no power!
How you have saved the arm that has no strength!
3 How you have counseled him who has no wisdom,
and plentifully declared sound knowledge!
4 With whose help have you uttered words,
and whose breath has come out from you?’[v.2-4]
Job then expressed that he knew as much about the power of God in the universe asBildad did, even more. No place is outside God’s sovereignty, not even themysterious gloomy world of the dead (v.5-6). The heavens also are in his power,particularly the stars, the moon, and the clouds. He turns darkness into lightwhen the sun rises above the horizon each morning (v. 7-10). In His power, hesends earthquakes and storms at times. On the other hand, He calms the ragingsea and gives fair weather (v.11-13). These are but ‘whispers’ of God’s power,how should we then describe His ‘thunder’? Job just concluded,
‘ Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways,
and how small a whisper do we hear of him!
But the thunder of his power who can understand?” (v. 14)!
We believe that God is sovereign. But, our problem is our search for anexplanation like Job. Yet, in pain like Job had, it’s inevitable to ask God‘Why?’ and ‘How long?’ God does know our frame, does He not? The psalmist said,
‘As a father shows compassion to his children, so theLord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.”[Psa 103:13,14]
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Text: Job 25
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:
2 “Dominion and fear are with God;
he makes peace in his high heaven.
3 Is there any number to his armies?
Upon whom does his light not arise?
4 How then can man be in the right before God?
How can he who is born of woman be pure?
5 Behold, even the moon is not bright,
and the stars are not pure in his eyes;
6 how much less man, who is a maggot,
and the son of man, who is a worm!”
-Job 25:1-6 ESV
DOMINION AND FEAR ARE WITH GOD
In this brief chapter, Bildad took an effort to bring Job to repentance. He beganwith the sovereignty of God which Job acknowledged also. His kingdom isall-powerful, and his armies of angelic beings are more than can be counted(v.1-3) He extolled God. Moreover, God is pure beyond human understanding, sothat even the mighty universe is unclean in his sight. How then can one tinyhuman being claim to be sinless (v.4-6)?
Calling Job a maggot could be an insult to Job, having full of sores. Job did not claimto be sinless, did he? He lived a moral life and was not a terrible sinner thatBildad, on the basis of his sufferings, accuse him of being one. Job was tiredof their rhetoric.
Clearly, Bildad still did not understand Job’s complaint based upon his statement.Bildad continued his below-the-belt attack. He said,
‘how much less man, who is a maggot,
and the son of man, who is a worm!”[v.5]
One could be right in his concept of God yet unloving. It does not always followthat a person who is extolling God that He is demonstrating His compassion andlove. Truth hurts but does not use the truth to hurt others.
Bildad accused Job without sensitivity of his own failings before God. Most probably,his insensitivity is caused by comparing his life devoid of suffering, unlikeJob. Suffering is equated with wickedness. The absence of suffering for righteousness.
Unlike us, God is inscrutable in His ways and thoughts. [Isa 55:8,9]. He is alwaysright and therefore, could not be wrong in His dealings with us.
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Text: Job 24:1-25
“Why are not times of judgment kept by the Almighty,
and why do those who know him never see his days?
2 Some move landmarks;
they seize flocks and pasture them.
3 They drive away the donkey of the fatherless;
they take the widow's ox for a pledge.
4 They thrust the poor off the road;
the poor of the earth all hide themselves.
5 Behold, like wild donkeys in the desert
the poor go out to their toil, seeking game;
the wasteland yields food for their children.
6 They gather their fodder in the field,
and they glean the vineyard of the wicked man.
7 They lie all night naked, without clothing,
and have no covering in the cold.
8 They are wet with the rain of the mountains
and cling to the rock for lack of shelter.
9 (There are those who snatch the fatherless child from the breast,
and they take a pledge against the poor.)
10 They go about naked, without clothing;
hungry, they carry the sheaves;
11 among the olive rows of the wicked they make oil;
they tread the winepresses, but suffer thirst.
12 From out of the city the dying groan,
and the soul of the wounded cries for help;
yet God charges no one with wrong.
-Job 24:1-12 ESV
GOD IS SILENT
Job has wished that there were set times when God would break His silence. That Godas the the judge was available for the downtrodden bringing their complaints toHim and obtaining justice (v.1). He observed that the poor and helpless areoppressed by the rich and powerful. Driven away from their homes, they ran fortheir lives like animals in order to survive in the wild, eating whatever foodthey could scavenge and sleeping under trees and rocks (v.2-8). If caught, theyare forced to sell their children as slaves, even becoming slaves themselves.
Yet, God has ignored their cries and pleas for help (v.9-12). Meanwhile, themurderers, sex perverts, robbers and thieves, who lurk on the cover of darknessto carry out their evil deeds, seemed had escaped unpunished (v.13-17). Whereis God?, we might ask.
Notedly, Job’s friends did strongly claim that these wicked people will quickly be sweptaway in judgment, didn’t they? (v.18-20). What a contrast from Job’sobservations! He saw God allowing them to go on living in peace, comfort, andsecurity. When they die, their deaths don’t differ from the deaths of others(v.21-24). Hence, Job had challenged his friends to prove him wrong in what heobserved, had he not? (v.25).
God neither slumber nor sleep. As the psalmist declared,
‘Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.’[Psa 121:4]
In other words, God is working when it seems He is silent and inactive. WhenJoseph felt God’s silence and inactivity, he languished into the lowestdungeon, forgotten and abandanoed. Yet, God was working in Pharaoh’s heart forHis own purposes through Joseph’s catapulting to power and fame. Yes, God isnot silent after all.
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Text: Job 23:1-17
Then Job answered and said:
2 “Today also my complaint is bitter;
my hand is heavy on account of my groaning.
3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his seat!
4 I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me.
6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No; he would pay attention to me.
7 There an upright man could argue with him,
and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.
8 “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
10 But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
11 My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
13 But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.
14 For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.
15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence;
when I consider, I am in dread of him.
16 God has made my heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me;
17 yet I am not silenced because of the darkness,
nor because thick darkness covers my face.
-Job 23:1-17 ESV
HE KNOWS THE WAY THAT I TAKE
Job expressed his efforts to find God. Even with how dire his situation was, hestill believed that he could meet God for vindication. The problem was that Godwas nowhere to be found. He said,
‘Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his seat!
4 I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.’[v.3,4]
He was full of confidence to present and win his case but God was silent. He said,
‘ I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me.’[v.4,5]
In v.8-9, Job had been searching for God..forward..backward..everywhere but to noavail. Yet, he maintained his case that God knows. He said,
‘But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. [v.10-12]
Definitely, Job argued his innocence. But, he lamented that God, in His sovereignty, hasn’tchanged in allowing his inexplainable pain. That God will complete his pain. A terrifying thought in Job’s mind. Saying,
‘Therefore I am terrified at his presence;
when I consider, I am in dread of him.
16 God has made my heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me;
17 yet I am not silenced because of the darkness,
nor because thick darkness covers my face.[v.15-17]
Clearly, Job had been trying to hang on to God despite the pieces of evidence being tothe contrary. In such a situation, we are absolutely at the mercy of God aloneto pray, ‘from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.’[Psa 61:2]
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Text: Job 22:1-30
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:
2 “Can a man be profitable to God?
Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right,
or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?
4 Is it for your fear of him that he reproves you
and enters into judgment with you?
5 Is not your evil abundant?
There is no end to your iniquities.
6 For you have exacted pledges of your brothers for nothing
and stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 You have given no water to the weary to drink,
and you have withheld bread from the hungry.
8 The man with power possessed the land,
and the favored man lived in it.
9 You have sent widows away empty,
and the arms of the fatherless were crushed.
10 Therefore snares are all around you,
and sudden terror overwhelms you,
11 or darkness, so that you cannot see,
and a flood of water covers you.
-Job 22:1-11 ESV
IS NOT GOD HIGH IN THE HEAVENS?
In this response of Eliphaz, he started the futility of Job to plead his casebefore God, saying,
‘“Can a man be profitable to God?
Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right,
or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?
4 Is it for your fear of him that he reproves you
and enters into judgment with you?[v.2-4]
He strongly believed that God was afflicting Job, although he was pious, butbecause he was a great sinner, saying,
‘Is not your evil abundant?
There is no end to your iniquities.[v.5]
In a severe form of vindictiveness, he accused Job as guilty of many abuses. Hesaid, ‘6 For you have exacted pledges of your brothers for nothing
and stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 You have given no water to the weary to drink,
and you have withheld bread from the hungry.
8 The man with power possessed the land,’
and the favored man lived in it.
9 You have sent widows away empty,
and the arms of the fatherless were crushed.[v.6-9]
There was no group of people he did not mistreat, his brothers…the weary…the hungry…widows.. orphans. He was so indignant of his defiance to God,
‘“Is not God high in the heavens?
See the highest stars, how lofty they are!
But you say, ‘What does God know?
Can he judge through the deep darkness?[v.12-13]
He urged Job to return to God. [v.21-24] in order to get the desirable results ofpeace, restoration, and prosperity. That God ‘saves the lowly.’[v.29] Hisargument is;
“Agree with God, and be at peace;
thereby good will come to you.[v.21]
‘Eliphaz’s error was one who was preaching to somebody who already knew God. Job knew God.It’s only that he did not understand His dealings. Apparently, Job did notenjoy peace but not for the reason Eliphaz had thought about. Let’s learn tolisten more and talk less, especially toward those who are suffering. Job hadbeen crushed – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. May we can rejoicewith those who rejoice, weep, and those who weep.
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God’s Word for Today
Text: Job 21:1-34
Then Job answered and said:
2 “Keep listening to my words,
and let this be your comfort.
3 Bear with me, and I will speak,
and after I have spoken, mock on.
4 As for me, is my complaint against man?
Why should I not be impatient?
5 Look at me and be appalled,
and lay your hand over your mouth.
6 When I remember, I am dismayed,
and shuddering seizes my flesh.
7 Why do the wicked live,
reach old age, and grow mighty in power?
8 Their offspring are established in their presence,
and their descendants before their eyes.
9 Their houses are safe from fear,
and no rod of God is upon them.
10 Their bull breeds without fail;
their cow calves and does not miscarry.
11 They send out their little boys like a flock,
and their children dance.
12 They sing to the tambourine and the lyre
and rejoice to the sound of the pipe.
13 They spend their days in prosperity,
and in peace they go down to Sheol.
-Job 21:1-13 ESV
WHY DO THE WICKED LIVE?
Again, Job in his defence, had argued with wit against Zophar and the others' view.They insisted that the wicked are always punished and the righteous rewarded.Therefore, in their view, Job suffered because of his wickedness.
However, Job differed. Based upon his observations, he built his case that the wickedseemed to thrive and suffer not or little for the retribution of their sins. Hetook a more detailed view of the issue of evil. He was troubled. In fact, hiscomplaint had similarities to Asaph’s in Psa 73:1-14, many years later.
The problem of evil has been felt and wrestled with since the earliest times of Joband Asaph. ‘Why do the wicked prosper?’ has been a question lingering in allgenerations. Yet, this wasn’t in the minds of his friends. Thus, he said tothem,
‘Keep listening to my words,
and let this be your comfort.
Bear with me, and I will speak,
and after I have spoken, mock on.’[v.2,3]
Like Asaph, Job expressed his dismay, saying;
‘When I remember, I am dismayed,
and shuddering seizes my flesh.
Why do the wicked live,
reach old age, and grow mighty in power?[v.6,7]
They prosper in life. Their livestock increase and enjoy life until they go down toSheol. Ironically, these people afforded to challenge God arrogantly, saying;
‘They say to God, ‘Depart from us!
We do not desire the knowledge of your ways.
15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’[v.14,15]
Upon seeing these things, he chided his friends, saying;
‘“Behold, I know your thoughts
and your schemes to wrong me.
For you say, ‘Where is the house of the prince?
Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?’[v.27,28]
How then will you comfort me with empty nothings?
There is nothing left of your answers but falsehood.”[v.34]
Yes, the wicked prosper here in this world at the expense of the righteous. Godallowed it for a reason. The psalmist said;
‘Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.’[ Psa 76:10]
He allowed Pharaoh to oppress the Jews so that the ten plagues displayed the gloryand power of God. Like Asaph, let’s resolve to worship God. Asaph said, “UntilI went into the sanctuary of God, then I understood their end.”[Psa 73:17]
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Text: Job 20:1-29
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 “Therefore my thoughts answer me,
because of my haste within me.
3 I hear censure that insults me,
and out of my understanding a spirit answers me.
4 Do you not know this from of old,
since man was placed on earth,
5 that the exulting of the wicked is short,
and the joy of the godless but for a moment?
6 Though his height mount up to the heavens,
and his head reach to the clouds,
7 he will perish forever like his own dung;
those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’
8 He will fly away like a dream and not be found;
he will be chased away like a vision of the night.
9 The eye that saw him will see him no more,
nor will his place any more behold him.
10 His children will seek the favor of the poor,
and his hands will give back his wealth.
-Job 20:1-10 ESV
THE JOY OF THE GODLESS IS FOR A MOMENT
Upon hearing Job, Zophar was itching with inward rage to rebuke him;
‘2 “Therefore my thoughts answer me,
because of my haste within me.
3 I hear censure that insults me,
and out of my understanding a spirit answers me. (v.2,3).
His hasty and nasty reply was intended to hurt Job by reminding him that the wickedperson’s happiness and success are short-lived (v. 4-7). He asked a rhetoricalquestion in v.4,5,
‘4 Do you not know this from of old,
since man was placed on earth,
that the exulting of the wicked is short,
and the joy of the godless but for a moment?
This is where Zophar is suggesting that Job's evil was. The wealth he once had wereunjustly gained. He said; ‘For he has crushed and abandoned the poor;
he has seized a house that he did not build.’[v.19]
And it will not save him, and his early death will be a fitting punishment (see v.8-11).
Zophar insisted that the wicked fed on evil or sin, savoring it in their mouths aslong as possible to enjoy its taste before swallowing. However, it will be likedrinking poison in their stomachs and soon will kill them (v.12-16). Theirluxurious lives will come to an end, and the money they gained throughoppression will be lost (v.17-19). Ultimately, God will punish them withpoverty and misery for their greed (v.20-23). The arrow of God’s anger willpierce through them and the fire of God’s wrath will burn them up (v. 24-26).Zophar triumphantly concluded that both heaven and earth will rise as one inorder to destroy the wicked. (v.27-29).
The wicked joy is really for the here and now. Hereafter, there are just sorrows.Jesus warned us that what gain is it to possess the whole world and loss oursouls.
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Text: Job 19:1-29
23 “Oh that my words were written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
24 Oh that with an iron pen and lead
they were engraved in the rock forever!
25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
27 whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
28 If you say, ‘How we will pursue him!’
and, ‘The root of the matter is found in him,’
29 be afraid of the sword,
for wrath brings the punishment of the sword,
that you may know there is a judgment.”
-Job 19:23-29 ESV
MY REDEEMER LIVES
Job, once more, repudiated their relentless accusations, saying;
‘“How long will you torment me
and break me in pieces with words?
3 These ten times you have cast reproach upon me;
are you not ashamed to wrong me?
4 And even if it be true that I have erred,
my error remains with myself.’[v.2-4]
He argued that it’s all God’s doing. He said;
‘know then that God has put me in the wrong
and closed his net about me.’[v.6]
He lamented once again his condition in a powerfully emotional descriptive pictureof a man utterly abandoned. Feeling deserted and alone, he wished that thewords of his defense be permanently inscribed, saying;
‘Oh that my words were written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
24 Oh that with an iron pen and lead
they were engraved in the rock forever!’ [v.23,24]
But, he ended this chapter with a high note of hope in verses 25-27. Even in thishorrible situation, Job was confident that his Redeemer lives. And, that whenhe would die, he would see Him in the flesh. [see v. 25-26]. There are manydiffering opinions about the identity of this Redeemer, namely; [1] a heavenlywitness, [2] God as kinsman and friend, [3] Job’s innocence personified, [4] anarbiter or blood avenger, [5] God and [6] the Messiah.
There is a stronger sense that this refers to the Messiah. The word itself supports theidea. It refers to a close relative upon whom fell the responsibilities oflevirate marriage, restoring property that was in danger of being lost to afamily, or avenging the murder of a relative. Job, definitely was looking for ahuman Redeemer. Furthermore, this Redeemer is described as a living person. Hewill ‘stand in the earth’ signifying as a human vindicator. Also, aneschatological figure who will appear in ‘the last’ days. Lastly, He is divinefor seeing Him is ‘seeing God’.
Moreover, Job had a strong expectation of seeing God in the flesh after his physicaldeath which is an allusion to a future resurrection of his body. He maintainedhis trust that God is righteous and pure. Even if his vindication here on earthwon’t happen, he looked forward to see this after his death. Job wasoverwhelmed with this, saying,
‘ whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!’[v,27]
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Text: Job 18:1-21
“Indeed, the light of the wicked is put out,
and the flame of his fire does not shine.
6 The light is dark in his tent,
and his lamp above him is put out.
7 His strong steps are shortened,
and his own schemes throw him down.
8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet,
and he walks on its mesh.
9 A trap seizes him by the heel;
a snare lays hold of him.
10 A rope is hidden for him in the ground,
a trap for him in the path.
11 Terrors frighten him on every side,
and chase him at his heels.
-Job 18:5-11 ESV
THE LIGHT OF THE WICKED IS PUT OUT
Zophar, fuming with anger and impatience, he asked with a tone of sarcasm, saying;
‘“How long will you hunt for words?
Consider, and then we will speak.
3 Why are we counted as cattle?
Why are we stupid in your sight?
4 You who tear yourself in your anger,
shall the earth be forsaken for you,
or the rock be removed out of its place?’[v.2-4]
In view of the recent calamities in Job’s household, Bildad further elaborated onthe punishment that justly falls on the wicked. That is, in te wicked’s house,sadness will replace happiness. And poverty will replace prosperity (see 5-7).
As an inescapable punishment, he is an animal caught in a trap (see v.8-10). He isafflicted with terror, lack, hunger, disease, and finally death (see v.11-14).His prosperity is destroyed and his family is wiped out (see v.15-19). His fatebecomes a lesson to all who ’knows not God’. (v.20-21).
Bildad was right in his belief about wicked people. But, he has no compassion for Job.He couldn’t understand Job – he couldn’t empathize with the pains and hurts heunderwent. He was furious that Job did not repent. He lambasted Job for seekingspecial attention saying;
‘ You who tear yourself in your anger,
shall the earth be forsaken for you,
or the rock be removed out of its place?’[v.4]
God knows the heart of Job more than anybody. Nobody else, even more than Job knowshimself. Let’s recall and ask. Would God boast Job before Satan if Job was notblameless and upright? God could not be wrong. Definitely, Bildad and theothers were wrong to put words in Job’s mouth. God did not punish Job, did He?His life was a showcase of God’s compassion and mercy. As James laterexpressed, “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You haveheard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord,how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”[Jas 5:11]
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Text: Job 17:1-16
“My spirit is broken; my days are extinct;
the graveyard is ready for me.
2 Surely there are mockers about me,
and my eye dwells on their provocation.
3 “Lay down a pledge for me with you;
who is there who will put up security for me?
4 Since you have closed their hearts to understanding,
therefore you will not let them triumph.
5 He who informs against his friends to get a share of their property—
the eyes of his children will fail.
13 If I hope for Sheol as my house,
if I make my bed in darkness,
14 if I say to the pit, ‘You are my father,’
and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’
15 where then is my hope?
Who will see my hope?
16 Will it go down to the bars of Sheol?
Shall we descend together into the dust?”
-Job 17:1-5, 13-16 ESV
WHERE THEN IS MY HOPE?
Job’s emotions ebbed and flowed throughout his ordeal. Job had prepared himself forhis friends’ next assault. For him, there was not a wise man among them. But,this doesn’t mean he had overcome his anguish for he resorted back to hishopelessness. He said;
‘“My spirit is broken; my days are extinct;
the graveyard is ready for me.’[v.1]
He even asked, “who is there who will put up security for me?[v.3b]
Sheol [place of death] is to be his home soon. And the pit and worm be his family. He said;
‘ If I hope for Sheol as my house,
if I make my bed in darkness,
if I say to the pit, ‘You are my father,’
and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’[v.13,14]
How could we reconcile Job’s statement of the hopelessness of death and his beliefin God? He said, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.”[Job 13:15] When indespairing moments, Job hung on to the belief that God is his hope. He asked,
‘where then is my hope?
Who will see my hope?’[v.15]
The answer is God. We should always rest upon the mercies of God, should we not?
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Text: Job 16:1-22
“6 “If I speak, my pain is not assuaged, and if I forbear, how much of it leaves me?
7 Surely now God has worn me out; he has made desolate all my company.
8 And he has shriveled me up, which is a witness against me,
and my leanness has risen up against me; it testifies to my face.
9 He has torn me in his wrath and hated me;
he has gnashed his teeth at me; my adversary sharpens his eyes against me.
10 Men have gaped at me with their mouth;
they have struck me insolently on the cheek;
they mass themselves together against me.
11 God gives me up to the ungodly and casts me into the hands of the wicked.
Job 16:6-11 ESV
BEHOLD, MY WITNESS IS IN HEAVEN
Job calls his friends ‘miserable comforters’. Instead of comfort, they add more insult to his pain, saying; Ialso could speak as you do, ‘ if you were in my place;
I could join words together against you
and shake my head at you.’[v.2] He continued, in v.10
‘Men have gaped at me with their mouth;
they have struck me insolently on the cheek;
they mass themselves together against me.’
He wondered what their motives were, saying,
‘Shall windy words have an end?
Or what provokes you that you answer? [v.3]
Yes, he was ‘windy’ to express his pain. Bridgeway commentary says, ‘He feels like a helpless victim that wildanimals attack, like a target that archers fire at, like a weak city wall that enemy soldiers smash to pieces' (12-14). He mourns and suffers, though he isinnocent (15-17).’ God allowed this. He believed that God gives him up to the ungodly.
His pleadings with God may not have brought relief from his pain, but neither has his silence. In fact, hisphysical condition only deteriorated badly (see v. 6-8).
Job was mistaken to assume that God was an enemy. But, he was in a middle of an unbearable ordeal. He wished to diebut God did not grant it. As a sufferer, he did not want a sermon but for his pain to go away. [a warning for us when we comfort somebody overwhelmed with so much pain] Ironically, he questioned God yet he hoped in Him, saying; ‘“O earth, cover not my blood,
and let my cry find no resting place. 19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
and he who testifies for me is on high.
20 My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God,
21 that he would argue the case of a man with God, as a son of man does with his neighbor.
22 For when a few years have come I shall go the way from which I shall not return.’[v.18-22]
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Text: Job 15:1-35
“Are you the first man who was born?
Or were you brought forth before the hills?
8 Have you listened in the council of God?
And do you limit wisdom to yourself?
9 What do you know that we do not know?
What do you understand that is not clear to us?
10 Both the gray-haired and the aged are among us, older than your father.
11 Are the comforts of God too small for you,
or the word that deals gently with you?
12 Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash,
13 that you turn your spirit against God and bring such words out of your mouth?
14 What is man, that he can be pure?
Or he who is born of a woman, that he can be righteous?
15 Behold, God puts no trust in his holy ones,
and the heavens are not pure in his sight;
16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt,
a man who drinks injustice like water!
-Job 15:7-17 ESV
WHAT IS MAN?
Eliphaz’s tone changed noticeably. He accused Job one filled with windy knowledge as a baloon with hot air, one withuseless talk, with impious words. That Job is caught in his own ‘tongue of craftiness’. He said;
“Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; your own lips testify against you.”[v.5]
He accused Job of being arrogant as better than themselves, saying;
‘Are you the first man who was born?
Or were you brought forth before the hills?
8 Have you listened in the council of God?
And do you limit wisdom to yourself?
9 What do you know that we do not know?
What do you understand that is not clear to us?’[v.7-9]
Again, Eliphaz expressed a rhetoricalquestion, ‘What is man, that he can be pure? Or he who is born of a woman, thathe can be righteous?[v.14] He answered his own question that no one could bepure, even his angels. How much more to humans who should be more detestablefor being lower than the angels. [see, v15,16]
In this lengthy speech, Eliphaz concluded that the wicked man will suffer a terrible fate.[v.20] This Job hadargued otherwise in Job 12:6, saying’
“The tents of robbers are at peace, and those who provoke God are secure,
who bring their god in their hand.”
Job differed. That God won’t uniformly reward the righteous and punishes the unrighteous as he observed andexperienced. But, Eliphaz strongly differed saying;
‘ The wicked man writhes in pain all his days,
through all the years that are laid up for the ruthless.
Dreadful sounds are in his ears;
in prosperity the destroyer will come upon him.”[v.20,21]
Once again, the belief of Eliphaz and his three friends was leaning toward retributive theology. If a person is asinner, that is, if a person is a sinner, God will punish him. But, if he isnot, God won’t punish him. However, God is dealing with us with grace. Paul said,“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience,not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 Butbecause of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourselfon the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.”[Rom 2:4,5]
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Text: Job 14:1-22
7 “For there is hope for a tree,
if it be cut down, that it will sproutagain, and that its shoots will not cease.
8 Though its root grow old in theearth, and its stump die in the soil,
9 yet at the scent of water it willbud and put out branches like a youngplant.
10 But a man dies and is laid low;
man breathes his last, and where ishe?
11 As waters fail from a lake
and a river wastes away and dries up,
12 so a man lies down and rises notagain; till the heavens are no more he willnot awake
or be roused out of his sleep.
13 Oh that you would hide me in Sheol,
that you would conceal me until yourwrath be past, that you would appoint me a set time,and remember me!
14 If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my service I wouldwait, till my renewal should come.
-Job 14:7-14 ESV
IF A MAN DIES, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?
Job lamented that man is ‘shortlived and full of turmoil.’[v.1] like a flowerthat withers, a shadow, so life fades away and is gone forever.
In v 7-17, Job rehearsed the finalityof death. There is more hope for a tree cut down to bud and sprout again. Heasked; ‘ But a man dies and is laid low;
man breathes his last, and where ishe?’ As waters fail from a lake
and a river wastes away and dries up,
so a man lies down and rises notagain; till the heavens are no more he willnot awake
or be roused out of his sleep.[v.10-12]
Yet, Job expressed a glimmer of hopein his prayer before God, saying;
‘Oh that you would hide me in Sheol,
that you would conceal me until yourwrath be past,
that you would appoint me a set time,and remember me![v.13]
Yes, he asked the question, ‘If a mandies, shall he live again?’ Yet, it is based on his hope that God’s wrath bepast and time He would remember him. [ v.12] He hoped for a resurrection. Intimes when he felt God’s hand was heavy upon him, he also expressed hope in God.
No matter how dismal our situation is we should remember the words of Jesus. He said, “I am the resurrection and thelife. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’[John 11:25] He further said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet alittle while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”[John 14:18,19]
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Text: Job 13:1-28
“Let me have silence, and I willspeak, and let come on me what may.
14 Why should I take my flesh in myteeth and put my life in my hand?
15 Though he slay me, I will hope inhim; yet I will argue my ways to his face.
16 This will be my salvation,
that the godless shall not come beforehim. 17 Keep listening to my words,
and let my declaration be in yourears. 18 Behold, I have prepared my case;
I know that I shall be in the right.
-Job 13:13-18 ESV
THOUGH HE SLAY ME, I WILL HOPE IN HIM
Despite the rebuke of his friends, Job continued to insist that he would pursue his case before God, saying,
‘But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.’[v.3]
Interestingly, he referred to them as ‘whitewashed with lies and worthless physicians.’ Why? For Job, their silencewould mean wisdom than their rebuking.[v.5]. He asked them to listen to his point.
Job was just honest in his quest for justice but not slighting God with contempt. In v.7-11, he maintains hisrespect for God’s sovereignty and power. That, His majesty and dread should terrify us. Yet, in deep despair, he chose not to resign his fate in his handsand run away from God. Thus he said, ‘Why should I take my flesh in my teeth
and put my life in my hand? 15 Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
yet I will argue my ways to his face. [v.14,15]
His pain won’t make him silent. He wanted God desperately to pity him as a ‘leaf and chaff.’
“How many are my iniquities and my sins?
Make me know my transgression and my sin.
24 Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?
25 Will you frighten a driven leaf and pursue dry chaff?[v23-25]
In the midst of pain, let’s hope in God. There is no situation in our lives as a dead-end since God is with us.There is always a bend somewhere. God is not distant and indifferent as we may think when we are pressed and crushed down.
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Text: Job 12:1-25
Then Job answered and said:
2 “No doubt you are the people,
and wisdom will die with you.
3 But I have understanding as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know such things as these?
4 I am a laughingstock to my friends;
I, who called to God and he answered me,
a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.
5 In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune;
it is ready for those whose feet slip.
6 The tents of robbers are at peace,
and those who provoke God are secure,
who bring their god in their hand.
7 “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
8 or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
9 Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind.
-Job 12:1-10 ESV
I AM A LAUGHINGSTOCK TO MY FRIENDS
There were several times Job asked God to show him his sin[ 6:24;10:2; 13:23] Job arguedhe was not dumb and stupid not knowing what they were saying. He sarcasticallysaid;
‘2 No doubt you are the people,
and wisdom will die with you.
3 But I have understanding as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know such things as these? [v.2,3]
Their knowledge was purely by common sense [see v 7-10] and experience [see v11-12].Like them, Job maintain his belief in the sovereignty of God. God’swisdom…might…counsel. And understanding are beyond dispute. [v.13-25]
He argued that he who called to God and answered him in the past was a laughingstock tohis friends now. He maintained his cause that he did not do anything thatwarrant his extreme suffering. He believed, his friends were filled withcontempt, saying,
“In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune;
it is ready for those whose feet slip.
6 The tents of robbers are at peace,
and those who provoke God are secure,
who bring their god in their hand.” [v.5,6]
That, it was easy for them to charge him because they were not in his predicament. To remainour peace during trouble is easier said than done when it happens to someoneelse, is it not? Let us not forget what James has said, “Know this, my belovedbrothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”[Jas1:19a] Let’s always avoid the sport of ‘jumping to conclusions’. Let’s alwaysput on our shoes on others’ feet. Otherwise, we would become ‘miserablecomforters’ and physicians of no value’ toward others.
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Text: Job 11:1-20
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 “Should a multitude of words go unanswered,
and a man full of talk be judged right?
3 Should your babble silence men,
and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
4 For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure,
and I am clean in God's eyes.’
5 But oh, that God would speak
and open his lips to you,
6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!
For he is manifold in understanding.
Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.
7 “Can you find out the deep things of God?
Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
8 It is higher than heaven—what can you do?
Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
-Job 11:1-9 ESV
CAN YOU FIND OUT THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD?
Zophar, the youngest of his three friends, had spoken finally. He was blunt and pointed. Hewas angry at Job for he scoffed at Eliphaz and Bildad’s rebukes. And, that Jobinsisted that he was blameless. He said,
‘Should your babble silence men,
and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
4 For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure,
and I am clean in God's eyes.’[v.3,4]
He spoke to defend his friends and even God, saying;
‘5 But oh, that God would speak
and open his lips to you.’
6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! [v.5,6a]
God’s wisdom is so inscrutable and limitless. Zophar declared in view of God’s omnisciencethat He knew false men and see their iniquity. He implied that Job was one ofthem – as worthless and stupid [ v.11,12] Like Eliphaz and Bildad, he rebukedJob for hiding some sins, saying,
‘If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,
and let not injustice dwell in your tents.
15 Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish;
you will be secure and will not fear.’[v.14,15]
Apparently, a strict cause-and-effect relationship of sin leading to judgment was theprevalent way of explaining havoc in a person’s life. As the old adage, ‘Ifthere is smoke there must be fire.’ The belief that God is always right[theodicy] seemed foreign to the three friends thinking. They came to the sameconclusions as Job’s sufferings caused by sin. But, the major issue in Job’slife is that he couldn’t identify any sin[s] worth enough for such devastation.Yes, God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Isaiah said,
‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.’[Isa 55:8,9]
Thus, when times that we can not tie things together, let’s not jump to conclusion thatGod is not good and loving. He does not change even when His dealings seem tosuggest He is. As the song goes, ‘When we don’t understand, trust His heart.’
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God’s Word for Today
Text: Job 10
“I loathe my life;
I will give free utterance to my complaint;
I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
2 I will say to God, Do not condemn me;
let me know why you contend against me.
3 Does it seem good to you to oppress,
to despise the work of your hands
and favor the designs of the wicked?
4 Have you eyes of flesh?
Do you see as man sees?
5 Are your days as the days of man,
or your years as a man's years,
6 that you seek out my iniquity
and search for my sin,
7 although you know that I am not guilty,
and there is none to deliver out of your hand?
8 Your hands fashioned and made me,
and now you have destroyed me altogether.
9 Remember that you have made me like clay;
and will you return me to the dust?
-Job 10:1-9 ESV
WHY YOU CONTEND AGAINST ME?
Job pleaded with God why He contended with him in a severe way. Job argued that he did notchange in his relationship with him before and during the calamities andsickness. He remained the same. He said’
‘although you know that I am not guilty.’[v.7a]
He reflected that God created him so intricately.[see v.8-17], But why God would destroyhim? Did God forget that He made him as clay? [v.9] He felt God was lookingfavorably on the schemes of evil men. He said,
‘Does it seem good to you to oppress,
to despise the work of your hands
and favor the designs of the wicked?’[v.3]
In v.18-22, he desperately digressed to his original lament, saying,
‘“Why did you bring me out from the womb?
Would that I had died before any eye had seen me’ [v.18 comp. 3:11]
Since his days were numbered, he wondered why God would just leave him alone so that hewould have a moment of ‘cheer’ before he is going to the ‘land of gloom likethick darkness.’ [see v 20-22] Job’s speeches have always ended with a gloomynote with reference to death.[see 3:21-22; 7:21; 10:21-22]
Like job, when we are overwhelmed with so much pain, it’s inevitable that our spiritualsanity would be affected. Having made of clay, we will always crumble under aheavy load. In a Job-like experience, many godly men having been torturedduring the communist regimes under the USSR, gave way. Let’s always plead forGod’s mercy. Should he allow such a situation, His mercies are at reach. As theweeping prophet Jeremiah, writes to encourage us;
‘ The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”[Lam 3:22-24]
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Text: Job 9:1-35
Then Job answered and said:
2 “Truly I know that it is so:
But how can a man be in the right before God?
3 If one wished to contend with him,
one could not answer him once in a thousand times.
4 He is wise in heart and mighty in strength
—who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?—
5 he who removes mountains, and they know it not,
when he overturns them in his anger,
6 who shakes the earth out of its place,
and its pillars tremble;
7 who commands the sun, and it does not rise;
who seals up the stars;
8 who alone stretched out the heavens
and trampled the waves of the sea;
9 who made the Bear and Orion,
the Pleiades and the chambers of the south;
10 who does great things beyond searching out,
and marvelous things beyond number.
11 Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not;
he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
-Job 9:1-11 ESV
THERE IS NO ARBITER BETWEEN US
Job did notlose his belief in God. He recognized the sovereignty of God. Thus, he said,
“Truly I know that it is so:
But how can a man be in the right before God?
If one wished to contend with him,
one could not answer him once in a thousand times.
He is wise in heart and mighty in strength
—who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?” [v.2-4]
Job and his friends assumed that God punishes evil. Knowing this, Job asked, “But how can aman be in the right before God? The same question Eliphaz asked in Job 4:17,Can a man be pure before His maker?
This a dilemma, that only God could answer. He who is the creator of the universe -mountains, seas, stars, and constellations, etc.. Why is He is distant, aloof,and unfathomable, Job exclaimed,
‘Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not;
he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
Behold, he snatches away; who can turn him back?
Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing?’[v10-12]
He was blameless but not perfect. Thus he said, “ Though I am in the right, my ownmouth would condemn me; though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse.”[v.20]He settled his sins before God yet God appeared indifferent. He said, ‘Hecrushes me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds without cause.’[v.16]
How could Job present his case against such an unfathomable God? His only hope is to throwhimself at the mercy of the judge. Thus he said,
“How then can I answer him,
choosing my words with him?
Though I am in the right, I cannot answer him;
I must appeal for mercy to my accuser.”[v.14,15]
His efforts to live a blameless life seemed useless, as he said;
“ I become afraid of all my suffering,
for I know you will not hold me innocent.
I shall be condemned;
why then do I labor in vain?
If I wash myself with snow
and cleanse my hands with lye,
yet you will plunge me into a pit,
and my own clothes will abhor me.[v.28-31]
He has resigned to say,
“For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him,
that we should come to trial together.
There is no arbiter between us,
who might lay his hand on us both.”[v.32-33]
An ‘arbiter’ has allusion to his cry for the Messiah. Even today, no matter how we try tolive godly. Our goodness is far unsatisfactory before God. How can we plead ourcase before the Father without Jesus, our mediator. [1 Tim 2:5]
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Text: Job 8:1-2
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:
2 “How long will you say these things,
and the words of your mouth be a great wind?
3 Does God pervert justice?
Or does the Almighty pervert the right?
4 If your children have sinned against him,
he has delivered them into the hand of their transgression.
5 If you will seek God and plead with the Almighty for mercy,
6 if you are pure and upright, surely thenhe will rouse himself for you and restoreyour rightful habitation.
7 And though your beginning was small,
your latter days will be very great.
-Job 8:1-8 ESV
DOES GOD PERVERT JUSTICE?
Bildad, the second oldest friend of Job, had accused his words as ‘great wind.’ That Jobwas talking an empty and violent accusation against God. Job's speeches werelike the wind in their emptiness, and like a boisterous wind in their violence.
Upon hearing Job saying ‘these things’, he believed Job has asserted that God pervertsjustice. Thus, Bildad said, Does God pervert justice?
Or does the Almighty pervert the right? [v.3] Impliedly, heasked Job, ‘Would God pervert justice by letting your sins go unpunished?’ Heassumed Job's guilt from his sufferings. He, even, implied that Job’s childrensuffered and died because of their wickedness, saying;
‘If your children have sinned against him,
he has delivered them into the hand of their transgression.[v.4]
It is, of course, impossible for God to pervert justice. "Shall not the Judge of allthe earth do right?" (Gen 18:25). But, is it always valid to conclude thata person suffers because he has sinned? Definitely, after Adam fell into sinall of us suffers. We groan until the grave. Sin causes decay and death.
But, one’s misery should not be always attributed to his sin. It should not make us feelor look better than the person suffering. In the N.T., upon seeing the blindman, the disciples asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, orhis parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.[John 9:2-3]
And, one’s misery should not prompt us to see that we are better than him. When Jesus wasasked him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with theirsacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans wereworse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Orthose eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you thinkthat they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”[Luke13:1-6] Jesus replied that the people who asked [and everyone else] are equallyguilty and deserved death. But, why is it that Herod or the tower has notfallen upon them? Plain and simple answer – God is gracious.
Definitely, God does not pervert justice. But, in many cases, he withholds judgment becauseHe is gracious. Unlike Bildad, let’s be gracious to somebody undergoinghardships like Job.
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Text: Job 7
“Has not man a hard service on earth,
and are not his days like the days of a hired hand?
2 Like a slave who longs for the shadow,
and like a hired hand who looks for his wages,
3 so I am allotted months of emptiness,
and nights of misery are apportioned to me.
4 When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I arise?’
But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn.
5 My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt;
my skin hardens, then breaks out afresh.
6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle
and come to their end without hope.
7 “Remember that my life is a breath;
my eye will never again see good.
8 The eye of him who sees me will behold me no more;
while your eyes are on me, I shall be gone.
9 As the cloud fades and vanishes,
so he who goes down to Sheol does not come up;
10 he returns no more to his house,
nor does his place know him anymore.
-Job 7:1-10 ESV
MY LIFE IS A BREATH
Job reasoned that he couldn’t restrain from ‘speaking about the anguish and bitterness ofhis soul.’ [v.11] He lost hope of surviving physically. He described;
“Like a slave who longs for the shadow,
and like a hired hand who looks for his wages,
3 so I am allotted months of emptiness,
and nights of misery are apportioned to me.
4 When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I arise?’
But the night is long,
and I am full of tossing till the dawn.
5 My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt;
my skin hardens, then breaks out afresh.
6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle
and come to their end without hope.”[v.2-6]
Hence, he sighed;
I loathe my life; I would not live forever.
Leave me alone, for my days are a breath.’[v.16]
He won’t ever see good again in this life. He thought once he is gone down to Sheol, he wouldbe gone forever as clouds that vanish away. There won’t be a time he wouldreturn to his place and home. There is no more labor in the grave. The brevityof life made him ask,
“What is man, that you make so much of him,
and that you set your heart on him,
18 visit him every morning
and test him every moment? [v.17]
Life is very short. What are we going to do with it? Let’s not forget. We’ve only one short life and only what’s done for Christ would last.
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Text: Job6:1-30
Then Job answered and said:
2 “Oh that my vexation were weighed,
and all my calamity laid in the balances!
3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea;
therefore my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me;
my spirit drinks their poison;
the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass,
or the ox low over his fodder?
6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt,
or is there any taste in the juice of the mallow?
7 My appetite refuses to touch them;
they are as food that is loathsome to me.
8 “Oh that I might have my request,
and that God would fulfill my hope,
9 that it would please God to crush me,
that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!
10 This would be my comfort;
I would even exult in pain unsparing,
for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 What is my strength, that I should wait?
And what is my end, that I should be patient?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
13 Have I any help in me, when resource is driven from me?
-Job 6:1-13 ESV
WHAT IS MY STRENGTH, THAT I SHOULD WAIT?
There is no doubt that Job was overwhelmed. His load was unbearable. He sensed his‘calamity is heavier than the sand of the sea.’ He expressed, “For the arrowsof the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of Godare arrayed against me.” [Job 6:4.] The excessive suffering was the reason whyhis words were ‘rash’. His words are like those of one in delirium. Mostespecially, he sensed that these terrors came from God.
Again, he expressed his desire for his suffering to end through death. He said,
“Oh that I might have my request,
and that God would fulfill my hope,
that it would please God to crush me,
that he would let loose his hand and cut me off![v.7-9]
Notedly, his consolation to face death rested upon his testimony that he has not denied thewords of the Holy One. He confidently said, ‘This would be my comfort; I wouldeven exult in pain unsparing,’for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.[v.10]
Having been physically drained, he embraced death, to say;
‘What is my strength, that I should wait?
And what is my end, that I should be patient?’[v.11]
A person who lives with integrity may not fear death. He embraced it.Therefore, let’s keep short accounts before God.
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Text: Job5:1-27
“Call now; is there anyone who will answer you?
To which of the holy ones will you turn?
2 Surely vexation kills the fool,
and jealousy slays the simple.
3 I have seen the fool taking root,
but suddenly I cursed his dwelling.
4 His children are far from safety;
they are crushed in the gate,
and there is no one to deliver them.
5 The hungry eat his harvest,
and he takes it even out of thorns,
and the thirsty pant after his wealth.
6 For affliction does not come from the dust,
nor does trouble sprout from the ground,
7 but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.
17“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;
therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.
18 For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.
-Job 5:1-7,17-18 ESV
BLESSED IS THE ONE WHOM GOD REPROVES.
Eliphaz reproves Job for not seeking God, instead of quarreling with Him. He had acovert attack on Job. He said, ‘Surely vexation kills the fool,
and jealousy slays the simple.’
That Job was quite foolish to let his ‘vexation and jealousy’ prompt him to such a course,which could only lead him to destruction. It was foolish for Him to leave outGod and go to holy ones[angels] [v.1] With regards to the consequence, heargued that ‘he saw it’ firsthand, even their children ‘crushed without repair.’
Eliphaz argued that man’s affliction does not spring out naturally of the earthlike weeds. It is due to the evil nature of men. Troubles are expected in a brokenworld. He said, ‘but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.’[v.7]
According to Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges commentary, “The words “man is bornunto trouble” mean, it is his nature through his sin to bring trouble uponhimself; evil rises up out of his heart as naturally as the sparks fly up outof the flame. Cf. the words of Christ, “Out of the heart proceed evilthoughts,” and the appalling list which follows.”
Instead of complaining, Job should ‘seek God’, as Eliphaz confidently said he would do.God’s unfathomable goodness as rain descends from heaven to water the earth,punishes the proud and rewards the lowly. [v.11-16] Eliphaz is right in hisbelief but wasn’t more sympathetic to Job.
Eliphaz is right that ‘God blesses the man He reproves.’ He reasoned, “For he wounds, buthe binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.” [v.18] The writer of Hebrewslater explained,
‘5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”[Heb 12:5,6]
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God’s Word for Today
Text: Job 4:1-21
7 “Remember: who that was innocent ever perished?
Or where were the upright cut off?
8 As I have seen, those who plow iniquity
and sow trouble reap the same.
9 By the breath of God they perish,
and by the blast of his anger they are consumed.
17 ‘Can mortal man be in the right before God?
Can a man be pure before his Maker?
18 Even in his servants he puts no trust,
and his angels he charges with error;
19 how much more those who dwell in houses of clay,
whose foundation is in the dust,
who are crushed like the moth.
20 Between morning and evening they are beaten to pieces;
they perish forever without anyone regarding it.
21 Is not their tent-cord plucked up within them,
do they not die, and that without wisdom?’
-Job 4:7-9,17-21 ESV
CAN A MAN BE PURE BEFORE HIS MAKER?
Eliphaz, the Temanite, spoke. He is probably the oldest of Job’s three friends. In the firstsix verses, he recalled the advice Job had done to those who are in need in thepast. He said;
“Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
and you have made firm the feeble knees.” [v.4]
He thought Job’s inconsistency. That he who counseled those in despair is languishing indespair himself now. That, Job wasn’t innocent. He was guilty of some sinbecause the innocent do not suffer as he had, and the upright is not cut off ashe was. [v7-9]
Based upon his experience or observation, Eliphaz believed that ‘those who plow iniquityand sow trouble reap the same.’ Spiritual karma? Definitely not. In the NewTestament, Paul quoted Gal 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked;whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Yet it is important to considerthe context that is to encourage Christians to give materially for the supportof their ministers. This is a general principle. God’s dealing with us is bygrace.
Eliphaz inferred that Job was hypocritical. That Job had sinned so that this calamityhas come upon him. If even angels are not innocent, how much more to men whoare made of clay? But, Eliphaz had no idea that his words may add insult toJob’s injury. Job wasn’t claiming he was sinless. He was just a man overwhelmedwith much pain.
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- Job 3:3-10 ESV
After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2 And Job said:
3 “Let the day perish on which I was born, and the night that said, ‘A man is conceived.’
4 Let that day be darkness!
May God abovenot seek it,
nor lightshine upon it.
5 Let gloom and deep darkness claim it.
Let clouds dwell upon it;
let the blackness of the day terrify it.
6 That night—let thick darkness seize it!
Let it not rejoice among the days of the year;
let it not come into the number of the months.
7 Behold, let that night be barren;
let no joyful cry enter it.
8 Let those curse it who curse the day,
who are ready to rouse up Leviathan.
9 Let the stars of its dawn be dark;
let it hope for light, but have none,
nor see the eyelids of the morning,
10 because it did not shut the doors of my mother's womb,
nor hide trouble from my eyes.
LET THE DAY PERISH ON WHICH I WAS BORN
Job felt his pain was unbearable. He testified he was ‘not at ease, nor quiet but had norest.”[v.26] In such predicament, he wished he had never lived. He even asked;
“Why did Inot die at birth,
come out fromthe womb and expire?
Why did theknees receive me?
Or why thebreasts, that I should nurse?
For then Iwould have lain down and been quiet;
I would haveslept; then I would have been at rest, [v.11-13]
He startedthis chapter lamenting that he was born, saying;
“Let the dayperish on which I was born,
and the nightthat said,
‘A man isconceived.’[v.1]
His litany of complaints was not towards God. It was through his reflection on his life’smisery. It was better for him to be born dead than to live in such pain in ameaningless life[v.20-26]. Death for him means rest. He said,
“For then Iwould have lain down and been quiet;
I would haveslept; then I would have been at rest,
14 with kingsand counselors of the earth.”[v.13b,14]
He added;
“There theprisoners are at ease together;
they hear notthe voice of the taskmaster.
The small andthe great are there,
and the slaveis free from his master.”[v.18,19]
Was Job right in his belief that it was better for him to die because he can rest?
It’s understandable that in most cases, we console bereaved relatives who lostsomeone who is very dear to them and who has been battling with lingering painor sickness. At least, the physical pain is over. But, sadly, if the person hasnot known Christ, the worst might have begun. Paul explained that the ‘wages ofsin is death’[Rom 6:23] and after death the judgment.[Heb 9:27]. It’s only whenwe are in Christ that we can have real rest. Paul said, “There is therefore nowno condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”[Rom 8:1]
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-Job 2:11-13 ESV
11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him. 12 And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. 13 And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.
THE FRIENDS OF JOB
Job had three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They came to Job in his hour of need. They made an appointmenttogether to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.
They came with two notable purposes - to show him sympathy, that is, to mourn with him and comfort him, that is, to bring some relief. But when they saw Job, they were overtaken with much sorrow. They did not recognize him anymore. Why? The boils all over his body and face had disfigured him. This sight made them raise their voices and wept. And, they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. Job’s friends seated in silence with him for seven days and seven nights. The sight that his suffering was so great could be overwhelming.
According to Dr. Morgan, “While it is true that Job suffered more at the hands of these friends ultimately than by the attacks of the foe, yet some recognition must be made of the goodness of the men, that are;
• They are to be admired because they came to Job.
• They are to be admired because they wept for and with Job.
• They are to be admired because they sat in silence with Job for seven days.
• They are to be admired because they intended all the best for Job and were persistent inwanting and doing what they thought was best for Job.
• They are to be admired because they spoke their opinion about Job and his condition to Jobhimself, instead of speaking about him to others.
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-Job 2:1-10 ESV
1Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 3 And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast to his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” 4 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” 6 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.” 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
BEHOLD, HE IS IN YOUR HAND
During the first four devastating tragedies, Job passed with flying colors. God affirms Job by saying, “He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited meagainst him to destroy him without reason.” But Satan won’t concede. He believed if Job would be attacked physically, Job would snap and give in. His accusation is that all that a man has he will give for his life. That is, Job will fight for the preservation of his life over God and His glory.
God allowed Satan to do whatever he would do to Job. No holds barred, except in taking his life. Hence, he struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. This appears scary but God knows what He is doing. According to Isaiah; “for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, andthere is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’[Isa 46:9,10]
Unlike Job, his wife did not have his outlook on God’s sovereign ownership in everything. This was the reason why she said, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die.” For Job, she spoke as one of the foolish women. Cursing God is the most ridiculous act to do. Could we accuse God of being wrong? God is always right. Otherwise, He couldn’t be God. Job’s conviction that God reserves the right to do what He wants held him firmly. He did not sin with his lips for his heart is full of integrity.
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- Job 1:13-22 ESV
13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was yet speaking there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
THE LORD GIVES, THE LORD TAKE
It was a day of infamy to Job. As if someone punching a blindfolded person, Job had no idea where the blows came from. Almost simultaneously, Job received four devastating news that all his animals and children died horribly. He lost everything due to the acts of evil men[ the Sabeans and Chaldeans] and nature[fire and wind]. In each incident, a servant has survived to tell him the tragedies, respectively. While one is not yet finished speaking to him, another one comes in to tell him another devastating news.
All of these horrible incidents happened because God allowed Satan to test Job. The Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” In other words, as Satan couldn’t touch Job, he can’t bother us also, His children, without God’s permission.
In all the tragedies that happened to Job, he had no control, absolutely. However, he has control over how he should respond. He could have allowed his emotion to take over. But, he did not. He was sad that he tore his robe and shaved his head as an act of mourning. And, he worshipped the Lord.
Rather than looking at everything from a human perspective, he looked at it from the divine perspective. He preached to himself, saying, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Before these tragedies happened, he has always maintained that everything belongs to God, including his life. And, God who is the owner reserves the right to do whatever He wants. Thus, he did not charge God for anything wrong. God, the Sovereign owner is always right. This resolve helped him maintain his integrity.
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-Job 1:6-12 ESV6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he as, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” 12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
GOD’S BEST AND BOAST
Here, we are transported from Job’s home into the heavenly scene. The ‘sons of God’ [angels] are ministering spirits[Psa 103;21] were presenting themselves before God. They are called “sons of Elîm” in Psalm 89:6 “sons of the mighty”, and Psalm 29:1 “ye mighty”, and they stand in the temple or palace of the Lord.[Psalm 29:9; Psalm 89:6-8] And Satan[ Adversary or Opposer] came also.
God asked Satan where he has been. Does not God know everything? [Psa 139:1-3] God knew. He sets a conversation with Satan. Satan knew he couldn’t lie before God. Satan has been roaming the universe, one moment at a time. He is ubiquitous and unlike God, he is neither ‘all present’ nor ‘all knowing’.
Amazingly, before Satan, God exalted Job, saying, “ Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Job wasn’t sinless but stood out above anyone else in his moral uprightness and reverence to God. Let us take note that only God has the right to compare us with others. Why? He sees the heart so that His judgments are always right and not tainted with malice and prejudice.
As expected, Satan differed, and even argued with God. He always opposes God and His people. He attacks both Job and God. Firstly, he accused Job of being interested only to God’s blessing. He asked God, “Does Job fear God for no reason?” he maliciously accused Job of selfish motives or interests. That is being ‘upright and fearful’ before God was a means to an end – to receive blessings. This is true to the ‘prosperity gospel’ proponents now but not for Job before.
He also attacked God, saying, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” In other words, Satanslighted God of pampering or spoiling Job. That God was just putting a show of a fake person. That Job was not really free. Was Job a fake? God allowed Satan to test Job not to validate Himself before Satan. God does not need to prove Himself to Satan, does He? God is always God. He is going to establish a strong case through Job to judge Satan.
The people who belong to God, who are His best and boast, are not immune from hardships. As Jesus warned His disciple Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”[Luke 22:31,32]
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-Job 1:1-5 ESV
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. 2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. 3 He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. 4 His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
BLESSED BY GOD
What does Job’s name mean? “If the word be Hebrew it might mean the “assailed” or “persecuted,” that is, by Satan (or God). In Arabic the form of the word isAyyûb, and if derived from this dialect the name might mean the “returning,” that is, penitent, or more generally, the “pious.” Job is several times spoken of in the Kor’an. In Sur. 38:44 he is called awwâb, which means “ever returning to God,” i. e. pious rather than penitent, but there seems no allusion in the term to the etymology of his name, for in the same chapter both David and Solomon receive the same epithet.” [ from Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges]
He was richly blessed. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. 3 He possessed. 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. There was nobody who was as rich as Job.
Although He was lavished with material riches, he did not live an abusive life. He was prosperous yet pious. He lived as a ‘blameless and upright’ man. The term “perfect” means properly “complete,” without defect. It does not imply that the he was sinless, for he never posit as such in pretension. But, he was arighteous man, free from any specific sins that could bring down the chastisement of God. In short, he was a morally upright man.
Moreover, he was God-fearing. Is not the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? And, wisdom includes both just thinking and right conduct. Thus, his rightrelationship with God determines the foundation of his right human character.
His children used to gather together and enjoy life’s blessings. The Pulpit commentary explained, “The phrase “went and feasted" seems to mean "were in thehabit of feasting" (Rosenmuller, Lee) in their houses. Each had his own residence, and the residence was not a tent, but a" house." Job and his sons were not mere nomads, but belonged to the settled population.” God has no animosity with us to enjoy the blessings of life – feasting, food and recreation. But, Job knew the nature of the human heart. Even Solomon warned, “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” [Ecc 11:9]
What Job did to his children should guide us, parents? When the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. He was not there during the feastings to control them for he trusted them. Definitely, his desire was to see hischildren happy, provided their happiness was innocent. His concern was the turning away of the heart from God in the midst of merriment as if they feltthat this enjoyment was better than religion or might fill its place in one’s life.
-2 Peter 3:17-18 ESV
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehan#bookof2peter that you are notcarried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To himbe the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
DO GROW IN CHRIST
Peter punctuated his letter with a warning and an encouragement for his readers. Theyalready know the basic truths. Having been aware of the strategy of the falseteachers, we must be vigilant. False teachers are lawless people, that is theyhave rebelled against the authority of God and seek to lead others away fromHis Word or truth. We are responsible for not being carried away or misled byfalse teaching. We must be sober for they seem good and reasonable at thesurface. As Paul admonished us, “See to it that no one takes you captive byphilosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to theelemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Col 2:8).
The consequence of deception is costly – instability. Clearly, this doesn’t meanlosing one’s salvation for he is shielded by God's power and cannot be lost. [2Pet 1:4,5] It’s a loss of confidence and sense of stability results from livingin the truth.
Conversely, a believer who is careful and diligent in keeping himself in the truth is growingin Christ. Let’s recall that Peter said earlier, “Therefore, brothers, be allthe more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practicethese qualities you will never fall.”[2 Pet 1:10] Gowth in Christ is two-fold –in the grace and knowledge of Christ. His grace is sufficient for us to livethe Christian life.[2 Pet 1:3,4] Therefore, let us appropriate His enablementor grace for us to live our Christian lives. That we should be Christlike inall our ways. We must grow also in our knowledge in Christ, the truth. Ourknowledge of the truth would dispel the lies of the enemy.
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-2 Peter 3:14-16 ESV
14 Therefore,beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by himwithout spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord assalvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to thewisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them ofthese matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, whichthe ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the otherScriptures.
COUNT THE PATIENCE OF OUR LORD AS SALVATION
Although it’sperceived that God is slow, Jesus will return in God's perfect time. WithChrist will come God's fiery destruction of the heavens and earth in judgmentfor the sins of humanity (see v.10–12). There will be new heavens and newearth. Then, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall beno more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore"(Rev 21:4). This is the moment these believers in the diaspora should belonging for, even if they didn't always realize it as coming very soon.
Duringhardships, it seems that the night is long. We are tempted to give up, are wenot? But, we should count God’s patience as salvation. That is, His delay asperceived is working for us. Our deliverance or salvation is certain andassured. Like Paul, we may confidently say, “… I know whom I have believed, andI am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrustedto me.”[2 Tim 1:12]
Moreover, weshould remember that His delay is providing time for the unbelievers to repentunto salvation. In short, Jesus’ delay in returning is a sinner’s opportunityfor repentance. Hence, His delay is grace to the darkened and hopeless world.
Peter hadrecognized that Paul wrote about them about ‘these matters.’ Paul’s writingswere hard to understand. Most likely, this referred to the unquestionablegoodness of God. Why God is good to wicked people? Paul writes, “Or do youpresume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowingthat God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”[Rom 2:4] It isencouraging to note that Peter had acknowledged that Paul's wisdom comes fromGod and calling him a beloved brother. This makes it apparent that through acareful reading of the New Testament, all the inspired writings are establishedand support each other.(see 2 Tim 3:16).
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-2 Pet 3:11-13 ESV11 Since all these things are thus tobe dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness andgodliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, becauseof which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodieswill melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for newheavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE OUGHT YOU TO BE?
Despite the scoffers' claim, God’sjudgment will surely come eventually. They are wrong and the Scriptures aretrue. Thus, the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly. The Lord Jesus Christwill return surely. And then the heavens with all the heavenly bodies willburn. The earth and everything on it will be laid bare. Absolutely, everythingwill be destroyed.
In light of all these, how should Christians live right now?
Instead of indulging in sin as falseteachers without fear of God’s judgment, we should live holy and godly lives.According to Peter, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in whichrighteousness dwells. Hence, we should live as people looking forward to ourfinal home.
As the apostle Paul said, “ourcitizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the powerthat enables him even to subject all things to himself.[Phil 3:20] Thus, wemust be ‘waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our greatGod and Savior Jesus Christ.’ [Titus 2:13] Like Abraham, let’s journey, towardsthe city whose maker and builder is God. What a motivation for us.
In summary, we resonate with theapostle John who expressed, “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what wewill be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be likehim because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in himpurifies himself as he is pure.”[1 John 3:2,3]
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-2 Pet 3:8-10 ESV
8 But do not overlook this one fact,beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand yearsas one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some countslowness but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, butthat all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like athief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodieswill be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done onit will be exposed.
GOD IS PATIENT WITH YOU
The false teachers had a wrongconclusion about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. They deliberately dooverlook both the acts of God in the creation and His judgment through theuniversal flood. The exiled believers might be influenced by their thinking.Thus, Peter reminded them not to overlook the timetable of God. God is notgoverned by time. For Him, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand yearsas one day. In other words, God is in control. In Him, therefore, time isworking for us.
God’s silence and delays areexpressions of His patience toward us. Some, especially the scoffers, attributeit to His slowness or indifference. Far from it. Why is God slow to fulfill Hispromise of judging this world? God does not desire that any should perish butthat all should reach repentance. Let us believe that the Spirit today is stillworking to ‘convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.’[John16:8] God is still in the business of saving souls. God is full of compassion.He does not desire the wicked to perish. Even the Lord Jesus when he saw thecrowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless,like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest isplentiful, but the laborers are few; 38, therefore, pray earnestly to the Lordof the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”[Matt 9:36-38]
Let’s be patient as the Lord yethopeful. Why? The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavenswill pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up anddissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.God’s offer of grace toward us would be consummate. Definitely, God will comein order to judge this world. Let us neither panic nor be manipulative. As Paulhas exhorted us, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is athand.”[Phil 4:5]
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-2 Pet 3:3-7 ESV
3 knowing this first of all, thatscoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinfuldesires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever sincethe fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from thebeginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that theheavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and throughwater by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that thenexisted was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavensand earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day ofjudgment and destruction of the ungodly.
A DELIBERATE OVERLOOK
Jesus warned us that false prophetswould come and lead many away from the truth (Mat 24:11). The apostle Paul alsodeclared the work of these false teachers during the last days before thereturn of Christ (1 Tim 4:1–3). Peter said that these scoffers will come,scoffing and following their own evil desires.
They mocked saying, “Where is thepromise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things arecontinuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” Somehow they believedthat this world is created by a supernatural being. However, as they observedthat all things in creation do continue to exist and function normally, theymade the conclusion that the prophecies of the world’s doom are not true. Jesushas not returned and the world and wicked activities of man are still here.This perspective is sometimes referred as "uniformitarianism. "Theymay say, “If there is no return of Christ, there must not be a judgment comingfor sin.”
They’re deceived for there is a lullbefore the storm. Hardened by sin, they are numbed, a deliberate numbness. AsPeter pointed out first that God created it in the first place. Therefore, Hedesigned all the laws and processes by which the world continues to run. CouldGod override those processes? Definitely!
Moreover, they deliberately forget thehistorical fact of the flood also. It is an undisputed example of Godintervening in the physical world to judge the sins of humanity. Did not thepeople mock Noah for stupidity by building an ark at the top of the mountain,when rain was not even occurring as yet?
God forbid that we should beshort-sighted and be influenced by the mockers. Let’s cherish the word andworks of God in order not to be numbed by the pleasures of sin and wickednessin this world. Jesus is coming very soon and let’s be ready for it.
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-2 Pet 3:1-2 ESV
This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
DO REMEMBER
In this second letter of Peter, he has been consistent to remind Christians of what they already know and to urge them to act upon it appropriately. He ‘stirred’ by stimulating them to wholesome thinking. The Greek term for ‘sincere minds’ here is eilikrinē. This literally means something found to be pure when examined by sunlight. The word "sincere" comes from two Latin words which translate to "without wax." Crafty pottery salesmen would sometimes use wax to disguise cracks in their pottery. However, when held up against the sun, the light would show through the wax, revealing their deception or lies.
Satan is the father of lies [John 8:44]. He attacks our minds, as he did to Eve. But, believers with clear and self-controlled in their thinking need not be deceived. Peter wanted them to remember two essential truths. Firstly, He wants believers to remember the words or predictions of the holy prophets. And, this refers to God's revelation to the prophets, sent to Israel in the Old Testament.
Moreover, Peter wants them to remember Jesus' command or teachings made through the apostles. In this way, Peter is giving the same status to Jesus' apostles, which includes himself and the rest of the 12, along with Paul. What they are teaching is the truth.
Even the apostle Paul said the reason, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”[Rom 15:3] In other words, our neglect to remember the words and works ofGod in the past may cause us to be carried away by hopelessness and despair. When we see the wickedness of the world growing from bad to worse, these allmay affect us. The point of remembering these things is to keep from being deceived by false teachers. God’s word is truth. And, His truth should set usfree.
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-2 Pet 2:17-22 ESV
17 These are waterless springs andmists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has beenreserved. 18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensualpassions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live inerror. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves ofcorruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if,after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge ofour Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them andovercome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For itwould have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousnessthan after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its ownvomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”
ENSLAVED
False teachers are con artists. Theyenticed the gullible by promising them greater freeedom through unrestrainedpassion. Subtly, they claimed to have better knowledge so that they ignorebiblical warnings about sexual sins. They boast that they could continue sinningwithout remorse or consequence yet keep all the benefits of belonging to Christand the full approval of God. Immature Christians in particular are easilyswayed by these temptations.
But in reality, they are as ‘springswithout water’ As dried up spring, or a lurking raincloud that provides only abit of mist, their teaching will lead to disappointment, and eventually todestruction. The term ‘gloom of utter darkness’ is likely a description ofhell.
They lived conflicting life. Why? Theypromise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for'people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.' They claim that"freedom" means doing whatever you want, whenever you want, andhowever, you want. The ironical part is that ‘"For whatever overcomes aperson, to that, he is enslaved." They promise freedom they don't possess.Instead of being free to indulge in their sexual passions, they simply cannotdo anything else. In short, they are slaves, mastered by their own sinfuldesires. This is one of the most missed but essential truths about sin. Anyexpression of freedom suggested by Satan is actually the very thing thatenslaves us.
Let us keeep in mind that true freedomis the ability to say no to ourselves, to leave the path of destruction, and tosay yes to Christ and find true joy, meaning, and abundant life (John 10:10).Peter has refered himself as a slave [bond servant] of Jesus Christ. And thsrelationship freed him from the corruption the flesh demands.
Sadly, the false teachers are succssfulin enticing the gullible. These victims had heard and understood the gospel ofJesus Christ. However, the Bible is very clear that intellectual knowledge isnot the same as saving faith (Jas 2:19). They are not true believers. As Johnpointed out, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they hadbeen of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it mightbecome plain that they all are not of us" (1 John 2:19). They became worsethan before. A condition wherein someone after the message has been heard andrejected, or corrupted, it is very remote that someone would return again tobelieve and trust in it. The description Peter used is something serious, thatis, “Of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sowthat is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.'
- 2 Pet 2:10-16 ESV10 and especially those who indulge inthe lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they donot tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, thoughgreater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment againstthem before the Lord. 12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures ofinstinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of whichthey are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, 13 sufferingwrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in thedaytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while theyfeast with you. 14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. Theyentice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 15Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way ofBalaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 16 but was rebuked forhis own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice andrestrained the prophet's madness.
HARDENED HEARTS
False teachers are unconscionable,indulging in sexual sin and despising [living in contempt of] authority. This specificallyis referring to the false teachers among the Christians in the church.Definitely, those who act in such ways do not have saving faith in Christ (1John 3:9).
They are compared to the sinful men ofSodom and Gomorrah (2 Pet 2:6–8). Their specific sexual sins may have differedfrom the men of Sodom. Both, however, were guilty of wild sexual expression.They are so bold about their sin that they carouse or revel in their immoralityin broad daylight. They parade it for others to see. They have eyes full ofadultery that never stop looking for sin. [v.14]
They were also conceited so that theywere not afraid to speak arrogantly about angelic beings. This might have meantthese men were insulting them, ignoring the influence of spiritual beings, oreven telling lies about what such beings could do. In other words, they werespeaking against them with great disrespect. Contempt leads to carelessness.Notedly, Peter tells us that even good angels [non-fallen angels speaking forGod] would never speak so disrespectfully of fallen angels. Even whenpronouncing God's judgment, they would not "heap abuse" on theserebellious angels. Clearly, these false teachers exposed both their arroganceand ignorance.
Peter argued that they ‘feast withyou.’ Peter may refer to this ‘feasting’ as immoral partying that people in thechurch were being lured into by these false teachers. Immorality should not betolerated within the church community. Indeed, loving sinners, and notaccepting sin is quite hard to balance.
They are followers of Balaam, theprophet for hire. Balaam loved the wages or gain that came from theirwrongdoing. This is apparently a reference to the payments he received as afreelance, mercenary prophet. And, they used sexual seduction to weaken God'speople.
Our consolation is that God is payingattention. He doesn’t slumber or sleep. Judgment and destruction will follow.They may seem to be succeeding in the present moment. But, they will sufferwrong as the payment for the wrong they are doing. In contrast, we must watchour hearts to keep them in check.[Prov 4:23]
-2 Pet 2:4-10 ESV
4 For if God did not spare angels whenthey sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomydarkness to be kept until the judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancientworld, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, whenhe brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 if by turning the cities ofSodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them anexample of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescuedrighteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (foras that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting hisrighteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9 then the Lordknows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous underpunishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge inthe lust of defiling passion and despise authority.
GOD PRESERVES THE RIGHTEOUS
The Lord knows how to rescue the godlyfrom trials, and to keep unrighteous under punishment until the day ofjudgment. In other words, God is always on top of everything. He preserves Hisown. Arbitrarily, He also reserves the wicked for judgment.
Peter begins a series of "if orsince" statements to make the case that God does indeed bring judgmentupon those who rebel against Him with certainty. If[since] the angels whorebelled were cast into hell [Tartarus, which was a part of the Greek underworld].. since these angels remain there, being held in chains, or pits, of darknessuntil God is ready to fully judge them for their sin. …if[since] the wicked menwho mocked Noah and his family perished through the flood.. Jesus said that theworld would be as it was in Noah's day when He returned (Mat 24:36–44). Andlastly, if[since] Sodom and Gomorrah were burned to extinction. These areexamples to what would happen to the ungodly. In summary, these historicalevents of God’s judgments in the past do guarantee that God will continue toreserve His own and punish the wicked.
Let’s not forget these dreadful actsof God in the past. Let us learn from it. Otherwise, we would be bound eitherto discouragement or despair. Let’s remember that;
“God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should changehis mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he notfulfill it?” [Num 23:19]
Surely, ‘God remains faithful for Hecan not deny Himself.’[2 Tim 2:13]
Peter used the examples of Noah andLot that He won’t abandon the righteous. We don’t argue that Noah wasrighteous, do we? “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yetunseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. Bythis, he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comesby faith.”[Heb 11:7]
However, we raise doubts about Lotbeing called righteous. We may read his story and think he was worthy of God'sjudgment. But, he was "righteous" before God. However, he was"distressed" or "oppressed" by the immoral and violentconduct of the people of Sodom. In the New Testament, it means to be tired,exhausted, worn down, afflicted, or treated roughly. He was “tormented” for hewas beaten down and discouraged by what he saw in Sodom.
Both Noah and Lot were rescued forbeing righteous. God will judge the wicked but preserve the righteous. He knowshow to rescue the righteous as much as He holds those who are ungodly to bepunished for their rebellion on the coming day of His judgment.
What does this mean to you today? Wemay be tempted to look at the world and think that those who oppose God arewinning. Does standing with God cost more than it's worth? We must never forgetthat God is still paying attention. Destruction will come, and so willsalvation. Let us then be faithful for He would vindicate the righteouseventually.
-2 PET 2:1-3 ESV
1 But false prophets also arose amongthe people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretlybring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them,bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow theirsensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And intheir greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation fromlong ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS
There will be false teachers who willrise up amid the ranks of Christianity to mislead believers by teaching heresy.It is any teaching that contradicts or twists the truth. This would be a subtleattack on the truth. They will try to introduce their deception secretly. Theirpurpose, primarily, is to influence Christians to join them in denying Jesus,the "Master" or "sovereign Lord." Our consolation is thattheir doom is sealed and certain.[v.3,4]
Today, many would claim the title"Christian," but deny the Lordship or deity of Jesus. They areteaching ideas contrary to the Scriptures and claim them to be true. Even, somehas denied that Peter's words and warnings here in this letter are the actualWord of God. This was corroborated by Paul, who writes, “The time is comingwhen people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they willaccumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turnaway from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”[2 Tim 4:3,4] Theapostle John added as well, saying, “For many deceivers have gone out into theworld, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such aone is the deceiver and the antichrist.”[2 John 1:7]
According to John, we must be very careful not to believe anybody who teachesright away. He said, “ Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test thespirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone outinto the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit thatconfesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and everyspirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of theantichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.”[1 John4:1-3]
How are we going to handle them?
John has warned, “If anyone comes toyou and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house orgive him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wickedworks.”[2 John 1:10-11] Church leaders like Timothy are enjoined to be proactive,saying “Always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist,fulfill your[their] ministry.”[2 Tim 4:5] The best way to counter falsehood isthe preaching of the truth as light dispels darkness.
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2 Peter 1:19-21
19 And we have the prophetic word morefully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lampshining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in yourhearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes fromsomeone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the willof man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
LET’S HONOR THE SCRIPTURES
Some prophecies are fulfilled while others are yet to happen. Propheciesregarding the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus have beenfulfilled. But those prophecies about Jesus’ return as judge and king are stillto happen in the future. We still live in a world of darkness, don’t we? ButGod’s word, particularly His prophecies, are as lamps in our darkness. Theymotivate us, enliven us, and prepare us. But these lamps, those prophecies,will no longer be needed when Christ returns. As John said, “Beloved, we areGod's children now, and what we will have not yet appeared; but we know thatwhen he appears we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is.”[1 John3:2]
As in the breaking of day, Jesus isthe morning star who shines in our hearts. In his vision, John also writes, “I,Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for thechurches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morningstar.”[Rev 22:16] Did not Jesus claim that He is the light? [John 8:12] And assuch, He will bring lasting light unto the world, especially our hearts.
This darkened world is full ofscoffers. They mock the prophecies of Christ’s soon return. In contrast, He isour hope.[Titus 2:13]. We take what He says at face value. “Intheir[unbelievers] case the god of this world has blinded the minds of theunbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory ofChrist, who is the image of God.”[2 Cor 4:4] Thus, the believers’ hearts areenlightened because of the light of the gospel. Resultingly, we do live withexpectation and hope that His words[prophecies] are going to be fulfilledsurely, don’t we? As Paul said, “For whatever was written in former days waswritten for our instruction, that through endurance and through theencouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”[Rom 15:3]
Why we should hope? “This God—his wayis perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those whotake refuge in him.”[Psa 18:30] God’s word is neither a result of man’simagination nor by his will. It is the Spirit who moves holy men to write thescriptures.[2 Tim 3:16] Let us honor His words. Otherwise, we would becondemned by our rejection of the truth. [Jesus warned, “The one who rejects meand does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken willjudge him on the last day.”[John 12:48]
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- 2 PET 1:16-18 ESV
16 For we did not follow cleverlydevised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord JesusChrist, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honorand glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the MajesticGlory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselvesheard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holymountain.
EYEWITNESSES
Many people, even today, believe theclaims of Christianity are just fables, folk tales, and legends. That the bibleis mostly an invention of a man with very little truth. Malicious lies werebeing spread around about Jesus. Peter defended the reliability of the messagethat had already begun.
In what way?
Peter writes that his personalencounter with Jesus in His majesty, with his own eyes. He is an eyewitness.When Peter preached about Jesus' power and glory, he wasn't following someoneelse's script; He was speaking from his own personal experience. Nothing canargue from firsthand experience.
When Peter said about seeing “Christ'smajesty", he specifically referred to an event we commonly call the"transfiguration" in Mat 17:1–8. This was neither the only miraclethat Peter saw nor the only piece of evidence he would use. However, thisencounter with Jesus is the clearest example of how he knows for certain thatwhat he is proclaiming is the truth.
Peter, with James and John, saw Jesus'face shining brightly as the sun. His clothes became as white as light. But thepart Peter had emphasized here is his hearing the voice of God. He referred toas “the Majestic Glory” speaking and expressing that Jesus is His beloved Son.And, that He, who is the Father, is very pleased with Jesus. Clearly, Peter hadasserted that it is God the Father Himself who gave honor and glory to Jesus.Thus, Peter knew Jesus was the Son of God for he heard God say so.
The same truth that John has written.He writes,” And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen hisglory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”[John1:14] Paul wrote that Jesus was seen by more than 500 people simultaneouslyafter He rose from the dead. Why did Peter and the rest of the apostles arewilling to die for Jesus? Jesus should be truly the Lord. Otherwise, He shouldbe a liar or a lunatic.
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- 2 PET 1:12-15 ESV
12 Therefore I intend always to remindyou of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truththat you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir youup by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will besoon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make everyeffort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall thesethings.
THE NEED FOR REPETITION
Peter’s readers knew that they were“established in the truth” he has been teaching them. In fact, Peter used theGreek term here, which means "fixed," "established," or"strengthened." In other words, their knowledge is rock-solid in thosetruths. These Christians don't need to know something else different than theyalready do, in order to live their Christian lives. We don’t need newteachings, do we?
But, Peter knew he needed to remindthese truths over and over again. We are gullible still to forget. Why? We arestill affected by the weakness of our flesh., are we not? Thus, we shouldproclaim the gospel to ourselves every day, should we not? We should beprompted to apply our knowledge. Thus we ask, “Am I practicing what I know? If weknow the gospel, are we living it?
Big companies know the importance ofrepetition. They conduct ‘fire drills’ in order to be prepared when thecrucible would come. Although it’s simple, flight attendants have todemonstrate how to put on life jackets. Knowledge of the truth must not remainjust as a piece of information. We must apply and obey it for it’s only thenthat true learning is measured.
Peter was a loving pastor, certainly.Thus, his goal was to keep doing this kind of ‘stirring’ as long as he lives.He knows that he is not going to last long in this world. But, he was notgarrulous, was he? Clearly, his purpose was not to criticize, but to encouragethe believers. He was once discouraged and almost quit. Thus, he learned hislesson, which made him minister effectively to others.
In summary, we don’t need to know newthings. But, we need to do and apply the truth we already knew. In order to beproperly motivated to serve, we should rehearse or muse about the gospel everyday in our minds. Lest we forget, and we either just do things out ofcompliance or obligation. We should be ‘stirred’ in our hearts as Peter desiredfor them. “That they may recall all these things” is reminiscent of Jesus’great commission, that is, for us “to observe all” that He commands us.
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- 2 PETER 1:8-11 ESV
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from beingineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 Forwhoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, havingforgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, beall the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practicethese qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richlyprovided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and SaviorJesus Christ.
BEING FRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS
Unlike a sedentary tree, our journey toward fruitfulness isn’t passive. We’vegot to ‘make every effort’ that we don’t lack the qualities mentioned earlier.If we fail to use these tools, we have become so nearsighted that we are asgood as blind. We are living as if we were unbelievers, who really are blind,spiritually. Peter's point seems to be that a Christians, preoccupied with theshort-term, on what they want out of the moment immediately in front of them.One who has lost the ability to see life from any kind of eternal perspective.
They had forgotten that they have been cleansed or purified from their pastsins. Again, the concept seems that of overlooking who we are and what ourlives are for. We could picture someone still participating in sin, orless-than-Christlike behaviors, as his norm. Instead, we should see those asthings in the past. That is, things we've been cleansed from, which we have thepower to overcome and move on from.
This tragic waste of abandoning theaforementioned qualities, which is living only for ourselves, is the loss of agreat opportunity. As a note, it's not a question of losing salvation. It’sfailing to become who we can be in the here and now, used as God intended tofulfill His purpose on earth.
The point is how we actually live andbehave. That is, the truly saved Christians do confirm their salvation, forthemselves and others by demonstrating these qualities of Jesus in their lives.This does not work in reverse, does it? It is the fruit of having an authenticrelationship with Jesus. It neither implies that salvation is earned byexhibiting these traits of Jesus.
Then, upon seeing our fruitfulness, wewon't have reason to doubt or stumble over our faith. Again, Peter’s use of theword "fall" is not about a loss of salvation. In context, this isabout a season of wasted time, of unproductiveness and ineffectiveness,near-blindness, and indulging in sin we should have left behind.
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- 2 PET 1:5-7 ESV
5 For this very reason, make everyeffort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 andknowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, andsteadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, andbrotherly affection with love.
MAKE EVERY EFFORT
God has granted us everything we needto lead the life He calls us to. We are not missing anything, are we? Throughfaith in Jesus, we have been granted the right to participate, right now, inGod's nature. We can partner with Christ in fulfilling God's purpose on earth.We have been freed from the corruption of sin. God has given us all we need tolive like Jesus, but now we must actually use those gifts.
All of these do sound fascinating, don’t they? But, what does it mean for ustoday? Why does it seem that many Christians today are so far away fromparticipating in God's nature, not living with Christ's purpose, joy, and love?Why do some still continue to live in the sin from whose corruption we havesupposedly been freed?
The key is on our part. We’ve got to appropriate it by faith. Now that we havebeen empowered to do so, we must "make every effort" to add thefollowing qualities to, or "alongside," our faith. In other words, wemust start living the life we believe is really true.
There are seven areas we’re exhortedto ‘make every effort’ to achieve. And, as in painting wherein layers ofpainting coats are done, we progress by adding a quality of life’s character,one at a time. From faith to virtue to knowledge, to self-control, togodliness, to brotherly affection and to love. Faith, virtue, and knowledge arequalities we develop before the sight of God. On the other hand, self-control,godliness, brotherly affection, and love are qualities essential to demonstratein our relationships with others. In other words, we must deepen ourrelationship with God before we can widen our relationship with others.
We notice that living our Christianlife is both a ‘fruit’ and a conscious ‘effort’. God works and we work too.[Phil 2:12,13] Today, how did we progress in our Christian life towardsdisplaying the fruit of our Christian life by making effort to appropriate thetruth of who we are.
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- 2 PETER 1:3-4 ESV
3 His divine power has granted to usall things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him whocalled us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us hisprecious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakersof the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the worldbecause of sinful desire.
GRANTED
Believers are righteous in theirposition because Christ’s righteousness clothed upon or imputed unto them. Butwhat about in practice? We ask, “How could he live a righteous and godly life?It’s not just difficult for us while we’re still in this flesh. It’simpossible.
The resource to live a righteous andgodly life is a gift from God. We didn't earn it either through hard work orgood behavior, did we? Since we are in Christ, God's divine power has given useverything we need for life and godliness. He calls us to follow His exampleand he has equipped us in order to do so.
The key is our knowledge of God, whichmeans, an authentic relationship with God. By faith, we became His children.[John 1:12] We are connected to Jesus as a branch. Hence, apart from this, wewon’t bear the fruit of Christlikeness. [see John 15]
Moreover, our relationship with Jesusis anchored in His precious and very great promises granted unto us. ‘For allthe promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him thatwe utter our Amen to God for his glory.’[2 Cor 1:20] That is, His promises aretrue and sure. We live by His promises.
All of the above….His power…promiseshave guaranteed us to ‘become partakers of the divine nature, having escapedfrom the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire’ We don’tneed to follow the desires of the flesh. God has made our escape from itscorruption. Thus, we’ve got to claim this truth by faith. God hasn’t failed us.It’s our failure to appropriate by faith.
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- 2 PET 1:1-2 ESV
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
A SERVANT AND APOSTLE
Interestingly, Peter introduced himself in both his former Jewish name, Simeon, and the name given by Jesus, Peter. He had considered himself both as an honored servant or slave of Jesus and Christ's apostle. An "apostle" is an official position in the early church by those who Jesus had specifically chosen and commissioned to fulfill His specific mission. Thus, Peter expressed both as under the authority of Christ, as well as having authority from Christ to deliver the commands and instructions as His slave, which he is writing in this epistle.
He writes to believers because of the righteousness of God and Savior, Jesus Christ. And let us not forget that no one is righteous because he is smart enough, or special enough on their own. It’s solely by faith in Christ. Leaders within the church are not morally or spiritually more privileged than others. It is only by Christ's righteousness that we receive this precious and valuable faith. Jesus has secured this faith for us. Could we be proud to claim it? [see Eph 2:8,9]
Peter prayed that his readers would have peace and grace. This happened in and through the knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, Peter's greeting is a prayer that we as his readers would find abundant grace and peace in knowing God and Jesus the Lord. Certainly, knowing God is the right path toward experiencing peace and grace. There is no other way.
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1 Peter 5:12-14 ESV12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
STAND FIRM IN THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD
As Peter closes his letter, he acknowledges two companions in ministry, namely Silvanus and Mark. Silvanus[Silas] either wrote the letter while Peter dictated it to him or he delivered the letter to the churches. In either case, Peter has commended Silvanus to them, calling him a faithful brother. One of the important principles in ministry is to charge a person in ministry for he is faithful. Not to make him faithful. Luke said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithfulin much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”[Luke 16:10].
Moreover, he considered John Mark his son, not in an actual sense but spiritually. At one time, John Mark once quit on a missionary journey causing a rift between Paul and Barnabas. Paul differed with Barnabas for he had considered Mark unfit to bring in the next journey. Later on, Paul found John Mark useful in the ministry.[see Col 4:10] It’s understandable that Peter has had an affinity with John Mark. Like him, he failed and was restored by Jesus. No failure needs to be final.
Peter concluded this letter having exhorted us once again to stand firm in the true grace of God. In light of persecution and suffering, we need to be firm. The grace that saves us may sustain us. As Paul declared, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor so that you by his poverty might become rich.”[2 Cor 8:9] Since we are rich, should we not live as one rich spiritually? The grace of God must be appropriated by faith. By the grace of God, we could be strong in our weaknesses. We could testify with Paul, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”[2 Cor 12:8-10]
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- 1 Peter 5:8-11 ESV
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Youradversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone todevour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds ofsuffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who hascalled you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm,strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever.Amen.
A BALANCED VIEW OF SUFFERING
We should look at the two sides of oursufferings always - from Satan and God’s purposes. Definitely, the devilinflicts pain in order for us to sin against God. He is like a roaring lionthat intimidates us. Thus, let’s always be ‘sober-minded’ [well-balanced andself-disciplined] and ‘watchful’ [alert and cautious]. Intimidation is to scareus to forget that we are more than conquerors in Christ and he is the defeatedfoe. On the contrary, let’s resist him as one planting his feet on the ground,firm and unmovable. Truth dispels lies. [John 8:32] We should be encouragedthat what we are going through isn’t isolated but is common to every believer.As Peter had said earlier, ‘Don’t be surprised when trials come.”[1 Pet 4:12]
On the other hand, God allowssuffering for 'a little while’. Suffering is for a season. As Paul said, “Notemptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and hewill not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, hewill also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.’[1 Cor10:13] Peter referred to God as the ‘God of all grace’, because He won’t let usbe tested beyond that which is needed. He would ‘complete, confirm, strengthen,and establish us’ That is, He is making us what we ought to be. Although weresist Satan squarely and firmly, it is God who makes us formidable and strong.
Today, let us not forget the balancein approaching our suffering. Let’s resist the devil with all we’ve got.Moreover, let us rest upon God to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establishus. In short, we fight Satan because God is fighting for us.
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- 1 Pet 5:6,7 ESV6 Humble yourselves, therefore, underthe mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 castingall your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
HUMILITY AND PRAYER
Humility and prayer are deeplyintertwined, are they not? One can’t exist without the other. A humble personis prayerful, and vice-versa. Although humility might be mistaken as weaknesstoday, in God’s eyes a humble person is strong. Christ is humble and in no wayHe is weak.
Humility is the attitude that makesour prayer aright. Certainly, a proud heart couldn’t pray rightly. The proudPharisee was deceived to think that he was praying. But, God rejected hisarrogant prayer. To be humble is by recognizing that we are before the ‘mightyhand of God’. His pre-eminence and power should motivate us to be humble in thesame way that a 7-foot-tall person should feel tiny if he’s standing before askyscraper.
Humility is the key to honor. Hehonors the humble in due time. As Solomon says, “Before destruction a man'sheart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”[Prov 18:12] Hardships,including persecution, are overwhelming. Indeed, we’re tempted to worry anddoubt when in hardships. When we see the wicked prospering and we’re so downand feeling small, we might doubt the power of God. Yet, the truth remains. Ourexperiences, though how bad they are, neither change the character of God norour worth in Him.
Hence, we should hang on to ourconfidence in God and pray. Prayer is the action that demonstrates ourhumility. God does allow heaviness to bend our knees, does He not? Instead ofretaliation and fear, we have to ‘cast all our cares unto Him”. He is not onlycapable but He is committed to helping us because He cares for us. We are theapple of His eyes, are we not?
Today, let’s recognize that God’smighty hand is on top of every situation we are in. Let’s neither panic nor berepulsive but humbly submit to His control in prayer. Let’s ‘not be anxiousabout anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgivinglet your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpassesall understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’[Phil4:6,7]
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- 1 Pet 5:1-4 ESV
So I exhort the elders among you, as afellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partakerin the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that isamong you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as Godwould have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering overthose in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chiefShepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
SHEPHERDS OF GOD
Peter, who was an ‘elder’ has made an appeal to the other elders. The term‘elder’ comes from ‘presbyterous’ in the original Greek. This term refers tothe same person adressed either as bishop or pastor. His role in the localchurch is referenced throughout the New Testament (1 Timothy 5:17; Titus1:5–6). That is, they are spiritually matured, experienced Christians, incharge with leading the local churches.
Here, Peter made clear instructions to their fellow elders, who wereshepherding the ‘exiles’. What was the basis of his authority to instruct them?He was an apostle. That is, he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ andassured himself as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to berevealed.
He pleaded with them to shepherd God’sflock from the heart. Let us recall that Peter had failed Jesus. But, he waswonderfully restored. As related by John in John 21, Jesus asked Peter threetimes if he loved Him. Each time, Peter affirmed that he loved Jesus, evengrieved at the repeated question. Also each time, Jesus responded to Peter'sanswer with a command to feed or tend Jesus' sheep. Shepherding the flock ofGod was to be Peter's life work. This moment not only mirrored Peter'sthree-fold denial, it showed how Christ had accepted Him as an apostle.
Firstly, an elder should recognizethat the community of believers belongs to God solely. An elder does not ownthe flock—only God does. Hence, the elder only provides leadership to redeemedpeople, owned and loved by the Father, even purchased by the blood of Christ[Acts 20:20].
His next role is one of overseeing.The word in Greek is ‘episkopountes’, which means to "takeoversight," or "to look diligently after." In other words, therole of an elder is very much the same as a ‘bishop’ or an"overseer." He watches over and tends to the needs of thecongregation. It's a role requiring awareness of what's going on in the livesof the believers, with an eye to helping and guiding them.
Third, he does his role willingly.Nobody should take on this role out of compulsion or coercion. God does requirean elder to want or desire to be an elder, out of his own volition. A personforced into spiritual leadership cannot truly serve as God intended.
Finally, he must commit to serving forthe sake of the calling of God alone. He must serve the flock of God withoutulterior motives. He must not be motivated by money, power, or control.Otherwise, he would be prone to dishonest schemes such as overlording,embezzlement, or manipulation. Instead, his life should be a pattern ofsincere, committed, and honest service before God.
In the light of future rewards,Peter’s instructions make sense. When the chief Shepherd appears, they willreceive the unfading crown of glory. We're not exactly sure what this means.What is certain, however, is that Jesus will share His glory with those whoserved as the elders of His flock. That, they will reflect His glory with Himforever.
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- 1 Peter 4:17-19 ESV
17 For it is time for judgment tobegin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be theoutcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly andthe sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who sufferaccording to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doinggood.
THE JUDGMENT OF GOD
God’s judgment is sure. The wickedscoffs that God is untruthful. They will say, “Where is the promise of hiscoming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing asthey were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlookthis fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out ofwater and through water by the word of God.[2 Pet 3:5-6]
God’s justice is like the rays of thesun. It shines to all, both believers and unbelievers. It begins in us, believers.However, to the believers who believe in the gospel, God’s justice isperfected. Peter has made clear in this letter that Jesus was our substitute onthe cross (1 Pet 3:18). He was punished for all of our sins. That is, judgmentis complete. However, God still ‘judges’ His children on this side of eternity.This might be a difficult idea to grasp for us. But, it is what Peter wasdriving here. Our God is a Father who disciplines us, His children (Heb12:3–17). We must understand this clearly. Thus, this is a not judgment for thepurpose of punishing our sins or making us worthy of heaven but a corrective tomake us mature in Christ.
If God is willing to allow His dearlyloved children to suffer under his judgment, in order to purify and rescue them,what God has in store for those who fully reject Christ? It’s even a scarythought for them to experience far worse.
God is a ‘faithful Creator.” Hisfaithfulness gives us assurance that He would act justly. As Abraham expressed,“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”[Gen 18:25] Paul added,“if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithfulfor he cannot deny himself.”[2 Tim 2:12,13] God will surely fulfill His words.Today, the justice of God is perhaps perceived as slow but sure.
How should we then respond? Thereforelet those [of us] who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to afaithful Creator while doing good. God is faithful. Those who suffer with Himwill also reign with Him.
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- 1 Peter 4:12-16 ESV
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
THE TEST OF FAITH
Most often than not, we are not excited to take tests. Tests are inconvenient but essential. A test reveals our faith, whether we are real or fake. There are a few realities Peter has highlighted about this test of faith.
Firstly, it’s expected. Believers should not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon them to test them, as though something strange were happening to them. Is not our natural tendency to evade from hardships? Peter has to remind them to expect sufferings. Storms of life are coming. We don’t ask for it but we should expect it.
Secondly, the reason behind our sufferings is our identity in Christ. To share Christ’s sufFering should make us rejoice. If we suffer with Him, we also will reign with Him. An anticipation to the revelation of His glory should make us glad. Verse 14 says, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” Either, we do express, "I am being insulted because I am a Christian; this is a terrible day. My life is off track. Where is God?" Or we can say, "I am being insulted because I am a Christian. What a blessing to be so closely identified with Christ when the world treats me the same way it treated Him. This is exactly in line with what God designs my life for!" Therefore, suffering as a ‘Christian’ should be embraced as a great honor. Otherwise, we should be ashamed to suffer as a consequence of our sins as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or a meddler.
Third and last, ‘suffering here and being glorified later’ in eternity is far better than ‘enjoying now but suffering in eternity.’ Should God’s purifying works are done towards His own, how much more horrible the judgments God would inflict on the ungodly. Peter’s argument is based upon the ‘from the lesser to the greater principle'. In the story Jesus told, the heartless rich man ended his life ultimately as the most miserable person while Lazarus was eternally blessed.
Thank the Lord for His grace to endure suffering.
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- 1 Pet 4:10-11 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
BE A GOOD STEWARD
Christ’s soon return at any time should affect our thinking. Should we then excessively invest our lives in a world that is passing away? We should not indulge ourselves with whatever pleasures we can find in, should we? Far from focusing on ourselves, we should think of how we could serve the least and lost.
In light of the world’s end, we should not claim ownership of our lives and everything we have. We are stewards. We must recognize that whatever we have are a gift from God. We have nothing other than what we receive. In reality, we have nothing which God has not given to us (Jas 1:17). And, as God’s stewards Paul said, “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”[1 Cor 4:2] God’s business must be at the top of our list.
We, therefore, should see whatever we have been given as an ‘opportunity’ to serve other Christians. In other words, we should not view anything as "ours", and are for our consumption. But, as God’s resources or enablements to serve others.
Like our material possessions, these abilities to speak and serve are gifts of God's grace. So, they are likewise to be used for serving each other. Peter tells us to use them on God's behalf, with God's strength, and for God's glory. In other words, as people set apart for God's purposes, we are fulfilling His will by serving each other. Thus, when we speak to each other words of encouragement, we are delivering God's words. And, these come from a heart, neither hurting nor bitter words because of the hardships. It comes from a heart filled with God’s love. For what we say is determined by what we have in our hearts.
Moreover, we lovingly sacrifice our time and energy to meet each other's needs. And, we are drawing these from God's own strength. And whatever glory may result from our ministry, all should go right back to God. That is, our lives—our talents, dollars, homes, and helping—should be spent solely for His purposes and to bring Him glory alone.
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- 1 Peter 4:7-9 ESV
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
PERSPECTIVE
Our destination should determine our direction, should it not? The persecuted exiles were told that the ’end of all things at hand’ There would be an end. Paul even resonated this by saying, “The Lord is at hand.”[Phil 4:3]
So, what should be the right response to this awareness that the end of all things is near? Should we panic? in isolation? engage in indulgence in pleasure-seeking? Definitely, far from these.
According to Peter, the most rational response is to pray. And, that prayer requires ‘self-control and sobriety.’ We must be self-controlled, and alert, or exercise sound judgment about our choices. And we should be sober-minded. "Sober" in this context means "serious." In short, we should be watchful about how we live, should we not? Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.[ 1 Thess 5:81] Our choices in life impact our ability to think clearly. It is necessary to be self-controlled so that we can pray.
Are we concerned about keeping our minds clear and focused for the purpose of praying? This is an important question to ask. Is there something that keeps us from thinking clearly and praying faithfully? He is in most danger when he is not aware of it.
Secondly, Peter urged the believers to show love by offering hospitality without grumbling. In our times, we tend to think of hospitality as having people over for dinner in our homes, or hosting a visiting missionary family. However, in Peter's time, Christian hospitality was much beyond and had the potential to be a great burden, as well. Why? Many Christians were forced to flee persecution. Thus, this caused their traveling with very limited means. These refugees relied so much on brothers and sisters in Christ to share their homes and food, as they transited from one town or region to the next. It’s quite risky that some wicked strangers may take advantage. Yet, we should embrace the opportunity to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love, far from any hesitations and reluctance.
There is an end to our hardships. Christ’s glory soon is manifested. We should not allow our hardships to encumber or stifle our prayer lives and love for the needy. We acknowledge the urge to complain, murmur, and self-seeking. However, our perspective should determine our predicament.
- 1 Peter 4:1-6 ESV
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE LIKE CHRIST
Christians should arm themselves with the same attitude as Christ has toward suffering. And what is the particular attitude? Jesus embraced that suffering was built into His purpose here on earth so that He expected it. Consequently, He was not surprised when hardship came and didn't evade it. Similarly, Christians should not be surprised when difficult times come. Definitely, we may feel betrayed and tempted to evade the purpose God has called us to. Jesus anticipated this, saying, “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you” (John 16:1–4).
Do Christians ‘cease from sin’ in the sense that they won’t commit sin? Definitely no. We will still make sinful choices, don’t we? However, we have determined the course of our lives away from the comfort and escape from the pleasures of sin. Thus, we ready ourselves to be uncomfortable, even to experience hard things, for the sake of Jesus.[Heb 12:4]
The Gentiles’ lifestyle of sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry should be something of our past. These people do argue that ‘you only live once’ (YOLO!), so get all the pleasure you can get!" However, finding pleasure and comfort is no longer what drives us. [see 1 John 2:16] Our former company of friends who know us would be surprised we don’t participate anymore of wild living, even slander and mock us. And yet, God is paying attention. Those who rejected Christ and abused Christians would give an account and be judged by Christ someday. [John 3:18]
On the other hand, those who have died after trusting in Christ. Their choice to live for God, to suffer in their bodies for Christ's sake while alive, leads to their opportunity to live in the spirit in the next life even as God Himself does. Our example is Lazarus having been vindicated but the rich man is tormented in their afterlife.[see Luke 16]
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- 1 Pet 3:19-22 ESV
19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
JESUS IS ALIVE AND VICTORIOUS
Peter declared that Jesus was put to death in the flesh "but made alive in the spirit." And that He went to the spirits of prison. Several interpretations of what this might mean.
One view is that the verse is simply describing Jesus' physical resurrection from the dead. Another is that it describes a spiritual resurrection that happened before His physical resurrection on that first Easter Sunday. Jesus, in spiritual form, was alive and proclaiming to the "spirits in prison" before returning to physical life. That Jesus went and declared His victory over death to the fallen angels, now imprisoned, who disobeyed God during that time. [see v.20]
Another persistent view, less biblically supportable, is that Jesus traveled in spirit form after His death and before His resurrection to proclaim something to those in Hades or hell who died before or during the flood.
All of these views raise may raise more questions for these verses are not easily understood. The bottom line is that we just don't know for sure what Peter means by these verses. What we do know is that Jesus was dead and then made alive, that He suffered, and then was made victorious by the Father forever.
Verse 21 also is a controversial verse. Peter is not suggesting that the act of being baptized saves a person from eternity. Instead, when we take the verse as a whole, he seems to be saying that the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead saves us. It is in the resurrection which Christians publicly express their faith in when being baptized. This is supported by Peter's inclusion of the phrase "which corresponds to this," suggesting a parallel, rather than an identical purpose.
The word "saves" doesn't necessarily refer to eternal salvation, at all. Instead, Peter is saying that the act of publicly identifying ourselves with Christ through baptism does save us from being tempted to hide our faith to avoid the suffering and persecution of Christians. This is consistent with what Peter has been talking about in this chapter about suffering for christ courageously.
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- 1 Pet 3:17-18 ESV
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
IT IS BETTER TO SUFFER FOR DOING GOOD
Undoubtedly, it is God's will that we experience suffering. Unlike the prosperity gospel proponents, God's will for the Christian does not always involve wealth, health, and ease. It may require hardship and abuse. Why would God ever want that to happen? Peter explained that our example, Jesus, suffered enormously for our sake. We should not be surprised to be called on to suffer in the same manner for His sake.
Whatever is the reason, Peter clearly teaches that it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. It brings blessing (1 Pet 3:14), both for us and those around us. As a note, to suffer for doing wrong, however, means the misery is merely the consequence of our own sin. Sadly, it can harm the reputation of Christ in the world.
Peter argued that we reflect Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross. Some important truths we can learn about His suffering. That He suffered is quite an understatement in the context of Roman crucifixion. Next, His suffering was for sin, not in His doing, but ours. And, most importantly, He suffered and died only once. Why? Jesus was the final sacrifice for our sins. Consequently, God doesn’t require blood anymore, and there is no more death.
Surely, Jesus' sacrificial death was as a substitute—the righteous (Christ) for the unrighteous (us). Why? He brought us to God. Apart from Jesus' death for our sins on the cross, we could never be reconciled with God. For what He did, all who trust in Christ are brought to His Father.
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- 1 Pet 3:13-17 ESV
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
SUFFERING WITH POISE
Peter asked, “Who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” Certainly, this is true in most cases. Doing good to others does rarely inspires their desire for revenge, doesn’t it? Even Solomon said, “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”[Prov 16:7]
But, Christian should not expect to be reciprocated with good always. He must be realistic. Christians may very well suffer for the sake of righteousness. Christians performing good deeds in the name of Jesus may, in fact, he’ll be harmed for that very reason. Yet, he must suffer with poise, not in fear and intimidation. Peter alluded here to Isaiah 8:12, a passage about fearing God rather than men.
However, in his heart, he must honor Christ the Lord as holy. Why? He has the hope, that is, a secure and abundant future with the Father in eternity.[1 Pet 1:3,4] He defends with gentleness and respect to anyone who asks why he has this hope. Neither are we to be vindictive, vengeful, or insulting to those who disagree nor are we harsh or dismissive. Even in the midst of our suffering, our hopefulness should be apparent.
The most important thing is to maintain a good conscience. That, those who slander, or revile our good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. This is an inner confidence that we have not done even the slightest hurtful thing in telling others about Christ. Secondly, those who wrongfully hurt us for our good behavior should feel shame about doing so. Without any cause to accuse us, they will become aware of their own wrongdoing in accusing us in the first place. This makes it obvious to others that we are being attacked for no good reason.
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- 1 Peter 3:9-12 ESV
9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT
The Christian’s goodness is expressed by blessing those who hurt and insult him. Revenge is not in his vocabulary. Instead of retaliating, he is going to bless and do good to him. In fact, doing good to those who did good to us isn’t commendable by Jesus. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [Mat 5:43-46]
Peter quoted David's statement in Psa 32:12-16 to affirm this truth. Those who want to love life and see good days should make some very specific choices about how they live today. Are these ‘good days’ to happen on this side of heaven or in the life to come? Probably both.
Thus, we must refuse to use our words to harm, no matter how great the temptation is. Turning from evil to doing good and making peace will always be the more difficult choice. But that's what we are called to do, and that's the path to loving life and seeing the good days. This applies both in dealing with a brother and a stranger who wish to hurt us. For He is watching the righteous. He knows and cares about those set apart for His purposes.
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- 1 Pet 3:8 ESV
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
DOING GOOD TOWARDS EACH OTHER
Here, Peter writes to "all of you." That is, every believer is enjoined to obey the following injunctions as we live in relationship with each other. Each command requires a certain level of mutual submission or selflessness toward other Christians. First, we are to be united. That is, we should be "harmonious," or like-minded. God makes us to be a community of Christians, to be unified around the way of Jesus’ mind or thinking. Next, Christians should be sympathetic. We should be emotionally moved by and interested in genuinely the feelings of other believers.
Moreover, we should love each other as brothers, as a "family.” Siblings don't always like each other, do they? But, for the most part, they are committed to each other more than those outside of the family. Christians are expected to carry a similar commitment to other Christian brothers. Then, we are to be compassionate or kind-hearted. Although similar to being sympathetic, this implies that we are ready to show each other our kindness, and an authentic desire for the good of the other person.
Finally, Christians are to be humble in spirit or have a "humble mind." We must be ready to set ourselves aside and think of others. We should make others the focus of our attention. Christians are to lift up one another, to disappear in our efforts to support each other. As paul exhorted us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”[Phil 2:3,4]
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- 1 Peter 3:7 ESV
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
HONORING THE WIFE
Women during the Roman Empire were oppressed, discounted, and often treated badly. Women having been subjugated by their husbands would have been common. Rome did not regard women as equal to men before the law. They received only a basic education, if any at all, and were subject to the authority of a man.
But, Christian men should honor and respect their wives. This could be a radical idea in Peter's era certainly. Specifically, men are instructed to give honor to their wives "as the weaker vessel." Notice carefully that this does not say wives are actually weaker in any specific way. Although generally, women are weaker than men morphologically. Instead, husbands must honor their wives "as" they would honor or care for something more fragile than themselves. The point is purely about how husbands are to treat their wives, that is, as protectors. They should not allow their wives to be hurt as much as possible.
Finally, husbands are commanded to live with their wives "with knowledge." This may mean a growing understanding of who their wives are. Or, it may mean the knowledge that God has given them a responsibility to give honor to their wives. In either case, the responsibility of the husband is very much the same.
Failure to honor the wives will affect his prayer life. Either God won’t receive those prayers in full or the husband will find it difficult to pray. An abusive and disrespectful husband, or otherwise belittling to his wife is defying the will of God, plain and simple. He needs to repent and change his behavior before that fellowship with God in prayer will be re-established.
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1 Pet 3:1-6 ESV
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
INWARD BEAUTY
In domestic relationships, the example of Christ’s submisssion and humility should be followed also. The respectful and pure conduct of the believing wife is irresistible to her unbelieving husband. She adorned herself beyond the externals. Christian wives should be subject to their own husbands. Note, this does not say men, in general, or other women's husbands. This applies even if those husbands are unbelievers, or do not "obey the word."
Undoubtedly, the world put a premium on physical beauty - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear. In fact, revenue in the Beauty & Personal Care market amounts to US$571.10bn in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.80% (CAGR 2023-2027). The market's largest segment is the segment Personal Care with a market volume of US$253.30bn in 2023. External adornment isn’t prohibited but should not be prioritized.
But, what is precious in God’s sight is the inner beauty, that is, the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. Without verbal explanation from her, her husband may notice her unique response to his authority. Uniquely, this response should be different from either her former conduct, or from other wives in the society. As a result, the husband may be convinced that Christ is responsible for this supernatural change.
As a note, ‘submission’ is not the same as ‘obedience’ in certain circumstances. This means a Christian wife might well disobey her husband's sinful instructions, but do so in a submissive way. An example is Sarah, who was renowned for her great beauty. And, that Abraham was not exactly a model husband. In fact, Abraham feared he would be killed by men who wanted to take Sarah for themselves. So, he let those men believe he and Sarah were not married, and take her home! This happened twice! Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him "lord" because she put her trust in God, not in Abraham. This was honorable to God. God honored Sarah’s submissive spirit.
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1 Pet 2:21-25 ESV
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
DIE AND LIVE
Everyone comes into this world alive but spiritually dead. [Eph 2:1] We are doomed until Christ came. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. Yet, He endured pain and sorrow while doing good for us. He suffered by receiving beatings from the Roman guards, and was ultimately crucified on the cross. He bore our sins in that act of love.
How did the innocent Christ respond when He was victimized? He was reviled, that is, to be abusively insulted. Our human instinct is to throw insults back, is it not? But, Jesus refused to retaliate to the angry insults of Jewish religious leaders, the Roman guards, or those taunting Him while He was on the cross. He was attacked, beaten, tortured, and crucified. Yet, He refused even to threaten those who were hurting Him. Jesus would not have had to rely on bluffs, or empty threats, of course. After Peter cut off the ear of the high priest's servant in his foolish attempt to defend Jesus from being arrested, Jesus said to him, "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Mat 26:53).
How did He do it? Jesus made a choice to absolutely trust God, His Father. He is the perfect judge at the perfect time. His Father would vindicate Him and execute justice. So Jesus was committed to fulfilling His purpose, not making justice for Himself.
His attitudes and actions are meant to be an example for us to follow. Part of our purpose as Christians is enduring pain and sadness, for doing good, for the Lord's sake (1 Pet 2:13). Certainly, this does not include suffering as the natural consequences of our own sinful choices (1 Peter 2:20).
Moreover, Jesus died in order to pay the penalty for our sinful actions. He became our substitute, dying the death we deserved. Peter by quoting Isaiah 53:5, declared that Christians have been healed from the penalty and power of our sin by Christ's wounds, by dying in our place, by His suffering for our good. He was wounded for our healing. That is, His death means life for us. This reference is not about physical conditions, but our spiritual destiny. Once were ‘astray sheep’ now we become His own ‘accepted sheep’, under Him, the Overseer.
Consequently, all that Christ did should motivate us to ‘die for our sins and live unto righteousness.’ It’s only by dying that we could live unto righteousness. Jesus took the tree of death so you and I could have the tree of life.
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- 1 Pet 2:18-21 ESV
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
A GRACIOUS THING IN GOD’S SIGHT
A Christian’s submission to authorities isn’t conditioned by the goodness or cruelty of the master. The submissive servant isn’t manipulating for comfort but is ‘mindful of God’. Peter referred it as a ‘gracious thing’ when he would endure sorrows while suffering unjustly.
Christianity is wading through storms of life, not escaping away from it. There are sorrows and pains to endure. There is suffering as a consequence of sin. There is no credit for it but shame before God. However, there is honor in suffering for doing right in order to advance the cause of Christ and the gospel.
To suffer for Christ is a calling. Paul corroborates this, saying, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” [Phil 1:29] Christ left us an example that we should follow. He warned His disciples, saying, “It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.”[Matt 10:25]
Should we be His servants, let’s not be surprised by the hardships and difficulties we experience in life. We’re not exempted. Instead, we’re exalted to suffer in our identification with Him. A gracious thing before the sight of God. In other words, suffering could make His grace flow in and through us. Otherwise, without His grace, we would grumble. This is an ungracious thing before God.
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- 1 Pet 2:13-17 ESV
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
LIVE AS SERVANTS OF GOD
There are ‘foolish people’ who are ignorant to the gospel. Ironically, they think that the preaching of the gopel is foolishness. They’re ignorant to the truth. Unbeknownst to them is that the opposite is true. They are fools who says there is no God. As David says, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.”[Psa 14:1]
What could silence them is by ‘doing good’. Nobody can descredit a person by the good deed he has done . Before authorities, either good or cruel, believers should submit unto their leadership. Some early Christians may had argued that if they were being falsely accused and were spiritual "foreigners," they were not under the authority of human governments. That, they may have immunity from human laws and judges. Peter rejected this idea. In fact, he tells us Christians to submit to every human authority, including the emperor. Why? For the Lord's name. The reputation of Christ is demonstrated by His followers. And Peter insisted that they should be known as people who submit to human authorities. Notedly, submission to ungodly authorities doesn’t always mean obedience and approval.
The skeptics or critics who see believers undoubtedly seeing our faith lived out, on a day-to-day basis, do recognize that we do good because we are Christians. They will stop believing that Christians are a destructive force in society, that Christians do evil, or that Christians are dangerous. They will stop being ignorant about what Christians are really like because they will know better, by direct experience.
In summary, Christians should be serving people by doing that which could bring out the best in others. A good deed is that which edifies others. That leads them a step closer to believing the gospel. This is the reason why believers should “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
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- 1 Pet 2:11-12 ESV
11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
THE TUG OF WAR
Christians are temporary residents[sojourners], aliens, strangers, or exiles, in this world. What were normal for us before are now foreign. We no longer fit naturally into the mindset and practices of the world around us. And we must not try to fit it in.
This is the ‘tug of war’ were engaged in every moment of our lives until we are gone from this world. The passions of our flesh haven’t changed. If not restrained, our souls will be adversely affected and influenced. We couldn’t evade this war as long as we’re alive in this world. As james said, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.[Jas 1:13,14]
Certainly, we have not lost the "want" to sin, have we? Even when we’re aware to its destructive power, the "want" to sin does continue to attack our soul, does it not? Peter is not saying that we risk losing the salvation God has given us. He is saying, instead, that we are in a ‘tug of war’ in making choices appropriate to our position as God's people.
Thus, he urges us to engage in the battle face-to-face. Let us not give in. As saved, ‘set apart’ people in Christ, we ought to "just say no" to the desire to sin. As Paul strongly commanded us, “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”[Eph 2:22-24]
Our honorable conduct before Gentiles would be the result should the flesh is restrained. We display the fruit of the Spirit not the workings of the flesh. Should they speak against us evildoers, they would glorify God on the day of visitation. Our good works will speak for us.
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- 1 Pet 2:9-10 ESV
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
YOU ARE GOD’S PEOPLE
In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes that “he[Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”[Eph 2:17-19]
But, as Israel was, believers are also a chosen race. Unlike Israel, we are not a race in the sense of our family, ethnicity, skin color, or country of origin. We are a spiritual race, in the sense that, in Christ, we share a single spiritual Father. Similarly, we are a "holy nation," a specific group of people called out and set apart from all other nations.
We have been changed. Before, we were not a people. We do belong to ourselves and serve only our own desires, don’t we? But in Christ, we were transformed into God's people. Now, we have belongingness, a purpose, and shared destiny with Him in eternity. In Christ, we are God's people. We have received mercy. The transaction is complete.
For what reason?
He has called us out of the darkness of a meaningless life, and an eternity apart from Him, that we may proclaim the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Jesus wants us to shine us lights in the darkened world.[Matt 5:16]
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1 Peter 2:4-8 ESV
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
THE CORNERSTONE
Jesus, our cornerstone, is the game changer of life. The cornerstone served as the basis for the foundation of a structure. Its size, placement, and solidity are crucial for the building to stand. Thus, a good builder would invest much time and energy in choosing and shaping the perfect cornerstone. Peter used this analogy to identify the Lord Jesus, the chosen one by God. Sadly, He was rejected by the Jews. He was rejected by Israel's leadership, but chosen by God Himself and precious.
The Lord Jesus honors those who believe Him[see v.7]. They would be as living stones being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Paul, even, did write in Romans 12:1 that we are living sacrifices, did He not? With our sins already forgiven through Jesus' sacrifice at the cross, no more death or blood is required. Instead, we offer our living bodies, every aspect of ourselves, as acceptable spiritual sacrifices, set apart for His purposes.
Their lives won’t fall down certainly. Paul quoted Isa 28:16 that they were not foolish for trusting in Christ. They can be 100% confident that God will not shame them in judgment. They are part of the house built by God, the house that will never fall.
On the other hand, those who reject Christ will surely fall. It’s a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. How? it’s by their disobedience to His word. He is either the way to God or the obstacle that prevents one from reaching God (John 14:6). Destruction is their destiny. They would ,stumble, over Him.
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- 1 Pet 2:1-3 ESV
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
A NEW DESIRE
Being a truly born again believer is about a change of ‘our longing.’ We are commanded to ‘put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.’[v.1] yet, we do it because God has given us a new desire.
New desires couldn’t be manufactured, could they be? Appetite couldn’t be engineered. Similarly, it’s only through the working of the Spirit in giving us new life as newborn infants. Spiritual infants long for spiritual milk not the junk foods of the world. Hungering and thirsting for His word are spiritual signs that one has an authentic life. A person may appear as a believer on the outside. He can talk and explain Christian concepts and beliefs. However, only true believers could live a life that sincerely pursues godliness and holiness.
A child grows depending upon his appetite. The better appetite he has will cause him to drink more of the milk of the word of God. Thus, he grows up more in ‘working out’ his salvation. Not that, he is saved by obedience to God’s word. A child sucks milk in order to grow and not to get life. He has life in the first place so that he longs for the milk.
And, God, as the child grows through His word, is perceived as ‘good and desirable’ to us as the milk is to the child. Simply put, our meditation and obedience to His word lead us to experience how good God is. As the psalmist expressed, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! [Psa 34:8]
Moreover, the psalmist David testified about the goodness of the word of God, saying,
“More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.”[Psa 19:10]
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- 1 Pet 1:22-25 ESV
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
24 for “All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
THE LIVING AND ABIDING WORD OF GOD
Every one of us born physically is dead spiritually [Eph 2:1]. It is God who is the one who makes us alive when we come to Him through faith in Christ (Eph 2:5–9). Being born again, therefore, is His work. Physical birth results from a seed that dies eventually. Nicodemus did not get it so Jesus has to explain to him about this spiritual new birth.
All flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls. Our human lives, though intense and beautiful in a lot of ways, come and go in a short season. Even the most productive, most privileged, most adventurous among us do surely fade away towards the grave.
True Christians are born again. But this new birth springs from an undying seed, through the living and abiding word of God. What is this "word of God"? In verse 25, Peter will tell us that it is the good news that has been preached to us. We call it the gospel. It is the only message from God that could guarantee eternal life. Jesus’ death and resurrection assure us of forgiveness of our sins and make us spiritually alive forever in Him. This truth stands forever.
So, as Christians having been born again, we now have the ability to love each other with spiritually alive or renewed hearts. We can do this with all our might and complete sincerity. God has declared us clean from sin through the blood of Jesus.
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- 1 Pet 1:17-21 ESV
17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory so that your faith and hope are in God.
RANSOMED
Our worth does rest upon God, who owns us, does it not? As one wallowing in the mire, He ransomed us from the futility and rudiments of the world. This deplorable and hopeless background should make us ever grateful, should we not? Think of the disparity between earth and heaven. This did not deter the holy God to reach out sinful men, like us.
Moreover, our ransom is paid neither with silver and gold. But, it’s priceless for we are purchased by His precious blood. With a foreshadowing of the lambs slaughtered for the remission of sins in the Old Testament, Jesus is the lamb, slain as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. A sacrifice without any taint of sin.
Was His death incidental?
Definitely not. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world. He is ‘the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world.’[Rev 5:9] ‘In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.’[Eph 1:7] You and I are part of God’s eternal design.
But, the most fascinating fact about our redemption is that He ‘chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.’ [Eph 1:4] In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. [Eph 1:5] As His children now, should we not live up as such? What should motivate us to conduct ourselves with fear as exiles in this world? It is our reverence to a loving Father.
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1 Pet 1:15-16 ESV
15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
BE HOLY
The ‘Be holy’ command is discouraging at times, isn’t it? We can't seem to find any of God's children who are leading perfect lives. So what does this really mean?
It is helpful to see them as being about our identity, as well as about our conduct. Who we are preceding what we do. In his letter thus far, Peter has already described believers in Jesus as people who are saved, are being saved, and will be saved. The emphasis seems to be that we must live up to what we already are. We won’t achieve perfectly sinless conduct on earth. However, we are made to be completely set apart from the world in our conduct right now. In Christ, we are set apart so we must live up to our label. That we should make choices that reflect who we already are.
In other words, Christians are called to align our conduct to fit our identity. The fact that we identify with him as our Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, we should conduct ourselves with fear throughout the time of our exile.
That is, as holy people, we shouldn't be "okay" with our sins. We shouldn't accept falling into the old patterns. We are to act as holy people act. Are we able to make perfect sinless choices in this life? No. We have to rely on God's grace and forgiveness. This means we have to settle our sins with God and maintain short accounts before Him.
God's holiness is our standard, is it not? It’s not ourselves or anybody, no matter how godly he is. Let us be holy for our Father is holy. It should become our standard for ourselves, even if we won't attain it until we are with our Father in eternity.
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- 1 Pet 1:13-14 ESV
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,
AS OBEDIENT CHILDREN
Our position in Christ is eternally secured. Still, even for those of us who believe, it is difficult for us to keep our hope set on that day, is it not? We are told to make a deliberate choice to set our hope. Instead of setting our hope on things that cannot truly satisfy, such as money, pleasure, or prestige, we should obey this command.
That, we should not be conformed to the passion of our former lives. We have still problems with our flesh, haven’t we? So Peter writes that we should stay alert, "preparing our minds for action and sober." We must take control of where our thoughts go, and what our minds dwell on. Otherwise, we would be easily distracted by false hopes.
Previously, we lived in ignorance of what was real and what mattered. Hence, we followed our own desires instead of God's. These desires were evil wanting gratification and relief at any cost. These past sinful desires need not control us.
Peter referred to us as His ‘obedient children’ and we should be. This means more than what we do but who we are by His grace. We are created anew to obey our Father, are we not? We must stop conforming to the passions we followed "before." That's not us anymore but newly set apart people for God.
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1 Peter 1:10-12 ESV
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
THE GRACE OF SALVATION
Our salvation is by grace alone. This truth was not new to Peter, or the other apostles. It has been described and prophesied by Israel's prophets in the Old Testament. And, it is fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ, who they saw alive.
Yet, these prophets themselves did not fully understand, though the message God had given them. They were missing part of the puzzle. The prophets wanted to know the "who" and "when" Christ's Spirit was referring unto as they wrote the revelation. Who was the person who would bring this salvation? How come this Christ would suffer and then be glorified? And when would it happen? Isaiah 11 and 53 are examples of these prophecies. God didn't explain to the prophets even the angels, even when they inquired. Are we not grateful to these prophets that they were serving not themselves but future generations, including us.
What was revealed to them and they wrote are the words of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit certainly. Christ would come after their time. Hundreds of years after their prophecies, this good news, or "gospel," was delivered. It was given to Peter's audience by that same Holy Spirit, through the preaching and teaching of others.
And even now, thousands of years later, it has been delivered to us by that same Holy Spirit. Are we not thankful that this gospel has reached us? Are you not motivated to proclaim this gospel to those who haven’t heard it yet? As Tius wrote, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people” [Tit 2:11] The grace of salvation is broadcasted to a darkened world not conditioned by man’s worthiness.
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1 Peter 1:6-9 ESV
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
REJOICING DESPITE TRIALS
The reality of our position as believers in Jesus Christ is eternally secured by God. Through faith in Christ, we have been saved, are being saved, and is always saved!
Should this is true in our lives, our response should be to rejoice regardless of circumstances, should we not? It's important to note that the word "rejoice" is far from the idea of feeling only positive emotions. To "rejoice," in this sense, does not necessarily mean to "be happy," as understood today. Definitely, it may include positive feelings, but in the New Testament often rejoicing is a choice about how we think about our lives (Jas 1:2; Phi 4:4). In fact, many are grieved or distressed by various trials in the present moment. But they should be rejoicing in the light of the reality of their eternal destiny in Christ, not in their present circumstances. In short, this "rejoicing" is less about feelings and more about faith.
These trials cause us grief certainly, but why is it allowed by God? For the Christian believer, suffering always serves a purpose (Rom 5:3–4; Jas 1:2–4). Trials distress us but don't prevent us from rejoicing. They test, purify, and prove our faith. We should make a choice to continue to trust God, in and through the trial, should we not? God continues to provide His grace so that our faith grows stronger.
Like gold, our faith is refined and purified by the heat of our trials. Unlike earthly gold, our faith will continue to be of great value even in eternity. Moreover, Peter says that our faith results in giving and receiving praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed someday. When Christ returns, He will receive honor as the true Lord and King, and resultingly, our faith in Him will be fully vindicated.
This faith in God is fueled by God’s love toward us and we reciprocate by loving Him. [see 1 John 4:19] It’s not possible to ‘believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory’ should we don’t have love for God, is it? In summary, a rejoicing demeanor is an evidence that we have genuinely believed the security of our salvation in Christ.
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1 Peter 1:3-5 ESV3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.A LIVING HOPEIndeed God the Father is to be praised. He gives us a living hope. Instead of punishing us for what we deserved, God gave us something we could never have purchased or earned. He caused us to be born again. This is what Jesus told Nicodemus that must happen for anyone to see the kingdom of God (John 3).Specifically, God caused us to be born again into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Jesus proved that this hope is not a wishful thinking. He died and rose again and showed Himself to many witnesses. Our faith is not a wish for a better world. The reason for our hope in an eternal state with the Father is that our Lord Jesus is alive. Because Jesus lives, those who believe in Him will also be resurrected.Consequently, we could be assured of our inheritance. As children of God, our inheritance can never be lost. It is ours now and forever. It is imperishable (can't die), undefiled (can't become corrupted or broken), and unfading (can never lose its value). This inheritance of limitless worth is being guarded securely in heaven for us.It’s guarded from what? Suffering? No. Later, Peter will talk about believers undergoing suffering. Thus here. it’s God guarding our inheritance, And, could anyone snatch us out from the hand of God? [John 10:28,29]. The Greek term used in this verse is a military term, also translated as "shielded," "kept," or "protected."Do you have this living hope today?-------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram
1 Peter 1:1-2 ESV
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
EXILES AND ELECTS
These Jewish believers have been scattered, in part, by religious persecution. They now reside in five Roman providences of Asia Minor, an area currently found in northern Turkey. These places are Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. The letter was intended to be passed among the churches in these regions, likely to be read aloud to each group of believers.
The word "exile" points to one of the main ideas of this letter. That believer should no longer call this place home at this time. Our citizenship is in heaven.[Phil 3:20] Thus, we represent our true king and country while living as aliens and strangers in a foreign culture.
As exiles, they were forced away from their homes so that they were "scattered" (dispersed). Today, this dispersion is seen in the migration of people from places ravaged by poverty and war. People, including Christians, are looking for employment and asylum, migrating to safer places.
These people are described as "elect," also translated as "chosen." What are the implications that the believers in Christ are called the "elect"?
Firstly, we are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. This means God knew us before something. Before what? Ephesians 1:4 says that God chose us in Christ even "before the foundation of the world." Similarly, Christ Himself was foreknown by the Father in the same way [1 Pet 1:20]. God didn't just know about us. He knew us personally through and through. Moreover, He chose us through the sanctifying work of the Spirit. That is, He "set us apart" just for God, in making us a ‘holy’ people of God.
And secondly, we are chosen for a purpose, that is, obedience to Jesus and "sprinkling with His blood." Under the Old Testament law, the blood of an animal sacrifice was required for the forgiveness of sin, and for showing what belonged to God. We are not literally sprinkled with Jesus' physical blood, of course. Yet, His blood was literally spilled when He died on the cross to pay for our sins. His shedding of blood made it possible for us to be made clean from our sin and for God to claim ownership of us and declare us to be "holy." So, we fulfill our purpose in this world when we obey and subject ourselves to Christ.
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- Esther 10:1-3 ESV
King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. 2 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
GREATNESS
There was peace in the Medo-Persian Empire once again as revenue kept flowing in when taxation was imposed. Moreover, he gave the high honor to Mordecai. It’s almost too good to be true, is it not? This Jew, an exile and nobody became the second in rank to King Ahasuerus in the whole Medo-Persian Empire. And he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
Similarly, our greatness is identified with the King of kings, and Lord of lords, Jesus. As Peter expressed, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”[1 Pet 2:9,10]
Definitely, a man’s character and integrity may lead to honor. Mordecai’s impeccable character paid off. His good reputation was recognize by all. As Solomon said, “A good name is better than precious ointment.”[Ecc 7:1a] There was a smear campaign against Mordecai and the Jews as Christians,in many instances, are maligned and slandered. Yet, as an ylang-ylang flower when crumpled, it emits the fragrance more.
Thus, let’s take care of our walk and our witness will be as an aromatic as a perfume. Let’s take care of our character and God would vindicate us, taking our reputation.
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Esther 9:20-32 ESV
20 And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21 obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, 22 as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.
23 So the Jews accepted what they had started to do, and what Mordecai had written to them. 24 For Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and to destroy them. 25 But when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 Therefore they called these days Purim, after the term Pur. Therefore, because of all that was written in this letter, and of what they had faced in this matter, and of what had happened to them, 27 the Jews firmly obligated themselves and their offspring and all who joined them, that without fail they would keep these two days according to what was written and at the time appointed every year, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.
29 Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew gave full written authority, confirming this second letter about Purim. 30 Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth, 31 that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated them, and as they had obligated themselves and their offspring, with regard to their fasts and their lamenting. 32 The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.
THE FEAST OF PURIM
Purim being the Hebrew word for “lots.” This Feast of Purim is a Jewish holiday in celebration of the deliverance of the Jews. The wicked Agagite, Haman had convinced the king that all Jews were rebellious so that they must be annihilated. To set the date of their execution, Haman used lots, or purim. Unbeknownst to Haman, Queen Esther, was a Jew and Mordecai’s niece. When the king knew that Haman was behind the plot, he executed Haman on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. Esther appealed to Ahasuerus for her people’s lives. But, the king can not revoke the decree to attack the Jews. Instead, he did issue a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves during that day, the 13th day of the 12th month Adar. Resultingly, Haman’s family were executed, and all their enemies.
This favor from God is too significant to forget. That Haman’s evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head is no short of a miracle. Even his wife and sons should be hanged also on the gallows. Thus, Mordecai instituted the Feast of Purim to be celebrated every year.
Indeed, only God can turn our mess into a message, our test into a testimony, our trial into a triumph, our humiliation into honor and as a victim into a victor. Thus, let’s put our faith upon God. Otherwise, we faint. As the psalmist David expressed, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”[Psa 27:13 KJV]
Esther 9:11-19 ESV
11 That very day the number of those killed in Susa the citadel was reported to the king. 12 And the king said to Queen Esther, “In Susa the citadel the Jews have killed and destroyed 500 men and also the ten sons of Haman. What then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces! Now what is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what further is your request? It shall be fulfilled.” 13 And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day's edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.” 14 So the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged. 15 The Jews who were in Susa gathered also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and they killed 300 men in Susa, but they laid no hands on the plunder.
16 Now the rest of the Jews who were in the king's provinces also gathered to defend their lives, and got relief from their enemies and killed 75,000 of those who hated them, but they laid no hands on the plunder. 17 This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested and made that a day of feasting and gladness. 18 But the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the rural towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and as a day on which they send gifts of food to one another.
THE DAY OF INFAMY BECOMES A HOLIDAY
The Jews had turned the day of infamy into a day of joy and gladness definitely. And, as an icing of the cake, the king said to Queen Esther, “In Susa the citadel the Jews have killed and destroyed 500 men and also the ten sons of Haman. What then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces! Now what is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what further is your request? It shall be fulfilled.”
Esther made a special request that the ten sons of Haman be executed in the gallows their father made and died. Haman’s life and progeny were annihilated. His life and clan ended with a horrible death. Moreover, that day had seen 800 enemies in Susa and 75,000 others in the provinces died.
After that day, that is on the 14th day of Adar, the Jews in the provinces rested. The enemies were completely obliterated. While in Susa, the Jews rested after two days, that is on the 15th day of Adar. Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the rural towns, hold both the 14th and 15th day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, as a holiday. Amazingly, their celebration includes sending gifts of food to one another.
Celebrating a milestone was common in the Old Testament times. After the crossings of the Red Sea and Jordan River as in a dry land, the Jews had established a remembrance and celebrations during those days, particularly. Christmas and Easter celebrations are truly symbolic of two important undeniable events in history, the birth, and resurrection of Christ. These events are too significant for us to forget. People come and go but the event is too good to be forgotten.
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Esther 9:1-10 ESV
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples. 3 All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful. 5 The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. 6 In Susa the citadel itself the Jews killed and destroyed 500 men, 7 and also killed Parshandatha and Dalphon and Aspatha 8 and Poratha and Adalia and Aridatha 9 and Parmashta and Arisai and Aridai and Vaizatha, 10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they laid no hand on the plunder
-
VICTORY IN THE LORD
The 13th day of the 12th month Adar arrived. The ‘letter of death’ that Hamn decreed and sealed with the king’s signet ring has to be implemented. When the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred. The Jews overpowered their enemies. The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples.
Indeed, since God is with us, we are more than conquerors. [Rom 8:31] As, It is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”[Rom 8:54b,55]
The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. In fact, in Susa, they killed 500, including the family and friends of Haman. There was fear and respect for the Jews. All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.
Overturned is an understatement. The Jews had bounced back from fear to freedom and victory. Mordecai became great in the king's house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful. Jesus is our ‘Mordecai’ today, is He not? We are what we are and could claim victorious based upon His power over sin, death, and hell.
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Esther 8:15-17 ESV
15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16 The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. 17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many of the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.
REJOICE IN THE LORD
It’s unthinkable that an exile and slave could become exalted and sovereign. A few days earlier he was at the entrance of the king’s gate wailing and mourning, wearing sackloth. Her, Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple before the people. As a result, the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.
Indeed, as Solomon said;
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”[Prov 29:2]
The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. It took just one ‘letter’ as the gospel is that overturned lives from despair to joy. As Paul quoted Isa 52:7, “As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” [Rom 10:15]
The gospel is a source of rejoicing. It’s the only message of hope in this darkened world. As the days unfold towards the 12th month, the people’s fear in the provinces was just mounting and more crippling. It must be a haunting feeling. And, unexpectedly one day, couriers arrived and brought good news. It’s in the midst of utter darkness, that the light of the world shines forth. As Paul described, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”[Gal 4:4-7]
The tide has turned. Many of the people of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them. Indeed, the darkness couldn’t withstand light. As John writes, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”[John 1:4,5]
Thus, let’s continue to spread the good news. Faith comes by hearing the good news.[Rom 10:17] Like Paul, we must say, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” [Rom 1:16,17]
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Esther 8:9-14 ESV
9 The king's scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day. And an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded concerning the Jews, to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language. 10 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king's signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud, 11 saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods, 12 on one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies. 14 So the couriers, mounted on their swift horses that were used in the king's service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel.
THE NEW EDICT
The edict that Haman wrote was irrevocable. However, the king has given freedom to Esther and Mordecai to write a new edict as they please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king. Mordecai has to think how to repulse the ‘letter of death’ Haman decreed.
Thus, he issued a new edict and sealed it with the king's signet ring. He sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud, saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods.
While Haman issued a ‘letter of doom’ for the Jews, Mordecai issued a ‘letter of defense and deliverance’ The Jews were given hope in the midst of the despair of life. Similarly, Mosaic law couldn’t be annulled. The law brings knowledge of sin and the ultimate conclusion that we deserve God's judgment. “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” [Rom 3:20] For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.[Rom 4:15] Since, nobody hasn’t broken the law, nobody could escape God’s wrath. Everyone is hopeless.
Yet, like Mordecai, Jesus did come to our rescue. did He not? For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.[Luke 19:10] For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”[Mark 10:45] Christ through His sacrifice and resurrection has conquered sin, death, and hell. Christ made a new covenant with us. Thus, in Christ, our shepherd, we are safe and secure. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”[John 10:28,29]
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Esther 8:3-8 ESV
3 Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. 4 When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king 3 Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. 4 When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. 5 And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. 6 For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. 8 But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.”
IRREVOCABLE
Queen Esther pleaded before the king to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. He suggested that the king should revoke the letters devised by Haman. But, King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.”
Similarly, God’s decrees are irrevocable. All emanate from a holy, unchangeable and perfect God. When Adam disobeyed God at the garden, he must bear the brunt of it. The consequence of his sin was irreversible. As Paul has pointed out, “ Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. [‘[Rom 5:12] Death is inevitable.
Esther sought the king’s mercy. She mistook the king could revoke his edict. Similarly, most people forget that God isn’t only motivated by His love but also by His holiness and righteousness. He must punish sinners for He is holy and righteous. As Habakkuk was right to argue with God;
“You who are of purer eyes than to see evil
and cannot look at wrong,
why do you idly look at traitors
and remain silent when the wicked swallows up
the man more righteous than he?”[Hab 1:13]
As God did not revoke his edict, so is God’s judgment toward sinners. As the law of gravity is, the soul that sins is condemned. Thus we should perceive and consider sin seriously as God sees it, should we not?
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Esther 8:1-2 ESV
On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. 2 And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
VINDICATED
Mordecai and Esther were vindicated. They were proven ultimately as righteous. Let’s recall that Haman had successfully convinced the king that the jews were troublesome people because they had a different belief and culture.
Thus, the king gave to Esther and Mordecai Haman’s house and signet, repectively. And, Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. As Solomon declares, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”[Prov 13:22]
When God is with us, we’re the majority. If God is for us who can be against us. [Rom 8:31] Haman may have began with fulness but ended his life miserably. Mordecai and Esther, however, wept for the night but experienced joy in the morning. In the Lord, ‘Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,’[Ecc 7:8]
Let’s not feel bad for suffering in the name of Christ today. As Peter said, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.[1 Pet 4:16-19]
Like the psalmist, we say,
“Why should I fear in times of trouble,
when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,”[Psa 49:5]
For he sees that even the wise die;
the fool and the stupid alike must perish
and leave their wealth to others.
Their graves are their homes forever,
their dwelling places to all generations,
though they called lands by their own names.
Man in his pomp will not remain;
he is like the beasts that perish.
This is the path of those who have foolish confidence;
yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah
Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;
death shall be their shepherd,
and the upright shall rule over them in the morning.
Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.
But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me.
[Psa 49:10-15]
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Esther 7:7-10 ESV
7 And the king arose in his wrath from the wine-drinking and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king. 8 And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman's face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.
REAPING WHAT IS SOWN
Upon hearing that Haman was the culprit, The king was shocked so that he jumped to his feet in a rage and went out into the palace garden. Out of despair, Haman fell on the couch where Queen Esther was reclining, just as the king was returning from the palace garden. The king exclaimed, “Will he even assault the queen right here in the palace, before my very eyes?” And as soon as the king spoke, his attendants covered Haman’s face, signaling his doom.
Certainly, the fact that Haman has hurt the queen has enraged the the king. Furthermore, did not Haman deceive him? He had given consent the planned massacre yet ignored utterly his own share of the responsibility. He was a wicked king and has to pass the blame to Haman everything. Had he known that Esther was a Jew, the story could be different.
Unknown to all, these ungodly men, with their evil intentions, were instruments for God’s purposes. Our circumstances are not random events but as jigsaw puzzles that perfectly fit in God’s beautiful plan. God is on top of everything.
When Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs, told the king about the 50 feet high gallows Haman prepared for Mordecai in their house, he ordered that Haman be hanged immediately. He had a taste of his own medicine. As Paul said, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”[Gal 6:7,8] Surely, God could never treated contemptously. Those who are making jokes about God would meet Him someday. As David writes;
“He makes a pit, digging it out,
and falls into the hole that he has made.
His mischief returns upon his own head,
and on his own skull his violence descends.”[Psa 7:15,16]
God’s judgment is slow but sure. The reason of His delay is His compassion. It took 120 years for God to judge the world by flood through Noah because He was waiting for scoffers and wicked people to repent. There are still scoffers today. As Peter has expressed, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”[2 Pet 3:8-10]
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Esther 7:1-6 ESV
So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. 2 And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. 4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.” 5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” 6 And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.
WHAT IS YOUR REQUEST?
As they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” The opportunity has come. The king has offered to her. As the king promised her, so God has promised us. Did not God say, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”[Jer 33:3] Jesus has asked us to “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”[Matt 7:7,8]
Esther requested her life and her people to be delivered from being annihilated or destroyed. Indeed, to ask that the edict that had been decreed and signed by the king be rescinded was a gigantic task. Yet, in the Lord, we are enjoined to claim His promise. He is more than able to do what we ask or think. [Eph 3:20]
The king as one coming to his senses, asked, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” As Esther revealed it, Haman was terrified for the first time. His life of lies had been exposed as light dispelled darkness. The truth had set the king and everyone free.
Esther’s act of courage made the difference. She was at the kingdom in such a time as this. Similarly, Jesus braving His way towards the cross said, “Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, it’s your will be done.” Esther had saved the whole nation from destruction as Christ saves us from the wrath and condemnation in hell.
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Esther 6:12-14 ESV
12 Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. 13 And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”
14 While they were yet talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried to bring Haman to the feast that Esther had prepared.
REMORSEFUL BUT NOT REPENTANT
The tide turned around completely between Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai removed his sackcloth and went back to the king’s gate. On the other hand, Haman, having been extremely embarrassed, went to his house mourning and with his head covered. His world has been crushing down.
And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. The once circle of proud boisterous pagans became a ‘pity party’ for Haman. Then , these wise men, along with his wife Zeresh, said to him, “If indeed this Mordecai before whom you have begun to fall is Jewish, you will not prevail against him. No, you will surely fall before him!”[v. 13 NET] They realized Haman’s big mistake.
But, Haman was just sorry for not getting what he wanted. He was remorseful but not repentant. Remorse is primarily sorrowful for the consequences of our sins. Repentance is primarily sorrowful for sinning against the love and holiness of God. Remorse drives us away from God, leaving us feeling guilty and unchanged. As Paul explained, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”[2 Cor 7:10]
We could fail God. God doesn’t expect us not to slide and fail. However, should we sin, we should not only be remorseful but repentant. As David expressed,
“For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”[Psa 51:16,17]
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Esther 6:4-11 ESV
4 And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” 6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” 7 And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’” 10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” 11 So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”
HONOR AND HUMILIATION
Why did Haman enter the outer court of the king’s palace in the wee hours of the night? Like the king, he couldn’t sleep as well. This meeting was not incidental certainly. God had arranged for the king and Haman to meet at an unexpected time. We have no idea except that he planned to influence the king to execute Haman in the gallow he made. A few hours earlier, Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.”[Est 5:12,13]
The king let Haman in and asked him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” No doubt, he was full of self conceit thinking he deserved the honor than anyone else. He was wrong.
Let’s not exalt ourselves. Jesus warned, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”[Luke 14:11] Surely, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[1 Pet 5:5b] That God would arrange the forces from heaven against a proud person is a scary thought, is it not?
Haman, expecting the king to honor him, suggested to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’” As a brick hit his head unexpectedly, the king answered, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.”
As mandated by the king, he honored Mordecai. The irony of ironies. He took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” Haman who exalted himself became servile to Mordecai. What happened to the man now who demanded Mordecai bow before him? Humiliated.
Est 6:1-3 ESV
On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”
SLEEPLESSNESS
Haman was excited to approach the night because he would execute Mordecai the next day. But, during the evening, the king couldn’t sleep. Sleep is a gift from God. Psa 127: 2 says;
“ It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.”
As Solomon declares, “Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.”[Ecc 5:12] Definitely, God was behind the sleep and sleeplessness of everyone. Even the king with a cozy and beautiful bed is not guaranteed to have a deep sleep compared to a poor laborer with an empty stomach.
Then, in the deep of night, he was prompted to hear the book of memorable deeds read from his servants. There, he found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. This caught his attention. And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”
Indeed, God’s ways are higher than ours. The delay or neglect to give honor to Mordecai fitted perfectly into God’s plan. ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time.’ [Ecc 3:11] In other words. God is always on time. He is neither ahead nor late so we should wait for Him. As Isaiah said,
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.”[Isa 40:31]
As David admonished,
“Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord![Psa 27:14]
Yes, Mordecai and Esther had to go on mourning. But, it did not mean that God wasn’t working. When God seems silent, He is working unnoticed. Our God neither slumber nor sleep.
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Esther 5:9-14 ESV
9 And Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai. 10 Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and brought his friends and his wife Zeresh. 11 And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. 12 Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. 13 Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.” 14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made.
BLINDED AND ENSLAVED
Haman was blinded and enslaved by his pride. He went home joyful and glad of heart. He was obssessed with power so that he bragged before his circle of friends. He recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king.
Solomon has warned, “
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18]
He was oblivious to his own destruction for being proud. Indeed, there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.[Prov 16:25] The wicked is not in control. God is. As the psalmist says, “ “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”[Psa 76:10]
His obssession with control and power had consumed him. He hated Mordecai to the core. He said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. 13 Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.” Solomon described a man controlled by his passion, “Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected] Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble]. [Prov 25:28 YLT]
While Mordecai was a man of conviction, who did only what is right, Haman is a monster controlled by his evil appetite for power and glory. His heart was full of hatred, anger and pride. It is not a surprise that his wife and friends' idea to execute Haman on a 50 feet gallow pleased or flattered him. Indeed, an absolute power corrupts absolutely.
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- Est 5:1-8 ESV
On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3 And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” 4 And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” 5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. 6 And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 7 Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: 8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”
BEAUTY AND COURAGE
Esther put her best and approached the king boldly. The king was sitting calmly on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. This timing was so important. And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand.
Nothing ventured, nothing happens. Should she not try to approach him, she shouldn’t have received the favor from the king. Certainly, this favor was God’s work in changing the king’s heart. As Solomon said, “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”[Prov 21:1]
We should act boldly only after we have prayed. Otherwise, it’s just a presumption.
In most cases, our greatest failure is the failure to try, is it not? Esther has hurdled the greatest fear in her life by simply believing. Thus she stepped out and tried. Although God isn’t mentioned but their time of fasting and prayer demonstrates their trust in God. Let’s transform our fears into prayers.
There was neither manipulation nor scheming from Esther. She just showed up and waited for the king to extend his scepter. She did not hesitate to approach and touch the tip of the scepter. Amazingly, the king’s favor was more than what was expected. Think of this. The king promised that she could ask even ask half of his kingdom. Esther should have breathed deeply in relief. God indeed is the God of surprises.
When God encourages us to pray, He backed it up with promises. Jeremiah says, “Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”[Jer 33:3] Even Jesus has assured us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”[Mat 7:7,8] What we should expect is that God would answer more than what we expect.
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Esther 4:12-17 ESV
12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
IF I PERISH, I PERISH
For greater and more extraordinary accomplishments a man to do, he must be willing to take the risk. We couldn’t conquer oceans if we don’t leave our shores and sail across the waves, could we? Most have the grandest intention to take the challenge. But, only those who are ‘risk takers’ would actually do it.
Mordecai’s wisdom is shown in his explanation to Esther, that is, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace, you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” [v.13,14]
The worst might happen to her when she would face the king. However, it was even worst when the edict would be implemented and their family and clan would be annihilated without her trying. Esther was in between the devil and the deep blue sea. She took the challenge. She won the beauty contest and became a queen for no reason. Certainly, she became an insider in the kingdom for such a time as this.
Whatever the crisis we’re in right now, let’s not sulk into fear. Could we believe that God could use us in such a time? Could we believe that we are part of the solution and not evade responsibility? We’re not products of chance, are we? But, Esther had to muster her courage through fasting and prayer of all the Jews in Susa. It is said that ‘Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
Esther’s courage surfaced when she embraced her vulnerability and dispensability. She expressed it by saying, “If I perish, I perish.” Our temporary and transient life should be spent for what is significant and eternal. Jesus said, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”[John 1:25] Mark expands this by saying, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”[Mark 8:35-38]
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- Est 4:4-11 ESV
4 When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. 6 Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, 7 and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people. 9 And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come into the king these thirty days.”
THE REALITY OF FEAR
Esther was not aware of the fiasco until her young women and eunuchs informed her. She learned that Mordecai was at the entrance of the gate mourning in sackcloth. Immediately, she sent to him garments through Hatchach, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to her. And also to learn what the commotion was all about. Definitely, Esther was surrounded by loyal pagan helpers. She has earned their respect since she became the queen.
As Mordecai passed the letter, he instructed him to explain it and tell Queen Esther to go to the king and beg for him to overturn the edict. This was the most logical option. Who else could approach the king aside from her? It was a command from a loving father to his daughter.
Esther has been very submissive and obedient to Mordecai. She participated in the search for the new queen to replace Vashti and told no one that she was a Jew for she obeyed her father without question and hesitation.
However, this time she has had her reservations. She reasoned to Mordecai, “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come into the king these thirty days.” These are valid reasons for her to feel hesitant. There is a risk of death.
What causes you to fear today?
Fear could be crippling. But, we must believe that God is here and in control. As Isaiah writes,
“fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”[Isa 41:10]
What makes us overcome the world is our faIth.[1 John 5:5] We shouldn’t neither underestimate the magnitude of our crisis nor forget the greatness of our God. As David expressed, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in you.”[Psa 56:3]
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Esther 4:1-3 ESV
When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth. 3 And in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.
A DAY OF INFAMY
The news spread around so quickly. And, it was shocking and devastating to the Jews for certain. Crisis and bad news do happen unexpectedly, don’t they? How did Mordecai respond? Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackloth with ashes while sitting at the entrance of the gate. None is to come to the gate of the king with a sackcloth garment. This was a sign of sorrow among Eastern nations generally.
Besides Mordecai, in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes. It was a day of infamy.
What causes us to be broken and desperate?
Our Savior is touched by our brokenness and pain. According to John, “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.”[John 11:33-35] He is our high priest who is not unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.[Heb 4:15,16]
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- Est 3:12-15 ESV
12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring. 13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. 14 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion.
THE LETTER OF DEATH
Haman wasted no time. He issued an edict to the king’s satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. Sealed with the king’s signet, letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instructions to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.
With a copy of the document, the couriers went out hurriedly, carrying the copy of the document issued in Susa for all the people to be ready for that day. King Ahasuerus and Haman sat down to drink while the city was plunged into confusion. The king clearly has been duped with the glamor of power and the glitters of money. Haman was successful in influencing him.
The king was overwhelmed with the spirit or pleasure of alcohol and pleasure so he became oblivious to the injustice towards the Jews. As Amos writes, “That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.” [Amos 6:6] What wrong did the Jews do? Mordecai’s refusal to bow down before Haman was the last straw in Haman’s back. Certainly, Satan’s deceptive work to annihilate God’s chosen people was behind Haman’s evil plot. Bloodthirsty men, like Haman, hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright.[Prov 29:10] As Solomon declared, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”[Prov 29:2]
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Esther 3:7-10 ESV
7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. 9 If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.” 10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. 11 And the king said to Haman, “The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.”
AN EVIL PLOT
Haman cast lots. Why? According to the Talmud, "When the lot [cast by Haman] fell on the month of Adar, he greatly rejoiced, saying: ‘The lot has fallen for me upon the month of Moses’ death.’" This is what I’ve been saying all along, exulted Haman. Moses might have given Israel the Torah, the document that so endears them to G‑d, but Moses, too, is mortal. Moses, too, is part of the physical, rational reality—a reality transcended by the "lot" reality I have accessed. My lots indicate that I have superseded Moses—superseded Israel’s merit in the eyes of God. What Haman failed to realize, adds the Talmud, was that while Adar was the month of Moses’ passing, it was also the month of Moses’ birth. In the final analysis, the import of Haman’s lots was the very opposite of what he had understood. [chabad.org/holidays/purim/article]
In an air of confidence, Haman influenced the king in a subtle way. He said “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.” Noticeably, he highlighted the cultural uniqueness and difference. He punctuated it with a lie that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. Is being different always mean against?
Moreover, he enticed the king with material benefits by saying, “ If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.” The love of money, indeed, is the root of evil.
As prey led into a snare, the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. And the king said to Haman, “The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.” Let’s not forget the warning from Paul, who said, “those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.”[1 Tim 6:9]
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Esther 3:1-6 ESV
After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. 2 And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. 3 Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king's command?” 4 And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai's words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. 6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.
A STRONG CONVICTION
It happened that King Ahasuerus had promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha. He advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. All the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him.
This promotion had fuelled Haman’s pride. His authority was overhelming for him that it made him haughty or arrogant. He loved the praise of man. As Solomon said, “It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.”[Prov 25:27] And, he was wicked ruler too. Solomon had warned, “when the wicked rule, the people groan.”[Prov 29:2b]
All the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. The king’s servants took notice and confronted him saying, “Why do you transgress the king's command?” Mordecai did not bother but they were persistent.
Mordecai told them that it’s because he is a Jew. He stood to what a faithful Jew fears and believes, that is, Yahweh. As Moses said,
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.”[Ex 20:2-6]
The servants told Haman. Haman was filled with fury. This caused him to hate the Jews. He then, harbored a personal vendetta to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. Did Mordecai know the cost for standing strong on his convictions? Perhaps. But one thing for sure, Mordecai sought to follow his convictions not conveniences or comfort. Otherwise, he could have folloed the crowd.
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-Esther 2:19-23 ESV
19 Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate. 20 Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22 And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. 23 When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
DO RIGHT
Since Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, it indicated that he was associated with the decision-makers and men of influence in the kingdom. He felt responsible to do whatever was right to honor the king. He had no indifferent attitude in which he did not care what would happen to the king and the kingdom where he was a foreigner or captive. As Peter said, ‘Fear God, honor the king.”
Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. Thus, when Mordecai knew about this assassination plot, he did not turn a deaf ear. He told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. The case was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. We get the idea that they were hanged on a tree probably refers not to hanging with a rope around the neck, but to impalement on a stake, much like crucifixion. And, this was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
We don’t do good just for the sake of reward, do we? But, God used this good deed for Mordecai as recorded as basis for the king to defend him when he was wrongly accused by Haman. Definitely God is just. As Heb 6:10 says, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
And as Paul has admonished us, ” Therefore, ‘let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.’[Gal 6:9,10]
As the saying goes, ‘It’s always the right time to do the right thing.’
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Est 2:12-18 ESV
12 Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women— 13 when the young woman went in to the king in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. 14 In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines. She would not go in to the king again, unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name.
15 When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.
CHOSEN AND CROWNED
The time came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months of beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. She could choose whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to take from the harem. After this first meeting,
She would be brought to the second harem, where the king’s wives lived. There she would be under the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. She would never go to the king again unless he had especially delighted in her and requested her by name. In other words, this was their only opportunity to see the king personally.
When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her. Esther had such natural beauty and charm that she required no special adornments to make her more attractive.
"Both Josephus and the Jewish Rabbis exaggerated the beauty of Esther and elaborated on her virtues and piety. The Rabbis held that Esther was one of the four most beautiful women in history along with Sarah, Rahab, and Abigail (Megillah 15a). Josephus maintained that Esther ’surpassed all women in beauty’ in the entire habitable world." [by Dr. Constable quoting Yamauchi, "The Archaeological . . .," p. 106. See Josephus, 11:7, for his account of the story of Esther.]
God has ‘chosen us in Him[Christ]’ [Eph 1:4] There is no way God would be delighted in us, sinners. However Christ’s righteousness is clothed upon us. As Paul declared, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:21] Thus, we only became attractive and acceptable because of Christ. In God’s sight it appears that we are flawless, that we never had committed any sin at all. We are declared righteous.
The king set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast.
Esther 2:8-11 ESV
8 So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. 9 And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. 10 Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. 11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.
THE FAVOR
Many beautiful women were gathered in Susa, the citadel. Among them was Esther. They were taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. Esther pleased him and won his favor. As a consequence, he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem.
How did Esther win his favor? Solomon said, “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”[Prov 16:7] Definitely, it was God’s unseen hand that moved in and touched the hearts of the people around her. Like Joseph, when he became one of Potiphar’s slave, he found his favor. He was accused unjustly and was placed in prison. Even there, he found favor from the prison authorities.
Esther must be a teachable and submissive lady. He had submitted faithfully to the authority of her guardian, Mordecai. He had cautioned her not to divulged to anyone about who she was and what she was doing to anyone. He saw to it that he knows the whereabouts of his daughter by walking in front of the court of the harem every day.
A person who genuinely trusts the Lord is peaceful, is he not? When we put our problems and predicaments in His hands, God does pour His peace in our hearts, does He not? We won’t neither be manipulative in our dealings nor unwise for we know God is in absolute control. Why did Hegai or anyone did not ask her if she was Jewish or not? Why they did not check her background? Esther needed not to tell anybody. She just needed to be silent. Should they had asked, Esther could have told him honestly? But, they did not.
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Esther 2:1-8 ESV
After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king's young men who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the citadel, under custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women. Let their cosmetics be given them. 4 And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.
5 Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away. 7 He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. 8 So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.
AN OPPORTUNITY
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”, said Albert Einstein. Indeed, it’s only in the darkest night, that one could go star gazing. Esther [Hadassah] lost her parents and was an exile. She was survived by her distant uncle, Mordecai, who adopted her as his own daughter. This scenario cast a gloom of hopelessness for Esther.
What would be the future of the young woman like her? However, shew has had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at. Everything seemed bleak until the opportunity came. The anger of the king subsided and the thought of who would replace Queen Vashti was discussed. The king’s young men suggested for a search in the whole kingdom. The king would choose who among the beautiful young virgins brought to the harem in Susa the citadel, and they would be under the custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch.
One of the beautiful girls brought in was Esther. God had allowed this opportune time when Mordecai and Esther did not expect. As believers of Yahweh, both had hoped that God would bring them back to the Promised land. God is always the unseen guide of the people behind the scenes as well as the scenes that unfold in history. As Solomon declared, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”[Ecc 3:11]
For having God in our side, let’s always be filled with optimism. As David had expressed his faith, saying, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!”[Psa 27:13]
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AN INSULT
At the seventh day of merriment, the king having been drunk, demanded from his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti. This was “in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at” (v.11). However, Queen Vashti refused to come before the king and his men; “then the king became furious and burned with anger” (v.12).
Why did Vashti refuse to appear? A variety of theories have emerged. According to verse 11, Queen Vashti was told to appear “wearing her royal crown,” and one rabbinical tradition suggests this as the king’s instruction to wear only her royal crown. In other words, she has to appear in the nude. According to this tradition, Queen Vashti refused because she did not want to be put on display before a group of salacious, drunken men. However, this view is not found in the biblical text, nor can it be supported by history.
While nothing more specific is conclusive, the context, particularly the reference to her beauty has indicated that her attendance at the feast was sought to entertain the men in some way. It is likely that she refused to appear for she would be humiliated in some way. The king and his men had been feasting and drinking for seven days. Thus, they did not have noble intentions in calling her to the party.
Her refusal had cost her crown. One of the king’s wise men, named Memucan, saw a dangerous precedent being set: “Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.’ This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord” (v.16–18). Such a bad example as Queen Vashti had set must be dealt with harshly, according to Memucan. Xerxes agreed with his adviser’s appraisal, and the result was that Vashti was never again to come before the king. Her royal position as queen was to be given to another “who is better than she” (v.19) This better queen happened to be Esther.
The feeling of insult is rooted in a proud spirit, is it not? The king and his leaders felt their authority was trampled upon. How different is our Lord Jesus who came as a meek lamb. He yielded his authority and right in order to die at the cross. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”[1 Pet 2:22-24]Otherwise, there would never be salvation.
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Est 1:1-9 ESV
Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, 3 in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, 4 while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. 5 And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king's palace. 6 There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. 7 Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. 8 And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. 9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus.
A SHOW OFF
According to gotquestions.org, that in the Hebrew text, the king’s name is Ahasuerus (preserved in the KJV and ESV). Nothing is mentioned of a king named Ahasuerus from secular sources, and the names of all the Persian kings from this time period are known. Most commentators equate Esther’s king with Xerxes I (485–465 BC), son of Darius I, the fourth emperor of the Achaemenid Empire—thus the translation in some modern versions. (There is some evidence to show that the Hebrew name Ahasuerus can be easily derived from the Persian name.) The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) uses the name Artaxerxes, which further complicates the issue, for there were two Persian rulers by that name: Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC) and Artaxerxes II (404–359 BC).
Undoubtedly, there are many skeptics who simply view Esther as a fiction. However, those who accept the historicity of the book of Esther, Xerxes I is the most likely fit the description about King Ahasuerus. What we know of the character of Xerxes I fits with what we see in the book of Esther. Xerxes had a summer palace in Susa. He was known for his drinking, lavish banquets, harsh temper, and sexual appetite.
We re introduced this King Ahasuerus as one who reigned from India to Ethipia in over 127 provinces. In the third year of his reign, he called and gave a feast for all his officials and servants at his palace at Susa, the capital city of the Medo-Persian Empire. As a note, extravagant feastings and revelries were always a show off of the world.
What could we expect from a pagan empire with a pagan king? These material things aren’t evil by themselves, are they? It’s the use and abuse of things that does reveal the true nature of man’s heart, doesn’t it? Believers even may struggle about the stewardship of material things. Why? Possessions and power are appealing to the flesh. Thus, John has warned us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”[1 John 2:15-17].
The pursuit of power and material possessions is a snare. According to Paul, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
Acts 28:25-31 ESV
25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
HARDENED AND BLINDED
While many believed the gospel, a lot also rejected it. Why? It wasn’t because Paul was neither clear nor convincing or persuasive. He was even willing to be condemned to hell if that's what it would take for them to believe the gospel(Rom9:1–5). In every place, Paul has prioritized the Jews. Every time he enters a new city, he first goes to the synagogue or the place of meeting and introduce to the Jews and devout Gentiles to Jesus. In almost every city, some Jews committed to Jesus, but most don't. This broke Paul's heart.
The Jews were hardened and blinded. They were slighted when Paul quoted Isaiah’s prophecy. That is, “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet.” They have eyes and ears but were not able to see and hear the gospel. Their hearts were dull, ears covered and eyes closed. Paul increasingly realizes that Israel in the church age is better represented by the prophecy in Isaiah 6:9–10, a people who see but don't understand, with dull hearts and deaf ears.
Impliedly, when Paul was trying to convince the Jewish leaders in Rome about Jesus, he had included references to Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah. It was to King Ahaz that Isaiah said, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isa 7:14), "Immanuel" meaning "God with us." Furhermore, Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would come from Galilee (Isa 9:1–7). Like King Ahaz, the Jews who reject their Messiah choose to worship false gods despite God's presence with them. We are not told what "gods" the Jews in Rome favored. It might be their position in the synagogue or the renewed but fragile peace with the Roman government who now allowed the Jews' presence in the capital.
Thus today, let’s not slack from our faithful preaching of the gospel. But, let’s ferventlypray also for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of the unsaved. He can only open their blinded eyes. As Paul had exhorted us, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.[2 Cor 4:3,4]
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Acts 28:23-24 ESV
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
PREACHING IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON
Paul was in a house arrest. But, he transformed his prison cell into a preaching center. When Paul was physically bound, the word of the Lord wasn’t. Why was he in a house arrest wherein people could visit him? Was this favor from The Roman court due to the instrumentality of the centurion, who endeared and respected Paul? Perhaps. But, this was the providence of God apparently.
A large number of people from morning till evening came to him. The only thing they knew about this movement was that it was denounced everywhere. Thus, their curiosity was aroused so they came to find out. The gospel had certainly spread abroad and was very often not accepted by local Jewish leaders. Paul was an infamous and hated figure among Jews in several places. Most significantly, he was despised in the province of Asia in southwest modern-day Turkey. Jews in this region were among the first to condemn Christianity before it had even spread beyond Jerusalem (Acts 6:8–14).
He expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Paul's exposition about the kingdom of God was very important. To the Jews, it includes the fulfillment of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants when Jews will be blessed above all other nations. Paul needs to explain that a large factor is the part of the Abrahamic covenant where Jews bless the world (Gen 22:18). This blessing is Jesus, a Jew, providing salvation to all who will believe (Gal 3:16, 22, 25–29).
He said to Timothy to preach the word in season and out of season. This was his desire and fulfilled here. Earlier, he had expressed unequivocably, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[Acts 20:24] Thus, he expressed joy even when he was despised, he writes, “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”[Phil 1:15-18] In short, Paul at whatever circumstance, whether free or not, was always ready to preach the gospel.
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Acts 28:17-22 ESV
17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
JESUS IS OUR HOPE
Paul was in a house arrest when he arrived in Rome, whereby people could visit him. Thus, after three days, he called the local leaders of the Jews. His purpose was to explain the real reason why he became a prisoner. Neither he broke a Roman law nor a Jewish law. The Roman governor found the acharge of the Jews was not in his jurisdiction for it pertains to their Jewish religion. But, the Jews won’t acquit Paul, so he was ‘compelled’ to appeal unto Caesar.
Paul argued that it ‘is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.’ The hope of Israel is the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection is their only hope. However for the Jews, it was a stumbling block. They believed Jesus was a blasphemer and impostor. That the Messiah, the king coming from the root of David, had died mercilesly at the cross is a peposteous thought. Thus, for them the preaching of the cross is sheer foolishness.
Previously, Paul was one like them. In fact, he persecuted the Christians in his zeal for their religion. But, Jesus appeared to him and converted him. God called Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He became one of the most bold, if not the boldest, preacher of Jesus and the gospel. Jesus is the hope of Israel, even to all people, is He not? They were oblivious that the stone that they despised is the chief cornerstone. Ironical. I it not?
As a result, they hated Paul and plotted to kill him. They thought what they were doing was right. But, Paul had understood and has compassion towards them. He was once like them so he could understand their feelings. Thus, he lamented, “ “Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”[Rom 10:1-3]
Today, let’s not ask apology in proclaiming the gospel. Though the world rejects it, they need it. Jesus is the only light and hope in this darkened and dying world.
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Acts 28:11-16 ESV
11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
THE FELLOWSHIP
Paul had always wanted to go to Rome for years (Rom 1:11). And, the Lord Jesus had promised he will get there (Acts 23:11), a promise that Paul embraced wholeheartedly. Unbeknownst to him was the journey would include two years under house arrest in Caesarea Maritima (Acts 24:27), a terrible winter storm on a ship in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and a shipwreck (Acts 27). By God’s providence, the ship sank just off the coast of Malta, where they stayed for three months, and the locals became kind and more than generous after Paul provided healing for their sick (Acts 28:1–10).
After three months of stay at Malta, they traveled north and skimmed the eastern coast of Sicily, first landing at Syracuse on the southeastern shore, and then at Rhegium on the toe of Italy, itself. From there they sailed up the western coast of Italy to Puteoli where Paul, Aristarchus, and Luke had disembarked.
Notedly, it was a strong wind that drove them 180 miles to Puteoli, modern-day Pozzuoli, Italy. A coincidence? Definitely not! It was here that they found brethren in the Lord, who invited Paul and the team to stay with them for seven days. Why? Did they want to hear Paul? Most probably.
Who were these ‘brethren’? Luke did not elaborate as to whom the "brothers" were. Puteoli had the second-oldest settlement of Jews after Rome, but the Jews had been driven out of Rome in AD 49, which was the reason how Paul met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth (Acts 18:2). Apparently, they had returned since they're mentioned in Romans 16:3–4. All this is before AD 64 when Rome burned and Nero persecuted Jews and Christians. It's also likely that some of the Jews who heard Peter's message at Pentecost returned to share Jesus' offer of salvation with their friends and families (Acts 2:10–11). In short, the gospel had spread extensively during the Roman rule.
They left for Rome after seven days. Amazingly, when the brothers and sisters in Rome had heard they were coming, they came to meet them at the Forum on the Appian Way, 64 kms south from Rome. Others joined them at The Three Taverns. [see v.15] Definitely, they were excited to see the apostle, Paul. Consequently, when Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God. Definitely, there is an encouragement in the fellowship of believers.
There is an unexplainable affinity among God’s children, is it not? As John says, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.” [1 John 3:14]
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Acts 28:7-10
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.
BE A BLESSING
In the island of Malta, the natives were unusually hospitable. Publius, the chief of the natives, received and entertained them for three days. When Paul learned that Publius’ father was sick with fever and dysentery, he visited, prayed, put his hands on him and healed him. When the news spread around, the rest of the people who had diseases also came and were cured.
Paul initiated to bless the people in need of the island, particularly the sick. Instead of nursing his hurt, Paul focused on blessing others. Why the shipwreck so that they were brought in this island made sense now. It was the providence of God. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. It’s inscrutable until we’re able to look at hindsight.
Let’s trust that wherever God placed us, we could be a blessing. Our difficult circumstances need not be a reason for us not to think of how we could be a blessing towards others. There are always a people, who are lost and least around us.
Paul’s demonstration of love was reciprocated well. They also honored them greatly, and when they were about to sail, they put on board whatever they needed. As Solomon said, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”[Ecc 11:1] He who sows goodness would reap the same as well.
Of course, we don’t do good for the primary reason of being compensated, do we? But God is faithful. Solomon says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”[Prov 19:17]
Acts 28:1-6 ESV
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
IMPRESSION
Paul, Luke Aristarchus and 273 others were able to find shelter in the island of Malta. Malta is a small island south of Sicily. "Malta" is from the Canaanite word "Melita." Long ago, Phoenician sailors named the island Melita which means "refuge." The survivors of the shipwreck certainly find it so. The natives were unusually kind.
"Native people" is from the Greek word barbaros. This term meant people from any nation with a harsh-sounding language. It came to be used for any non-Greek, similarly to how Gentile means non-Jew. The people of Malta spoke primarily Phoenician, not Greek. The Maltese were considered barbarian by Greeks and Romans, but "Malta" in Phoenician means "refuge", a far more appropriate description. They welcomed them by kindling fire to keep them warm for it begun to rain and was cold. Unbeknownst to them that this hospitality would be rewarded greatly because they would hear the gospel through Paul.
Meanwhile, Paul helped in gathering sticks for the fire and he was bitten by a viper. As it hang from his hand, the natives saw it and commented, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” For them, this attack was a sign of Paul's fate. They misinterpreted Paul that he had received a just consequence for his being a murderer. Indeed, an experience that happened to us may be perceived by others differently.
Impressions could either be wrong or right.
He shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. [v.5,6] Nothing can argue a firsthand witness. They immediately ascribed Paul as extraordinary. Despite this wrong first impression, it did provide Paul with the opportunity to provide healing for the locals who respond by seeing to the castaways' needs for the next three months (Acts 28:5–11). It turned out to be a blessing. If Judaean politics and a northeastern storm couldn't stop him, a viper certainly couldn’t as well. Certainly, not!
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Acts 27:39-44 ESV
39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
SHIPWRECKED BUT SAFE
The inevitable happened. Their ship ran aground and was broken by the waves. Out of instinct, the soldiers thought of killing the prisoners lest they should escape. Definitely, they would likely be executed if any prisoner escapes. If the ship had reached the beach, they could have guarded the prisoners as they climbed down the hull. As it was, they couldn't keep everyone under tight control while they're swimming and paddling and kicking for the shore. So, they resolve to kill them, instead.
In times of crisis, most people, like the soldiers, would think of their own survival at the expense of others. The soldiers cared for their safety from being executed. Thus, they did not mind killing the prisoners, including Paul.
Fortunately, their centurion, Julius, has earned the trust of Paul and has grown to respect him greatly over the previous two weeks (Acts 27:3, 31–32). He called the soldiers off and ordered as ordered an evacuation as orderly as possible. Everyone made it to shore, and presumably no prisoners had escaped (Acts 27:43–44).
The trust and respect from the centurion to Paul were part of God’s working. God has promised Paul that he would testify in Rome and it would surely happen. The assurance that he would reach Rome should not be questioned. However, their journey must be through storms and a horrible shipwreck.
Our life’s destination is secured. But, the journey might be rough. Let’s not be surprised for trials and challenges are there as stiff cliffs to climb and rough seas to cross in life. James said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”[Jas 1:2-4]
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Acts 27:27-38 ESV
27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.
33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
GIVING THANKS TO GOD IN THE STORM
It has been two weeks since they left the safety of Crete and sailed into a fierce storm (Acts 27:13–15). The bad news is that they haven't eaten anything in two weeks and still can't see anything (Acts 27:21, 37). The good news is that all the 276 passengers and crew members were still alive and storm was no longer driving the ship toward the hidden sandbars off the coast of Libya (Acts 27:17).
At about dawn, Paul said to all, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” It was difficult but Paul had the faith that they would weather the storm. He took the bread and gave thanks unto God in the presence of unbelieving Roman centurion, guards, prisoners and crews. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. In other words, he influenced the rest to be hopeful and thankful unto God.
Thankfulness is a matter of perspective. Thus, we can give thanks unto God for everything.[1 Thess 5:18] Paul was thankful for He saw God’s hand in everything. The storm was under God’s control. The inconveniences and dangers didn’t determine his heart’s thankfulness but the truth or God’s promise.
If God commands us to be thankful of everything, we must trust Him that even in unpleasant situations of life there must be a noble reason that we could be thankful for. For example, during this Covid 19 pandemic, it’s easy for us to see the obvious inconveniences and discomforts of life. If we are not careful, these would cloud our vision to the good things that God is doing in and through our lives.
Let’s us reflect upon this today as we start the year. Let’s think of the many blessings we’ve got or experienced amidst the threat and dangers caused by Covid. May by God’s grace, we would always a grateful people.
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Acts 27:13-26
13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.
21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.”
HAVE FAITH IN GOD
The winter storms started to build up, and they needed to find a safe place to stay. The harbor at Fair Havens wasn't suited for the rough weather. For some reason, they didn’t backtrack to the harbor at Lasea. Instead, the ship's owner and pilot decided to go on to Phoenix, and the centurion agreed despite Paul's warning that if they leave, they could lose everything (see Acts 27:8–12).
This is a reminder for us that man’s wisdom is flawed and limited, plain and simple. The pilot and ship owner believed that to proceed to Phoenix rather than stay as Paul suggested was the best decision. As a result, they would incur a lot of losses. The "losses" included the time as well as some of the cargo and the ship's tackle (Acts 27:18–19).
Paul, Luke, Aristarchus, and 273 others (Acts 27:37) were facing the prospect of drowning in a typhoon-like storm in the Mediterranean, were they not? Other , everyone in the boat seemed to loss hope. Paul had apparently been praying. An angel appeared to him and said, "God has granted you all those who sail with you" (Acts 27:24).
For two weeks, they were not able to eat. Perhaps, it was because of a combination of seasickness and the impossibility of preparing food in the middle of a typhoon (Acts 27:14). Beyond waves and wind, supplies may have gotten wet with sea water or destroyed by the violent waves. Paul was proven right that staying at Fair Havens was safer. Thus, he said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss.” This may sound petty but it was a purposeful reminder for them to listen to him from this time on forward.
Since they left Fair Havens, he had been praying for the lives of the 276 crew members and passengers. And God had answered his prayer. An angel arrived and reiterated the promise that Paul would testify to Jesus' offer of salvation in Rome (Acts 23:11).
Acts 27:1-12 ESV
And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.
9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
COMMON SENSE AND WISDOM
After two years of imprisonment at Caesaria Maritima, Festus ordered Julius. The centurion, to bring Paul among others to Rome. Traveling from Caesarea Maritima to Rome is much safer by land but faster by sea subject to the weather conditions.
On their first leg, they experienced contrary winds that forced them to detour around Cyprus. Now, they've been pushed farther south than they wished, to the southern shore of Crete. They find mooring in Fair Havens, just past Lasea. Lasea had a good, sheltered port where ships ould be moored during the winter storms. They felt that the harbor at Fair Havens was not safe for them. Further on, Phoenix also had a winter port. Paul wanted to stay where they were. But. the owner of the ship and the shipmaster wanted to go on to Phoenix (Acts 27:10–12).
Paul advised the pilot and the boat owner to stay foot. The tense of the Greek word translated "advised" is imperfect; implying that it was an ongoing urging to them. Naturally, it would be appropriate to subscribe as the shipmaster said in a situation like this. But, why Paul urged them? Did Paul receive the Holy Spirit’s warning or he was relying on extensive travel experiences in the past? His resume as a traveler included three shipwrecks (2 Cor 11:25). He later specified when God has spoken to him (Acts 27:23), so this particular instance was likely just a gut feeling. The centurion sided with the owner and the pilot this time. Whys should he listen to a prisoner more than the trained pilot and owner? As a note, the centurion had learned to trust Paul later (Acts 27:30–32, 42–43).
In difficult situations in our office or work places, we should be wise in dealing with our superiors and acquaintances, should we not? Paul had discerned the will of God yet he did not shove over and forced his suggestion to the centurion. We can suggest but whatever our authorities decide, we must be all out in obeying their decisions.
Acts 26:27-32 ESV
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
ALMOST PERSUADED TO BE A CHRISTIAN
Paul knew that King Agrippa was familiar with the Old Testament prophecies. King Agrippa was born around AD 27 and he didn't move to Judea until around AD 50. As the great-grandson of Herod the Great (see Mat 2:1–4), he had some Jewish blood, and he knew the Jewish culture and religion (Acts 26:2–3).
During his defense, Paul has quoted Jesus saying that he needs to go to the Gentiles, "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me" (Acts 26:18).
This has reference to Isaiah’s prophecy describing Jesus as a light to the nations found in Isaiah 42:6 and 60:3, but especially 49:6: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Sadly, Agrippa slammed the door within his reach. Sadly, many people like him today choose to ignore the thug in their hearts. Should they continue to resist, they would miss heaven by the skin of their teeth. They stepped back from the opportunity of knowing Jesus. Why?
Like Agrippa, to many in this world today, the glitters of world’s power, prestige and possession are too strong to ignore. Either we love God or the world. John warned us of the futility of loving this world. He writes, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”[1 John 2:15-17]
What is at stake in rejecting Jesus? Through a rhetorical question, Jesus asks, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? “[Mark 8:36,37] Gaining this world is of no value to our souls at all.
Thus Paul did everything to convince Agrippa and all. He said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” Paul’s zeal for him and everyone to believe Jesus was manifested by his persuasive testimony. In great irony, Paul’s imprisonment wasn’t the case he has in his mind. But, it was their imprisonment or slavery from sin. However, they thought that Paul could be free if he did not appeal his case to be brought up to Caesar. Unbeknownst to them, this was the way God would further the message of the gospel into the heart of the Roman Empire. Thus, we ask, “Who’s miserable after all – Paul or Agrippa?”
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Acts 26:24-26 ESV
24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.
WHOSE FOOL ARE YOU?
People are entitled to their own perceptions, are they not? Sadly, they imposed their judgments upon others like what Festus did to Paul. He said, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” Festus was merely being sarcastic. It appeared to him that the testimony of Paul considering his intellectual prowess was ridiculous. Festus was a Roman and has only held the position of governor for a few weeks. He knew little about Jewish religion and culture but had wanted to have a good relationship with the local leaders. Those leaders, however, wanted Paul charged, convicted, and executed for crimes against the Roman law (Acts 25:1–2, 24). So, Festus was not only politically motivated, but he's also probably an annihilationist and believed the resurrection of Jesus goes against all reason, and therefore foolishness.
Paul argued that he was speaking the truth and his words are rational. Even the King Agrippa himself couldn’t deny the historicity of his claims. The gospel is neither a conjecture nor an opinion. It’s a news that is, an authentic historical event that happened – Jesus died, was buried and rose again after three days.
To the Greeks [Gentiles] the preaching of the cross was foolishness. It does transcend reason, doesn’t it? Paul writes, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom.” [1 Cor 1:18-22]
If you and I believe the cross, the world may look at us as fools. Have they not accused you for being eccentric, naïve, a bigot or homophobic? However, it doesn’t change the fact that they’re shooting their own feet. In God’s eyes they’re fools. Psa 14:1 says ‘The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.’ Those who live for the here and now only are fools. Jesus said to the rich fool, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” [Luke 12:20,21]
In this world while we live we are fools for something or someone. Whose fool are you? Let’s not ask apology for being fools for Christ.
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Jos 1:1-3 ; 13:1 ESV
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses
Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.
A FEW POINTERS AS WE JOURNEY IN 2023
A Blessed New Year 2023 greetings to everyone!
We say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 with open arms and hearts. God has caused us to weather the challenges of 2022, prepared to walk through the terrains of 2023, hasn’t He? Certainly, 2023 will have its own challenges for us. And as we enter in, we should remember some salient pointers;
FIRSTLY, men have limits but God’s promise remains. Moses was an exceptional leader. But, his life and leadership came to an unexpected halt. Our movements are not governed by men but by the great promiser. God has assured Joshua and the Jews, “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses”
SECONDLY, in God’s program, nobody is indispensable. When Moses died, God raised Joshua. God could accomplish His work without man. And it is by His grace that He gives man the chance to be used as His instruments. In doing ministry, the glory should be to God alone. As Paul declared, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”[1 Cor 1:26-29] Our security is always in the sovereignty of God. He is in charge.
THIRDLY, God’s promise must be claimed by faith. There is no ‘staying’ without ‘stepping’ into the Promised Land. More steps of faith means more lands to be possessed. Otherwise, the promise remains as a promise not a reality. God’s promises doesn’t mean no problems. We must step as soldiers ready to engage in a fight. And God would do that which only He could do. As Heb 11:30 says about Joshua and His army’s exploits, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”
LASTLY, God has blessings rich in store for us. That is, God is inexhaustible. As Joshua became old, there were still a lot of lands to be possessed.[Jos 13;1] We should not ask for little when He promised us much. Did not Jeremiah prompted us by saying, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”[Jer 33:3] Even Paul has highlighted the inexhaustibility of God by declaring, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”[Eph 3:20]
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Acts 26:19-23 ESV
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
OBEDIENCE
As Paul has ascertained the heavenly vision of Jesus, he obeyed Him immediately. His obedience was prompt. Instead of persecuting Christians, he preached repentance from sin and faith towards Christ. He did it first in Damascus, in Jerusalem, in the province of Judea and to the Gentiles. In other words, he just kept preaching Jesus wherever he was.
His humble obedience to Christ had caused hostile opposition from the Jews. They couldn’t accept his message of repentance. They tried to kill him but God had preserved him, even by the skin of the tooth. Obedience was never easy for Paul. Similarly, it won’t be easy for us. But, he who obeys God is immortal until Gods plan is through in his life.
His obedience to preach the gospel was fueled by a strong conviction or passion for Christ. He said, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”[1 Cor 2:2] He has no other messsage except the gospel – testifying both to small and great. He has no other glory but the cross. He said, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”[Gal 6:14] Thus, before Agrippa, he said once again, “I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”[v.22,23]
May our obedience be fueled by a strong conviction defying all oppositions. Our obedience must be prompted by our genuine love for Christ. As Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”[John 14:15] And despite hostilities, our obedience to His will is a pleasure not a burdensome. As John declares, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”[1 John 5:3]
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Acts 26:12-18 ESV
12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
KICKING AGAINST THE GOADS
During Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus, few things are evident. First, Jesus had initiated it. When Paul traveled to Damascus, his mind was locked up to execute the believers. He was so determined for having been empowered or commissioned by the chief priests. Unexpectedly, with a light brighter than the sun, Paul fell down and heard Jesus, saying, “‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
Secondly, He used ‘goads’ to get the attention of Paul. "Goads" is from the Greek root word kentron, are objects that are thick, short spear used to poke livestock, to encourage them to move (Judges 3:31). To kick against it is futile, isn’t it? Likewise, there was no action Paul could take to keep God from directing him where He wanted him to go. The phrase was often used in Greek literature to mean it's useless to defy the gods. God always wins. A pure act of God’s grace to draw men unto Himself.
Early theologians suggested the "goads" were doubts Paul felt about Stephen's words in Acts 7 that challenged his own convictions. As Paul traveled to Damascus, he was already questioning whether what he was doing was right. His repeated comments that he had held a clear conscience his whole life (Acts 23:1; 24:16; 1 Cor 4:4) had spoken against the idea that he would act contrary to his conscience. Thus, the "goads," as in the Greek sense, are the Holy Spirit's nudging Paul.
Definitely, Paul recognized that only God could do this, asked, “Who are you, Lord?” Although he did not know Jesus as yet, he humbly called Him Lord. It was when he was broken that God revealed and commissioned Paul. Definitely, God could use only those whose hearts are broken. God wouldn’t use anybody who is proud and arrogant, would He? Our humility is as the handle that we provide God to use our lives.
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Acts 26:1-8 ESV
So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
FOR THIS HOPE I AM ACCUSED
Paul found himself fortunate to testify before the King Agrippa. This is the third time he proclaimed his testimony. Earlier he testified the same before the Sanhedrin and Festus.
Paul’s previous manner of life was known by all Jews. He wasn’t just a Pharisee but one who practiced it with extreme strictness. He wrote to the Philippians later saying, “though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.”[Phil 3:4-6] In other words, Paul has embraced their religion unreservedly.
He persecuted the church as the proof of his zeal. What was the reason of his actions? He explained to Timothy, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”[1 Tim 1:12-16]
Paul knew his heart prior to conversion was sincere, but was sincerely wrong. Paul saw himself as one who sinned ignorantly until God poured out His mercy upon him. The Old Testament law has distinguished between intentional and unintentional sins (Num 15:22–31). Evidently, Paul did not deserve God’s mercy. God provided it to him with nothing good he could give to God.
Thus, it was out of God’s mercy alone that Paul knew Jesus and obtained the hope. This hope is the fulfilment in the promise made by God to the fathers, to which the twelve tribes hope to attain. But, The Jewish religious leaders won’t accept that Jesus is the Messiah. Why? The continue to refuse to believe Jesus. Like Paul, they were sincere but wrong. If God won’t open their eyes, they could not see the truth. Previously, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”[John 8:31,32]
THE CLEAR ACCUSATION
Festus introduced the case of Paul to King Agrippa, who visited Caesaria with his sister Bernice. King Agrippa was the son of Agrippa I, the king who killed the apostle James and tried to kill Peter (Acts 12:1–3) and soon after died of intestinal worms (Acts 12:20–23). Their grandfather was Herod the Great. The Jewish historian Josephus was a friend of theirs. Agrippa and Bernice's relationship was incestuous.
Undoubtedly, there was one apparent thing about Festus understanding about the case of Paul. With certainty, the accusers of Paul has no merit to accuse him based on either legal or political issues or implications. It was purely religious in nature. They accused Paul of spreading heresy that Jesus is alive. Thus, Festus, having lost ground how to investigate, he asked Paul’s consent to bring back his case to the Sanhedrin. But, Paul had appealed that his case be brought to Caesar. Festus asked Agrippa’s help. Why? AS Paul appealed to the emperor, he decided to go ahead and send him. But he had nothing definite to write to the emperor about Paul’s case. Therefore he asked Agrippa to examine him so that he would have something to write to the emperor. He found it unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.
Paul, a lawyer himself by training, did not cloud his case before anyone else. One thing was sure. That was, he preached Christ being crucified, buried and is alive. This was the only message he wanted everyone to know. There was neither equivocation nor sugarcoating. This is the truth he did not shy away and was planning to prove and defend even in Rome. In other words, what he was accused of was what he was convinced with.
How about us?
If we are accused of being a believer, is it becaused we are convinced of its merits and claims? Are there enough evidences to prove it? The undeniable evidence that we are committed to Jesus is manifested when others would be annoyed by our preaching and promoting Christ. As Peter wrote, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”[1 Pet 4:14,15]
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Acts 25:1-12 ESV
Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”
6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”
AN APPEAL TO CAESAR
Governor Felix was removed by Emperor Nero and was replaced by Porcius Festus, as the new governor of Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Syria, and Cilicia. Festus immediately tried to build good relationships with the local leaders. He barely has time to drop off his things in Caesarea before he was off to Jerusalem to meet the Sanhedrin, the religious and cultural leaders of the Jews. He was reportedly a good ruler, fair and reasonable and even destroyed the ‘Sicarii assassins’ Felix had used to do his dirty work.
These leaders urged him, asking as a favor against Paul, that he would summon him to Jerusalem. They just cared about one thing, that is, if Festus would agree to a trial in Jerusalem, he will have to transport Paul the long distance from Caesarea. The assassins will finally have another chance to ambush Paul and kill him.
Festus refused to take accountability for any verdict. He asked Paul if he will agree to the Sanhedrin's request to hold a trial in Jerusalem (v. 9), possibly not knowing they plan to kill Paul during his travels (v.3). Paul knew of their previous assassination plot. Instead, he took the only action he could - he appealed his case to Caesar (v.11–12). Not long after, he was on his way to Rome.
Let’s recall that God had told Paul earlier that he is going to testify about Him in Rome as he did in Jerusalem. [Acts 23:11] Did Paul decide to appeal to Caesar because of this revelation? Definitely! God has used the circumstances for Paul to have a strong case to appeal to Caesar. Was the indecision of Festus incidental? Why did he ask Paul’s consent whether he would like his case to be tried in Jerusalem? Apparently, the hand of God was all over the place.
What God’s will is, He would pave the way. It isn’t clear at the beginning but becomes apparent after some time. God’s will is sure but sometimes it’s slow. Discerning the right timing needs time. As the writer of Hebrews exhorted us, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”[Heb 10:35,36]
Acts 24:22-27 ESV
22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
BEWARE OF APATHEISM
Felix had the opportunity to listen the word of God but he had no interest at all. He was like Esau. Esau was not immoral and godless. He had no ethics or faith, no scruples or reverence. He had no regard for the good, the truthful, the divine. He was totally worldly, totally secular, totally profane. Felix stole his wife, Drusilla, Herod Agrippa's daughter, from her husband when she was sixteen. He was very corrupt and cruel.
Governor Felix was an apatheist. According to gotquestions.org. “An apatheist is one who thinks topics such as God and religion are irrelevant, meaningless, or disinteresting. The term apatheism refers more to an attitude than to any actual set of beliefs, but it can be useful to summarize how a great many people think—or don’t think—about God. While apatheism is not an “official” worldview, it is an important concept.”
Paul has proven their accusations were ridiculous and baseless. But, Governor Felix would rather placate the Jewish leaders than give Paul justice, so he kept him in custody under the pretense that he needed the testimony of the Roman army commander in Jerusalem (v.22). There was a moment he and his wife Drusilla, sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Paul reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment. But Felixix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” He wasn’t interested at all.
For the next two years of custody, Felix periodically requested Paul's presence. Felix was looking for a bribe. In other words, he kept the best of both worlds. If Paul is in custody, Jewish leaders will be happy and Paul might offer a bribe. Yet, since he hasn't done anything wrong, he allowed his friends to visit and see his needs (see v.23, 26–27).
Luke 2:8-14 ESV
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
LET US GLORIFY GOD THIS CHRISTMAS
Two decades ago, a fantasy movie was released entitled “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything Christmas-related from the Whos.
Similarly, there are a few ‘Grinches’ today that we allow to steal the true meaning of Christmas. First in the list is tradition. Over the years of doing the burnt sacrifices at the temple, the Jews had lost its meaning. Christians may be caught also in the same predicament when Christmas is thought more as a tradition to observe.
Next in the list is busyness. Contrary to the first Christmas, our lives during this season is marked with rush. Everyone rushes to shop on overcrowded shopping malls where lines at payment centers are endless, and trapped up in a snail-paced traffic going back home. By the time we arrived home late, we are drained and tired to death. Needless to say, many unscrupulous businessman are taking advantage in this season. It is sad that Christmas is commercialized nowadays, isn’t it? As somebody described, “People are spending money they don’t have towards people they don’t know with gifts they don’t need.”
Revelry is another grinch. Isn’t that many makes this season as the reason for excesses. As a season of happiness, they say, “I can do whatever it takes just to make myself and family happy.” Partying is common. It’s good that families and clans are having reunions but they’re spoiled by these excesses.
Let’s watch out that these ‘Grinches’ won’t steal our hearts this Christmas from Jesus. He is the reason for the season. In fact, He should be the only reason. We should glorify Him in our celebrations. In what ways? He does need our hearts to worship Him, doesn’t He? Like the shepherds and wise men, they went to Bethlehem in order to worship Jesus. May our hearts would maintain a posture of worship. Let’s ask ourselves as the psalmist did, that is;
“What shall I render to the Lord
for all his benefits to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.”[Psa 116:12-14]
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Acts 24:10-21 ESV
10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”
A CLEAR CONSCIENCE
In Paul’s defense against the accusations of the Jews, he asserted his innocense. There was no doubt that the preaching of the gospel had caused discomfort to the wicked but in no way he was a troublemaker. It is true that his ministry has indirectly led to social unrest. In Philippi, he expelled a fortune-telling demon from a slave girl. Her owners incited a crowd to beat Paul and his ministry partner Silas (Acts 16:16–23). In Ephesus, so many Artemis-worshipers came to faith in Jesus that the idol-makers formed a protest that nearly became a riot (Acts 19:23–41).
His accusers couldn’t substantiate their accusations. Since he arrived at Jerusalem, he neither had a dispute with anybody nor stirred a mob. Instead, he brought alms to his nation and presented offerings. This was the reason why he went inside the temple, quietly without tumult.
Paul, however, acknowledged before the governor that he worshiped the God of their fathers, according to the Way, which they call a sect of the Nazarene. He affirmed that he believed in everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets. That, he had the hope in God, which the religious leaders accepted, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.
An accusation like this could be a blessing in disguise. Why? It would clear our motive and conscience. It’s always a win-win situation. Should the accusation is true, we could thank God for making us aware of faults or sins, we inadvertently missed, that we need to settle with God. And if it’s false, we should thank God that our motives are right in order for us not to be careless but prudent always in our actions.
Thus, when we are questioned, let us follow what Paul expressed later in his epistle to Philippians, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” [Phil 2:14-16]
Acts 24:1-9 ESV
And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”
9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.
IS PAUL A TROUBLEMAKER?
Today, we should be ready to respond to those who may persecute us for preaching and living godly lives in Christ. Jesus has warned us, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” [John 3:19] What do you expect from people who loved darkness more than light? As Paul exhorted us, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but instead expose them.” [Eph 5:11] The preaching of the gospel is as flashing the light at the dark places which either frighten or angered the nocturnals. 52 to 58. In two years, after continual complaints to Caesar from the people of Caesarea, Nero will replace Felix with Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27). The "peace" Felix had kept due to his "foresight" was earned by viciously stamping down insurrections. They are at court because the Sanhedrin considered Paul an insurrectionist. They presumed that Paul was the exact type of person Felix would normally treat with great prejudice. Furthermore, the Sanhedrin had emulated Felix by planning to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12–15). They unfortunately have much in common.
They brought Tertullus, a lawyer, as their spokesman. The Sanhedrin needed him because they wanted to be sure to present their case effectively. He began his statements by flattering the governor. He said, “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.” History tells that Governor Marcus Antonius Felix was a former slave. Historians suggested that this experience had inspired his cruelty. Claudius Caesar made him governor from about AD 52 to 58. In two years, after continual complaints to Caesar from the people of Caesarea, Nero will replace Felix with Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27). The "peace" Felix had kept due to his "foresight" was earned by viciously stamping down insurrections. They are at court because the Sanhedrin considered Paul an insurrectionist. They presumed that Paul was the exact type of person Felix would normally treat with great prejudice. Furthermore, the Sanhedrin had emulated Felix by planning to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12–15). They unfortunately have much in common.
On this basis, Tertullus subtly argues he should stamp out Paul, as well, since Paul "stirs up riots…throughout the world.” Paul to them was a plague. That is, he is a trouble maker. Paul was a public menace and a cult leader who tried to commit a capital offense against Roman law by defiling a religious structure. However, there was no sufficient evidence.
Acts 23:23-35 ESV
23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:
26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. 28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. 29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. 30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”
31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. 33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.
SAFEGUARDED
After hearing the plot, the tribune, Claudius Lysias, immediately dispatched two centurions to transport Paul to Felix, the governor living at Caesaria Maritima. Leaving at the third hour of the night were Two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen and mounts for Paul to ride. Moreover, the tribune wrote a letter to Felix the governor to explain and convince him to protect and provide Paul a fair trial.
Paul and the Roman guards arrived at Caesaria. On reading the letter, Felix asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, Governor he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium. [v.34,35]
While God allows danger, His presence is assured. As the psalmist has expressed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” [Psa 46:1] As a result we could have the peace like Paul being safeguarded should we trust in Him. The psalmist concluded;
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.”[Psa 46:10-11]
In the Old Testament, the ravens fed Elijah, the lions guarded Daniel inside the den, Achish, the Philistines protected David..theseare examples of how God could use ungodly and unclean instruments to protect His own people. We could not fathom God’s wisdom. Definitely, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. His people are the apple of His eyes. Thus, the plan of the wicked won’t prosper for the Lord determines their limits and bounds.
Therefore, no matter how overwhelming our situation is, we shouldn’t succumb to these as if we don’t have hope, should we? As Paul, writing at the prison has exhorted us, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”[Phil 4:6,7] His peace comes through His safekeeping.
Acts 23:12-22 ESV
12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”
16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” 19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”
THE PLOT
It’s understandable that the vehement hatred of the religious leaders to Paul exploded as a brewing volcano. Their former number one asset became their number one liability or nemesis. Paul’s 180 degrees transformation couldn’t be explained and in no way it was less than a miracle. More than forty animated Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
In unregenerate hearts ‘where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.’, James writes.[Jas 3:16] And Solomon says,
“Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?”[Prov 27:4]
They planned to set an ambush. They would request Paul to go to the council and along the way, they are going to kill Paul. But, God’s hand was upon Paul. Paul was not someone indispensable but God wasn’t finished with him yet. He must witness in Rome, God said. Like him, we are immortal until God’s plan is done in us, are we not?
That his nephew knew the plot, who told Paul. Paul told the centurion, who went to report to the tribune, so that Paul’s nephew was able to tell the tribune personally himself. The amazing part is that these Roman authorities had believed the report without any doubt at all. Weren’t all these a result of God’s sovereign work in the hearts of men. As Solomon says,
“The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
he turns it wherever he will.”[Prov 21:1]
What’s the implications that Jesus when He sent His disciples to the world, he said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”?[Matt 10:16] Is it not that God may let us pass through the ‘valleys of death’? We may feel vulnerable but also secured. As David said,
“I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”[Psa 23:4-6]
Acts 23:11 ESV
11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”
TAKE COURAGE
God’s ways are inscrutable, are they not? Paul knew he may risked his life in going to Jerusalem. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he was mobbed and illegallly accused of dishonoring the Mosaic law. If not for the Roman tribune, they should had beaten him to death.
The Roman tribune allowed Paul to address the crowd in the temple courtyard (Acts 21:27–40). Paul used that opportunity to explain how he had persecuted Jesus-followers all the way to Damascus in Syria. Before he reached the city, Jesus of Nazareth appeared to him in a great light. Paul became a Jesus-follower that day (Acts 9:1–19; 22:3–16). In short, he took this an opportunity to asset that Jesus is the Messiah.
Thus, the tribune brought him to the council. His testimony had caused the Pharissees and Sadducees in deep conflict or dispute over the fact of ressurection, even becoming violent. The helpless tribune has already learned he can't understand Paul and he can't beat him (Acts 22:1–29) Now, he realizes he can't control him. Paul hasn't broken the law and takes him back to the barracks to regroup.
In all these events, God appeared to him in the night to stand by him. After all, he was here in Jerusalem because of the promptings of the Spirit. [see Acts 20:23-24] This was a needed encouragement. As Jesus has promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” His presense is assured as well us the fulfilment of His purposes. God told him, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” His journey to Rome won’t be easy but it was assured.
Likewise, our journey in this world will have its twists and turns, ups and downs. Nevertheless, with God on our side, who can be against us. [Rom 8:35-37] As Heb 13:5,6 says;
“for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”[Heb 13:5-6]
In short, it’s God’s presence and promise that fuel our courage.
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Acts 23:6-10 ESV
6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.
DIVISION IN THE COUNCIL
The Sanhedrin regulated the practice of Judaism. It was comprised of priests, elders, and scribes, whereby most of them were experts in the Mosaic law. Most of all the priests members of the council belong to the sect of the Sadducees. They followed the Mosaic law only, that is, the first five books of Scripture with no additional regulation. And they tended to be wealthy and got along with the Romans. They believed there is no resurrection from the dead. To their thinking, any blessings God gives will come in this lifetime, so a person needs to get their benefits now.
The Pharisees, however, also followed the Oral Law, which their scribes claimed came from Moses. This is in addition to their belief to the written Law in the Pentateuch. Pharisees believed in the resurrection from the dead. They liked power and money, but they didn't want to risk their chance for more power and riches in the afterlife, so they followed extra-biblical rules. Unlike the Saducees, they disliked the Romans.
The Pharisees and Sadducees’ validations came from the people who saw them as great religious leaders. Both, Jesus and John the Baptist later had criticized both sects (Mat 3:7; 16:6–12).
Here, the Sanhedrin council convened in order to hear and determine whether the accusations against Paul was true or not based on the law. They heard Paul saying, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” As they heard this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
Paul's wit worked. He used the dissenting views about the subject of ressurrection to gain sentiment from the Pharisees who believed in ressurection and provoke the Sadducees, who believe not the ressurection. By doing so, he drew attention away from himself. Surely, the message of the ressurection from the dead makes his accusers find hard to handle. (Acts 23:1–6). And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.
Their conflict was an indication of how the council had posed externally as respectable but rotten at its core. It is sad that religious leaders would focus and defend a particular persuasion, especially if it’s a non-essential. Their pride to defend their turf had diverted them from the most essential – to know Christ.
Acts 22:30 – 23:1-5 ESV
30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God's high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
UNREASONABLENESS
Paul was brought by the tribune to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council that regulates and enforces the Jewish religion. The tribune, a Roman army officer, wanted to know why a mob attacked him in the temple (Acts 21:27–31). Paul wasn't concerned about the tribune. He was much interested now that he had the opportunity. For since he was saved, he now could present his case before the ruling council of his people.
At the start he wanted to affirm his integrity. Though he's been accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple and is in Roman custody (Acts 21:27–36), that doesn't mean he's broken the Jewish law. His statement had ended this meeting before it began. The high priest Ananias became furious and has him struck. In response, Paul accidentally insults the high priest and was sarcastic with him. He said, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”
Why Paul was being sarcastic? Perhaps, it was because of Ananias' reputation as a particularly corrupt high priest. He stole tithes meant for lower-ranking priests and used violence, including assassinations, to get what he wanted. Here was one example. He had Paul struck before convicting him of a crime.
A person in authority could be blinded by its power so that he becomes unreasonable. Like the high priest Ananias, an unreasonable person, is inconsistent. Paul highlighted it by saying ‘Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?’ He did not know he was the high priest. If he talked sensibly and acted responsibly, Paul could recognized him. Paul asked apology for his remarks, saying, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
It’s tragic that there are religious leaders who are not living up to their titles. Thus, they had not earned the respect of people because of the unreasonableness and inconsistencies in their lives. There is wisdom to what James is saying, that is, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”[Jas 3:1] While Paul was living a blameless life, Ananaias and the Pharisees did not live up according to their title. Respect shouldn’t be demanded but earned.
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Acts 22:22-29 ESV
22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.
RESPONDING TO AN INJUSTICE
The people listened attentively to Paul until he mentioned that he is commissioned to preach to the Gentiles. They cannot accept that a Jew who still follows the Mosaic law would associate with Gentiles, let alone intentionally have fellowship with them. Apparently, their aversion towards the Gentiles was manifested by their violence. They raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air. The crowd was on a frenzy.
This has caused the tribune to bring him immediately to the barracks in order to question why such violent reactions from the crowd. They thought of flogging Paul for him to squeal the truth. They took a whip and was about to flog him when Paul said, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” Paul is a Roman citizen and cannot be tortured unless he is convicted in a fair trial. This just showed how an authority like a Roman tribunal could react out of instinct not wisdom.
Did not Jesus say we that should be ‘wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove.’? Paul, as a lawyer himself, knew how he should respond as an innocent Roman citizen from an unjust treatment. Christians should be meek and not shoving on people in their throats. But, we should not allow ourselves to be stepped upon as a doormat. God has given us authorities to protect us. They are delegated by God. As Paul said, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”[Rom 13:1-7]
Acts 22:1--21 ESV
1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”
2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:
3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
PAUL’S DEFENSE
Paul made his defense. He asked this from the tribune. This event takes place on the steps of the Antonia Fortress, the outpost of the Roman army in Jerusalem on the northwest corner of the temple mount.
Paul has rehearsed the details of his conversion. And we see some pertinent highlights, namely;
First, he clearly explained who he was before his conversion - he was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the church. In other words, he was no interest to believe and know Christ. In fact, he wanted to get rid Jesus followers. Paul fought fervently against it. He not only looked on with approval as a vicious mob murdered the evangelist Stephen (Acts 7:54–60; 22:20), he tracked down Jesus-followers in Jerusalem so violently they fled to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1–3; 26:10–11). When he had done all he could in Judea, he requested and received permission from the Sanhedrin to hunt Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1–2).
Acts 21:27-36 ESV
27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”
THE MOB
Because believing Jews believed the lie, it spread to non-believing Jews. Thus, Paul himself was arrested by the Romans. In such situation, that is, an abuse or when civil law is broken—the church should notify the proper authorities that a crime has been committed, should they not? In other cases, God gives the church the right to judge internally (1 Cor 6:1–8). Supposedly, Paul's accusers had no right to publicly spread rumors that he encouraged Jews to break the Mosaic law when he was not given a chance to defend himself. But, malicious critics are always unfair and vindictive.
They waited for any breach that the apostle could be accused of. They saw him with Trophimus, a Gentile, in the city. Thus, they spread the lie that Paul had brought him into the temple. Bringing a Gentile into the temple is desecrating a religious structure, which was a crime under the Roman law and punishable by death. In 1871, a carved stone sign was found in the wall of a Muslim school in Jerusalem's Old City that reads, "No foreigner may enter within the balustrade around the sanctuary and the enclosure. Whoever is caught, on himself shall he put blame for the death which will ensue." It is written in Greek and applies to Gentiles and unclean Jews.
Thus, some Asian Jews incited the crowd to assault him. Paul was spared for the Roman guards arrive and arrested him. Was not this the Spirit has revealed unto him before he left Miletus? This mob was allowed by God for His purpose.[Rom 8:28] let’s recall that Paul said unequivocably, “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[Acts 20:22-24]
Today, let’s always maintain our trust that God is in control over the affairs of man. As the psalmist declared;
“ Even human wrath will praise You;
You will clothe Yourself
with their remaining wrath”[Psa 76:10]
In other words, God exactly knows what He is doing as one painting a master piece of art. He knew exactly the limits of dark shades that enhances his beauty in and through our lives.
- Acts 21:17-26 ESV
17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.
RUMORS
Paul must have very mixed feelings as he arrived Jerusalem. He was glad to be back, certainly. His team could finally deliver the donations they have collected from the Asian and Europe churches to the apostles who first spread the message of Jesus (Acts 20:4; Rom 15:26). Paul could give the Jerusalem elders an account of the healthy churches in Ephesus, Troas, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth. That despite their various troubles—especially in Corinth—they faithfully are following Christ.
Paul enjoyed this wonderful reunion while he could.
But, he would soon learn that despite his sacrifices and faithfulness, there was a slander or rumor against him. Some claimed he had forsaken and rejected entirely the Mosaic law, and had encouraged other Jews to do as well. As he went about proving his respect for Mosaic law, another group of wicked people wrongly accused him. This time, the claim is that he brought a Gentile into the temple.
When Paul denied the accusations, the church in Jerusalem was relieved. Ushering Gentiles into the church is one thing. And, completely abandoning the symbol of Jewish national identity[circumcision] is quite another. God's commands to the nation of Israel don't contradict the gospel of salvation. It would have been difficult for evangelists in Jerusalem to witness to Jewish Pharisees if Paul were travelling the world telling Jewish Christians not to be circumcised.
The elders asked, “What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.” They devised a plan. So they suggested, “ Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.” Paul had to show a way to prove his respect to the law. It’s important to prove our claim.
Rumors are rooted from half-truths, are they not? It’s when malicious people choose to exaggerate one aspect of a fact. The elders were enlighteneded to hear the side of Paul, that Paul wasn’t direspectful as the enemies claimed
Acts 21:10-16 ESV
10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
LET THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE
During their stay at Caesaria, a prophet named Agabus arrived from Judea. We first heard Agabus in Syrian Antioch shortly after Paul joined Barnabas and before their first missionary voyage. Agabus had prophesied a great famine would trouble Jerusalem (Acts 11:28). Thus, the church in Antioch took a collection and sent Barnabas and Paul to deliver it. Paul turned this into a tradition so that whenever he plants a church in Asia and Europe, he encourages the members to take a collection for Jerusalem.
Here, Agabus prophesied about Paul’s future in Jerusalem. He took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Consequently, everyone urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Understandably, they did not want harm to happen to Paul. By this, they must had thought Paul would be amused.
But, he was not. With firmness in his reolve, he said, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Earlier the elders at Ephesus had done this same before he left Miletus. Paul should listen to them if it was not the will of God.
At times, we are torn between safety of a beloved and the will of God in our lives and our loved ones. Human as we are, we think of safety as the best option, forgetting that the will of God is the safest place for us. This had grieved Paul’s heart, saying, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?”
Like Peter who tried to prevent Jesus from suffering, he though he was doing what was right. But, Jesus rebuked him, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”[Mat 16:23]
Like Jesus, Paul had made his resolve to obey God. The die is cast. Having been corrected and convinced to Pauls determination, the all said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” This has settled their apprehension.
Like Paul, may, we always seek to fulfil God’s will in our lives daily. As Paul has exhorted us, “ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” [Rom 12:1] Like Paul, may our concept of what is good, acceptable and perfect isn’t just what is comfortable and safe. But, anything pleasant or not, that could give God the highest glory.
Acts 21:7-9 ESV
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.
THE HOUSE OF PHILIP
After a long boat journey from Miletus, Paul and the team arrived at Tyre. They proceeded to Ptolemais and Caesaria Maritima. They stayed at the house of Philip, one of the seven deacons. Paul and the team must have been refreshed by the sweet fellowship in his house.
We have no idea who planted the church in Caesarea, but it may have been Philip (Acts 8:40). He also fled Jerusalem because of Paul (Acts 8:3–5). Or perhaps Peter planted the church there (Acts 10). All of these events are fallling into the right places. Rom 8:28 is indeed true. Paul was no longer perceived as a persecutor but as one of its leaders. Philip no longer saw the man who approved of his friend Stephen’s murder and drove thousands from Jerusalem. He saw him as a faithful Jesus-follower whose life is marked by suffering for the cause of Christ.
Philip must have a house with ample space to host his visitors. His hospitality was enhanced by his faithful seven daughters, who also prophesied. Paul and the team should have a wonderful time hearing encouraging words together with them and Philip. We don’t know why his wife isn’t mentioned here.
The Bible made mention about women prophesying in the past. One is Huldah who validated the Law for King Josiah. She prophesied God's judgment against rebellious Judah (2 Kings 22:14–20). Anna prophesied when she met the baby Jesus (Luke 2:36–38). Paul gave instructions to women prophetesses in 1 Cor 11:5. Today, there are differing biblical views about whether prophets still exist. And, the difference between forthtelling the truth and foretelling events in the future. However, there is no question that at this transition time in the book of Acts, God had chosen women to be prophets, also.
Today, God wants us to be hospitable. Heb 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” This must have allusion to Abraham receiving the unexpected visitors, who turned out to be angels who pronounced them blessings and warnings about the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah.
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Acts 21:1-6 ESV
And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.[a] 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
THE CHURCH IS PRAYING
Paul, Luke[the writer] and and others left Miletus, a port on the southwest corner of modern-day Turkey, and round the peninsula until they reach Patara on the island of Rhodes. From here, they headed straight to Tyre on the coast of Phoenicia, north of Galilee. They spent a week in Tyre while the ship unloads before sailing south to Ptolemais and Caesarea Maritima. Luke seemed interested in making sure that there would never be any doubt about the route their ship took while he was onboard.
Something to note here. Paul could have visited the proconsul who came to faith in Jesus ay Cyprus (see Acts 13:12). Or, he could go north to Paul's home church in Syrian Antioch. But, he did not. The Holy Spirit compeled him to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost (see Acts 20:16). Paul was so determined although he knew he will face arrest and persecution. His was the courage to obey God despite of the consequences.
After several years of edifying the churches in Galatia, Macedonia, and Greece and planting a church in Ephesus, Paul has finally landed at Tyre on their way to Syria. Apparently, the Holy Spirit has warned some in the church in Tyre, as well. But as the Holy Spirit revealed to them the information, they misinterpreted what they are meant to do with it. God has warned them to encourage Paul, not attempt to protect him.
Previously, God said to Ananias that Paul "is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15). God also told Ananias, "For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name" (Acts 9:16). God allowed his suffering as an integral part of his mission. And Paul had no qualms about it, too.
However, as they were about to leave, the church finally realized that the most effective way they can protect Paul was to pray. Luke recollected, “All, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.” Prayer moves the Hand that moves the world. Paul’s life and ministry revolved around prayers. He told us to pray continually (Eph 6:18; Phi 4:6; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17). The church that learn to pray lacks no power and advances surely.
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Acts 20:36-38 ESV
36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
GOSPEL RELATIONSHIP MATTERS
Relationships could bring pleasant and painful moments. Paul had engaged in mission trips, wherein he met and develop meaningful relationships. Yes, he had his worst critics. But, he had also his loyal friends who helped him. Their friendship centered on the gospel. But, friends may fail at times. When he was imprisoned in Rome, he wrote to Timothy. He said, “ At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.[2 Tim 4:16-17]
Paul’s words were so heavy loaded. The apostasy of the church was inevitable to happen. Paul was expected to suffer when he would arrive in Jerusalem. Most importantly, they had endeared greatly with each other and to part ways without seeing each other again was a difficult reality. These were enough reasons for them to weep.
Relationships could bring pleasant and painful moments. Paul had engaged in mission trips, wherein he met and develop meaningful relationships. Yes, he had his worst critics. But, he had also his loyal friends who helped him. Their friendship centered on the gospel. But, friends may fail at times. When he was imprisoned in Rome, he wrote to Timothy. He said, “ At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.[2 Tim 4:16-17]
Our gospel relationships matter. But, we should be realistic. Time and opportunities are ordained by God. There is a time to let go. As Solomon beautifully coined in words.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”[Ecc 3:1-12]
Let’s build relationships as if it will last forever. But, let us be sensitive to God’s sovereignty and leadership to let it go if it is for the advancement of the gospel.
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- Acts 20:32-35 ESV
32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
INTEGRITY
At the backdrop of false teachers deceptive ways in destroying lives, Paul encouraged the elders to focus on the word of God. The word of his grace is able to build up and to give the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. The truly born again believers are sanctified, or set apart.
There are three aspects of sanctification. When we are saved, we receive positional sanctification. That is, we are forgiven, and no one can take our salvation away from us. Throughout our lives, as we become more spiritually mature and Christlike, we experience progressive sanctification. Upon physical death, when we receive our glorified bodies and are no longer subject to sin, we will have perfect sanctification.
In an assertive way, Paul has expressed his blamelessness to them. Paul’s words and deeds matched. They knew it. He did not use the ministry to enrich himself. He supported himself for a living by making or selling tents. He modelled to them a selfless life devoted to bless others, specially the underprivileged. He said, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”[v.35] Let us take note, Paul has a very balanced view of ministers and support. He believes that pastors should be paid by their congregations (1 Cor 9:14), but he will not insist on that right if it will impede the spread of the gospel.
Paul had described to Timothy later the false teachers as ‘people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.’[1 Tim 6:5b] They desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.[1 Tim 6:9,10]
Paul lived a contented life, which was the secret that maintain his integrity. He said, “But, godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and[c] we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”[1 Tim 6:6,7] He lived to his words. When he was imprisoned in Rome , he said, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.[Phil 4:11b-13]
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Acts 20:25-30 ESV
25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO YOURSELVES
The measure of success in ministry is determined by the succession of leadership. Are the next leaders at par or even exceeds in their love and devotion to Jesus and the truth. Paul said thhe subtle creeping in of false teachers in the church was inevitable. This was the concern of Paul. How did he ensure that these leaders would remain in their orthodoxy and orthopraxy?
For three years at Ephesus, he did not cease night or day to admonish every one of the elders with tears. What an open and vulnerable life. Isn’it? He did not shrink from declaring to them the whole counsel of God. Life begets life. His life was an open book. He had given his life for them as he did to his protegee, Timothy, who became the pastor in Ephesus later. He said to Timothy, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”[2 Tim 1:13] He moved on to remind Timothy, “You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.”[2 Tim 3:10]
The first and foremost responsibility was their ‘paying careful attention to their hearts’ before the care of the churches. This is not only for pastors but for all of us. This was what Solomon had admonished us, saying.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.”[Prov 4:23]
Today and everyday, let’s lay our hearts open before God. Let’s pray with the psalmist;
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.’ [Psa 139:23,24]
And as David prayed;
“Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”[Psa 19:13,14]
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Acts 20:18-24 ESV
18 And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
CONSTRAINED BY THE SPIRIT
This meeting of Paul with the Elders from Ephesus was filled with emotions. He had endeared the people he had led and served for three years. It was because he won’t see them again. And , in his final meeting with them, he rehearsed his commitment to the gospel ministry. And, he was confident for them to know it by saying, “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”[v.18-20]
Paul’s life was of yieldedness and surrender to serve humble. He was an obedient ‘doulos’. No opposition could quench his passion to ‘testify both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ’. In a public place [like the hall of Tyrannus] or in a house, day and night, he grabbed every opportunity to teach the gospel to them. In short, Paul was tireless as if a candle burning at both ends.
He should have stayed longer in Ephesus, should the Holy Spirit did not constrain him to leave towards Jerusalem. He obeyed the promptings of the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to him there except . His life was determined not by what he knew for certain but by the Spirit though it was uncertain, even difficult. He was not scared to be imprisoned and afflicted, but was full of courage. Why?
It is because he considered himself dispensable for Christ. He said to the elders who tried to discouraged him going to Jerusalem, “ I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[v.24]
To live an expendable life like Paul is determined by our motivation for the gospel. The carrot must big enough to convince us to yield and surrender to Christ. May we will be always awed and filled with wonder in the beauty of Christ. Either we live for His cause or for something else.
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Acts 20:13-17 ESV
13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and[b] the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.
MISSIONARY TRAVELS
After Troas, Luke and a few others sailed from Philippi and meet Paul in Troas. Although Luke and several others decided to sail from Troas to Assos, Paul chose to walk to the city (v.13,14). Why? Did many from Troas come along to listen more from him? We don’t have an idea.
In Assos the entire group took a ship to Mitylene (v. 14). From Mitylene they sailed past the islands of Chios and Samos, docked for a night at Trogyllium, then eventually arrived at Miletus (v.15). It was from Miletus that the apostle requested that the elders in the Ephesian church should visit him. When they arrived he warned them about the coming ‘apostasy’ in the church (v.26-31).
Should he successfully left at Corinth, this important meeting with the elders of Ephesus should had not happened. There are no interruptions in the Lord. When God closes one road, He opens another one. Indeed, God is arranging everything in our lives for good [Rom 8:28]. That is, everything does happen in conjunction to His plan and purposes, doesn’t it?
This ardous and long travel had accentuated the third missionary journey of Paul to Asia and Europe.
Let’s be aware today that missionary endeavors entail a lot of traveling. Like Paul, missionaries today spend a lot of time and money traveling. As Paul said, “ For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?[c] And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”[Rom 10:13-15]
Thus, seeking the lost means expenses – time and resources. The great commission means ‘going’ to where the people are. Should there were no missionaries who cross streets and seas, we won’t be able to hear the gospel. Mission trips, either short term or long term, create opportunities for people to hear the gospel. As Paul had exhorted, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”[Eph 5:16] By this, he was implying that opportunities don’t just happen during the evil days, so let’s ‘redeem’ or buy back opportunities. I pray that we would be encouraged to support our church missions endeavor through giving financially and going on mission trips and even in prayers. Thus, let’s make ourselves available in spreading the gospel.
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- Acts 20:7-11 ESV
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.
AN EXTENDED TALK
It was Lord’s day. Luke accounted that they were gathered together in unnamed 3 storey building at Troas. It should be noted that the early Christians met on Sundays. Why? First, because it is the day of the week that Jesus rose from the dead (Matt 28:1). Second, because it represented the first day of creation—the church is something new, and the Jesus-followers have work to do.
"Breaking of bread" may refer to a community meal (a "love feast"), a meal provided for the poor, or the Lord's supper. As it was a first day of the week, this was probably communion. In the early church, communion was practiced every Sunday. The bread and cup are one part of the entire service which also included a reminder of the gospel and a call to repent of sins and reconcile with other church members.
Paul talked with them. It meant that Paul has a discussion with them, reasoning back and forth, instead of just lecturing. Intending to depart on the next day, he prolonged his talked until midnight. Perhaps, there were a lot of subjects and questions covered. Are we willing to spend an extended time to hear the word of God.
A young man named Eutychus who was sitting by the window, while listening. Usually, in the highest room, there was only the roof. Although people do use the roof for living space, fewer supports are needed, allowing upper rooms to be more open. These bigger windows on the higher floor will, normally, also allow for more air flow.
Eutychus had fallen asleep and fell dead to the ground. He died trying to listen the word of God. His tiredness had caught him. However, Paul will bring him back to life and the group will continue talking until daybreak (see v.9–12). The crisis even was transformed into a wonderful testimony. Consequently, they were much encouraged.
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Acts 20:1-6 ESV
After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.
BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT
Paul's third missionary journey was about to end. He spent three years in Ephesus then went north to Troas, across to Philippi, and south to Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth (Acts 20:1–2, 31). His primary reason for revisiting the churches he planted is to encourage them but also to collect donations for believers in Jerusalem (Rom 15:26).
Difficulties and persecutions don’t define Paul. It was his deep love for God and the gospel that drove him. Nothing could stop him going to the churches and encouraging the believers. As he encouraged the elders at Ephesus later, he said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[Acts 20:24]
Paul takes the long way from Corinth to Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders in Corinth plotted against him so he can't sail straight to Caesarea Maritima. Instead, he returns up the coast to Macedonia, across the Aegean to Troas, and back down the coast of modern-day Turkey to Miletus before he can take a ship to Judea. In other words, God could protect us but we need also to use our common sense unless the Lord prompts us to do something else.
Paul was encouraged by the wonderful and godly men with him. They came from all over the place. They were together because of the gospel. Sopater, was a Berean, and most likely a careful, considerate scholar (Acts 17:10–12). Aristarchus is apparently the same man who was caught in the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:29]. We know nothing of Secundus. Gaius was from Galatia, in central modern-day Turkey now (Acts 19:29). Timothy, the young man Paul met in Lystra at the beginning of his second missionary journey and he mentored (Acts 16:1) Tychicus and Trophimus were from the province of Asia in southwest Turkey. And, Tychicus became Paul's faithful messenger (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2 Tim 4:12; Titus 3:12).
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Acts 19:29-41 ESV
29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
A CONFUSION
It was frenzy and chaotic. The preaching of the gospel had stirred people. Earlier at Athens, Gentiles rejected Paul's offer of salvation on the grounds of philosophical differences. They didn't believe in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 17:32). In Philippi and Ephesus, it was because Paul's ministry threatened a small group's ability to make money (Acts 16:19; 19:26–27). Here at Ephesus, so many people were abandoning the Greek gods and following Jesus. Thus, the craftsmen who make idols were losing business.
They dragged Paul’s companions, Gaius[from Corinth] and Aristarchus[from Thessalonica] into the theatre. The theater is also used as a forum where people meet three times a month to work out issues that threaten the peace of the city. However, this is not a forum, it's a mob that has been worked into a frenzy. Paul was prevented by his disciples and some of his Asiarch friends to come in. "Asiarchs" were people from Asia, the province in southwestern modern-day Turkey. They maybe were high-ranking officers. But it's not clear if these men were Jesus-followers or if they just cared about Paul's well-being as his friends. The people of Ephesus don't know what's going on.[v.32] Fortunately, the town clerk can disperse the riot (v.41)
This experience was overwhelming. Paul was rattled as he expressed to the church in Corinth, "For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead" (2 Cor 1:8–9).
An apostle may experience sufferings to represent Christ.[John 16:33] This hardship had given another benefit of Paul's suffering. He understood how deep pain and a sense of loss feel. He had received God's comfort in the worst affliction. As a result, he could understand and offer God's comfort to anyone who was experiencing something similar.[2 Cor 1:3]
Acts 19:21-28 ESV
21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” 28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
THE GOSPEL DISTURBS
For almost three years (Acts 20:31), Paul has been ministering in Ephesus, a city well known for demonic activities and witchcraft. When the people who practiced witchcraft realized Paul's power was greater than the demons they served, they renounced their beliefs and burned their books (Acts 19:11–20). As a result, in the province of Asia, particularly at the southwest modern-day Turkey, people were not only abandoning the demon worship, but also the Greek gods.
This meant they stopped worshipping the goddess Artemis or Diana. Thus, they were not buying her idols and shrines anymore. The craftsmen, led by Demetrius should had not cared that Paul is rescuing people having been enslaved to demons if it was not a threat to their livelihood. Thus, Demetrius incited a mob under the guise of concern for Artemis worship and regional patriotism. The city was in chaos, as the mob marched to protest to the theater. Many joined in their chant—"Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" —although they have no idea what's going on (see v.24–34)
The gospel is a radical truth. Should people receive the gospel, there would be transformations in their lives and culture. One couldn’t be a follower of Jesus and idols simultaneously. Jesus demands absolute loyalty unto Himself. It’s either Jesus or idols. It couldn’t be both. As the saying goes, “ If Jesus isn’t the Lord of all, He isn’t Lord at all.” People who are radically changed would radically change their culture also.
Jesus has warned us, by saying, “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.”[John 7:7] He added, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”[John 15:18,19]
The craftsmen livelihood was at stake. Obviously, they won’t be happy and allow their business to vanish in thin air. As hornests whose nest was destroyed, they attacked and persecuted the believers. These believers left worshipping idols to serve the living and true God. Indeed, those who lived godly in Christ will be persecuted. [2 Tim 3:12] Thus, the persecutions reveal the genuineness of a believer’s spirituality. Do we?
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Acts 19:17-20 ESV
17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
THE RENOUNCING OF SINFUL PRACTICES
When the exorcists were humiliated, fear came upon those who saw it, even to all the people in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, who heard about it. This had prompted the believers to renounce their wicked practices of magic arts and divinations.
They came and humbly were confessing and divulging their practices. A great number of magic arts practitioners brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. The total value is fifty thousand pieces of silver. If these were silver drachma, the value would be more than $10,000 today.
This demonstrates that the people of Ephesus was saturated with paganism as part of the Roman Empire. They even had household idols and city gods and was known for the temple of Artemis[Diana]. A culture of witchcraft, which attracts demons and Jewish exorcists was prominent. But sometimes people are just waiting for rescue to hear the truth. They were ignorant until they heard Paul preached and saw the power of God through him. Let’s remember that ‘faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.’ [Rom 10:17]
Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. ….So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”[John 8:34,36] They renounced in public that they abandoned their old beliefs. Like the Thessalonian believers, they turned from idols to serve the living and true God. Paul even said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”[2 Cor 5:17] One couldn’t claim that he loves the Lord and practices sin at the same time, could he? John said, “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.”[1 John 2:9]
Today, let’s confess, repent and renounce the sin that beset us. Let’s uproot it from our lives as a gardener who loves flower should uproot the weeds in his garden.
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Acts 19:11-17 ESV
11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.
A FRAUD EXPOSED
God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul at Ephesus, a city famous of the worship of Artemis and witchcraft. These miracles were directly identified as acts of power of the Holy Spirit who is working through him. "Extraordinary" is from the Greek root word tynchanō and has the idea of "accurate," "effective," or "hitting the target." "By the hands of Paul" means the miracles came through Paul, not necessarily only from his hands but even those who touched his skin were healed.
In the Gospels, some people were healed by touching Jesus' robes (Mat 9:20–22; 14:34–36). However, this does not validate the modern practice of "prayer handkerchiefs." There are televangelists who sell pieces of cloth they claim to have the power to heal, earn money, or otherwise send God's blessings. Demanding money for a magical piece of fabric is for frauds and the greedy for money.
Seeing what Paul did, some itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits. They were the seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest. They used the name of Jesus. Fraudsters often take advantage of the search for a deeper connection to the spirit world. During their first missionary journey, they had encountered one in Cyprus named Bar-jesus.
However these exorcists use the sounds that identify the Jesus Paul worships, they don't use Jesus' name. Why? His name includes His power, sovereignty, character, and authority. When we are baptized in Jesus' name, we submit ourselves to Him. To use Jesus without really knowing Him is to risk His rejection. Clearly, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ [Matt 7:21-23]
It's also to risk being ignored, even worse to be attacked by the demons being addressed. The man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.[v.16] The evil spirit could make their lives miserable. As Mark wrote, “And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.”[Mark 9:18]
In other words, God would expose the fraud. Ironically, He even used the demon to expose their folly and extoll the integrity of Paul. The spirit answered, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” The people in response feared God. Thereby, their wicked ways was turned around as a means for God’s glory. In the Old Testament, He even could use an animal, a donkey spoke and exposed Balaam’s wickedness. God can turn things around for He is in control. God and the Spirit’s work could neither be misappropriated nor duplicated.
Acts 19:8-10 ESV
8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he waithdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
THE HALL OF TYRANNUS
For three months in the synagogue , Paul had tried to reason and persuade the Jews about the kingdom of God, that is, the gospel of the kingdom of God. He was persuasive. But, some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation.
Paul deemed it was not wise to continue. It was a signal to shake the dust off from his feet and move on. There was no use to spend time with people knowing they were hardening their hearts. The more they resist the truth, the more they thickened the wall of their unbelief.
Hence, Paul withdrew from them and took the disciples with him to the hall of Tyrannus. It was here that he was reasoning daily in the next two years. Through this, all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. That is, everyone from all walks of life had the opportunity to hear the gospel.
There are school of thoughts who was Tyrannus. His name in Greek means “prince” or “ruler.” Was he a believer or not? Was he a teacher, businessman, orator or philosopher? Perhaps, he has this hall rented to traveling philosophers and teachers like Paul. Was he a Jewish scholar or rabbi who had his own private synagogue or operated a school? The place could have been called “Tyrannus Lecture Hall” in the same way that a university today might christen a building “Jose Rizal Hall.”
It is believed that Paul taught in this hall “from the 5th- 10th hour [11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.] This period typically was when workers had their lunch and rested from their work and the heat of the day. As a tentmaker, It’s possible that Paul would have worked during the other parts of the day (cf. Acts 18:3) and had utilized this midday period of rest to ‘reason and persuade’ everyone about the gospel.
He was hitting two birds with one stone through his teaching ministry at the school of Tyrannus, notably. While preaching the gospel to others, he was observed by his disciples, who should have caught his skills first hand. It was life-on-life experience for them.
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Acts 19:1-7 ESV
And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
THE BAPTISM OF JOHN
To begin with, the Jews had already practiced baptism in ritual cleansing ceremonies of Gentile proselytes. John applied it to those who received his message of cleansing for both Jewish and Gentiles. He clearly declared the purpose of baptizing, that is, “I baptize you with water for repentance.” [Matt 3:11a] Paul had affirmed this saying, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.”
It was a recognition of one’s sin, a desire for spiritual cleansing, and a commitment to follow God’s law in anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival. In other words, John prepared the way for Christ by calling people to acknowledge their sin and their need for salvation. His baptism was a purification ceremony meant to ready the peoples’ hearts to receive Jesus, the Messiah. It foreshadowed what Jesus would accomplish, resembling much to the Old Testament sacrificial system did.
Notedly, John had emphasized the exaltation of Christ. He said, “He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”[Matt 3:11] When he knew that Jesus was baptizing as He began His public ministry, he was elated to say, “ You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.”[John 3:28-30]
Christian baptism, however, is a mark of one’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It symbolizes of a cleansing that is complete and a commitment that is the natural response of one who has been made new. The sarifice of Jesus only on the cross does completely wash away our sins, and we are raised to new life empowered by the Holy Spirit (see 2 Cor 5:17–21; Rom 6:1–11).
Paul met these twelve Jewish disciples at Ephesus, who were baptized in John’s baptism only. The problem was not that they did not want it. They did not know about it, even hear about the Holy Spirit. They believed, were baptized and spoke in tongues. This does accentuates the need of discipleship, does it not? Today, many become believerss and receive the Holy Spirit with little understanding of who Jesus is and who the Trinity is.
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Acts 18:24-28 ESV
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
APOLLOS
Apollos was an evangelist, apologist, church leader, and friend of the apostle Paul. Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt, described as “eloquent,” “mighty in the Scriptures,” “fervent in the spirit” and “instructed in the way of the Lord” (see v.24). His academic excellence is not a surprise. Alexandria was known for being an academic center. Its had a library that its loss was a historical tragedy. In the 3rd and 4th BC, 70 Jewish scholars in Alexandria translated Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. This version called the Septuagint has been largely quoted by Jesus and the other New Testament characters.
Apollos was a close follower of John the Baptist. He knew something about Jesus, but it's unclear if he only knows what John had taught (Mark 1:2–8) or if he heard more from believers later. If he knew that Jesus is the Messiah, he didn't quite understand what that means (see v.25). He preached repentance and faith in the Messiah—even had believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah—but he did not know the full essence of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Definitely, his zealousness showed that it doesn’t need that we know so much before God could use us.
When Apollos arrived at Ephesus, the synagogue leaders invited him to speak. Priscilla and Aquila, the couple incharge to take care the church in Ephesus by Paul (Acts 18:19), realized he needed more help to know Jesus more. Thus, they took him aside and showed him who Jesus is and what He came to do. Apollos had enthusiastically accepted their explanation, became a powerful evangelist. Like him, let us be teachable. He was a dynamic speaker but was humble enough to recognize his need to grow.
Eventually, he took the role of Paul in leading the church at Corinth (see v 26–28). He made an impact on the Corinthian church for some were claiming ultimate loyalty to him. The others had expressed their loyalties to either Paul or Peter, even to Jesus (1 Cor 1:12). In other words, he was considered as one of their great leaders. But, he remained humble. In fact Paul commented the significance of his humility and giftedness, by saying, “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”[1 Cor 3:5-8]
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Acts 18:18-23 ESV 18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
LEARNING TO SAY NO Paul wanted to preach in the synagogue at Corinth. But, the people drove him away. But at Ephesus, the Jews wanted for him to stay longer. But, he declined. Why? He was functioning according to God’s will implied by his farewell words, “I will return to you if God wills.” He left Ephesus, strengthening the disciples in the churches of Galatia and Prygia, on his way back to Antioch, Syria.
Notedly, he did not leave Ephesus if not for Aquila and Priscilla. In short, Paul didn’t feel indespensable. He believed the couple could do a better job without him. Paul wasn’t just leaving Ephesus irresponsibly.
How do our lives function and operate? Are we pursuing His will. Solomon says; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”[Prov 3:5,6]
We must neither be governed by our impulses nor by the urges of man. Our ‘steps and stops’ are ordered by the Lord. [Psa 37:23] Let’s not forget that we could not and are not expected to do everything. But, we can do something. Thus, we must focus on that something that is of utmost priority.[Rom 12:1,2] If it’s the will of God, it’s the most important. Though, the world may look at it as insignificant or irrelevant.
Therefore, let’s learn only to say ‘Yes’ to Jesus. Let’s learn to say “No” to that which push us away from doing His will. Our joy must be anchored only in doing His will. We do chose only to obey God, don’t we? Hence, when we say “No” to people, it is for their best interest if it’s the will of God. Otherwise, we are doing a disservice to people and our lives. God won’t be glorified if were not in the center of His will even though outwardly our work seem to progress in the eyes of men. Let’s not de fooled. An object in motion may not necessarily mean progress.
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Acts 18:12-17 ESV
12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
VINDICTIVENESS
Inorder to stop Paul and company, the Jews sought legal sanction against them in the court of Gallio, the preconsul of Achaia. But Gallio, the preconsul of Achaia, drove them out. Why? It was because he found it unlawful or illegal, saying, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” That is, a religious Jewish law could not be entertained in the Roman court. They were wasting his time.
But, the Jews won’t satisfy and stop. They were vindictive. Just think of what they did next. They seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. This was pure madness, plain and simple. Gallio, however, paid no attention. He did not care when the Jews took the law in their hands. By doing nothing, he approved their atrocities not for a crime but for preaching the gospel. God had allowed this for a reason.
What are we going to do if we suffer for doing right, that is, by preaching Jesus?
Peter had articulated, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”[1 Pet 4:12-19]
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Acts 18:5-11 ESV
5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
SALVATION IS OF THE LORD ALONE
Paul was occupied with the word [gospel], testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. He put his heart out in proclaiming the Jesus in the Christ. Why? He loved them. He expressed it by saying, “ I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.”[Rom 9:1-5]
But, the Jews opposed and reviled him except Titius Justus[ a worshiper of God, a proselyte] and Crispus, the synagogue leader, with his family. Sadly, their continual rejection to the message had hardened their hearts even more. Similarly, Pharaoh had hardened his heart by seeing God’s power yet he rejected Him all the time. The Spirit brings conviction of sin. But, if a person keeps on resisting against the truth, he is hardening his heart up to the point of numbness or in becoming unconscionable.
Hence, Paul found it useless to continue. He gave them up. Thus, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” He did his part. The blame was on them solely, because of their rejection to his message. In other words, we must not err ourselves in failing to preach the gospel faithfully. This is our solemn responsibility as His messengers. Salvation is the work of God alone. Thus, let’s be discerning not to waste our little time to where the Holy Spirit isn’t working.
Certainly, this has opened the opportunity for Paul to preach the gospel for the Gentiles. About this, Paul did express, “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!”[Rom 11:11,12]
Where Paul was frustrated, God did encourage him through a vision. God said, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” God is in control.
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Acts 18:1-4 ESV
After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
AQUILA AND PRISCILLA
At Corinth, Paul met the Jewish couple Aquila and Priscilla. Their meeting was a divine appointment. Claudius, the Roman emperor, commanded that all Jews must leave Rome. Had it not been for their eviction from Rome, they won’t go to Corinth. Could we accept that the diaspora of Filipinos all over the world is working for the advancement of the gospel?
And, they and Paul were of the same trade – tentmakers. Having heard of their faith in Christ, Paul lived and worked with them while founding the Corinthian church. They served together in the synagogue every Sabbath. They tried to persuade Jews and Greeks to believe the gospel. This was the beginning of their long friendship.
After a year and a half, Paul left for Ephesus and took Aquila and Priscilla with him. The couple stayed in Ephesus when Paul left and established a church in their home (1 Cor 16:19). Then, an eloquent preacher named Apollos arrived at Ephesus. Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures, but he only knew the baptism of John. That is, he knew Christ had come and fulfilled John’s prophecies. But, he didn’t know the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection, the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit, or the mystery of the church consisting of both Jews and Gentiles. Priscilla and her husband took Apollos aside and explained these things to him (Acts 18:24-26). Because of their association with Paul, both Aquila and Priscilla possessed an in-depth understanding of doctrine learned from the apostle. Indeed, this husband and wife team was able to mentor or disciple another Christian and build him up in the faith.
What could we learn from them today?
A great example of hospitality. They had opened their home to Paul and used their house as a meeting place for the church. Also, we learned about their passion for Christ and their hunger for knowledge of Him.
One notable hallmark of their lives was their desire to help others grow in the faith. Paul’s last reference to them is in his last letter to Timothy. Young Timothy was pastoring the church at Ephesus. Notedly, Aquila and Priscilla were there with him, still faithfully ministering (2 Tim 4:19). Undoubtedly, Aquila and Priscilla were offering hospitality to other Christians, spreading the gospel they had learned from Paul, and had rendered faithful service to the Master. Are we?
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Acts 17:26-34 ESV
26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said," 'For we are indeed his offspring.’
29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
HE COMMANDS ALL PEOPLE EVERYWHERE TO REPENT
As a sovereign God, He does authorize who will rule (Rom 13:1–7) and what the geographical boundaries and rule tenure of nations. (Deut 32:8]. Thus, "they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him" (v.27).
God can't be far away because even the Greek poets affirmed in their writings that God gives people life. Further, they said that we are His offspring. And since we are, it is foolish to think God could be represented by an immobile statue designed by human imagination and made by human hands, is it not? (v. 28,29)
Instead, Paul calls the Athenians to repent. Repentance is a change of mind that affects one’s action. They had disrespected God and need to admit their sin of idolatry. God is a jealous God and he won’t share His glory to another.[Isa 48:11] Just as God set times for individuals and nations, He set a time for future judgment. He affirmed this by selecting the judge and identifying Him by raising Him from the dead (v. 30,31).
Christ’s resurrection is the pivotal event in history. Since then, Jesus has ascended into heaven and is coming again to judge the living and the dead. [1 Pet 3:22] As Paul explained, “21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”[1 Cor 15:21-24]
In summary, Paul's wit and argument to take an altar to an unknown God and wind it around to Jesus' resurrection is impressive, is it not? Unfortunately, neither Epicureans nor Stoics believed in the resurrection of the dead, so that they did not believe in a future judgment. The Stoics thought the chief aim of man is to live in harmony with the logos—the law that governs the universe—to which they will return. While the Epicureans thought life is about finding just enough food, pleasure, and comfort to not be in want but not be in excess. For them, fulfillment comes in the moment, and when they die, they will cease to exist. Thus, they mocked Paul but a few asked for more and eventually believed.
- Acts 17:22-27 ESV
22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.
TO THE UKNOWN GOD
They became curious to what Paul had preached. Thus, they invited Paul to speak at Areopagus. According to gotquestions.org, “Northwest of the city of Athens, Greece, is a small hill covered in stone seats. This area was once used as a forum for the rulers of Athens to hold trials, debate, and discuss important matters. This location was called Areopagus, a combination of the Greek words for “god of war” and “stone”: the Areopagus is literally “Ares’ Rock.” The equivalent to Ares in Roman mythology is Mars. By the time of Paul and the early Christian church, this location was under Roman control, so the spot was known as Mars Hill.”
Paul started by commending the people about their culture of religiosity. Being religious isn’t a bad thing. There is a good religion. James says, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”[Jas 1:26,27]
Paul was observant. And, he connected well with the people by identifying their religiosity. The Greeks basically believed in a pantheon of gods. But, Paul was quick to tailor the gospel message on one altar. He said, “For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”
Could God be confined on an altar? He is the transcendent God. That is, as the creator, He is over and above creation. As Paul said, “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. “ Moreover, He is sovereign. Paul continued. “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.”
Why they placed an altar with the inscription, “to the unknown god”? When it is uncertain, they didn’t want to miss anyone. Perchance, this god could be appeased their sacrifices. It’s ridiculous to believe on something like an idol blindly, is it not. Thank God for we can know God because He reveals to us in the person of Christ.
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Acts 17:16-21 ESV
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.
A NEW TEACHING
Paul waited the arrival of Silas and Timothy at Athens. When he saw the city full of idols. He was provoked within him. Was he moved with compassion as Jesus saw the multitudes? [see Matt 9] Was it because he was zealous for the glory of God?
His passion moved him into action. He reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Paul was an oppotunist for the gospel. Are we?
He conversed with the Epicureans and Stoics. Epicureans believed in materialism and annihilationism: that there is no true supernatural and when a person dies there is no soul or spirit to resurrect. Stoics, on the other hand, believed everything is material, including the soul, which is made of fire, and at death the soul returns to logos, the foundational law of the cosmos. Both don’t believe in a final judgment of wrong behavior.
They accused Paul as a babbler. It refers to a bird that picks up random seeds from the ground. Metaphorically, it refers to someone who wanders about the marketplace, picking up bits and pieces of different philosophies and mashing them together in an incohesive mess.
They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. In other words, they were just curious at what Paul proclaimed. The gospel was not new. It’s only that they were ignorant about it yet.
Today, whether people would believe the gospel or not, that doesn’t change the truth of it as somebody would take his medicine or not. We don’t amend the message to make it palatable. The gospel must be proclaimed as it is. As Paul said, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”[1 Cor 1:18]
Let’s take heed to what Peter has admonished us, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”[1 Pet 3:15,16]
Acts 17:10-15 ESV
10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
THE NOBLE BELIEVERS
When God allows a set back, He is opening a new opportunity. Indeed, He directs our steps as He did to Paul to escape death fromThessalonica to Berea. Was he afraid to die? Definitely not! He has zeal but according to wisdom.
Nobody can quench the flaming heart of Paul and the team. Instead of resting at Berea, they went to synagogue to preach. Amazingly, they received the word with all eagerness. In fact, these Jewish believers were more noble than in Thessalonica.
Why?
They were examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul had preached were so. The Bereans' response to study for themselves is unique and admirable (1 John 4:1). Their study and acceptance surely had allowed Jesus' story to reach further into the synagogue's leadership. This provided Paul and Silas more freedom to teach definitely. This is a beautiful example in Scripture which endorse an informed and reasonable faith (1 John 4:1; 2 Cor 13:5)
It's not enough to receive the gospel by faith. We must grow and demonstrate it in our lives. As Paul said, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”[Col 2:6,7] And, this needs our faithfulness in spending time in the scriptures. The scriptures builds us up. [Acts 20:32] As the psalmist writes;
“his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.”[Psa 1:2-3]
Our nobility rests in the depth of our grasp of Scriptures.
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Acts 17:1-9 ESV
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
MEN WHO HAVE TURNED THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
For three Sabbaths, Paul preached in the synagogues at Thesssalonica to the Jews, as it was his custom. He reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”[v.2,3]
Are we zealous to proclaim Christ and Him alone like Paul? Even to the Corinth Christians Paul had declared, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”[1 Cor 2:2] The gospel is our only message that is powerful.[Rom 1:16]
Many Jews, devout Greeks and even many influential women were persuaded. Indeed, the crucified Christ is irresistible. Jesus even claimed, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John recorded,” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.”[John 12:3-33]
The gospel that attacks would antagonize the enemies of Christ and his servants. The Jewish leaders who were jealous instigated a mob. They articulated well about the essence of the gospel message by their accusations. In what ways? That, Paul and company were counter-culture. Because their message transformed lives, they were branded as ‘men who have turned the world upside down.’ The Christians with Jason, who accommodated Paul and Silas, were willing to suffer for Jesus. Later, Paul wrote about the supernatural conversion and transformation of the Thessalonian Christians, saying, “Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”[1 Thess 1:5-10]
Acts 16:16-19 ESV
16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. 19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.
THE SLAVE GIRL SET FREE
This slave girl’s story is from bondage to freedom. She was governed by demons so that she could perform divinations or fortune telling. Her owners had used her with much gain. Sadly, she was both enslaved physically and spiritually. Similarly, the god of this world has enslaved every sinful man. As Paul described, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”[Eph 2:1-3]
She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” [V.17] Why was Paul annoyed? Because someone possessed by an evil spirit was riding on the real deal, that is, the Gospel of Christ. She may have recognized them as people spreading the gospel, but the foundation and source of her ability was not Christ, but a demon. The reason behind why he rebuked the demon.
What does this mean to us today?
You see, friends and brethren , this scenario is the subtle infiltration of Satan to the gospel work. It's about exposing and stopping counterfeits who present themselves as "Christs." It's about discerning the spirit behind each and every person's choices and decisions, and acting accordingly.
As Paul rebuked the demon, he came out at that very hour as darkness will give way when the light comes. As John said, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”[1 John 1:5] She was freed by the name of Jesus, not because she had faith in Jesus but the faith of Paul. In contrast to her deep misery as a slave, she obtained and experienced true freedom. As Jesus has said, “ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”[John 8:36]
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Acts 16:13-15 ESV
13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
LYDIA, THE FIRST CONVERT IN EUROPE
It was divine appointment that Paul and team met Lydia. However, it should have not happened should they didn’t go where people were gathering by the riverside. It was place of prayer in Philippi where they found women praying during Sabbath. They looked for an opportunity to proclaim the word[gospel].
Normally, when entering a new city, Paul attends the local synagogue and waits for an opportunity to speak (see also Acts 13:5; 18:4). And, there was a requisite ten Jews needed to maintain a synagogue. Most probably, there were not enough Jewish men in Philippi to open a synagogue there. All it had was a group of women who worshiped the Jewish God and met on the Sabbath at the river to pray.
Paul and team had no idea who among the ladies would the Spiriit would convict until Lydia responded upon hearing the word preached. Indeed, faith comes by hearing the word[Rom 10:17]. God had rerouted Paul and friends and also ensured that Lydia would be in the right place at the right time to encounter Paul and hear the good news of Jesus.
Definitely, the Lord had opened her blinded heart to believe the gospel. Let’s not forget that ‘the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.’[2 Cor 4:4] But, God is light so that he could open eyes and dispel darkness. [1 John 1:5]
Lydia was from the city of Thyatira, who was a seller of purple goods, must be a wealthy businesswoman. Thyatira was famous for, being a center of indigo trade. Lydia apparently had moved to Philippi to ply her trade in that city. And, she was a worshiper of God. Was Lydia a Jewish woman because she was worshipping God during Sabbath or a Jewish proselyte.
What could we learn from her story?
We see the sovereignty of God in salvation. As Jesus has claimed, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them” (John 6:44). She and her household were baptized. The gospel is too good not to be shared to her household. Moreover, we also see the immediate bond that a new believer has with other believers in Christ. Lydia showed hospitality to Paul and the team, and she wouldn’t take “no” for an answer.
Interestingly, the early church was filled with "firsts." The church in Jerusalem was the first church (Acts 2:1–4). Cornelius and his household were the first large group of Gentiles to come to faith in Christ (Acts 10:44–48). The church in Syrian Antioch was the first to be home to large numbers of Gentiles (Acts 11:19–26). The church in Philippi was the first church in Europe, and the first documented to start with a Gentile household, and the first that began with a woman.
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Acts 16:6-12 ESV
6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days.
THE MACEDONIAN CALL
There was no doubt That Paul, Silas and Timothy were dedicated to enter new places to preach the good news. Paul, himself was tasked and committed, to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, in the heartland of Asia.
The question is where?
The team planned and worked their itinerary. They had come up to Mysia, attempted to go into Bithynia, But the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them, they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. Troas is a port town on the westernmost shore of modern-day Asia Minor. At Troas, Paul saw a vision in the night. An image of a man of Macedonia appeared standing, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
Planning isn’t wrong in itself, unless we won't involve God. This was the warning of James, who said, “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”[Jas 4:13-17] This was the mistake of the rich farmer in Jesus’ parable in Luke 12.
As a response to the vision, Paul and the team immediately sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. His will was clear and their obedience was prompt.
What does this mean to us today?
Solomon has admonished, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”[Prov 16:3] We should plan with God’s guidance. He continued to say, “ The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”[Prov 16:9] Should we plan and our thoughts are subservient to God’s ways, He promised to lead us to the right direction. As Prov 3:5-6 says;
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
As the saying goes, “Plan your ways but don’t carve it upon the stone’ Let’s not seek a vision or dream for primarily the bible can give us principles in making decisions. However, let’s give the benefit of the doubt to God and seek Him in prayer. He may use people and our circumstances to affirm our plans or not. Why? Isaiah has articulated the sovereignty of God , saying;
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”[Isa 55:8,9]
Acts 16:1-3 ESV
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
TIMOTHY, A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE
As they arrived in Derbe and Lystra, Paul saw Timothy. Who was he? He was a ‘mestizo’. His mom and grandmom were Eunice and Lois, respectively . Both of them were Jewish believers while his dad was Greek, presumed as an unbeliever. And he was a devout disciple of Christ, well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.
Paul decided to take him in his missionary journey with the rest of the team. But, he wasn’t circumcised yet. Thus, Paul had him circumcised because of the Jews. That is, not to provide a stumbling block in preaching the gopel to the Jews. Later, Paul had clarified this by saying, “ For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”[1 Cor 9:19-23]
Paul had endeared Timothy so that he referred him as son in the faith. He wrote to him, “To Timothy, my true child in the faith:” [1 Tim 1:2] This is also seen in 1 Tim 1:18, 2 Tim 2:1 and 1 Cor 4:17. It is either because he won Timothy to the Lord or he was his apprentice or both. It is worth noting that in each of these instances, as well as the other places that Paul calls someone his “son,” he uses the Greek word “teknon” rather than the much more commonly used word “huios’ for “son” in the New Testament. “Teknon” is taken as a more a figurative sense than “huios.” We do not know for sure why Paul used the word “son,” but we know that when he used it, he had great affection for that person.
Timothy was a very dependable son to Paul. Paul commended him to the church of Philippi, saying, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.”[Phil 2:19-22] Paul has poured his heart to him, saying, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”[2 Tim 2:1,2] But, Timothy was a little timid too. As a pastor in Ephesus later, Paul has encouraged him, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”[1 Tim 4:12]
Timothy was chosen by Paul for a greater task not in order to become faithful. It was because he was already proven faithful. As Jesus highlighted an important principle, that is, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”[Luke 16:10] Your faithfulness in your task today is a preparation for a greater task someday.
Acts 15:36-40 ESV
36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
DO AGREE TO DISAGREE
The dust of confusion brought about by the false teachers has cleared among the believers, in both Jewish and non-Jewish believers. The Jewish false teachers were put to silence and their plan was foiled. Then, Paul and Barnabas planned their second mission trip. Paul was clear about their purpose of this visit. That was, they would ‘visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ [v.36] Young churches needed support and encouragement. If they are left to themselves as orphans, they won’t survive surely. Nurture is important. As Paul expects every Christian, by saying, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”[Col 2:6,7] Christian growth is not an option but a must. Where there is life there should be growth.
But, Paul and Barnabas disagreed about bringing John Mark with them or not. Paul thought best not to take him with them. In their first journey, John Mark had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. But, Barnabas, John Mark’s cousin differed Paul. Their sharp disagreement led them to separate into two missionary teams.
Certainly, Paul and Barnabas were united in the idea to have another trip in order to follow up the new churches. It was in the ‘how’ they should form the team that they differed. In the same manner in most cases, we do have the same heartbeat about the needs in ministry and the gospel, don’t we? It’s on the ‘process’ that we differ. Thus, we should be magnanimous in such situation to agree to disagree.
Both, Paul and Barnabas had merits in their decision. Paul seemed task-oriented that John Mark may fail to complete this trip again. For him, it was not yet time for them to take John Mark. While, Barnabas, as an encourager himself, was people-oriented. That, John Mark could learn from his mistake and has to be given the chance. Later, he was proven right for John Mark was back to his feet again. But, we know later that Paul has nothing personal to John Mark. He wrote to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.”[2 Tim 4:11]
We should be united in the gospel. Both had the same heartbeat about the importance of spreading the gospel. However, God allows diversity consistent to the uniqueness of our giftedness and personalities in the non-essentials. God allows preferences so that we don’t necessarily agree in everything. Let’s not coerce and force our opinions at others. Let us take note that both teams of Paul and Barnabas had made great impact for the expansion of God’s kingdom through the ministry of the gospel. Thus, let us be magnanimous in our spirit.
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Acts 15:30-35 ESV
30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
THE ENCOURAGEMENT
When the team from Jerusalem arrived in Antioch, they gathered the congregation and delivered the letter to them. And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. There was a group of Jews, who were unauthorized, went earlier and discouraged them by their teaching. In contrast, Judas and Silas, the official representatives from Jerusalem, went to encourage them.
The letter itself could have been enough to encourage them. But, the church at Jerusalem deemed it fit to send representatives, particularly Judas and Silas. Their personal presence made a difference. The writer of Hebrews had exhorted us that physical gathering matters so much. He said, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”[Heb 10:24,25]
Judas and Silas spent with them for some time. Being prophets themselves, they encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. Like them, we must use our gifts to edify others. As Peter wrote, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”[1 Pet 4:10,11]
Whether we have the gift of prophecy or not, Paul has admonished us to encourage one another with God’s words. He said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”[Col 3:16] A word filled Christian is an encourager.
Paul later had emphasized the importance of the ministry of the word to the elders of Ephesus as a warning. The same thing may happen at Ephesus church. He said to them, “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”[Acts 20:24-29] The rise of false teachers seems inevitable. However, we have the truth, the Scriptures that can encourage and build us up.
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Acts 15:22-29 ESV
22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24 Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, 25 it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
BRETHREN IN CHRIST
The issue was raised, discussed and finally resolved by the council comprising the apostles and elders of the Jerusalem church. There was a fair deliberation out of mutual respect whereby the council listened to Paul and Barnabas as representatives from Antioch church. The apostles and elders of the Jerusalem church weren’t authoritative to dictate what the Antioch church, the newer local church.
They choose men [Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas] from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They carried the letter to be read in the church at Antioch. It formally sealed the accord between the Jewish and Gentile believers as one in Christ – brothers in Christ. The inclusion of abstinence from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality were encouraged not for moralitybut unity.
Paul wrote later, “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ,[Eph 3:6] In the body of Christ “there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”[Col 3:11]
As somebody said, “The ground was level where the cross was planted.” Our brotherhood is solely founded in Christ and in nothing else. One moral, social and economic status or background won’t make him better than the underprivilege. Thus, as the churches of Jerusalem and Antioch, let’s unite in Christ not necessarily squabble on cultural and customary differences.
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Acts 15:12-21 ESV
12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,
16 “‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’
19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
THE GOSPEL IS FOR EVERYONE
Barnabas and Paul were given the chance to testify. They recounted a list of the miracles they were able to perform during their journey. Specifically, Paul blinded a Jewish false prophet (Acts 13:11), healed a man crippled from birth (Acts 14:8–10), and survived being stoned (Acts 14:19–20). With Barnabas as his second witness, the council saw what the miracles were for. They were affirmations. The words shared with the Gentiles were true and their work was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Undoubtedly, their testimony included the Holy Spirit coming to the Gentiles (Acts 13:48–49; 14:1).
After hearing them, James [half brother of Jesus] concluded for them not to trouble the Gentiles turning to God. They should be glad, should they not? James reiterated Peter's testimony, how God had allowed him to visit a Roman centurion in Caesarea Maritima and share Jesus' offer of salvation to him and a house filled with friends, neighbors, and fellow soldiers. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles and gave them such signs that made Peter realized these non-Jews were chosen to receive God's grace also (see Acts 10; 15:7–11).
James asserted that the Old Testament prophet Amos recorded God speaking of people from foreign nations who would be "called by [His] name" (Amos 9:12), meaning, identifying with God as their sovereign ruler. And Jesus said, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd" (John 10:16). This "one flock" is comprised of Jews and Gentiles all of whom, as Peter asserted, are "saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus" (see Acts 15:11).
However free is the gospel for everyone, it’s not promoting licentiousness. James had emphasized that the Gentiles should “abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” James' dietary restrictions were for unity, not morality.
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Acts 15:6-11 ESV
6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
AN UNNECESSARY YOKE
At Jerusalem, the church leaders [apostles and elders] met together in order to deliberate about the issue that Paul and Barnabas had raised. The "apostles" mentioned here are believed to be the ten remaining disciples of Jesus plus Matthias who replaced Judas.[Acts 1:26] James had been martyred.[Acts 12:2) The elders were presumably lay leaders of the church in Jerusalem. They would be Jews who had been taught directly by the apostles, or, possibly, by Jesus before His ascension.
What was the particular issue debated? That, the Gentiles should be circumcised in order to be saved aside from trusting Jesus according to some Jews. After much debate, Peter stood up. He clearly explained that the Gentiles could believe the gospel and be saved as any Jew like them. That, the Holy Spirit also was given to them, so that they too could be born again. They could be born again so that there won’t be no distinction between them and have their hearts cleansed their hearts by faith. This was the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy that Peter quoted, “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,”[Acts 2:17]
Notedly, Peter had witnessed firsthand the conversion of Cornelius and his household. They don’t need to convert to Judaism in order to be saved. All his prejudices against were erased. There was no doubt anymore in his mind.
Peter had agreed with Paul, Barnabas, and the other representatives from the church in Syrian Antioch. A church that is largely comprised of Gentiles who had not previously worshiped the Jewish God as Cornelius had. Clearly, Peter went on to say that even Jews were never able to fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic law. Everyone, Jew or Gentile, can only be saved through grace alone. Thus, he said, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” [v.10,11]
In short, this is an unnecessary yoke. For those who are freed in Christ are free indeed.
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Acts 15:1-5 ESV
But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”
BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS
One important reality in our Christian journey is the rise of false teachers. Christ’s has warned us, saying, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”[Matt 7:15] They are predators seeking the vulnerable or naïve believers.
One feature of these people is that they blend the false with the right teaching. It is easy to detect the black from white but not the gray to white, is it not? These Jews are hardcore traditionalists. They had mixed traditions with scriptures. In most cases, the traditions [good] are given preference over the word of God. As Jesus warned, “ Thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”[Mark 7:13]
Moreover, they are pro-active and aggressive. They came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” They just won’t keep what they believed upon themselves. Predators do look for prey, don’t they?
And, they’re augmentative. Paul and Barnabas reasoned with them. But, they are there not to learn but to destroy the works of God. Sincere and honest seekers of the truth would ask questions. They want that their questions be answered. But, not the false teachers. They don’t seek answers but ask to incite an argument. A situation that Paul and Barnabas couldn’t handle so that they went to Jerusalem to resolve the issue. While on their way, they took it as an opportunity to passed by the brethren in Phoenicia and Samaria and encouraged them.
We learned here that a major doctrinal issue should be dealt with and resolved among the leadership. That is, an issue that threatens the historical-biblical beliefs revealed in the scriptures, specially the gospel. There is only one gospel. Paul has warned of false teachers introducing another gospel, saying, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”[Gal 1:6-9] The gospel is enough and powerful by itself to save [Rom 1:16], should not be diluted by adding something else, like the Mosaic law.
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Acts 14:24-28 ESV
24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.
FOLLOWING UP THE BELIEVERS
On their way back home in this first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas revisited their new friends. From Derbe, they could have crossed the Tarsus mountain range and taken a short boat ride. Instead, they backtrack through the cities where they have established churches to give more instruction and select leaders (v.23). Thus, they passed through Pisidia to Pamphylia to Perga to Attali and to Antioch, where they were commissioned.
They knew that preaching the gospel and making converts is not enough to establish strong local churches. The new believers need leadership, more training, and answers to their questions (v. 22–23). They know they can't directly pastor every church they plant. They must trust that God will equip local people to take on leadership roles so the church can grow. The qualifications for elders are given in 1 Tim 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, but other notes can be found in Jas 5:14, 1 Pet 5:1–4, and Heb 13:17.
Push forward, Paul will visit these churches again on his second journey, meeting Timothy in Derbe of Lystra (Acts 16:1–6), and his third (Acts 18:23). He'll also write the book of Galatians to make sure the Gentiles understand they are saved without following the Jewish law. Paul's job is to establish the churches well. It's the Holy Spirit's work to keep them.
Paul and Barnabas have arrived home in Antioch of Syria after spreading Jesus' offer of salvation and establishing churches in the territory of Galatia in central modern-day Asia Minor (Acts 13:1–3). This is the first report of Gentile followers of Jesus, who had not previously worshiped the Jewish God in Europe. The first was in Syrian Antioch. God has promised Abraham that He would bless the world through him (Gen 12:3). Isaiah prophesied God telling the Messiah, "I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth" (Isa 49:6). God's plan was always to save Gentiles as well as Jews.
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Acts 14:19-23 ESV
19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS
A moment earlier, the people were willing to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. They are now incited to kill them. People had changed at an instant. Let’s take note that God had warned Paul that he would suffer greatly in his work. This was just the beginning (Acts 9:16; 2 Cor 11:24–28).
They stoned Paul leaving him for being dead. In the Jews' minds, Paul was a self-proclaimed false prophet leading people to worship a false god - this "Jesus of Nazareth” instead of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had violated the Mosaic law. And, his punishment was chosen accordingly (Deut 13:1–5). After a stoning, the victim would be left outside the city for the dogs and other animals. Some think 2 Cor 11:25 and Gal 6:17 refer to this event.
Miraculously, Paul had survived. Indeed, we are immortal until God’s plan is finished in us. The next day, he and Barnabas went to Derbe. Having been empowered and impassioned as before, they preached and won many disciples at Derbe. Then, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. Why? They were ‘ strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.’ We are not saved by enduring trials. Salvation is through grace by faith alone. But, we proved our salvation by our endurance.
The Christian life is not for the faint hearted. Let’s take note to what Paul has said, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.’ [Phil 1:29] Paul could not be effective in encouraging them should he had not suffered himself, could he be? He said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” [2 Cor 1:3-7]
Sadly, many, specially among the health and wealth camp today, have the wrong notion that Christians should be free from hardships. Yes, God can bless us with health and wealth. But, in His sovereignty, He may allow us to pass through difficult storms in life for our own good. In fact James said, “ Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”[Jas 1:2-4]
Acts 14:8-18 ESV
8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.
TURN FROM VAIN THINGS TO A LIVING GOD
Paul healed a paralyzed man in Lystra. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul. And as Paul saw his desire to be healed, he looked at him in the eyes and shouted, “Stand upright on your feet.” Immediately, he stood up and walk. A miracle that only God can do. This encounter with the crippled man parallels that of John and Peter healing the crippled beggar in Jerusalem (Acts 3:1–10).
Earlier, in Iconium, while Paul and Barnabas preached, God had "bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands" (Acts 14:3). It appears that to perform miracles is not just a sign that the speaker's words are true, but a sign that the new believers have placed their faith correctly (Luke 5:20). Today, with the Word of God affirmed over the last 2000 years, it is no small thing to realize the miracle of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit Who comes when we place our faith in Jesus.
When the crowd saw the miracle, they said in their dialect [Lycaonian], “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Apparently, they were very religious and full of piety. Sadly, they put their faith upon idols. This miracle had moved the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, to bring oxen and garlands to the gates and to offer sacrifice with the crowds. Why?
What happened in the past may have contributed to their response. According to a myth writing ‘Ovid's Metamorphoses’, written in AD 8, Zeus and Hermes visited Phrygia, a district northwest of Lystra. They search for hospitality in a thousand different homes before an elderly couple invite them to their shack. In return, Zeus flooded the neighborhood and turned their shack into a temple in the middle of the lake. Thus, this would be the last thing the Lystrans wanted to happen again by refusing hospitality for two Greek gods. Whether the people of Lystra think Paul and Barnabas are the Greek gods or their more local versions is unknown, but they might have been eager to ready sacrifices just in case.
God’s Word for Today
26 Oct 2022
Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.
- Acts 14:1-7 ESV
A DIVIDED CITY
From Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium. In similar way in Antioch of Pisidia, they entered in a Jewish synagogue and spoke. Let us take note that Paul went to the synagogue first because Jesus is for the Jews first (Rom 1:16) who are then supposed to share Him with the Gentiles (Acts 1:8).
As a result, a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. Indeed, ‘as many as were appointed to eternal life had believed.’ [Acts 13:48] Therefore, let’s seek and create opportunities for people to hear the gospel. Remember, it’s the true gospel of Christ only has the power to save. [Rom 1:16; 10:17]
But, the leaders of local synagogues fall to jealousy (see Acts 13:44–45; 17:5) like the Sanhedrin who pushed Pilate to crucify Jesus (Mark 15:6–15). They stirred the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers [Jews]. As their father Satan is, so they sow lies. [John 8:44] As Paul warned the elders at Ephesus later, “Fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”[Acts 20:29]
How did Paul and Barnabas react?
They remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Their message was evidenced by signs and wonders. Truth defeats lies as light dispels darkness.
The people in the city of Iconium were divided. Some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. The reality is that the gospel prompts us to two choices – to receive it or reject it. There is no neutrality in the gospel. Either you are for the gospel or not. There is no in-between. In fact Jesus had said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”[Mat 10:34-39]
Acts 13:48-52 ESV
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
EXPANSION
Faith comes by hearing the word [gospel] [Rom 10:17] Hence, when the Gentiles heard the gospel they rejoiced and glorified the Word of God as somebody found a treasure. The bible teaches that they were ‘appointed’ unto salvation in Christ but they had the responsibility also to ‘believe.’ The word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
Definitely, it’s the work of the Holy Spirit of spreading the gospel using ordinary men as a forest fire that started with a single spark. [Acts 1:8]. Burning objects do catch attention, don’t they? Thus, the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
Let’s not forget this reality. When we are used by God in His work, the devil won’t just let us walk at the park. He is the adversary and would do everything to hinder God’s work, even using the influential people of the city. Jesus had warned the disciples before He died, saying, “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”[John 16:32-33]
Indeed, the gates of hell could not prevail against the advancement of God’s kingdom. [Matt 16:18] Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. In other words, let’s go where the Holy Spirit blows until He changes directions. What we notice is the advancement of the gospel even more in times of persecution. As an ylang-ylang flower, the more you crumple it the more it emits its sweet aroma.
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Acts 13:42-47 ESV
42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,
“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES
Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism had believed Pau’s message. They followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.[Rom 10:17] the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.[Rom 1:16]
Amazingly, the whole city was stirred. At the next Sabbath, almost the whole city had gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. The Jews felt threatened for they were losing following. They slandered Paul’s character. Let’s be warned about jealousy for James said, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” [Jas 3:16]
This was the reason why Paul said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.” The opportunity was given to them first. But apparently, they rejected Jesus vehemently. As John writes.” He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”[John 1:12]
Their rejection had confirmed that God has opened the door so wide for the gospel to the Gentiles as God has ordained him. Later he wrote to the Romans, that “their rejection means the reconciliation of the world.”[Rom 11:15] Sadly like an olive branch, they were broken off. And this made possible for the Gentiles to be grafted in. Paul then warned and charged us saying, “They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.”[Rom 11:20]
As the saying, one’s rubbish is another’s treasure, so is the gospel is rubbish to the Jews but a treasure to the Gentiles. How do you perceive Jesus today? Is He with His claims rubbish to you? Or, a treasure? Jesus is as the fork of the road that belief or rejecting Him will determine your destiny of life – hell or heaven.
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Acts 13:36-41 ESV
36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:
41 “‘Look, you scoffers,
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”
CORRUPTION FREE
Paul quoted King David, who says, "You will not let your Holy One see corruption" (Psalm 16:10; Acts 13:35). He argued that David's prophecy cannot refer to himself. As great as David was, his purpose was for his own generation. He did God's will, then died, and his body decayed. Peter made the same point in Acts 2:27–31. In short, he has been long dead to provide salvation. He couldn’t provide political independence, fill people's physical needs, restore human relationships, or reconcile sinners to God, could he?
On the other hand, His son, Jesus, did not see corruption. He lives perfectly. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.[1 Pet 2:22] In fact, “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”[Heb 4:16b] At one time, Jesus challenged the Jews to find any fault as the reason why they were to stone Him. They answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” [John 10:33]
But, what silenced the mouth of the enemies is His resurrection. His bruised body was buried but was changed into a glorified one. He is the firstfruit of the resurrection. Thus, Paul gloried in the truth of the resurrection,saying;
“ When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”[1 Cor 15:54-57]
What does this mean to you and me today? Let’s believe and glory in His forgiveness and true freedom. As Paul declared, “Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.”[v.38,39] The law enslaves. But, ‘if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’[John 8:36] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.[2 Cor 5:21]
Otherwise, those who scoff and won’t believe will perish in their unbelief. As Paul warned them by quoting Hab 1:5 , “
“Look, you scoffers,
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”
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Acts 13:24-35 ESV
24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’
26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,
“‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you.’
34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’
35 Therefore he says also in another psalm,“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’
REJECTION AND FULFILMENT
Paul continued to unpack history how the Messiah is revealed. God raised John the Baptist to preach baptism of repentance. He laser focused on lifting Christ up, even evading himself. Sadly, it fell to deaf ears among the Jews. In fact, when Jesus came and did His public ministry, they vehemently rejected and opposed Him. They did not recognize him [Jesus] nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath. Paul commented about this, saying, “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”[Rom 10:2]
Obliviously, their rejection had fulfilled the promise. Jesus was mobbed, wrongly accused and humiliated, so that He was crucified. Without all these, Jesus shouldn’t have died by crucifixion. And, there would be no resurrection from death that followed. Thus, everything happened for the purpose of God’s redemption. As the psalmist declared, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”[Psa 76:10]
Scriptures can’t be wrong. Whatever was written will surely come to pass. Not even a single dot Jesus said. Paul had refreshed them to what was quoted in Psalm 2 and Isa 55. Paul had shown the relationship between God and that the Savior—Jesus is the Son of God the Father. He is the ‘begotten’ Son of the Father. This refers to the broader sense of Jesus' whole ministry and mission as described in John 3:16. God’s blessings He promised to David can be everlasting and sure, or trustworthy: God's Holy One was raised from the dead and did not see corruption or decay, as promised in Psalm 16:10. Even Jesus did claim that He and His sacrifice are the main subjects in the Scripture as Luke had recorded. “Then Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”[Luke 24:44]
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Acts 13:13-23 ESV
13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:
“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23 Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.
HISTORY IS HIS STORY
The team left Paphos [Cyprus] to Perga in Pamphylia. John Mark left them back to Jerusalem. They arrived at Antioch in Pisidia. As was their custom, they went to the synagogue during Sabbath day. After the reading of the law and prophets, they were invited to say words of encouragement. Thus, Paul stood up and preached. God had created an opportunity for him to preach Christ.
He politely addressed the Jews as a people who feared God. They were religious, reverent people, and full of piety, but not necessarily that they knew God personally. Paul, then, moved on to declare a historical account that Jesus, is the fulfillment as the long promised Messiah they were waiting for.
God chose Israel not because they were great. They were a very small and weak nation. They became captives in Egypt but became great after 400 years. Through Moses, God uplifted them and led them into the wilderness, where they wandered for forty years. And, it was through Joshua’s leadership that God made them possess the land when they defeated the seven nations or tribes inside. From Egypt to their settlement in the Land of Promise, it took them 450 years. After Joshua, He gave them the judges until the prophet Samuel came. The people asked Samuel a king. Thus, God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. God removed Saul and chose David in his place whom the Lord testified,” ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
Jesus is the offspring of David. Paul wrote later, “concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh”[Rom 1:3], Also in 1 Tim 2:8, he expressed “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.”
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Acts 13:4-12 ESV
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
OPPOSITION
Though the team was sent by the Holy Spirit, it didn’t mean they won’t meet opposition in preaching the gospel. They arrived at Salamis and they preached at the synagogues of the Jews. A proconsul Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But a certain magician and false prophet named Bar-Jesus [Elymas] opposed them seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Even later, Paul recognized that at Ephesus “a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”[1 Cor 16:9]
Bar-Jesus [Elymas] was a servant of Satan. Satan, as the prince of the world, has every unregenerate person under his captivity. He destroys lives until one believes on Jesus.[John 10:10] He blinds them from the truth [2 Cor 4:4] Thus, he would prevent anyone to believe Jesus as what Elymas did to Sergius Paulus.
But, Satan is a defeated foe. Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
What Paul did was to appropriate the authority of the Lord to cripple His enemies. Truth wins. He [Christ] disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.[Col 2:15] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.[Col 1:13] We are victorious in Christ. John says, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”[1 John 4:4] Thus, James said, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”[Jas 4:7]
As a result the proconsul believed the gospel. Ha saw and was astonished of the teaching of the Lord. Salvation is purely Spirit’s working in and through the sinner’s heart. Man has no part except to preach the gospel.
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Acts 13:1-3 ESV
Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
SET APART BY GOD
Antioch is south of the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day bay of Antakya, Turkey. The church here has started because of Saul's persecution of the church (Acts 8:1–3) Later, this church did Barnabas and Saul make us the base to their missionary journey.
One day, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul were gathered together worshiping and fasting. Men of diverse backgrounds were united to worship and serve God because of the gospel. It's not clear if they were doing so because of a specific need but "while" fasting probably means it was a regular practice.
Barnabas and Saul were chosen by the Spirit. This was a clear answer to their prayers. Thus, they laid their hands on the two to show they authorized their commissioning. They did not endow Barnabas and Saul with special spiritual gifts, did they? Barnabas was already a prophet and Saul was a teacher. And certainly, they were not giving them the Holy Spirit. Barnabas had received the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36–37; 11:22–24), and Saul when Ananias laid his hands on him. (Acts 9:17)
Definitely, the Holy Spirit honored the prayers of the leaders of the church in Antioch by giving specific guidance. However, today, we shouldn't assume that God would always tell us exactly what to do like these men. But, in most cases His plan is for us to live faithfully our lives forChrist and the gospel through biblical principles. Not all of us are called to fulltime ministry, but we are all called to live for Christ wherever we are.
Every heart without Christ is a mission field. Every heart with Christ is a missionary.
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Acts 12:24-25 ESV
24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.
GOSPEL GROWTH
When Herod, the murderer died, the church prospered. His horrible death of being eaten by worms must had initiated fear among the people for Herod’s plight for blaspheming God.
Resultingly, the word of God increased and multiplied. For the believers, Jesus is "The Word," and in the same sense, so is the scriptures, although at this point in time it was not completed yet. Hence, "word" means the idea, doctrine, and message of Jesus. It is the gospel message that Jesus is God and that He was born into a human form, crucified for our sins, and rose again on the third day for our salvation.
‘Increased’ meant the word spread geographically or grew in the hearts of each believer as they came to know God better and allowed the Holy Spirit to work in them. We term this as "sanctification”, the lifelong journey of growing in spiritual maturity.
While "multiplied" referred to the spread of something to others, rather than an internal growth. That is, the understanding of salvation through Jesus grew in His followers and spread to other people groups.
Based on historical account, Barnabas and Paul didn't go to Jerusalem until King Agrippa I was dead. Barnabas and Saul went back from Jerusalem with John Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. John Mark lived in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12) They returned from Jerusalem to Antioch after they ‘completed their ministry’, that was probably, delivering the relief to the brethren affected by the famine.
Paul later expressed the dynamics of gospel ministry progress. He wrote to the church at Corinth, “as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”[1 Cor 3:6b,7] Let’s function faithfully where God has placed us. Each of us has different gifts in the gospel ministry, as was Paul, Apollos, Barnabas and John Mark. Paul was not to compete but to compliment Apollos work. Apollos has a church to water because Paul planted it. Paul should have been dismayed if the church has not grown, even dying, because no one is watering them like Apollos after him. Like both of them, we must play our distinct roles faithfully. And, God gave the increase.
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Acts 12:18-24 ESV
18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.
24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.
PRIDE DESTROYS
The soldiers were disturbed to realize Peter’s escape. Their fear was founded. King Herod had anticipated the day of Peter’s execution for this would please the Jews. Herod became mad when Peter could not be found so that he executed the sentries or guards.
Herod went down from Judea to settle at Caesaria Maritima, the capital of the Roman government in the region. There was a conflict between Agrippa and Tyre and Sidon, but the language suggests that they argued violently. Tyre and Sidon are two city-states in Phoenicia, north of Galilee. One day, they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain[a trusted personal assistant], they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
King Herod Agrippa I epitomized pride. One appointed day, Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” It was pure madness. His eccentricism had cause him to rob God the glory due only to His name. the people equated him to God and he loved it.
Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. Surely, it was a horrible sight for a king to be eaten by worms alive. This is far more tragic to the humiliation of King Nebuchadnezzar, who also extolled himself as God. He was put down by God so that he crawled as an animal alone in the fields eating grass.
What does this mean for us today?
Let’s remember that God deserves all the glory. Isaiah says, “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other.”[Isa 42:8a] The blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords [1 Tim 6:14] Thus, for each one of us, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [1 Cor 10:31] Like John the Baptist, let us seek that Jesus should increase and we should decrease. Nothing less. Nothing else.
Sola Deo gloria.
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Acts 12:12-17 ESV
When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.
SURPRISES
The account of Peter having been imprisoned and freed has brought a few surprises. Peter, when he fast asleep, was ‘struck at the side and woke up’ by the angel. His chains fell off. He dressed up and followed the angel walking past the two set of guards. After passing through the opened iron gate, he reached outside to the street where the angel left him. At first he thought he saw a vision until he realized it was real when he was already outside.
A few minutes later, at the house of Mary, John Mark’s mother, Peter knocked the door while the believers were praying. Tradition says Mary owned the upper room where Jesus held the Last Supper and the disciples had their headquarters (Acts 2:1). The fact that Peter knew to go to her upon his release indicates her importance in the Jerusalem church.
A servant girl named Rhoda heard and recognized Peter’s voice. She was too excited or joyful to not open the gate and intervened their praying and saying that Peter was at the gate.
What were their reactions?
They accused Rhoda for being mad. That, Rhoda was out of her mind. Who truly was out of their mind? What can we say to a person who is praying for rain and is not bringing his umbrella? How many times we display our inconsistencies in prayer. We pray that God can do the impossible but we won’t believe or doubt if He did. Perhaps, they were expecting God to answer m thein a different manner. A similar predicament with Martha and Mary, who did not expect Lazarus to rise from death at that day but much later during the day of the resurrection.
But, Rhoda was insisting and Peter kept knocking, even shouting outside. But, they said, ‘It’s his angel.” Jews believed one's guardian angel. It's surprising too why they wouldn't be eager to go and speak with the angel. In short, they explained it away for their unbelief that God would answer their prayer immediately and miraculously.
When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. Our God is an awesome God, is he not? Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” [Eph 3:20] Several times the Bible states that faith is an essential step in receiving a positive answer to prayer. Jesus told the disciples, "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith" (Mat 21:22). This doesn't mean we can receive anything we want if only we have enough faith. We must also pray according to God's will according to John, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14).
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Acts 12:5-11 ESV
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”
THE SLEEP OF PETER
King Herod Agrippa I had beheaded James and was determined to deliver Peter to the Jews after the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. Peter’s life was at stake. Yet, we found Peter sleeping in between two soldiers. Sleep is a gift from God.[Psa 127:2]
A few weeks back, we saw Peter sleeping in the garden of Gethsemane with the other disciples. It was a sleep marked by weakness for they supposed to be awake and had prayed with Jesus. When Jesus tenderly warned them, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”[Matt 26:41]
Contrariwise, Peter’s sleep here wasn’t a sign of weakness. It was a mark of peace and security. What made the difference her? Peter became a different man, that is, a Spirit-filled apostle. The Holy Spirit was in control and not his feeble self. Isn’t peace the fruit of the Spirit? [Gal 5:22,23] “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”[2 Cor 3:17] Fear brings bondage but our submission to the Spirit could free us from any form of bondage.
Moreover, the church was praying for him. There is a comfort when we know that the brethren are praying us during our time of crisis. God promises to hear, with a mind to act on the prayers of those who are righteous. Solomon writes, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”(Prov 15:29)
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Acts 12:1-4 ESV
About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.
BE NOT A PEOPLE PLEASER
The believers grew in number and becoming more prominent. It caught the attention of King Herod. He, then, started a protracted persecution and violence against the believers. He killed, James, the brother of John by beheading him. There was no apparent reason. But, what he did pleased the ‘Jews’. "The Jews" may mean the citizens, but it was also a commonly used in reference for the Sanhedrin, a term John always alluded unto. Most likely, he had gained the trust with the Sanhedrin, because he protected the temple from the installation of the Roman Emperor Caligula's statue in Jerusalem. Moreover, he must be sympathetic to Judaism because he also read parts of the Mosaic law in public.
Thus, he proceeded to arrest the leader of the church, apostle Peter during the Feast of the Unleaven Bread. Herod imprisoned him, having in mind to present and execute him before the people after the feast. The feast of Unleaven bread is a week after the Passover.
Herod Agrippa I gained rulership of Judea and Samaria in AD 41 and died in AD 44. Josephus explains that Herod Agrippa I is the grandson of Herod the Great and the son of Aristobulus. He had no regards for what is moral, but to only please the crowd for his selfish ends. Persecuting the believers would strengthen the loyalty of the Sanhedriin unto him. While Barnabas and Saul spread Jesus' story in Syrian Antioch, the church in Jerusalem is facing perhaps Herod’s persecution as the greatest threat since Saul (Acts 9).
Earlier, Jesus had warned the disciples they would be imprisoned and brought before kings (Luke 21:12). In the case of Peter, Peter expressed his willingness for Jesus' sake before he denied Him (Luke 22:31–34). He has been arrested and released twice already (Acts 4:1–22; 5:17–40). But these arrests were by the guards of the Sanhedrin, not by the Roman soldiers. And, considering Jesus words he would die of crucifixion when he is old in John 21:18–19, Peter must had thought, “James has been killed, am I next?”
King Solomon says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”[Prov 29:25] Herod was trapped by his love to stay in power so that he has to please the Jews. He was dictated by what people desires not on what is right. He was a people pleaser. Like him, anyone who is ‘snared’ by man would be equivocal. What is right is relative, that which promote his self interests.
On the other hand, a God-fearing man like Peter would feel the peace of God. Peter had slept well between two soldiers inside the prison. [ Acts 12:6]. In other words, what we fear defines our dispositions and actions. While Herod feared the Jews, Peter feared God.
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Acts 11:27-30 ESV
27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
HELPING THE NEEDY
In the beginning years of the church, the Holy Spirit moves mightily to give insight and truth to church leaders, so that many have the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 12:28). We may still feel the Spirit's leading today, perhaps to support a church in need, but with the completion of the Bible the gift of prophecy is no longer needed (1 Cor 13:8).
As infrastructures and roads improved, more believers travelled, even prophets to different places. At the time Luke wrote and described the time, the church wasn't even fifteen years old, yet it had already spread 300 miles! The gospel became viral.
There was one prophet named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). Historian Josephus had affirmed this famine, saying it hit Rome, Greece, Egypt, and Judea from AD 45–48. This matches the timeline as the death of Herod Agrippa I, which occurred in AD 44,. This is recorded in Acts 12:20–23.
When the believers knew, the disciples were determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. There was an affinity among believers felt even when they were separated hundreds of miles apart. Mutual love is the trademark of Christ’s followers [John 13:35, Gal 6:10] People don’t care to know unless they know we care.
And they gathered the financial help, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Barnabas would be very comfortable with the plan. He was one of the first converts in Jerusalem who sold his property in order to provide for the travelers who stayed to learn from the apostles (Acts 4:36–37). On the other hand, Saul, also, took this idea to heart. Throughout his ministry, Paul, whether there was a famine or not, has been exhorting the new churches in Europe to remember the legitimate needs of leaders in Jerusalem by supporting them financially. (see Rom 15:25–26; 1 Cor 16:1–3; 2 Cor 9:1–5).
Let’s learn that Information is inspiration. Having been informed of the need, they were inspired to help. This is true love in action. Our slogan is ‘it is better to give than to receive.’ Giving to help the needy implies that we are really blessed. The apostle John wrote, “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” [1 John 3:17,18]
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Acts 11:19-26 ESV
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
THE DISCIPLES WERE FIRST CALLED CHRISTIANS
As the believers were dispersed, they proclaimed the gospel where God had brought them. They crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. At first, they proclaimed to the Jews. But, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and preach Jesus to the Hellenists Jews . They spoke Greeks like the Gentile Hellenists or actual Greeks. Or, they may have been from modern-day Asia Minor, Arabia, or Syria.
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. Indeed, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The news spread around so that the church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch.
It was understandable that they chose Barnabas. He was a Cypriot, a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. He has had proven in the past to have the gift of exhortation. He even sold his property to help the needy. He encouraged the young believer Paul and introduced him to be received by the church at Jerusalem. Here, he came to Antioch and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. Resultingly, a great many people were added to the Lord.
But, one interesting note. Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Paul. Why? He brought him to Antioch inorder to seve together with him. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. In other words, Barnabas mentored Paul through having firsthand experience in ministry. Paul shouldn’t have matured and equipped if not for Barnabas who spent time with him.
The tandem of Paul and Barnabas’ ministry paid off. In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. Typically, believers in the New Testament use words like followers of the Way, disciples, saints, and brothers. It was certainly coined by non-Christian Gentiles. Although "Christ" is Greek, the suffix "ian" is a Latin addition, as in Phoenician or Herodian. This suffix means "of the party” and was used to mean those who imitated or supported some charismatic leader or figure. To some extent, this made the term "Christian" as an expression of sarcasm or derision. Peter hints at this in his writings (1 Pet 4:16).
Today, let’s not be ashamed to bear the name of Christ. He was not ashamed to die for us, was He? He is warning us not to be ashamed of Him, saying, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”[ Mark 8:38]
Acts 11:1-18 ESV
Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 3 “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter began and explained it to them in order: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. 6 Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ 10 This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
WHO WAS I THAT I COULD STAND IN GOD'S WAY?
The Jewish believers in Jerusalem knew that the Gentiles received the the gospel eventually. These Gentiles refers to Cornelius and many others in Caesaria who believed Jesus and were baptized. Their reaction was from skepticism to being critical to Peter. In particular, the ‘circumcision party’ criticised Peter saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
Paul, later, had labeled this ‘circumcision party’ as troublemakers to beware. He wrote to warn Titus, “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.” [Titus 1:10] And another instance, he wrote about Peter fearing the circumcision party to warn the church in Galatia, “For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” [Gal 2:12]
But Peter began and explained it to them in order. That is, he related to them exactly what happened in details. He concluded, “If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?”[v.17]
When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Their prejudice, skepticism and doubt were removed. They accepted the reality that the Gentiles are included in God’s plan of redemption.
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Acts 10:44-48 ESV
44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
THE HOLY SPIRIT FELL ON ALL
It’s interesting to note that the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and all who heard the word from Peter, who was still preaching. Resultingly, the believing Jews with Peter were amazed. They had witnessed that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured even on the Gentiles. What was the evidence? For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.
Paul later explained that the baptism of the Spirit incorporates us into one body, the church. He wrote, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”[1 Cor 12:12,13] Through the work of the Spirit, everyone who believes in Christ is being ushered and incorporated as one. In fact, Paul emphatically declared, “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”[Rom 8:9]
Upon seeing these things, Peter, without hesitation, proposed for them to be baptized with water, saying, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” The baptism of water was their public testimony or symbol that they belong to Christ. It follows that a person must have a genuine personal relationship with Christ through faith, baptized with the Spirit before he would undergo the baptism with water. Undoubtedly, Cornelius and the others were genuine believers of Christ.
This particular event in history marked the start of gospel ministry towards the Gentiles. This is the fulfilment that the apostles and all believers would become witnesses of Christ not only in Jerusalem and provinces of Samaria and Judea, but unto the whole world. [Acts 1:8] In what way this would be doable and possible? It’s through the power of the Spirit. As Zechariah 4:6 says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
Salvation is the work of the Spirit. Thus, let us continue to depend upon the working of the Spirit. Otherwise, we’re doing futile things out of the flesh.
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Acts 10:34-43 ESV
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
THE GOOD NEWS
In a profound and simple way, Peter preached the good news to Cornelius and the crowd. He described it as the ‘good news of peace through Jesus Christ.”[v.36] The gospel is about reconciling God and man is through Christ alone. Paul said, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Rom 5:1]
What is the good news? T
The good news is the news [a historical event in the past] that Jesus of Nazareth, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. He was crucified, buried and in three days, He rose from the grave.
Peter claimed that he was a true witness of the risen Christ. He said, “but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.” [v.40,41] Paul attested this when he wrote, “that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”[1 Cor 15:4-7]
Jesus conquered sin, death and hell. And because Jesus is the victorious Messiah, Peter and the rest of us should preach that ‘he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.’ Yet, to all who believe in Him, they will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Although Cornelius was exceptionally a devout Gentile, he won’t be saved by his good works. [ see Eph :8,9, Titus 3:5,6] Peter explained that God had offered salvation to anybody, regardless of race or ethnicity. Peter said, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”[v.34,35] By this statement, Peter meant that real faith in Christ is expressed in fear [worship] and good deeds. Any good works outside of our relationship with Jesus are just filthy rags before God, that is, abominable and unacceptable. [see Isa 64:6]
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Acts 10:17-33 ESV
17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests.
The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”
30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
SENT BY GOD
Peter and Cornelius had a lot of reasons not to associate with each other. Peter was a devout Jew at Joppa while Cornelius, was a Roman centurion at Ceasaria. But, one thing in common, both of them were praying. And God answered both of them through visions. During their meeting at Joppa, Cornelius’ messengers said to Peter, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” Peter earlier, while he was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him also, “Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” In short, God has had orchestrated their meetings.
In a mysterious and unexplainable way, God is moved by our prayers. He continues to surprise us when we pray.
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Acts 10:9-16 ESV
9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.
PURIFIED BY GOD
After Cornelius saw the vision, he sent three men to look for Peter at Joppa, at the house of Simon the tanner. The next day these three men arrived in Joppa. And as they were approaching the city, Peter went at the housetop about the sicth hour [12 noon] to pray. It was when he became hungry that he saw a vision of a big sheet lowered from heaven by its four corners of the earth. Inside it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
As a Jew, Peter’s reaction was expected, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.
Three times are more than enough to convince Peter, head of the apostles, that God has made these animals clean for him to eat. That, His words from this vision must be believed now. That God had has the authority and prerogative to nullify the Mosaic ceremonial law. This vision wasn’t primarily about eating unclean made clean animals per se, was it? In due time, Peter understood that this signified the fulfilment that the salvation would happen to the Gentiles also beside Jews, starting from the conversion of Cornelius.
In the Old Testament, God had covenanted to Abraham unilaterally that he would bless all nations through his offspring. This came into fulfilment or fruition in Christ. Paul explains this to the Galatians, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.[Gal 3:16], Thus, he said to the Gentile believers in Galatia, “And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise”[Gal 3:19] All people, regardless of ethnicity and gender status, who trust Christ as Savior are cleansed by His precious blood. “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”[Col 3:11]
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Acts 10:1-8 ESV
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day[a] he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
CORNELIUS AND HIS VISION
Cornelius was a Roman centurion of what was known of Italian Cohort. He was staying in Caesaria. This is Caesarea Maritima, a seaport in Samaria on the coast of the Mediterranean. It is traditionally the capital of the Roman leaders, although Pilate chose to live in Jerusalem. It was built by Herod the Great and named after Caesar Augustus.
Even when he was a Roman centurion, Cornelius rejected emperor worship and the Roman pantheon of gods. That such a man chose, instead, to worship the Jewish God (Acts 10:2) is no small thing. Cornelius is not the first centurion to earn the respect of Jews for his giving nature (Acts 10:22). In Capernaum, Jewish elders came to Jesus on behalf of a centurion, asking that Jesus would heal the centurion's servant. They said, "He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue" (Luke 7:4–5). The centurion showed his faith in Jesus by assuming Jesus could heal at a distance (Luke 7:1–10).
Similarly, Cornelius was ‘a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.’[v.2]. Aside from being a God fearer and generous, He was praying continually, which roughly means ‘at every opportunity’ during the day. He was like the persistent widow of Jesus' parable (Luke 18:1–8), constantly pleading his case at God's court for recognition.
He was praying at the ninth hour [around 3 pm] (v.1–3). His reaction of terror to the angel who has just appeared was common. Gideon, David, Zechariah, Mary, the shepherds, and the women who followed Jesus were all afraid when they saw an angel (Judges 6:22; 1 Chron 21:30; Luke 1:12–13, 29–30; 2:9–10; Mat 28:2–5), and Daniel fell to the ground in fear (Dan 8:15–17). He didn't know much about Jesus yet. He called the angel Lord [Kurios] which is a common address to a human in authority, that is, someone who has sovereignty over another. Although the capitalized "Lord" is often reserved for Jesus, the text is clear that this is an angel and not Jesus (v.5).
God had honored his request. His alms giving and prayer were recognized ‘as a memorial’ for He honored God. As Prov. 13:14 says, “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.“ Definitely, it was commendable before God but not for his salvation. “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
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Acts 9:32-43 ESV
32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas.[d] She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.
FROM SADNESS TO JOY
We found commonalities in the result of both miracles. When all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him [Aeneas], they turned to the Lord. And when Tabitha’s rising from death became known in Joppa, many believed in the Lord. In other words, these miracles are an authentication to the gospel message, that Jesus is true and alive. e alone with Tabitha in the upper room. Why? Perhaps he did not want to show off. Kneeling down and turning to the pronounced, “Tabitha, arise.” Instantaneously, she became alive again...
So, Peter started to travel outside Jerusalem into the coastal towns, particularly Lydda and Joppa. Peter is continuing the work he had done in Jerusalem in spreading the news about Jesus and performing miracles to authenticate his God-given message.
Peter had seen Jesus firsthand healed the paralyzed. (Mat 8:5–13; Luke 5:17–26; John 5:2–9). And, he had performed many miracles in Jesus' name since His ascension (Acts 5:12–16). Here, we saw God used him to heal Aeneas of Lydda and Tabitha in Joppa, respectively.
At Lydda, Peter found Aeneas who was bedridden for 8 years. In the case of his healing, Peter’s faith alone is evident. Aeneas was not even asked or told to believe. Peter just declared unto him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.”
On the other hand, at Joppa, a disciple Tabitha [Dorcas], full of good works and acts of charity, got sick and died. Peter was summoned but when he arrived, Tabitha’s body was already placed in the upper room. The widows, who Tabitha gave tunics while she was alive, were grieving. They led Peter to Tabitha’s room. And Peter asked to be alone with Tabitha in the upper room. Why? Perhaps he did not want to show off. Kneeling down and turning to the pronounced, “Tabitha, arise.” Instantaneously, she became alive again.
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Acts 9:26-31 ESV
26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists.[c] But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
LET US BE LIKE BARNABAS
What Paul had demonstrated at Damascus gave us an idea how zealous and excited he was to know Christ and the brethren there. After three years being away, he decided to go back to Jerusalem and he must be excited to meet the disciples there, too. But, they were all afraid of him. Nobody among them believed that he was a disciple. Somebody should help him. Thus, one of the first deacons Barnabas took him and introduced him to the apostles.
Barnabas, whose name means son of encouragement, was always true to his name. He persuaded the doubtful disciples at Jerusalem to accept Paul. In what way? He ‘declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.’ [v.27]
While everyone else was focusing on the past of Paul, Barnabas focused on his present. In most cases, like the disciples at Jerusalem,when we are hurt, it’s not easy to remove the painful stigma and prejudices we have to a person or group of people, is it? The trust has been shattered and it seems hard for us to regain our respect and trust. This is understandable because the hurts and pains are deep and the healing takes time.
Take for example today, many ex-convict and former prostitutes who became believers are finding it very hard come to our churches. They found it hard to integrate for the inhibitions and doubts they perceived among God’s people. We are thankful that there are “Barnabas like’’ among us, who would take the needed steps to reach out to them where they are. And discreetly, they would introduce them to the body of Christ.
When Paul was accepted as one among them, he was encouraged to preach Christ even more boldly. He went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. [v.28,29] And the Jews, resultingly, intensified their pursuit to kill him. What they did to Stephen earlier, they planned to do unto him now. But, God has plan for him yet. He has to escape to his home town at Tarsus of Cilicia via Caesaria. In summary, the disciples who doubted him at the beginning became convinced that he was real. They saw him as a tree bearing fruits in following Jesus.
The challenge is before us today. There are a growing number of emerging sub-culture and communities like LGBTQ+, with strange beliefs and lifestyle. They are difficult to love and understand but should not be written off as impossible.
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Acts 9:23-25 ESV
23 When many days had passed, the Jews[a] plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall,[b] lowering him in a basket.
LOWERED IN A BASKET
Paul, the hunter of believers, became the hunted person of the Jews. Paul the predator now becomes a prey from the Jews. They must felt betrayed. He was supposed to be their number one hatchet man. And, in a sudden, Paul became their number one problem or enemy. They found him preaching at the synagogues, “Jesus is the Son of God.” What a turn of events. It’s understandable how the Jews reacted that they plotted to kill him at Damascus.
They surrounded the city of Damascus and saw to it that every door exit should be sealed and had watched his movements closely, 24/7. But, God is Paul’s helper. As the psalmist wrote,
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.”[Psa 121:1]
When all doors are sealed, the window is still open to lower the basket. It is said that ’necessity is the mother of invention’. The brethren thought of lowering him down in a basket from a hole at a wall. But, it’s God who can dispose all our plans. As Prov 16: 9 says;
“The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.”
It’s not wrong to plan. What is wrong is to do it without prayer and God’s guidance. He must be before us in everything. He orders our steps, that is, He guides us to the right path a step at a time. Definitely, God has many things rich in store for Paul ahead, with suffering. God wasn’t finished with him yet. Otherwise, He could have allowed him to die at the hands of the Jews. Paul wasn’t afraid to die. He feared that he would be not doing the will of God. Later he wrote to the Philippians, “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith” [Phil 1:20-25]
Today, should you and I are religiously doing the will of God and is preaching the gospel, we are disturbing the devil’s nest. We are pounding against the forces of the enemy with the gospel. But, Satan is the adversary, and he will oppose us vehemently. But, rest assured God has his own way of protecting His own people. [1 Cor 10:13] He will put us in His ‘basket’ to escape, scathe free.
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Acts 9:20-22 ESV
For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
A TURN AROUND
Undoubtedly, Paul had earned the believers’ trust. He was one among them now. Ananias, earlier, ate with him to affirm his affinity with him. Paul had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, reconciled to God (Rom 5:10). His sins were forgiven so that he had no more requirement to fulfill the Mosaic law to become righteous before God. As a result, he was also reconciled with other Jesus-followers. In a sudden, he was on a mission to proclaim Jesus.
Unlike to most of us, his change was dramatic. His turn around was immediate yet complete. The persecutor of Jesus became Jesus’ preacher. Immediately, he went inside the synagogues preaching, “He is the Son of God.” Everybody was amazed, that was, shocked. It was expected because they were expecting Paul to do harm Jesus’ name and themselves. Thus, they said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
God is a God of surprises, is He not? Why God chose Saul and not somebody who wasn’t injurious to His honor and people? Later Paul testified, saying, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” [1 Tim 1:12-14] Simply for this reason, God is abundantly gracious and merciful. Everyone is on the level ground because of His mercies, is it not? Paul said, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”[Titus 3:5,6]
Out of God’s love and mercy, the Holy Spirit’s working is making us alive from the dead. Only God can does make the dead bones live, doesn’t it? God had declared, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”[Ezek 36:26,27]
Let us trust God that He is still in the business of changing lives today. For, there is no such thing as a difficult life for God to change. The work of transforming lives is always the work of God, and is always His.
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Acts 9:10 -19 ESV
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.
A CHOSEN INSTRUMENT
Definitely, God has humbled Saul. God had cause him to fall from the horse and became blind. Helpless, he needed to reach out to God. Thus, God saw him, “Behold he is praying.” Is there any better response apart from pleading God’s mercy as Jacob did when his pelvic bone was broken?
God can help him directly by Himself but God does use a man, Ananias. He tasked him by saying, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” [v.11,12]
Ananias has had reservations if he got it right. Thus, he spoke his mind, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” We should be thinking like him if we were in his place, should we not? Saul is the last person everyone thought to be saved.
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” These words might be hard to understand. Nevertheless, Ananias obeyed. God’s ways are higher than ours. And His words are perfect.
Ananias ministered to Saul as the Lord said. He even called Saul his brother now. He said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.
Let’s not write off people today because of their attitudes towards us believers. Most of them like Paul are zealous and sincere in their religion until God opens their eyes. If a persecutor like Saul was saved, no sinner should be at the threshold of impossible. The gospel is still powerful unto salvation to those who believed.
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Acts 9:1-9 ESV
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank..
WHO ARE YOU, LORD?
Saul [later Paul] asked permission from the high priest to pursue the ‘followers of the Way” or believers in Syria, who were preaching Christ in the synagogues. Thus, He went to Damascus, 133 miles away from Jerusalem, in order to persecute and bind them to prison.
But, by God’s initiative, Saul saw a great light, fell from his horse and became blind. Paul has no way of knowing God until God let him fell from his horse and became blind. For this, we thank God for the difficulties and hardships He allowed. Otherwise, we won’t be prompted to ask “Who are you Lord?”
As he was persecuting the church, he did it to the Lord. Jesus has identified the plight with His people. God is zealous with His own.
Today, you don’t need to experience hardships before surrendering your life unto the Lord.
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Acts 8:32-40 ESV
32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”[e] 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
BELIEF BEFORE BAPTISM
The Ethiopian was reading from Isaiah 53 which speaks of the Suffering Servant. In Isaiah 53:7, the Servant is described as a silent lamb being led by others. For him, there was some difficulty about this verse because when Jesus was on trial, He did speak to His accusers and to Pilate (John 18:19–23, 33–38). And yet, He did not defend Himself (Mark 14:60–61; 15:4–5).
The last two lines are difficult to understand; the source material is a little clearer. Isaiah 53:8 says, "and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living?" The literal transliteration is, "and his generation, who considers?" It means that the people of Jesus' time and place didn't care that He was wrongly convicted, tortured, and executed. This is clearly seen by how easily the priests convinced the people to demand Jesus' death (Mat 27:20–23)
The eunuch wasn’t able to understand until Philip explained to him. Definitely, it was the Spirit who has led him to the eunuch, had given also the needed illumination. “For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God”[1 Cor 2:10,11]
Unlike the Pharisees, priests, and scribes who read the Old Testament, yet either rejected Christ or resisted before coming to faith (Acts 6:5), this Ethiopian eunuch immediately accepted the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy and Christ as his Savior (v.36–39). He did not miss the opportunity to express his faith in Christ through water baptism. Was he at Jerusalem and had witnessed the baptism of the 3000 earlier? Perhaps.
His conversion was proven real by his identification in Christ through baptism, even rejoicing for having trusted and was baptized.
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Acts 8:25-31 ESV
25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south[d] to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
RISE AND GO
The persecution has opened more opportunities to proclaim the gospel both in Jerusalem and Samaria. Peter should be elated upon seeing the whole city of Samaria having had a great revival and joy because of the gospel. In a sudden, an angel appeared to him and said, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.
A commentary from gotquestion.org expressed, “This verse, v.26, features an idiomatic phrase which is easily lost when translated. "South," literally, is "about noon," from the Greek term mesēmbrian. Since Israel is north of the Tropic of Cancer, at noon, the sun is always due-south. "Desert" here can mean uninhabited grassland or wilderness. Where we would say the road "goes down" from Jerusalem to Gaza because it goes south, Jerusalem is higher than Gaza, so the road literally goes downhill. Gaza was a city in the same place it is now—the modern-day Gaza Strip on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. From Gaza is a major road that goes to Egypt, then south to Ethiopia.”
Philip, without delay, obeyed. He rose and went even when the details were not clear. Lo and behold, out of nowhere in a remote or deserted place came the Ethiopian eunuch riding in a chariot, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning. And, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Again, the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” He started a conversation by asking a question. This led him to be invited by the eunuch to join him to explain the scriptures.
We must be sensitive to the specific calling of God in our lives like Philip. The great ministry exploits in Samaria did not cloud his sensitivity to hear God’s command for him to go to the desert. The external aspect of ministry won’t make one better than the other but doing. Is doing the will of God should be our greatest concern? Or, doing great things for people to see?
Moreover, we must obey God’s will by faith. His will is not revealed to us wholesale. It’s on step by step basis. What could have happened should Philip was not at the roadside? He should miss what the Spirit has to tell him next. Our steps are ordered by the Lord. [Psa 37:23]
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Acts 8:9-24 ESV
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles[b] performed, he was amazed.
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall[c] of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
COULD YOU OBTAIN THE GIFT OF GOD WITH MONEY?
Simon, the sorcerer, had amazed the Samaritans “for a long time with his sorcery” (v.11), some even declaring that he was “somebody great” (v.10), a messianic title. Notedly, some acts and demonstrations of sorcery were mere illusions of the mind but others were empowered by Satan in an attempt to discredit the power of God (Mat 24:24; 2 Thess 2:9). The latter which Simon practiced is strongly condemned by God , which was common in the ancient world. The Lord has warned, “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, 14 for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.” (Deut 18:9–13),
Upon hearing and seeing the disciple Philip “as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" (v.12), Simon believed and was baptized into the early church and “followed Philip everywhere” (v.13).
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Acts 8:5-8 ESV
5 Philip went down to the city[a] of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.
JOY IN THE CITY
Philip, one of the seven deacons, went to Samaria, where he proclaimed Christ to the people. This couldn’t had happened if not for the persecution, could it be? Amazingly, the crowds with one accord paid attention to what he was preaching. Why? They heard him and saw the signs he did. Many unclean spirits were cast out and paralyzed and lame were healed. Were they healed because of their faith or Philip’s? Most of the people may be were doubtful. But, Philip definitely had believed the God who can do miracles and the message of the gospel he was preaching.
In reflection, the persecution was a blessing in disguise. There was sadness at Jerusalem when they were scattered while there was joy in Samaria because they heard and received the gospel. The ‘good news’ won’t be that good if not for its miraculous effect in people’s lives.
Let’s do continue to glory in the gospel today. Let’s be ‘not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”[Rom 1:16] Like the new believers and Philip, perhaps we’re displaced by many unavoidable circumstances like economic hardships and political unrest. We migrate to find work. Thus the diaspora of pinoys. Notedly, Pinoys, percentage wise, are the highest in ‘diaspora’ in the whole world, that is, 11% of our population. A staggering 11M of us are scattered all over the globe today.
It is my prayer that wherever we go, we become a truly OFW, an ‘Overseas Foreign Witness’ for Christ. Whether at the remote deserts of Saudi Arabia or urban cities like Singapore or Hongkong, let’s proclaim Christ by our lips, lives and deeds. This is our primary calling, is it not? To earn money should be far second. We may not be able to perform miracles like Philip did but our transformed lives would be more than enough to bear witness that Jesus is real. May we always seek to be a blessing. As Jeremiah challenged the Jewish exiles at Babylon in the past, saying, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” [Jer 29:7]
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Acts 8:2-4 ESV
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
SCATTERED
The religious leaders were infuriated during this day that Stephen preached the truth to them. Like a hornets’ nest, they launched an extensive persecution against the new church. The young guy who was responsible was Saul. He was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
As a result, most if not all, had fled to the outskirts of Judea and Samaria, except the apostle. Unbeknownst to the authorities, what they did had aided the spread of the gospel. As someone wanting to remove an ink stain by pouring tap water and washing it, the gospel message spread. Persecution had scattered them to the different places. Likewise, the spread of the gospel had gone far and wide too. It’s because those who were scattered went about preaching the word. In other words, they gossip [in a good sense] the gospel wherever they went. Somehow, you can’t keep the story by spreading the ‘gossipers’ all over the place, can you?
Moreover, hardships may purify God’s church. During persecutions, the ‘fake’ would fade away but the ‘genuine’ would shine. As Paul said, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”[2 Tim 3:12] That is to say, the persecution would make the godly shine for Christ more effectively because they are real. They ‘do all things without grumbling or disputing, [so] that they may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom [they] shine as lights in the world.’[Phil 2:14,15] The purer the church becomes, the more effective is their witness.
Having been scattered was not a bad thing after all. Rom 8:28 is really true. God ways are higher than ours. Paul had the same experience in Rome when he was imprisoned. He explained to the church at Philippi,” I want you to know, brothers,[e] that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word[g] without fear.”[Phil 1:12-14]
Today, you and I might have been ‘stirred and displaced’ from our places of work. Our initial feeling as a ‘victim’ perhaps appears. But, in the economy of God, there is no displacements, only ‘relocation’ to shine more for Jesus. He orders all our steps, as well as stops. [Psa 37:23] Like lamp posts, He may post as at the dark corner where the gospel witness is much needed.
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Acts 7:55-60;8:1 ESV
55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together[b] at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of his execution.
LORD, DO NOT HOLD THIS SIN AGAINST THEM
The people were mad and ground their teeth against Stephen so that they stoned him to death. However, beyond his sight unto their evil faces, he saw the glory of God as he gazed into heaven, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This wonderful heavenly vision was so much that helped him to overrule all the physical pains he would endure.
The God he was proclaiming, he saw firsthand now. Thus he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” This statement they heard seemed to have added more fuel to their already burning hearts with anger. They rushed at him and brought him out of the city to be stoned. One of those guys who consented to Stephen’s death was Saul, later became the apostle Paul.
Stephen’s life is quite paradoxical. He pronounced vehemently, almost insultingly, that his accusers were murderers. Instead of uttering condemning words when he was stoned, he prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” He was unapologetic when speaking the truth against them. But, he was so compassionate for their souls.
Like him, we must be on fire to preach the truth but gentle and uncondemning to their souls. In other words, Stephen preached his heart out, pleading them for the salvation of their souls. He died as a martyr for Jesus through the bloody hands for the people he loved so much.
This was the same sentiment that Moses expressed to God, who was about to punish the rebellious Jews. He prayed, “ “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.”[Ex 32:31,32] Similarly Paul also expressed, “For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”[Rom 9:3]
Today, let’s not be certain only to stand for truth unapologetically but love the souls of men genuinely also.
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Acts 7:51-54 ESV
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” 54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.
YOU ALWAYS RESIST THE HOLY SPIRIT
Their resistance to the Holy Spirit had exposed the problem of their hearts. They were a stiff-necked people and uncircumcised in heart and ears. As water couldn’t permeate into a hardened clay like pots, so is the numbness of hearts to the conviction of the Spirit. Instead of humbling, they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him upon hearing the truth. They were no different than their forefathers who persecuted the prophets.
They were circumcised physically but their hearts and ears were not. Circumcision was the covenant sign that God gave Abraham to indicate that He chose Abraham to be the patriarch of His people. Abraham, most specifically his descendants, would possess the land of Canaan and bless the world (Gen 17:1–14). To be uncircumcised was to reject one's place in God's covenant. Stephen has already mentioned that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob's sons were circumcised, taking their place in the Abrahamic covenant. In the same way, Stephen’s accusers have been circumcised and expect to take their place in God's promise to Abraham. In other words, they always believed as being entitled to receive the promise because they were also circumcised physically.
A religious ritual and tradition by itself isn’t necessary bad. However, a misunderstanding of a religious ritual may cloud or cover up the need of repentance. Take for example, an unregenerate person who is baptized with water may think he is saved because he has been baptized. A child who attends Sunday School regularly might assume that he is a believer because he is listedat the roster. As somebody said, ‘A person going to church won’t make somebody a Christian like a person who goes in McDonalds won’t make him a hamburger.”
Today, how would you respond upon hearing the truth? Do you melt or become mad? The sun that melts the wax would harden the clay. A broken heart would always receive the truth but a hardened heart would become much harder. Take for example Pharaoh’s hardening of his heart. God said to Moses, He would hardened his heart yet Pharaoh has hardened his heart also. In what ways? When God revealed to Pharaoh His power and glory, Pharaoh rejected God. The truth caused him to more defensive and built much thicker walls. This would happen if a person continues to reject the truth. Simply said, rejection to the truth is adding more veneer to the impenitent soul.
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Acts 7:44-50 ESV
44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.[a] 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest?
50 Did not my hand make all these things?’
WHAT IS THE PLACE OF MY REST?
God had commanded Moses to build the tabernacle. He designed it and Moses had to construct it according to the details. As they entered into the Promised Land, Joshua saw to it that the tabernacle worship did continue. When the kingdom reached its zenith during David’s time, David found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was his son, Solomon who built a house for God.
Stephen was laying down his defense against the Jews who accused him of disrespecting the temple. God didn't ask for the temple, did He? And He had no issues speaking to the priests inside a tent or tabernacle. The building is not sacred unless God's presence is actually there. The temple was not built until more than four hundred years after God gave Moses the plans to build it. God blessed the temple, but He didn't need it. Ironically, the temple was not built by Abraham or Moses or David but by Solomon. The structure designed in order to demonstrate the proper way to worship God was built by the king who started drifting away from God and worshiped idols and foreign gods instead (1 Kings 11:1–8).
Thus Stephen brought them back to the essence why the temple is irrelevant when God is not there. They had forgotten what Solomon had recognized during the dedication of the temple "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!" (1 Kings 8:27). God has proven him right: "As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD'S house" (2 Chron 7:1–2).
A few years earlier, a Samaritan woman told Jesus that God has to be worshiped in the place where the temple was for the Jews. Jesus responded to the Samaritan woman, matter of factly, that a time was coming when people no longer be obligated to worship at the temple. Instead, they would worship wherever they were, in spirit and in truth (John 4:21–24). In short, the attitude of worship and the object of worship matter, not the location.
Paul will use this same rationale with Greek philosophers, saying, "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything" (Acts 17:24–25).
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Acts 7:39-43 ESV
39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:
“‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices,
during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
43 You took up the tent of Moloch
and the star of your god Rephan,
the images that you made to worship;
and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’
MAKE FOR US GODS
The 40 days and nights of waiting for Moses to come down from Mt. Sinai had revealed not only their impatience but insubordination to God. They demanded to a weak and pacifying Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
Once again, they rejected Moses[and God] and decided to turn back to Egypt. They made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. Similarly, people today want a god who permits them to indulge in their flesh. Thus Paul had equated idolatry with covetousness.
A sad reality as the psalmist writes;
“ How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness
and grieved him in the desert!
They tested God again and again
and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
They did not remember his power
or the day when he redeemed them from the foe,
when he performed his signs in Egypt
and his marvels in the fields of Zoan.”[Psa 78:40-43]
But, God is a jealous God.
There is only one God and there is none other.[Deut 6:4] God gave them up unto their lust. For 40 years, they didn’t offer to God the animal sacrifices according to the law of Moses. The next generation continued to pursue the worship of pagan gods like Moloch and Rephan [Saturn or Kiyun], according to the prophet Amos [Amos 5:6].
As a result, God pronounced that He would exile them even beyond Babylon. Man may get what he wanted but he couldn’t get away from the sad consequence. He who chooses his life for himself would lose it eventually.
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Acts 7:30-38 ESV
30 “Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’
35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’ 38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
A REJECT, RULER AND REDEEMER
Moses ran for his life to the desert in Midian, where he settled for the next 40 years. He tried to use his power to help His people. But, they had rejected him. Thus, he ended up as an unknown shepherd in the wilderness.
Then, one day, the Lord came to him and caught his attention. He saw the burning bush and he was wondering why it wasn’t consumed. He went nearer in order to see and discover why. Unexpectedly, he heard the voice of God, “‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob. ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’ Standing in the presence of god, Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
The Lord had called and commissioned him. But having been ‘de-Egyptianized’ for 40 years now, he lost his confidence. He has had a lot of reasons to reject God’s calling [see Exodus 3]. Stephen wrote that he was rejected by his own people[see v.35] and that he felt as a reject himself here. Interestingly, when he recognized that he was a nobody, God called him to lead his people out from Egyptian slavery. Who the Jews ‘despised’ became their ‘deliverer’. Their ‘reject’ was made their ‘ruler and redeemer.’ The right time happened when both Moses and the people were broken, that is, having a desperate need of God.
Moses, who was weak, came out winning the hearts of God’s people and enemies. He went back to Egypt and led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. Definitely, God made the difference in his life. God had supremely shone in and through the life of the ‘meekest’ man alive, Moses. [Num 12:3]. The Lord counts the meek as blessed for they shall inherit the earth. [Matt 5:5]. This means, God would use him to achieve God’s inheritance, as promised by God.
Notedly, Stephen had declared that Moses did not only receive the Law but has also the vision of the coming ‘prophet’ greater than himself. While Moses, Samuel, and the other prophets brought truth to God’s people, Jesus brought the whole truth: the good news of God’s kingdom.
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Acts 7:23-29 ESV
23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’ 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
RIGHT MOTIVE BUT WRONG METHOD
Moses, when he was 40 years old, came to his brothers. He saw an Egyptian oppressing His own people he loved. He defended them by killing him. Undoubtedly, his motive was right but his method wasn’t right.
In what ways?
Firstly, he did it by his own power without God. Did he think that using his authority and power as being the prince of Egypt was all that he needed? Trusting in oneself in doing a favor for God’s people isn’t God’s way. It’s purely a display of pride and presumption, isn’t it? How many times we suffered the consequences to our presumptuousness? May God keeps us from it. [see Psa 19:16-17]
Secondly, the Jews seemed oblivious to his sincerity. They had an impression to Moses. As Stephen has said, “He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.” Their doubt was understandable. He was still an Egyptian to them. He was the Egyptian prince – in his appearance and decorum. Thus, one of the two guys quarreling he tried to reconcile asked him, “‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’” We should not cloud our motives by our decorum or appearance.
Thirdly, he was going ahead of God’s plan. It wasn’t the right time. The motive was right but the man wasn’t. God has to ‘de-Egyptianize’ him first to become a humble Jew. This is the very reason why God allowed him to run away into the wilderness and live there for the next 40 years. Like Moses, we must be the right person by delearning and relearning God humbly in His time. Should we be the right person, our ministry would be effective.
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Acts 7:17-22 ESV
17 “But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt 18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. 19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive. 20 At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God's sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house, 21 and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.
BEAUTIFUL IN GOD’S SIGHT
The Jewish population grew in Egypt. It seemed that they were already settled in a foreign land for good. However, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph. He dealt shrewdly with them and forced their parents to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive. Everything turned against their favor. Thus they cried before the Lord. The Lord heard them.
As Stephen described, this happened at ‘the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham.’ God has revealed to Abraham some of these details of the Israelites' time in Egypt. He said, "Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years" (Gen 15:13). God’s hand was behind all these. As Solomon articulated, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”[Ecc 3:12]
When their crisis came, God did raise a man. Moses was born. And, as an infant, he was beautiful in God’s sight. And, God let his parents saw his beauty within also. As Hebrews 11:23 accounts, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” Definitely, God has designed him to be the beautiful gem in the midst of darkness and chaos of the Jewish life.
There is only one Moses. A child can’t be as Moses in terms of influence. However, every child is a ‘heritage of the Lord.’ [Psa 127:3] Every parent should trust that their children aren’t problems per se. They’re jewels. Even, God had moved the hearts of Pharaoh’s daughter causing her to love Moses even when she saw him crying inside the floating basket. For him to become her ‘adopted son and having been educated in ‘all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds’ was God’s preparation for him as the future Jewish leader.
Nothing happens by chance. God is on top of everything in and through our lives. As Paul expressed, “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”[Rom 8:28] God sees to it that His plan will be accomplished in our lives. As Paul also said, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”[Phil 1:6] Where you are right now is a preparation for a greater use for God tomorrow.
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Acts 7:9-16 ESV
9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. 13 And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. 14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. 15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, 16 and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
GOD WAS WITH HIM
Joseph's older brothers, having been jealous of Jacob's regard toward him, sold him to slave traders and told Jacob a wild animal had killed him. He was sold then to a nobleman in Egypt. Despite Joseph's time in slavery and then prison in Egypt, God was with him. In the dungeon, he became forgotten and unknown to his family but not unto God. However, God had blessed Joseph with training, wisdom, and positions of power and responsibility.
All the while, Jacob was mourning for his absence. While, Joseph's brothers thought he was a miserable slave, and was gone forever. They had no idea God would use their sin against Joseph as a way for Joseph to become a prince in Egypt. And, he was there to rescue them and the surrounding nations from famine. They went to Egypt to buy food and as a result they were reconciled with Joseph. Jacob and his clan of 75 went to Egypt and settled there. But when he died, his bones were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
God sees the end from the beginning. As Isaiah declared,
“for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’”[Isa 46:9,10]
Joseph’s journey from slavery, imprisonment to his leadership in Egypt was extra-ordinary. Who could have thought that the hatred and sin of his brothers was the key to unfold God’s plan in His life? As Joseph expressed, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”[Gen 50:20] Should the famine did not happen, Joseph won’t be able to see his brothers again, would he? Paul had beautifully articulated that God is always right in all our circumstances, saying, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”[Rom 8:28]
Stephen's recounting of Joseph's story also has helped to demonstrate to his accusers that despite their claimed reverence of Moses, the Israelites have a long history of rejecting God's prophets. In this, Joseph parallels Jesus' identification as the stone that the builders rejected that became the cornerstone (Mat 21:42). Though Joseph was sold by his brothers, God used him as the foundation for survival for nations caught in famine. Similarly, they killed Jesus, but His sacrifice is the foundation for their salvation, if they will only believe.
________
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Acts 7:1-8 ESV
And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 And Stephen said:
“Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ 4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. 5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. 6 And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years. 7 ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’ 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
ABRAHAM, THE SOJOURNER
In his defense that he desecrated the temple, Stephen brought them back to their historical background. Stephen confirmed his own Jewish faith starting from their forefather, Abraham. The God of glory had appointed him several hundreds of years before the temple was built.
Abraham was one of three sons (one died) of a man named Terah who lived in a town called Ur on the Euphrates river in modern-day Iraq. Ur was home to the Chaldeans, a people-group that included Nebuchadnezzar several hundred years later. God called him to leave and go to another land that God would give unto him and his descendants. Thus, Abraham, his wife Sarah, Terah, and Abraham's nephew Lot left Ur and traveled up the Euphrates to Haran, a settlement in modern-day eastern Turkey. There, Terah died (Genesis 11:27–32). After Terah's death, Abraham followed God's call to leave Haran and head south into the land of Canaan. Eventually, this land became Israel, but not yet. God has promised Abraham his descendants would possess this land even though he had no son and would never possess it in his lifetime (Genesis 12:1–3). Abraham traveled as a sojourner around the area. His descendants became slaves in Egypt for 400 years. It wasn't until the time of Joshua that God gave Canaan to the Israelites as their inheritance.
Stephen reminds his accusers that in the time of their forefathers, including Abraham, the twelve patriarchs, and the Jews who spent four hundred years in Egyptian slavery, the temple didn't exist. The distinguishing mark of the Jews' separation from the world was the circumcision (Genesis 17:9–14). It was God’s covenant for Abraham that His promise would happen. The tabernacle and the temple came later, to confine the worship of God in a way meant to exclude any pagan practices.
In summary, Stephen was explaining to the Sanhedrin and the crowd in Jerusalem that neither the Mosaic law nor the temple are required for Jews to worship God. The first Jewish God-worshiper, Abraham, did not inherit the land where his descendants were in order to worship God, did he? He did not have a temple to worship in, in the first place. And he did not have a law to tell him how to worship. And, yet, he is the founding patriarch from whom all God-worshiping Jews come, including Stephen's accusers.
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Acts 6:8-15 ESV
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
ADAMANT YET ANGELIC
One of the first deacons, Stephen was a Hellenist-Jew with unique traits. He was tough in his words but tender in his looks. He was adamant as a preacher but angelic in his appearance. The synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
As Elijah was to Jezebel’s prophets so was Stephen against these Jews from all over the region. He is "of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom" (Acts 6:3) Definitely, His wisdom was from above. His enemies ran out of reason against him. This enhanced Stephen's opponents to initiate among the people a mob. That the people would be mad and kill him. They said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council. They accused Stephen, saying he wants to see the temple destroyed. Moreover, they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”
Stephen’s apologetical prowess couldn’t be questioned. But, the people were not ready to hear. In such a case, these Hellenists lied to themselves and others to justify their desire to reject the gospel. The gospel can either soften or harden the hearts of men.
Jesus had prepared the disciples for this, telling them to shake the dust off their feet when leaving those who refuse to listen (Mat 10:14). More seriously, He warned them that those who would reject His message would persecute them someday (John 15:18–19). Even then, they must not only be tough but non-vindictive to their oppressors. A lesson learned is to let the message of the gospel offend not our attitude.
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Acts 6:1-7 ESV
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
GROWTH AND CHANGE
There was a significant spiritual movement in the lives of the apostles and the rest of the church so that they grew exponentially. A significant change should happen in us should we want to grow. A person who continues to do what he is doing and expects a different result is a fool.
However, their numerical and spiritual growth had inevitably bred new problems. A complaint [grumbling] by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. More people means more needs to attend to.
Thus, they decided to pick out from among them seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, who will attend to this duty. Thus, they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. The apostles laid their hands upon them for this ministry. Although the passage doesn't use the word ‘diakonia’, this is the establishment of the office of "deacon" in the church. Diakonia, the Greek root word from which "ministry" comes, specifically refers to the role of the deacons who collect and disperse resources. Later Paul outlined at 1 Timothy 3:8–13 the qualifications for deacons, most of which deal with integrity. While deacons need to be spiritually mature, as any church leader should be, the apostles saw to it to that they will handle the finances honestly and responsibly.
The apostles were very clear that they won’t attend to every need of the church by themselves. They said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” They had to focus on their priority of prayer and preaching.
As a result the church continued to grow. Apparently, when needs are met by suitable and dedicated people doing the ministry according to their giftinghad caused the church to grow. The disciples had delegated the work which made them laser-focused on the word. Prayer and Word ministry are the primary ministries of the pastors in our churches. All the others are subsidiary or secondary. Like the apostles, let’s not be ‘jack of all trades but master of none’. Where God has planted and gifted us, let’s bloom and not like the rolling stone that gather no moss.
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Acts 5:40-42 ESV
40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
40 Sila'y napaniwala niya. Nang maipatawag nila ang mga apostol, hinagupit sila at inutusang huwag nang magsalita sa pangalan ni Jesus, at sila'y pinalaya. 41 Sa kanilang pag-alis sa Sanhedrin, nagalak sila na ituring na karapat-dapat magtiis ng kahihiyan alang-alang sa Pangalan. 42 Araw-araw, sa templo at sa mga bahay-bahay, hindi sila tumigil sa pagtuturo at pangangaral na si Jesus ang Cristo.
PERSECUTED YET REJOICING
Having been convinced by Gamaliel, they held back their thought of killing the apostles and their companions. They flogged them instead before releasing them. During their interaction, the council ordered Peter and John to stop preaching in Jesus' name. However, all the apostles have disobeyed their order. Hence, the Sanhedrin can now legally justify their strong action.
Their response was quite remarkable. They were flogged yet rejoicing as they left the presence of the council. Why? They were joyful that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. Their Christianity wasn’t a way for them to obtain comfort or convenience in life. Conversely, the popular ‘health and wealth’ teachings today had either clouded or distorted the pursuit of glorifying Christ with pursuing personal comfort and convenience.
Perhaps, the apostles were reminded to what Jesus had taught with His sermon at the mount. That is, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Mat 5:11–12). Later, Jesus even warned, "Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues" (Mat 10:17).
Later, Peter wrote to encourage us in reflection to this experience. He said, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” [1 Pet 4:12-16]
Notedly, they became bold to reach others with Jesus' message of reconciliation to God when they received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit made the difference. They were timid and fearful previously, were they not? Their courage became contagious. For every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.[v.42] Thus, the gospel became unstoppable and viral.
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- Acts 5:34-39 ESV
33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice
GAMALIEL, THE CALM PHARISEE
As the council heard Peter’s preaching, everyone was furious, even wanting to kill them, except one, the Pharisee named Gamaliel. He was one of the most respected scribes in Israel of any sect. In fact, one commentary on the Talmud says, "When Rabban Gamaliel the elder died, the glory of the law ceased and purity and abstinence died." An account later when Paul gave his defense and emphasized the depth of his Jewish knowledge, he mentioned he studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).
Gamaliel was a bit calmer and more objective about the situation, despite Peter’s unequivocal claims that Jesus is the Leader and Savior, who they crucified.[v.31] In some extra-biblical writings, he was portrayed as one who believed that the apostles were apostates and perish. But, he was not remotely friendly to Christians and showed more kindness to them.
He didn’t necessarily agree with the apostles but he suggested restrain. Killing the apostles outright, no matter how blasphemous their words, would be a risky political move for them, who were primarily interested in maintaining influence over the people. The people could react violently turn against them should it happens.
Gamaliel went on to give an argument that highlighted on God's sovereignty and unquestionable decree. He pointed out that these Jesus-followers were not the first men to gather a following. History proved that if men presume to speak for God of their own volition, God will take care of them. Firstly, he mentioned Theudas who led 400 others, but failed. The fact that history has no memory of this Theudas is somewhat the whole point Gamaliel is making. Secondly, he mentioned Judas the Galilean who "rose up in the day of the census"—which was the time Jesus was born (Luke 2:1–2; Acts 5:37). He also perished. Like Theudas and Judas the Galilean, if God isn't behind a movement, He will dissolve it eventually.
If God is with them, there's nothing the council can do to stop them. Thus, he pointed out, "You might even be found opposing God!" (v. 39). He was absolutely right. The gates of hell couldn’t prevail the advancement of the gospel.
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Acts 5:26-33 ESV
26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.
WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN
Again, the Sanhedrin were surprised that they were not inside the prison, had summoned the disciples for more threatening and intimidations. But, they were aware that the people could stone them if things would go wrong. The unnamed high priest had reprimanded them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.”
There were two things he acknowledged. First, they had ‘filled Jerusalem with their teaching”. Apparently, their message had gone far and wide so that everyone in the city had heard about the crucified Jesus of Nazareth had risen from the dead. In other words, His name became viral so that everyone was talking about Him. Secondly, he with all the rest understood that the disciples’ message had indicted them as responsible for Jesus’ death. He said, “you intend to bring this man's blood upon us” Most probably, they were afraid the public would realize that they killed Jesus under false pretenses and could lose their power and influence. Or it may be a greater fear. In Roman law, if one wrongfully charge someone of a crime, he was legally liable to receive the punishment of that crime. Pilate knew they had no real reason to have Jesus be crucified. Should the truth comes out, the members of the Sanhedrin could be crucified.
Instead of back-pedalling their message, Peter boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than men.” In no circumstance that not to preach Jesus was acceptable. Obedience to God had the primary importance rather than their comfort. How about us today? What is most important to us? Peter, instead, preached Christ unto them unapologetically, saying, “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” The words Peter is using go far beyond the Sanhedrin's initial concern about resurrection and popularity. The title "Leader" comes from the original Greek root word translated as "prince," or "captain," or even "pioneer" or "founder." Some translations use "author" to translate this word in Hebrews 12:2.
Sadly, instead of being ‘cut to the heart’, these leaders had their hearts stirred to more anger. They thought of murdering them. Indeed, truth hurts and heals the humble heart. But, it hardens the proud and haughty. May, we won’t have such hearts should the Lord speaks to us today.
Acts 5:19-26 ESV
19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
GO AND SPEAK THE WORDS OF LIFE
Peter and the other disciples were incarcerated. The Bible doesn't promise that God will keep Jesus’ disciples safe always. But here, God provided them a miraculous escape. During the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out passing through guards unnoticed and found the doors securely locked later. Earlier Peter and John experienced it [Acts 4:1-3,21], so did Paul and Silas at Philippi.[Acts 12:1-11] Not to mention, the risen Lord who passed through a covered tomb heavily guarded by Roman soldiers and appearing to the disciples through locked doors.
This particular escape had served God’s plan. For God said unto them, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life” Jesus promised them to become witnesses once the Holy Spirit should descend upon them.[Acts 1:8] Moreover, God gave them the opportunity to preach the Word of life. In other words, He who has commissioned us also would clear the way for us. God could create opportunities for His witness.
“And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.” Their obedience was spontaneous, was it not? Why? This was an answer to their courageous prayers, that is, “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [Acts 4:29,30] Do we pray for boldness to witness for Christ despite hardships? Or, a hardship-free life?
Jesus has prepared the apostles for this civil disobedience. He taught them not to fear those who threatened to kill their bodies but to respect the God who can send their souls to hell (Luke 12:4–5). They were not able to do this before the indwelling of the Spirit, were they? They scattered at Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:50), Peter denied knowing Him (Mark 14:66–72), and even after Jesus rose from the dead they hid from the Jewish leaders in a locked room (John 20:19). However, when they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they were emboldened to defy human rulers in the service of God.
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Acts 5:17-18 ESV
17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.
OUT OF JEALOUSY
Now, all twelve apostles are healing and preaching in Jesus' name and it's driving the Sadducees mad with jealousy (v.17] It was not just because the people are flocking around them only but because the people had believed their message and are following Jesus (Acts 5:14).
Having no other option that they could think to do, they arrested them all and put them in prison. This time, they would beat them (Acts 5:40). Later on, they will go after all the Jesus-followers, leaders and converts (Acts 8:1–3). Out of jealousy, they would these extreme measures to remove everyone before their path. As Solomon says, “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” [Prov 27:4]
The council initially held Peter and John because they taught the resurrection from the dead, which the Sanhedrin, composed mostly of Sadducees, don't believe in. But, the preaching of the resurrection isn't a crime for the Pharisees who believed in it and so did the crowd. Thus, the council could reprimand them but couldn't punish them. But, the apostles defied them, as Peter warned they would (Acts 4:19–20). This had added fuel to the rage of the religious leaders.
In the original, the word "jealous" implies a fierce, passionate emotion. It can mean a potent desire or love for something, or to want what someone else has. In a positive way God is described as "jealous God" and He is indeed jealous for us. It is because we rightfully belong to Him (Ex 20:5). Paul also says this to the church members in Corinth when they followed false teachers (2 Cor 11:2). Having been deceived, the priests may have felt that their jealousy was righteous. That, they certainly felt these Jesus-followers were robbing the people away from their leadership and theology, as did Jesus (Mat 27:18). Sadly, they failed to ask objectively, “Are the apostles leading people toward or away from God? Are the apostles or the priests leading the people closer to God? Does the priests' jealousy align with God's righteous jealousy? Is it possible these men are telling the truth?”
Today, let’s be watchful not to be clouded by the attitude of jealousy. It always ruins relationships. As James articulated, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”[Jas 3:16]
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Acts 5:12-16 ESV
12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
MULTITUDES WERE ADDED TO THE LORD
A great number of people were ‘added to the Lord’, which in no doubt, became authentic members to the first local church in Jerusalem. Sadly today, an addition to the church roster may not necessarily mean an addition to the Lord. The number of nominal Christians is on the rise, isn’t it?
Their mass conversion was phenomenal. God had granted the apostles to preach the gospel accompanied by signs and wonders. Definitely, this was the fulfilment to what Jesus had said to the apostles, that is, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”[John 14:12] Not that they would have more power than Christ but that the scale of God’s work through the gospel had gone further and wider.
Certainly, the spectacular display of God’s power to heal should have startled the normal mind of the witnesses during those times. Amazingly, every sick brought before the apostles, even desiring perchance that Peters’ shadow may fall upon them, got healed. The text doesn't say if everyone who touches Peter's shadow understands the work of Jesus, but they certainly believed that the power of God is on Peter.
Why these miracles are important? It's unclear why the Holy Spirit allows the church to grow through the healing of the sick and demon possessed. At this time, they drew people to a saving faith in Jesus. Later on, they served as a reminder of how deserving we are of retribution for our sins and how we should not "drift away" from the message of Jesus' gift of salvation. Before long, persecution would drive the Jesus’ followers out of Jerusalem (Acts 8:1–3)
As Heb 2:1-4 has explained, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
As a caution, our faith should never be dependent on signs. (John 2:23–25; 4:48). A classic example is Thomas, who doubted. He finally saw the resurrected Savior and affirmed his faith in Him. Then Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Certainly, God can still do miracles today but the testimonies of the scriptures are enough for us to put our trust in Christ.
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Acts 5:7-11 ESV
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
A CONNIVANCE
Evidently, Sapphira had connived with the lie of her husband Ananias. She affirmed to Peter’s query about the amount of money they got from the sale of the land that her husband had declared. They agreed together to lie to the Holy Spirit.
Their conversation happened three hours after Ananias died, whose pallbearers had just arrived at the scene. Peter told her she would be carried by these pallbearers to be buried beside her husband’s grave. She fell dead immediately and was buried as Peter had said. Consequently, a great fear came upon everyone who knew it.
Definitely, God had sent a strong signal that He must be taken seriously. If God was after of the money, Ananias and Sapphira shouldn’t have died. At least they had given money while many had not. But, their heart was the problem – full of lies and hypocrisy.
If Sapphira was God fearing and had not connive with her husband, the narrative could have been different. But, she was not. Impliedly, she might had either influenced or encouraged her husband to lie. She was supposed to be a help meet who could have warned lovingly her husband about his wrong. Certainly, she was very different to Sarah, who did submit to Abraham when he lied to Pharaoh and Abimilech. As Peter writes, “For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.”[1 Pet 3:5,6a]
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Acts 5:1-6 ESV
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
LYING TO THE SPIRIT
Did Ananias emulate Barnabas’ generous act? Most probably. Unlike Barnabas, however, he did it with a pretentious attitude. He expressed to give the total proceeds of the sale of his land [v.3] for the need of the saints but he kept back some of it.
The phrase "kept back" means to embezzle in the original Greek. The same term is read in Titus 2:10, where the ESV renders it as "pilfering." He and his wife had dishonestly represented their gift. The issue wasn’t that Ananias and Sapphira had not given the church all the proceeds, was it? It was their lie to the Holy Spirit (see v.3). Apparently, they vowed to donate all the money but it was all a bluff. There was no obligation for them to vow (Acts 5:4), but since they made it, they needed to either keep it or at least be humble and honest to repent if they had not performed it.
Jesus had quoted the Mosaic law, that is, "You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn" (Matt 5:33). He goes on to say,” But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”[Matt 5:34-37]
Ananias with his wife put on a show of piety. They seemed to want the prestige of charity without the actual cost. God doesn't mandate Christians to give away all our possessions, does He? A case in mind was Jesus’ challenge to the rich young man to sell everything he has and give to the poor. However, he was exacting to him as a test because despite to his love for other people, the man valued his money more than God (Mark 10:17–22).
What does this mean for us today? When we give to God's work, we need to give as we decide in our hearts (2 Cor 9:7), not to impress others, but in love and worship to God (Mark 12:41–44). Otherwise, all would amount to nothing. As Paul had warned, “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”[1 Cor 13:3]
Acts 4:32-37 ESV
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
ONE HEART AND SOUL
Thousands of people were of "one heart and soul”, that was, together in purpose, thought, and action. The Holy Spirit was in them and was guiding them as one. As a result, they combined their possessions. This proved to be wise since not so very long from here, these believers will have to flee out of Jerusalem because of persecution (see Acts 8:1).
The twelve apostles became responsible in the disbursing of the wealth to those in need. This could have brought memories for them when at one time, they distributed bread and fishes to 5,000 men beside women and children. [see John 6] Amazingly, they, who had followed Jesus for three years in poverty, became responsible for the wealth of thousands of new Jesus-followers. Indeed, they had exemplified Jesus' example of servant-leadership (Matthew 20:25–28).
The reason for their unity is Jesus , who they believed. We don't know everything what the apostles had taught on a regular basis (Acts 2:42), but Peter's two recorded sermons shared the same theme, Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah. The Jewish nation killed Him, but God raised Him from the dead. Anyone who repented of their sins had received forgiveness from God (Acts 2:14–36; 3:11–26).
Unity is possible when the Holy Spirit leads a group of believers.[see Eph 4;1-6] The church is one body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12–31) because they are united by one faith in one God and Father. Consequently, the members could display humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. They not only lived in harmony, but they actively sought for it.
Interestingly, one of the more than five thousand believers in Jerusalem, Joseph, surnamed Barnabas, had stood out for his goodness. "Bar" is a Hebrew prefix meaning "son of." The concept of sonship, in Semitic cultures, is often used to reflect a person's character. Definitely, he has had a big heart to offer his possession for the need of the brethren. As an encourager, he would be used greatly to encourage the apostle Paul to grow in the Lord.
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Acts 4:23-31 ESV
23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,
“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed’—
27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
PRAYER AND PRAISE
Peter and John returned to their companions. In addition to the other apostles, Jesus' church family, and the original Jesus-followers, about five thousand men plus women and children have accepted Christ and received the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13–15; 4:4). Jesus made the church to be a place where we can experience His love (1 John 4:12) and, as here, they found encouragement to stand firm in the face of persecution.
When they heard the report, their initial response was to pray, first by affirming God's sovereignty over the Jewish leaders. Their prayer included the texts from Psalm 146:6, but Psalm 146:1–5 directly related as well. The psalm starts by praising God, then gives the admonition to not trust in princes or other men. God blesses those whose help and hope are found in Him alone. They quoted also Psalm 2:2 and continued the passage from Acts 4:25. Although the writer of Psalm 2 must have had other kings and rulers in mind, the group praying here was thinking of Herod Antipas and Pontius Pilate.
They were well aware that they will face persecution. Jesus specifically stated that if the world hates Him, they will hate His followers too (John 15:18–21). In the week before the crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, "They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake" (Luke 21:12). But He also said that this is their opportunity to fulfill His statement in Acts 1:8 (see also Luke 21:13–19). The Holy Spirit will give them guidance, and they will bear witness to Jesus in front of these rulers (Matthew 10:16–20).
The apostles and other leaders didn't ask God to keep them from persecution. They believed that as God predetermined Jesus' crucifixion (Gen 3:15; 1 Pet 1:13–21), so He planned His followers' trials, deeming them as necessary for His plan. Jesus' followers had submitted to that plan and only asked that God would equip them for their part in it. They asked for boldness to continue speaking in Jesus' name and the ability to perform miracles so that the people will understand that their message is His message (Acts 4:29–30). Their selfless request was honored, and the Holy Spirit again filled the place where they were praying (Acts 4:31; see Acts 2:2).
Acts 4:19-22 ESV
19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
MEN OF CONVICTION
When Peter and John were reprimanded not to preach Jesus, they said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” They were challenging the Sanhedrin—the judges of Judaism—to choose between God and themselves. They told the chief priests that their wishes were contrary to the God they claimed to worship. Thus, they were telling the lawyers that they are ordering them to break the law. Hence, they were telling the religious authorities that they no longer recognized their authority. They would follow God directly.
Most Christian claim they adhere unto their beliefs. But, only a few believers had the convictions of proclaiming Christ like Peter and John. They were so committed that they were willing to suffer the difficult consequences for their decision. This day, Peter and John had willingly obeyed Jesus, the Son of God, over the priests, elders, and scribes.
This was the beginning of a huge paradigm shift among the Jesus-followers. Just before Jesus had ascended into heaven, He told His disciples, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This isn't a command, is it? It's just a statement of fact of the movement of the gospel. Later, Peter would validate the salvation of the Samaritans (Acts 8:14–17) and Gentiles (Acts 10). John will write his Gospel (John 21:24). Paul would insist he has no choice but to preach the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:16).
Are we men and women of convictions? Are we determined to stand for the truth despite the consequences? Do we value our eternal souls more than our bodily comfort? Do we value Jesus' will more than anybody else? To obey man's orders would be to directly disobey Jesus. Have we burned our bridges behind because we are determined to obey Jesus alone?
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Acts 4:15-18 ESV
15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
SUPPRESSING THE TRUTH
The Sanhedrin has ran out of reasons. They conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. The message of repentance, forgiveness, and resurrection has resonated with a great number of people, and the Sanhedrin felt their influence was slipping away (Acts 5:17).
The evidence of Jesus’ claim and power was too evident to ignore. Sadly, instead of repenting, they continued to deny, even strive against it as a man pushing against the current of the river. A hardened heart can be so unreasonable like the Sanhedrin. They kept holding on unto their traditions and beliefs even when the evidence of the truth is apparent as broad as the daylight.
A people who are seeing but not perceiving, knowing but not convicted. They suppressed the truth. The issue was in their heart. It’s so sad that they resorted in suppressing the truth rather than embracing it. Can darkness extinguish the light? Perhaps, for a moment, one could cover it. But, eventually, the light will beam and suppress the darkness.
These leaders are no different to what Paul described in Rom 1:21,22, that is, “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Suppressing the truth is the act of the fool.
Today, when we are confronted to the truth, do we embrace it or suppress it? Let’s be warned. As James says, “ But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” [Jas 1:22-25]
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Acts 4:13,14 ESV
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.
13 Nang makita nila ang katapangan nina Pedro at Juan, at nang malamang sila'y mga taong walang pinag-aralan at mga karaniwan lamang, ay namangha sila at kanilang nakilala na sila'y mga kasama ni Jesus. 14 At yamang nakikita nila ang taong pinagaling na nakatayong kasama nila ay wala silang masabing pagtutol.
THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS
The Sanhedrin had noticed three things about Peter and John – their boldness, being uneducated and having been with Jesus. Both, Peter and John had no formal training in rhetoric or Jewish theology. Culturally, it caused the deep disrespect from the Sanhedrin referring them as "common or lesser" people. Tey were neither members of a privileged class that could afford higher education, nor are they of a religious class that would sit under a scholar. In fact, they were fishermen (Mark 1:16–20), and Jesus, their rabbi, didn't have formal education, either (John 7:15).
Ironically, Peter have the confidence to present his case before the highest religious court of the land (see Mark 1:21–22) and had the audacity to place Jesus into Old Testament passages as if he were a rabbi, schooling the chief priests and scribes. His boldness was even more notable because he was filled with the Spirit. Definitely, the Holy Spirit gave him both the words to say and the courage to say them. Moreover, the 40 year old man healed standing beside them[ see v.14] was undeniable before the eyes of the Sanhedrin, proving his message is true.
Later on, Paul would explain, "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Cor 1:27–29). And God can choose an uneducated fisherman who is guilty of assault to teach the Jewish leaders their own theology and accuse them of murdering an innocent One.
May we be like Peter and John , not by our education but by our associationwith Jesus. May this be our credential that will back up our message.
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Acts 4:5-12 ESV
5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
NO OTHER SAVIOR
The Sanhedrin summoned Peter and John to explain their message. The religious leaders always maintained that Jesus was dead. Why are they claiming the power they used to heal a lame man came from Jesus of Nazareth who was dead?
What is the Sanhedrin?
The priests, the elders and scribes made up the Sanhedrin. It was the supreme Jewish court that presided over religious matters of any Jew, whether in Judea or beyond (Acts 8:1–3). In Jewish culture, a "Ruler" is a general term but Acts 4:23 had identified at least some of them as chief priests. An "Elder" is from the Greek root word presbyteros from which we get our English terms Presbyterian and presbyter. In the Old Testament, the elders were judging by the gates of cities several times (Deu 25:7; Jos 20:4; Ruth 4:11). While, the "scribes" were teachers of the law, that is, they were teaching lawyers and could be of any Jewish sect.
Four names of the prominent leaders were mentioned. We don’t know much about John and Alexander. But, we have an idea who Annas and Caiaphas are. Annas had been the high priest from AD 6–15, but he held great power for a long time even after he stepped down. Five of his sons went on to be high priest and Caiaphas is his son-in-law. Even when Annas was not the high priest anymore, he assumed privileges, like being the first to question Jesus after His arrest (John 18:12–13). Thus, he seemed to be the leader of the influential priests, including Caiaphas who was still the ruling high priest. But, it was Caiaphas who told the Sanhedrin to arrest Jesus after He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:49–50).
Peter and John did not question the Sanhedrin's authority to question them. Although they won’t obey any demand that would contradict what Jesus had told them to do, they had accepted that they were under the Jewish leadership's judicial jurisdiction (Rom 13:1). They were neither intimidated nor rebellious in attitude. They were Jews, whose beliefs are the fulfillment of Judaism. And as such, they were under the authority of the Sanhedrin, but that authority has limits. Contrariwise, the Sanhedrin should be under the authority of Jesus, who they were rejecting.
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Acts 4:1-4 ESV
And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
ANNOYED
Like modern Christianity, Judaism had different sects with very different beliefs. Firstly, the Pharisees were very legalistic, so that they added details to the Law God gave Moses. They also hated that Rome had ruled Israel and they believed in the resurrection of the dead. On the other hand, the Sadducees took the Mosaic law as the Scriptures present it. They didn't mind the Romans. For them, their occupation had given them an opportunity to make money. Unlike the Pharisees, they absolutely rejected the concept of resurrection from the dead.
At this point of Peter’s preaching, neither the Sadducees nor the Pharisees had realized that their Messiah had come and returned to heaven (Acts 1:9). He came into His own but they received Him not. [John 1:12] Jesus, the Messiah, came first to provide spiritual salvation, that is, the peace with God through forgiveness of sins made possible only because of His work on the cross and His resurrection. Then, Jesus will return to bring the physical promises of peace made to Israel into a reality. The Pharisees' belief in the resurrection allows that they may come back to experience the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.
Because they had rejected Jesus, they were disturbed when the disciples claimed that Jesus had risen from the dead. The good news for everyone was a bad news to them. So they imprisoned and persecuted Peter and John. Earlier, Jesus had told His disciples they would experience this kind of persecution. He said, "They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake" (Luke 21:12). This is not the last time either Peter or John will face prison. Later, the Sanhedrin would arrest, question, and beat all the apostles (Acts 5:17–42). Then, Herod Agrippa I would kill James and imprison Peter. An angel will rescue Peter, and he will escape Jerusalem (Acts 12:1–19).
We should not be surprised for men loved darkness rather than light. Thus, they hate the proclamation of Christ, who is the light. But, the nature of light is to shine so that they would naturally persecute the bearers of light. Did not Paul say that believers who live godly lives would surely experience persecution? [2 Tim 3:12] God allows and will often increase our trials in order for us to develop and prove our faithfulness to Him. The reason is not that He needs to know how faithful we are. It is for us to know. As James said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”[Jas 1:2-4]
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Acts 3:22-26 ESV
22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
THE PROPHET
We don't typically think of Moses in the same category as other "prophets", do we? Why? It’s because he was so much more, such as, the rescuer and leader of Israel, a military commander, and the friend of God (Ex 33:11). But, He was as quoted by Peter. As a prophet, he was someone whom God tasked to tell others His words. Considering God had given Moses the Law, he may rightly be considered as Israel's greatest prophet aside from Jesus.
Christians have varied views as to if there are still prophets in the world today. Since the completion of the canon of scriptures, that is when the books of the New Testament were decided upon, we can safely say that there are no more prophets like those found in the Bible. Today, God's revelation is complete to us through the Scriptures.
Moses prophesied, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen."[Deut 18:15] Definitely, the ‘prophet like me’ that Moses mentioned is Jesus. The Jews in Peter's audience knew to look for "the prophet," but they didn't know that this prophet was Jesus of Nazareth. Now, they're being admonished to show as true Jews by believing on Jesus. That they can't just call Jesus a good teacher or even a miracle worker. Peter told them, "The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus" (Acts 3:13). Jesus said Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will enter God's kingdom, but those who do not accept Him will be cast out (Luke 13:28).
Thankfully, from this crowd, thousands of men plus women do believe (Acts 4:4). They understand that Jesus is the Messiah and following Him is the fulfillment of what Judaism had promised. Jesus affirmed that He is the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham (John 8:56). And, in Galatians 3 Paul specifies that Jesus is the One through whom the blessing of Abraham is given to all people. Salvation is by faith and made available both to Gentiles and Jews, not by law, but by the promise. Paul writes, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" (Gal 3:27–29).
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Acts 3:18-21 ESV
18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
18 Ngunit sa ganitong paraan ay tinupad ng Diyos ang kanyang ipinahayag na mangyayari sa pamamagitan ng lahat ng mga propeta, na ang kanyang Cristo ay magdurusa. 19 Kaya nga magsisi kayo at magbalik-loob upang mapawi ang inyong mga kasalanan, 20 upang ang mga panahon ng kaginhawahan ay dumating mula sa harapan ng Panginoon; at upang kanyang suguin ang Cristo na itinalaga sa inyo, si Jesus. 21 Siya'y dapat manatili sa langit hanggang sa mga panahon ng pagpapanumbalik ng lahat ng mga bagay, na sinabi ng Diyos noong una sa pamamagitan ng bibig ng kanyang mga banal na propeta.
THE TIME OF REFRESHING
The time of refreshing was promised to the Jews according to Isaiah 61. Definitely, this will happen during the millenial reign of Christ. Peter highlighted that as the Jews corporately had rejected the Messiah so is the time of restoration is a promise to the nation. As a note, everyone of us is responsible for Jesus’ death because we all sinned. [Rom 3:23]
This same Jesus who ascended into the heaven will come bodily.[Acts 1:9] He would restore all things. What sin has destroyed, God would restore. This is His promise. All that the prophets had prophesied will be fulfilled.
Today, let us be ready for His return? Then, the time of refreshing should become a reality.
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Acts 3:11-16 ESV
11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.
BY FAITH IN HIS NAME
People recognized the man. Nobody could argue that he wasn’t the lame man who beg alms at a frequented portico at the temple. Astounded, the people flocked into Peter. Was it because they want to know how the healing miracle happened or if they want healing of their own? The reason is unclear.
Sensing that they seemed to attribute the glory to him, Peter did not waste time to proclaim Jesus, the miracle doer unto them. In much boldness, he confronted the Jews about their rejection of the Messiah. That, the Lord Jesus is glorified by the the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers. They delivered Jesus unto Pilate to be judged to death. While Pilate intended to release Him, they denied Him, the Holy and Righteous One, instead had asked the release of a murderer [Barabbas] in his stead. Thus, they had killed the ‘Author of life.’ [see John 1:3] In short, Peter pointed out that they were plain murderers.
But, Jesus overcame death because He rose from the dead. Death couldn’t contain Him. As Paul quoted a popular Greek poetry line;
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
Peter and the others were witnesses[Acts 1:8]. As such, they knew Jesus on firsthand basis. He knew for certain that Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected three days later. Jesus had appeared to him, the disciples and many others in separate occasions. [see 1 Cor 15: 5-8]
And, Peter explained that in ‘Jesus name’, that is faith in His name had healed the lame man. "Faith in his name" doesn't mean that he used the spoken words "Jesus Christ of Nazareth" as a magical spell. In their unique culture, one's "name" was one's reputation and character. Jesus' name includes the idea of His sovereignty, power, and authority. The healing was only possible because of faith in Jesus, Himself.
Acts 3:1-10 ESV
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
WHAT I DO HAVE, I GIVE TO YOU
At about 3pm of regular temple prayer, the lame beggar has asked Peter and John for alms while they were going to the temple (Acts 3:2–3). Actually, he's probably has done this day in and day out. He asked everyone who has come through the gate where he is stationed. And, Peter stopped and told the man to look at him. He did so, expecting Peter will hand over some coins.
Peter didn't. Why? He didn't have any money. What he has was faith in Jesus that will heal him. Doesn’t treat God like the lame man? That is, we are asking for a small thing when He wants to give us so much more. We ask for material things not knowing he offers us spiritual healing that will make our hearts soar.
The famous author, C. S. Lewis rightly said, "It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
When the man receives strong feet and ankles, did complain that he didn't receive a coin? In so much joy, he rose up, "walking and leaping and praising God" (Acts 3:8). May we all do the same when God gives us what we need, not what we ask for.
On the other hand, many believers feel miserable that they don’t have material riches as the ungodly have. Somebody said, “The poorest people in this world are those who have nothing else but money.” Have we realized how rich we are in the Lord? Paul said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”[Eph 1:3] Have we missed giving to the needy what we have – the gospel? The thought of billionaires engaging in ‘sari-sari’ stores is ridiculous, is it not? Such we are as citizens of heaven if we are bemoaning about the things on earth. I hope you and I are not, are we?
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Acts 2:42-47 ESV
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved
THE CHURCH IN UNITY
The unity of the early church was quite evident. They are being unified in their beliefs, as they all receive teaching from the apostles. They spent an ample time for meals together, sharing everything they own (Acts 4:32–37). Whether "the breaking of bread" refers to the Lord's Supper or to communal meals isn’t so clear today. However, the first loaf of bread that is broken and shared at the beginning of a Jewish meal. Verse 46 suggests full meals were included.
Also, their continual prayer unites them before God as they present their needs. Likewise, it's unclear if "the prayers" means the fellowship prayed regularly [as in Acts 1:14] or the more formal schedule of Jewish prayers [as in Acts 3:1] Considering the early church members lived together and shared everything in common, it's reasonable to assume it refers to all of the above.
The minute details of the early church in Jerusalem were unique to this time and place. More and more were being saved every day (Acts 2:47). Many of these people had come to Jerusalem for Pentecost—they don't live in Jerusalem so that theyhave no home or source for living here (Acts 2:9–11). They need to know the basics before they should return home or are driven out by persecutions (Acts 8:1). Where should they stay? The brethren living in Jerusalem had accommodated them (Acts 2:45).
Whatever the church looks like today, it is still called to have the same heart as the first church in Jerusalem. It’s the same mandate from God for churches today to be united despite diversity. We have received different spiritual gifts, yet we are called to serve each other in the church. As Paul says, "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:2–3). John has expressed that withholding support from a brother in need is unloving (1 John 3:17). James also warned against giving lip-service to others' needs without practically actualizing it (Jas 2:15–16). And Paul pointed out that any giving we do should be voluntary and cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7). That's easier to do when we’re controlled by the Spirit, who could prompt us to love the brethren in need.
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Acts 2:41-43 ESV
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
41 Kaya't ang mga tumanggap ng kanyang salita ay binautismuhan at nadagdag nang araw na iyon ang may tatlong libong kaluluwa. 42 Nanatili silang matibay sa turo ng mga apostol at sa pagsasama-sama, sa pagpuputul-putol ng tinapay at sa mga pananalangin. 43 Dumating ang takot sa bawat tao at maraming kababalaghan at tanda ang nangyari sa pamamagitan ng mga apostol.
MANY SOULS WERE ADDED INTO THE CHURCH
Peter, in his inaugural preaching, was used by God greatly so that three thousand souls believed Jesus and got saved. It was no short of a miracle. It’s only explanation was the movement of the Spirit. [Acts 1:8, Zech 4:6]
As a testimony to their faith, they obeyed to the ordinance of water baptism. Baptism is as a wedding ring. That when a person wears it, he publicly declares that he is identified with a wife through the covenant of marriage. He is still married even though he won’t wear the ring, is he not? Should you are a truly born again believer, you should obey the ordinance of baptism in fulfilment to the great commission.[Matt 28:19,20]
Baptism will be done to those who truly believed only. It’s the cart after the horse, that is, salvation. Thus, we may say this is a believer’s baptism. The believer’s willingness to be baptized is one of the best ways to confirm his genuine conversion. This is the first step of an obedient disciple.
These early believers are baptized right upon their conversion. Over the course of history, as more false teaching assaulted the church, training has been done before baptism. This is to ensure that people understand their faith before publicly committing to it. Once someone claims to be saved and has demonstrated they understand what salvation is and the purpose of baptism, there's no theological reason to wait for so long. Baptism is not required for salvation, is it? It should be performed as soon after conversion is examined and ascertained. If a core group of 120 believers had baptized three thousand converts, our churches baptism culture does not need be too complex.
Amazingly, in just a matter of hours, the infant church of Jerusalem has grown from 120 (Acts 1:15) to three thousand. And immediately, “they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” That is, they were trained right away to grow in their faith. They were a group of believers who were continually awed of God for He made a lot of wonders and signs through the apostles.
Previously, Jesus had told His disciples that the souls as are ripe wheat ready to be harvested (Mat 9:37–38). Did He not tell them that they would do greater works than Him? (John 14:12). Definitely, it was not in power but in scope. This was the start of the influx of believers. For God did add "to their number day by day those who [are] being saved" (Acts 2:47).
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Acts 2:36-41 ESV
36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
BROTHERS, WHAT SHALL WE DO?
Having heard of the gospel from Peter, they were ‘cut to the heart.’ Peter preached Jesus, specially His crucifixion, death and resurrection, nothing else and nothing less. As a result, the people were hurt and asked, “Brothers, what must we do to be saved?” For the first time, they were made aware and had acknowledged their sin. This conviction is a work of the Spirit.[John 16:7-9]
A sincere request led to Peter’s challenging them to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. It is the same as that given by John, but the addition of Jesus' name is new, which marks the fulfillment of John's prophecy (Luke 3:16).
To "repent" is from the Greek root word metanoeo. It means to completely change one's paradigm, to admit error and accept the truth. In the bible, it means to accept the viewpoint of God about the world, Jesus, and oneself, and act accordingly. In other words, Peter called the Jews to admit they were wrong, to accept God's correct view of things, and trust that Jesus has paid for their sins.
And, they would show their faith by their obedience in baptism. Baptism should not be confused as a requirement for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone (Eph 2:8–9) Our faith in Christ makes us a genuine believer just as a professional basketball player is made a teammate by signing a contract. Baptism, however is like the uniform. It is just an outward or a public sign.
Faith in Christ should result to forgiveness and the indwelling of the Spirit. And this promise is ‘for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.’ Indeed, Jesus' offer of salvation was always meant to be offered to the Jews first, but, equally, it was always meant to be offered to the Gentiles as well (Rom 1:16).
Genuine salvation would result in a godly lifestyle. As Peter had implied, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” In fact, Paul had admonished true believers, that they should be “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” [see Phil 2:15]
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Acts 2:29-35 ESV
29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”
JESUS IS THE LORD OF DAVID
Peter reminded the Jews that the great King David had died and his tomb had existed. However, he has had a covenant with God that his throne would perpetuate. This means a descendant will assume the throne forever. And He is Christ. Thus Peter said, “He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.”
God's oath to David is known as the "Davidic Covenant" (2 Sam 7:1–17; 1 Chron 17:11–14; Psalm 132:11). That God has said, "your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever" (2 Sam 7:16). This is not a bilateral covenant, like the contract God made with Israel and their kings that if they obeyed Him, He would bless them (Deut 11:26–27). This is a unilateral covenant, like the one God made to Abraham, that Abraham's descendants would become a great nation (Gen 12:1–3) and inherit a large territory (Gen 15:18–21). There was nothing for Abraham and David to do to ensure God would fulfill His promises to them (2 Chron 6:16). It’s based on the sovereign decree of God alone.
Thus as a prophet, David exclaimed,
“The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
He called his son His Lord may appear weird. But, just as Mary called Jesus her Savior, David recognized the Messiah Jesus as his Lord. Jesus, who is descended from David both legally through Joseph (Matthew 1:6–16) and biologically through Mary (Luke 3:23–328), is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to David. Jesus' place on the throne has been subject to much debate over the centuries. Suffice to say, however, that Jesus now is reigning in the hearts of His followers, is He not? Is He your Lord also as David has expressed? During the millennial kingdom, He will reign in Jerusalem. And He will reign ultimately in eternity.
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Acts 2:22-28 ESV
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,
“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
JESUS OF NAZARETH
Peter, as he continued to preach, explained who is this Jesus of Nazareth was. This was his summary of the life and works of Jesus. Firstly, he narrated to them that He is genuine as to His claims because of the many wonderful works and miracles that He did. And that, Jesus is the Son of God. The Jews had witnessed these so that they couldn’t deny.
Secondly, Jesus has died under the hands of lawless men. Yet, it was not them but God who ‘delivered Jesus up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God to be crucified and killed.” Thus, it was planned before the ages when the death by crucifixion wasn’t invented yet. Jeremiah and Isaiah’s prophecies had outlined His sufferings by crucifixion. Jesus was slain before the foundation of the world.[Rev 13:8] therefore, His death wasn’t incidental.
Lastly, Jesus rose from death. It is impossible for death to hold Him. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He rose to conquer sin, death and hell. This victory had caused Peter quote David’s psalm [Psalm 16”8-11] having been fulfilled. David , having seen this has resolved not to be shaken, to be glad and rejoice. And as a messianic psalm, Jesus won’t be abandoned to Hades, or let Him see corruption.
Today, do you believe and hope in Christ as David did? Do you have the same confidence that you won’t be shaken, have hope and gladness in your heart?
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Acts 2:14-21 ESV
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
18 even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
20 the sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”
I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT
Peter, the leader of the disciples, stood to answer their accusations. The question floating around the crowd was "What does this mean?" (Acts 2:12) What they saw was the start of the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy. That God will pour His Spirit unto all men, meaning, it would be the Spirit’s work as the church age began.
Joel was a prophet in Judah around 835 to 800 BC. His prophecies covered events that are both immediate to his time, including the devastation wrought by a horde of locusts, and also a future event, that is, the beginning years of the church and the end times.
In the time of Joel, a huge swarm of locusts destroyed the crops, leaving Judah in famine (Joel 1:1–12). Joel likened the locusts to God's wrath that would fall on His people if they didn't repent (Joel 1:13–20). If they did repent, God would have pity on them (Joel 2:18–27). As a sign of His reconciliation with His people, He would send the Holy Spirit so that the people would prophesy and see visions (Joel 2:28–29). But not everyone would return to God; those who refused God would still see His judgment (Joel 2:30–31)
As a typical symbolical book of prophecy, God doesn't mean to say that only sons and daughters will prophesy, or that young men will only receive messages while they're awake and only old men will dream from God when they're sleeping. This just means that "people" will receive "messages" from God in various ways from the Spirit.
Are these visions and prophesies for the early church age only? Or are they meant to continue through to the end times? Some parts of the world, people claim tht they have seen visions that led them closer to Jesus. We can’t put God in a box. But the supernatural messages seem to have decreased greatly since the church has compiled the canon of the scriptures that belong in the New Testament. God can do still the supernatural, as He always is, but this is not the norm that we can see as time unfolds. The Scripture is the primary way that God communicates with the world today, is it not? Thus, we must be very careful to validate experiences like seeing visions and the like that all these must be subservient to the Scriptures.
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Acts 2:5-13 ESV
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
THE NEW WINE
As the Holy Spirit descended and alighted unto the disciples, they began to speak in tongues. The Jewish pilgrims, who were devout men from the neighboring nations heard them. Devout means "pious and dutiful." This covers religiously observant Jews as well as proselytes (Acts 2:11). A proselyte is a Gentile who worships the Jewish God in the Jewish way, to the point that he agrees to become circumcised. When applied to a Gentile, "devout" or "righteous" may mean he follows Judaism but is not circumcised.
Why were they bewildered when they hear them? As they come together, each one was hearing them speak in his own language. They were hearing the mighty works of God from the disciples. Apparently, their speaking in tongues are languages the disciples spoke which they haven’t previously learned. The understanding of what "speaking in tongues" means is a controversial topic today. Many think it is a special language that only God can understand. Passages like 1 Corinthians 14:2 seem to say speaking tongues is uttering "mysteries in the Spirit." This passage is clear that when someone is inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues, they are speaking an established, earthly language.
It was a miracle. The multitude, perhaps close to a million, was comprised of people speaking diversely to about 15 distinct languages as recorded. All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” Indeed, they were both right and wrong at the same time. Firstly, they were wrong for they were not drinking wine. On the other hand, they were right because being drunk with wine is a metaphor of being filled with the Spirit. Paul said, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”[Eph 5:18] A drunk person who is controlled by the spirit of the wine will display a different behavior and attitude much different than when he is not. These disciples were not anymore timid as before. They were bold in their witness for Jesus because of the control of the Spirit.
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Acts 2:1-4 ESV
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
THE HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDED AT PENTECOST
Their patient waiting upon Jesus’ promise for the baptism with the Holy Spirit paid off (Acts 1:4–5] The Holy Spirit arrived from heaven with a sound like a mighty rushing wind. What's described here is a sound, not a sensation. They heard the sound of wind but they didn't feel a blast of fast-moving air, did they? The “rushing” and “mighty” sound descriptions suggest the power of wind as always understood to be under God’s control. In the Old Testament, He often appeared as some form of wind. For example, He answered to Job from a whirlwind (Job 38:1), to Ezekiel, a stormy wind (Ezekiel 1:4), as a low whisper to Elijah (1 Kings 19:12). And, He filled the room when Solomon dedicated his temple (1 Kings 8:10–11).
The word translated as "Spirit" is pneuma, which may meant ‘breath or wind’. However here, the "Holy Spirit" is a person and one of the three members of the Trinity. Let’s recall that the Spirit is the power that can make us be born anew in Christ. Jesus described to Nicodemus the work of the Spirit, saying, "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). Jesus did the work required to reconcile us to God with His sacrifice on the cross. On the other hand, it is the Holy Spirit who indwells those who believe. Moreover, He equips them to further spread that good news – by emboldening believers in their preaching (Acts 4:31), affirming their teaching (Acts 6:10), preparing hearts of people (Acts 8:29,13:2), leading them in what to say (Acts 15:28), and guiding believers (Acts 16:6–7).
The Spirit descent during the day of the "Pentecost” signaled the start of the church age. Pentecost is derived from the Greek word for "fiftieth." It falls seven weeks and one day [50 days] after the Sabbath that occurs during the weeklong Feast of Unleavened Bread. It is also called the "Feast of Weeks" because that same period is seven weeks or "a week of weeks." It is given in the Mosaic Law in Lev 23:15–21 and Deut 16:9–12.
Thus after Passover, Pentecost is the next major feast for which Jews from all over the Roman Empire will come to Jerusalem in order to bring first of their grain as a free-will offering. On this Pentecost, Jerusalem offers a kind of free-will offering to God. Amazingly, three thousand people believe in Jesus during this day (Acts 2:41).
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Acts 1:15-26 ESV
20b “‘Let another take his office.’
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
THE REPLACEMENT
Somebody has to replace Judas, that is, to "take his office" (Psalm 109:8). This would apply to the people sitting in the upper room. The word "office" is from the Greek root word episkopē from which we get our word episcopal. Jesus promised the twelve disciples that when He reigns they will "sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Mat 19:28). Since Judas was disqualified from such a service, the remaining apostles need to find a replacement.
Peter sets the qualifications for Judas' replacement. Jesus had said the apostles will be His "witnesses" (Acts 1:8), so they need someone who has witnessed Jesus. Throughout Jesus' three-year ministry, the Twelve disciples followed Him wherever He went. However, there were crowds who joined them regularly, even when they weren't wanted (Mat 4:23–25; Mark 3:7–10). Some would have stayed as long as they could, traveling with Jesus as excited fans following their favorite band. Peter articulated that the man must have been with them from the day of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist until the ascension.
After consideration, they narrowed down to two qualified candidates - Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. (Acts 1:22–23). Not so much information could we see about them. "Barsabbas" is Aramaic and means "son of God's will" or "son of Sabbath." It may be a nickname, meaning he devoutly follows the Sabbath. Joseph is his proper name, but like many at that time, he also has a Roman name, Justus. Historian Eusebius says Matthias was one of the Seventy (Luke 10:1–12, 17–20). When the group in the upper room casts lots, Matthias is chosen (Acts 1:26).
They prayed again for guidance. Praying for potential leaders becomes a valued tradition in the church for roles like evangelists (Acts 13:2) and church elders (Acts 14:23). Even Jesus prayed before He picked out the Twelve (Luke 6:12–13).God promises that if we pray for wisdom, He will give it to us (James 1:5). God knows who will make the best apostle because He already determined what work each man would do (Eph 2:10).
God knows the hearts of people where we only see on the surface (1 Samuel 16:7; Mark 2:8, 10:17–31; John 2:23–25). Literally, it is read, "You, Lord, heart-knower of all…" God is the only being whose identity and character include the knowledge and understanding of our thoughts, feelings, desires, and intentions. As such, only He can know whether Joseph or Matthias is the right man to replace Judas and take his responsibilities (Acts 1:20). The only other place "heart-knower" is used is in Acts 15:8 when Peter affirms that when it comes to inherent righteousness, Jews are no different than Gentiles.
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Acts 1:15-26 ESV
15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
SO NEAR YET SO FAR
After Jesus went up to heaven, about 120 of His followers awaited in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit, spending their time praying (Acts 1:14) and worshiping God (Luke 24:52–53). In one of those days, Peter stood up and addressed the group. The Holy Spirit has given him clarity about the need to replace Judas Iscariot, one of the original twelve apostles. He betrayed Jesus and killed himself (Mat 27:5).
Judas’ treachery was known to Jesus[ John 13:21-26]. He warned the disciples during His last supper with them that one of them would betray Him. It was not clear to them who he was until Jesus was arrested with Judas kiss. Here, Peter pointed out that David had prophesied this treachery, saying, "For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend" (Psalm 55:12–13). Peter knew that Judas' betrayal was predetermined by God, even planned by God (John 17:12). But, Judas was responsible for his choices.
We recall that just after Jesus had given Judas the bread, Satan entered into him [Joh 13:27-30] He went outside to arrange the arrest of Jesus with the Jewish leaders for 30 pieces of silver[Matt 26:14-16] The rest is history.
Peter recalled him as one was "numbered among" them. This means he was included in all the rollcalls of the twelve disciples (Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13–16). He joined in with Jesus and everyone else in the ministry to teach, heal, and expel demons (Mark 6:7–13). Ironically, Isaiah described Jesus as one "numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12)—a reference to His death, Did not this foreshadow His association with Judas?
Verses 18 and 19 are a footnotes from Luke. Luke, a doctor, gives a more detailed account. Why? Luke felt Theophilus needed more context in this letter. Apparently, Judas' body fell from its hanging place. It's entirely possible that he'd been left there for sometime—either undiscovered or deliberately ignored. In such a case, gasses would have collected in Judas' abdomen. A grotesque picture
Judas received the "the reward of his wickedness" which referredliterally to the thirty pieces of silver he received for betraying Jesus (Matt 26:14–16). This was the amount of money the owner of an ox had to give the owner of a slave the ox killed (Exodus 21:32). Indeed, unbeknownst to Judas, he became the slave of the wicked Jewish leaders. Whatever happened in Judas' mind and heart, he tried to return the silver, but was denied by the chief priests. Instead, they used the money to buy a field and called it Akeldama [Field of Blood]. Somewhat fittingly, they used it for a cemetery, a dreadful place.
Judas deceptive life and tragic end should make us aware that we could be so near to Christ yet so far. Certainly, the problem was his heart – impervious to the promptings of God.
Acts 1:12-14 ESV
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
ONE ACCORD IN PRAYER
The Mount of Olives is actually a ridge with three summits, stretching two miles north to south, east of Jerusalem. Jesus took the disciples "as far as Bethany" (Luke 24:50), told them to expect the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5), and rose into the clouds (Acts 1:9). And Bethany is on the far, east side, about a mile and a half from Jerusalem. In the bible, a Sabbath day's journey is less than a mile, so that the exact travel of the disciples was unclear.
The disciples stood stunned at the sudden departure of their teacher and friend. Jesus was no more with them physically but they have each other. They will gather in an upper room to pray, about 120 people in all (Acts 1:13–15). As they waited for the promised Holy Spirit, their first task was to pray, wait and seek God's guidance.
Prayer should transcend any barriers. The disciples, Mary the mother of Jesus, Jesus’ brothers, men and women of diverse educational and economic backgrounds including children had gathered in one accord in prayer. Let’s take notice that the phrase "one accord”, translated as "one mind" in the NASB. It denotes harmony or several individuals, collectively moving forward gracefully. It is one of the defining characteristics that God designs for the church, for it is founded in "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:3). The church is one - one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father (Eph 4:4–6). Everyone should strive to function with "all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Eph 4:2).
Could the apostles, the devout women, Jesus' brothers, and the other disciples of the 120 sit in unity unless God is at their center? Their waiting lasted about nine days between Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. They had spent this time in the upper room, praying, and in the temple, worshiping and blessing God (Luke 24:52–53). This worshiping and seeking God does make all believers as united people, does it not?
Definitely, prayer was first and foremost of the early church. Should not prayer be the number one priority that we should pursue in our private and collective lives? Prayer is simple as children talking with their dad. When a child is talking to his father, is there a wrong grammar? No. Only a wrong heart.
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Acts 1:9-11 ESV
9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
WHY DO YOU STAND LOOKING INTO HEAVEN?
The disciples and their company at Mt. Olives saw Jesus lifted up and disappeared into the clouds. The cloud has significant meaning in the bible, especially about God’s dealings with Israel. The pillar of cloud led the Israelites through the wilderness (Ex 13:21). When the Jews camped at Mt. Sinai, God covered the mountain in cloud and smoke to show the people the authority He was giving Moses (Ex 19:9, 16–18). When Solomon brought the ark of the covenant into the new temple, God filled the whole building with a cloud of His glory so thick the priests had to flee (1 Kings 8:10–11). In the New Testament, God showed to Peter, James, and John the glory of Jesus during the transfiguration, wherein He spoke to them from a cloud (Mark 9:7). And when Jesus will return someday, during the rapture (1 Thess 4:16–17) and the second coming (Rev 1:7), He will come with clouds. All such cases illustrate the ‘shekinah glory of God, His glorious dwelling with His people. God's glory is so great we can only experience it if it is veiled as if covered by clouds. Soon, according to Paul, we will see God clearly (2 Cor 3:12–18).
The sight of Jesus’ ascension must have been very captivating that stunned the disciples. They stared unto heaven for awhile. Thus, the angels said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
They were always hoping that this kingdom eventually be realized which included an Israel freed from Roman rule and the twelve thrones for the twelve apostles set up (Luke 22:30). Their hope now rises into the sky with Jesus. Their expectations were not met as yet.
God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.[Isa 55:8,9] The kingdom will surely be realized but not so soon. Jesus had warned them that hardships will come. But, they should be of good cheer for He overcomes the world. [John 16:33] The same Jesus they saw who went up into heaven will come again. Thus, we should be ‘waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.’ In what ways? By living a pure life as His redeemed people zealous for good works. [Titus 2:13,14]
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Acts 1:1-5 ESV
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER
The Acts of the Apostles is Luke's second book to Theophilus, the first being the Gospel of Luke. Who is Theophilus? Luke gives him the title "most excellent," from ‘krastistos’ in Greek, suggesting he is in the Roman military's equestrian corps [Luke 1:3] From this unit is taken the procurators of Judea (Acts 24:2; 26:25) Moreover, during Paul's first imprisonment (Acts 28:30), Roman persecution of Christianity is heating up and a government official would not be immune from danger (Acts 28:22). Most probably, Luke as he wrote this second letter, had used a pseudonym Theophilus [lover of God] to hide the identity of a Christ-follower who holds a high rank in the local government.
Luke had written in his first book [the book of Luke] about the life and teaching of Jesus. Luke has not met Jesus personally. But, he has an ample time during Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea Maritima (Acts 24—26) to interview the apostles for details of Jesus' ministry.
After Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, he emphasized that Jesus has appeared and reiterated the manifestation of the kingdom of God. He did spend time explaining how the Old Testament Scriptures has prophesied His death and resurrection (Luke 24:27, 45) Jesus’ instruction include the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) and for them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49]. That, the disciples should not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me, for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Since Jesus has risen from the dead as he said, we should not doubt about His promises, should we? He who proved His words as true should earn our trust in all areas of our lives. Certainly, He would fulfill His promises. However, we’ve got to wait patiently. As, the writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”[Heb 10:35,36] Waiting for that which come surely provides strength. David says, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!”[Psa 27:13,14]
This was corroborated by Isaiah, who wrote,
”but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.”[Isa 40:31]
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Acts 1:1-5 ESV
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER
The Acts of the Apostles is Luke's second book to Theophilus, the first being the Gospel of Luke. Who is Theophilus? Luke gives him the title "most excellent," from ‘krastistos’ in Greek, suggesting he is in the Roman military's equestrian corps [Luke 1:3] From this unit is taken the procurators of Judea (Acts 24:2; 26:25) Moreover, during Paul's first imprisonment (Acts 28:30), Roman persecution of Christianity is heating up and a government official would not be immune from danger (Acts 28:22). Most probably, Luke as he wrote this second letter, had used a pseudonym Theophilus [lover of God] to hide the identity of a Christ-follower who holds a high rank in the local government.
Luke had written in his first book [the book of Luke] about the life and teaching of Jesus. Luke has not met Jesus personally. But, he has an ample time during Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea Maritima (Acts 24—26) to interview the apostles for details of Jesus' ministry.
After Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, he emphasized that Jesus has appeared and reiterated the manifestation of the kingdom of God. He did spend time explaining how the Old Testament Scriptures has prophesied His death and resurrection (Luke 24:27, 45) Jesus’ instruction include the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) and for them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49]. That, the disciples should not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me, for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Since Jesus has risen from the dead as he said, we should not doubt about His promises, should we? He who proved His words as true should earn our trust in all areas of our lives. Certainly, He would fulfill His promises. However, we’ve got to wait patiently. As, the writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”[Heb 10:35,36] Waiting for that which come surely provides strength. David says, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!”[Psa 27:13,14]
This was corroborated by Isaiah, who wrote,
”but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.”[Isa 40:31]
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Neh 13:23-31 ESV
23 In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. 24 And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people. 25 And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves. 26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin. 27 Shall we then listen to you and do all this great evil and act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women?”
28 And one of the sons of Jehoiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was the son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I chased him from me. 29 Remember them, O my God, because they have desecrated the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.
30 Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; 31 and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
REMEMBER ME, O MY GOD, FOR GOOD.
While Nehemiah was away, the Israelites had resumed their practice of intermarriage with the pagan nations surrounding them. He confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves”. His strong reaction of pulling their hair out has demonstrated his utter disgust against this most dangerous of their sins - pursing ungodly romance with pagans.
They had forgotten King Solomon’s blunder and the sad consequences that they had experienced. Pagan women who he married had caused his heart to turn away from God. If Solomon, one of the wisest and most blessed men who ever lived, had sinned with unwise and ungodly romance then no one else should consider himself invulnerable or untouchable.
It seems that Israel was struggling in the exact sins they vowed to stop earlier. In Nehemiah 10 the people made a solemn covenant to God that they would not do three things: have ungodly romantic relationships (10:30), buy and sell on the Sabbath (10:31), and support the work of God with money as He commanded (10:32-39).
Yet, in just one decade, Nehemiah had to address the problems of ungodly romantic relationships (13:23-31), buying and selling on the Sabbath (13:15-22), and failing to support the work of God as He commanded (13:10-14). This makes a point very clear, that is, the sinfulness of man and activities of the flesh did not go away after the wall was built.
Did, Nehemiah feel he had failed? Perhaps! At the beginning, He was fasted and grieved by the sins of the people and his forefathers as the cause of their miseries. Nevertheless, Nehemiah had expressed his faithfulness through his prayer, saying, “Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.” Nehemiah pleaded only on the basis of God’s grace and mercy.
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Neh 13:19-22 ESV
19 As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And I stationed some of my servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice. 21 But I warned them and said to them, “Why do you lodge outside the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love.
SPIRITUAL DECISIVENESS
Nehemiah was both tough and tender leader. He was compassionate but not a coward. As one who revered God, he was very courageous to make radical and crucial decisions. The disregard of the Sabbath’s observance was not a small matter that he would just tolerate.
He had to drastically restore the Sabbath observance and temple worship. He commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And he stationed some of his servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on the Sabbath day. Nehemiah wasn't going to tolerate the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares to lodge outside Jerusalem. He threatened them saying, “if you do so again, I will lay hands on you!” He did not mean the gentle laying on of hands for prayer, but the rough laying on of hands for correction. In other words, he did everything to remove the possibility that they will break the Sabbath again.
Spiritual decisiveness is a result of clear and strong convictions. A believer who is totally committed to please God is not unequivocal in his stand against sin. That is, an open sin is always black and could not become gray. That a sin is always ugly and shameful before the holy God. One won’t stop doing his sinful lifestyle that he can justify or rationalize. May we will hate sin as God does.
Furthermore, he was determined to restore the Levites to their duties. That they have to purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Believers should not be famous only to what we don’t do but also to what we do. As His children, are we famous by what we don’t do [no vices, etc] more than what we do[like worship, serving others, etc]? May, we will always shine for God by our good works.[Matt 5:16]
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Neh 13:15-18 ESV
15 In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. 16 Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! 17 Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”
SETTING PRIORITIES RIGHT
Nehemiah had warned the men of Judah sternly. They were treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. Foreigners [from Tyre] sold and the people of Israel bought.
There is nothing wrong in engaging a business. It is when buying and selling become more important to a person than honoring God. Jesus said one can’t serve both God and mammon. Earning money was more important than earning the favor of God. Today, we are not under the law of the Sabbath in the same sense Israel was under the Old Covenant (Col 2:16-17); but we are certainly under the same obligation to make honoring God more important than making money or spending money.
According to Nehemiah, they haven’t learned their lesson from the past. Thus Nehemiah said, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” Should they continue, God’s hand of chastisement would fall unto them. Should we not learn from history, we are bound to repeat it.
Let’s not forget today. It’s by honoring God that God would honor us.[1 Sam 2:30]. Let’s ‘seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you[us].”[Matt 6:33]
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Neh 13:10-14 ESV
10 I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled each to his field. 11 So I confronted the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their stations. 12 Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses. 13 And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and as their assistant Hanan the son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah, for they were considered reliable, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers. 14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.
WHY IS THE HOUSE OF GOD FORSAKEN?
Sadly, Nehemiah found out that the Levites and singers had left their temple service . They went to the fields to work. What’s the reason? They lack the support. That is, the people did not obey God's word regarding giving. By so doing, the house of God was forsaken.
For the Lord had spoken to Moses, saying, “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, nor shall you take their census among the sons of Israel. But you shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it; they shall also camp around the tabernacle. So when the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle encamps, the Levites shall set it up. But the layman who comes near shall be put to death. The sons of Israel shall camp, each man by his own camp, and each man by his own standard, according to their armies. But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.”[Num 1:48-53]
Moses further wrote, “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting. . . . They will receive no inheritance among the Israelites. Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the Lord. That is why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheritance among the Israelites’” (Num 18: 21, 23–24).
Today, churches should definitely provide for the financial needs of its pastor(s) and any other full-time ministers. As Paul declared, “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” We pay people to prepare and serve our physical food; shouldn’t we also be willing to pay those who see to our spiritual food? And, honestly, which is more important—physical food or spiritual fod, based on Matthew 4:4?
Even Paul had added, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’” [1 Tim 5:17-18]
Instead of neglecting them, church elders should be honored, and this honor includes wages. Those elders who serve the church well, especially teachers and preachers must be supported. In fact, they should receive double honor for they have earned it. Won’t it be cruel to work an ox while denying it the grain? Likewise, we should take care and not to treat our pastors cruelly, should we not? Let them share in the material blessings of the congregation they serve. Our pastors are worth more than many oxen are they not?
Neh 13:4-9 ESV
4 Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, and who was related to Tobiah, 5 prepared for Tobiah a large chamber where they had previously put the grain offering, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of grain, wine, and oil, which were given by commandment to the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests. 6 While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king 7 and came to Jerusalem, and I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. 8 And I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. 9 Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.
THE EVIL WITHIN
After their remarkable revival, Nehemiah went back to his palace duties at Persia for around 10 to 12 years. When Nehemiah came back, he found out that Eliashib the priest had entered into agreements with one of the enemies of Nehemiah's work of rebuilding the wall - Tobiah.
As an Ammonite (see Neh2:10), Tobiah was one of the very mixed multitude that had been expelled out of the assembly of God's people some 10 years earlier. However, after 10 years, he was back for having rented rooms in the temple courts. Certainly, he had not changed over the years. He did not join the people of God in the terms of His covenant but was successful in persuading Eliashib, who was oblivious to its danger.
Tobiah, like our flesh, was both deceptive and relentless. He kept coming back. Even though we maybe are becoming matured, our flesh is still the same monster that can devour us should we are careless. Hence, Paul had admonished us by saying, “Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.”[Gal 5:13] Let’s walk in the Spirit then and not fulfill he lusts of the flesh.[Gal 5:16]
Nehemiah, upon knowing it, was distressed. Was the revival real after all? He left for sometime after the remarkable spiritual revival as noted previously. But, isn’t the real test of God's work in our lives, lasting or long term? It is seeing that they were serving our Lord faithfully after ten years of God’s great work of revival. How come Eliashib, a spiritual leader, had entered into agreements with one of their enemies? That the rooms in the courts of the temple of God were being occupied by a man not only a pagan, but who also had a history of actively opposing God's work?
You would know the values of the person by what grieves him. What grieves our hearts? Does sin and compromises grieve our hearts like Nehemiah? Thus like Jesus, he threw all Tobiah's stuff out of the rooms he occupied in the temple courts. Then, he ceremonially cleansed the rooms, and finally brought back the rooms to their proper use - as storerooms for the sacred things of the temple.
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Neh 13:1-3 ESV
On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, 2 for they did not meet the people of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them—yet our God turned the curse into a blessing. 3 As soon as the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.
OBEDIENCE IS THE VERY BEST WAY
“Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
Doing exactly as the Lord commands, doing it happily.
Action is the key, do it immediately, joy you will receive.
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
We want to live pure, we want to live `clean, we want to do our best.
Sweetly submitting to authority, leaving to God the rest.
Walking in the light, keeping our attitude right, on the narrow way.
For if we believe the Word we receive, we always will obey.”
This is the 1st and 2nd stanzas of the children song entitled, “Obedience is the very best way’. Nothing could be further from the truth. Obedience results to blessings. Otherwise, God would discipline us or our disobedience.
James has corroborated the blessings of obedience and the futility of disobedience. He writes, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”[Jas 1:22-25]
James has corroborated the blessings of obedience and futility of disobedience. He writes, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”[Jas 1:22-25]
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Neh 12:44-47 ESV
44 On that day men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered. 45 And they performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon. 46 For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the daily portions for the singers and the gatekeepers; and they set apart that which was for the Levites; and the Levites set apart that which was for the sons of Aaron.
A GREAT JOYFUL GIVING
It’s quite notable that the book ends with a high note. From being miserable to become a merry people. From wanting to having wealth. Their joy in the Lord results to generosity. It is one thing to give and it’s another thing to give out of joy. On that dedication day, “men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered.”
A vibrant life is attractive. Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered. Nobody would come near to a pouting person. But, everyone loves to be with a buoyant personality. At first they were grieved because of their sins. But, at the end of the day, they were joyful because of God’s goodness and grace.
Rejoicing in worship doesn’t mean no restraint, is it? They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon. Joy and holiness aren’t mutually exclusive, are they? We rejoice in being consecrated or being set apart unto God and is grieved when we sinned against Him. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us if we are the most satisfied in Him.”
As a result, the daily portions were provided for the singers and the gatekeepers; and that which was for the Levites; and that which was for the sons of Aaron. There was no lack for those who are working in the temple for everyone has the joy to give. Is your giving unto the Lord joyful? As Paul said, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”[2 Cor 9:6,7]
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Neh 12:40-43 ESV
40 So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God, and I and half of the officials with me; 41 and the priests Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets; 42 and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. 43 And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
A GREAT JOY
The walls were completed. The temple worship has been restored. All the people led by the Levites and choir singers sang praises and worshipped God. God made them to rejoice with great joy. That is, they were overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving, considering all that God had done. Choirs were assembled as the people spread all around.
The women and the children also rejoiced: This momentous experience of worship was for everyone. Nobody was restricted but everyone was able to worship. As a result, the joy at Jerusalem was heard afar off. What a testimony it was to others, wasn’t it? Notedly, it was not so much about the singing itself. It was the joy they had. We often are concerned about how others hear our singing in churches, don’t we? But, what God wants is not so much about your singing, but our joy. As the psalmist says,”make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”[Psa 100:1]
Our joy is expressedin worship. And it’s not dependent on circumstances. Take for example, inside the prison cell at about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. [Acts 16:25] God caused an earthquake that led them not only unto freedom but the salvation of the jailer. In Paul and Silas case, they worshipped because of their unwavering faith despite of the situation. They trusted that God knew what He was doing.[Isa 46:10] They knew for certain that God would do something beyond their expectations.[Eph 3:20]
Nothing can beat a joyful heart. Earlier Nehemiah reminded the people that ‘the joy of the Lord is their strength.’ Should the Lord manifests Himself in unnatural ways, we can’’t help but worship Him with joy in our hearts as the fruit of the Spirit [Gal 5:22].
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-Neh 11:27-30 ESV
27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28 And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; 29 also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. 30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.
THE DEDICATION OF THE WALL
One of the most important jobs of the Levites was to lead the people in songs of worship and praise to God. They were specially appointed to use musical instruments to lead the people in worshipping God through singing. In the bible there are at least twenty-two different musical instruments mentioned, including the harp, the lyre (an ancient guitar), horns, trumpets, flutes, tambourines, drums, cymbals, and bells.
The mention of ‘sons of singers’ suggests that they were trained to be good singers like our choirs today. But more importantly, they had to be people of worship themselves. Let us not forget the huge difference between being a great singer and being a great leader of songs of worship to God. Definitely, worship should be excellent, but it isn't entertainment. The goal isn't to give the people a good feeling (though that may happen inevitably), but primarily it is to give glory and honor to God. Thus, they also brought cleansing to the people the way the God said so, knowing that only a purified people could really worship and praise God.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”[John 4:24] Let’s not be presumptuous that worship is acceptable before God when we’re personal impure. We might be be carried away by the emotions through a beautiful acts and forms of praise and worship to God, yet living in sin outside the church walls.
Definitely this impurity won’t please God. As David writes;
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.”[Psa 24:3,4]
Right now, we can be made pure and clean before God through sincere and honest confession. As John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
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Neh 11:3-6 ESV
3 These are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the towns of Judah everyone lived on his property in their towns: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon's servants. 4 And in Jerusalem lived certain of the sons of Judah and of the sons of Benjamin. Of the sons of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, son of Zechariah, son of Amariah, son of Shephatiah, son of Mahalalel, of the sons of Perez; 5 and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, son of Col-hozeh, son of Hazaiah, son of Adaiah, son of Joiarib, son of Zechariah, son of the Shilonite. 6 All the sons of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were 468 valiant men.
3 Ang mga ito ang mga puno sa lalawigan na nanirahan sa Jerusalem; ngunit sa bayan ng Juda ay nanirahan ang bawat isa sa kanya-kanyang ari-arian sa kanilang mga bayan: ang Israel, mga pari, mga Levita, mga lingkod sa templo, at ang mga anak ng mga lingkod ni Solomon. 4 Sa Jerusalem ay nanirahan ang ilan sa mga anak ni Juda at sa mga anak ni Benjamin. Sa mga anak ni Juda: si Ataias na anak ni Uzias, na anak ni Zacarias, na anak ni Amarias, na anak ni Shefatias na anak ni Mahalalel, sa mga anak ni Perez; 5 at si Maasias na anak ni Baruc, na anak ni Colhoze, na anak ni Hazaias, na anak ni Adaya, na anak ni Joiarib, na anak ni Zacarias, na anak ng Shilonita.6 Ang lahat ng mga anak ni Perez na nanirahan sa Jerusalem ay apatnaraan at animnapu't walong matatapang na mandirigma.
LIVING IN JERUSALEM
Think of the challenges in living in Jerusalem. It entails one had to re-order his view of material things. Giving up one’s land in his previous region in order to take up some kind of new business in Jerusalem was a tough decision. Perhaps, one may ask,”Would my family survive in this city?”
Their social relationships could be affected too. Definitely, leaving some friends and family behind in your old village should be emotionally challenging. And what about the potential problems in the city. It had been a ghost city for 70 years. Although at this time, it was basically a slightly rebuilt, yet it didn't look all that glorious and it still needed much work.
Furthermore, the city was a target for the enemy since it is the center of commerce and governance. Although, there were strong walls to protect them but it became the number one target of the enemy for attack from its whole army. The countryside are threatened by bands of robbers but not in much danger from great armies.
How should we reflect these observations today? While many didn't want to be citizens of Jerusalem during Nehemiah’s time, we should be excited for the coming of the new Jerusalem, shouldn’t we? The Bible tells us there is a city coming down from heaven to earth, when God is done with this earth as we know it, and it calls that city New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2).
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Neh 11:1-2 ESV
Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem. And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. 2 And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem.
Ang mga pinuno ng bayan ay nanirahan sa Jerusalem; at ang iba naman sa taong-bayan ay nagpalabunutan upang kunin ang isa sa bawat sampu na maninirahan sa Jerusalem, na lunsod na banal, habang ang siyam na bahagi ay nanatili sa ibang mga bayan. 2 Binasbasan ng taong-bayan ang lahat ng mga lalaki na nagkusang tumira sa Jerusalem.
JERUSALEM AND ITS PEOPLE
For a city to prosper and be great, it must be populated. And for more than seventy years, Jerusalem had been nothing but a ghost town. Now, over the last eighty or so years, it has been repopulated, with a new temple built (under Ezra) and the walls rebuilt (under Nehemiah). But the city still needed more people.
Nehemiah also knew the bigger the population of Jerusalem, the greater the resources for defense and strength in battle. He didn't rebuild the walls just to see some conquering army come and break them down again!
The leaders of the people deciding to live Jerusalem had set a good example, had they not? Leaders are expected to set the pattern by their lives. They had no right to expect the people to live in Jerusalem if they themselves were not living there.
Understandably, the rest of the people submitted themselves to cast their lot, where one out of ten would be selected to move in from the surrounding regions into the city of Jerusalem. So, at the end of the day, ten percent of Judah's population would live in Jerusalem.
And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem. Aside from the leaders (have) and those selected in the lottery (who were also obligated), there were all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
These men who volunteered had a special blessing, for having a unique pioneer spirit. Had they not the ability to endure some measure of hardship or discomfort to accomplish a greater work for God's kingdom? It was in these days in the rebuilding of Jerusalem that God asked and important question through the prophet Zechariah: For who has despised the day of small things? (Zechariah 4:10). The answer is, "Many of us have!" But these who offered themselves to willingly live at Jerusalem, so as to take what is small and build it up before the Lord, have decided to not despise the day of small things.
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Neh 10:32-39 ESV
32 “We also take on ourselves the obligation to give yearly a third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the showbread, the regular grain offering, the regular burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the new moons, the appointed feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. 34 We, the priests, the Levites, and the people, have likewise cast lots for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers' houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law. 35 We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the LORD; 36 also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks; 37 and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor. 38 And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse. 39 For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God.”
WE WILL NOT NEGLECT THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD
They, resolve to not only to discontinue their compromises but also to fulfill the laws regarding the temple worship and its upkeep. Likewise, Christianity should not be characterized by what one has stop doing but what productive work he is engaged with. The ‘what we do’ is more important than ‘what we don’t do’
Firstly, they agreed to give as God had commanded in the law of Moses, that are, the firstborn, firstfruits, and the tithe. Secondly, they agreed to give to the special need required, that is, the one-third of a shekel tax and the wood.
Solomon said that such giving from the heart a corresponding promise, saying,”Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”[Prov 3:9,10].
Interestingly, they covenanted earlier to make money only in ways that would please and glorify God. Moreover, they covenanted to spend their money and resources in ways that glorify God. And, they expressed it with giving unto the Lord, first and foremost. Let’s not forget that Jesus has emphasized this, saying, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.”[Mark 8:36]
We don’t have a temple to keep today. But the imagery is our bodies become the temple of the Spirit.[1 Cor 6:19,20] This implies the upkeep of our relationship with God must be prioritized. We must not neglect to do that which promote our relationship with God.
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Neh 10:1-31 ESV
28 “The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding, 29 join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God's Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord and his rules and his statutes. 30 We will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons. 31 And if the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day. And we will forego the crops of the seventh year and the exaction of every debt.
A RESOLVE TO STOP COMPROMISES
Collectively, the nation was resolved to enter into a covenant with God in writing. Stamped upon the seals are some 84 names of leaders and priests, including Nehemiah. Literally, the practice is to "cut a covenant". In the ancient world, an animal was cut in half as a sacrifice, as part of the covenant. Thus, it always costs something, That is, it implies that it will affect our self-life, comfort, ease, for one is willing to count the cost to fulfill it. Thus, in one spirit and conviction, they were committed to obey the law of Moses at all cost. With it, they were willing to suffer the ‘curse’ of it when they would disobey it. They made this covenant publicly. Although its most significant meaning was between the individual and God, it was also important that other people be witness as a show of accountability.
Firstly, they resolved what not to do. Serious decisions for God do include saying ‘No’ to a few things. In their case, they resolve to stop the practice of ‘inter-marriage’ with the heathen. Did not Paul warn us strongly about this. He writes, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God.”[2 Cor 6:14-16]
Secondly, they would stop their trading business during the Sabbath day and exacting debt-payments on Sabbath year. The motive for breaking this was clear, that was, to make more money by selling on seven days of the week instead of six days only. Today, we need to have the same heart before God to only make money in ways that are obedient and glorifying to Him. Yes, we have bills to pay and families to feed. Yet, we must heed to what Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”[Matt 6:33] Should to please God is our utmost concern, we are not to circumvent the biblical principles in order to enrich ourselves, are we?
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-Neh 9:32-38 ESV
32 “Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day. 33 Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly. 34 Our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law or paid attention to your commandments and your warnings that you gave them. 35 Even in their own kingdom, and amid your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and rich land that you set before them, they did not serve you or turn from their wicked works. 36 Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves. 37 And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress.
38 “Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests.
THE COVENANT
Although they had completed the temple and wall, they were still under the Persian rule. Thus, the humbly said, “Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves. 37 And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress.”
Ironically, they were slaves living ‘in the land that God gave to theirr fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts.’ They still felt the pain of being vassal, that is, under the Persian Empire. Living with unconfessed sins is as locking ourselves inside bars and throwing the keys away. There is no way out except confessing it before God and repenting away the same. As Solomon says,
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”[Prov 28:13]
True revival involves a resolve. They ended their prayer with a decision saying, “Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests.”[v.38] Like Israel, we also need to come to this place, where in, upon knowing who God is, and knowing who we are, we come and make a covenant with God. God's working in us often must come to a point of decision, wherein, He desires us to make a firm and unequivocable stand for Him. As Peter expressed to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”[John 6:68,69]
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Neh 9:26-31 ESV
26 “Nevertheless, they were disobedient and rebelled against you and cast your law behind their back and killed your prophets, who had warned them in order to turn them back to you, and they committed great blasphemies. 27 Therefore you gave them into the hand of their enemies, who made them suffer. And in the time of their suffering they cried out to you and you heard them from heaven, and according to your great mercies you gave them saviors who saved them from the hand of their enemies. 28 But after they had rest they did evil again before you, and you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies, so that they had dominion over them. Yet when they turned and cried to you, you heard from heaven, and many times you delivered them according to your mercies. 29 And you warned them in order to turn them back to your law. Yet they acted presumptuously and did not obey your commandments, but sinned against your rules, which if a person does them, he shall live by them, and they turned a stubborn shoulder and stiffened their neck and would not obey. 30 Many years you bore with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not give ear. Therefore you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands. 31 Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
CHASTISEMENT
It’s tragic that during the time of comfort and abundance, Gods' people turn against Him. Man is more vulnerable in times of abundance than in times of lack, isn’t it? Thus, for their rebellion and blasphemies, God gave them over to their enemies, who made them to suffer. Simply said, their suffering was a chastisement from God.
Certainly, this was a consequence to their sins. The writer of Hebrews says;
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?[Heb 12:7-9]
God’s love isn’t pampering but purifying love. His love doesn’t rejoice in evil. God brings chastisement as a "wake-up call" to His people. As a result, God's people then turn back to Him. Having been forgiven, blessed and satisfied by God, they again turn from Him, and the cycle continued. This ‘blessing -rebellion – chastisement-repentance -blessing’ cycle seemed endless. Yet, in these cycles, God doesn’t change.
Are we different than these feeble Jews? Do we feel as if God has gotten tired of us? That we couldn't ask him to forgive us anymore for a sin that beset us? But, God never gets tired of us, and never turns away the repentant heart. Thankfully, His patience never runs out. After all, He knows our frame that we are made of dust.
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Neh 9:22-25 ESV
22 “And you gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner. So they took possession of the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and the land of Og king of Bashan. 23 You multiplied their children as the stars of heaven, and you brought them into the land that you had told their fathers to enter and possess. 24 So the descendants went in and possessed the land, and you subdued before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gave them into their hand, with their kings and the peoples of the land, that they might do with them as they would. 25 And they captured fortified cities and a rich land, and took possession of houses full of all good things, cisterns already hewn, vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and became fat and delighted themselves in your great goodness.
WHAT GOD GAVE, THEY CAPTURED
All that they possessed were gifts from God. Nothing whatsoever could they claim as out of their abilities and power. It was God who drove the tribes out of the Promised Land, with their obedience to step and
claim the lots allotted to them.
Two key phrases that provide a balanced view of blessings, that are; “God gave” and “they captured” They captured the places God has given. God’s promise can only be experienced by obedience. Blessings are not designed to drop at our laps but to capture it by our courage. Clearly, the basis of obedience is the promise of God. Victory is assured but we must hold unto our swords and thrust forward in faith.
Similarly, God has offered to us His salvation for free. Yet, it isn’t automatic. Those who are sincere have truly repented from their sins and humbly trust Christ would be sure of their salvation.
Because they moved in deeper into the heartlands of Canaan, they captured fortified cities and a rich land, and took possession of houses full of all good things, cisterns already hewn, vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and became fat and delighted themselves in your great goodness. As somebody said, “Nothing ventured, nothing happens.” Spiritual fullness are for those who step up and claim God’s promises. As Paul said, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”[Phil2:12,13]
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Neh 9:16-21 ESV
16 “But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. 17 They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. 18 Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, 19 you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. 21 Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.
THE GREAT MERCIES OF GOD
For the good that God has showered upon them, they acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey His commandments. It was a horrible response to the great works of God on behalf of Israel, wasn’t it? God had been so good to Israel, but they and their fathers acted proudly.
Isn’t God good to us today? We don’t want to classify sins for all sins are distasteful to God. But, the sin of pride or presumptuousness appears worse. Hence, it is done boldly when experiencing the goodness of God. The Jews sinned greatly during the time of blessing – when they have seen the wonders and signs that God has done.
Yet He loved them despite of what they’ve done. They made a golden calf to substitute God. But, He did not abandon them in the wilderness. Instead God was pursuing them with His goodness. As they confessed, “you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness.”
God has completely pardoned them. Instead of God requiting them for their rebellion, He showered them with unconditional graces – protection and provision in the wilderness. For forty years , God gave them the pillar of cloud and fire to protect them by day and night, supplied them manna everyday except during the Sabbath, and made their clothes and shoes not to wear out. Simply said, He patiently sustained them in the wilderness.
We are often impressed at how patient God is with us, sinners. He held back His terrible judgment against them who deserve it so badly. Yet, in reality, it seems to us todaythat His patience toward us is even more, is it not? In our dispensation we have Christ and the Spirit who is in us, but are still no different than Israel in a lot of ways. Indeed, its by His mercies that we are not consumed. [Lam 3:22,23]
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Neh 9:9-15 ESV
9 “And you saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea, 10 and performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants and all the people of his land, for you knew that they acted arrogantly against our fathers. And you made a name for yourself, as it is to this day. 11 And you divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on dry land, and you cast their pursuers into the depths, as a stone into mighty waters. 12 By a pillar of cloud you led them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night to light for them the way in which they should go. 13 You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven and gave them right rules and true laws, good statutes and commandments, 14 and you made known to them your holy Sabbath and commanded them commandments and statutes and a law by Moses your servant. 15 You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and you told them to go in to possess the land that you had sworn to give them.
YOU MADE A NAME FOR YOURSELF
God was there when the Jews were in deep crisis. He saw their afflictions and heard their cry at the Red Sea, respectively. He routed the proud Pharaoh and Egypt in spectacular fashion. The signs and wonders [10 plagues] demonstrated against Pharaoh had exalted God’s name, even until now.
Here, Ezra, Nehemiah and all had recognized God’s goodness, namely; the crossing of the Red Sea as if walking on a dry land, the drowning of the Egyptians, the pillar of fire that guided, comforted and lighted them for 40 years; the giving of the laws at Mount Sina including the Sabbath; the manna[bread] from heaven and water out of the flint rock and the possession of the Promised Land. This summary list isn’t comprehensive. But, they are enough to provoke our minds to wonder and awe, aren’t they?
Another sure sign of revival (following the brokenness of heart) is reflection on the goodness of God. When our pride is cast down, and our hearts humble before God, we can begin to see Him for who He is - and when we see that, we see how good God is. As Paul writes, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”[Rom 2:4]
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Neh 9:7-8 ESV
7 You are the LORD, the God who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and gave him the name Abraham. 8 You found his heart faithful before you, and made with him the covenant to give to his offspring the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite, and the Girgashite. And you have kept your promise, for you are righteous.
YOU HAVE KEPT YOUR PROMISE
In this part of their prayer, they recognized that God chose Abraham and brought him from Babylon [Ur of Chaldees] to Canaan, the Promised Land. For what reason? He found Abraham’s heart faithful to Him. But, did not Abraham fail God a few times?
God saw beforehand that Abraham would fail Him in the future. He lied about Sarah, his wife and went to Hagar, so that Ishmael was born. He called him anyway and made covenant with him. It does follow that God understands our frame. He doesn’t expect us to fail. Abraham failed but had sought God’s forgiveness. In that light, he was faithful before God.
God’s covenant to Abraham was to give to his offspring the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite, and the Girgashite. Abraham died and it took many years for his descendants to see it fulfilled. Nehemiah and the Jews celebrated the righteousness of God. They worshipped God and said, “And you have kept your promise, for you are righteous.”
God’s promise may not be immediate but it would be fulfilled. Thus, the writer of Hebrews says;
“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”[Heb 10:35-38]
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.[2 Cor 1:20]
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Neh 9:4-6 ESV
4 On the stairs of the Levites stood Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani; and they cried with a loud voice to the LORD their God. 5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.6 “You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.
DO WORSHIP GOD
God wants us to praise Him like these humble leaders. We should bow ourselves before Him, and trust Him. He gives us the good reason, in fact, plenty of reasons, has He not? But, foremost is His being a sovereign Creator God. They said, “You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.”
Should a man achieves anything else apart from worshiping and glorifying God, he is doing a vain thing. God has created everything, including the rebuilding of the wall, in order to glorify Him. Creation reveals the glory of God and we must ascribe it to Him. As David even writes;
‘The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world”[Psa 19:1-4a]
In fact, you and I are created for His glory. Isaiah writes, “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”[Isa 43:7]
We are not the center of creation, are we? Jesus is. As Paul said, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. or by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”[Col 1:15-17]
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Neh 9:1-3 ESV
Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads. 2 And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. 3 And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the LORD their God.
CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE
When man comes face to face with God, he should have a contrite spirit. Certainly, the Holy Spirit was doing a significant work in the lives of people so that they have had a dramatic and humble repentance. It should not seem strange that after such great victories [both with physical building and spiritually] that there was such humble repentance. This great, humble gathering of God's people took place only two days after the end of the joyful celebration of the feast of tabernacles.
Their fasting has shown their lowly or humble state. They had considered themselves so poor before God that they felt desperate. They also wanted to say, "we are so troubled by our sin, food seems unimportant." By wearing rough fabric and pouring dust unto their heads, they demonstrated their complete poverty of spirit before God. As if they wanted to say, "we are so grieved by our sin so that the normal comforts of life are insignificant." They couldn’t have done this in public should they were proud and ashamed to admit their sinfulness.
Aside from confessing their sins, they confessed the sins of their fathers. Did not Nehemiah do the same when he was in the palace a few months earlier? Since we still sin, repentance isn't something irrelevant after coming to Jesus. Rather, it is something that grows as we grow closer to Jesus. The closer we are to the light, the more we see our sinfulness.
The author, Dr. Redpath says, “God will never plant the seed of His life upon the soil of a hard, unbroken spirit. He will only plant that seed where the conviction of His Spirit has brought brokenness, where the soil has been watered with the tears of repentance as well as the tears of joy."
What kind of heart do we possess? God doesn’t demand perfection but sincerity. Thus, He knows our frame that we are made of dust. We could sin but should not be hardened by it. But, we should confess and repent in order to receive His forgiveness, freedom from guilt and power of sin. As James said, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”[Jas 5:16]
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Neh 8:13-18 ESV
13 On the second day the heads of fathers' houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law. 14 And they found it written in the Law that the LORD had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, 15 and that they should proclaim it and publish it in all their towns and in Jerusalem, “Go out to the hills and bring branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written.” 16 So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. 17 And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing. 18 And day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. They kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the rule.
OBEDIENCE
The heads of fathers' houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law. Undoubtedly, this has demonstrated their new spiritual pursuit. For change to effectively happen, the leaders should initiate it.
As they were reading, they found out that it was written in the Law that the LORD had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month. This was about the Feast of Tabernacles. It was all about remembering how God had blessed and provided for Israel in the wilderness during the Exodus. They could see God's blessing and provision for them right at this point, and it made something old seem brand new to them. It had not been done for quite a while, since the days of Joshua.
So, in their gladness, the ‘heads’ published and encouraged the people to go out to the hills and bring branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written. Everyone responded and obeyed with gladness in their hearts. Oftentimes, we are deceived into thinking that doing our own thing is the key of happiness, don’t we? However, under the control of the Spirit, our happiness is in our obedience to the will of God. A spirit filled believer finds obedience to God as a pleasure not a burden.[see 1 John 5:4]
And day by day, from the first day to the last day, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God and the people listened. True revival doesn’t fizzle out. The people who have life now has find joy in serving God. They continued in the ministry of the Word, growing stronger day by day.
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Neh 8:9-12 ESV
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” 11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
GRIEF AND JOY
Soaking in the law they heard having been read by Ezra for six hours has had profound effect upon the people. They wept under the conviction of the Holy Spirit trough the Word of God. Indeed, the scriptures is like sharp sword that reprove and correct us.[2 Tim 3:16,17] Thus, Nehemiah and the other leaders had encouraged them, saying, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.”
It’s good to recognize the thing that should grieve us – our sinfulness. We should be thankful that we’re guilty when we rebel and transgress the will of God. Otherwise, we are already hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.[Heb 3:13] We need not to remain broken and grieving mercilessly, do we? As a ball that falls, we can bounce back with joy from grief because of the grace of God’s forgiveness. Jesus said, “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”[Matt 5:4] that is, true joy is preceded by brokenness of sin.
Certainly, the people of Judah felt sad because they were aware of their sins. However, they could lift up their spirits in joy because of the great work God was doing in their midst. Indeed, it’s the goodness of the Lord that leads us to repentance.[Rom 2:4]
At the end of the day, they did choose joy, didn’t they? All the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. They were grieving yet rejoicing at the same time. Yes, our joy for having been forgiven becomes sweeter when we remember how awful sinners we have been. A paradoxical truth impressed by the Spirit we should appreciate in our lives.
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THE REVIVAL AT THE SQUARE
All the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. Certainly, the Spirit of God was at work among them so that they requested Ezra to read God's Word. People won’t gather together as one man for the things of God or desire God's Word unless and until the Spirit of God has moved them.
And why was it Ezra that they requested? For he was the man responsible for having the temple rebuilt in order that God's people to worship. Hence, Nehemiah, in all his work of rebuilding the walls, had just continued on the work Ezra had begun. He was a scribe devoted to God Himself, because he was also a godly priest.
And, it was the book of the Law of Moses they wanted to hear, which refers to the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). This was Israel's specific instruction manual for how to walk before God.
Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people. And as he opened it, all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Their reverence was unquestionable.
Ezra read God's Word from daylight to mid-day. For some six hours he read God's Word and the people listened. This was a move of the Spirit of God. People who will be attentive to the Book of the Law for some six hours are people touched by the Spirit of God. From morning is literally, "from the light." Wow, these people gathered from dawn to hear God's Word. Their hunger and thirst were evident as they were willing to sacrifice something to hear it - they wanted it so much. Like, Jacob in desperation, they would not let go until they had their blessing from God. Everyone who could understand it, heard it clearly.
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-Neh 7:5-6, 66-73 ESV
5 Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written in it: 6 These were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his town.
66 The whole assembly together was 42,360, 67 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337. And they had 245 singers, male and female. 68 Their horses were 736, their mules 245, 69 their camels 435, and their donkeys 6,720.
70 Now some of the heads of fathers' houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 basins, 30 priests' garments and 500 minas of silver. 71 And some of the heads of fathers' houses gave into the treasury of the work 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. 72 And what the rest of the people gave was 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priests' garments.
73 So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel, lived in their towns. And when the seventh month had come, the people of Israel were in their towns.
THE PIONEERS
There were only about 2% of the Jews who were exiled to Babylon who came back. Surely, these ones who have the pioneer spirit are worthy of mention. Thus, their names are mentioned here as well as in Ezra 2.
Each of these individuals were dear to God. Just think of what they did that the rest of the Jews did not do. They took the challenge and adventure to return to the Promised Land after they had already set down roots for seventy years in the Babylonian empire.
As a people having a pioneer spirit, they were willing to endure hardship and discomfort, because they had a call from God that was more important than their own comfort. Certainly, life was easier in Babylon if they just want convenience. But, it was better in Jerusalem! Why? It was home where God is.
Notedly, in this list several things were important. Who they were individually was important, so that, there specific names were mentioned. What tribes they came from was important, so that, most family heads are named). Lastly, their gifts to support the work were important so that they are specifically listed also. God does have a book of remembrance (see Mal 3:16), and surely the names of God's faithful pioneers will be in it.
The fact that our names are written in heaven is wonderful, is it not? In fact, Jesus wanted his disciples to rejoice that their names were written not because of what they had done. He said, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”[Luke 10:20].
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Neh 7:1-4 ESV
Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, 2 I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. 3 And I said to them, “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes.” 4 The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few, and no houses had been rebuilt.
Nang ang pader ay naitayo na at nailagay ko na ang mga pinto, ang mga bantay-pinto, mga mang-aawit, at ang mga Levita ay nahirang na, 2 aking ibinigay kay Hanani na aking kapatid at kay Hananias na tagapamahala ng kuta, ang pamamahala sa Jerusalem, sapagkat siya'y isang higit na tapat na lalaki at natatakot sa Diyos kaysa marami. 3 Sinabi ko sa kanila, “Huwag bubuksan ang mga pintuan ng Jerusalem hanggang sa ang araw ay uminit; at samantalang sila'y nagbabantay, isara nila at ikandado ang mga pinto. Humirang kayo ng mga bantay mula sa mga mamamayan ng Jerusalem, bawat isa'y sa kanyang binabantayan, at bawat isa'y sa tapat ng kanyang bahay.”
A FAITHFUL AND GOD-FEARING MAN THAN MANY
It was a joyous occasion when the gates were finally attached to mark the completionof the rebuilding of the wall as the singers and the Levites were there to lead the people in worship. These walls were not rebuilt so the people of Jerusalem could look nicer. They were rebuilt so they could worship God with greater glory and freedom than ever before, were they not? The wall was not the end but the means to praise and worship God.
Then, the ‘charge over Jerusalem’ was handed over by Nehemiah to his brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor. For what reason? They were faithful and God-fearing among many. On top of being gifted and skillful, the character and spirituality of the person is paramount.
And, they are rare treasures to find .According to Solomon, “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?[Prov 20:6] Today, we’re not short of men with great minds and skills. But, seldom could we find men with great hearts.
The true measure of our faithfulness is in ‘the little things’ we do. Jesus said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”[Luke 16:10] In other words, our promotion from the Lord depends upon our faithfulness in seemingly insignificant things that we do. Joseph was promoted as a prince because he was faithful in the little things that he did as a prisoner.
Today, let’s put premium in honing our character and relationship with the Lord above anything else. As Solomon has written on what he observed, that is, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”[Prov 22:29]
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Neh 6:17-19 ESV
17 Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah's letters came to them. 18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah: and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as his wife. 19 Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.
17 Bukod dito, sa mga araw na iyon ay nagpadala ng maraming sulat kay Tobias ang mga maharlika sa Juda at ang mga sulat ni Tobias ay dumating sa kanila. 18 Sapagkat marami sa Juda ang nanumpa sa kanya, sapagkat siya'y manugang ni Shecanias na anak ni Arah; at kinuha ng kanyang anak na si Jehohanan ang anak na babae ni Mesulam na anak ni Berequias upang maging kanyang asawa. 19 Nagsalita rin sila tungkol sa kanyang mabubuting gawa sa harapan ko, at ibinalita ang aking mga sinabi sa kanya. At si Tobias ay nagpadala ng mga sulat upang takutin ako.
THE PERIL OF COMPROMISE
Tobiah was the man who had opposed the rebuilding work in connivance with Sanballat. He was disturbed that Nehemiah came to rebuild the walls [2:10], mocked Nehemiah's work [2:19; 4:3], was angry that the work was being done [4:7] and tried to get Nehemiah to stop the work, and came to the plain of Ono where he could attack Nehemiah.
Yet, there were many in Judah who pledged with him, that is, they befriended him. Why? It was because he had family ties to many in the tribe of Judah. In fact, Nehemiah observed and said that “they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him.” Perhaps they were oblivious to the sinister work of Tobiah, so that they have had a hard time believing and perceiving his evil deeds. Perhaps they were saying, "He has always been nice to us; we saw all the good he has done to us." Their ‘pledges with him’ suggested that they have had financial dealings with Tobiah. That is, their self-interestswere evident in protecting their trading contracts through marriage connections. This is the peril when self-interest overrules God’s purposes.
It’s sad that their self-interests had caused them to justify this friendship, thereby treating the enemy lightly. A compromise happens when people choose what is convenient rather than the commitment to the truth. Is it an ordinary situation when one becomes an enemy of God by befriending the world? [Jas 4:7] Nehemiah, in this case, did not allow himself to be sidetrack by listening to them. He neither ignore them nor entertain them. He was focused to his priority task and let the finished wall answer his critics.
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Neh 6:15-16 ESV
15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
15 Sa gayo'y natapos ang pader sa ikadalawampu't limang araw ng buwan ng Elul, sa loob ng limampu't dalawang araw. 16 Nang ito'y mabalitaan ng lahat ng aming mga kaaway, ang lahat ng mga bansang nasa palibot namin ay natakot at napahiya sa kanilang sariling pagmamataas, sapagkat kanilang nabatid na ang gawang ito ay natapos sa tulong ng aming Diyos.
THE WALL WAS FINISHED
In 52 days, the rebuilding of the wall was completed. This was quite a feat for the fact that it lied in waste for more than 100 years. Why wasn't the job done in the more than 100 years before?
Many people saw broken walls, knew how they ruined the lives of the people of Jerusalem, but no one got past the place of just wishing there were walls. And the worst came when they accepted that having broken wall was the normal situation of the city. There is a big difference between intention and action, desire and deed and wish and work. As the saying goes, “ A little deed is greater than a the grandest intention.”
It took one man, Nehemiah, a man of vision and courage to spark a movement. That a 100 year old eye sore problem can be solved in 52 days. We do have the same God of Nehemiah to face our challenges today, don’t we? Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
We observed though that Nehemiah prayed for four months (the span between Neh 1:1 and 2:1) before he embarked the project. However, the work itself took less than two months. In other words, labored longer in prayer than they needed to work to do the job. A reality for us to embrace is that our spiritual battles in prayer should be given time than our actual work in ministry. As S. D Gordon writes, ““You can do more than pray after you have prayed but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” Spending much prayer accomplishes the work more effectively than without it. We are often told about this, but we feel it’s too impractical to be true!
Their success was sweet. The enemies were disheartened. All the nations perceived that this work was done by God. It was evident that God did the work from the start to the finish, so that He deserves all the glory.
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Neh 6:10-14 ESV
10 Now when I went into the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you by night.” 11 But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.” 12 And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me. 14 Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid.
SHOULD SUCH A MAN AS I RUN AWAY?
Certainly, courage is one of the prominent characteristics of an effective leader, is it not? Cowrds are easily intimidated but a courageous person is fearless, like Nehemiah. Here, a certain false prophet Shemaiah, offered him a safe haven in the temple. He knew how to use religious talk, but it was a trap. What he proposed sounded reasonable, was it not? Did not David say, that is,
“ One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.”? [Psa 27:4,5]
Nehemiah discerned that an end does not justify the means. To use the temple as a place of refuge to a non-priest like him is prohibited. King Uzziah, at one time, went into the temple. Resultingly, God instantly struck him with leprosy. The author Redpath says, “An easy-going, compromising religion that will shirk persecution, that will carry no cross, and that is governed by fear of the opinions of other people."
Nehemiah stood bravely against this religious deception. In his commitment to obedience, God revealed to him the heart of Shemaiah, who was a false prophet but was in Sanballat's side.
How Nehemiah handled his enemies should remind us of Jesus. They said to Jesus, "come down from the cross." But Jesus was doing a great work - the greatest work - on the cross, and would not be stopped. Jesus was also slandered, and did not debate His critics - He spoke the truth and trusted in His Father in heaven. Jesus was also offered a way out of the cross by Satan. Satan said to Him to worship him and all the kingdoms of the world would be delivered to Him. Jesus, instead rebuked him to flee away.
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Neh 6:6-9 ESV
5 In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. 7 And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” 8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” 9 For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.
ARE OUR MOTIVES RIGHT?
Sanballat and company won’t give up in their pursuit to discredit and destroy Nehemiah. In his fifth attempt, he sent a messenger to read before Nehemiah a fabricated letter of accusation. The letter reads, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. 7 And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.”
It was a slanderous letter twisting the motive of Nehemiah and the Jews. Should the king believe the lie that they’re building the wall to rebel against him? And, should the king believe that Nehemiah has the ambition to become the king of Judah? These possibilities could produce haunting thoughts and created fear. And, the work will cease.
The prophet Jeremiah has had the same experience. In Jer 20:10 we read, “For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him” Luke recorded about Jesus wrongly accused too, saying, “And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.”[Luke 23:2]
However, in all these, Nehemiah did not budge in. As Solomon says, “…the righteous are bold as a lion.”[Prov 28:1b] Nehemiah has discernment. Likewise, we must be watchful “lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”[2 Cor 2:11] Truth always dispel error as light to darkness.
He went to the Lord for strength and who is also the avenger for their wrong doings. As the psalmist expressed, “They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.”[Psa 38:12] Certainly, God allows slander to check our motives. In summary, according to Rom 8:28 it’s a win-win in both ways although its offensive – to correct our motives if the accusation is true and to thank God to keep our right motives in check it is false.
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Neh 6:1-4 ESV
Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. 3 And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” 4 And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.
Nang maibalita kina Sanballat, Tobias, at Gesem na taga-Arabia, at sa iba pa naming mga kaaway na naitayo ko na ang pader at wala nang sirang naiiwan doon; (bagaman hanggang sa panahong iyon ay hindi ko pa nailalagay ang mga pinto sa mga pintuang-bayan), 2 sina Sanballat at Gesem ay nagsugo sa akin, na nagpapasabi, “Pumarito ka, magkita tayo sa isa sa mga nayon sa kapatagan ng Ono.” Ngunit nagbabalak silang gawan ako ng masama. 3 At ako'y nagpadala ng mga sugo sa kanila, na nagsasabi, “Ako'y gumagawa ng isang dakilang gawain at hindi ako makakababa. Bakit kailangang itigil ang gawain, habang wala ako upang makababa lamang sa inyo?” 4 At sila'y nagsugo sa akin nang apat na ulit sa ganitong paraan at sinagot ko sila sa gayunding paraan.
I AM DOING A GREAT WORK AND I CANNOT COME DOWN
The rebuilding of the wall was almost complete but Sanballat and company were still relentless. When they couldn’t intimidate Nehemiah and the people, they changed their strategy. They sent Nehemiah a message, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.”
However, Nehemiah knew they couldn’t be trusted. On the guise of peaceful negotiation, their intention was to harm Nehemiah. Thus Nehemiah replied, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” By this, Nehemiah demonstrated two things.
Firstly, he knew the value of his time. It was a waste of time to negotiate with the enemy. He did not allow himself to be sidetrack. In doing the will of God, Satan wants us to leave it in order to do some urgent things. No matter how good or better they are, they’re poor substitute in fulfilling the will of God. The tyranny of the urgent is a ploy of the enemy.
Secondly, he did not allow to sacrifice his priority. His work was a good or noble work. His statement “I can’t come down’ implies his value of work with higher, or even heavenly values, as opposed to base and trivial work. Like Nehemiah, let’s not trade in doing His will with something of lesser value. Like Moses, we should chose God and His work, not the riches and fleeting treasures in Egypt.
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Neh 5:14-19 ESV
14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. 15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND OTHERS
Unlike the nobles and rulers, Nehemiah and his brothers were men who put the work of God ahead of their own personal interest. Nehemiah certainly had the right to tax the people for his support as those before him did but he didn't. It wouldn't help the work of God. Paul did the same for the cause of the gospel.[read 1 Cor 9:1-15] But, the most explict reason is his fear of God. His reverence to God couldn’t be questioned.
He received a surplus of food provisions from the king. He could have monetized these for his own profit. Instead, he generously gave them away, feeding as many as 150 people regularly. He was not opportunistic to take what he could. Nor, was he covetous to hoard more than what he needed. Certainly, he was an example for what he did not take and for what he did not keep. In this hard time of famine, his mind was for others, commenting, “because the service was too heavy on this people.” He didn’t allow the people to be over burdened, did he?
Did he do these things for a show in order for people to recognize him? Definitely No! We see him praying to God in secret, saying, “ Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.” His confidence and expectations are from God only. As Jesus exhorted us, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”[Mat 6:3,4]
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Neh 5:9-13 ESV
9 So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies? 10 Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest. 11 Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.” 12 Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised. 13 I also shook out the fold of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised.
SHOULD YOU NOT WALK IN THE FEAR OF OUR GOD?
The practice of usury done by the nobles and leaders unto the helpless Jews was obviously unbecoming. Nehemiah highlighted to them that when Judah was conquered, many Jews were sold as slaves to foreigners. However, a lot of them had been redeemed out of slavery by Nehemiah and fellow Jews. Because of this, it was ironical and morally wrong to have Jews being sold into slavery to other Jews in order to pay off high-interest loans. Sadly today, there are businessmen, even professing believers, who have no regard for God's will or wisdom. Their only concern is profit , that is, if a deal can be made, and if money will come from it. Christians should focus whether a thing is right or wrong.
Apparently, these nobles and rulers lost their awe and wonder of God. The question “Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God?” should have brought them back to their senses. Their silence demonstrated their deep conviction and contrition. As Nehemiah demanded from them to return everything including interests, they complied. They said,“We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” Their true repentance was shown not by just feeling bad about it but by their act of returning the properties and repaying the interests. An example in the New Testament is Zaccheus, the tax collector. We knew he was truly repentant because he returned the money to the people he cheated fourfold.
Truly repentant people are dead serious in their commitment. They’re willing to sign a covenant. Nehemiah assured accountability from the erring but repentant nobles and leaders as something they needed to do. We need to be accountable too. Why? It is because in a lot of times our spirit is willing to do right but our flesh is weak to do it! Is accountability the missing step in dealing with an area that you are struggling to make it right?
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Neh 5:7-8 ESV
7 I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them 8 and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say.
7 Pagkatapos na pag-isipan ito, pinaratangan ko ang mga maharlika at ang mga pinuno, at sinabi ko sa kanila, “Kayo'y nagpapatubo maging sa inyong sariling kapatid.” Ako'y nagpatawag ng malaking pagtitipon laban sa kanila. 8 Sinabi ko sa kanila, “Kami, sa abot ng aming makakaya ay aming tinubos ang aming mga kapatid na mga Judio na ipinagbili sa mga bansa; ngunit inyo pang ipinagbili ang inyong mga kapatid upang sila'y maipagbili sa amin!” Sila'y tumahimik at walang masabing anuman.
NO WORD TO SAY
Nehemiah has had a serious thought about the problem. Certainly, he was a man of passion enough to get angry. However, he was wise enough to not act until he had considered the matter carefully. As James warned us, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”[Jas 1:19,20]
Obviously, Nehemiah wasn’t coward to confront the sinning nobles and rulers. They were exacting interest from loans that was either too high or should not be charged at all. The Bible has provided a principle that it is wrong to take advantage by making money out of someone who is in financial need. Should someone needs money for the most basic needs of life, they should be given money, not loaned it at an interest.
Thus, Nehemiah rebuked them for exacting usury. To rebuke a person for the sin they do is a duty of a leader like Nehemiah. The scriptures warrant it. [2 Tim 3:16,17] As Solomon said, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”[Prov 27:5] In other words, a proper rebuke is the right show of love. True love is expressed not by indifference or silence but by speaking the truth in love. [see Eph 4;15]
The nobles and rulers couldn’t say anything. They could not argue their case. They were guilty and embarrassed. Nehemiah’s boldness stood out in deep contrast to their silence. Solomon is right when he wrote, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”[Prov 28:1]
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Neh 5:1-6 ESV
Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers. 2 For there were those who said, “With our sons and our daughters, we are many. So let us get grain, that we may eat and keep alive.” 3 There were also those who said, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our houses to get grain because of the famine.” 4 And there were those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king's tax on our fields and our vineyards. 5 Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children are as their children. Yet we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards.” 6 I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words
Nagkaroon ng malakas na pagtutol ang taong-bayan at ang kanilang mga asawa laban sa kanilang mga kapatid na mga Judio. 2 Sapagkat may nagsabi, “Kasama ang ating mga anak na lalaki at babae, tayo ay marami; kumuha tayo ng trigo upang tayo'y may makain at manatiling buháy.” 3 May nagsabi rin, “Aming isinasangla ang aming mga bukid, mga ubasan, at mga bahay upang makakuha ng butil dahil sa taggutom.” 4 May nagsabi rin, “Kami'y nanghiram ng salapi para sa buwis ng hari na ipinataw sa aming mga bukid at aming mga ubasan. 5 Ngayon ang aming laman ay gaya rin ng laman ng aming mga kapatid, ang aming mga anak ay gaya ng kanilang mga anak, ngunit aming pinipilit ang aming mga anak na lalaki at babae upang maging mga alipin, at ang ilan sa aming mga anak na babae ay naging alipin na. Ngunit wala kaming kakayahang makatulong, sapagkat nasa ibang mga tao ang aming bukid at mga ubasan.” 6 Ako'y galit na galit nang aking marinig ang kanilang daing at ang mga pagtutol na ito.
AN OUTCRY
One group of people had ‘an outcry’ against another. There was dissension within leading to a spiritual implosion. The enemy had not stop the work of God by their attack. However, it seemed the work had halted here. Why? God's people weren't united and worked together.
Many workers complained because they worked hard on the walls and consequently did not spend time in providing for the needs of their households. They said, “With our sons and our daughters, we are many. So let us get grain, that we may eat and keep alive.” What’s our reflection here? Much time spend directly in ministering to the needs of God's people and in spreading the gospel, in most cases it will affect our ability to provide. Ministry entails sacrifice for it takes time. And the time spent on ministry is time you aren't making money. Let’s be realistic. If one gets to the place where one wants to involve in ministry he must learn to be contented.
There was a famine, which made food more expensive. It was so expensive that some mortgaged their property to provide food. Sadly, some had to give their children as servants to their lenders to pay off the debt. Instead of helping the needy, some thought this crisis could enrich them – grabbing their fields and vineyards, even their kids to become their slaves!
This is the cause why Nehemiah was infuriated. How about us? What do we feel about hearing the needs of the least and the lost? We must be sensitive to people who are hurting. Like Jesus when he saw the crowds, we should have had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”[Mat 9:35,36]
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Neh 4:21-23 ESV
21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22 I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” 23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.
21 Kaya't gumawa kami sa gawain, at kalahati sa kanila ay naghawak ng mga sibat mula sa pagbubukang-liwayway hanggang sa lumitaw ang mga bituin. 22 Sinabi ko rin nang panahong iyon sa taong-bayan, “Bawat lalaki at ang kanyang lingkod ay magpalipas ng gabi sa Jerusalem upang sila ay maging bantay para sa atin sa gabi at makagawa sa araw.” 23 Kaya't maging ako, ni ang aking mga kapatid, ang aking mga lingkod, at ang mga lalaking bantay na sumusunod sa akin, ay walang naghubad sa amin ng aming mga suot, bawat isa'y iningatan ang kanyang sandata sa kanyang kamay.
GIVING OUR BEST
We do know how committed a person is to a work by the amount of time and efforts he put upon it, don’t we? Nehemiah and his men worked until exhaustion. They worked round the clock. They dedicated themselves to the work all the more, working hard from sunrise to past dark, even spending the night out at the job site to protect against any attack. Everyone was working during the day and slept onsite to guard the city. Nobody took off his clothes and each kept his weapon at his right hand all the time. In the Old Testament, Solomon has exhorted similarly, ”Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”[Ecc 9:10] Opportunities don’t knock twice. Our time in this life is short and fleeting. We, as believers, do need to be armed with the same attitude today, don’t we? We need to be always ready, always clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ, always wearing the armor of God, ready for that final trumpet blast that will gather us together with our LORD. More than we watch for signs, we should watch for the trumpet sound.
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Neh 4:16-20 ESV
15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
THE SWORD AND TROWEL
Were they victorious because the enemy shrunk back? [v.15] Definitely no! Their getting on with the work and finishing it was the victory. They would not be at peace and secured until the wall was rebuilt, would they? It is easy to feel that just enduring trials is the victory, isn’t it? An attack may prevent us to progress and work for the LORD. Thus, victory is enduring the attack while continuing the progress and work for the LORD.
Nehemiah devised a strategy adapted now as the ‘sword and the trowel.’ While some did the work of rebuilding, the others did the defending. All the workers had been working with trowels in their hands with ready sword at their side, until the work is done. In the same perspective, God’s kingdom is built with both a sword and a trowel. A ‘sword work’ to ward off against every spiritual force of wickedness in the high places. And, ‘trowel work’ in building up the people of God. As in winning basketball, the team should take care both offense and defense. Moreover, Nehemiah did ensure their readiness by setting up watchmen to blow trumpet alarms to rally everyone.
All of what Nehemiah did demonstrated that he did not minimize the gigantic task. Although, they put themselves 100% ready for the crucible to happen, they didn’t trust in themselves alone. Nehemiah has highlighted the true source of their strength, saying, “Our God will fight for us.” As Solomon warned us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”[Prov 16:9]
In our fight for the advancement of God’s kingdom, we hold the sword and trowel on both of our hands while our hearts are pointing to God.
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Neh 4:10-14 ESV
10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
OVERCOMING DOSCOURAGEMENTS
To start well is a common experience we have in any endeavor or project, even in game competitions, is it not? We may have great first half - only to lose traction until the final buzzer. The half-way point of the rebuilding mentioned in Nehemiah 4:6 was a critical pivot point. On top of the enemy’s intimidation, much remains has to be done as yet, and it became overwhelming when physical fatigue and exhaustion has set in.
The rebuilding the walls won’t happen without destroying old structures, including cleaning and hauling away the rubbish. Think of the voluminous trash after 100 years of neglect. Similarly, in our lives, nothing much can be rebuilt for God's honor unless all the rubbish are swept away as well. Taking out the garbage of yesterdays can be an unpleasant and discouraging at times, However, it must be done for the now and tomorrow. This is what God is doing if we are in Christ, in’t it? [see 2 Cor 5;17]
The enemy’s impending threat was real, as they said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” These uncertainties had caused fear. Things were already in a bad shape, and the discouraged workers felt like giving up. This was felt first by the men of Judah, who supposed to be the strongest tribe.
How did Nehemiah lift up the morale of his men?
He could had been presumptuous to say, “Well, we have prayed about this and God will protect us without doing anything.” Or, he could react in panic, to say, “Let’s stop the rebuilding and flee for safety.” However, he executed a plan only after he had prayed. He trusted God in the midst of the storm, and had done concrete things necessary for God would have him do in order to ensure victory.
Nehemiah commanded them to bring out their armor. It was time to get serious, to put on the full fighting gear, and to get ready to fight with every resource they had. And not from mere bravado, he backed them up with the assurance that God was with them, saying, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. [1 John 4:4] It’s always the right time to do the right thing. This was an opportunity to do for a noble cause – not for them but for the next generation.
During the height of the enemy’s threat, let us remember Peter’s admonition, saying, “8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” [1 Pet 5:8-11]
Neh 4:7-9 ESV
7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
7 Ngunit nang mabalitaan nina Sanballat, Tobias, ng mga taga-Arabia, mga Ammonita, at ng mga Asdodita, na nagpapatuloy ang pagkukumpuni ng mga pader ng Jerusalem at ang mga sira ay nagsisimulang masarhan, sila'y galit na galit. 8 Silang lahat ay magkakasamang nagbalak na puntahan at labanan ang Jerusalem at gumawa ng kaguluhan doon. 9 Kami ay nanalangin sa aming Diyos, at naglagay ng bantay laban sa kanila sa araw at gabi.
WATCH AND PRAY
The height of the wall didn’t only rise up. But, the gaps were beginning to close. Therefore, the enemies of the work became angrier. Any development for good unto the glory of God in and through our lives would infuriate the enemy. The progress being made by God's people in touching a lost world for Jesus Christ is not surprising to make the devil angry.
This time, they didn’t satisfy to mock and deride. But, they threatened and planned for a violent attack. Perhaps the workers thought, “Did not we have peace before we began to build the wall? Did it not appear now that the very building of the wall may prompt the attack to come? Perhaps, it would have been easy for the workers to shrink in fear and think that all their efforts would be made in vain.
Like Nehemiah’s enemies, Satan always does his threatening tactics, doesn’t he? Thus, Peter exhorted us, saying, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”[1 Pet 5:8] Definitely, threats may create confusions. This is an important strategy of Satan. When distracted, God’s people would be out of focus toward God and His promises.
How did Nehemiah and his men handle all these?
They prayed and set guards. They expressed their strong faith in their prayers. Notedly, God could easily trump the enemy but He allowed them to continue their attacks. Why? It was because He was delighted that His people would draw closer to Him with a deeper trust than ever before. God did His perfect work in building the walls firstly by building His people.
They also knew that prayer didn't mean they had to do nothing. God gave them common sense to do what they could in protecting against attack. We can do a lot of sensible things only after we have prayed. Do we have an area in our Christian life that needs particular attention? It isn't enough to pray. We need to set a watch as well, daily. Do give a special attention and accountability to that area of your life until you are walking in consistent victory.
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Nehemiah 4:1-6 ESV
Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” 4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.
6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
OVERCOMING CRITICISMS
As soon as Sanballat and Tobiah saw the progress of the re-building of the wall, they opened their mouth to mock and deride them. Like Sanballat and Tobiah, Satan wants to make us feel defeated, or passive, or self-focused, or discouraged. As the saying, “People throw stones at a fruit bearing mango tree.”, so critics do mount attack to a growing ministry or project. Their attack has included a mocking[..feeble Jews?], a selfish motive [ ..doing it for themselves?], their lack of stamina [ sacrifice?], impatience [finish in a day?] inadequacy before a huge work [..heaps of rubbish] and poor quality of their work[ a fox will break down their stone wall?]
A lying and discouraging attack will often have some truth in it, but it will minimize, if not neglect, the great truth. That is, God was with them and has promised to see them pulling through all these. As Saul and his armies focused on Goliath, they forgot how much bigger many times over is God than the giant. As the 10 spies saw the Anakims, they saw themselves as grasshoppers and forgot God who killed the Egyptians.
We couldn’t prevent the attack of the enemy, could we? However, we could choose how to respond. As Nehemiah prayed, so should we do in times of enemy’s attack. One mark of a leader is to be able to engage the criticism head-on. That is, to not allow himself to be manipulated by the critics. Instead, he seeks God in order to be sensitive to God's voice even in the midst of criticism. There is nothing to panic since God is in control. A reaction of either anger or fear will give the critic a foothold to manipulate. The response of faith in God manifested in his prayer made the criticism toothless.
As a result, the people had a mind to work. This immediate answer to the prayer made no difference in the enemies. Instead, Nehemiah’s prayer was answered in the people of God doing the work. His prayer was focused in asking God to take care of his enemies. Resultingly, God answered by taking care of His people. They had not been affected but have the commitment to work.
Nehemiah 3:1-5 ESV
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.
3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. 5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.
Nang magkagayo'y si Eliasib na pinakapunong pari ay tumayong kasama ng kanyang mga kasamahang pari at kanilang itinayo ang Pintuan ng mga Tupa. Ito ay kanilang itinalaga at inilagay ang mga pinto niyon; kanilang itinalaga ito hanggang sa Tore ng Sandaan at hanggang sa Tore ng Hananel. 2 Kasunod niya ay nagtayo ang mga lalaki ng Jerico. At kasunod nila ay nagtayo si Zacur na anak ni Imri. 3 Ang Pintuan ng mga Isda ay itinayo ng mga anak ni Senaa; kanilang inilapat ang mga biga nito, at inilagay ang mga pinto, mga kandado, at ang mga halang. 4 Kasunod nila ay nagkumpuni si Meremot na anak ni Urias, na anak ni Hakoz. At kasunod nila ay nagkumpuni si Mesulam, na anak ni Berequias, na anak ni Mesezabel. At kasunod nila ay nagkumpuni si Zadok na anak ni Baana. 5 Kasunod nila ay nagkumpuni ang mga Tekoita; ngunit hindi inilagay ng kanilang mga maharlika ang kanilang mga leeg sa gawain ng kanilang mga panginoon.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE OR BEING INDIFFERENT
This chapter is all about work – how each individuals played their unique roles of the project-the rebuilding of the wall. They were convinced that the wall was an important structure for their security from invaders. Od through His sovereignty can protect us. However, we need to do our part of building. Yes, Eliashib the high priest acted as a godly leader should; he was out in front of the work, leading by example. He did not act as if he was too "spiritual" for the hard work of rebuilding the walls.
In Christ’s economy, great men are those who soil their hands. Jesus sets the example by washing His disciples feet. He said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”[John 13:14-17] And, this was done by Nehemiah that motivated the other leaders at Jerusalem as well.
However, among the Tekoites, ‘their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.’ According to D. Guzik, “Literally, the idea in the Hebrew is that they wouldn't submit - they would not "bend their necks" to what the LORD wanted them to do. The real issue was submission. Maybe they thought they had a better plan, maybe they didn't like how Nehemiah was doing it. Whatever their reason, you can be sure they later regretted it, because they stand in infamy as the only people mentioned in this chapter who did not join in the work.”
Today, either we could be committed or not in the Lord’s work. Either we make a difference or we are indifferent. The choice is ours. Let’s remember that our opportunity to serve Christ may knock only once.
Nehemiah 2:17-20 ESV 17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” 20 Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.”
A MAN OF INFLUENCE
The broken walls had been there for years. People did not take action to rebuild it. Was it because they were used to this situation of life, that for them it was normal and acceptable? Or, they were so overwhelmed by the thought of it so that they accepted that they were too weak and inadequate to do the repairs? When such moments come in our lives, it’s quite hard to see the obvious, is it not? However, they were encouraged by Nehemiah so that they said, “Let us rise up and build.” They strengthened their hands for the good work. What has encouraged them? Firstly, Nehemiah let them realize their sad condition. He highlighted to them that they were ‘in trouble’ because of the ruins. Yet, there was neither blaming nor criticising anybody. It was important to leave the past as past and for the people to move together from the present to the future. Blaming and criticisms divide rather than unite. Moreover, he let them visualize the future. That they no longer suffer derision. But, they would promote glory of the Lord. As Solomon said, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint.” That is, the people has to see a common goal. Otherwise, the people will be moving at different directions, out of control.
Nehemiah did not pose as a superhero, did he? He emphasized the need of everyone. No endeaavor in the Lord is done by a lone ranger – it is a collective effort. He led by example. Such attitude is attractive or charismatic. We do want to follow a leader who we see in action, don’t we? Lastly, he led according to God’s anointing. He testified, ‘the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me.’ This was his strongest credibility. It’s not by our accolades but the unction from God that earns respect and following. In simple words, Nehemiah, as a man of God marked by prayer and action was effectively influential. This was the strong basis why he was full of optmism even when Sanballat and Tobiah taunted them. He said, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.”
Nehemiah 2:11-16 ESV
11 So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. 13 I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. 15 Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. 16 And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work.
11 Kaya't dumating ako sa Jerusalem at tumigil doon sa loob ng tatlong araw. 12 Kinagabihan, bumangon ako at ang ilang lalaking kasama ko. Wala akong pinagsabihan kung ano ang inilagay ng aking Diyos sa aking puso upang gawin para sa Jerusalem. Wala akong kasamang hayop maliban sa hayop na aking sinakyan. 13 Kinagabihan, ako'y lumabas sa Pintuan ng Libis tungo sa Balon ng Dragon at sa Pintuan ng Dumi, at aking siniyasat ang mga pader ng Jerusalem na winasak at ang mga pintuan nito na tinupok ng apoy. 14 Pagkatapos ay nagtungo ako sa Pintuan ng Bukal at sa Tipunan ng Tubig ng hari; ngunit walang madaanan ang hayop na sinasakyan ko. 15 Kinagabihan, ako'y umahon sa libis at siniyasat ang pader. Pagkatapos ako'y bumalik at pumasok sa Pintuan ng Libis; gayon ako bumalik. 16 Hindi nalaman ng mga pinuno kung saan ako nagpunta, o kung ano ang ginagawa ko. Hindi ko pa sinasabi sa mga Judio, sa mga pari, sa mga maharlika, sa mga pinuno, at sa iba pang gagawa ng gawain.
SEEING THE NEED FIRSTHAND
Nehemiah spent three days in Jerusalem to have an ocular inspection. He knew the job of rebuilding the walls couldn't go forth unless he saw exactly how bad the situation was. Clandestinely, he arose in the night, with a few men with him. Nehemiah wasn't just sightseeing. Instead, he carefully studied the broken down walls and the burned gates. The word ‘viewed’ in Neh 2:13,15 is a medical term for "probing a wound to see the extent of its damage."
He told no one what God had put into his heart to do for Jerusalem. He didn't say anything about his mission until the time was right. Good leaders learn a sense of God's timing. According to Redpath, "It is good to have Christian friends, but it is dangerous to wear your heart on your sleeve. Have a secret place somewhere which nobody knows anything about but you and God."
Nehemiah saw firsthand what had been reported to him, and what God had burdened him to repair. Surely, he should had teared upon seeing the extent of the damage and the resulting fear, poverty, and insecurity in the lives of the people because of the broken walls.
Nehemiah set out from the west side of the city, and turned left towards the south, continuing counter-clockwise around the rubble of the city walls, until coming back to his starting point. On top of the good happening [like, the temple built, sacrifice and worship restored], he did not content upon seeing the walls burned and broken down. He taught us by example - we must look at the broken down walls of our lives, and carefully study what are wrong - but only if we have the heart, the prayer, the vision, the passion to be used of God to set it right. Do we?
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Nehemiah 2:9-10 ESV
9 Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.
9 At ako'y pumunta sa mga tagapamahala ng lalawigan sa kabila ng Ilog, at ibinigay ko sa kanila ang mga sulat ng hari. Ang hari ay nagsugo na kasama ko ang mga punong-kawal ng hukbo at mga mangangabayo. 10 Subalit nang mabalitaan ito ni Sanballat na Horonita at ni Tobias na lingkod na Ammonita, ikinayamot nila nang husto na may isang dumating para sa kapakanan ng mga anak ni Israel.
THE OPPOSITION
With officers and horsemen escorts, Nehemiah journeyed through the provinces, giving the letters from the king, until he arrived at Jerusalem. However, there were two people who were not happy – Tobiah, the Horonite and Sanballat, the Ammonite. They were displeased that someone had come to seek the welfare of the city.
For every endeavor we do for God and His people, there would be corresponding oppositions from the enemy. In fact, it should alarm us when we do something and there are no oppositions. Why? Perhaps, it is not so significant in God’s kingdom that the enemy doesn’t bother. Paradoxically, when in doing ministry and we have no trouble, there is trouble. The presence of problems in our endeavors doesn’t necessarily prove it as not in accordance to the will of God. Contrariwise, it does because it stirs the hornet’s nest of the enemy.
In the case of Nehemiah, God who gave him favor before the king could in no doubt keep Tobiah and Sanballat at bay. Let’s not forget that ‘he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.’[Phil 1:6] The work initiated by God will be completed by God, surely.
The question is not ‘why we have an enemy’. It is ‘who is our enemy?’. Jesus has warned us, saying, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”[John 15:18] Thus He prayed, “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”[John 17:14]
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Nehemiah 2:7-8 ESV
7 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me
7 Sinabi ko naman sa hari, “Kung ikakalugod ng hari, bigyan sana ako ng mga sulat para sa mga tagapamahala ng lalawigan sa kabila ng Ilog, upang ako'y kanilang paraanin hanggang sa ako'y makarating sa Juda; 8 at isang sulat para kay Asaf na tagapag-ingat ng gubat ng hari, upang bigyan niya ako ng mga troso upang gawing mga biga sa mga pintuan ng kuta ng templo at para sa pader ng lunsod at sa bahay na aking papasukan.” Ipinagkaloob sa akin ng hari ang aking hiniling, sapagkat ang mabuting kamay ng aking Diyos ay nasa akin.
THE GOOD HAND OF MY GOD WAS UPON ME.
Nehemiah should be commended for prioritizing prayer. But, it is more notable that he personally committed to be used by God as the answer to his prayer. Having been assured of the king’s help, he requested him the necessary help and raw materials from the governors. He said, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.”
Nehemiah knew for certain that the promise of God to Moses is sure. According to John, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”[1 John 5:14-15]. Are our prayers in accordance to God’s will be marked with confidence?
Nehemiah knew for certain that ‘the good hand of the Lord was upon him.’ Why? He was fully committed into God’s business. He was committed to pursue the glory of God. As J. Hudson Taylor said, “Depend on it. God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply. He is too wise a God to frustrate His purposes for lack of funds, and He can just as easily supply them ahead of time as afterwards, and He much prefers doing so.”
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Nehemiah 2:1-6 ESV
In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. 2 And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.” 6 And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time.
THE KING’S FAVOR
Evidently, Nehemiah’s heart was seen in his countenance. As a cupbearer, a trusted advisor of the king, he shouldn’t be sporting a sorrowful face. He hasn’t been sad before the king until this time. Hence, it caught the attention of the king who asked him, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick?. Was this the working of God in the king’s heart? Definitely , yes.
Nehemiah had prayed earlier that God would grant him favor from the king. Interestingly, it was the king who initiated the conversation. Nehemiah had the opportunity to state his burden honestly. He said, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
Upon saying these, he was gripped with fear. Nehemiah had prayed and waited for four months with the kind of heart described previously in Nehemiah 1. Perhaps, during those four months, his prayer was most likely "LORD, either take this burden from my heart or show me how to be the man to answer this burden." It was a mixed feelings. It was forbidden to be sad before the king and could have been taken as a terrible insult to the majesty. Moreover, he knew that he was going to say something very important. There was a lot of uncertainty about what would be the response of the king.
And, as he was waiting, the king said, “What are you requesting?” He was touched by God. The king had no obligation to help him, had he? Yet, he had given him the privilege to present his plan and needs to him. We see Nehemiah having not resorted to manipulating but he had waited and trusted this God’s perfect time. Our God is a God of perfect timing and of surprises, is He not?
After he heard from the king, Nehemiah did pray again. There was no rushing. As S.D. Gordon said, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” Nehemiah has to devise a plan through the wisdom from God. As Solomon wrote, “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” (Psa 33:11). “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” (Prov 21:5) The expression of faith does not negate planning, instead through the exercise of it. We aren't more spiritual for failing to plan, are we? The only planning that is unspiritual is that which is presumptuous, when God isn’t involved in it. [see Jas 4:14-17] There could be times when we simply can't plan, but we should never reject planning.
Should the Lord is always before us, He touches the lives of people along our path for His favor and purposes as He did to the king of Persia. Thus, he concluded, “So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time.”
Nehemiah 1:5-11 ESV
5 And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.
THE PRAYER OF NEHEMIAH
Effective leadership starts, continues and ends in prayer. Before anything else, Nehemiah spends time with the Lord. Before he can do something for God, God has to do something in his life. A man to effectively influence other people, he must allow God first to have a significant influence in his life. His prayer reveals the deep things of his heart.
First, his humility and deep reverence to God. Humbly, he begins by simply understanding there is a God enthroned in the heavens, and I am not Him! Nehemiah recognizes exactly who God is, saying, ‘LORD God of heaven, great and awesome God, who keep Your covenant … and mercy … with those You love’. He desperately asked God to hear the prayer of Your servant, that is, let Your ear be attentive … Your eyes open. This reflected his complete dependence on the LORD. Doesn’t our wretchedness expose our dire need for God?
He also plainly and simply confessed sin, without any attempt at excusing the sin. Obviously, Nehemiah was a godly and tender man who identified with his people. He openly and passionately put himself guilty with his father's house, and prayed by using "we" instead of "they."
Then, he looked with hope unto the promises of God. He pleaded God to remember His promises. Unlike earthly fathers who may be annoyed , our Father in heaven delights in it - and often demands it before prayer becomes effective. Did not God promise, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”? [Psa 81:10]
Lastly, he prayed with faith that God would honor a plan in mind. Prayer should be with understanding, not the absence of it. Nehemiah concluded by asking God to bless him when he would soon speak to the king of Persia about the matter. He was willing to be used by the Lord at the forefront, not a distant critic. Not a vague prayer, "Do something Lord” but a specific prayer, “Use me Lord by granting me favor before the king.” A prayer pleading to move the heart of the king is no ordinary faith, is it? [Prov 21:1]
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Nehemiah 1:1-4 ESV
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.
Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” 4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Ang mga salita ni Nehemias na anak ni Hacalias.
Sa buwan ng Chislev, nang ikadalawampung taon, samantalang ako'y nasa Susa na siyang kabisera, 2 si Hanani, isa sa aking mga kapatid, ay dumating na kasama ang ilang lalaki mula sa Juda. Tinanong ko sila tungkol sa mga Judio na natirang buháy, na nakatakas sa pagkabihag, at tungkol sa Jerusalem. 3 Sinabi nila sa akin, “Ang mga natirang buháy sa lalawigan na nakatakas sa pagkabihag ay nasa isang malubhang kalagayan at kahihiyan. Ang pader ng Jerusalem ay wasak at ang mga pintuan nito ay natupok ng apoy.” 4 Nang marinig ko ang mga salitang ito, ako'y umupo, umiyak, at tumangis nang ilang araw; at ako'y nagpatuloy sa pag-aayuno at pananalangin sa harapan ng Diyos ng langit.
BROKEN WALLS
Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the Persian king at Susa, situated hundreds of miles away from Jerusalem. Notedly, his comfort at the palace did not remove his care and concern for his people and homeland. This was the reason why he asked his brother Hanani and his companions about their plight.
They related to him the sad state of the people and the city of Jerusalem. They said, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” Almost 100 years after the first captives settled back to the Promised Land and some 150 years after the city of Jerusalem was destroyed. After this long time, the walls of the city of Jerusalem were still in rubble.
In Ezra 4:6-23, we see that some 75 years before they tried to rebuild the walls, but were stopped by their enemies. No one thought this obstacle could be overcome, so the walls lay in ruin and the people stayed in trouble. Definitely, this was still part of the sad consequences of Israel’s sins. Let’s not forget that our sins usually lead to our misery and brokenness. This is the result of the fall at the garden. We struggle because we live in a broken world. What can we expect towards sin-filled people but their propensity to do evil and abuse others for their self-interests.
How should we respond upon seeing such tremendous needs of people?
Our emotional reactions of anger and hate seem to appear spontaneous and natural. However, we could choose to respond like Nehemiah. Yes, he was grieved. But, he did not succumbed to hopelessness and despair. He fasted and prayed. In other words, he went into the presence of God – pleaded for His mercies towards himself, his people and city.
Against the backdrop of the overwhelming need of man is the unfathomable grace and power of God, as darkness couldn’t stand against light. Are you subdued by the thought of the brokenness of the people around you? Let’s resolve like Nehemiah to bring everything in prayer. As the psalmist expressed, “
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”[Psa 42:5;11]
John 21:24,25 ESV
24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
24 Ito ang alagad na nagpapatotoo sa mga bagay na ito at ang sumulat ng mga ito; at nalalaman namin na ang kanyang patotoo ay tunay.
25 Subalit marami pa ring ibang mga bagay na ginawa si Jesus, na kung susulating isa-isa, sa palagay ko, kahit sa sanlibutan mismo ay hindi magkakasiya ang mga aklat na isusulat.
MY WITNESS IS TRUE
Evidently, John is modest in his writing, is he not? Having been an eyewitness to Christ’s life, he didn’t reveal himself directly as the author. Most likely, "the disciple" mentioned here is John, confirming he is the unnamed person mentioned in other passages such as John 1:37; 13:23; 18:15–16; 19:26; 21:23.
At the beginning of the book, John wrote, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”[John 1:14-16]
And with confidence about the veracity of Christ, John declares in his epistle, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”[1 John 1:1-3]
As John concludes the book, he argued that his witness is true. He did not know everything about Jesus. He wrote according to the revelation of God through the Spirit. According to v.25, Jesus’ life and His works are incalculable to be written in books. God has no obligation to reveal everything but only those necessary. As Deut 29:29, says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
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John 21:19b-23 ESV
19bAnd after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” 20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
At pagkatapos nito ay sinabi niya sa kanya, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” 20 Pagtalikod ni Pedro, nakita niya ang alagad na minamahal ni Jesus na sumusunod. Siya rin iyong nakahilig na malapit kay Jesus sa hapunan at nagsabi, “Panginoon, sino ang magkakanulo sa iyo?” 21 Nang makita siya ni Pedro ay sinabi niya kay Jesus, “Panginoon, at paano naman ang taong ito?” 22 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Kung ibig kong siya'y manatili hanggang sa ako'y dumating ay ano nga sa iyo? Sumunod ka sa akin.” 23 Kaya't kumalat ang sabi-sabi sa mga kapatid na ang alagad na iyon ay hindi mamamatay. Subalit hindi sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay, kundi, “Kung ibig kong siya'y manatili hanggang sa ako'y dumating ay ano nga sa iyo?”
FOLLOW ME
Restoration does result to empowerment and trust, does it not? Having been restored, Jesus has entrusted to Peter the shepherding of His sheep, once more. Undoubtedly, Jesus had seen Peter’s future of not commiting the same mistake again.
When Jesus made a prediction about Peter's future (John 21:18–19) Evidently, Peter would have naturally been curious about what would happen to John. Interestingly, Jesus' response (see v.22) was neither a rebuke, nor even a criticism. It's simply a rhetorical question, meaning "what difference would that make in your faith? Just follow Me!"
We are distracted sometimes because we look at others. To look unto Jesus, that is, to follow Him, should be our focus instead of looking around. As the author of Hebrews says, “ looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”[Heb 12:2]
One reaction to this comment is ironic. Jesus was far from making a prediction. However, some early Christians will misinterpret it as a prophecy about John, anyway. In the time between Jesus making the statement and John's writing of this account, rumors will spread that John would not die until Jesus returned. John will feel the need to refute that mistake directly for he did not receive such from Jesus (see. v:23).
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John 21:15-19 ESV
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN THESE?
As they dined together, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love more than these?”The ‘these’ may mean ‘the other disciples’ love for Him.’ That is, Jesus was asking "do you really love Me more than they love Me?" Peter was bragging and has self-assured prior Jesus’ arrest (Mark 14:29).
Jesus has repeated the question two more times. Jesus had used two root words, agapaō and phileō, in His questions. However, Peter had used phileō. While these words can have separate meanings, in their own contexts, their use here was essentially identical. The same was true of Jesus' three commands, which mix terms like "feed" and "tend" with references to "sheep" and "lambs."
Only a few days prior, Peter had denied—three times, with great emphasis—that he did not know Jesus (see John 13:35–38; Luke 22:61–62). He understood that Jesus was not asking because He does not know; He was asking to prove a point. Three denials were being countered with three affirmations. Peter's betrayal of his own promises was being challenged.
One thing is certain in this dialog, Jesus didn’t leave Peter in grief. This was a moment of repentance and restoration. His next words predict that Peter's reaffirmed faith (John 21:19) will be permanent—in fact, it will lead to his martyrdom later (John 21:18). First, Jesus makes a prediction which is both dire and comforting. The picture of being dressed and led, with outstretched hands, is a poetic foreshadowing of his crucifixion. Church tradition indicates Peter was crucified and asked to be hung upside down out of respect for Christ's similar death. While this seemed a terrible fate, it implied something Peter would find encouraging. For, his faith would never fail him again. This doesn't mean Peter would be perfect (Gal 2:11–14). It does mean, however, that his passionate desire to serve Jesus would define the rest of his life.
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John 21:7-14 ESV
7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
7 Kaya't ang alagad na minamahal ni Jesus ay nagsabi kay Pedro, “Ang Panginoon iyon.” Kaya't nang marinig ni Simon Pedro na iyon ang Panginoon, ay nagbigkis siya ng kanyang tunika (sapagkat siya'y walang damit), at tumalon sa dagat. 8 Subalit ang ibang alagad ay lumapit sa bangka na hila ang lambat na punô ng isda, sapagkat sila'y hindi malayo sa lupa, kundi halos siyamnapung metro ang layo.
9 Nang sila'y makadaong sa lupa, nakakita sila roon ng mga nagbabagang uling, at may isdang nakalagay sa ibabaw, at tinapay. 10 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Dalhin ninyo rito ang ilang isdang nahuli ninyo ngayon.” 11 Kaya't si Simon Pedro ay sumampa sa bangka, at hinila ang lambat sa lupa na punô ng malalaking isda, na isandaan at limampu't tatlo, at kahit gayon karami ay hindi nasira ang lambat. 12 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Halikayo at mag-almusal.” Sinuman sa mga alagad ay hindi nangahas na siya'y tanungin, “Sino ka?” yamang alam nila na iyon ay ang Panginoon. 13 Lumapit si Jesus, dinampot ang tinapay, at ibinigay sa kanila pati ang isda. 14 Ito nga ang ikatlong pagpapakita ni Jesus sa mga alagad, pagkatapos na siya'y bumangon mula sa mga patay.
COME AND HAVE BREAKFAST
After the big catch, John knew it was the Lord Jesus. Immediately, he told Peter, who stripped off his outer garment and jumped out into the water to swim to shore. Peter did not waste time to be with the Lord as he did before.
By the time the men arrive at the beach, they found a small fire, with a few fish already cooked and bread, along with Peter and Jesus. They didn’t ask questions about Jesus' identity anymore. This can be taken in several ways. But, most probably John was emphasizing the lack of doubt, as if saying, "there's no need to ask, since it's clear." Even though Jesus' appearance was not exactly as it had been, there was no valid reason to think He was someone else.
Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This should have reminded them about Jesus’claim earlier as the ‘bread of life.’ This simple act of Jesus sharing a meal, especially in the ancient world, demonstrated their friendship and trust.
Jesus’ tenderness or gentleness has been portrayed here, apparently. There was no rebuke from Him. He knew His men were weak and feeble and predicted that they would fail Him. He hasn’t demand perfection upon us. He desires groth and maturity. He understands our frame.
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John 21:1-6 ESV
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.
Pagkatapos ng mga bagay na ito ay nagpakitang muli si Jesus sa mga alagad sa tabi ng dagat ng Tiberias, at siya'y nagpakita sa ganitong paraan.2 Magkakasama noon sina Simon Pedro, si Tomas na tinatawag na Kambal, at si Nathanael na taga-Cana ng Galilea, at ang mga anak ni Zebedeo, at dalawa pa sa kanyang mga alagad.3 Sinabi sa kanila ni Simon Pedro, “Mangingisda ako.” Sinabi nila sa kanya, “Kami ay sasama rin sa iyo.” Sila'y umalis at sumakay sa bangka. Nang gabing iyon ay wala silang nahuli.
4 Ngunit nang mag-uumaga na, si Jesus ay tumayo sa tabing-dagat. Subalit hindi nakilala ng mga alagad na iyon ay si Jesus.5 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, “Mga anak, mayroon ba kayong nahuling isda?” Sumagot sila sa kanya, “Wala.”6 At sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ihulog ninyo ang lambat sa kanang bahagi ng bangka at mayroon kayong makikita.” Inihulog nga nila, at hindi na nila ito mahila dahil sa dami ng mga isda.
I GO FISHING
Jesus passed along instructions for the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. John typically uses the term "Galilee" to refer to the region, and the name "Sea of Tiberias" for the water (John 6:1).
As they are waiting for Christ to arrive, Peter decided to go fishing. Why? It is either out of boredom, or to earn money. Scriptures doesn’t say. Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others went with Peter. They caught nothing. It’s not unusual not to catch fish but this lack of success, in a sense, has reaffirmed that their days of catching fish were over (John 21:3). Did not Jesus call them to be fishers of men, instead (Matt 4:19; John 21:4).
Jesus appeared at the shore. But, they did not recognized Him.
Jesus asked, “Children, do you have any fish?” Something like a modern English speaker saying, "you kids didn't catch anything, did you?" Certainly Jesus knew beforehand their predicament. It was a question for them to ponder upon. Jesus took charge. He asked them to cast the net again at the right side of the ship. It seemed pointless. But, they were not able to haul the quantity of fishes caught for it was so heavy.
This was a repeat. Previously, Jesus had directed Peter to cast the net on the other side of the boat (Luke 5:3–5). The result was a catch of fish so large it nearly sank two boats (Luke 5:6–7).
The change from nothing to a huge catch was an object lesson. Definitely, Jesus knew where the fish were. It's proof He can provide for their needs. Unless their efforts are aligned with His purpose, they won't succeed.
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John 20:11-18 ESV
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
WOMAN, WHY ARE YOU WEEPING?
Mary Magdalene was one of the women who stood nearby and watched Jesus die on a cross (John 19:25). She saw Him hastily buried (Mat 27:60–61) and came before dawn on a Sunday to give His body a more appropriate treatment (see v.1). Finding the tomb empty, she ran to get John and Peter, who inspect the grave and leave without seeming to have much to say (see v.2–10).
This left Mary alone, crying, after which she looks in to see two men—angels—sitting in the tomb (John 20:11–13). She explains her grief, but apparently does not realize she is speaking to messengers of God.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Why did she not recognize Him? The last time Mary Magdalene saw Jesus was in the form of a mutilated and battered corpse. For the moment, her thoughts are locked to the idea that someone has taken Jesus body. Surely, grief and unbelief could blur our perceptions.
But, as Jesus call her by name, something in His voice, or the fact that He uses her name, w
ill trigger her recognition (see v.16). Mary tried to embrace Him, or that she threw herself at His feet (Mat 28:9). Mary’s emotional reaction at this moment could not be over emphasized. But Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”Jesus meant here does not seem to be that Mary should not contact Him, at all. It more likely means that she is not to stay there, or keep clinging to Him, but that she needs to go and tell the disciples what she has seen. Like Mary, we are caught sometimes in much emotionalism when we need to spread the message of the gospel to others.
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John 20:3-10 ESV
3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.
3 Kaya't umalis si Pedro kasama ang isa pang alagad at pumunta sila sa libingan. 4 Silang dalawa'y tumakbong magkasama, subalit ang isang alagad ay mas matuling tumakbo kaysa kay Pedro, at naunang dumating sa libingan. 5 At siya'y yumuko upang tingnan ang loob, at nakita niyang nakalatag ang mga telang lino. Subalit hindi siya pumasok sa loob. 6 Dumating naman si Simon Pedro na sumusunod sa kanya, pumasok siya sa libingan at nakita niyang nakalatag ang mga telang lino, 7 at ang damit na inilagay sa kanyang ulo ay hindi kasamang nakalatag ng mga telang lino, kundi bukod na nakatiklop sa isang tabi. 8 Pumasok din ang alagad na unang dumating sa libingan at kanyang nakita at siya'y naniwala. 9 Sapagkat hindi pa nila nauunawaan ang kasulatan na kailangang siya'y bumangon mula sa mga patay. 10 At ang mga alagad ay bumalik na sa kani-kanilang mga tahanan.
HE SAW AND BELIEVED
Soon as the news that the tomb’s stone was moved away, Peter, being noted for his impulsiveness, ran immediately to the tomb. John, who was younger , outran him and arrived ahead at the tomb but he did not enter in. He waited for Peter to go inside first.
The news was confirmed. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. The body was gone. However, it couldn’t be either stolen or moved away by force based upon the details of what Peter and John saw.
Looking back, when Lazarus was raised, he was still bound in his burial linens (John 11:44). Jesus was also wrapped, but those strips are still here—the body is gone. Clearly, Christ passed right through the clothes. Later, Jesus will come through a locked door at two occasions in order to speak with the disciples; first, when Thomas was absent (John 20:19) and secondly, when Thomas was present(John 20:26).
Peter and John ran to check it out but were full of skepticisms. However, in some way, John's understanding was greatly helped by this evidence. He saw and believed. Certainly, the detail seems overwhelming to His mind.
Like them, we have the propensity to only believe if we see. May God help us to increase our faith for we need to believe in order to see. For ‘without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.’[Heb 11:6]
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John 20:1-2 ESV
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
Nang unang araw ng sanlinggo ay maagang pumunta sa libingan si Maria Magdalena, samantalang madilim pa, at nakitang ang bato ay naalis na sa libingan. 2 Kaya't tumakbo siya at pumunta kay Simon Pedro at sa alagad na minamahal ni Jesus, at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Kinuha nila sa libingan ang Panginoon, at hindi namin alam kung saan nila siya inilagay.”
THE STONE IS MOVED AWAY
The tomb, itself, was marked and guarded to prevent the disciples from stealing the body and inventing a phony resurrection (Mat 27:62–66). Jesus' burial was hastily done since He died when the Sabbath day was approaching (John 19:42). Nicodemus and Joseph made rough preparations (John 19:39–40) However, the ladies had intended to come early morning on the first day of the week [Sunday] to give His body a more thorough, respectful treatment.
Mary Magdalene went ahead of everyone to the tomb while the sun wasn’t up yet. It was still dark. However, she was surprised but won’t mistake to see that the stone that covered the tomb was moved away. Tombs were commonly hewn out of rock and were sealed with a heavy stone to close the entrance. Clearly, such a stone to be rolled over the entrance to the tomb would require multiple people and a lot of strength to move.
Certainly, the stone was not moved in order for Jesus to come out. It is for Mary Magdalene and the others to come in and see that the tomb is empty. And that Jesus has indeed risen. Would we discover God if He hasn’t revealed Himself?
Today, are there some stones that God has to roll away in order for us to see Him? Have you been hindered by these obstacles making you doubtful and skeptical about the claims of Christ. Trust Him. He can move these stones away definitely.
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John 19:38-42 ESV
38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
38 Pagkatapos ng mga bagay na ito, si Jose na taga-Arimatea, na isang lihim na alagad ni Jesus, dahil sa takot sa mga Judio, ay nakiusap kay Pilato na makuha niya ang bangkay ni Jesus, at siya'y pinahintulutan ni Pilato. Kaya't siya'y pumunta roon at kinuha ang kanyang bangkay. 39 Dumating din si Nicodemo, na noong una ay lumapit sa kanya noong gabi, na may dalang pinaghalong mira at mga aloe, halos isandaang libra ang timbang. 40 Kinuha nila ang bangkay ni Jesus, at binalot nila ng mga telang lino na may mga pabango, ayon sa kaugalian ng mga Judio sa paglilibing. 41 Sa lugar ng pinagpakuan sa kanya ay may isang halamanan, at sa halamana'y may isang bagong libingan na kailanma'y hindi pa nalalagyan ng sinuman.42 Kaya't dahil sa Paghahanda ng mga Judio, sapagkat malapit ang libingan, ay kanilang inilagay doon si Jesus.
A NEW TOMB
As the lifeless body of the Lord Jesus Christ needed not to hang at mid-air in a long time, Joseph of Arimathea has pleaded with Pilate beforehand to take it down for a proper burial at a new tomb he prepared for Jesus’ body. Meanwhile, Nicodemus, the Pharisee who met Jesus by night, came also bringing the spices - a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. Both were religious leaders who became Jesus’ believers. But they kept it in secret for fear among their colleagues.
It’s important to note that in God’s kingdom some of His followers are bold and open like John the Baptist. However, there are those who are following Him in secret in the likes of Joseph and Nicodemus. They have their own roles in God’s kingdom. In the Old Testament, Elijah was directed by God to confront squarely King Ahab. However, Obadiah was raised by God inside Ahab’s palace and in secret has hid hundreds of prophets by fifties in the caves.
We are diverse instruments in the body of Christ. As Paul said, “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”[2 Tim 2:20,21]
Apparently, God has used both of them greatly to give a decent burial of Jesus’ body. Interestingly, Jesus was crucified not for His sins but ours and was buried in a new tomb that belongs to Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph’s tomb would go down in history as the tomb where the greatest miracle of Jesus’ resurrection took place.
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John 19:31-37
31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”
31 Sapagkat noo'y araw ng Paghahanda, upang maiwasan na ang mga katawan ay manatili sa krus sa araw ng Sabbath (sapagkat dakila ang araw ng Sabbath na iyon), hiniling ng mga Judio kay Pilato na baliin ang kanilang mga binti at sila'y alisin doon. 32 Kaya't dumating ang mga kawal at binali ang binti ng una at ng isa pa na ipinako sa krus na kasama niya. 33 Ngunit nang dumating sila kay Jesus at makitang patay na, ay hindi na nila binali ang kanyang mga binti. 34 Subalit tinusok ng sibat ng isa sa mga kawal ang kanyang tagiliran at biglang lumabas ang dugo at tubig. 35 Siya na nakakita nito ay nagpatotoo, at ang kanyang patotoo ay tunay, at nalalaman niya na siya'y nagsasabi ng totoo upang kayo rin ay maniwala. 36 Sapagkat ang mga bagay na ito ay nangyari upang matupad ang kasulatan, “Kahit isa mang buto niya'y hindi mababali.” 37 At sinabi rin sa isa pang kasulatan, “Titingin sila sa kanya na kanilang tinusok ng sibat.”
NOT ONE OF HIS BONES WILL BE BROKEN
That the legs of those crucified must be broken was the request of the Jews to Pilate. It was done to expedite to it they were dead so they would be taken down from the cross. To hasten the process of death, executioners would use a heavy rod to break the femur bones. This not only made it impossible to lift one's body to breath. But, it also added to the shock, loss of blood, and general trauma. Even so, this was considered an act of mercy. Without such measures, a victim could take hours, even days, to die.
The soldiers, then, broke the legs of the two thieves. But, when they came to Jesus, there was no need to break His legs. They believed that He was already dead for certain. However, one soldier pierced Jesus’ side, unnecessarily, wasn’t it? But, he did as the scriptures has foretold. Blood and water gushed out as a sign that Jesus was already dead. Undoubtedly, Jesus was dead. His resurrection three days later would be in question should Jesus did not die.
The details of Jesus’ suffering and death were prophesied. See Psa 34:20 and Zechariah 12:9-11. Afterall, He was slain before the foundation of the world[see Rev 13:8]. In the eyes of the Sovereign God, this was as good as done. In other words, we can rest that all of the things happening in our lives are not
incidental either. As Isaiah wrote,
“ I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,”[Isa 46:9b-10]
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John 19:28-30
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
28 Pagkatapos nito, sapagkat alam ni Jesus na ang lahat ng mga bagay ay naganap na, ay sinabi niya (upang matupad ang kasulatan), “Nauuhaw ako.” 29 Mayroon doong isang sisidlang punô ng maasim na alak, kaya't naglagay sila ng isang esponghang basa ng suka sa isang sanga ng isopo, kanilang inilagay sa kanyang bibig. 30 Nang matanggap ni Jesus ang suka ay sinabi niya, “Natupad na.” At itinungo ang kanyang ulo, at siya ay namatay.
IT IS FINISHED
Nothing that happened to Jesus was coincidental or incidental. It is written in the Scriptures. His cry of physical thirst should have demonstrated His deep inner spiritual thirst for the Father, who poured His wrath upon Him. The sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth was nothing compared to the anguish of His soul. Yet, He endured all these for us.
And in a cry of victory, He shouted, “It is finished” His mission is accomplished. Ironical as it appeared, Jesus died helplessly but shouting as a victor. Perhaps, amidst the laughters of the infidels who mocked Jesus were Satan and the his unseen cohorts celebrating for His demise. Unbeknownst to them, His death was the satisfactory sacrifice for the payment of our sins. And it was short-lived for in three days, Jesus would rise from the grave. “For, he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God.” [2 Cor 13:4a]
“It is finished’ was a common term used to mean ‘Paid in full” as an accounting term. It was a shout signifying that the man’s penalty of sin was paid completely. And, this must had caused bewilderment among His perpetrators.
We couldn’t fathom the agonies Jesus had endured until His last breath. Besides the extreme beatings and mockings from evil men was the wrath of God poured upon Him. His endurance as His body was beaten to expiration was actually a victory. Amazingly, this victory is His gift for us. Our privilege is to receive this gift of forgiveness and absolution from condemnation of God. My question for you today. Have you received Him and His gift of salvation as yet?
Indeed, His death is our life. There was no other way but through His sacrifice at the cross that we obtain life.
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John 19:25-27 ESV
25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
25 Ang mga bagay na ito ay ginawa ng mga kawal. Samantala, nakatayo sa tabi ng krus ni Jesus ang kanyang ina, at ang kapatid ng kanyang ina, si Maria na asawa ni Cleopas, at si Maria Magdalena. 26 Nang makita ni Jesus ang kanyang ina at ang alagad na kanyang minamahal, na nakatayong katabi niya ay sinabi niya sa kanyang ina, “Babae, narito ang iyong anak!” 27 Pagkatapos ay sinabi niya sa alagad, “Narito ang iyong ina!” At mula noon ay dinala siya ng alagad sa kanyang sariling tahanan.
THE BRAVE WOMEN
It's tragic to note that only one of the disciples, John, was nearby to see His master's death (v,26). Were the others on the hiding nearby? It is undetermined (see Matthew 26:56; John 20:19). Or, were they watching from a considerable distance? (Luke 23:49).
Adding to their shame, four of the five people known to be there were women. In that time, women were dismissed as powerless, weak, and vulnerable to abuses. However, Jesus did much to dismiss these myths. And, even at His execution, these women who followed Him had proven braver than most of the male disciples (John 16:32).
One of them was Mary, the mother of Jesus, who dared to see her son brutally crucified. She could be forgiven for not wanting to watch something so horrifying scene of her son. Most probably, Mary could be mindful about this event that she was told about when she bore Jesus (see Luke 2:35) Jesus saw to it that she would be taken cared for. He told His mom and John, “Behold your son” and “Behold, your mother!”, respectively. That John "took her to his own home" (John 19:27) implied this was a permanent arrangement. It's possible that with Jesus gone, there is no one else willing or able to see to her welfare apart from John.
Scholars are not entirely sure who Mary's sister is. Some believe it might be Salome (Mark 15:40; 16:1). It's possible this person was also the mother of the disciples John and James (Mat 20:20). Mary Magdalene, however, was referred to by other Scriptures as someone Jesus healed of possession by seven demonic spirits (Luke 8:2). Her main contribution to the gospel story, however, will come when she encounters Jesus after His resurrection (John 20:18).
What prompted them to be bold? It’s love as John wrote, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us.”[1 John 4:18,19]
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John 19:23-24 ESV
23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,
“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”
So the soldiers did these things,
23 Nang maipako ng mga kawal si Jesus, kanilang kinuha ang kanyang mga kasuotan at hinati sa apat na bahagi, sa bawat kawal ay isang bahagi. Gayundin ang tunika, at ang tunika ay walang tahi, na hinabing buo mula sa itaas. 24 Kaya't sinabi nila sa isa't isa, “Huwag natin itong punitin, kundi tayo'y magpalabunutan kung kanino mapupunta.” Ito ay upang matupad ang kasulatan, na nagsasabi,“Pinaghatian nila ang aking mga kasuotan,
at ang aking balabal ay kanilang pinagpalabunutan.”
25 Ang mga bagay na ito ay ginawa ng mga kawal.
FOR MY CLOTHING THEY CAST LOTS
Crucifixion is extremely degrading or humiliating. Why? It involves the stripping of the person from his clothes. Jesus’ nakedness was part of His work as the Suffering Servant-King to defeat sin and present us righteous before God.
The first Adam began as a naked innocent person. Through his disobedience he became guilty and discovered his nakedness or shame. This was the reason why he and Eve sew fig leaves to cover themselves. However, Jesus, as the 2nd Adam, did the opposite. Jesus is eternally pure and righteous. Yet, He took our place. An act which couldn’t be easily understood. As Paul has said, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:21]
As John Calvin writes, “Christ was stripped of his garments, that he might clothe us with righteousness . . . his naked body was exposed to the insults of men, that we may appear in glory before the judgment-seat of God.”
Matthew, Mark, and John record casting lots to divide Jesus' clothing. John adds the Old Testament quote from Psalm 22:18. It was a seamless clothing He wore corresponded with the seamless righteousness He has before God. While, the soldiers mockingly casted lots . His righteousness is available to whoever would believe Him.
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John 19:16-22 ESV
So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”
16 At ibinigay ni Pilato si Jesus sa kanila upang maipako sa krus. 17 Kinuha nila si Jesus, at siya'y lumabas na pasan niya ang krus, patungo sa tinatawag na Pook ng Bungo, na sa wikang Hebreo ay tinatawag na Golgota. 18 Doon ay kanilang ipinako siya at kasama niya ang dalawa pa, isa sa bawat tagiliran, at sa gitna nila ay si Jesus. 19 Sumulat din si Pilato ng isang pamagat, at inilagay sa itaas ng krus. At ang nakasulat ay “Jesus na Taga-Nazaret, ang Hari ng mga Judio.” 20 Marami sa mga Judio ang nakabasa ng pamagat na ito, sapagkat ang dakong pinagpakuan kay Jesus ay malapit sa lunsod, at ito'y isinulat sa Hebreo, sa Latin, at sa Griyego. 21 Kaya't sinabi kay Pilato ng mga punong pari ng mga Judio, “Huwag mong isulat, ‘Ang Hari ng mga Judio,’ kundi, ‘Sinasabi ng taong ito, Ako ang Hari ng mga Judio.’” 22 Sumagot si Pilato, “Ang naisulat ko ay naisulat ko na.”
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS
It’s is comprehensible that Jesus, the Creator of the world, was crucified. Hindsight is the best sight. Today, it’s not diffficult for us to understand why. The written word reveals us the reason. We read in Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.”
In the New Testament, we read of Peter’s writing about what Isaiah had written 700 years earlier, that is, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”[1 Pet 2:24]
Interestingly, Pilate added an inscription at His cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Which were written in 3 languages, namely, Aramaic, Latin and Greek. Sarcastic as it was intended to but ironically it’s true. While the jews wanted to change the inscription as ‘a’ king, Pilate decided to it unchanged, that Jesus is ‘the’ king of the Jews.
Far from being incidental, “The King of the Jews” as a title had both messianic and political implications. Kings in Old Testament were anointed with oil as a sign of God’s approval (see 1 Kings 1:39) And, the title ‘Messiah’ means the “Anointed One.” As the Son of David, Jesus was chosen by God to fulfill the Davidic Covenant and rule on the throne in Jerusalem. When the magi came to Jerusalem seeking the King of the Jews, they most likely had in mind a future political leader, much to King Herod’s chagrin.
Sadly, many Jews are still waiting for the wrong kind of king. Revelation 19:16 describes the day when Jesus will return to rule over the earth. At that time, the ancient prophecies of an earthly kingdom of God will be fulfilled, and no one will doubt that Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Every nation, tribe, and tongue will bow to the King of the Jews (see Rom 14:11; Philippians 2:10 and Rev 5:9).
John 19:12-15
12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.
12 Mula noo'y sinikap ni Pilato na siya'y pakawalan. Ngunit ang mga Judio ay nagsisigawang, “Kung pakakawalan mo ang taong ito ay hindi ka kaibigan ni Cesar. Ang bawat nag-aangkin na siya'y hari ay nagsasalita ng laban kay Cesar.” 13 Nang marinig ni Pilato ang mga salitang ito ay inilabas niya si Jesus, at siya'y naupo sa hukuman sa dakong tinatawag na Plataporma (sa Hebreo ay Gabbatha). 14 Noon ay Paghahanda ng Paskuwa, at noo'y mag-iikaanim na oras. Sinabi niya sa mga Judio, “Narito ang inyong Hari!” 15 Sila'y nagsigawan, “Ilayo siya, ilayo siya, ipako siya sa krus!” Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Ipapako ko ba sa krus ang inyong Hari?” Sumagot ang mga punong pari, “Wala kaming hari liban kay Cesar.” 16 At ibinigay ni Pilato si Jesus sa kanila upang maipako sa krus.
A BLACKMAIL
Apparently, Pilate clearly has no interest in Jewish religious squabbles. He knew Jesus wasn’t a political threat. He scourged Jesus as an attempt to negotiate with the crowd for His release, only to see the angry crowd chose a known murderer (John 18:39–40).
But, the crowd had orchestrated a political trap for Pilate in their demand for Jesus to die. They knew his position was at stake. Pilate was blackmailed. This same mob cynically claimed they were motivated by loyalty to the Roman Empire (John 19:15). Pilate will be forced to choose between the devil and deep blue sea. Either, he can refuse to bow to the mob, release an innocent man, and risk a riot. Or, he can give in to the Jews, execute an innocent man, and maintain his position or power.
Sadly, Pilate gave in. He sacrificed truth with power.
It is always the right time to do the right thing. Should we are like Pilate who are obssessed with power, to do the right thing would be extremely hard. Indecisiveness is the result, is it not? Doing the right thing, in many cases, is humbling. It’s not our rights and reputation we are primarily concern about. It’s Christ, isn’t it? As John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”[John 3:30]
While Pilate was conflicting and confused, Jesus was calm and composed. At the garden, He has resolved that there was one thing to do regardless of the pain. He said, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”[Matt 26:39]
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John 19:7-11
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
7 Sumagot sa kanya ang mga Judio, “Kami'y mayroong isang kautusan, at ayon sa kautusang iyon ay dapat siyang mamatay, sapagkat inaangkin niya na siya ay Anak ng Diyos.” 8 Nang marinig ni Pilato ang salitang ito ay lalo siyang natakot. 9 Siya'y muling pumasok sa palasyo ng gobernador, at sinabi kay Jesus, “Taga-saan ka?” Ngunit hindi siya sinagot ni Jesus. 10 Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Ayaw mong makipag-usap sa akin? Hindi mo ba alam na ako'y may kapangyarihang ikaw ay pakawalan at may kapangyarihang ikaw ay ipako sa krus?” 11 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanya, “Hindi ka magkakaroon ng anumang kapangyarihan laban sa akin malibang ito'y ibinigay sa iyo mula sa itaas. Kaya't ang nagdala sa akin sa iyo ay may mas malaking kasalanan.”
A DELUSION
Israel's political and religious leaders, commonly known as ‘the Jews’ have conspired to bring Jesus to this point. They did explain to Pilate that Jesus committed an act of blasphemy. Jesus’ claims of being the “Son of God” was so vile and justifiable for them to brutally execute Him. However, they didn’t realize that this raised further doubts in Pilate's mind (John 19:8). Even, his wife was also worried about the prospect of harming Jesus (Mat 27:19).
Hearing about Jesus’ claim as Son of God had even made Pilate afraid. Why? The Roman mythology included belief in a host of demigods. These were men with one divine parent. Hence, to abuse a demigod could bring the wrath of that god. Apparently, this was the reason why he asked Jesus, “Where you from?”
Jesus was silent. In this kangaroo court, Jesus simply left these questions unanswered (Mat 26:62–63). He only replies should it is essential (Mat 26:63–66). And, this is not one of those times. He knew Pilate had no interest in deep thinking over these issues (John 18:38). Having been unfamiliar with Jewish Scriptures or prophecies (John 18:35), there was no reason for Jesus to debate those nuances when He already knows how this will turn out (Mat 20:19).
Frustrated about His silence, Pilate resorted to intimidation, saying, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” He really thought he calls the shots. As the Jews, Pilate was delusioned by his power. He believed he could either choose to have Jesus executed or released. But, the ultimate cause of these events is not Pilate, or Pilate's power. It's God's will (Mat 26:53–54) and it's being driven by His permissive will to the manipulations of other people (Mat 26:14–16).
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John 19:4-6 ESV
4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.”
4 Si Pilato ay muling lumabas at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Tingnan ninyo, ilalabas ko siya sa inyo upang inyong malaman na wala akong nakitang anumang kasalanan sa kanya.” 5 Lumabas nga si Jesus, na may koronang tinik at balabal na kulay-ube. Sinabi ni Pilato sa kanila, “Narito ang tao!” 6 Nang siya ay makita ng mga punong pari at ng mga punong-kawal, sila'y nagsigawan, “Ipako siya sa krus, ipako siya sa krus!” Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Kunin ninyo siya, at ipako ninyo siya sa krus, sapagkat ako'y walang nakitang kasalanan sa kanya.”
I FIND NO GUILT IN HIM
Pilate is looking for a middle ground. He was not fooled too easily, was he? He had discovered enough to ascertain that Jesus' claim was not an immediate threat to Rome. He also smelled the Jewish religious leaders’ hatred so that they are pursuing a personal vendetta (Mat 27:18). In this background, how could he pacify an agitated crowd? (Mat 27:20–23). Notedly, Pilate's governorship was at stake. He was criticized for his brutal tactics, and had deliberately antagonized the Jews. At this point, he was likely under a strict warning. A major unrest would result in losing his position definitely.
Thus he flogged Jesus to appease the crowd but they wont settle for anything aside from Jesus’ crucifixion. Having Jesus flogged and humiliated, awful as it was, this was Pilate's attempt to spare Jesus' life. Now, he prepares to present a maimed, mocked, and apparently defeated Jesus to the crowd. In our modern term, he might had said, "Take a look, is this not enough to be done to an innocent man?"
Certainly, he found no guilt in Jesus so that He was worthy of death. Yet, he brought back Jesus to the angry crowd in order for them to decide His fate. In other words, Pilate gave in to the crowd to avoid a possible commotion. His decision is understandable for he was after of his position and power. It was politically correct for him but morally questionable.
Definitely, the fear of man leads to snare. In contrast, Jesus, having the fear of God had nothing else to fear. There was peace in His heart. Today, it’s either we are crowd pleaser like Pilate or an obedient son to our Father like Jesus.
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John 19:1-3 ESV
Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands.
Pagkatapos ay kinuha ni Pilato si Jesus at siya'y hinagupit. 2 Ang mga kawal ay gumawa ng isang koronang tinik, ipinatong sa kanyang ulo, at siya'y sinuotan ng isang balabal na kulay-ube. 3 Sila'y lumapit sa kanya, na nagsasabi, “Mabuhay ang Hari ng mga Judio!” At siya'y kanilang pinagsusuntok.
THE CROWN OF THORNS
On the morning of Jesus’ crucifixion, the Roman soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head, openly mocking and ridiculing Jesus as the “King of the Jews” It is arguably one of the most iconic images of Christ’s suffering.
What is its significance?
More than the piercing on Jesus’ bare head, Jesus endured, the crown signifies Christ’s ultimate humility in trading His heavenly crown for a lowly crown of suffering and shame. It was fashioned by the Roman soldiers as a mock coronation for a lowly political prisoner. However, the rejection of Jesus as king was prophesied. As Isaiah writes, “But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isa 53:5)
For us, Jesus indeed is the king. One day, the entire universe will bow to Jesus as the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev 19:16). What the Roman soldiers meant as a mockery, has in fact has projected Christ’s two roles; firstly, as a suffering servant (see Isa 53), and secondly, as ultimately the conquering Messiah-King (see Rev 19).
Moreover, Jesus was willing to endure the pain, insults, and shame, all on our account. The crown of thorns, and its corresponding suffering are things of the past already. Today, Jesus has now received the crown of which He is worthy. “But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (Heb 2:9]
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After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
- John 18:38-40 ESV
38 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Ano ang katotohanan?” At nang masabi niya ito ay lumabas siyang muli sa mga Judio at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Wala akong makitang anumang kasalanan sa kanya. 39 Ngunit kayo'y may kaugalian na maaari kong pakawalan ang isang tao para sa inyo sa Paskuwa. Gusto ba ninyong pakawalan ko para sa inyo ang Hari ng mga Judio?” 40 Sila'y sumigaw na muli, “Hindi ang taong ito, kundi si Barabas.” Si Barabas ay isang tulisan.
BARRABAS BECAME FREE
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor had found Jesus innocent of anything worthy of death (Luke 23:15). He knew that Jesus was being railroaded. It was “out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him” (Mark 15:10) Thus, he looked for a way to release Jesus and pacify them.
Pilate, then, offered the fenzy mob a choice, that is, either to release of Jesus or Barabbas. Barrabas was a notorious criminal who had been imprisoned “for an insurrection in the city, and for murder” (Luke 23:19). The release of a Jewish prisoner was customary among the Jews at the onset of the feast of Passover (Mark 15:6)
The crowd chose Barabbas overwhelmingly.
The disparity of the choice between Jesus and Barrabas could not have been more clear-cut. A high-profile rebel and killer who was unquestionably guilty or a teacher and miracle-worker who like a lamb has no guile. Pilate was stunned that the crowd insisted on Barrabas be released, not Jesus. He appealed to the frenzy crowd three times to choose sensibly but of no avail.
Barrabas became free. What happened to Barrabas after his release, nobody knows for certain. Interestingly, some manuscripts of Matthew 27:16–17, Barabbas is referred to as “Jesus Barabbas” (meaning “Jesus, son of Abba [Father]” This is not conclusive though.
The story of Barabbas and his release from condemnation is a fitting parallel to the story of every believer. Everyone of us stands guilty before God and is deserving of death (Rom 3:23; 6:23a). But in an inexplanable turn of events, Jesus was chosen to die in our stead. He, the Innocent One, bore the crucifixion we rightly deserved. We, like Barabbas, were released free with no condemnation (Rom 8:1). And Jesus “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18).
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John 18:33-38 ESV
33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
33 Si Pilato ay muling pumasok sa palasyo ng gobernador, at tinawag si Jesus, at sinabi sa kanya, “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” 34 Sumagot si Jesus, “Sinasabi mo ba ito mula sa iyong sarili, o may ibang nagsabi sa iyo tungkol sa akin?” 35 Si Pilato ay sumagot, “Ako ba'y Judio? Ang iyong sariling bansa at ang mga punong pari ang nagdala sa iyo sa akin. Ano bang ginawa mo?” 36 Sumagot si Jesus, “Ang kaharian ko ay hindi mula sa sanlibutang ito. Kung ang kaharian ko ay mula sa sanlibutang ito, ang aking mga tauhan ay makikipaglaban sana upang ako'y huwag maibigay sa mga Judio; ngunit ang aking kaharian ay hindi mula rito.” 37 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Kung gayon, ikaw ay hari?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ikaw ang nagsasabing ako'y hari. Ako'y ipinanganak dahil dito, at dahil dito ay pumarito ako sa sanlibutan, upang magpatotoo sa katotohanan. Ang bawat isang panig sa katotohanan ay nakikinig sa aking tinig.” 38 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Ano ang katotohanan?”
YOU SAY THAT I AM A KING
Pilate summoned Jesus to be brought inside his palace for interrogation. Pilate already knows something about Jesus, thanks to His extremely public reception a few days earlier[see John 12:12-19] Unless there was clear evidence, he won’t allow the scribes' and Pharisees' dirty work for them. He knew for certain that this was a personal vendetta against Jesus (see Mat 27:18; Mark 15:10).
As Jesus referred about a "kingdom" (see John 18:36), Pilate asked Him a clarifying question, “Are you the King of the Jews?” In the real sense, Pilate was not interested in discussing Jesus as the "king" of the Jews—as a result of his own concerns. He was responding to what others are claiming about Jesus. In response, Jesus had proven his motive of asking, by answering with a question. That is, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?”
Pilate was given a chance to know Jesus as the king, Should his inquiry was sincere, he must have discovered Jesus’ claim. Jesus presented to him that He is a king, not in a political realm but in the spiritual. Jesus was born for this purpose. However, he was a political figure whose mind and heart are gripped with the pursue of power and influence.
He looked down at Jesus. With a bit of sarcasm, he asked, “So you are a king?”, which Jesus qualified. He answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Yet, his pride prevailed not to believe Jesus. He asked, “What is truth?” For him, truth is relative, and in this case, it’s in his power and disposition.
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John 18:28-32 ESV
28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
28 Pagkatapos ay dinala nila si Jesus mula kay Caifas hanggang sa palasyo ng gobernador. Noon ay maaga pa at sila'y hindi pumasok sa punong-himpilan, upang hindi marumihan, at upang sila'y makakain ng kordero ng paskuwa. 29 Kaya't lumabas si Pilato at sinabi sa kanila, “Anong paratang ang dala ninyo laban sa taong ito?” 30 Sila'y sumagot at sinabi sa kanya, “Kung ang taong ito'y hindi gumawa ng masama, ay hindi sana namin dinala sa iyo.” 31 Sinabi ni Pilato sa kanila, “Kunin ninyo siya, at siya'y inyong hatulan ayon sa inyong batas.” Sinabi ng mga Judio sa kanya, “Hindi kami pinahihintulutan na ipapatay ang sinumang tao.” 32 Ito ay upang matupad ang salitang sinabi ni Jesus, nang kanyang ipahiwatig kung sa anong paraan ng kamatayan siya mamamatay.
PREJUDGED
From Caiphas, they immediately brought Jesus early that morning to the governor’s headquarters where Pilate resided. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. It’s a ridiculous thought, isn’t it? They felt uneasy to defile themselves for the Passover feast but was not concerned about their unfair treatment to Jesus.
Pilate asked them why they brought Jesus unto him. And from the way they answered, Jesus was already condemned. They said, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” That they, not Pilate, are the legitimate judges was clearly implied. They would not have stooped down toward consulting with a Gentile governor should it was possible. But, under Roman law, there was no other choice.
Pilate wanted them to handle the case according to their religious law. His dismissive response corresponds with what he already perceived. That was, Jesus was being targeted out of jealousy, not for an actual crime (Mat 27:18). Jesus' enemies were clear - to paint Him as an insurrectionist (Luke 23:2) and actively rebelling against Roman rule (John 19:12–15). This would allow them to not only eliminate Jesus, but to deflect any resulting anger towards the Roman occupiers, instead of themselves.
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John 18:19-24 ESV
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
19 Tinanong ng pinakapunong pari si Jesus tungkol sa kanyang mga alagad at sa kanyang itinuturo. 20 Sinagot siya ni Jesus, “Ako'y hayagang nagsalita sa sanlibutan. Ako'y laging nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at sa templo, na pinagtitipunan ng lahat ng mga Judio, at wala akong sinabi sa lihim. 21 Bakit ako'y iyong tinatanong? Tanungin mo silang nakarinig sa akin, kung anong sinabi ko sa kanila. Ang mga ito ang nakakaalam ng mga bagay na sinabi ko.” 22 At nang kanyang masabi ito ay sinampal si Jesus ng isa sa mga punong-kawal na nakatayo roon, na nagsasabi, “Ganyan ka bang sumagot sa pinakapunong pari?” 23 Sinagot siya ni Jesus, “Kung ako'y nagsalita ng masama, patunayan mo ang kasamaan, subalit kung mabuti, bakit mo ako sinasampal?” 24 Pagkatapos ay ipinadala siyang nakagapos ni Anas kay Caifas na pinakapunong pari.
WHY DO YOU ASK ME?
Immediately, the high priest had subjected Jesus for questioning about his followers and teachings. Jesus answered by stating the obvious. He had taught openly and repeatedly in public so that they must had known His claims and teachings by now. That, He claimed as the Messiah coming from the Father was a public knowledge.
And in a candid manner, He asked, “Why do you ask me?
Jesus knew Caiphas’ heart certainly. It was a question for him to ponder in his heart. Was he interested to learn and consider believing His claims? Or, was he asking to trap Jesus in order to justify His unjust arrest? The latter seemed plausible.
And in an authoritative fashion, Jesus challenged him to ask those who heard Him teach. Jesus did not cover or waver from any of His claims. Instead, he affirmed that the people had known and perceived clearly about Him and His teachings. His words and deeds had evidently supported His claims.
For this, one soldier slapped Him, accusing Him fof being disrespectful. Jesus allowed Himself to be slapped but never slapped in return. [1 Pet 2:21] instead, He reminded him of his unreasonableness. Should He has spoken either wrong or right in a court of reason, an act of violence is uncalled for, if not, beastly in nature. This kind of act is not a surprise to be done by people who are full of hatred in their hearts.
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John 18:15-18,25-27 ESV
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.
15 Sumunod si Simon Pedro kay Jesus, at gayundin ang isa pang alagad. Sapagkat ang alagad na iyon ay kilala ng pinakapunong pari, siya ay pumasok na kasama ni Jesus sa patyo ng pinakapunong pari. 16 Samantala, si Pedro ay nakatayo sa pintuan sa labas. Kaya't ang alagad na kilala ng pinakapunong pari ay lumabas at kinausap ang babaing tanod sa pinto, at ipinasok si Pedro. 17 Sinabi kay Pedro ng babaing tanod sa pinto, “Hindi ba ikaw ay isa sa mga alagad ng taong ito?” Sinabi niya, “Hindi.” 18 Ang mga alipin at ang mga punong-kawal ay nagpapaningas ng siga sapagkat maginaw. Sila'y nakatayo roon at nagpapainit. Si Pedro ay kasama rin nila na nakatayo at nagpapainit.
25 Nakatayo si Pedro na nagpapainit ng sarili. Sinabi nila sa kanya, “Hindi ba ikaw ay isa rin sa kanyang mga alagad?” Ikinaila niya ito at sinabi, “Hindi.” 26 Sinabi ng isa sa mga alipin ng pinakapunong pari, na kamag-anak ng tinagpasan ni Pedro ng tainga, “Hindi ba ikaw ang nakita kong kasama niya sa halamanan?” 27 Muling nagkaila si Pedro at kaagad tumilaok ang isang manok.
WHEN PETER DENIED JESUS
We admire Peter’s bravery by lashing out with a sword one of the soldiers who arrested Jesus (V.10). Fortunately for him, Jesus had requested the soldiers to let them go unhurt (see v.6–9). And Jesus was right that the disciples will be on the hiding after His arrest (Mat 26:56).
Peter's claim of willingness to die for Christ made a dramatic turn (John 13:37). Again, we should give credit for his bravery, at least, he attempted to fight back when Jesus was under arrest (v.10) and secretly followed along to see what would happen to his Master (Mat 26:58). However, under a real threat, and without Christ by his side, Peter gave in to fear. He lied and claimed he was not a follower of Christ. Nothing can be farther from the truth. This was what Jesus had predicted would happen and he was aware of it (John 13:38]. And, Peter would deny Jesus two more times to make this denial an outright slap to his presumptousness (see. v. 25–27). . . 25–27).
What unfolded next was interesting, in that the servant girl had questioned Peter about his relationship to Jesus, but did not seem to do so with John (see.v.17). Scholars had suggested that Peter might have had a distinctive accent which suggested he was from Galilee (Mat 26:73), making the gatekeeper suspicious. She was at least curious enough to ask. And, Peter's response to know not Jesus had become one of the heartbreaking and infamous denial in history.
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John 18:12-14
12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
12 Kaya't dinakip at iginapos si Jesus ng mga kawal at ng kanilang kapitan, at ng mga punong-kawal ng mga Judio.13 Siya'y dinala muna kay Anas, sapagkat siya'y biyenan ni Caifas, na pinakapunong pari nang panahong iyon.14 Si Caifas ang siyang nagpayo sa mga Judio na dapat na ang isang tao'y mamatay alang-alang sa bayan.
ONE MAN SHOULD DIE
A "band of soldiers", who are of the Roman military, had been searching for Jesus until they arrived in a secluded garden (v.1–3) Judas, who was the betrayer of Jesus, led them there (see John 11:57; 13:2–3; Mat 26:14–16; Luke 22:47–48). Jesus did not run or struggle when He was arrested despite showing divine power (v.4–9) and Peter's demonstrated willingness to fight (v.10–11)
Christ was not interested in physical altercation. His is a cosmic battle, not man’s battle. This is the purpose for which He was born (v.37). He was so determined to fulfill His Father’s plan. As Matthew recorded, “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”[Matt 16:21]
The hardships were overruled by His deep commitment to obey His Father. Should we are committed, we would count the cost in following Jesus. We don’t ask that the journey be smooth and easy, do we? Haven’t Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”? [Luke 9;23,24]
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John 18:10-11 ESV
10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
10 Pagkatapos, si Simon Pedro na may tabak ay hinugot ito, at tinaga ang alipin ng pinakapunong pari, at tinagpas ang kanyang kanang tainga. Ang pangalan ng alipin ay Malco.11 Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus kay Pedro, “Ibalik mo ang iyong tabak sa kaluban. Hindi ko ba iinuman ang kopang ibinigay sa akin ng Ama?”
SHALL I NOT DRINK THE CUP FROM MY FATHER?
Peter did not waste time to protect Jesus. Having had a sword himself meant he prepared for this. With his quick hand, he stabbed the high priest’s servant, Malchus, cutting off his ear. Previously, he expressed he won’t abandon Jesus. Definitely, He did not take Jesus prophecy that he would fail Him.
We can appreciate the bravado of Peter. Sadly, his grand intention and act revealed his utter weakness – his impulsiveness in the flesh. The flesh won’t please God absolutely. Unbeknownst to him, his protective act was in contrary a cooperation with the devil’s way of hindering Jesus to fulfill God’s will. Thus, Jesus said, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
At one time, Matthew shed light in his writing about Peter’s impulsiveness when jesus mentioned about his impending death. He writes, “And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Jesus must drink ‘the cup the Father has prepared for Him”. The cup symbolized the suffering He is going to undergo until He dies. From His own mouth, Jesus has said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”[John 4:34] What matters to Jesus is doing the will of God, nothing less, nothing else. There is no reason for us to be different. We are dispensable for God’s glory, are we not? As Paul said, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”[Gal 6:14]
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John 18:4-9
4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”
4 Si Jesus na nakakaalam ng lahat ng mga bagay na mangyayari sa kanya ay lumabas, at sa kanila'y sinabi, “Sino ang inyong hinahanap?” 5 Sumagot sila, “Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret.” Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Ako nga iyon.” Si Judas na nagkanulo sa kanya ay nakatayong kasama nila. 6 Nang sabihin ni Jesus sa kanila, “Ako nga,” umurong sila at bumagsak sa lupa. 7 Kaya't muli niyang tinanong sila, “Sino ang inyong hinahanap?” At sinabi nila, “Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret.” 8 Sumagot si Jesus, “Sinabi ko sa inyo na, ‘Ako nga’. Kung ako ang inyong hinahanap, hayaan ninyong makaalis ang mga taong ito.” 9 Ito ay upang matupad ang salitang sinabi niya, “Sa mga ibinigay mo sa akin ay wala akong iwinala kahit isa.”
WHOM DO YOU SEEK?
Judas with the Roman soldiers came to the garden with lanterns and torches. They were seeking Jesus for the wrong reasons – to arrest Him illegaly. Yet, it was permitted by God.
With Judas help, they planned and executed the arrest. Yet, Jesus knew exactly this would happen. Definitely, His foreknowledge to His suffering did not deter Him. He presented Himself by asking, “Whom do you seek?” This was the will of the Father for Him.
As Jesus revealed Himself, all of His captors fell to the ground. By this, His power and authority were felt certainly. They won’t be able to arrest Him should He did not allow them to do so. This is one of the paradoxical moments in Jesus’ life of submission and obedience. The Creator became subject to the creature. Since Jesus has humbled Himself, we have no reason whatsoever to be haughty, have we? As Paul said, “ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”[Phil 2:5]
And, for His love, He asked his captors to let His disciples go unscathed. He has told them earlier that He would suffer alone for they are going to be scattered. Peter did not agree, though. He knew they would fail Him, including Peter, yet He loved them to the uttermost. His commitment to them was not dependent on their faithfulness, for they would fail. Even He prayed for them for the Father to keep them from the evil one. In fact, His love isn’t conditioned by man’s attractiveness, for he is not but a sinner[see Rom 5:8].
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John 18:1-3
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
Nang masabi ni Jesus ang mga salitang ito, siya'y umalis na kasama ng kanyang mga alagad na tumawid sa libis ng Cedron, patungo sa isang pook na may isang halamanan, na pinasok niya at ng kanyang mga alagad. 2 Alam din ni Judas, na sa kanya'y nagkanulo, ang lugar sapagkat madalas na si Jesus ay nakikipagtipon doon kasama ng kanyang mga alagad. 3 Kaya't si Judas ay nagdala ng pulutong ng mga kawal at ng mga punong-kawal mula sa mga punong pari at mga Fariseo, at pumunta roon na may mga ilawan, mga sulo, at mga sandata.
IN THE GARDEN
After their supper, Jesus and His disciples except Judas went to the garden. It is a place thought to be situated at the base of the Mount of Olives beyond the Kidron Valley. Because of its reference to an oil press on a mountain ridge covered in olive trees, it is assumed to be a small garden, plot of ground or enclosure tucked away and relatively private.
What is the significance of this place?
Jesus often met there with his disciples. This was the reason why Judas knew where to bring the Roman soldiers later in order to find them. Thus, this became the last place the disciples would spend with their master before His arrest and death. They would see Jesus as a freeman for the last time. He would be arrested and subsequently would undergo unfair trials.
However, this place must be remembered by the disciples. A rendezvous with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. During the tail end of Jesus ministry, he evaded the crowd in order to be with his disciples most of the time. Their most intimate moments with the master.
Today, let’s find a ‘garden where we can spend time with our Savior’ Not necessarily a garden but a secluded place where we can have a meaningful time with our Savior. Such moments had inspired Anne Murray to write “In the garden” hymn in the past;
“I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing
I stayed in the garden with Him
Though the night all around me is falling
But He bids me go, through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
None other has ever known
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John 17:24-26 ESV
24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
24 Ama, nais kong ang mga ibinigay mo sa akin ay makasama ko kung saan ako naroroon, upang makita nila ang kaluwalhatiang ibinigay mo sa akin, sapagkat akoa'y iyong minahal bago pa natatag ang sanlibutan.25 O Makatarungang Ama, hindi ka nakikilala ng sanlibutan, ngunit nakikilala kita, at nakikilala ng mga ito na ikaw ang nagsugo sa akin.26 Ipinakilala ko sa kanila ang pangalan mo, at aking ipapakilala, upang ang pag-ibig mo sa akin ay mapasakanila, at ako'y sa kanila.”
THAT THEY WILL BE WITH ME
As Jesus winds up His prayer here, He repeats several earlier points made in this High Priestly Prayer. He also echoes these promises and statements He made to the disciples earlier in that same evening. That is, these saved believers have an eternal destiny "with" Christ, and that Jesus is an uncreated, eternal, divine part of the Trinity.
Previously, Jesus said His followers knew "the way," to this destination though they did not know the actual "where" to which they were going. Thus, He made the famous claim, that is, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Let’s not forget that faith in Christ, not personal effort or knowledge, is what saves us (Titus 3:5; John 3:16–18). Here, as He ends His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus reiterates this promise. Those who place their trust in Jesus are guaranteed both eternal life (John 10:28) and, eventually, a total transformation (1 Cor 15:50–55; 1 John 3:2). Eventually, they would be with Him forever someday.
However, it impossible for non-believers to understand truth for it is spiritually discerned (1 Cor2:14). They can not "see" or understand God, which prompts Christians to shine God's truth to the darkened world (1 Pet 2:12) While others become violent (John 16:1–4), others will properly respond by coming to faith (1 Cor 6:9–11; Titus 3:5; 1 Tim 1:16). Those who truly follow Christ are not perfect, but they hold on and accept that He is who He claims to be (John 17:6–8).
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John 17:20-23 ESV
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
20 Gayunma'y hindi lamang sila ang idinadalangin ko, kundi sila rin naman na mga sumasampalataya sa akin sa pamamagitan ng kanilang salita, 21 upang silang lahat ay maging isa. Gaya mo, Ama, na nasa akin at ako'y sa iyo, sana sila'y manatili sa atin, upang ang sanlibutan ay sumampalataya na ako'y sinugo mo. 22 At ang kaluwalhatiang ibinigay mo sa akin ay ibinigay ko sa kanila, upang sila'y maging isa, na gaya naman natin na iisa. 23 Ako'y nasa kanila at ikaw ay nasa akin, upang sila'y maging ganap na isa upang malaman ng sanlibutan na ikaw ang nagsugo sa akin at sila'y iyong minahal kung paanong ako'y iyong minahal.
THAT THEY MAY BE ONE
Jesus begins explicitly praying for the spiritual well-being of those who will come to faith through the ‘word’ ministry of the apostles. This is their overall message of God that includes, the following; the person and ministry of Jesus Christ (John 1:1) and His teachings (John 14:26; Mat 28:19–20]. Just as God the Son, Jesus, was sent into the world to proclaim a message from God the Father (John 10:36–38; 17:6–8), so too are Christian believers sent into the world to proclaim a message given to us by Christ (see v.18).
It's noteworthy that when Jesus transited in this prayer from praying for Himself (v.1–5), to praying for the disciples (v.6–19), to praying for all Christians (v.20), the first thing He addressed to is their unity (Psa 133:1). The basis of their unity must be His union with the Father. Having this unity of purpose and intent, Jesus' words and actions are consistent with the words of God and the will of God. A strong proof that He was sent by God (John 14:11, 31).
Moreover, Jesus has given them the ‘glory’ in a more direct manner, by virtue of salvation. [2 Cor 3:18] This was another reason why He prayed for them to be united. Apparently, loving each other is the primary indicator of God’s people (John 13:34–35). They’re expected to love the unlovable too. It does mean that self-professed Christians are supposed to demonstrate the glory and goodness of God (Mat 5:13–16), thereby helping others come to faith. Indeed, unity is intended to prove that Christians are following God (v.23).
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John 17:14-19 ESV 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. ------ 14 Ibinigay ko sa kanila ang iyong salita at napoot sa kanila ang sanlibutan, sapagkat hindi sila taga-sanlibutan, gaya ko naman na hindi taga-sanlibutan. 15 Hindi ko hinihiling na alisin mo sila sa sanlibutan, kundi ingatan mo sila mula sa masama. 16 Hindi sila taga-sanlibutan, na gaya ko na hindi taga-sanlibutan. 17 Pabanalin mo sila sa katotohanan; ang salita mo ay katotohanan. 18 Kung paanong ako'y iyong sinugo sa sanlibutan, sila ay sinugo ko rin sa sanlibutan. 19 At dahil sa kanila'y pinabanal ko ang aking sarili, upang sila naman ay pabanalin sa katotohanan.
SANCTIFY THEM IN THE TRUTH
Since the world hated Jesus, they hated His followers too, particularly His disciples. This was what Jesus has expected. How could a person who loves darkness appreciate light? This conflicting pursuits of either towards truth or error had made the disciples the target of the enemy. In following Christ, there is no neutral ground. Faithful Christians are identified with Christ. That is, they are in the world, but not of the world. Thus, the more Christ-like a believer is, the more an antagonistic world will hate and persecute him. And, God does not promise to take believers out of persecution or hardship. Amidst, the hardships, believers can hope for something greater to follow later. As Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”[Rom 8:18] In keeping with that theme, Jesus reiterates that His prayer is not for God to remove Christians from the world. Instead, He prays for them rather to be strong and endure in faith. Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”[John 16:33] Their witness would only be possible, should the God the Father ‘sanctify’ them. This means to separate something—to set it apart—for an intended purpose. This does not mean a physical distance. It refers to their special purpose and a unique mission. His children are called on to be separated from this this world in spiritual sense (see 1 Cor 5:9–11). However, they must be also active in practical sense for the gospel (see Matt 5:13–16).
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John 17:11-13 ESV
11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
11 At ngayon ay wala na ako sa sanlibutan, subalit ang mga ito ay nasa sanlibutan, at ako'y papariyan sa iyo. Amang Banal, ingatan mo sila sa iyong pangalan, sila na ibinigay mo sa akin, upang sila'y maging isa, na gaya naman natin na iisa. 12 Habang ako'y kasama nila, iningatan ko sila sa iyong pangalan, sila na ibinigay mo sa akin. Sila'y binantayan ko, at isa man sa kanila ay walang napahamak, maliban sa anak ng kapahamakan, upang matupad ang kasulatan. 13 Ngunit ngayon ay pupunta ako sa iyo. Ang mga bagay na ito ay sinabi ko sa sanlibutan, upang sila'y magkaroon ng aking kagalakang ganap sa kanilang sarili.
KEEP THEM IN YOUR NAME
Jesus knew exactly that the hardships that will follow after His arrest would cause them to be scattered. Self-preservation out of fear and intimidation does result to scattering, doesn’t it? It threatens unity. As the old military strategy says, “Divide and conquer.” Disunity is precursor to fall.
While Jesus was with them, they were one as sheep under Him, the great and loving shepherd. No one was lost except Judas. He kept and loved them unto the end, even beyond. Thus, the reason why He prayed for them – that they will be kept intact or united.
Unity would never be achieved without His people recognizing God’s authority. This is the reason why Jesus pleaded the Father to keep them ‘in His name’. Jesus referring to the use of the Father’s "name" is not a reference to magical spells or incantations. To speak "in the name of" the father is to invoke His authority and power.
In a family, the father is the authority figure. Should every child recognize his authority, there is a proper alignment and harmony in the family. The church with a high view of God would surely be united, where the reverence and love of God permeate.
As a result, Jesus’ ‘joy is fulfilled in themselves.’ That is, Jesus is greatly magnified in and through a loving relationship in His family. As he said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” [John 13:35]
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John 17:6-10 ESV
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.
6 Ipinahayag ko ang iyong pangalan sa mga taong ibinigay mo sa akin mula sa sanlibutan. Sila ay sa iyo, at sila'y ibinigay mo sa akin, at tinupad nila ang iyong salita. 7 Ngayon ay nalalaman nila na ang lahat ng mga bagay na ibinigay mo sa akin ay mula sa iyo; 8 sapagkat ang mga salitang ibinigay mo sa akin ay ibinigay ko sa kanila, at kanilang tinanggap, at totoong nalaman na ako ay nagmula sa iyo, at naniwala silang ikaw ang nagsugo sa akin. 9 Idinadalangin ko sila. Hindi ang sanlibutan ang idinadalangin ko, kundi para doon sa mga ibinigay mo sa akin, sapagkat sila'y iyo. 10 Ang lahat ng sa akin ay iyo, at ang sa iyo ay akin, at ako'y naluluwalhati sa kanila.
THEY HAVE KEPT YOUR WORD.
In His prayer, Jesus had manifested [to make something visible, recognizable, or explained, or to declare.] Himself to the 11 disciples. They were given by the Father but were chosen by Christ as well.
Jesus has endeared to call them His very own. Certainly, He was not shy about calling out the disciples for their errors (Mat 8:26; Mark 8:33; Luke 24:25). And yet, He indicated that they have kept God's Word. While all sin is our responsibility (1 Cor 10:13), God also knows that we are not perfect (Heb 4:16). The twelve were no different than us. They were fallible, but their commitment to follow Jesus meant that they were sincerely and truly following God.
The Father owns them and has given them to Jesus. Jesus has entrusted to them His words and was praying for them. Does this grace or favor from God lead them to become complacent? Definitely not. In fact, the opposite should be true. Having the assurance that God is for us, we should prod on faithfully forward.
What does this mean for us today?
The truth of who we are and God’s promises of what we could do should encourage us to do more for God. God couldn’t be wrong in choosing us. Like the disciples, despite of their incompetencies, He chose them in order to become instruments for His glory. Like the disciples, let us just keep His word – nothing else.
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John 17:1-4 ESV
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
Nang masabi na ni Jesus ang mga bagay na ito, tumingala siya sa langit at sinabi, “Ama, dumating na ang oras, luwalhatiin mo ang iyong Anak, upang luwalhatiin ka ng Anak, 2 yamang binigyan mo siya ng awtoridad sa lahat ng laman upang bigyan niya ng buhay na walang hanggan ang lahat ng ibinigay mo sa kanya. 3 At ito ang buhay na walang hanggan, na ikaw ay makilala nila na iisang Diyos na tunay, at si Jesu-Cristo na iyong sinugo. 4 Niluwalhati kita sa lupa, sa pagtatapos ko ng gawaing ibinigay mo sa akin. 5 At ngayon, Ama, luwalhatiin mo ako sa iyong harapan ng kaluwalhatiang aking tinaglay sa harapan mo bago nagkaroon ng sanlibutan.
I GLORIFIED YOU ON EARTH
After explaining more about the coming of the Holy Spirit and looming persecution thereafter (John 16:4–15), Jesus now begins to pray. Jesus submitted to the timeline given Him by God the Father in His earthly ministry.
Jesus expressed here about His patience until "the hour" when God's ultimate purpose for Jesus' earthly life would be fulfilled. He did not display His power either in the wrong way or at the wrong time (Matthew 4:1–11; John 2:4), did not control the urgings of the people (John 6:15), did manage how and when people should proclaim Him (Matthew 16:20; John 7:6), and even determined His capture by His enemies (John 7:30; 8:20). In other words, He was always subservient to the Father’s will.
His sole purpose was to bring glory to God with His sacrifice enacting the means of salvation by grace through faith (John 12:27–33). This is the only way man can be reconciled to God. He offered eternal life to all but is effectual to “all whom you[Father] have given him.” [see John 6:37] He wants us to know [have an intimate relationship] God the Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you[the Father] have sent. But, this knowledge comes only to the truly repentant and has genuine faith.[Eph 2:8]
By claiming “I glorified you on earth’, Jesus has indicated that He's now finished with the work He was tasked to do. This might seem surprising, given that He has not yet endured death (John 18:37). This implies that His determination to endure the cross was undeterred. His humility, indeed, became the basis of His request for exaltation as before. Jesus has this glory ‘before the world existed’, so that, His eternal existence is affirmed. Paul beautifully summarized this remarkable ‘emptying of Himself to become a servant’ that leads to His
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John 16:31-33 ESV
31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
31 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, “Ngayon ba ay sumasampalataya na kayo? 32 Narito, ang oras ay dumarating, at dumating na nga, na kayo'y magkakawatak-watak, ang bawat isa sa kanyang sarili, at ako'y iiwan ninyong mag-isa. Subalit hindi ako nag-iisa, sapagkat ang Ama ay kasama ko. 33 Ang mga bagay na ito ay sinabi ko sa inyo, upang sa akin ay magkaroon kayo ng kapayapaan. Sa sanlibutan ay nahaharap kayo sa paguusig. Ngunit lakasan ninyo ang inyong loob, dinaig ko na ang sanlibutan.”
I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD
Pertaining to the hardships ahead, the disciples sounded confident to face them. But, Jesus’ respond appeared challenging, and came as a gentle form of sarcasm, like, “Oh, you really understand, do you? In truth, they must be realistic for an impending time of fear and doubt about to come (John 16:20–22). Just as Peter’s mistake leading to his denial of Christ (John 13:36–38), the rest will initially react to Jesus' arrest in fear and panic (John 16:32, John 18:1–3).
That Jesus will be left alone is prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 63:5), as His disciples were as sheep scattered.[Zech 13:7] Thus, when crisis do arrive, every one will abandon Jesus and flee in terror. (John 18:1–3) Despite being abandoned by His earthly friends, Jesus won’t be alone in true essence. His relationship with God the Father will be the cornerstone of His faith during the anticipated hardship (Mat 26:39–42).
And, in one of the sweetest statements, Jesus asssured them, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” [v.33] A combination of warning and encouragement. The joy held by true believers rests upon knowing that Christ has already obtained His ultimate victory, and nothing in this world can undo that. We are secured in the immutable love of God . Paul said, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Rom 8:38–39)
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John 16:29-30 ESV
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”
29 Sinasabi ng kanyang mga alagad, “Oo nga, ngayo'y nagsasalita kang malinaw, at hindi patalinghaga.30 Ngayon ay nalalaman namin na nalalaman mo ang lahat ng mga bagay, at hindi na kailangang tanungin ka ng sinuman. Dahil dito'y sumasampalataya kami na ikaw ay nagbuhat sa Diyos.”
NO MORE QUESTION ASKED
All the while Jesus has been teaching and showing them who He was. This includes His coming from God (John 6:38), incarnation into the world (John 8:42, 58), His prophesied death (Mark 8:31), and His eventual resurrection (John 2:19) and ascension (John 16:16). However, they didn’t entirely understand until this point.
In these last few moments, we noticed that Jesus has been very blunt to them. But, their state of spiritual understanding that was blurry gradually began to become clear here. They said, “Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” In other words, whatever Jesus has said they won’t question anymore because He knows all things.
One line of a song goes this way, “When we don’t understand, trust His heart.” Nothing can be further from this truth. Since Jesus is the truth, nothing comes from His mouth that is false, even though it is hard to understand. [see John 6:60]. The burden of proof lies not in words but in the person who said it. The trust of child to a mother isn’t based on understanding the mom’s words, is it? It is the child’s trust to the mom. In fact, the child has the propensity to believe everything the mom says.
Do we trust Jesus as a child does to his mom? Jesus said that the person who is great in His kingdom is one who has faith like a little child.[Mat 18:3,4] Today, should we have questions in our minds, let’s trust God in our hearts like a little child
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John 16:25-28 ESV
25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
25 “Sinabi ko sa inyo ang mga bagay na ito sa paraang patalinghaga. Darating ang oras, na hindi na ako magsasalita sa inyo nang patalinghaga, kundi maliwanag na sa inyo'y sasabihin ko ang tungkol sa Ama. 26 Sa araw na iyon ay hihingi kayo sa aking pangalan, at hindi ko sinasabi sa inyo na ako'y hihingi sa Ama para sa inyo. 27 Sapagkat ang Ama mismo ang nagmamahal sa inyo, sapagkat ako'y inyong minahal, at kayo'y nanampalataya na ako'y buhat sa Diyos. 28 Ako'y nagbuhat sa Ama at dumating ako sa sanlibutan. Muli, iiwan ko ang sanlibutan, at ako'y pupunta sa Ama.”
THE PLAIN TRUTH
Good teachers, like Jesus, know that simple stories need to be explained, in the right context, in order to be applied correctly (see Mark 4:34). Thus, Jesus taught much in parables. Notedly, using parables also deflects those who aren't really interested in the truth, anyway. He said, “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Mat 13:13).
Moreover, He taught using parables because His knew that some of those truth would not be understood prior to His resurrection. However, after He would be raised from the dead, many of these seemingly obscure stories will make sense to them (see John 2:22; 6:60). At that time, when all these various predictions have been fulfilled, He will declare to them in direct, plain language. Then, they should be ready to accept what He is saying without confusion. And, of course, it’s much due to the influence of the Holy Spirit (John 16:12–13; 1 Cor 2:14–16).
Jesus said He won’t ask the Father in their behalf. As if He was saying, “I don’t need to tell you that.” But most probably, He means they can ask Him directly. This idea of direct communication with God better fits the way Scripture describes the relationship between a believer and the Father (see Mat 27:51; Heb 9:8–12; 1 Pet 2:9).
Is there a greater privilege for the believer can call God, Abba? Paul said, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”[Rom 8:15,16]
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John 16:21-24 ESV
21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
21 Kapag ang babae ay nanganganak, siya ay nahihirapan sapagkat dumating na ang kanyang oras. Ngunit pagkapanganak niya sa sanggol ay hindi na niya naaalala ang hirap dahil sa kagalakan sa pagkapanganak sa isang tao sa sanlibutan. 22 Kayo sa ngayon ay may kalungkutan, ngunit muli ko kayong makikita. Magagalak ang inyong puso, at walang makakapag-alis sa inyo ng inyong kagalakan. 23 Sa araw na iyon ay hindi kayo magtatanong sa akin ng anuman. Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, kung kayo'y hihingi ng anuman sa Ama sa aking pangalan ay ibibigay niya ito sa inyo. 24 Hanggang ngayo'y wala pa kayong hinihinging anuman sa pangalan ko. Kayo'y humingi at kayo'y tatanggap, upang malubos ang inyong kagalakan.
FULNESS OF JOY
The deep sorrow will be celebrated by their persecutors. However, their intense pain will soon turn into even-more-intense celebration. An analogy like a woman in childbirth. In fact, it's a cliché for mothers to remind their children of their labor pain, if the child is being unruly. The point of Jesus is those painful experiences are immediately overruled by the joy of the newborn baby. Yes, a laboring mother does experience an intense, agonizing, and even frightening ordeal. Yet, for her love of the child, birth pain is relatively short-lived and more easily hurdled in the end.
Push forward, upon seeing the risen Christ, their joy overflowed that even persecution and death cannot nullify or overcome. In Acts 5:41, Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. [see also Acts 8:8; 13:52] The disciples who walked with Jesus at Emmaus road “worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” [Luke 24:52).
At that time, many of their questions will be answered. The issues which confused the disciples will be clear. As a result, they will "ask nothing of" Jesus anymore. Their faith ‘in the name of Jesus’ would be strong to pray. No circumstances could make them feel lacking and helpless. Why? Jesus promised, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” When the time arrived they will ask “in his name” – they will receive, so that their joy will be full.
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John 16:16-20 ESV
16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
16 “Sandali na lamang, at ako'y hindi na ninyo makikita, at muling sandali pa, at ako'y inyong makikita.” 17 Ang ilan sa kanyang mga alagad ay nagsabi sa isa't isa, “Ano itong sinasabi niya sa atin, ‘Sandali na lamang, at ako'y hindi na ninyo makikita, at muling sandali pa, at ako'y inyong makikita’ at, ‘Sapagkat ako'y pupunta sa Ama?’” 18 Sinabi nila, “Ano ang ibig niyang sabihin na, ‘Sandali na lamang?’ Hindi natin alam kung ano ang sinasabi niya.” 19 Nalaman ni Jesus na ibig nilang magtanong sa kanya, kaya't sinabi niya sa kanila, “Nagtatanungan ba kayo tungkol dito sa aking sinabi, ‘Sandali na lamang, at ako'y hindi na ninyo makikita, at muling sandali pa, at ako'y inyong makikita?’ 20 Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, na kayo'y iiyak at tatangis, subalit ang sanlibutan ay magagalak. Kayo'y malulungkot, subalit ang inyong kalungkutan ay magiging kagalakan.
YOUR SORROW WILL TURN INTO JOY
The disciples were puzzled by what Jesus said. They don't have the benefit of hindsight like us. This time, they're baffled, and seem to argue about what these words might mean (see v.17). The phrase "They were saying" is in a tense which implies an ongoing process, perhaps a debate or an argument. Still, they don't directly ask Christ about it.
Without the influence of the Holy Spirit, they won’t grasp these things yet (see v.13). Indeed, the disciples like everyone else have the propensity to only believe if we see so that Jesus’ words were not easily accepted.
Jesus will notice this, however, and offer a helpful perspective. He assured them by saying, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” [v.19,20] This would happen only after Jesus is resurrected (John 20:19). And then, these men will begin to fully understand all that's happening (John 2:22).
The gist of Jesus’ encouragement is that their painful experiences will be relatively brief, and joy that will follow will vastly outweigh the suffering they went through. “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”[Psa 30:5] Our perspective of suffering should encourage us to persevere, should it not? Joy follows after pain as in the metaphor of walking through rugged and difficult roads leads to life.
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John 16:12-15 ESV
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
12 Mayroon pa akong maraming bagay na sasabihin sa inyo, ngunit hindi ninyo kayang dalhin sa ngayon. 13 Subalit kapag dumating na ang Espiritu ng katotohanan, papatnubayan niya kayo sa buong katotohanan. Sapagkat hindi siya magsasalita nang mula sa kanyang sarili, kundi ang anumang bagay na kanyang marinig, iyon ang kanyang sasabihin at kanyang ipahahayag sa inyo ang mga bagay na darating. 14 Luluwalhatiin niya ako, sapagkat kanyang tatanggapin ang sa akin, at sa inyo'y ipahahayag niya. 15 Ang lahat ng mga bagay na nasa Ama ay akin, kaya sinabi ko na kanyang tatanggapin ang sa akin, at sa inyo'y ipahahayag.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME
Jesus’ revelation of leaving the disciples meant hard times ahead. Certainly, this caused the disciples to feel nervous and afraid (see v.6). Rather than overwhelm them with even more, Jesus knows when to stop. He understands our weakness [Heb 4:15]
This is one of the reasons God will send the Holy Spirit to encourage, teach, and remind these men of those things they can't yet fully comprehend. As Jesus has said, “ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (v.13). As the Spirit of truth, He was to clarify those events later to the disciples. He even provides spiritual insight to us. This can't be expected of those without His enlightenment (see 1 Cor 2:10-14).
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.gical discussions also are happening (Acts 2:42;8:31).
In summary, when the Holy Spirit teaches us truth, it is always exalting Christ, the truth (John 14:6), even the Father (v.13). The "what is mine," Jesus’ claimed here is a reference to those truths.
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John 16:5-11 ESV
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged
5 Subalit ngayon ako'y pupunta sa nagsugo sa akin. Ngunit walang sinuman sa inyo ang nagtanong sa akin, ‘Saan ka pupunta?’ 6 Ngunit dahil sa sinabi ko ang mga bagay na ito sa inyo, napuno ng lungkot ang inyong puso. 7 Gayunma'y sinasabi ko sa inyo ang katotohanan. Makakabuti sa inyo na ako'y umalis, sapagkat kung hindi ako aalis, ang Mang-aaliw ay hindi darating sa inyo. Ngunit kung ako'y umalis, siya'y susuguin ko sa inyo. 8 At pagdating niya, kanyang susumbatan ang sanlibutan tungkol sa kasalanan, sa katuwiran, at sa kahatulan: 9 tungkol sa kasalanan, sapagkat hindi sila sumasampalataya sa akin; 10 tungkol sa katuwiran, sapagkat ako'y pupunta sa Ama, at hindi na ninyo ako makikita; 11 tungkol sa kahatulan, sapagkat ang pinuno ng sanlibutang ito ay hinatulan na.
THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT
Jesus has assured the disciples that it is to their advantage that He is going away. Why? The Helper, the Holy Spirit, is coming in His place. The Spirit isn’t a replacement to Jesus, is he? That is, He won’t be different in His purpose and agenda but be subservient. Thus, we can be sure “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”[Phil 1:6]
The Spirit’s coming has brought two advantages. Firstly, He came to comfort the sorrowing disciples, even to empower them. In Acts 1:8, Jesus, before He ascended to heaven, has commissioned them, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” These rag tag of mostly fishermen became powerful witnesses for Christ, even willing to scrifice for Jesus.
Secondly, The Holy Spirit came in order to convict the world. The disciples are mandated to proclaim the gospel to the world. It is their primary role. The conviction towards sin, righteousness and judgment comes only from the Spirit. Is this not an encouragement for us? The burden of touching and changing lives doesn’t lie upon our shoulders? You and I are just to proclaim the plain and clear gospel.
Hence, we need His power to be Jesus’ true witnesses. When the Spirit is in control, the Lord’s purposes will be done in and through His ordinary people. He uses us despite of us. We don’t need to be somebody else for God to use. The need are not people of great talent, although god can use them too, but a people controlled by the Spirit.
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John 16:1-4 ESV
“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.
“Ang mga bagay na ito'y sinabi sa inyo upang kayo'y huwag matisod. 2 Kayo'y palalayasin nila sa mga sinagoga. Talagang darating ang oras na ang sinumang papatay sa inyo ay mag-aakalang naghahandog siya ng paglilingkod sa Diyos. 3 At ang mga bagay na ito'y gagawin nila sapagkat hindi nila nakikilala ang Ama o ako man. 4 Subalit ang mga bagay na ito'y sinabi ko sa inyo, upang kung dumating ang kanilang oras ay inyong maalala na sinabihan ko kayo tungkol sa kanila. At ang mga bagay na ito'y hindi ko sinabi sa inyo buhat nang pasimula, sapagkat ako'y kasama ninyo.
KEEP YOURSELF FROM FALLING AWAY
Knowing something worse is coming helps us to prepare. Few things incites fear than the uknown. The “these things” Jesus said include His arrest, crucifixion and the persecution they would experience later. As believers , let’s not be surprised as Peter admonished us. [1 Pet 4:12]
Difficulties, setbacks, and other problems frighten us mostly because were not aware of the outcome. However, when we are warned in advance, and know that they're part of something ‘good’ [see Rom 8:28], our fear is relatively reduced, is it not? Instead of panicking when storm hits, we can take some comfort in knowing, "it is what we expected…and it is nothing out of control." Otherwise, we would be overwhelmed and fall away.
These fanatic religious leaders are so opposed to the gospel, and so blinded by false religion, that they will see the murder of Christians as an act of righteousness. Religious extremists today are passionately pursuing and killing believers in other parts of the world. The term used here in the original Greek means ‘an offering of service’, which is of the same sense in Rom 12:1, when Christian offer their lives to God as a worship.
The reason is clear. It is because they have no relationship with God. Apparently, the love for one another is a primary sign of true faith (John 13:34–35). Conversely, hateful persecution of believers is a clear sign of someone or a culture that is far removed from real saving faith. Simply put, they hate and harm believers because they are diametrically, spiritually opposed to God and to His Son (1 Pet 2:3–4; John 15:18).
Thus today, let us be ready. As Paul said, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”[2 Tim 3:12] Yet, we should glory when it happens.Why? It’s because jesus said;
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”[ Matt 5:10-12]
John 15:26-27 ESV
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
26 Subalit kapag dumating na ang Mang-aaliw, na aking susuguin sa inyo mula sa Ama, ang Espiritu ng katotohanan, na mula sa Ama, siya ang magpapatotoo tungkol sa akin. 27 At kayo rin ay magpapatotoo, sapagkat kayo'y nakasama ko buhat pa nang simula.
THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
Jesus has been warning the disciples, which include all believer that the unbelieving world will hate them for their faith (v.18–25). Explaining about this reality in advance (John 13:19; 14:25, 29; 16:4) was done to help them "hold fast" (Heb 4:14–16; 12:1–3). Instead of panicking, and wondering if Jesus was wrong, we can remember His words and know He is still in control (1 Pet 4:12–13).
Again, Jesus assured them of the coming of the Spirit, the paraklētos, also translated as "helper," "counselor," "comforter," or "advocate" as in John 14:26. An important role of the Holy Spirit's is in helping us endure persecution, which is a vital reminder of Jesus’ teaching (John 14:16; 16:13). He comes from God in exactly the same sense as Christ comes from God (John 8:42; 14:26).
The influence of the Spirit leads us towards the truth, which is Christ (John 14:6). He is the Spirit of truth. Having been "from the beginning", the disciples were eyewitness accounts of Christ's teaching since at the very start of His public ministry. Those accounts of the life and works of Jesus would serve as the foundation of the written records they wrote through the Spirit of truth. And, these are preserved in the four Gospels and the book of Acts (Luke 1:2; Acts 1:21-22), as well as the other writings of the New Testament (2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1).
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John 19:28-29 ESV
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
28 Pagkatapos nito, sapagkat alam ni Jesus na ang lahat ng mga bagay ay naganap na, ay sinabi niya (upang matupad ang kasulatan), “Nauuhaw ako.” 29 Mayroon doong isang sisidlang punô ng maasim na alak, kaya't naglagay sila ng isang esponghang basa ng suka sa isang sanga ng isopo, kanilang inilagay sa kanyang bibig. 30 Nang matanggap ni Jesus ang suka ay sinabi niya, “Natupad na.” At itinungo ang kanyang ulo, at siya ay namatay.
WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS?
A blessed "Good Friday" to all!
In Matthew’s account, it was the Roman soldiers who crucified Him. Matt 27:35 we read, “And when they [Roman soldiers] had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.” Luke said, it was the Jews. He accounted, “Men of Israel…Hear these words…this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2: 22–23). This was affirmed by Paul in 1 Thess 2:15, saying, “ the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets.”
But, how about us? Are we not guilty too? Paul writes that we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Christ died for us because God loves us.[Rom 5:8]
But, the perplexing part is that Jesus death was determined by the Father according to Luke in Acts 2:23. His death was neither accidental nor incidental. In fact, the names of the redeemed are written in the book of life before the foundation of the world for the Lamb[Jesus] was destined to die for them. [Rev 13:8]
God the Father did not spare Him[Rom 8:32] for us. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities…. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him.’ (Isa. 53:4–5, 10). Thus, it is theologically right to say the Father crucified His Son. John Piper states so beautifully, “Just as Abraham lifted the knife over the chest of his son Isaac, but then spared his son because there was a ram in the thicket, so God the Father lifted the knife over the chest of his own Son, Jesus — but did not spare him, because he was the ram; he was the substitute. God did not spare his own Son, because it was the only way he could spare us.”
All of the above won’t matter if Jesus Himself wasn’t willing. He was a triumphant Savior not a victim. He clearly declared, “I am the good shepherd…and I lay down my life for the sheep…I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:14–18).
Today, let’s look back to Calvary with awe and worship. He died for the sins He did not deserve so we can obtain the deliverance we don’t deserve.
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John 15:22-24 ESV
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’
22 Kung hindi ako dumating at nagsalita sa kanila ay hindi sana sila nagkasala. Subalit ngayo'y wala na silang maidadahilan sa kanilang kasalanan. 23 Ang napopoot sa akin ay napopoot din sa aking Ama. 24 Kung ako'y hindi gumawa sa gitna nila ng mga gawang hindi ginawa ng sinuman, hindi sana sila nagkaroon ng kasalanan. Subalit ngayon ay kanilang nakita at kinapootan nila ako at ang aking Ama.
TRUTH EXPOSES SIN
John came down as the light of the world.[John 8:12] As lights beaming through the darkness, His teachings are truth that expose their evil deeds. But, they love darkness as nocturnal animals offended by the glare of lights. Hence they hate Christ and by doing so, they hate the Father as well.
Moreover, the miracles that Jesus did has proven His claims and teachings were true. Though unquestionably convincing, Jesus’ enemies do refuse to recognize Him but were vehemently seeking for His death. Jesus attributed this as fulfilment of prophecy, saying, “This is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’
As person under a scorching heat of the sun but denying it, these hard hearted people has no excuse for their sin. The excuse "I did not know" won’t apply to them who witnessed and heard the truth and choose to attack it. Those who persecute Christians because they act like Christ are not acting in ignorance. They are following the promptings of their own sinful hearts. Was Jesus saying "anyone who has never explicitly heard the gospel is innocent of sin?” Definitely not![Rom 1:21] Rather, He is saying that those who hear His Word—including through His followers (Mat 28:19)—have no excuse for persecuting and hating Christians.
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John 15:18-21 ESV
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
18 “Kung kayo'y kinapopootan ng sanlibutan, ay alamin ninyo na ako muna ang kinapootan nito bago kayo. 19 Kung kayo'y taga-sanlibutan, iibigin kayo ng sanlibutan na parang sa kanya. Ngunit dahil kayo'y hindi taga-sanlibutan, kundi kayo'y pinili ko mula sa sanlibutan, kaya napopoot sa inyo ang sanlibutan. 20 Alalahanin ninyo ang salitang sinabi ko sa inyo, ‘Ang alipin ay hindi higit na dakila kaysa kanyang panginoon.’ Kung ako'y kanilang inusig, kayo man ay kanilang uusigin din; kung tinupad nila ang aking salita, ang inyo man ay tutuparin din nila. 21 Subalit ang lahat ng mga bagay na ito ay gagawin nila sa inyo dahil sa aking pangalan, sapagkat hindi nila nakikilala ang nagsugo sa akin.
CALLED OUT TO BE DIFFERENT
An unkind, unfair, or immoral person may suffer for the normal consequences of his wrong choices (see 1 Pet 4:14,15).But, when a person faithfully follows Jesus, the wicked men would lash out their anger or hatred for no apparent reason, except that they’re Christians. The concept of being called out by God as separate people (1 Pet 2:9) to be honorable (2 Tim 1:8–9) does makes Christ followers offensive to the unbelieving world, doesn’t it? When Christian believers don't join in worldly sins, the world responds with hatred and mockery. They love darkness rather than light. Hence, choosing to honor God exposes an uncomfortable light on sin, and that "earns" reason of hatred from wicked people.
The world, most specially the worldly system, hates Christ. That Christ’s values are diametrically opposite to the world is a fundamental issue. Thus, Jesus had warned the disciples of this reality. He said, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”[v.19] As they are hostile to Him, their master, it is expected they will do the same to them, His servants. For the servants are not greater than the master. Simply said, they were chosen out of the world to be identified with Him. Thus, Jesus warned them, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”[v.18]
Today, Peter has admonished us not to be surprised should we are tried because of our faith. He said, “ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”[1 Pet 4:12] Moreover, Paul writes, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”[Phil 2:14-15] Let us dare to be different because we are called to be different.
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John 15:12-17 ESV
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
12 Ito ang aking utos, na kayo'y magmahalan sa isa't isa, gaya ng pagmamahal ko sa inyo. 13 Walang may higit pang dakilang pag-ibig kaysa rito, na ibigay ng isang tao ang kanyang buhay dahil sa kanyang mga kaibigan. 14 Kayo'y aking mga kaibigan kung ginagawa ninyo ang mga bagay na aking iniuutos sa inyo. 15 Hindi ko na kayo tatawaging mga alipin, sapagkat hindi nalalaman ng alipin kung ano ang ginagawa ng kanyang panginoon. Ngunit tinatawag ko kayong mga kaibigan sapagkat ang lahat ng mga bagay na narinig ko sa aking Ama ay ipinaalam ko sa inyo. 16 Ako'y hindi ninyo pinili, ngunit kayo'y pinili ko, at itinalaga ko kayo upang kayo'y humayo at magbunga, at ang mga bunga ninyo'y mananatili, upang ang anumang inyong hingin sa Ama sa aking pangalan ay ibigay niya sa inyo. 17 Ang mga bagay na ito ay iniuutos ko sa inyo, upang kayo'y magmahalan sa isa't isa.
YOU ARE MY FRIENDS
Jesus reiterated that our love to each other has to be like His love toward us. This involves two main ideas. First, we should know the "love" Jesus speaks of is practical, not just emotional. To "feel warm thoughts" for others isn’t enough. But, we should act lovingly towards them, even when they're hostile and antagonistic to us (see Rom 12:17–21; Mat 5:43–48). Did not Jesus show this act of love to them washing their feet? (John 13:3–5). Affection does grow as we serve others, doesn’t it? But, even when it doesn't, the command to "love" remains.
Second, we are meant to echo the nature of Christ's love. This involves humility (John 13:6), sacrifice (John 15:13), and service (John 13:35) to others. This must be true especially among the believers (1 John 4:20–21). In fact, this is the ultimate expression of love. As Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [v.11]
Our obedience as an expression of love brings intimacy with God. And the loving obedient believer would be His friend. Was not Abraham called a friend of God because of his love shown by His sacrificial obedience? [Gen 18:17, Jas 2:23] As friends of God, they’re more than a servant. This does not erase the idea that believers are "servants" of Christ, does it? (Rom 1:1).
Hence, Jesus is indicating that His intended relationship with believers involves intimacy in communication and support, rather than an autoctatic relationship. Moreover, this is consistent metaphor to the "vine and branches" analogy (John 15:1–8). As God's love and knowledge flow to Christ, Christ passes them down to us, as a vine passes life along to branches. We, in turn, are meant to pass the Word, and love, to other people (Mat 28:19; John 13:34–35; 14:15).
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John 15:7-11 ESV
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
7 Kung kayo'y mananatili sa akin, at ang mga salita ko'y mananatili sa inyo, hingin ninyo ang anumang inyong nais, at ito'y gagawin para sa inyo. 8 Sa pamamagitan nito'y naluluwalhati ang aking Ama, na kayo'y magbunga ng marami, at maging mga alagad ko. 9 Kung paanong minahal ako ng Ama, ay gayundin naman minamahal ko kayo. Manatili kayo sa aking pagmamahal. 10 Kung tinutupad ninyo ang aking mga utos, ay mananatili kayo sa aking pag-ibig gaya ng aking pagtupad sa mga utos ng aking Ama, at ako'y nananatili sa kanyang pag-ibig. 11 Ang mga bagay na ito ay sinabi ko sa inyo upang ang aking kagalakan ay mapasainyo, at ang inyong kagalakan ay malubos.
MY FATHER IS GLORIFIED
‘Abiding in Christ’ is the image portrayed in a deeply rooted, intimate, life-giving relationship between the vines and branches. When a person's heartbeat is wholly or entirely aligned with the Word and will of God, that person is legitimately communing "in the name" of Christ (John 14:13–14). An organic relationship between the human and divine hearts, when we are at sync with God’s words and will. He will have a powerful prayer life. As John writes, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”[1 John 5:14,15]
This is the state of fruitfulness that the Father is glorified. Yes, true "life" requires a natural connection at the beginning. But, abundance[fruitfulness] requires cultivation, which refers to our faithful and loving obedience to Him. There is no struggle but a pleasure as the flowering and fruit bearing is to the vine. As John said, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”[1 John 5:3]
Indeed, as Jesus lovingly obeyed the Father so He passes down the love of God the Father to us. And we ought to continue to transmit this love, much as a branch transfers the life given to it from the vine. Such is the image of our fruitfulness through the Spirit. As Paul said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”[Gal 5:22,23]
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John 15:4-6 ESV
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
4 Kayo'y manatili sa akin, at ako'y sa inyo. Gaya ng sanga na hindi magbubunga buhat sa kanyang sarili malibang nakakabit sa puno, gayundin naman kayo, malibang kayo'y manatili sa akin. 5 Ako ang puno ng ubas, kayo ang mga sanga. Ang nananatili sa akin at ako'y sa kanya ay siyang nagbubunga ng marami. Sapagkat kung kayo'y hiwalay sa akin ay wala kayong magagawa. 6 Kung ang sinuman ay hindi manatili sa akin, siya'y itatapong katulad ng sanga at matutuyo, at sila ay titipunin at ihahagis sa apoy at masusunog.
ABIDE IN ME
As a branch, we must be sure that we are connected with certainty to the source of life, the vine. Our relationship with Jesus happens immediately when we put our trust in Him. The next question is, “Are we abiding in Him?”
The concept of "abiding" in Christ includes the idea of someone who expresses saving faith and "holds fast" to that belief (see Heb 4:14; 10:23). The emphasis is on those who yield to Christ's power to empower their spiritual lives. This means obedience (John 14:15; 15:10) and perseverance (Heb 2:1) on our part.
The journey from barrenness, to spiritual fruit, to "much fruit," we must lovingly obey Christ (John 15:9–10). The deeper is our connectivity to our spiritual Life-giver, the more effective and productive we will be. Do these refer about material wealth, success, reputation, or ease? Definitely not! What is referred is the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. Thus, this speaks of our attitudes and behaviors that are becoming more like Christ, not our bank accounts and accolades.
The more faithful we abide in Christ, the more Christ is exuded in and through our lives.
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John 15:1-3 ESV
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
“Ako ang tunay na puno ng ubas, at ang aking Ama ang tagapag-alaga. 2 Ang bawat sanga sa akin na hindi nagbubunga ay inaalis niya; at ang bawat sanga na nagbubunga ay nililinis niya upang lalong magbunga. 3 Kayo'y malilinis na sa pamamagitan ng salita na aking sinabi sa inyo.
I AM THE TRUE VINE
This is the seventh “I am” Jesus’ stated in the gospel of John. Metaphors for vine and vineyards are common in the Bible for a reason. In this teaching, Jesus capitalized the people’s familiarity with the process of growing and tending grape vines. This was true to the Jewish disciples, who should have recognized these references to vines from the Old Testament. For instance, Jeremiah compared the nation of Israel to a vine that was planted but then turned wild [see Jer 2:21, Ezekiel 15, Isaiah 5:1–7]
Christ, as the vine, is the source of life to the branches attached to Him. However, it is possible for a person to claim the name of Christ, and to associate with believers, and yet not have a life-giving connection to the "true vine" which is Jesus. Like a branch "in the vine" which produces no fruit, these are people who have attached themselves to the church, but are not connected to the Source of life. The One with ultimate knowledge and authority—God as the "vinedresser"—will eventually remove those false branches and discard them.
On the other hand, those branches that are bearing fruit are pruned to bear more. Pruning is a lot different than being ‘cut off’. This is done only to the true branches for more fruit bearing, which glorify the Father[v.8]. That, His true branches are clean has reference to the point He made after washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:10–11). Those who have saving faith in Christ are "clean," as are the eleven men to whom Jesus directly speaks. They correspond to the ‘clean’ branches that will eventually become abundantly productive. Those which are not are impostors like Judas, without saving faith, and correspond to the branches destined to be discarded and destroyed (John 6:71; Mark 14:21).
Today, let us be sure that we are true branches of the true vine. Let us be warned that at the end, the false will be cut off while the true, who are bearing much fruit will receive the praise from God.
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John 14:28-31 ESV
28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.
28 Narinig ninyong sinabi ko sa inyo, ‘Ako ay aalis, at babalik ako sa inyo. Kung ako'y inyong minamahal, kayo'y magagalak sapagkat ako'y pupunta sa Ama; sapagkat ang Ama ay higit na dakila kaysa akin.’ 29 At ngayon ay sinabi ko sa inyo bago pa mangyari, upang kung ito'y mangyari, kayo ay maniwala. 30 Hindi na ako magsasalita pa ng marami sa inyo, sapagkat dumarating ang pinuno ng sanlibutan. Siya'y walang kapangyarihan sa akin. 31 Subalit ginagawa ko ang ayon sa iniutos sa akin ng Ama, upang malaman ng sanlibutan na minamahal ko ang Ama. Tumindig tayo at umalis na tayo rito.
In fact, He encouraged them to be joyful. Why? He is going to the Father who is greater than Him. Their joy isn’t for the circumstances but in the truth that the Father is greater than Him. Didn’t Jesus assure them earlier, “
THAT I LOVE THE FATHER
Jesus’ impending arrest and crucifixion would surely affect the disciples. He assured them that His going away was only temporary for He is going to see Him again. He has been repeating this for emphasis until here. Why? The disciples had the propensity to forget when hardships come.
Amazingly, Jesus’ was about to die but what kept Him in high spirits was His love for the Father[v.31]. The Trinity is an eternal love relationship. The ruler of this world [Satan] is coming. Satan has no control over Jesus, but He will submit to His fate voluntarily (John 10:18; 19:11) In short, Satan has no claims on Him. He could only do what he is allowed to. Jesus was not a victim but a victor, obedient to His Father He loves. As the psalmist writes, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you.”[Psa 76:10a]]
Amazingly, Jesus’ was about to die but what kept Him in high spirits was His love to the Father[v.31]. The Trinity is an eternal love relationship. The ruler of this world [Satan] is coming. Satan has no control over Jesus, but He will submit to His fate voluntarily (John 10:18; 19:11) In short, Satan has no claims on Him. He could only do what he is allowed to. Jesus was not a victim but a victor, obedient to His Father He loves. As the psalmist writes, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you.”[Psa 76:10a]
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John 14:27 ESV
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
27 Kapayapaan ang iniiwan ko sa inyo, ang aking kapayapaan ay ibinibigay ko sa inyo. Hindi gaya ng ibinibigay ng sanlibutan ang ibinibigay ko sa inyo. Huwag mabagabag ang inyong puso, o matakot man.
THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Uncertainties do cause fears, don’t they? For example, the ongoing global pandemic and war in Ukraine on top to some domestic unrest are our impending threats today. We’re dishonest if we say we’re not affected at some degrees.
Several times in this dialog, Jesus had pointed out to them that He is preparing the disciples to "hold fast" for a difficult time is ahead of them. This warning has present and future allusions. That is, His impending arrest and execution (Mark 8:31; John 12:34; 16:32) And also, the following persecution Christians will face someday because of their faith in Him.
Jesus, saw their need to be peaceful amidst the storms coming. Thus, here, again, Christ encouraged His followers to keep their "hearts" from fear and trouble. This repeats the statement Jesus used to start this discourse in John 14:1.
Thankfully, Jesus promised to give us His peace. It’s neither from an institution nor in any material resources . It’s His gift to us. This peace that Christ offers is not like that of the world. The best we can expect from the natural world is temporary peace and more unfairness and even death (Rom 8:20; James 4:14; Psa 73:3). It’s sad but true that this world can’t pacify our troubled soul.(2 Cor 7:10). Christ's "peace" here refers to a hope and reassurance that goes beyond what a fallen world can offer (Phil 4:7). It is permanent, guaranteed, and eternal (Heb 6:18–19).
Notedly, Jesus has distinguished between being troubled in one's "spirit,"[being in pain and unhappiness] as opposed to being troubled in one's "heart," [being fearful and in despair]. Jesus was said to have a troubled spirit, at times. He was troubled and wept (John 11:33-35; 13:21). What He calls for here is not for Christians to loss heart. Rather, it's to recognize the reality of sufferings while at the same time trusting in God to make good on His promises. [John 16:33] In other words, it’s peace in the midst of hardships, not its absence.
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John 14:25-26 ESV
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
25 Ang mga bagay na ito'y sinabi ko sa inyo, samantalang ako'y nananatiling kasama pa ninyo. 26 Subalit ang Mang-aaliw, ang Espiritu Santo na susuguin ng Ama sa aking pangalan, siya ang magtuturo sa inyo ng lahat ng mga bagay, at magpapaalala sa inyo ng lahat ng aking sinabi sa inyo.
THE SPIRIT, OUR TEACHER
It's important to note there was no way for the disciples to fully grasp everything Jesus was teaching until after those things had been accomplished. That is why their questions and doubts were understandable. Unlike us today, they did not have the full New Testament yet. Some are still to unfold during their time. Thus, hindsight is always the best sight.
Thus, Jesus saw the needed teachings of the Spirit. He said, “He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” What a promise.
This statement is often misunderstood. Context wise, Jesus was speaking of the teachings He delivered while on earth. Is there a guarantee of expertise in all earthly topics? No, not at all. It’s not the indication that the Spirit will "teach you all things," in any sense, a promise that the Holy Spirit will deliver new revelations, or ongoing revelations, or personal revelations.
The consistent Spirit's role is to reinforce that which Christ has already taught. The teachings through the Holy Spirit illucidates the truths of His Word. Remember, the Word is the sword of the Spirit. [Eph 6:17] He is to glorify the Son.[John 16:14] In other words, He subordinates the Son by illuminating the truth to Jesus’ followers.
John 14:21-24 ESV
21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.
21 Siyang mayroon ng aking mga utos at tinutupad ang mga iyon ay siyang nagmamahal sa akin, at ang nagmamahal sa akin ay mamahalin ng aking Ama, at siya'y mamahalin ko, at ihahayag ko ang aking sarili sa kanya.” 22 Si Judas (hindi ang Iscariote) ay nagsabi sa kanya, “Panginoon, paano mong ihahayag ang iyong sarili sa amin, at hindi sa sanlibutan?” 23 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanya, “Kung ang isang tao ay nagmamahal sa akin, ay kanyang tutuparin ang aking salita, at siya'y mamahalin ng aking Ama, at kami'y lalapit sa kanya, at kami'y gagawa ng tahanang kasama siya. 24 Ang hindi nagmamahal sa akin ay hindi tumutupad ng aking mga salita, at ang salitang inyong narinig ay hindi akin, kundi sa Amang nagsugo sa akin.
IS CHRIST AT HOME IN YOUR HEART?
A person's obedience to Christ's teaching is the evidence that he indeed have faith in Him [v.15]. And, how could a person obey Christ without the Spirit? [v.16,17] Good deeds can not produce life or salvation. In contrary, we must have the life from the Spirit in order to do good works. As Paul said, “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”[Titus 3:5] The grace of salvation brings about obedience. [Rom 1:5] Otherwise, our faith would be in question. [see Jas 2:18]
Moreover, a person’s obedience proves his love to Jesus too. We recognize, however, that some are driven by fear and duty alone. But when this love is present, Jesus has promised that He and the Father would love him and ‘manifest’ to him. God is real to them who believe and love God, is it not? But, the world won’t see Him anymore. Simply said, Jesus would be unreal to them. This was what confused Judas Thaddeus that only themselves could see Jesus and the world won’t.
In fact, Jesus even said He and the Father will be at ‘home in him’. This is the same word used in John 14:2, referring to "dwelling places" or "rooms." The truth is that the Holy Spirit is "living inside" someone who is in Christ. This reiterates the idea of the Trinity: that God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are equally God and identical in nature.
Later, Paul prayed to the Christians at Ephesus, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love.” [Eph 3:17] Definitely, Christ is already theirs. What the apostle desires is for their hearts be habitable for Christ [Spirit] to dwell. Otherwise, the absence of faith, love and obedience would grieve Him.
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John 14:18-20 ESV
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you
18 Hindi ko kayo iiwang nag-iisa, ako'y darating sa inyo. 19 Kaunti pang panahon at hindi na ako makikita ng sanlibutan, ngunit makikita ninyo ako; sapagkat ako'y nabubuhay ay mabubuhay rin kayo. 20 Sa araw na iyon ay malalaman ninyong ako'y nasa aking Ama, at kayo'y nasa akin, at ako'y nasa inyo.
BECAUSE I LIVE, YOU ALSO WILL LIVE
Jesus was leaving but He assured them that they won’t be orphans. In the ancient world, being an orphan was even more tragic than in our times today. They were surely homeless and penniless, so that they were dependent entirely on the charity of strangers. This was not the end of their relationship with Him. They won’t be abandoned or left without any help. The help comes from the Helper, the promised Holy Spirit.
Jesus has explicitly claimed that His task be over and He will be gone from the world. However, it would spark a movement in the lives of the disciples. They will live because Jesus lives. [1 Cor 15:21] The best is yet to come although their predicament was gloomy at that time.
In Christ, we have passed from death to life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14). Why? It’s because of the death and resurrection of Jesus (Rom 5:21; 6:8; John 14:6). This particular promise from Christ is the ultimate answer to our struggles in this world (Rom 8:18, 28). Christians have the guarantee of redemption and restoration at the end of our earthly lives (Heb 11:14–16).
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John 14:15-17 ESV
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
15 “Kung ako'y inyong minamahal ay tutuparin ninyo ang aking mga utos. 16 At hihingin ko sa Ama, at kayo'y bibigyan niya ng isa pang Mang-aaliw, upang makasama ninyo siya magpakailanman. 17 Ito ang Espiritu ng katotohanan na hindi kayang tanggapin ng sanlibutan; sapagkat siya'y hindi nito nakikita o nakikilala man. Siya'y nakikilala ninyo, sapagkat siya'y nananatiling kasama ninyo at siya ay mapapasa inyo.
THE HELPER
Previously, Jesus pointedly taught that those who follow Him are obligated to show love for others (John 13:12–15, 34). That is the primary sign of faith to the outside world, is it not? (John 13:35). However here, He indicates that obedience to His commands is the primary sign of our love for Him. Neither a person can claim to know Christ and hate other Christians (1 John 4:20), nor he could claim to know Christ while disregarding His teachings (1 John 2:4).
Jesus commands is backed up with a promised Helper. When He asked it carries a more personal and mutual sense of asking. This implies that Jesus shares a relationship with God which transcends mere humanity. It also reinforces the idea that prayer is anchored in the Godhead, not intended to blindly grant us man’s wishes.
The Holy Spirit is our ‘Helper’. This can also be translated as a "comforter.” This is the same term, John will use later to describe Jesus as our ‘advocate’ in 1 John 2:1. This connection has meaning—Jesus will later point out that He is leaving behind His earthly ministry specifically so the Holy Spirit can act (John 16:7). The Holy Spirit, in a sense, does from the inside what Christ would do from the outside, namely: teach, convict, remind, and guide. In the following verse, Jesus will clarify that this Helper is the Holy Spirit, who is available only to those who believe Jesus (John 14:17).
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John 14:12-14 ESV
12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
12 Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, ang sumasampalataya sa akin ay gagawin din ang mga gawang aking ginagawa, at lalong dakilang mga gawa kaysa rito ang gagawin niya, sapagkat ako'y pupunta sa Ama. 13 At anumang hingin ninyo sa aking pangalan ay aking gagawin, upang ang Ama ay maluwalhati sa Anak. 14 Kung kayo'y humingi ng anuman sa pangalan ko ay gagawin ko.
GREATER WORKS THAN THESE WILL HE DO
Jesus did not just encourage them but empowered them. He promised, “Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.” Do believers, like the disciples, will be endowed with the power to raise the dead or alter matter? Not really.
Then what did Jesus mean?
The key is in the phrase “in Christ.” This implies that their asking should be something consistent with the will and nature of Christ. And it follows that it is consistent to the the will and nature of God as well.(v.10).
Let’s take note that Jesus neither say, "I will give you anything you ask for" nor does He say, "as long as you include the magic words 'in Jesus' name,' I will grant your request." John writes in his epistle, that is, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”[1 John 5:14,15]
Notedly, the purpose for this promise, which is to ‘glorify God.’ Any request which dishonors Him, or defy His will, is not expected to be granted. Those who truly love God do obey God, don’t they (v.15). It is reasonable to think that those who love God will seek to ask according to His will, not in defiance of it.
All these would happen “because He would go to the Father.” In other words, His going away would work for the best of them. Quite paradoxical, is it not? Most probably, this has reference to the coming of the Spirit, who is our power to fulfill the will of God.
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John 14:8-11 ESV
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
8 Sinabi sa kanya ni Felipe, “Panginoon, ipakita mo sa amin ang Ama, at kami ay masisiyahan na.” 9 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Mahabang panahon nang ako'y kasama ninyo, at hindi mo ako nakikilala, Felipe? Ang nakakita sa akin ay nakakita sa Ama. Paano mong nasabi, ‘Ipakita mo sa amin ang Ama?’ 10 Hindi ka ba sumasampalataya na ako'y nasa Ama, at ang Ama ay nasa akin? Ang mga salitang aking sinasabi sa inyo'y hindi ko sinasabi mula sa aking sarili, kundi ang Ama na nananatili sa akin ang gumagawa ng kanyang mga gawa. 11 Sumampalataya kayo sa akin na ako'y nasa Ama at ang Ama ay nasa akin. Subalit kung hindi ay sumampalataya kayo sa akin dahil sa mga gawa.
LORD, SHOW US THE FATHER
No matter how Jesus had assured them, the disciples were still troubled when Jesus spoke of leaving away. Thus, Thomas and Philip’s questions were understandable. Here, Philip switched the issue from "knowing" God, to "seeing" God. Did he hope for something either like Moses in Ex 33:18-23 or Isa 6:1-7? Perhaps, he was looking for a miraculous sign!
Jesus’ reply was direct, that is, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (v.9). Simply said, there is no need. To see Christ is to see God for they are One (John 14:7, 10–11) In his previous claims, there is no ambiguity that He claimed as divine. “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”[John 8:58] He is the revelation of God to mankind.
Jesus made a gentle scolding, something needed for His inner circle (Mat 16:9; Mark 8:21). The reason why He listed reasons why His claim was true. Firstly, His acts perfectly according to the will of God. It was an obvious point, which was why Jesus again poses a rhetorical question. As with His actions, Jesus' speech or words also further supports that what He says is true (Mark 1:22). Nothing Jesus says or does contradicts the idea that He is God (John 8:46; Heb 4:15), and His actions confirm that He is acting according to the Father's will (John 9:4)
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John 14:3-7 ESV
4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
4 Nalalaman ninyo ang daan patungo sa lugar na aking pupuntahan.” 5 Sinabi sa kanya ni Tomas, “Panginoon, hindi namin alam kung saan ka pupunta. Paano namin malalaman ang daan?” 6 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Ako ang daan, at ang katotohanan, at ang buhay. Sinuman ay hindi makakarating sa Ama kundi sa pamamagitan ko. 7 Kung ako'y kilala ninyo ay makikilala rin ninyo ang aking Ama. Mula ngayon siya'y inyong nakikilala at siya'y inyong nakita.”
HOW CAN WE KNOW THE WAY?
After Jesus declared that He was going away, Thomas asked a question which makes a point, at least from an earthly point of view. Normally, we do determine first an end goal and then work accordingly towards it, don’t we? How can someone know "the way" when they don't know where they're going? Since these men are not sure of where Jesus plans to go, they aren't sure they will be able to get there.
Hence, Jesus made a point that it is not somewhere any person can "go," in the sense of making the journey according to their own efforts (Rom 3:20; 11:6). No amount of good deeds or effort will get them there. Is salvation accomplished by good works? Definitely not! Paul said later, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
Rather, "the way" to be reconciled to God the Father is not a process; it's in a person [2 Cor 4:6]. Thus , He emphasized, by saying, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [v.6] Without much details, Jesus had taken charge that they shouldn’t worry about His going away for they know Him.[ v.1-3] Why? Knowing Him is knowing the Father. Paul had explained that our knowledge of God is all by God’s initiative. He writes, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”[2 Cor 4:6]
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John 14:1-3 ESV
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
“Huwag mabagabag ang inyong puso. Sumampalataya kayo sa Diyos, sumampalataya rin naman kayo sa akin. 2 Sa bahay ng aking Ama ay maraming tahanan. Kung hindi gayon, sasabihin ko ba sa inyo na ako'y paparoon upang ihanda ko ang lugar para sa inyo? 3 At kung ako'y pumunta roon at maihanda ko ang isang lugar para sa inyo, ako'y babalik at kayo'y tatanggapin ko sa aking sarili, upang kung saan ako naroroon, kayo rin ay naroroon.
LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED.
Jesus has been telling His disciples about His impending death. This is why Jesus took the time to reassure the disciples directly, telling them not to be "troubled." It involves enduring hardship without losing trust. In a sense, this is a call for courage more than an upbeat mood as an expression that they ‘trust God the Father and Jesus’. This might be two separate commands: "trust God and trust Me." Or, it might be an expression of logic: "you trust God, therefore you also trust Me." Or, even as "if you trust God, you will trust Me."
Moreover, Jesus promised a dwelling place. This term in the original is most literally taken as "dwelling places" seems plausible. However, it could also mean a physical house or a family. And, most likely, this is a reassurance that in the family of God there is room for all of them. At the end of a believer's life journey, His destiny is the result of Christ's efforts.
Christ is coming again. At a glance, this fits the promised rapture, when Christ will take believers from earth as He romised. During His later prayer, Jesus did repeat this idea of believers being in the places where He is. Jesus prayed, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”[John 17:24]
We live by God’s promises, don’t we? Let’s anchor our hope therefore unto Jesus words. And as Paul wrote, “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”[Titus 2:13]
John 13:36-38 ESV
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
36 Sinabi sa kanya ni Simon Pedro, “Panginoon, saan ka pupunta?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Sa pupuntahan ko ay hindi ka makakasunod sa akin ngayon; ngunit pagkatapos ay makakasunod ka.” 37 Sinabi sa kanya ni Pedro, “Panginoon, bakit hindi ako makakasunod sa iyo ngayon? Ang aking buhay ay ibibigay ko para sa iyo.” 38 Sumagot si Jesus, “Ang buhay mo ba'y ibibigay mo dahil sa akin? Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa iyo, hindi titilaok ang manok, hanggang ipagkaila mo ako ng tatlong beses.
NO FAILURE NEEDS TO BE FINAL
Earlier Jesus declared, “Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.” [see v.33] Peter seemed not to satisfy to what Jesus said, so that he asked, “Lord, where are you going?” In a personal note, He said to Peter, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” And, Peter won’t accept it but had said confidently, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
No doubt, Peter is a person who would say what he had in his mind. He argued earlier to be bathed by Jesus, so that not his feet only be washed. Again, he differed the Lord Jesus Christ’s statement because he claimed he was willing to lay his life for Jesus. He thought that he was certain than to what Jesus has said about himself. Was Jesus wrong and Peter was right? How many of us are like Peter?
Jesus foretold what Peter would do, saying, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.” In short, Jesus saw Peter would fail Him. Definitely, Jesus knows we would fail like Peter. God ‘knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.’[Psa 103:14]
Thankfully, Jesus had assured Peter saying ‘You will follow me later’. Peter would be restored. No failure needs to be final. As Solomon said, “the righteous falls seven times and rises again.” [Prov 24:16]
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John 13:31-35 ESV
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
31 Nang siya'y makalabas na, ay sinabi ni Jesus, “Ngayon ay niluwalhati ang Anak ng Tao, at ang Diyos ay niluwalhati sa kanya; 32 kung ang Diyos ay niluwalhati sa kanya, luluwalhatiin din siya ng Diyos sa kanya, at luluwalhatiin siya kaagad. 33 Maliliit na mga anak, makakasama pa ninyo ako nang kaunting panahon. Ako'y inyong hahanapin. At gaya ng sinabi ko sa mga Judio ay sinasabi ko sa inyo ngayon, ‘Sa pupuntahan ko, ay hindi kayo makakapunta.’ 34 Isang bagong utos ang sa inyo'y ibinibigay ko, na kayo'y magmahalan sa isa't isa. Kung paanong minahal ko kayo, magmahalan din kayo sa isa't isa. 35 Sa pamamagitan nito ay makikilala ng lahat ng mga tao na kayo ay aking mga alagad, kung kayo'y may pag-ibig sa isa't isa.”
A NEW COMMANDMENT
In view to Christ’s arrest and death, He saw both the Father’s glory because of His obedience and His glorification from the Father. Although it was to happen yet in the future, He was so certain that He spoke of the glory as a present and immediate. The idea that God would come in the flesh, die an unjust death, in order to pay the penalty of human sin is incomprehensible. This act of outrageous mercy does glorify God, manifesting His love and mercy. Jesus has expressed a glimpse of the mind and heart of God. What shameful and barbaric acts are going to be used as instrument for the greatest possible good for God’s glory and man’s salvation.
Jesus calling His disciples “little children” had prepared them to endure what is to come. The end of Jesus' time on earth was only hours away. At the turn of the night, they are going to face outrageous fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Referring to them as "little children" is an expression of Jesus' love and concern as they will be thrust out into a hostile world to proclaim the gospel.
However, Jesus would leave them for awhile. Upon hearing Him, His critics might have thought either He was going away or commit suicide. And, the disciples would not be able to pursue Him only after He would reveal to them after His resurrection.
Amazingly, He re-issued them the commandment to love one another. The "newness" Jesus refers to here is in the sense of something ‘refreshed, re-emphasized, or highlighted’. Love is the primary evidence that authenticate the relationship between Him and the disciples. That is, Jesus put premium on genuine love among themselves in the midst of hardships as the hallmark of their being His follower. In all aspects of the Christian faith, love should stand out as the greatest of all. [1 Cor 13:10]
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John 13:21-30 ESV
21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
DO QUICKLY
Jesus was so disturbed about the face-to-face encounter with all the pain and misery coming His way. He was more explicit here to say that Judas will choose treachery and damnation soon (see Mark 14:18–21) As he said that one of them would betray Him, the others had no clue. Nobody suspected Judas. In other words, Judas had pretended really well before his co-disciples. But, Jesus knew everything.
Out of concern, Peter requested John, sitting beside Jesus, to ask Jesus who among them. And John may had asked Jesus in a whisper. There was no hesitancy when Jesus said to him plainly, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Perhaps, the others did not hear about their conversation.
Interestingly, Satan immediately entered in to Judas in order to control him. Clearly, Judas has crossed the point of no return. Jesus, upon seeing this turn of events, said to Judas and Satan, “What you are going to do, do quickly” This is similar to the common phrase today, “Hurry up.” Notedly, Jesus enjoined Judas to do what he decided to do quickly only when Satan has governed him.
Out of concern, Peter requested John, sitting beside Jesus, to ask Jesus who was among them. And John may have asked Jesus in a whisper. There was no hesitancy when Jesus said to him plainly, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Perhaps, the others did not hear about their conversation.
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John 13:18-20 ESV
18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
THE SCRIPTURE WILL BE FULFILLED
As Jesus pointed out to Peter, Jesus made a difference between being "bathed" spiritually, referring to those who are spiritually "washed" (v.8–10). In context, the meaning is that salvation makes a person "clean," leaving only a need “foot washing”, signifying to maintain good fellowship with God through confession of sin (1 John 1:8–10).
In that particular statement, Jesus pointed out that not all of those present for the foot-washing were "clean." This was referring to Judas, who had already started the steps of betraying Jesus to local religious leaders (Mat 26:14–16). Judas’ clandestine motive and actions were not a surprise to Jesus. His chosing him wasn’t a mistake. This was meant to fulfill the prophetic statement of Psa 41:9. An even deeper fulfillment of that prophecy will happen in the next moments, as Jesus literally shares food with Judas (John 13:26)
Jesus warned them of the coming hardship and they have to strengthen their hearts. Jesus knows that Judas' impending betrayal will catch the other disciples totally off-guard. Troubles and setbacks are theatening but they are much less frightening when we realize that they're happening just as predicted, and that prediction includes a good ending. The scriptures can not be broken. What the Scriptures had stipulated will certainly happen.
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John 13:12-17 ESV
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
BLESSED ARE YOU IF YOU DO THEM.
The disciples were stunned to Jesus washing their feet. They were bewildered as to what it meant as many instances in the past. Thus, it was needful for Jesus to explain to them the reason behind this. Firstly, He affirmed their confession or recognition that He is their Master and Teacher, for He is.
As their Master and Teacher, they are supposed to follow His example, are they not? He did it intentionally as an object lesson. His action had completely overturned the idea of what godly leadership looked like. They might had thought, “That’s the servant job not the master’s.” It elevated the concept of servanthood, that is, changing it from something degrading and shameful into a mutual expression of love and respect. Therefore, they ought to wash one another’s feet. This would confirm their confession as His servants. Otherwise they were just fooling themselves. Jesus had reiterated more that ‘servants are not above their masters’. If the Master acts in love and service to others, those who follow are obligated to do the same.
Clearly, the point is not about literal ‘washing of feet’, but having an attitude of humility and self-sacrifice. Christians should never feel "too big" to never stoop down in order to love and serve others. A lip service amounts to nothing. But, ‘blessed are those who know and do serve others’.
Serving others is the hallmark of the body of Christ. As Paul said, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”[Phil 2:3,4] This is reflecting the ‘attitude’ of Christ. As Paul continued, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”[Phil 2:5-8]
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John 13:1-11 ESV
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
LORD, DO YOU WASH MY FEET?
The washing of the disciples’ feet is one of the surprising acts Jesus did to them. Certainly, Jesus had demonstrated love and patience with the disciples, as He gave the last segments of His lessons prior to being arrested. What is more surprising is that this washing included Judas, who wasn’t just an unbeliever but a traitor or betrayer. Jesus’ compassion is seen here.
Unexpectedly during the middle of the dinner, Jesus wore a garb, took basin and water and began washing their feet. In that era, ancient roads were covered in dirt, dust, waste, and animal droppings. Ancient people wore sandals or went barefoot. Hence, washing of feet was necessary before they enter a house, but it was dirty and inconvenient act. It was always performed on someone of higher status by someone of lower status, usually the lowest slave in the house. Thus, it was ludicrous for a master, even Jesus to wash the feet of His inferiors. It’s not a surprise that Peter reacted and said, “You shall never wash my feet.” The others might had thought the same.
This is exactly the point Jesus seeks to make. The task Jesus did, by definition, was one performed as an act of servitude and modesty and yet a mark of greatness. A thing they would understand later when Jesus will explain it to them. Certainly, His example should shatter our natural pride and vanity, should it not? If humble servanthood has not belittled the Son of God, it shouldn’t belittle any person who claims to follow Him in this act. Let’s be like the Lord Jesus, who are willing to serve others.
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John 12:44-50 ESV
44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”
44 Si Jesus ay sumigaw at nagsabi, “Ang sumasampalataya sa akin ay hindi sa akin sumasampalataya, kundi doon sa nagsugo sa akin. 45 At ang nakakita sa akin ay nakakita doon sa nagsugo sa akin. 46 Ako'y naparito na isang ilaw sa sanlibutan, upang ang sinumang sumampalataya sa akin ay huwag manatili sa kadiliman. 47 Kung ang sinuman ay nakikinig sa aking mga salita, at hindi tumutupad ng mga iyon ay hindi ko siya hinahatulan, sapagkat hindi ako naparito upang humatol sa sanlibutan, kundi upang iligtas ang sanlibutan. 48 Ang nagtatakuwil sa akin at hindi tumatanggap sa aking mga salita ay mayroong isang humahatol sa kanya. Ang salitang aking sinabi ang siyang hahatol sa kanya sa huling araw. 49 Sapagkat ako'y hindi nagsasalita mula sa aking sarili kundi ang Ama na nagsugo sa akin ay siyang nagbigay sa akin ng utos, kung ano ang dapat kong sabihin, at kung ano ang dapat kong bigkasin. 50 Nalalaman ko na ang kanyang utos ay buhay na walang hanggan. Kaya't ang mga bagay na sinasabi ko ay aking sinasabi ayon sa sinabi ng Ama.”
KNOW CHRIST, KNOW THE FATHER
As Jesus shouted to raise Lazarus to life, so Jesus did a loud, deliberate proclamation here. That is, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.” His claims corresponded to what Heb 1:3 states, that is, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.”
People were confronted with two only two options being confronted by Jesus, claiming as the light. That is, either they will believe and follow Him as the light or they remain in darkness. There is no in between. And as the light, His words reveals the Father. When one hears from Jesus, they are hearing from God the Father. Rejecting the Son is as rejecting God (John 3:36). Paul affirmed this by saying that Jesus is the visible form of the invisible Father.[Col 1:15] Jesus is the "light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."[2 Cor 4:4]
During His first coming, Jesus did not come to judge the world but to save the world from darkness. However, we must receive Him and His words to keep it. Rejecting His words is costly someday. To "remain in darkness" is not merely to choose ignorance. It means to decide to remain away from God, forever (Mat 25:30). What awaits for them is God’s judgment. It is unfair for a teacher to give an examinations to his students a subject matter that he had not taught yet, is it not? God is just. Likewise, the words that they heard from Jesus will judge them someday. In other words, the gospel that the people reject would be the basis of their condemnation.
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John 12:36-43 ESV
When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them.”
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
THE PERIL OF UNBELIEF
Jesus rebuked His religious critics for refusing" to acknowledge the obvious works or acts of God through Him. They were given by God specifically to encourage belief in Him through Christ. Anyone who claimed they needed "more evidence" to believe in Jesus was lying, not only towards others but even to themselves. The proof includes God’s work in nature (Psalm 19:1), in our experience or conscience (Rom 1:18–20), Scripture (John 20:30–31) and credible human testimony (Mat 28:19) These are more than enough, are they not? What stopped them from believing the gospel was not the lack of knowledge but their stubbornness. More often than not, unbelief is about what a person wants, not about what he knows.
John alluded their hardheartedness to what Isaiah had prophesied in Isa 53. Isaiah had asked a rhetorical question: "who has believed what he heard from us?" The expected answer to this question is much the same as when a modern person uses the expression "who cares?" The fulfilment of this prophesy had both a immediate application to the people during that time, and in the future for this is true also to most people today. Sadly, the nation of Israel had rejected their own Promised One (John 1:11, Mat 23:37; Rom 10:16–21).
Moreover, John quoted Isa 6:10. By doing this, John is saying that God can, and does, use "hardening" and "blinding" as a form of judgment—should a person does make up their minds themselves in rejecting Him. In Exodus, God speaks of how He will "harden the heart" of Pharaoh to prolong the plagues demonstrating God's glory (Ex 4:21). Eventually, God does just that (Ex 9:12). But God doesn't influence Pharaoh until Pharaoh has repeatedly and frequently hardened his own heart (Ex 7:13, 22; 8:15, 19, 32). In other words, God is gracious and doesn’t delight in man’s hardening heart.
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John 12:27-31 ESV
27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
27 “Ngayon ay nababagabag ang aking kaluluwa. At ano ang aking sasabihin? ‘Ama, iligtas mo ako sa oras na ito?’ Ngunit dahil dito ay dumating ako sa oras na ito. 28 Ama, luwalhatiin mo ang iyong pangalan.” At dumating ang isang tinig mula sa langit, “Niluwalhati ko na, at muli kong luluwalhatiin.” 29 Narinig ito ng maraming taong nakatayo roon at sinabi nilang kumulog. Sinabi naman ng iba na, “Isang anghel ang nakipag-usap sa kanya.” 30 Sumagot si Jesus, “Ang tinig na ito'y dumating para sa inyo, hindi para sa akin. 31 Ngayon ang paghatol sa sanlibutang ito. Ngayon ang pinuno ng sanlibutang ito ay palalayasin.
LIFT UP JESUS
As one fully human, Jesus experienced the same emotions as anyone else [Heb 4:15]. Thus, Jesus was "troubled," implying an agitation or disturbance, given all He knows of what's to come (John 19:1,16) In the midst of this, He sought to glorify the Father, praying, “Father, glorify your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The people around Him heard it literally. But, some claimed that this sound was only thunder and they seemed to dismiss it as something mindless, natural, and meaningless. That's an appropriate parallel to modern-day skepticism, where mounting evidence of God's influence in nature is brushed aside. Whether it's a lack of spirituality (1 Cor 2:14) or outright stubbornness (1 Tim 4:2), the result is the same.
Others have a less-skeptical interpretation, which is to assume the voice they heard was that of an angel. Both, however, find themselves in a moment of decision. As Jesus will explain, these events serve as "signs" that ought to lead people to faith (John 12:30–36). Those who reject God will have no excuse for their disbelief. Later verses in this same passage make this idea very clear (John 12:37–40).
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John 12:20-26 ESV
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
SIR, WE WISH TO SEE JESUS
The Passover is one of the festivals for which Jewish men are required to make a pilgrimage to the city of jerusalem (Deut 16:16). Hence, the city was being teeming with visitors. As Jesus entered the city on a donkey, people lined beside the streets rejoicing while weaving palm leaves. (John 12:12–19). Not all of those visiting are ethnic Jews, however.
Some of those who have come to celebrate the Passover were Gentiles, who like the Jews honor the God of Israel. They wanted to see Jesus, too. They approached Philip, specifically. It is possible that Philip was acting as the first layer of security for Jesus, vetting those who wanted to get close to Him (John 12:22). Or, perhaps it’s because Philip, who having a Greek name, who they knew before in Bethsaida.
His critics claim that "the world has gone after Him" was proven right. This was an evidence that "the whole world" is going to be called to know Jesus, not merely from among the Jewish people only (John 10:16). Jesus, who has been evading the crowd has now expressed, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Jesus used a metaphor of a seed, growing and spreading (John 12:24). The seed, in a sense, "dies," but in reality, it is transformed into the more mature and productive life as it means to be.
Paul expanded on this metaphor of planted seeds in 1 Cor 15:36–42. A life, like the seed which is planted seems to "die,” so that everything seems lost, as far as it appears. In reality, the seed must be planted in order to become what it was always meant to be. Just as the seed must "lose its life" to fulfill its ultimate purpose, so too does each person need to "lose" their worldly life in order to gain eternity (John 12:25). Definitely, this doesn’t mean physical death or martyrdom, but one’s willingness to sacrifice everything in order to follow Christ (see Mark 8:35–36). Do we want to see Jesus. then, we must be willing to sacrifice for Him. Are we?
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John 12:12-19 ESV
12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,
15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey's colt!”
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
HOSANNA!
While waving palm leaves, the people are cheering and celebrating Jesus as their Promised One when He entered Jerusalem (v. 12–13). Notedly, palm branches are symbols of victory. They were shouting, “Hosanna”, which is a kingly shout derived from the Psalms, and they are eagerly anticipating a Savior. These are fulfillments of O.T. prophecy. In Daniel 9:25, it even suggests a specific date, indicating a certain time from a kingly decree to the arrival of Messiah. Examining those details points to the date of March 30, AD 33, which is the Monday prior to Passover (John 12:1, 12).
Moreover, in Zech 9:9, it speaks of the king of Israel riding on a donkey's colt which was cited by John in v.15. Conquering heroes of the ancient world would have ridden in on horses—animals used in that region for war. Jesus, the king of kings however, entered in on an animal which is used only for peaceful purposes. His exaltation is yet in the future. It’s not an exaggeration that all these are fulfilled.
Certainly, Jesus’ popularity was highlighted by the raising of Lazarus from the dead miracle. However, He had earned the reception of the people gradually but steadily to fit the prophecy written in the scriptures. However, most people still expected the Messiah to be a political or military leader. This was the very reason, the religious leaders overreacted as they suspected that Jesus would rebel against Rome.
At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Hindsight is always the best sight. In the next days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, the disciples are in that same situation. Despite all Jesus has said and done to teach them (Mark 8:31; Luke 17:25), it won't be until after His resurrection that the disciples finally have the benefit of hindsight. Definitely, this ws the Holy Spirit’s teaching presence unto them. (John 16:12–13).
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John 12:9-11 ESV
9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
9 Nang malaman ng maraming mga Judio na siya'y naroroon, sila'y pumunta hindi dahil kay Jesus lamang, kundi upang makita nila si Lazaro, na muling binuhay mula sa mga patay. 10 Kaya't pinanukala ng mga punong pari na kanilang patayin din si Lazaro, 11 sapagkat dahil sa kanya'y marami sa mga Judio ang umaalis at naniniwala kay Jesus.
AN EXTRAORDINARY TESTIMONY
People during those times would have either seen or heard or both to what Jesus has done and taught. Among those amazing miracles was the raising of Lazarus, whom Jesus brought back to life after four days in a tomb (see John 11:38–44). The people came not only to see Jesus but him.
Like Jesus, Lazarus also became a household name. An ordinary person becoming extraordinary because of what Jesus did to him. When sinners who are dead begin to show life, their friends and acquaintances will find them puzzling, even attractive. [see 2 Cor 5;17] Lazarus became a showcase of God’s divine power and glory.
Through Lazarus, Jesus became irresistible. His popularity became viral. But for the “Jews”, there was no such thing as "enough evidence," because their minds are already made up. At whatever means, they have to annihilate Jesus, including Lazarus. Lazarus, for nothing wrong he did, became an object to their hatred.
Later Jesus said about those who would follow Him, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me”[John 15:18-21]
After here, scripture does not tell us about Lazarus and whether the plot to kill him succeeded. This just shows that those are touched with miracles, such as Lazarus, are not to be credited with special significance later on, or enshrined with echoes of divine power. They're still ordinary people, with extraordinary stories.
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John 12:1-8 ESV
Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
IT IS NOT A WASTE
Here, Jesus is being treated to a dinner in the home of a man named Simon (Mark 14:3–11), in the town of Bethany (John 12:1). This is to celebrate Jesus' raising of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha (John 11:38–43). Each of these siblings, in a way, does represent a mode of service Christians can emulate in their lives, does it not? Martha provided a tangible service. Lazarus was a living demonstration of Christ's influence. Whereas, Mary did sacrifice and worship. She anointed Jesus’ feet with a spikenard oil.
A spikenard, is an oil made from plants grown in northern India. lf a modern-day liter. A bit less than a liter, this was valued at some 300 denarii, nearly an entire year's wages for a common laborer. And as a woman of the ancient Middle East, Mary may not owned a property or land. Thus, without question, it was a substantial part of her life savings. Moreover, the container, made of the marble-like stone called alabaster (Mark 14:3), showed how valuable this ointment was.
And this was used all at once, to anoint one man! Should we not give our all and best to Jesus too? [see Ecc 9:10] To some people in the room, Judas' complaint that it was a waste makes sense, and Mark expressed how others echoed it (see Mark 14:3–11). In no way it was a waste. In fact, anything we do for Jesus with the right motive glorifies God.
But, Judas' assessmentwas a well-dressed lie. His real anger is in seeing money "wasted" on Jesus instead of going into the disciple's communal money-bag, where he can steal some of it (John 12:6). It was a manipulative lie for Judas had no interest in the poor, but he knows how to disguise his real intentions. How many times people today are deceived by charlatans who use Christian jargons to make themselves appear truthful?
Jesus, for His part, will defend Mary’s actions in light of His impending death (John 12:7–8). Whether Mary fully understands what is about to happen, what she has done carries a prophetic element. This Mary is described elsewhere as an avid student of Jesus (Luke 10:38–42). This privilege to honor Christ, as Mary did, was once in a lifetime. Her act resulted in an example that's been preserved in the very Word of God, to be cherished for all time (Mark 14:6–11).
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John 11:54-57 ESV
54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.
54 Mula noon, si Jesus ay hindi na naglalakad nang hayagan sa gitna ng mga Judio, kundi pumunta siya sa lupaing malapit sa ilang, sa isang bayan na tinatawag na Efraim. Siya'y nanirahan doon kasama ng mga alagad. 55 Ang Paskuwa nga ng mga Judio ay malapit na, at maraming umahon tungo sa Jerusalem mula sa lupaing iyon bago magpaskuwa, upang linisin ang kanilang mga sarili. 56 Hinahanap nila si Jesus, at sinasabi sa isa't isa habang nakatayo sila sa templo, “Ano sa palagay ninyo? Hindi kaya siya pupunta sa pista?” 57 Ang mga punong pari at ang mga Fariseo ay nag-utos na sinumang nakakaalam ng kinaroroonan ni Jesus ay dapat ipagbigay-alam sa kanila upang siya'y kanilang madakip.
A WILDERNESS ESCAPE
The council, comprising primarily of religious leaders, was determined to arrest and kill Jesus. Thus, Jesus fled to the countryside. Was Jesus afraid to die? Definitely not. He isn’t governed by fear of man but fear of His Father. He came and is passionately devoted to do His Father’s will. His escape was not a sign of timidity but of wisdom and prudence.
Simply put, it was not yet time. Notedly, while He was evading the public, He spent time with His disciples. He did not vanish into the wilderness to be idle, did He? A time from hostile crowds became a fruitful ministry with His faithful few. It was a change of focus.
The feast was fast approaching and many people were looking for Him, mostly for the wrong reasons. Apart from a few who believed Him, the rest either sought Him for benefits from His miracles or to arrest Him. Jesus, in no doubt, was popular. However, he wasn’t carried away by the lure of popularity. His heart was locked in fulfilling the will of his Father. He said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will.
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John 11:45-53 ESV
45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.
ONE MAN SHOULD DIE FOR THE PEOPLE
Having seen Lazarus coming out from the grave, many of them believed. But, obvious miracles aren't enough for the stubborn in heart, are they? (Luke 16:31) Some who did not believe told the religious leaders, who immediately convened the council. They said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
This extreme evidence of Jesus’ claim was counteracted with extreme measures of violence. They thought Jesus was a political threat. That, He will have a great following to remove them from power. Caiaphas, the high priest, had left with no other option. Jesus has to die for the nation. Their insecurity and jealousy of power and influence made them murderers.
The plight of Jesus here isn’t incidental. Jesus would shine amidst evil men as the star glitters in the backdrop of deep darkness. “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you.” [Psa 76:10] What seemed as man’s wrath gone wild would contribute to the praise of God. Similarly, it was when Pharaoh had hardened His heart that Yahweh got the greatest glory, was it not?
They were all wrong. For far from what these furious religious leaders believed, Jesus’ kingdom is purely spiritual. His kingdom is not of this world. His crucifixion is the payment for the sins of the whole world so that sinners who are in the kingdom of darkness will be translated to the kingdom of light. As Peter had said, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” [1 Pet 3:18]
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John 11:38-44 ESV
38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
38 Si Jesus na lubhang nabagabag na muli ay pumunta sa libingan. Iyon ay isang yungib at mayroong isang batong nakatakip doon. 39 Sinabi ni Jesus, “Alisin ninyo ang bato.” Si Marta, na kapatid ng namatay, ay nagsabi sa kanya, “Panginoon, nangangamoy na siya ngayon, sapagkat apat na araw na siyang patay.” 40 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Hindi ba sinabi ko sa iyo, na kung ikaw ay sasampalataya, ay makikita mo ang kaluwalhatian ng Diyos?” 41 Kaya't inalis nila ang bato. Tumingin si Jesus sa itaas at sinabi, “Ama, nagpapasalamat ako sa iyo na ako'y iyong pinakinggan. 42 At alam kong ako'y lagi mong pinapakinggan. Ngunit ito'y sinabi ko alang-alang sa maraming taong nasa palibot, upang sila'y sumampalataya na ako ay sinugo mo.” 43 At nang masabi niya ang mga ito ay sumigaw siya ng malakas na tinig, “Lazaro, lumabas ka!” 44 Ang taong namatay ay lumabas, na ang mga kamay at mga paa ay natatalian ng mga telang panlibing, at ang kanyang mukha ay may balot na tela. Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Siya'y inyong kalagan, at hayaan ninyong makaalis.”
TAKE AWAY THE STONE.
Funerals in the ancient world were often performed very soon after death. Unlike today wherein embalming is common, it was quite difficult to keep a corpse from festering. Hence, by the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days (v.17).
Matha’s concern was understandable when Jesus asked them to open the tomb. She said, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Lazarus wasn’t just dead but this time his body was already decomposing. Any attempt to raise him up from such condition appeared ridiculous, even impossible.
From the beginning in this incident, Jesus had expressed various details to happen until this point. Lazarus has died and was buried. The crowd came in to witness (v.19,31). In short, He set the stage for the display of God’s glory. Similarly, Elijah poured water to the sacrifice before he prayed for fire from heaven. This fits with the purpose of miracles, that is, "signs" meant to prove Jesus is truly divine. Thus, John said later, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” [John 20:30–31). Indeed, God and His ways are inscrutable. Isaiah says,
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”[Isa 55:8,9] Thus we must remove the ‘stone’ of doubts and unbelief in order to let God do His marvelous works. We may not understand but trust God that he knows what He is doing.
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John 11:28-36 ESV
28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”
JESUS WEPT
After their meeting with Jesus, Martha made a "private" comment to Mary that Jesus wanted to see her (v.28). In response, Mary is said to have made a sudden exit. Those in the house reacted to Mary's departure by following her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn.
As she approached Christ, she broke down, saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Seeing her and the crowd weeping, Jesus was "deeply moved in His spirit." In this context, Jesus isn't angry at the people for being sad—He's angered that they have something to be sad about. His "spirit" is disturbed by what is happening. He knows that this is the result of sin; that death is a consequence.
He went to the tomb and asked where they laid him. This is reflective to the fact that Jesus came down for to give life to the dead. [see John 10:10] Then, He wept. In contrast to the ancient deities that were emotionless and stoic, Jesus did show human emotions. He wept. His experience as a fully-human man allows Him to sympathize with our struggles in a meaningful way (Heb 4:15–16). That compassion for mankind's suffering is a unique aspect of Judeo-Christianity.
The fact that Jesus wept does bring context to human pain and suffering, does it not? When bad things happen, we ask, "does God even care?" These two-word statement, "Jesus wept," proves that He really does. Jesus knew for certain that He was about to make right what was wrong. Yet, He still "felt" the pain with the people. Responding to set backs, we do ask, "If God really cared, why did He not stop this to happen?" The Scriptures is clear that even in our hardest moments have a purpose in God's sovereign timetable and plan (Rom 8:28). Moreover, God does truly and deeply understand the pain we feel while we wait for His plan to be completed (2 Cor 5:1–5; Isa 53:3)
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.
I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days. Estimating a one-day walk to Bethany, Lazarus had died before the messenger even reached to where Jesus was in the first place. When Christ sent back His encouraging message (see v.4), He did so knowing His friend Lazarus was already dead. That means His message through the messengers came to Lazarus' sisters after they had already buried their brother.
The long delay was not an accident but an arrangement. It was to strengthen their faith[v.15] in the presence of a lot of people, participating in mourning may have been part of their religious obligations Perhaps, the crowd gathered here had more to do with the popularity of Jesus and their relationship with Him than anything else.
The sisters’ characters are also reflected in their reaction when Jesus arrives. Whether or not Mary knew, at this moment, we don’t know. Whie Martha rushed to meet Jesus, Mary sat and cried. Martha immediately confronted Jesus with her heartache for His absence.
And, Jesus both listened and assured her. As His message was, He said her brother will rise again. Martha believed but not something immediate. Her brother will rise again at the last day. She felt His coming was a bit late but was still hopeful that Jesus can do something. A demonstration that she's faithful, even amidst her doubt and pain.
Jesus assured her saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Jesus’ fifth "I Am" statement puts a personal emphasis on human salvation. Uniquely, only the gospel answers the ultimate fulfillment of human desire is in a person. It's not knowledge, or accomplishment, or some state of being. It's the "light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6). Jesus does not merely claim to speak about "the life," He identifies as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Just as a drowning person needs a rescuer,or an advice on swimming, condemned sinners need a Savior, not spiritual lecture.
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John 11:7-16 ESV
7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
WHEN GOD DOES NOT MAKE SENSE
After two full days, Jesus decided to return to Bethany in Judea. He was determined to return to Mary and Martha's home in keeping with His comforting response via the messenger sent by the sisters.
Certainly, this was shocking to the disciples. They were staying in Bethabara, a two days' journey from Bethany. In their minds, the time to attempt a rescue mission for Lazarus was long over. They would have assumed the issue was settled when Jesus’s sent the messengers back. Their return would only put Jesus at risk of arrest or stoning. Even Thomas, in his candidness, had expressed that their going back was as going to a suicide mission.
At this point in time, it doesn’t make sense from the disciples perspective. Nobody else know except Jesus Himself. His purpose, as seen later, is to ensure that Lazarus' miraculous resurrection is entirely credited to the glory of God (John 11:4, 41–44). It did not appear sensible enough that Naaman will wash at the murky river Jordan, for for Moses to lead the multitude of Jews towards a dead end, at the edge of the Red Sea and for Elijah to ask food from a destitute widow at Zarepath.
In the midst of these confusion, Jesus’ answered them, saying, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” In other words, their safety hinges on the idea of walking and obeying the will of God. Following God’s will can be dangerous from an earthly point of view.
In short, Jesus has reminded His disciples that following God is always the "safest" course of action, even when the world sees it as foolish or dangerous. That's not to say that obeying God's will always keep Christians from all possible harm. Quite the opposite; obedience to Christ can result in persecution and death (John 16:1–2). Rather, it means that God is in control, and our most beneficial choice is to follow His lead. He'll provide as much protection as His will requires. Since Jesus is "walking in the light"—according to the knowledge and will of God—His actions are only as dangerous as God intends them to be.
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John 11:1-6 ESV
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
Noon ay mayroong isang tao na maysakit, si Lazaro na taga-Betania, ang nayon nina Maria at Marta na kanyang mga kapatid. 2 Si Maria ang siyang nagbuhos sa Panginoon ng pabango, at pinunasan ang mga paa nito ng kanyang buhok. Ang kanyang kapatid na si Lazaro ay may sakit. 3 Kaya't ang magkapatid na babae ay nagbalita kay Jesus, “Panginoon, siya na iyong minamahal ay may sakit.” 4 Ngunit nang ito ay marinig ni Jesus ay sinabi niya, “Ang sakit na ito'y hindi tungo sa kamatayan, kundi para sa ikaluluwalhati ng Diyos, upang ang Anak ng Diyos ay luwalhatiin sa pamamagitan nito.”
5 Mahal nga ni Jesus si Marta, at ang kanyang kapatid na babae, at si Lazaro. 6 Nang mabalitaan niya na si Lazaro ay may sakit, siya'y nanatili ng dalawang araw pa sa dating lugar na kinaroroonan niya.
THE INSCRUTABLE WAYS OF CHRIST
Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [see Luke 10-38-42] Many passages in the New Testament suggest Jesus visiting their home (Matt 21:17), speak of Mary lavishing Jesus with expensive oil (John 11:2), and showing the sisters referring to Jesus as their "teacher" (John 11:28).
Unexpectedly, Lazarus got terminally sick. The sisters knew Jesus could help him so that they sent messengers to let Him know immediately. Jesus’ answer and action seeemed strange, even indifferent. He delayed for two days and sent a message to the sisters, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”[v.4] How did they react when their brother was dead already when this message arrived?
Similarly, in the Old Testament, God's command for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac would have been difficult to understand without the benefit of hindsight (Gen 22:1–2, 12–14). Jesus' response shows that God's love is not condescending or indulgent. He knows everything and is not in a hurry. Pain still happens, and we will not always understand. And yet, despite our ignorance, God works out everything for the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28). He allowed them to undergo pain for a moment. He knows what He is doing and the loss was part of the process in revealing His greater glory in the next few days.
Should you and I are in a urgent and perplexing circumstance right now, we should always give the benefit of the doubt to God who couldn’t commit mistakes. He is not in a hurry. His delays are not signs of His indifference and unconcern. It could be blessings in disguise. If he won’t give us what we desire, it means He wants us to wait for something better.
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John 10:31-42 ESV
31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. 40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there.
JESUS WAS ACCUSED OF BLASPHEMY
These men cornered Jesus and brought the rocks with them when they first surrounded Him. In short, John is saying these men "had picked up" stones, anticipating violence. Jesus that He and His father are one claim had given them all they need to justify following through on their threats (John 10:30).
In order to direct them to be sensible and reasonable, Jesus asked, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” Now, they acknowledged Jesus is sinless except for blasphemy because for them He was just an ordinary man so that He shouldn’t claim Himself as equal with God.
In order to outwit them, Jesus cites Psalm 82:1–8 as His tactical - scriptural defense. A reference to the Old Testament will anchor His claim in something these men claim to take seriously: the Word of God. In this passage, God's own Word referred to human beings using the same literal word as used for God Himself: elohim. In other words, Jesus knows the scripture that well.
Moreover, Jesus also made a point of accepting the Word of God that it can not be "broken." By this, he meant that the verses He quoted could not be dismissed as an error. They could not be written off as a mistake. This manifested it’s inerrancy, which says that Scripture is perfectly accurate in everything it intends to say. In this moment, He not only implies inerrancy but He established His argument in it.
Jesus, then, turned their myopic eyes to the truth by challenging them, “Do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” This fell to their deaf ears so that they arrested Him instead. But, Jesus escaped. He went to the other side of Jordan. Unlike the Jews, many believed Him there because of the testimony of John, the Baptist.
John 10:28-30 ESV
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
28 Sila'y binibigyan ko ng buhay na walang hanggan, at kailanma'y hindi sila mapapahamak, at hindi sila aagawin ng sinuman sa aking kamay. 29 Ang mga ibinigay sa akin ng aking Ama ay higit na dakila kaysa lahat, at walang makakaagaw ng mga ito sa kamay ng Ama. 30 Ako at ang Ama ay iisa.”
I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE
Towards ‘His sheep’, Jesus gives eternal life. Jesus made it unmistakably crystal-clear, to be both permanent and irrevocable. In His conversation with Nicodemus, He emphatically declared, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”[John 3:16] Anyone who believes in Jesus should in no way perish, condemned and judged in hell.
”His sheep” are safe from being stolen away, as a wolf might ‘snatch’ a sheep in the wild (see John 10:12). In the same way, Jesus described the impossibility of somebody to "snatch" His own away from His hand. Jesus, the good shepherd, is also the powerful preserver to eternally protect them.
Moreover, Jesus linked His power and authority with that of God the Father. That, those who are saved through Jesus Christ are saved because they are "given" to Jesus by God and also protected by God the Father. This implied that the hand of Jesus is identical to the hand of the Father, so that he said, “I and the Father are one”. Their oneness aren’t just in purpose and power but in essence.
Our salvation received by grace through faith alone is secured also by the grace of Jesus’ preservation also. In fact Jesus, sitted at the right hand of the Father, is interceding for us eternally now.[ see Heb 7:25]
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John 10:22-27 ESV
22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
22 Nang panahong iyon, sa Jerusalem ay kapistahan ng Pagtatalaga. Noon ay tagginaw, 23 at naglalakad si Jesus sa templo sa portiko ni Solomon. 24 Kaya't pinalibutan siya ng mga Judio, at sinabi sa kanya, “Hanggang kailan mo kami ilalagay sa alanganin? Kung ikaw ang Cristo, sabihin mong maliwanag sa amin.” 25 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, “Sinabi ko na sa inyo, at hindi kayo naniwala. Ang mga gawang ginagawa ko sa pangalan ng aking Ama ay siyang nagpapatotoo sa akin. 26 Subalit hindi kayo naniwala, sapagkat hindi kayo kabilang sa aking mga tupa. 27 Pinapakinggan ng aking mga tupa ang aking tinig, at sila'y aking kilala, at sila'y sumusunod sa akin.
UNBELIEF AND TRUTH
A few months ahead, this narrative happened during the Feast of Dedication, which occurs in early winter. The Feast of Dedication is not one of Israel's mandatory celebrations, but it has become one of its most symbolic. Today, it is more commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah.
It was during this festival that once again the Jews had shown to Jesus their adamant attitude toward Jesus. They cornered Him and asked pretending they would listen to Jesus’ claim, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus in plain words rebuked them, saying, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.” It is really hard to wake up somebody who is already awakened. They couldn’t believe because they were not Jesus’ sheep. Only His sheep would know His words, listen and follow Him.
Do they need more confirmations? They saw Jesus’ miracles. And all these confirmed His claims. But they won’t believe because they chose not too. Their continual rejection to the truth led to the hardness of their hearts. Truth like the sun rays could either melt the wax or harden the clay. What kind of hearts do we have? Simply said, our attitude towards the truth matters greatly. Continual rejection to Christ may cause one to plummet into so much unbelief. Thus, we should check always our hearts, to keep it tender and teachable before God.[see Prov 4:23]
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John 10:16-21 ESV
16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” 19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
16 Mayroon akong ibang mga tupa na wala sa kulungang ito. Kailangan ko rin silang dalhin dito at kanilang papakinggan ang aking tinig. Kaya't magkakaroon ng isang kawan na may isang pastol. 17 Dahil dito'y minamahal ako ng Ama, sapagkat ibinibigay ko ang aking buhay, upang ito'y kunin kong muli. 18 Walang nag-aalis nito sa akin, kundi kusa kong ibinibigay. May kapangyarihan akong ibigay ito, at may kapangyarihan akong kunin itong muli. Tinanggap ko ang utos na ito mula sa aking Ama.” 19 At muling nagkaroon ng pagkakabaha-bahagi sa mga Judio dahil sa mga salitang ito. 20 At marami sa kanila ang nagsasabi, “Mayroon siyang demonyo, at siya'y nauulol, bakit ninyo siya pinapakinggan?” 21 Sinasabi naman ng iba, “Hindi ito ang mga salita ng isang may demonyo. Kaya ba ng demonyo na magbukas ng mga mata ng bulag?”
I HAVE OTHER SHEEP
The present “fold," as Jesus means it here, is the nation of Israel. There are sheep, however, that belongs to Christ and yet are not of that group. Jesus made a reference to the Gentiles—the non-Jewish nations—having been made part of the flock of God. Later, Paul wrote, “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”[Eph 3:6] This body is the church.
For many Jews, this claim of Jesus was a major stumbling block to belief, even within the Jewish Christian community after Jesus rose from the dead. (see Acts 11:1–18) These particular group of Gentiles will come to faith in Jesus.(Gal 3:27–28) For Jesus is claiming to be the sole legitimate means of salvation for mankind was not acceptable to them(John 10:1–13), specially the indication that He will bring "other sheep," meaning Gentiles, into this intimate relationship with God (John 10:14–16). These had been tough for His critics to digest.
Jesus continues to explain His role as "the Good Shepherd," which includes His determination to die for the sake of His sheep. This sacrificial love is a reason why He has special favor with God the Father (see John 10:17; Phil 2:9). In some sense, those who heard Him might have thought that His statement was just an assumption. That is Jesus was "willing" to die, not that He "would die" actually. The subject of Christ's death was something Jesus' closest followers often struggled to accept (see Mark 8:31–33).
What Jesus said was so outlandish that it implied two other possibilities. That is, the audience seemed torn between two opinions. Either Jesus was being demon possessed, a reference to insanity or being legitimately verified as God’s Messiah. (John 10:19–21).
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John 10:11-15 ESV
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
11 Ako ang mabuting pastol. Ibinibigay ng mabuting pastol ang kanyang buhay para sa mga tupa. 12 Ang upahan at hindi pastol, at hindi may-ari ng mga tupa, nang makitang dumarating ang asong-gubat ay pinababayaan ang mga tupa at tumatakas. At inaagaw sila ng asong-gubat, at ikinakalat. 13 Siya'y tumatakas sapagkat siya'y upahan, at walang malasakit sa mga tupa. 14 Ako ang mabuting pastol. Kilala ko ang sariling akin, at kilala ako ng sariling akin. 15 Gaya ng pagkakilala sa akin ng Ama, at ng pagkakilala ko sa Ama, at ibinibigay ko ang aking buhay para sa mga tupa.
I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Previously, Jesus pointed out that sheep only follow the voice of "their" shepherd, not the voice of a stranger. Those who reject Christ do so because they don't belong to Him. In another metaphor, Jesus claimed to be "the door," referring Himself as the only legitimate entrance or exit for the sheep fold. Thus, Jesus, and He is alone, is the means and measure of man's salvation. Either you are "in" or "out” depending upon your reception or rejection of Christ, respectively. Thus, only those who are in Christ are saved.
Then, Jesus without equivocation claims, “I am the good shepherd.” This is His fourth claim, which has an allusion to God’s revelation of Moses. In contrast to the selfish and ungodly Jews, Jesus is the only good shepherd. There is no one else who put His life on the line for His sheep. Simply put, He gave His life for His sheep, for us believers.[see v.11, Rom 5:8] John writes, “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us.”[1 John 3:16] Paul said He gave himself as a ransom for all.[1 Tim 2:6]
Unlike a hired shepherd, He is not inclined to run away when the sheep are under severe threat. Hirelings are only interested in the sheep so long as he benefits personally from them. That is, when serving means personal risk, he abandons them. They purposefully take advantage of others using spiritual deception. Also, this applies to others who take advantage, by ‘lording over’ or abusing the privilege without the service or sacrifice that position entails.
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John 10:7-10 ESV
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
7 Kaya't muling sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, ako ang pintuan ng mga tupa. 8 Ang lahat ng nauna sa akin ay mga tulisan at mga magnanakaw, subalit hindi sila pinakinggan ng mga tupa. 9 Ako ang pintuan. Ang sinumang pumasok sa pamamagitan ko ay maliligtas, at papasok at lalabas, at makakatagpo ng pastulan. 10 Ang magnanakaw ay dumarating lamang upang magnakaw, pumatay, at pumuksa. Ako'y pumarito upang sila'y magkaroon ng buhay, at magkaroon nito nang may kasaganaan.
THE ABUNDANT LIFE
As wild animals climb over the folds, robbers and thieves come with one purpose – to loot and destroy lives. They use lies but those who are truly Jesus’ sheep t listen to them. Instead, they only heed to Jesus voice. In contrast, Jesus emphatically claims that He is the only door, where in the sheep can going and out to find pasture.
David, picturing himself as somebody led by the Lord shepherd, wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” [Psa 23:1,2] David, being a shepherd himself, knew how he took care his flock by bringing them to where they would be fed, nourished and refreshed.
Nourishment and refreshment in life are in Christ only. He is the bread and water of life. We should ‘not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give us’. [John 6:27] For He said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”[John 6:35]
Definitely, ‘this abundant life in Christ’ transcends material blessings. Everything here in this world is of temporal nature, is it not? Thus, regardless of circumstances, His sheep does find life abundantly blessed. As Paul testified, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” [Phil 2:11-13]
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John 10:1-6 ESV
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
“Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, ang pumapasok sa hindi pintuan ng kulungan ng mga tupa kundi umaakyat sa ibang daan, ang taong iyon ay tulisan at magnanakaw. 2 Ngunit ang pumapasok sa pintuan ay siyang pastol ng mga tupa. 3 Pinagbubuksan siya ng bantay sa pinto; at pinapakinggan ng mga tupa ang kanyang tinig. Tinatawag niya ang kanyang mga tupa sa pangalan, at sila'y inihahatid papalabas. 4 Kapag nailabas na niya ang lahat ng kanya, ay nangunguna siya sa kanila at sumusunod sa kanya ang mga tupa, sapagkat kilala nila ang kanyang tinig. 5 Ngunit hindi sila susunod kailanman sa iba, kundi lalayo sila sa kanya, sapagkat hindi nila kilala ang tinig ng iba.” 6 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila ang paghahambing na ito, subalit hindi nila naunawaan ang mga bagay na sinasabi niya sa kanila.
THE SHEPHERD-SHEEP RELATIONSHIP
Jesus had used the metaphor of the shepherd-sheep relationship to show the unique relationship He has with His own. In that era during the night, multiple flocks of sheep are kept within a single walled-in enclosure, with walls high enough to prevent sheep from getting out, and wild animals from getting in. It has a single opening— for the sheep to come in or out.
Thus, anyone attempting to get into the pen apart from the door, by definition, "is a thief and a robber." On the other hand, the true shepherd is recognized by the gatekeeper, heard and followed by the sheep alone. In fact, sheep will only recognize and follow the voice of their true shepherd and flee from strangers.
The reason why the Jews and His critics cannot, or won’t respond to Him is because they are part of another flock. Would the children of the devil desire to follow Jesus? Only His true sheep will hear Him. And, they had the pleasure to follow their shepherd.
Christianity is more than a religion. It is having a relationship with Christ. He is the shepherd and we become His sheep. If you are His sheep, do you have the pleasure to follow Jesus? Is there a joy in obeying Him? His flock is so careful not to follow the voice of the impostor by embracing the truth. As Jesus has said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”[John 8:31,32]
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John 9:35-41 ESV
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.
35 Nabalitaan ni Jesus na siya'y pinalayas nila at nang kanyang makita siya, ay sinabi niya, “Sumasampalataya ka ba sa Anak ng Tao?” 36 Sumagot siya, “Sino ba siya, Ginoo, upang ako'y sumampalataya sa kanya?” 37 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Siya'y nakita mo na, at siya ang nakikipag-usap sa iyo.” 38 Sinabi niya, “Panginoon, sumasampalataya ako.” At siya'y sumamba sa kanya. 39 Sinabi ni Jesus, “Pumarito ako sa sanlibutang ito para sa paghatol, upang ang mga hindi nakakakita ay makakita, at upang ang mga nakakakita ay maging mga bulag.” 40 Ang ilan sa mga Fariseo na kasama niya ay nakarinig ng mga bagay na ito, at sinabi sa kanya, “Kami ba naman ay mga bulag din?” 41 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, “Kung kayo'y mga bulag, hindi kayo magkakaroon ng kasalanan. Subalit ngayong sinasabi ninyo, ‘Kami'y nakakakita,’ nananatili ang inyong kasalanan.”
BLIND YET SEEING OR SEEING YET BLIND
The healed blind man was cast out by the Jews. Definitely, they looked at his past and status. But Jesus, went to him again. This time, Jesus asked confirmation to his belief unto Him. As jesus revealed to him, he confessed faith, even worshiped Him. Notedly, he may not be able to know Jesus if jesus didn’t reveal to Him. We know God because he first reveal to us. As Heb 1:1, 2a, says, “ Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
From both physical and spiritual blindness, this man had been physically and spiritually able to see. To give spiritual sight was what Jesus desires I you and me. And the man had his healing because he believes. Faith is the conduit for God’s power to happen in our lives.
Sadly, Jesus declared that His life and acts may cause blindness to those who see. The Jews protested that they see and are not blind. They did not understand that Jesus was talking about spiritual But, Jesus argued that those who see, that is, aware of their sins and have not believed Him, remain in their guilt. Unbelief towards Jesus is as the cataract that cause blindness of man.
Who are we before Jesus today depends upon our faith in Him. Either we’re blind receiving sight or seeing, being aware of our sinfulness, and remain guilty. Man’s blindness is the cause of the fall. He may blames Adam. But to remain blind when healing is available could only be blame for himself. As John wrote, “ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”[John 3:18]
Gospel Light Filipino, God’s Word For Today, glccfilipino, Pastor Nazario Sinon, book of John, Gospel Light Christian Church
John 9:24-34 ESV
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.
WHEN GOD LISTENS
The Jews couldn’t press the parents to say what they wanted. That is, that Jesus did not heal their son and is a liar. They went back to the son again. They pressed him to glorify God by saying that Jesus is a sinner. The healed blind man maintained his words, saying, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” A person who is telling the truth does maintain his words.
They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” This next question was loaded with implications for him to admit that it was wrong for Jesus to heal during the Sabbath. He seemed pissed to say, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” This enraged them. Why? They were insulted. The thought of becoming Jesus’ disciples was so detestable for them. They even accused Jesus as a Samaritan and a demon! They held firmly that they were disciples of Moses only.
In a wise way, the man turned their hatred to Jesus against them, by saying, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.” In other words, he argued that the miracle Jesus did proves that He comes from God undoubtedly. Afterall, God does not listen to sinners, does He? If Jesus is not of the Father, He could do nothing. As the saying “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Indeed, the healed blind man had tasted and verified the goodness and power of Jesus personally.
The Jews ran out of arguments except their vicious mockings to his birth and illiteracy, saying “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” It’s no wonder that they cast him out.
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John 9:18-24 ESV
18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.”
18 Hindi naniwala ang mga Judio na siya'y dating bulag at nagkaroon ng kanyang paningin, hanggang sa kanilang tinawag ang mga magulang ng lalaki na nagkaroon ng paningin, 19 at tinanong sila, “Ito ba ang inyong anak, na sinasabi ninyong ipinanganak na bulag? Paanong nakakakita na siya ngayon?” 20 Sumagot ang kanyang mga magulang, “Alam naming ito'y aming anak, at siya'y ipinanganak na bulag. 21 Subalit kung paanong siya'y nakakakita ngayon, ay hindi namin alam, o kung sino ang nagbukas ng kanyang mga mata, ay hindi namin kilala. Tanungin ninyo siya, siya'y may sapat na gulang na, at siya'y magsasalita para sa kanyang sarili.” 22 Ang mga bagay na ito'y sinabi ng kanyang mga magulang sapagkat natatakot sila sa mga Judio. Sapagkat pinagkaisahan na ng mga Judio, na kung ang sinuman ay magpahayag na si Jesus ang Cristo ay palalayasin mula sa sinagoga. 23 Kaya't sinabi ng kanyang mga magulang, “Siya'y may sapat na gulang na, tanungin ninyo siya.”
24 Dahil dito'y tinawag nilang muli ang taong dating bulag, at sinabi sa kanya, “Luwalhatiin mo ang Diyos. Nalalaman naming makasalanan ang taong ito.”
COERCION
As staunch religious fanatics, these religious leaders refused to accept the testimony of the man healed from blindness. They went to his parents and interrogated them if he was truly their son and how he was healed and became able to see. Tactfully and wisely, they said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself. He is of age , ask him”
His parents would not speak for him and Christ. Why? They feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. Sadly, these religious leaders, in the guise that they are for God, had resorted to coercion and manipulation of the flesh. They interrogated the man again, coercing him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.”
It is so sad that there are religious groups among us today in the like of these Pharisees. They thought they are glorifying God by denying Christ, his being, claims and works. Let us not be deceived. As John admonished us, “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.”[1 John 4:2-3]
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John 9:13-17 ESV
13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”
THE PERIL OF TRADITION - BOUND SPIRITUALITY.
Jesus chose a man who was blind from birth (John 9:1–2) and gave him sight (John 9:6–7). This reflects the way in which God, by His grace, is offering salvation to those who would otherwise never have had it. It also gives a potent example, proving that not all suffering is a punishment for that person's wrongdoing (John 9:3–5). The people who recognized the man as blind earlier were amazed that he was able to see. Though a few doubt that he was the same person (John 9:8–9), most were more curious in knowing how he was healed.
The man's sudden change in condition was controversial enough, was it not? But, the mention of the name of Jesus as his healer was even more. Most likely, this was one reason the people brought this formerly blind man to the Pharisees. As the religious leaders of their people, these men are expected to find out such miraculous acts. As was the previous case with John the Baptist, these religious leaders were completely justified in investigating what happened, and why. Their problem was not in the asking of questions—it was their hardened hearts and hypocritical attitudes except for a few.
As a very pious sect, the Pharisees created an entire list of oral traditions and secondary laws, meant to "protect" the laws of Moses. These traditions were treated with the same level of authority as the Word of God itself, even more [see Mark 7:13]. Honoring the Sabbath was the most sacred. In confronting these religious hypocrites, Jesus seemed to deliberately challenge their misunderstanding of the Sabbath in order to provoke conversations. Thus, he performed this healing on the Sabbath day. And by putting mud on the eyes of the blind man and telling him to wash during Sabbath was considered by these religious leaders as a taboo. (see John 5:18).
Certainly, their reaction to this miracle had shown the dangers of self-centered, tradition-bound spirituality. For them, Jesus' actions directly violate their traditional interpretations of holiness—and they're right. In Christianity, forms should not supersede functions. Without any doubt, helping the man blind to see in order to not to beg anymore is more important than the observance of the Sabbath. In fact, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” At one instant, He asked them after he healed a man with a shriveled had one Sabbath, ‘Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?’ But they remained silent” “[Mark 3:4]
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John 9:8-12 ESV
8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”
A RADICAL CHANGE
“When you are unsure, ask question” is a good rule in life, isn’t it? The people who saw this former blind man well and not begging anymore were unsure. Some said he was the man while the others said he just looked like him. While they were debating, the man confirmed, “I am the man.”
Knowing his former condition, they couldn’t just believe easily. His healing and transformation seemed impossible. However, what they witnessed couldn’t be argued. His changed life couldn’t be denied. Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”[2 Cor 5:17] A person who is in Christ is changed from the inside out. Are you?
People were curious and wondering so that they asked how did it happen. He told them it was Jesus who healed him. He had just heard Jesus but had no idea how did he look like. Simply said, he didn’t know much about Jesus except that He was his healer.
We can only testify that which we know first hand. Even though, how little biblical or theological knowledge we have, it should be enough for us to testify that Jesus had saved and changed our lives miraculously because we are truly born again. The Samaritan woman, after she met Jesus, went to the town of Sychar just telling everyone about what Jesus had done to her. And, the people believed her. Witnessing for Jesus isn’t an ‘explaining mode’ but a ‘declaring mode’ of Jesus and His mighty deeds. As a messenger, we should be happy to announce the news.
As Peter wrote, “in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”[1 Pet 3:15] And, like this healed blind man, his defense was his life – he now sees, having left begging at the streets and functions as a responsible man. Today, if somebody will accuse you of being a Christian, will there be evidences to prove it? I hope with certainty, we will be proven guilty as believers of Christ.
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John 9:1-7 ESV
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
WORKS OF GOD DISPLAYED IN HIM
Most of us do express compassion to see handicaps, especially to a blind person, don’t we? Perhaps, it was this feeling that prompted the disciples to ask Jesus whether he or his parents sinned when they saw this blind person begging. Somebody must be blamed for a sin that caused a difficult predicament. In principle, all of the imperfections and decay in the world can be traced to the curse of the fall of man.
Today, it’s no wonder that when we see the ‘least and the lost’ people having a rough times – impoverished and suffering, we either blame the greedy politicians or their laziness. There are many cases that these observations are true. However, a lot of them, like this blind man, were born in hardships without their choice, and even their parents, too.
Neither our economic status, whether rich or poor, nor physical stature, whether handicap or not, marks our spirituality. Certainly, God did use many rich people in His kingdom. However, James said, “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? [Jas 2:5]
Jesus is giving us a new perspective. Instead of looking for somebody to blame, we have to look into what God can do in and through them. That is the work of God will be manifested in them. This truth was experienced by Paul, having a thorn in his flesh, who testified saying, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Hardships are platforms for God to display His glory. If not for the lack of food, there wouldn’t be the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. If not for the storm there wouldn’t be a miracle of Jesus walking on waves.
Perhaps today, you are at the middle of the storm and is holding the end of your rope. Instead of looking for somebody to blame, you pray and trust that Jesus is at the moment of doing a miracle. As the psalmist wrote;
“they reeled and staggered like drunken men
and were at their wits' end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.”[Psa 107:27-29]
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John 8:48-59 ESV
48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
REJECTION LEADS TO INSULTS
Time and again, they continued to demonstrate their rejection to Jesus. These men arguing with Jesus at this moment were beyond reason (Matt 7:6) and have begun to use vile insults (John 8:41,48). Every time they tried to fool, trick, or embarrass Jesus, it backfired (Matt 16:1; 19:3:22:35; Luke 10:25; 11:54) As a wild animal cornered and frustrated, they attacked and hit Jesus below the belt.
They accused Him as a Samaritan and had a demon, respectively. The Jewish people saw Samaritans as despised half-breeds. This cultural hatred was a major reason why Jesus' actions in talking with the Samaritan woman at the town of Sychar were so controversial (John 4:1–9). Hence, calling Jesus a "Samaritan" brought two insults, namely: mocking His birth, and accusing Him of heresy. And, referring Him as demon-possessed was equivalent to calling Him crazy during that time.
They were infuriated when Jesus claimed, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” Upon hearing this, they immediately accused Him for claiming falsely that He is greater than Abraham and the prophets, who died. They asked, “Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Abraham is one of the most revered names in all of human history, and especially by those of the Jewish faith. Let’s not forget that they always pride themselves as the true descendants of Abraham, and so they had monopoly of the truth. Instead of becoming flustered or enraged, Jesus had shrugged those slurs off and left the consequences to God.
And Jesus did confirm their accusation, saying, “ Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” He said also, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” This was too much to hear for these enraged critics to bear. They looked down on Him as Galillean, even a Samaritan and demonized or crazy, blasphemous young guy. So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
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John 8:39-47 ESV
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
WHO IS YOUR FATHER?
While Jesus is certain that God is His father, His critics were deceived. They argued strongly that because their father is Abraham, it followed that God is their father. Claiming that they weren’t born out of ‘sexual immorality’, they believed that their undilluted ethnicity had given them automatically the right to belong to the Father. Having been hoodwinked by these lies of Satan, they didn’t realize he was their father in reality. Sadly, their religious zeal and advocacy had made their delusion harder to discover.
Thus, let’s not believe every spirit today but test the spirits whether they are from God.[1 John 4:1] Satan could transform himself into an angel of light.[2 Cor 11:14] Today, how many religious fanatics who in the name of God are persecuting the children of God and hindering His work?
They did not do the work of Abraham, who believed the Messiah. In what way? They oppose the lord Jesus, even wanted to kill Him. Abraham wasn’t a murderer, was he? Jesus had diagnosed their fundamental problem. He said, “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires.” The nature of the children is inherited from their father. Jesus exposed Satan’s nature by saying, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Nobody among them could accuse Jesus as guilty of any sin. In other words, they had witnessed the impeccability of Jesus. But, they won’t believe, even just to listen to Him. Why? For the simple reason that they did not belong to God, but to their father, the devil. Thus, if you and I claim to belong to God, our Father , we must love to hear the word of God. For Jesus said, “whoever is of God hears the word of God.”
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John 8:33-38 ESV
33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”
33 Sumagot sila sa kanya, “Kami'y mula sa binhi ni Abraham, at kailanma'y hindi pa naging alipin ng sinuman. Bakit mo sinasabing, ‘Kayo'y magiging malaya’?” 34 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, “Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, ang bawat nagkakasala ay alipin ng kasalanan. 35 Ang alipin ay walang palagiang lugar sa sambahayan. Ang anak ay may lugar doon magpakailanman. 36 Kaya't kung kayo'y palayain ng Anak, kayo'y magiging tunay na malaya. 37 Nalalaman ko na kayo'y binhi ni Abraham; subalit pinagsisikapan ninyong ako'y patayin, sapagkat ang salita ko'y walang paglagyan sa inyo. 38 Sinasabi ko ang mga bagay na aking nakita sa aking Ama, at kayo, ginagawa naman ninyo ang mga bagay na narinig ninyo mula sa inyong ama.”
DECEIVED
The Jews were slighted upon the implications to what Jesus had said. That, by not believeing Jesus they were not free. They claimed that are free always and has never been enslaved since they were children of Abraham. It's mind-boggling that they could claim to have ‘never been enslaved to anyone.’ Have they ignored or forgotten their history? Besides, were they not aware that they were under the Romans during this time? Clearly, it is their inability to recognize their enslavement to sin.
Thus, Jesus had to explain to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.” Jesus did not deny that they were sons of Abraham by lineage but not by faith. They were deceived. They did not think that killing Jesus is murder, did they? Interestingly, Jesus used the phrase translated as "truly, truly," or "very truly." This is from a doubled use of the Aramaic word amēn. In many cultures today, it is usedin prayer to suggest a hope that the words will be fulfilled, or that they are true.
Only the true sons of Abraham are not practicing sins. As John in his epistle has explained, “ Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” [1 John 3:4-10]
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John 8:31-32 ESV
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
31 Pagkatapos ay sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judiong sumasampalataya sa kanya, “Kung kayo'y mananatili sa aking salita, tunay ngang kayo'y mga alagad ko. 32 At inyong malalaman ang katotohanan, at ang katotohanan ang magpapalaya sa inyo.”
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
Despite the strong opposition from the Jews, there was a number among the crowd who believed Him. He said to them, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” It’s one thing to profess belief and it’s another thing to ‘abide in His words.’ The real measure of being a follower of is in his commitment to remain in His words. There is neither vacillation nor equivocation about his devotion to obey His words.
His words is the truth. [John 17:17]And, the internalization of His words will set us free. Definitely, a man who ascertained the truth , not only cognitively but also experientially, is secured. Nobody can deceive a disciple who knows the truth, even the father of lies.[John 8:44] In fact, Jesus thwarted the lies of Satan by using the scriptures when He was tempted in the wilderness.
We live in a shaky and volatile world. Fake news and lies are flooding in the internet. Many scammers and predators are seeking ways to deceive many. But, His words is the lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. [ Pa 119:105] so that there will be no stumbling.
How is our discipline in reading and meditating God’s word? Let us not forget that His word is the sword of the Spirit.[Eph 6:17] “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” [Heb 4:12]
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John 8:21-30 ESV
21 So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 So the Jews said, “Will he kill himself, since he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23 He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” 25 So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. 26 I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” 27 They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
LIFT UP THE SON OF GOD
When Jesus said He is going away, his critics began to suspect that Jesus means something more drastic than long-distance travel. They thought Jesus will end his life. Why? Many cases that philosophers and spiritualists during that era committed suicide. This should solve their problem should Jesus will do so,
Jesus speaking to them is as a man talking to ants. His words were foreign to them, were they no? As the light of the world, Jesus claims to be able to speak of things which others on earth have never seen. Thus Jesus said, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”
Jesus addressed their spirituality. Jesus claims were becoming more outrageous, and His attacks more pointed. Thus, they countered with more insults and accusations. The men attacking Him are “from below” or part of the "the world," which carries a dual meaning. "The world" may refer either to the human, fallen, sinful mind-set or this physical realm. Both descriptions apply to the men Jesus is referring unto. But primarily, He meant that this terrestrial world is where these men [made of dust] are from where they were born. Jesus has His eternal home in heaven, and is not bound by the sins and errors of His critics. As Heb 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Their unbelief and stubbornness is their undoing. Instead of putting Jesus down, they should have lifted Him up, by believing Him. Why? Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.”
This intense conversation between Jesus and his detractors shows us the great disparity between God and man. God is so lofty while man is so base, is it not? May, we recognize that like The Jews, we are overwhelmed by the claims of Christ that are characterized with impossibility. However, we should say like the confused and doubtful father, “I believe; help my unbelief!”[Mark 9:24] Is it possible for a man to become God? Definitely not! But, it’s possible for God to become man because with God nothing is impossible.
John 8:15-20 ESV
15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. 18 I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” 19 They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
15 Humahatol kayo ayon sa laman; ako'y hindi humahatol sa kaninuman. 16 At kung ako'y humatol man, ang hatol ko'y totoo, sapagkat hindi ako nag-iisa, kundi ako at ang Ama na nagsugo sa akin. 17 Maging sa inyong kautusan ay nasusulat na ang patotoo ng dalawang tao ay totoo. 18 Ako ang nagpapatotoo tungkol sa aking sarili, at ang Amang nagsugo sa akin ay nagpapatotoo tungkol sa akin.” 19 Kaya't sinabi nila sa kanya, “Nasaan ang iyong Ama?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Hindi nga ninyo ako kilala o ang aking Ama. Kung ako'y inyong kilala ay kilala rin sana ninyo ang aking Ama.” 20 Sinabi niya ang mga salitang ito sa kabang-yaman habang nagtuturo siya sa templo. Subalit walang taong humuli sa kanya, sapagkat hindi pa dumating ang kanyang oras.
KNOW JESUS, KNOW THE FATHER
The fundamental problem of the Jews is in their myopic and skewed perspective. They evaluate the claims of Christ through the lenses of the flesh. Jesus said to them, “You judge in the flesh.” Thus, it is important for us to realize that spiritual understanding is initiated by Christ who God the Spirit.
They believed that Jesus’ claim is in violation of the law. Thus Jesus said to them, “In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” Even then, they won’t received and instead questioned Him “Who is your Father” Did they deride Him because they thought He was a son out of wedlock and Joseph was not His true father? Perhaps.
The key of knowing God is to believe in Jesus, that He is the one sent by the Father in heaven. This true faith will open the flood gates of understanding and knowing the Father. Simply put, Jesus is the revelation of God the Father. This is the very reason Jesus has talked of certainty to the knowledge of the truth. He said, “if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.”
Friends and brethren, to believe in Jesus is the only key to knowing God. He who doesn’t know is the one who kept refusing to believe like the Jews. We are challenged to believe the gospel more than understanding it. It’s a good news not an idea or opinion, isn’t it? This knowledge of God is as the ocean too deep for skeptic theologian diver to fathom but as a swimming pool to a believing child to enjoy.
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John 8:12-14 ESV
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.
12 Muling nagsalita sa kanila si Jesus, “Ako ang ilaw ng sanlibutan. Ang sumusunod sa akin ay hindi kailanman lalakad sa kadiliman, kundi magkakaroon ng ilaw ng buhay.” 13 Sinabi sa kanya ng mga Fariseo, “Nagpapatotoo ka tungkol sa iyong sarili; ang patotoo mo ay hindi totoo.” 14 Sumagot si Jesus, “Kung ako ma'y nagpapatotoo tungkol sa aking sarili, ang aking patotoo ay totoo; sapagkat nalalaman ko kung saan ako nanggaling, at kung saan ako pupunta. Subalit hindi ninyo nalalaman kung saan ako nanggaling, o kung saan ako pupunta.
I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
The Feastof the Tabernacles was about to end. As part of this major festival, lamps would be lit using wicks made from priestly garments. Then, Jesus turned t the crowdand said, “I am the light of the world.” This is His second “I am”statement in the book of John.
For the a Jew, ‘light’ was the ultimate ideal, a representation of salvation, knowledge, and goodness. For Jesus to claim as the "light of the world" was no small matter. In fact, it is a claim to equality with God. It is undestood as He is the only source of light. Nobody else.
No wonder, if sparked a strong opposition to the unbelieving Jews, saying “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” In this case, however, Jesus is speaking directly of things which no person on earth has first-hand knowledge of. For those statements, Jesus and Jesus alone has the authority to testify about Himself. Only one person has ever actually seen the truths being claimed. Thus, only that person can speak of them , who is Jesus, who came down from heaven.
This iclaim has a corresponding promise. Should anyone follow Him, he is ushered from walking in the darkness into walking in the light. The image isn’t one following a ray of light at a distance. But. He has in his life, in his possession, the light of life. No wonder, jesus calls us “you are the light of the world” because He who is the light of the world is in us. The psalmist had expressed this truth in Psa 12:46, “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”
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John 8:1-11 ESV
1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”]]
GO AND SIN NO MORE.
What started as a nightmare for the adulterous woman became a blessing to her. Why? She met Jesus. She came in trembling. But, she came out rejoicing. Coincidental or incidental? Absolutely not.
It’s sad that we are all like this woman laden with sin.[Rom 3:23] yet, it’s nightmarish that there are ‘holier than thou art’ people like the Jews, who just embarrassed us. They hated so much Jesus so they used this woman and under the pretext of the law as a trap for Jesus.
It’s sad that we are all like this woman laden with sin.[Rom 3:23] yet, it’s nightmarish that there are ‘holier than thou art’ people like the Jews, who just embarrassed us. They hated so much Jesus so they used this woman and under the pretext of the law as a trap for Jesus. Have sin of their own. You could hear a pin drop as they left one by one, from the oldest to the youngest. Jesus stooped and wrote at the ground in order not to embarrass them.
It’s not wrong to judge. It is judgmentalism that is wrong and let us beware of it. Jesus judged the woman but not judgmental. He showed compassion. He did not condemn her but forgave her. He even trusted her by saying, “Go and sin no more.” Forgiveness is a sign of trust. Jesus believed that the woman will go and behave from this time onward as a new person.
But, Jesus outwitted them to melt these fuming lions so that they retreated as little puppies with tails curled down. He didn’t repute that the sinful woman is stoned according to the law. He affirmed it. His argument was on the moral ground – they can stone her if they don’t have the sin of their own. You could hear a pin drop as they left one by one, from the oldest to the youngest. Jesus stooped and wrote at the ground in order not to embarrass them.
Moreover, we observed that what evil these religious leaders had invented turned out to be a blessing. There is healing for anyone who would approach Jesus, even by sinister way at the beginning.
Moreover we observed that what evil these religious leaders had invented turned out to be a blessing. There is healing for anyone who would approach Jesus, even by sinister way at the beginning.
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John 7:40-52 ESV
40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” 47 The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
THE MAN FROM GALILEE
When Jesus continued to speak, the crowd was relatively moved, even was divided. As Mark had accounted, “And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” [Mark 1:12] Thus, some had believed favorably and concluded that He was a prophet, even “the Messiah.” Even the officers who heard Him were touched so that they did not arrest Him.
Indeed, faith comes from hearing the word of God. [Rom 10:17] Let’s just continue to proclaim the gospel because it’s the power unto salvation to those who believed. [Rom 1:16]
However, some had second thoughts, asking, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?” These guys are to be commended because they knew the scriptures that the Messiah is to come from Bethlehem and is a descendant of David. Jesus is but they did not know it. They capitalized on His upbringing, not on the merit of His works and words. It doesn’t mean that if I stay in Singapore that I am a Singaporean.
Indeed, Jesus is known by those who have had a child like faith. But, He is veiled to those who are hard hearted like them, except for Nicodemus. Nicodemus opposed a ‘kangaroo court’ judgment toward Jesus. But, he was overruled by the majority by their sarcasm, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” Unlike Nicodemus who went to Jesus, they did not dig deeper. They won’t.
Indeed, ignorance to the truth is deadly. And, it was caused by applying scriptures in the wrong way, was it not? They even slighted the believing crowd that they were accursed because they were not knowledgeable to the law. Simply said, they were just looking for reasons to reject him.
Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge because you have rejected knowledge.” [Hos 4:6] Unlike them, may we have a tender heart to receive His words although it will challenge our notions. Let’s not have selective listening like them.
Furthermore, where there is doubt, let’s dig deeper the Scriptures like the Bereans. “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”[Acts 17:11]
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John 7:37-39 ESV
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
37 Nang huling araw ng dakilang araw ng pista, si Jesus ay tumayo at sumigaw na nagsasabi, “Kung ang sinuman ay nauuhaw, lumapit siya sa akin at uminom. 38 Ang sumasampalataya sa akin, gaya ng sinasabi ng kasulatan, ‘Mula sa kanyang puso ay dadaloy ang mga ilog ng tubig na buháy.’” 39 Ngunit ito'y sinabi niya tungkol sa Espiritu, na tatanggapin ng mga sumasampalataya sa kanya, sapagkat hindi pa ipinagkakaloob ang Espiritu, sapagkat si Jesus ay hindi pa niluluwalhati.
RIVERS OF LIVING WATER
It was the last day of the Feast of the Tabernacles. After He pronounced a sad state to the unbelieving Jews, He turned to the crowd and invited them, saying “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” This has an allusion to what Isaiah wrote, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters.” [Isa 55:1] Hunger and thirst are physiological phenomena that gave uneasiness to the person until the person eats and drinks to satisfy.
Jesus, as the bread of life, has offered Himself as the ultimate cure for spiritual hunger and thirst of man (John 6:35). Man’s responsibility is to respond, to believe Him. He won’t intrude but plead for us to believe Him. And, “whoever believes in Him, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Jesus has allusion to the incident of water from the rock during Moses time. The Rock was Jesus who satisfied them in the wilderness. Those events are intended as foreshadowing of Jesus' eventual ministry. This comment from Christ is also similar to His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar (John 4:10–13).
As termed by Jesus, this internal spring, or river, is indicative of the Holy Spirit, which comes to live inside all who come to faith in Christ. And where the Spirit is there is life, light and liberty. The change is from the inside-out. This indwelling, however, will not begin until after Jesus' ascension (Acts 2:1–4), as Jesus said.[see v.39]
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John 7:32-36 ESV
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?”
32 Narinig ng mga Fariseo ang bulung-bulungan ng mga tao tungkol kay Jesus. Nagsugo ang mga punong pari at ang mga Fariseo ng mga kawal upang siya'y hulihin. 33 Sinabi ni Jesus, “Makakasama pa ninyo ako ng kaunting panahon, at ako'y paroroon sa nagsugo sa akin. 34 Hahanapin ninyo ako, ngunit hindi ninyo ako matatagpuan, at kung saan ako naroroon ay hindi kayo makakapunta roon.” 35 Kaya't sinabi ng mga Judio sa isa't isa, “Saan pupunta ang taong ito na hindi natin siya matatagpuan? Pupunta kaya siya sa mga lupain kung saan nagkalat ang ating mga kababayan sa lupain ng mga Griyego at magtuturo sa mga Griyego? 36 Ano ang salitang ito na kanyang sinabi, ‘Hahanapin ninyo ako, ngunit hindi ninyo ako matatagpuan, at kung saan ako naroroon, ay hindi kayo makakapunta roon’!”
YOU WILL SEEK ME AND YOU WILL NOT FIND ME
Jesus had given them the opportunity to know God. He came into His own but His own received Him not. [John 1:12]. Instead, they were furious and sought to kill Him as a predator to its prey. Although, they sent officers to arrest Him they just couldn’t arrest Him illegally. Besides, many among the crowd also believed Him.
Reading their minds, Jesus told them with certitude, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” In other words, He would be out of reach to them.
Jesus was apprehended by wicked men not because of His weakness and limitations. It was because He allowed them to. It was during his arrest later that Jesus said to Peter who tried to protect Him, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? [Matt 26:53] He was crucified because He allowed them to – He yielded His right.
Jesus may appear in danger but He was always secured. Nobody can touch Him. Jesus doesn’t belong to the world in essence. Jesus’ physical presence was very short and He is going back to His Father. This happened during His ascension.
But, the Jews were oblivious, if not confused. His teachings on spiritual topics are often misinterpreted in a purely physical way. Most likely they interpreted these comments as a vow of suicide, or an intent to travel far away from Jerusalem. They thought Jesus will join those members of Israel who are still scattered around the world, in the land of the Geeks [Gentiles] due to conquest and persecution during the Dispersion in the past.
It was as explaining the sun to a blind. A sad fate that Jesus had pronounced the impossibility for them to see Him in eternity unless they would repent. No flesh could enter heaven. Thus, a person who remained adamant and unrepentant is sealing their own eternal coffin. May God help us and others to open their eyes to see their sinfulness and need of Jesus.
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John 7:25-31 ESV
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”
25 Sinabi ng ilang taga-Jerusalem, “Hindi ba ito ang taong kanilang pinagsisikapang patayin? 26 At narito, siya'y hayag na nagsasalita, at sila'y walang anumang sinasabi sa kanya. Tunay kayang nakikilala ng mga pinuno na ito ang Cristo? 27 Subalit nalalaman natin kung saan nagmula ang taong ito, subalit ang Cristo, pagdating niya ay walang makakaalam kung saan siya magmumula.” 28 Sumigaw si Jesus habang nagtuturo sa templo, “Ako'y inyong nakikilala at nalalaman din ninyo kung taga-saan ako. Hindi ako pumarito sa aking sariling awtoridad, subalit ang nagsugo sa akin ay siyang totoo, na hindi ninyo nakikilala. 29 Nakikilala ko siya sapagkat ako'y mula sa kanya, at siya ang nagsugo sa akin.” 30 Kaya't sinikap nilang siya'y hulihin, subalit walang taong sumunggab sa kanya, sapagkat hindi pa dumating ang kanyang oras. 31 Gayunma'y marami sa mga tao ang sumampalataya sa kanya at kanilang sinabi, “Pagdating ng Cristo, gagawa ba siya ng mas maraming tanda kaysa mga ginawa ng taong ito?”
KNOWING ABOUT JESUS.
This passage described the differing opinions about Jesus by people. They had all the information they needed but still they rejected Him. This includes the writings of Moses and the other prophets (John 5:45–47); the miracles He did (John 5:36), and the testimony of others (John 5:33). Yet, they did not believe Him.
Those who won't come to Christ do so because they have no intention of doing so (John 5:39–40). Their disobedience resulted to a lack of understanding the truth (John 7:17). As a result, even though Jesus has authenticated the message of God, and comes from God, and is God (John 1:1), He even was not accepted, even by members of His own family (John 7:1–9).
It was sad that they saw and witnessed what Jesus did yet they refused to believe. A reality that many could explain and articulate the truth but have not embraced Him heartily. They knew about Jesus, even very familiar with Him, but had not known Him in a personal way.
The question for us today is “Do we know Jesus personally?” That, we just don’t satisfy to know about the facts of Jesus life and deeds. Let us be certain that we have a living and authentic relationship with Him. Notably, it’s only biblical Christianity reveals that God can dwell in man. Thus, Paul has expressed, “ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”[Gal 2:20] O may Jesus will dwell in our hearts richly as believers.[Eph 3:17]
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John 7:19-24 ESV
19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” 20 The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
19 Hindi ba ibinigay sa inyo ni Moises ang kautusan? Subalit wala sa inyong tumutupad ng kautusan. Bakit ninyo pinagsisikapang ako'y patayin?”20 Sumagot ang maraming tao, “Mayroon kang demonyo! Sino ang nagsisikap na ikaw ay patayin?”21 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanila, “Isang bagay ang aking ginawa at pinagtatakhan ninyong lahat ito.22 Ibinigay sa inyo ni Moises ang pagtutuli (hindi sa ito'y kay Moises, kundi mula sa mga patriyarka); at tinutuli ninyo sa Sabbath ang isang lalaki.23 Kung ang isang lalaki ay tumatanggap ng pagtutuli sa Sabbath, upang huwag malabag ang kautusan ni Moises, nagagalit ba kayo sa akin dahil sa pinagaling ko ang buong katawan ng isang tao sa Sabbath?24 Huwag kayong humatol batay sa anyo, kundi humatol kayo nang matuwid na paghatol.”
JUDGE WITH RIGHT JUDGMENT
Despite having no formal education, Jesus is confounding his critics. Undeniably, Jesus did it through his work and words. He has exposed them of their hard-headedness (John 5:39–40), disobedience (John 7:17), and even violence (John 7:19). In other words, they were mad as nocturnal animals having been exposed to the light.
Having been controlled by their passion, they became very unreasonable and inconsistent. Why did Jesus say, “Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” Firstly, they claim that they follow Moses. But ,they sought to kill Him breaking the sixth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” Yet, the crowd answered, “You have a demon!” they attacked Jesus without any basis. It was the equivalent of saying, "you're crazy." But, others among the crowd, probably who were visiting from other places, were wandering, “Who is seeking to kill you?”
Having heard their accusation, Jesus addressed their inconsistency about the Sabbath, too. Why they do circumcision during the Sabbath but protested that he healed the paralyzed man during the Sabbath. In their own eyes, they were the only ones knowledgeable enough about the law, given by Moses, to make spiritual judgments. They felt this knowledge made them spiritually obedient, though in reality, they were rejecting God (John 5:39–47). The next question Jesus’ asked to the hypocritical religious leaders left them tongue-tied, that is, “If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well?”
What does this mean to us today. Truth heard can either be accepted or resisted. Rejecting the truth will make us appear silly or inconsistent like the Jews. This led them to become unreasonably violent. Thus, atheists who is spending efforts in disproving God, who they believed does not exist, makes them ridiculous. Let’s maintain a soft heart for resistance to the truth is plainly rebellion.
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John 7:14-18 ESV
14 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.
14 Nang ang kapistahan ay nasa kalagitnaan na ay pumunta si Jesus sa templo at nagturo.15 Namangha ang mga Judio, na nagsasabi, “Paanong nagkaroon ang taong ito ng karunungan, gayong hindi naman nag-aral kailanman?”16 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, “Ang turo ko ay hindi akin, kundi sa kanya na nagsugo sa akin.17 Kung ang sinuman ay nagnanais gumawa ng kalooban ng Diyos ay makikilala niya kung ang turo ay mula sa Diyos, o kung ako'y nagsasalita mula sa aking sarili.18 Ang nagsasalita nang mula sa kanyang sarili ay humahanap ng kanyang sariling kaluwalhatian; subalit ang humahanap ng kaluwalhatian ng nagsugo sa kanya ay siyang totoo, at sa kanya'y walang kasinungalingan.
WISDOM FROM ABOVE
During the middle of the feast, Jesus began teaching. As the people heard the things Jesus taught, they were amazed. They wondered saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” Definitely, their mindset was that learning happens only to the formally educated individuals at the Rabbinic schools. And Jesus had no formal schooling. But, it does not mean that He isn’t learned.
Quickly, Jesus attributed His wisdom from the Father. Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”[Prov 1:7] He explained that a person's willingness to obey comes before their ability to understand truth (see v.17). And, those who "refuse" to believe (see John 5:39–40) will not come to the truth, no matter how much knowledge they have. In short, to believe Him is to know and be wise.
Jesus challenged their assumed concept to the relationship between knowledge and morality. Under their assumption, moral behavior and the ability to do "good" was based on whether or not a person understood moral and philosophical truths. Conversely, disobedience causes misunderstanding according to the Lord Jesus. Rather than knowledge of the truth leading to obedience, Jesus claims that whether or not a person is willing to obey God is what affects their ability to learn the truth! In short, a person's willingness to obey God is what determines his or her understanding—rather than the reverse, where understanding enables obedience.
Thus, are we disposed to obey the truth? For it is when we are obedient that we will know God experientially. May God will grant us a willing heart to obey Him today.
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John 7:11-13 ESV
11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.
11 Hinahanap nga siya ng mga Judio sa pista, at kanilang sinasabi, “Saan siya naroroon?”12 Nagkaroon ng maraming bulung-bulungan tungkol sa kanya ang mga tao. Sinasabi ng ilan, “Siya'y mabuting tao.” Sinasabi naman ng iba, “Hindi, inililigaw niya ang mga tao.”13 Subalit walang taong nagsalita nang hayag tungkol sa kanya dahil sa takot sa mga Judio.
WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?
Is Jesus a liar, lunatic or Lord? Undoubtedly, His life became enigmatic to the Jews, even until now to many. His claims and deeds had caused division in the opinions of people. The Jewish leaders had already marked Him as a heretic. Hence, he must be condemned to die. They asked where He was not because they want to know Him more but in order to kill Him.
You and I couldn’t be neutral in our opinion about Jesus, could we? Either we accept or reject Him as the truth. “In Him is light and there is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:5] It is a fact that people see and perceived others based upon the lenses they use.
Some who are honest seekers of the truth like Nicodemus are curious to know Him more. To them, he was a good man and they gave the benefit of their doubts that His claims were true. This led them to discover later that Jesus is really Lord.
However, others like the religious leaders were hardened traditionalists so that they see Jesus as a trouble maker who had confused them. Thus they concluded that Jesus is a liar and lunatic.
Today, let’s not be ambivalent but be certain regarding to our belief in Jesus. “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.”[Jas 1:8] Should Jesus is Lord, He is worth our whole trust, should He not? This is pleasing to God. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”[Heb 11:6]
The life of the Lord Jesus should continue to amaze us. As John has expresssed, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”[John 1:14,15] This was corroborated by Paul who wrote; “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”[1 Tim 3:16]
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John 7:1-10 ESV
After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him. 6 Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee. 10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private.
MY TIME HAS NOT YET COME
The feast of the Tabernacles was near so that the Jews, referring to the religious leaders, were expecting many people to go to Jerusalem. As a major festival, this 7-day event would have made Jerusalem a busy, densely-populated city. According to Leviticus 23:33–34, this is celebrating the journey of Israel through the wilderness. The rituals of this festival reminded the people of how God had provided for Israel during their journey out of Egypt.
Jesus, having been in Galillee was challenged by Hs brothers to go and show up. They said, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” A bit of sarcasm is implied here for they didn’t believe Jesus’ claims as yet.[see v.5]
Perhaps for practical reasons, Jesus’ brothers were right in saying “no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly.” But, they were wrong since Jesus wasn’t seeking for popularity. He was careful in doing the will of the Father. Are you at the crossroad between doing what is good for yourself and what is right before God?
Definitely, Jesus as a man is always obedient to God's timeline. His words and works done had created enough stir already so that they sought His life. Thus he said, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.”[v.6-8]
His lion like enemies who are ready to devour Him did not determine His movements. Jesus has no fear towards any man. As Solomon has said, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” [Prov 29:25] He who fears God has nothing else to fear. Who determines our decisions , actions and choices in life? May by the grace of God, we may say, “My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! [Psa 31:5] then and only then can we have the perfect peace [ shalom shalom] should ur minds are stayed on God. [see Isa 26:3]. Thus His dealings with us aren’t capricious. He is in perfect control so that we may say, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”[Ecc 3:11]
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John 6:66-71 ESV
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
66 Dahil dito, marami sa kanyang mga alagad ay tumalikod at hindi na sumama sa kanya. 67 Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus sa labindalawa, “Ibig din ba ninyong umalis?” 68 Sumagot sa kanya si Simon Pedro, “Panginoon, kanino kami pupunta? Ikaw ang may mga salita ng buhay na walang hanggan. 69 Kami'y sumasampalataya at nalalaman namin na ikaw ang Banal ng Diyos.” 70 Sumagot sa kanila si Jesus, “Hindi ba pinili ko kayo, ang labindalawa, at ang isa sa inyo ay diyablo?” 71 Siya nga ay nagsasalita tungkol kay Judas na anak ni Simon Iscariote, sapagkat siya na isa sa labindalawa ang magkakanulo sa kanya.
LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?
It was so costly to be a disciple of Jesus. Commitment to follow Jesus must not be ambigous but a clear. Jesus demanded that “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” [Luke 9:23,24] For this, many turned back and walked away from Christ.[see v.66]
It is easy to follow Jesus when it’s convenient and comfortable, is it not? A bandwagon towards the easy route is expected. Thus, Jesus said, “For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”[Matt 7:13;14]
Thus Jesus did challenge them whether they would also go away. Peter, however had made an irrevocable commitment or choice, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” [v.68,69] Why we do what we do is what matters. Jesus is our life and satisfaction.[John 14:6, Col 2;10] Nothing else. Peter had chosen Jesus. But, Jesus had chosen them first except Judas. Judas was following Him but he did not choose Jesus.
Hence Paul like Peter said, “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”[Phil 1:20,21] Jesus isn’t one among the good pursuits of life. He is the only rightful pursuit of life.
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John 6:60-65 ESV
60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE
The Jews described Jesus teachings here as ‘hard sayings’. For them what Jesus claim means "offensive or intolerable." To these people, Jesus' words were not merely "difficult," they were "unacceptable." Truth couldn’t be neutral. Either we accept it or not. For the Jews, what they can accept as the truth is one that won’t violate but promote their tradition.
Unbeknownst to them, His words are spirit and life. For the Spirit, who is the giver of life, does use His words, as a sword is to a soldier. They won’t know because they didn’t believe. Somehow, man is incapacitated by the bondage of sin so that he lived according to the flesh. However, he is still conscious and responsible to his act of rejection to Him and His words.
There is a demonstration about the roles of the three persons of the trinity here, namely: Jesus speaks the word, the Spirit gives life and the Father draws the sinner to Jesus. However, it should be noted that man is responsible to His choice of rejection. This should encourage us to pray fervently to our unsaved loved ones and friends. For unless the Lord will draw them unto Himself, man by His depravity will continue to love sin rather than reject it.
The Lord Jesus knows who the Father has drawn towards Him. And the Spirit brings conviction. Hence, we can rest that God is on top of everything. In other words, we could know God because He initiates us to know Him. However, rejection of the gospel by some should we expect and we not be alarmed.
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John 6:47-59 ESV
47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.
MY FLESH IS THE TRUE FOOD
Jesus knew the reason why the Jews were seeking for Him. Their sole reason was that they were fed physically by Jesus. Thus, they missed by the mile why Jesus had performed the miracle. This just shows the propensity of man to value the temporal over the spiritual. Thus, Jesus had challenged them to seek the bread of heaven, referring Himself, who they needed to receive in their lives.
Receiving him as the messiah is just as in eating the manna that satisfied the Jews. Hence, they needed to ‘eat His flesh’ in order to be filled as well. Definitely, this doesn’t refer to the literal eating of His flesh. What did Jesus mean then? Far from promoting cannibalism, He was explaining their need to let Him become part of their lives by receiving Him. [see John 1:11,12]. Can a person be filled by just staring the bread without eating it? Similarly, could a person who knows about Jesus yet does refuse to receive Him be filled? Definitely not! The fact that they slighted Jesus as ‘just the son of Joseph and Mary’ revealed either their blindness or callousness to the truth. Hence, they won’t accept Him.
Today, malnutrition occurs even in develop countries. Why? It’s not because of the lack of food definitely. It is in the excessive eating of junk foods, isn’t it? Should a person hunger and receive the rudiments of this world, he may feel his soul is full and satisfied. But, he is impoverished in reality. As somebody aptly said, “Christianity today is a mile long but an inch deep.” Only the ‘bread coming from heaven’ can satisfy. Hence, Jesus has said, “This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” [v.58]
Let us examine our hearts today. Do we fill our hunger with the things of God or the things of the world? Let us ask God to soften our hearts to hunger and thirst for Him alone today.
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John 6:41-46 ESV
41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.
41 Kaya't ang mga Judio ay nagbulung-bulungan tungkol sa kanya sapagkat kanyang sinabi, “Ako ang tinapay na bumabang galing sa langit.” 42 Kanilang sinabi, “Hindi ba ito'y si Jesus, ang anak ni Jose, na kilala natin ang kanyang ama at ina? Paano niya nasasabi, ‘Ako'y bumabang galing sa langit?’” 43 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanila, “Huwag kayong magbulung-bulungan. 44 Walang taong makakalapit sa akin malibang ilapit siya ng Ama na nagsugo sa akin; at siya'y muli kong bubuhayin sa huling araw. 45 Nasusulat sa mga propeta, ‘At tuturuan silang lahat ng Diyos.’ Ang bawat nakarinig at natuto sa Ama ay lumalapit sa akin. 46 Hindi dahil sa mayroong nakakita sa Ama maliban sa kanya na mula sa Diyos. Siya ang nakakita sa Ama.
I HAVE COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN.
Apparently, Jesus looked very ordinary to the Jews. Physically, there was nothing so special in and about Him. Thus, they grumbled upon His claim that He is the bread coming from heaven. They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”
Born in a manger, raised in Nazareth with unknown earthly parents and like his father a carpenter by trade had made His claim doubtful to many.
Even isaiah had described Him as one who;
“had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not “[Isa 53:2b,3]
Blindness was the fundamental problem of the Jews. That, unless they are drawn or taught by the Father, they won’t come, learn and know Him. Paul had attributed Satan as the culprit. He said, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” [2 Cor 4:4]
The devil may veil the truth but for a while. However, the truth will prevail. Jesus is the light and He will shine through. For ‘God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.’[1 John 1:5]. Thus today, for all of us who know Christ, we may say, ‘For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.’[2 Cor 4:6]
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John 6:35-40 ESV
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
35 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, “Ako ang tinapay ng buhay. Ang lumalapit sa akin ay hindi magugutom, at ang sumasampalataya sa akin ay hindi kailanman mauuhaw. 36 Subalit sinabi ko sa inyo na nakita ninyo ako subalit hindi kayo sumasampalataya. 37 Ang lahat ng ibinibigay sa akin ng Ama ay lalapit sa akin; at ang lumalapit sa akin kailanman ay hindi ko itataboy. 38 Sapagkat ako'y bumaba mula sa langit hindi upang gawin ko ang aking sariling kalooban, kundi ang kalooban ng nagsugo sa akin. 39 At ito ang kalooban ng nagsugo sa akin na sa lahat ng ibinigay niya sa akin ay huwag kong iwala ang anuman, kundi muli kong bubuhayin sa huling araw. 40 Sapagkat ito ang kalooban ng aking Ama, na ang bawat nakakakita sa Anak at sa kanya'y sumampalataya ay magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan, at muli ko siyang bubuhayin sa huling araw.”
I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE
Jesus had expressed His first “I am.” Jesus has used the phrase "I AM" in reference to Himself, providing perspective on His mission and His ministry. This is the same reference used by God Himself when he was speaking to Moses from the burning bush in Ex 3:13–14.
Just was the manna from heaven that provided life for the Jews at the wilderness, so did Jesus offer Himself to the spiritually impoverished soul today. He came down from heaven, sent by the Father, so that all that the Father has willed through Him might obtain life. He has explicitly declared that He, Himself, is the One sent by God. That is, eternal life is found only through belief in Him (John 14:6; John 3:36; Acts 4:12).
Jesus used the analogy of food here, depicting the reality of spiritual hunger (Matt 4:4) and spiritual thirst (John 4:13–14) in every man. Saving faith is seen as in partaking food and drink for our physical sustenance. Hence, a person must receive Him volitionally and personally. A mere mental assent or recognition of Christ has no help to a dying soul, has it? Somebody will continue to suffer hunger if he just keep looking at the food without eating it. Acceptance of Christ is an indispensable requisite for these blessings to have any effect, is it not?
Thus Jesus has said, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” As the ‘bread of life’, Jesus is sufficient. To those who are in Christ, Paul said, “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him.” [Col 2:9,10]
You and I need to recognize our hunger and thirst today. Thus, there is blessedness in feeling hungry and thirsty for Jesus has promised us to be filled.[Matt 5:6] Should you and I crave for food when we’re not hungry? Definitely not! O may we feel our spiritual hunger today and find our satisfaction in Christ alone.
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-John 6:28-34 ESV
28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
28 Sinabi nila sa kanya, “Ano ang kailangan naming gawin upang aming magawa ang mga gawa ng Diyos?”29 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanila, “Ito ang gawa ng Diyos na inyong sampalatayanan ang kanyang sinugo.” 30 Sinabi naman nila sa kanya, “Ano ngayon ang tanda na iyong ginagawa na aming makikita upang sumampalataya kami sa iyo? Ano ang iyong ginagawa? 31 Ang aming mga ninuno ay kumain ng manna sa ilang, gaya ng nasusulat, ‘Kanyang binigyan sila ng tinapay na galing sa langit upang kanilang makain.’” 32 Kaya't sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, hindi si Moises ang nagbigay sa inyo ng tinapay na galing sa langit kundi ang aking Ama ang nagbibigay sa inyo ng tunay na tinapay na galing sa langit. 33 Sapagkat ang tinapay ng Diyos ay ang bumababang mula sa langit at nagbibigay ng buhay sa sanlibutan. 34 Sinabi nila sa kanila, “Panginoon, lagi mo kaming bigyan ng tinapay na ito.”
THE TRUE BREAD FROM HEAVEN
After being told to work for the imperishable food, the people ask a question, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” This echoes their preoccupation with rituals, works, and traditions (Rom 10:2–4). Man has the propensity to believe that there is no merit a person could receive without his efforts. But, to work for our salvation is a fallacy.
But, salvation is not earned by any particular good deed. Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” "The work of God," in this context, is merely a restating what the crowd has said. Instead of works, Jesus says, salvation is based on belief, in the ‘One whom God has sent’, that is Himself.
They refused to believe but had asked for more signs indignantly. They challenged Him by asking, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” This was ridiculous for them to demand a miraculous proof—when it was Jesus' miracles which led them to follow Him in the first place!
Most skeptics today are of the same mindset. He who says, "I will believe if God shows me this or that miracle" is, actually, fooling himself not God (Matt 16:4). He who does not wish to believe, prior to a miracle, will not believe, even after a miracle. Saving faith is based on acceptance of God's truth alone, not on any spectacle or emotion. Those who demand a miracle, when they've already been shown ample truth, prove only that they're not really interested in truth, at all (John 6:36).
Moreover, they invoke the provision of bread, in the form of manna, when Israel was in the wilderness under Moses, who they thought was the giver of bread. He was not but God. Their challenge was that Jesus ought to do something more spectacular than Moses if He is to claim to have more authority than the great law giver.
John 6:22-27 ESV
22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
22 Kinabukasan ay nakita ng mga taong nakatayo sa kabilang pampang ng dagat na doo'y walang ibang bangka maliban sa isa. Nakita rin nila na hindi sumakay sa bangka si Jesus na kasama ng kanyang mga alagad, kundi ang kanyang mga alagad lamang ang umalis. 23 Gayunman, may mga bangkang dumating mula sa Tiberias malapit sa pook na kanilang kinainan ng tinapay, pagkatapos na makapagpasalamat ang Panginoon. 24 Nang makita ng mga tao na wala roon si Jesus, o ang kanyang mga alagad man, sumakay sila sa mga bangka at dumating sa Capernaum na hinahanap si Jesus.
25 Nang siya'y kanilang makita sa kabilang pampang ng dagat, kanilang sinabi sa kanya, “Rabi, kailan ka dumating dito?” 26 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, “Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, ako'y inyong hinahanap hindi dahil sa nakakita kayo ng mga tanda, kundi dahil sa kayo'y kumain ng tinapay, at kayo'y nabusog. 27 Huwag kayong magsumikap nang dahil sa pagkaing nasisira, kundi dahil sa pagkaing tumatagal para sa buhay na walang hanggan na ibibigay sa inyo ng Anak ng Tao, sapagkat sa kanya inilagay ng Diyos Ama ang kanyang tatak.”
WORK NOT FOR THE FOOD THAT PERISHES.
The crowds who witnessed Jesus miraculously provide food for them the day before have pursued Him to Capernaum. This was commendable because Jesus had done these miracles in order to encourage them to seek for God.
But sadly, this throng of people wasn’t really seeking God. The people are seeking free food, not spiritual truth. [see John 6:26] But, mere popularity is not what Christ is seeking As soon as Jesus begins to explain that His miracles are only meant to teach them the truth, they lose interest.
Christ will describe how material things fade away, but His real purpose is to give people eternal life. Instead of watering down His message to make people happy, Jesus will thoroughly declare the truth, even though it may costs following of the crowd. This message not only had stalled the crowd, it made them angry, and as a result almost all of them will turn their backs on Jesus.
Christ's dealings here also send an important reminder to us today. We should not attempt to "keep" attendees” with entertainment and hand-outs. Rather, we should use such things as a platform to proclaim the gospel, and then let the Spirit brings conviction. As Paul had said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”[Rom 1:16]
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John 6:16-21 ESV
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
16 Pagsapit ng gabi, lumusong ang kanyang mga alagad sa dagat. 17 Sumakay sila sa isang bangka at pinasimulan nilang tawirin ang dagat hanggang sa Capernaum. Madilim na noon at hindi pa dumarating sa kanila si Jesus. 18 Lumalaki ang mga alon sa dagat dahil sa malakas na hanging humihihip. 19 Nang sila'y makasagwan na ng may lima hanggang anim na kilometro ay kanilang nakita si Jesus na lumalakad sa ibabaw ng dagat at papalapit sa bangka. Sila'y natakot, 20 subalit sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ako ito; huwag kayong matakot.” 21 Kaya't malugod siyang tinanggap nila sa bangka at kaagad na dumating ang bangka sa lupang kanilang patutunguhan.
WALKING ON THE WAVES
It was Jesus’ who commanded them to get into the boat and sail to the other side of the lake. And the storm came. While Jonah met a storm because of his disobedience, they had experienced the storm because of their obedience. Jonah had a storm of correction while the disciples had the storm of perfection. Obedience does not always produce comfort, does it? In fact, there are times when following God's will could mean experiencing direct opposition from the world (Acts 5:27–33). Surely, there is a purpose to trials. But, we can always rest assured that God is watching over His own all the time (Psa 146:9).
Certainly, the storm was so strong for them to handle. And if not for Jesus’ intervention, they would had been despaired of life. According to the account of Mark, Christ is watching them during their struggle (Mark 6:45–48) God wants us to be weaned from our confidence to our own abilities, power and experience. What dishonors God the most is our pride and self confidence. He does resist the proud, doesn’t He? [1 Pet 5:6]
As Jesus walked on water, they thought He was a ghost. Interestingly, they fear most of the image than the waves. And, they feared the very person who they needed for the simple reason of ignorance. Had they known it was Jesus, they shouldn’t had feared. Faith and fear depend upon our knowledge of God or not.
It should be noted that the ‘waves’ that intimidate them were Christ footstool. Today, we may not be intimidated by the challenges of our lives like since we know Jesus can utilize it for His glory.
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John 6:8-14 ESV
8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”
8 Si Andres, na kapatid ni Simon Pedro, isa sa kanyang mga alagad ay nagsabi sa kanya, 9 “May isang batang lalaki rito na mayroong limang tinapay na sebada at dalawang isda, subalit gaano na ang mga ito sa ganito karaming mga tao?” 10 Sinabi ni Jesus, “Paupuin ninyo ang mga tao.” Madamo sa dakong iyon, kaya't umupo ang mga lalaki na may limang libo ang bilang. 11 Kinuha ni Jesus ang mga tinapay at nang makapagpasalamat ay ipinamahagi niya sa mga nakaupo. Binigyan din sila ng mga isda hanggang gusto nila. 12 Nang sila'y mabusog ay sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, “Tipunin ninyo ang mga pinagputul-putol na lumabis upang walang anumang masayang.” 13 Kaya't kanilang tinipon ang mga ito at nakapuno ng labindalawang kaing ng mga pinagputul-putol na limang tinapay na sebada na lumabis sa mga kumain. 14 Nang makita ng mga tao ang tandang ginawa niya ay kanilang sinabi, “Totoong ito nga ang propeta na darating sa sanlibutan.”
THE LEFTOVER FRAGMENTS
It was Andrew who spotted a boy having five barley loaves and two fishes among the multitude. Again, he became a blessing by introducing the unnamed boy to Jesus just as he introduced Peter to Jesus.
Our God is inexhaustible. “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now, this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given because Jesus was not yet glorified. [John 7:37-39]
Christ knows what He was doing. He had not just met barely enough their needs. Each person was given as much as he wanted so that everyone had eaten their fill. Moreover, there were 12 baskets leftover fragments. Jesus made a statement of what He could do. From nothing, Jesus made their situation into a place of overflowing. In Christ is life’s spiritual abundance.[see John 10:10]
Our God is inexhaustible. “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. [John 7:37-39]
Paul has declared, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”[Eph 3:20] In Christ, there is fullness indeed.
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John 6:1-7 ESV
After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.”
Pagkatapos ng mga bagay na ito, pumunta si Jesus sa kabilang pampang ng dagat ng Galilea, na siya ring Dagat ng Tiberias. 2 Sumusunod sa kanya ang napakaraming tao sapagkat nakita nila ang mga tanda na ginagawa niya sa mga maysakit. 3 Umakyat si Jesus sa bundok at doo'y naupo siya na kasama ng kanyang mga alagad. 4 Malapit na noon ang Paskuwa na pista ng mga Judio. 5 Itinanaw ni Jesus ang kanyang mga mata, at nang makita niya ang napakaraming taong lumalapit sa kanya ay sinabi niya kay Felipe, “Saan tayo makakabili ng tinapay, upang makakain ang mga taong ito?” 6 Ito'y sinabi niya upang siya'y subukin sapagkat nalalaman niya sa kanyang sarili kung ano ang gagawin niya. 7 Sumagot sa kanya si Felipe, “Hindi magkakasiya sa kanila ang dalawang daang denariong tinapay, upang makakain ng kaunti ang bawat isa.”
WHERE ARE WE TO BUY BREAD?
For the miracles He did, Jesus became popular and had gained more curious followers. Multitudes were coming to Him at the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As He saw them late afternoon at this deserted place, Jesus asked His disciple Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?”
Definitely, the compassion of Christ was in display. Instead of driving them away, He thought of how to feed them. He took responsibility in how to meet their needs. Do we look at people as burdens to bear or bundles of joy to bless? Do we look at them as sheep to shepherd or scare away?
Certainly, Jesus did not ask the question because He did not know what to do. This was meant as a test of their faith (John 6:6). At the other Gospels , the initial reaction of the disciples was to attempt to ignore the problem entirely (Mark 6:36). Jesus' response, as expressed later (John 6:11), has confronted their common error of considering first the human effort, rather than appealing to God to handle the results.
Philip had focused on a financial solution towards the problem. If one denarius is a day's labor, two hundred denarii, then is a common man's pay for 200 days. For this amount, the crowd, numbering five thousand men, excluding the women and children were there—would pathetically just buy bread to give each one a taste. Sarcastic or not, his calculations in attempting to feed so many people is impractical, even impossible, since it would require a huge amount of money.
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John 5:37-47 ESV
For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
HIS WORKS AND WORDS
The Bible never calls on anyone to express "blind faith," which is belief without evidence. Jesus has provided exactly what the Jewish legal system required. Namely, three witnesses to support a claim (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6). Thus, aside from the human witness of John the Baptist, Jesus added that His works and words were witnesses too that proved His claim as the Son of God.
The miracles that Jesus did were powerful evidences that He is divine. Yet, they still refused to recognize him. Thy search the Scriptures but they refuse to recognize that He is the prophesied Messiah. After His resurection, He clearly explained that the scriptures is all about Him. He said, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”[Luke 24:27] Jesus wont accuse them before the Father, but Moses, that is, his writings would condemn them someday.
However strong are these testimonies, they’re lost on Jesus' critics. According to Jesus, these men have never heard the voice of God. They certainly knew the words and letters of the Law, so how is it possible that they didn't recognize Jesus?
The answer is in one human beings naturally reject, but which experience tells us is true: "knowledge" is not the same as "faith." James, for example, makes the point that merely knowing about God is not the same as having saving faith in God (James 2:14, 19) Evidences won't necessarily produce obedience or trust.
They are more interested in their own traditions (Matthew 15:6), power (John 11:48), and prestige (John 9:34) than the truth. So, even though they've been given all the evidence they need (John 9:41), they do not—they will not—believe (John 5:40)
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John 5:30-35 ESV
30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John.
30 “Hindi ako makakagawa ng anuman mula sa aking sarili. Humahatol ako ayon sa aking naririnig, at ang paghatol ko'y matuwid, sapagkat hindi ko hinahanap ang aking sariling kalooban kundi ang kalooban ng nagsugo sa akin. 31 Kung ako'y nagpapatotoo para sa aking sarili, ang patotoo ko ay hindi totoo. 32 Iba ang nagpapatotoo para sa akin at alam ko na ang patotoo niya para sa akin ay totoo. 33 Kayo'y nagpadala ng sugo kay Juan, at siya'y nagpatotoo sa katotohanan. 34 Hindi sa tinatanggap ko ang patotoong mula sa tao, subalit sinasabi ko ang mga bagay na ito upang kayo'y maligtas. 35 Siya ang ilawang nagniningas at lumiliwanag, at ninais ninyong kayo'y magalak sumandali sa kanyang liwanag. 36 Subalit mayroon akong patotoo na lalong dakila kaysa kay Juan. Ang mga gawaing ibinigay sa akin ng aking Ama upang ganapin, ang mga gawaing ito na aking ginagawa ay nagpapatotoo tungkol sa akin na ako'y sinugo ng Ama.
THE HUMAN WITNESS
There are unknown things that only Jesus and God know.[Deut 29:29] Jesus said, ““Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.”[John 8:14]
But, there are truths known because they are revealed by Jesus. But, for truth to be accepted, it must be substantiated, must it not? Two or three witnesses were needed to consider something reliable (Deut 17:6; Num 35:30). Jesus does not appeal to "blind faith," or naked trust, when He is challenged. On the contrary, He recognizes the need for evidence (John 5:31, 34) so that He provided even examples.
The first witness is John the Baptist. Earlier, the Pharisees had sent investigators to him. True to his calling, he had pointed those men away from himself and towards the Promised One, would later make clear was Jesus (John 1:19 –31).
Jesus acknowledges that "John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light."[v.35 NIV] Here, Jesus refers him as "a" light, somewhat like a moon which only reflects” The true light is Jesus. That is, John's entire purpose was to point people towards Jesus (John 1:8–9).
Today, Jesus has been testified by the countless witnesses. As Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The Spirit has been producing ‘witnesses’ , that is martyrs for Christ. That is, people know that Jesus is real by the transformed lives of His people. If people, especially the disciples, did sacrifice their lives for Jesus, He must be true. One won’t die for a liar.
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John 5:25-29 ESV
25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
25 Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, dumarating ang oras at ngayon na nga, na maririnig ng patay ang tinig ng Anak ng Diyos at ang makarinig ay mabubuhay. 26 Sapagkat kung paanong ang Ama ay may buhay sa kanyang sarili, ay pinagkalooban din niya ang Anak na magkaroon ng buhay sa kanyang sarili. 27 At siya'y binigyan niya ng kapangyarihang humatol sapagkat siya'y Anak ng Tao. 28 Huwag ninyong ipagtaka ito, sapagkat dumarating ang oras na ang lahat ng nasa libingan ay makakarinig ng kanyang tinig, 29 at magsisilabas, ang mga gumawa ng mabuti ay tungo sa pagkabuhay na muli sa buhay, at ang mga gumawa ng masama ay tungo sa pagkabuhay na muli sa kahatulan.
POWER OVER DEATH UNTO LIFE
Due to Adam’s fall, everyone of us is dead before God. Paul said, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”[Rom 5:12] Unless God won’t take the initiative, man by himself is hopeless before God. We are doomed as captives to the enemy are as Paul described, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”[Eph 2:1-3]
But, Jesus came in order to ignite hope. The time has come that ‘the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.’ Jesus is the life [John 1:4; John 14:6] He and the Father are both the giver and judge of everyone’s life.[John 3:16]
It should be noted that the title ‘Son of Man’ carries great weight in the Jewish worldview. Daniel 7:13–14 presents a vision of a Promised One, in the form of a man, but with all the power and authority of God. This figure is referred to as "one like a son of man," and this phrase was commonly used as a reference to the Messiah. When used in this kind of context, the phrase "Son of Man" is not just a claim to power, but to prophecy and divinity.
Sadly, many Jews won’t accept His message. They accuse Him of blasphemy, for maintaining that He is neither the Messiah, nor the Son of God.
Man, having been condemned in sin already[John 3:36] is spiraling down to the abyss of eternal judgment in hell. But, God in His love had provided a detour. Jesus is the way out. Didn’t He promise that He is only way, truth and life to the Father?[John 14:6] Nobody could escape, enroute back to God apart from Jesus. Man has arrived to the fork of the road whereby he has given the opportunity to choose either Jesus or remain in his state of death.
Someday, everyone, for all dead will be resurrected, will meet Him at the final judgment day.[see Rev 20:11–15] Thus He said, “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”
John 5:19-24 ESV
19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
ONE WITH THE FATHER
When Jesus says, "truly, truly I say to you"—He is claiming to know these things firsthand, personally, and directly. The relationship between Jesus, the Son, and God, the Father, is one of perfect harmony. In this extended discussion Jesus explained to the religious leaders some of the nature of His relationship and work with God the Father.
The problem facing the Pharisees and Sadducees was spiritual blindness (Matt 23:17). This blindness created a wall of separation between them and God. Consequently, their actions and attitudes did not reflect but had contradicted the purpose and plan of God.
Jesus, on the other hand, is in a state of communion with God. Firstly, His actions are identical to the will of God.(John 5:19,20). The signs and wonders He did were done in accordance with the will of the Father. He said, “For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.”[v.21]
Secondly, both Father and Son are one in judgment. He said, “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” [v.22] He the power of divine judgment. This same thought will be repeated in verse 27. Since God's sovereignty includes the right to judge all things [Gen 18:25], Jesus has the right to issue verdicts as God the Father sanctions. This is a foreshadowing to Christ's eventual judgment of all mankind (Rev 20:11–15).
Thirdly, he is honored as the Father. “All may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him”[v.23]. Since Jesus is owed the same honor as the Father, no one who reject the Son—Jesus Christ—and claim to be right with the Father. This aligns the claim that He is the one and only way to be reconciled with God (John 3:16, 36; 14:6). Both calling Jesus only as one of many ways to God and lowering Him to somebody less than divine, like calling Him a "good teacher" will dishonor Him.
In summary, as one with the Father, those who believe Christ has believed the Father as well. He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” [v.24] Conversely, he who rejects the Son do reject the Father as well. Thereby, they will remain in death and will receive the judgment .
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John 5:15-18 ESV
15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
15 Umalis ang lalaki at ibinalita sa mga Judio na si Jesus ang nagpagaling sa kanya. 16 Dahil dito'y inusig ng mga Judio si Jesus sapagkat ginagawa niya ang mga bagay na ito sa araw ng Sabbath. 17 Subalit sinagot sila ni Jesus, “Hanggang ngayo'y patuloy sa paggawa ang aking Ama, at ako'y patuloy rin sa paggawa.” 18 Dahil dito ay lalong pinagsikapan ng mga Judio na siya'y patayin sapagkat hindi lamang nilabag niya ang araw ng Sabbath, kundi tinatawag din na kanyang sariling Ama ang Diyos, at ginagawa ang sarili niya na kapantay ng Diyos.
EQUALITY WITH GOD
Like the Samaritan woman, the healed man left after his meeting Jesus and told the Jews about Him. It’s quite strange and sad that they persecuted Jesus for doing good because it was Sabbath. Let’s beware not to fall into an attitude of bigotry and useless dogmatism.
In answer to His critics, Jesus claims not only that God is His Father, but that He is working just as God is working. They understood exactly what He was implying. That is, the work He is doing is equivalent to the work done by God. This claim had added more fuel to their already angered heart. His violation to their traditional views of the Sabbath was enough reason for His persecution. Moreover, Jesus has even raised the stakes further. They sought to kill Him because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. If that's not true, it's blasphemy. This fueled more anger among the Jews.
The Son of Man is the lord of the Sabbath. [Matt 12:8] There is no wonder that He is not bound with days and traditions. He has authority for He is divine. Later in another encounter, the Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”[John 10:31-33]
John 5:9b-14 ESV
Now that day was the Sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.”
Noon nga'y araw ng Sabbath. 10 Kaya't sinabi ng mga Judio sa taong pinagaling, “Ngayo'y araw ng Sabbath, at hindi ipinahihintulot na buhatin mo ang iyong higaan.” 11 Ngunit sila'y sinagot niya, “Ang nagpagaling sa akin ang siyang nagsabi sa akin, ‘Buhatin mo ang iyong higaan, at lumakad ka.’” 12 Siya'y kanilang tinanong, “Sino ang taong nagsabi sa iyo, ‘Buhatin mo ang iyong higaan at lumakad ka?’” 13 Ngunit hindi nakilala ng taong pinagaling kung sino iyon, sapagkat si Jesus ay umalis na sa maraming tao na naroroon. 14 Pagkatapos ay natagpuan siya ni Jesus sa templo, at sinabi sa kanya, “Tingnan mo, ikaw ay gumaling na; huwag ka nang magkasala, baka may mangyari pa sa iyo na lalong masama.”
SIN NO MORE
The man’s healing had caused a stir when he rolled his mat and walked away. The Jews had apprehended and reprimanded him, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” When John uses the Greek term Ioudaioi, translated as "the Jews," he is referring to the spiritual leaders of Jerusalem, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees. It’s strange that these people were too legalistic that they were not happy that the miserable man could walk after 38 years of being invalid. Let’s beware of legalism.
The man seemed not to care. Didn’t he blame Jesus who he did not know by saying, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” His healing happened even by just believing a stranger’s command. He met Jesus in a brief moment. There was no introduction of who Jesus was. And after his healing, Jesus mingled with the crowd unnoticed.
Then, they met again at the temple. In this second meeting, Jesus commanded him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” Perhaps his disability was the result of ungodly personal choices. At the same time, Jesus may simply be reminding the man that there are worse things than being crippled, including the eternal penalties of sin (Luke 12:4–5). Simply said, he was healed to live for God. Physical healing is not the most important thing but our spiritual healing.
Let’s not forget that God’s blessings given unto us are our promptings to live a holy life for Him. His goodness should lead us to repentance. [Rom 2:4]
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John 5:1-9 ESV
After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
DO YOU WANT TO BE HEALED?
The Pool of Bethesda with five roofed porches—colonnades—it would have been a popular shelter from the sun. It was also very close to the temple, making it an ideal gathering place for beggars to sit, hoping for charity.
The number of people seeking healing here as "a multitude." Jesus' choice of him—among all of the many people made it a very interesting one. Is the Christian life about the spectacular? This miracle of healing a man crippled for nearly forty years would have made quite a dramatic example of His divine power. There would have been no doubt that the cure was supernatural. These "signs" are neither familiar nor common. An important note is that the gospel is not about physical health—it is a matter of eternal life.
Definitely, this guy for having been suffering for 38 years has had a lifetime of suffering considering the short life expectancy during the time. Was his disability a result of some personal sin? an injury, or a disease? We can only speculate. Perhaps Jesus chose him because of the length of time he'd been suffering. He must have been known for having frequented area which made his healing hard to ignore by most.
“Do you want to be healed?” is an interesting question of Jesus. Was He asking for confirmation: "Would you like me to make you well?" Or, was He challenging his seemingly apathetic and indifferent attitude, "Do you even want to be healed?" Interesting and quite puzzling, his answer was not a "yes." Details are scarce but there are reasons to think this man might not have wanted to be healed. Rather, it's a shift of blame onto others. Later, he did the same when confronted about carrying his mat on a Sabbath day (John 5:11).
Has he simply given up hope, or if he's actually not particularly interested in getting well.? Human beings have a habit, at times, of rejecting solutions to their problems, because they are preferring the pity of others over doing the right thing. Sadly, many act in the same way of justifying sins rather than facing it.
Moreover, he has made no requests of Jesus whatsoever even when Jesus asked him (John 5:6). In contrast to the official who wanted healing for his son, he was persistent in asking Jesus for it. And his healing was likewise spontaneous as Jesus commanded him "get up and walk", was it not? This was a clear manifestation that the man was completely and fully healed.
Jesus' act of healing had presented some cultural problems. However, this event is taking place on the Sabbath (John 5:9). Thus, it angered the Pharisees for carrying one's mat (or cot, or pallet) was a form of work, and all work was strictly forbidden in the tradition in keeping Sabbath day.
John 4:43-54 ESV
43 After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast.
46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. 51 As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.
HIS WORD IS ENOUGH
Many Galilleans believed Him, especially the pilgrims who went for the feast at jerusalem. They saw what Jesus did at the temple. Man, by nature has the propensity to only believe if the evidence is convincing. To see I to believe. He went back to Galillee as a popular guy.
He must be welcomed at Cana where he turned water into wine. This time, he proceeded to Capernaum to do another miracle. A desperate official was pleading Him to heal his sick and dying son. Jesus had checked his heart by asking, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” Signs and wonders that He did had attracted so many people. But, for the wrong and selfish reasons. Jesus point in doing miracles was to authenticate His message and claim as the Messiah.
The official’s idea was for Jesus to come and visit his son in in order to heal him person. Jesus must come quickly, otherwise his son will die. But, His “thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways my ways” [Isa 55:8] Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” His word was enough and the official believed Him.
As he went back home, he met his servants. Obviously, they were so excited to tell him that his son had recovered. He learned from them his son got healed at same the time Jesus told him to go back and see his son alive. As, Mary said to the servants during the wedding at Cana, “Do whatever he tells you.”, the water turned into wine. Miracles happen upon our obedience to His words. Whatever Jesus says, that settles it.
At one instance, the disciples were full of amazement that the unfruitful fig tree died as Jesus said it would. The next day when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”[Matt 21:20] In short, whatever He says are true and would happen.
Thus, let’s pay attention to His words. Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”[John 6:63] He even claimed, “ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”[Matt 24:35]
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John 4:39-42 ESV
39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
39 At marami sa mga Samaritano sa lunsod na iyon ang sumampalataya sa kanya dahil sa sinabi ng babae, na nagpatotoo, “Sinabi niya sa akin ang lahat ng mga bagay na aking ginawa.” 40 Kaya nang dumating sa kanya ang mga Samaritano, nakiusap sila sa kanya na manatili sa kanila; at siya'y nanatili roon ng dalawang araw. 41 At marami pang sumampalataya sa kanya dahil sa kanyang salita. 42 Sinabi nila sa babae, “Ngayo'y sumampalataya kami, hindi dahil sa iyong sinabi, sapagkat kami mismo ay nakarinig at nalalaman naming ito nga ang Tagapagligtas ng sanlibutan.”
THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD
A satisfied heart is a sharing heart. And a joyful heart is a serving heart. Undoubtedly, the Samaritan woman was bubbling with joy as she shared her testimony to the people at the town. Her sharing was centered on Jesus being an all knowing God. She wasn’t ashamed to admit that every sin she did Jesus’ knew. Simply put, she became very real and transparent to share openly about her sins having been forgiven.
This is true freedom that Jesus was talking about. Jesus claims;
““The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”[Luke 4:18-19]
The people were so excited so that they asked her to stay for two days. How I wish people today will be pleading for preachers to preach for two minutes more, even not for two days! Aside from John the Baptist, she stood out as one of the best preacher in town. They were drawn to Jesus by her testimony. Not a few. But, many souls.
Today, let’s glory in the gospel alone like the Samaritan woman. As Paul said, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” [Gal 6:14]
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John 4:35-38 ESV
35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
35 Hindi ba sinasabi ninyo, ‘May apat na buwan pa at darating na ang pag-aani?’ Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo, masdan ninyo ang inyong paligid at inyong tingnan ang mga bukid na mapuputi na upang anihin. 36 Ang umaani ay tumatanggap ng upa, at nagtitipon ng bunga para sa buhay na walang hanggan, upang ang naghahasik at ang umaani ay magkasamang magalak. 37 Sapagkat dito'y totoo ang kasabihan, ‘Isa ang naghahasik, at iba ang umaani.’ 38 Kayo'y sinugo ko upang anihin ang hindi ninyo pinagpaguran; iba ang nagpagod at kayo'y pumasok sa kanilang pinagpaguran.”
THE FIELDS ARE WHITE FOR HARVEST
Jesus has called His disciples as laborers [farmers] in His harvest-field. Raising wheat or barley is a process of long preparation, planting and cultivating, then the harvest. Farmers are noted of being patient. “The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” [James 5:7] Jesus has recognized our propensity to wait, as farmers do for the harvest to come. They are looking for signs about the physical characteristics of the grain.
However, the harvest is real and abundant. It’s here and now according to Jesus. The problem isn’t the harvest. But, we haven’t lifted our eyes. How can we see if we don’t go and see them? We wait for so long because we couldn’t believe Jesus’ words. We won’t see the harvest if we sit at our rocking chairs and are waiting for some visions. It won’t happen. Unless, you and I are like the predicament of Paul, who was busy on the road to preach the good news. Paul’s eyes was going for Asia when God gave him a vison. A man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” [Acts 16:9]
Information is inspiration. We must see the harvest-field by our naked eyes. Let us go out from our comfort zones and step out and see God’s work. It’s His work in and through His people. We are benefiting each other in God’s vineyard. Nobody could claim for it’s His working. As Jesus has said, “Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
This was echoed by Paul, who writes, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.”[1 Cor 3:7-9]
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John 4:31-34 ESV
31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
31 Samantala, hinimok siya ng kanyang mga alagad, “Rabi, kumain ka.” 32 Subalit sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ako'y may pagkain na hindi ninyo nalalaman.” 33 Kaya't sinabi ng mga alagad sa isa't isa, “May nagdala kaya sa kanya ng pagkain?” 34 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, “Ang pagkain ko ay ang gawin ang kalooban ng nagsugo sa akin at tapusin ang kanyang gawain.
MY FOOD IS TO DO HIS WILL.
Hunger and thirst are involuntary physiological traits that are marks of a healthy individual, are they not? Jesus was exhausted and thirsty. The reason why He asked the Samaritan woman for a drink. He approached her as needy. However, we learned later that He satisfied the spiritual thirst of the Samaritan woman.
The lady forgot her physical thirst. He ran to the city leaving her water pots to tell everyone about Jesus. Likewise, Jesus did not feel hungry anymore. When given food by His disciples, He seemed not to care for the physical food by saying, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” The disciples thought he had eaten already. Thus they asked, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?”
Definitely, Jesus’ sense of fullness or satisfaction isn’t what fills his stomach. Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” In contrast, the false teachers are focused on material gain, are they not? Paul said, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”[Phil 3:19] At one time Jesus had pointed out this wrong pursuit of people for physical bread, by saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”[John 6:26-27]
What satisfies you the most today? The things of this world are means for us to serve God. You can’t love both. They are meant for our enjoyment in glorifying God through it’s use. But it’s never meant to be loved. “ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”[1 John 2:15-17]
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John 4:15-30 ESV
15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” 28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.
I AM HE
The woman asked Him for the living water. Immediately, he asked her to call her husband? For what reason? This lady had been living in sin for she had hopped from one man unto the fifth she is living with at the moment. Although, she lied but Jesus knew it for He knew all men. Simply said, she must confess of all her sins and forsake them.
And she did by saying, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.” She was aware that she needed to worship God. But, for her God was limited by space. The Jews should only worship in Jerusalem and the Samaritan in Gerizem. How many of us had been ruined by the divisiveness of organized religion? Confused but hopeful, she said, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”
Thank God for Jesus has clearly declared, “I who speak to you am he.” Her discovery was too good to be kept to herself alone. She left her waterpots and went to town and proclaimed Jesus. Was she not thirsty before. Definitely, her thirst was overruled by joy. She was filled, was she not? Knowing Jesus indeed is enough. As Paul said, “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”[Col 2:9,10]
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John 4:1-15 ESV
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
THE LIVING WATER
Jesus has to escape from the Pharisees in Judea so that he fled to Galilee. He must passed by Samaria. And at the well at Sychar, he rested at noon time. Was it a coincidence that the Samaritan woman came to fetch water and met Him there?
Wearied and tired, Jesus asked her for a drink. But, he did it to spark a conversation. It’s an amazing truth that in the grander scheme, Jesus took the initiative to become weak in order to reach sinners like us. Nobody has gone up to heaven but He came down. [John 1:1,14]
The Samaritan woman was evasive. But, Jesus had His wits to win by sparking her interest about Himself. He challenged her to ask Him for the living water. She thought Jesus was either bluffing or bragging, so she asked, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.”[v.11,12] It is understandable. Jesus was a stranger to her.
Jesus revealed the truth to her by saying, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” [v.13] Again, He said this on the day of His arrest, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”[John 7:37-38]
There was no way she would know until Jesus told her the truth. And, ‘faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.’[Rom 10:17] She then responded, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”[v.15] The woman may not had understood His statement as yet. But, she acknowledged she was thirsty and tired. Do we? The rigours and challenges of life do cause weariness to our soul, don’t they? Jesus knew that that man is searching for something that can quench his thirst. Until the end of time, Jesus through the Spirit is appealing us, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”[Rev 22:17]
- Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Narito, ako'y gagawa ng isang bagong bagay;
ngayon iyon ay lalabas; hindi ba ninyo malalaman iyon?
Gagawa ako ng daan sa ilang,
at ng mga ilog sa disyerto.
A NEW THING
A blessed New Year to All!
We do progress because of the promises of God, don’t we? God’s promises are our hope igniters. We left 2021 as one coming out through the door, stepping into the open space unknown – 2022. In our hands is the open book to guide us like a compass in order for us not to wander at the maze of life.
There is a need of leaving. Being stuck in the past can keep us from anticipating the new thing God wants us to experience. If Israel stayed stuck in the familiar and comfort zone, they would never look for the new thing of release from exile. Babylon should be their home in the next 70 years. As God said through Jeremiah, ““Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”[Jer 29:4-7] It would be very hard to leave when things are doing fine at Babylon. Then, they have to start a new start in the Promise Land.
It requires faith to actualize God’s promise. God is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. However, it may not be perceivable at the beginning. God had divided the Red Sea so that the Jews walked in a dry ground. But, what if the water would only split when the feet are wet as Jordan split when the feet of the priests carrying the ark, touched the water.
Let’s remember this New Year 2022 that the just always walks by faith and not by sight.
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John 3:31-36
31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
31 Ang nanggagaling sa itaas ay mataas sa lahat, ang galing sa lupa ay taga-lupa nga, at nagsasalita tungkol sa mga bagay sa lupa; ang nanggagaling sa langit ay mataas sa lahat. 32 Nagpapatotoo siya ng kanyang nakita at narinig, ngunit walang taong tumatanggap ng kanyang patotoo. 33 Ang tumatanggap ng kanyang patotoo ay nagpapatunay dito na ang Diyos ay totoo. 34 Sapagkat siya na sinugo ng Diyos ay nagsasalita ng mga salita ng Diyos, sapagkat hindi niya sinusukat ang pagbibigay niya ng Espiritu. 35 Minamahal ng Ama ang Anak at inilagay sa kanyang kamay ang lahat ng mga bagay. 36 Ang sumasampalataya sa Anak ay may buhay na walang hanggan; ngunit ang hindi sumusunod sa Anak ay hindi makakakita ng buhay, kundi ang poot ng Diyos ay nananatili sa kanya.
HE IS ABOVE ALL
Only Jesus has come from Heaven (John 3:13) And, only those who believe His message can be saved (John 3:18). He has the only true testimony. This word translated "testimony" is martureo, which means "to report," or "to affirm," in the same sense that a person's statement in court is called their "testimony." The apostle John uses this term very often, more than 30 times in this gospel, and 40 times overall.
Jesus brought revelation which is far superior than any other teacher, or any other may claim. Sadly, many despised Him and His message. However, those who do accept Jesus are accepting God (John 3:16). This leads to eternal life, as well as spiritual relationship and growth (John 1:12). He even came in the power of the Spirit.[John 16:9,10] A person cannot truly understand spiritual things without this salvation (1 Cor 2:14). Repeatedly, the Bible explains that the only way to be saved is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; 3:36; 3:18).
Yes, the Father loves the Son as the relationship of the Godhead ever is. Yet, he did not spare but gave Him for us. [Rom 8:32, 5:8] Thus, believing and rejecting Him mean receiving eternal life and eternal wrath from God, respectively.[see v.18]
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John 3:22-30 ESV
22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).
25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
HE MUST INCREASE; I MUST DECREASE
John the Baptist was named for he was baptizing others. However, baptism neither originate with him or with Christians. Jews practiced baptism as a traditional act of purification and the initiation of converts to Judaism long before the coming of the Messiah. The act may not be necessarily called “baptism,” it does highlight how important and holy ceremonial (and practical) cleansing is to God.
John the Baptist’s “baptism of repentance” (Matt 3:11, Luke 3:3; Acts 19:4) has followed this paradigm of cleansing. It was a symbolic representation of changing one’s mind and going a new direction. “Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River” (Matt 3:6). Being baptized by John demonstrated a recognition of one’s sin, a desire for spiritual cleansing, and a commitment to follow God’s law in anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival. For, the ultimate cleansing from sin is only available through Christ.
Thus, John’s baptism was the foreshadowing of Christ and His sacrifice at the cross. The significance of baptism as a New Testament ceremony is that, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are baptized into His death (Rom 6:3) and raised to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4 KJV). The Lord taught the significance of baptism to the extent that He Himself was baptized by John the Baptist at the start of His ministry (Mark 1:9).
His ministry had bewildered many, especially the religious leaders. Thus, they came to ask and inquire, “"Rabbi, the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, about whom you testified--see, he is baptizing, and everyone is flocking to him!"[v.26 NET] Probably, this meant He was gaining more than the Baptist was, or that people were leaving the Baptist to follow Jesus instead. And, since this was never about him in the first place, John is happy. As in a wedding, the focus isn’t on him the best man but on Jesus, the bridegroom. His ministry is owed to God. Thus, we shouldn't be angry or frustrated when others seem more successful; God is ultimately the one in control (1 Cor 3:1–9). Peopleshould be moving on from his ministry, and becoming disciples of Jesus. His goal was to lead people to follow Jesus. Likewise the point of ministry is not to make the minister look good, but to help others follow Jesus. At some point, those people should grow and mature in Christ.
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John 3:19-21 ESV
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
19 At ito ang kahatulan, na naparito ang ilaw sa sanlibutan, at inibig pa ng mga tao ang kadiliman kaysa ilaw sapagkat ang kanilang mga gawa ay masasama.20 Sapagkat ang bawat isa na gumagawa ng masama ay napopoot sa ilaw, at hindi lumalapit sa ilaw, upang ang kanyang mga gawa ay huwag malantad.21 Subalit ang gumagawa ng katotohanan ay lumalapit sa ilaw, upang malinaw na mahayag na ang kanyang mga gawa ay naaayon sa Diyos.”
COME TO THE LIGHT.
John writes, “In him [Christ] was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” [John 1:4,5] Simply said, Christ the life [John 14:6] is an attractive light.
And, two groups of people are known by his reaction to the light just as there are nocturnaland non-nocturnal animals. Firstly, “everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” They are like nocturnal animals that hide away from the beam of light. The simple reason is that they loved darkness. They enjoy wickedness in all its forms. They suppress the truth. [Rom 1:18] “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”[Rom 1:21] Light reveals truth, and exposes what was hidden. They look for ways to avoid living as though life has no meaning, but recognize that with no God there is no legitimate meaning to life.
However, the true believers, like the non-nocturnal animals, loves the light. They "practices the truth," or "does what is true," or "lives by truth." This is the product of the Spirit’s transforming power. We loved darkness until His grace has transformed us. As Paul articulated, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” [Eph 2:1-5]
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John 3:17-18 ESV
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
17 Sapagkat hindi sinugo ng Diyos ang Anak sa sanlibutan upang hatulan ang sanlibutan, kundi upang ang sanlibutan ay maligtas sa pamamagitan niya.18 Ang sumasampalataya sa kanya ay hindi hinahatulan; ngunit ang hindi sumasampalataya ay hinatulan na, sapagkat hindi siya sumampalataya sa pangalan ng tanging Anak ng Diyos.
HE CAME TO SAVE AND NOT TO CONDEMN
Contrary to the belief of many, God isn’t like an angry ogre, who needs to be appeased. Yes, everything centers in God but He is neither eccentric nor egotistical. That, God can’t overlook our sins God is so loving so that He doesn’t want to judge sinful men. We deserve to be punished but He saw us also as helpless without His mercy. Thus, He withdrew His judgment upon us and inflict it to His Son, who substituted for us at the cross.
Christ’s primary purpose in His coming is to save us and not to condemn us. Thus, His sacrifice at the cross is the perfect payment for our sins. “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”[1 John 2:2] He endured the fullness of the wrath of God as the appropriate consequence for our sins. As Peter writes, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” [1 Pet 3:18]
God doesn't want to see anyone destroyed, does He? (Eze18:23–32). Rather, He would prefer that everyone be saved (2 Pet 3:9; 1 Tim 2:4). This salvation is offered to "the world," a phrase this verse uses three times. This Greek word ‘kosmos’ oftentimes refers to the God-hating system of human society. But here, it means "all people." Salvation is through Christ—and nothing else. The offer of salvation is for everyone, but only those who accept it will actually be saved.
However, He won’t override the dignity of our choices as somebody pulling the carabao to the river but couldn’t force the carabao to drink. Under such circumstance, should the carabao die of thirst, the blame is on her. Likewise, those who do not believe Him are "condemned already” by the veritable offer of free salvation. It’s only God's love and patience that cause Him to delay His judgment (2 Peter 3:9)
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John 3:14-16 ESV
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
14 Kung paanong itinaas ni Moises sa ilang ang ahas, kailangan din namang itaas ang Anak ng Tao; 15 upang ang sinumang sumampalataya sa kanya ay magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan. 16 Sapagkat gayon na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan na ibinigay niya ang kanyang tanging Anak, upang ang sinumang sa kanya'y sumampalataya ay huwag mapahamak kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.
LOOK AND LIVE
Have you noticed that generally people are complainers despite to God’s goodness? We are no different than the Jews, as they travelled towards the Promised land. According to Num 21:4,5, “From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.”
For this, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. [Num 21:6] The wages of sin is death. [Rom 6:23]
God’s judgment had brought fear. They pleaded for God through Moses in desperation for the consequence to their sins was too great to ignore. “And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.”
So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.” Their deliverance was purely by the grace of God. God has provided the cure. And it was so simple. Those who are bitten by the serpent just needed to look unto the lifted bronze serpent image and they would be healed.
Similarly, all of us, because of the fall, are poisoned by the venom of sin, are we not. “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” [Rom 5:12]. We are hopeless if not for God who loves us unconditionally. Like the bronze serpent, we can receive eternal life by believing Christ. As John declared, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”[John 3:16]
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Isaiah 9:6 ESV
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Sapagkat sa atin ay ipinanganak ang isang bata,
sa atin ay ibinigay ang isang anak na lalaki;
at ang pamamahala ay maaatang sa kanyang balikat;
at ang kanyang pangalan ay tatawaging
“Kamanghamanghang Tagapayo, Makapangyarihang Diyos,
Walang hanggang Ama, Prinsipe ng Kapayapaan.”
A SON IS GIVEN
In this Christmas day, we may not be able to celebrate as before. Surely, we miss the physical gatherings with family and friends. The ‘noche buena’, singing and exchanging gifts may exist as memories in the past. Hence, this physical restrictions are new realities we should embrace without rancour.
But, what if God is weaning us from the physical revelry this Christmas. Perhaps we had swerved from the true essence of Christmas so that we are prompted to revisit it once more. Christmas isn’t a holiday that sanctify man’s lust, greed and indulgence.
It is more of a celebration of the birth of Jesus but the giving Him to us as a gift. Is it possible for Jesus to appear before us as incarnate but not presenting unto us as a wonderful gift? He could have appeared as a man, that is a king ruling and judging this world with a sceptre in His hand. As such, Christmas won’t be a blessing but a burden. As sinners, we would be haunted by the judgment of our sin without mercy.
Praise God! He isn’t just as a child born but a son given to us. As Paul articulated, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all.” [Rom 8:32a] Through His unfathomable and unconditional love, Christ can be ours as a gift. More specifically, the sacrifice of Christ at the cross is the gift. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”[Rom 5:8] For this, we say this Christmas and in all Christmases, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift![2 Cor 9:15]
Indeed, He is an indescribable gift! Why? It is because;
“The government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Wow! Jesus a perfect gift. As James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”[Jas 1:17]
Today, God has offered His Son, Jesus as the Christmas gift to everyone, once for all. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”[John 3:16,17] Have you received Him as yet? He has done His part in the giving of the gift. Our part is receiving it for free. Don’t blame God should He judged you for refusing it someday. As John said, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”[John 3:18]
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John 3:9-13 ESV
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
9 Sumagot si Nicodemo sa kanya, “Paanong mangyayari ang mga bagay na ito?” 10 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanya, “Ikaw ay isang guro sa Israel at hindi mo nauunawaan ang mga bagay na ito? 11 Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa iyo, kami ay nagsasalita tungkol sa nalalaman namin, at nagpapatotoo sa nakita namin, subalit hindi ninyo tinanggap ang aming patotoo. 12 Kung sinabi ko sa inyo ang mga bagay na makalupa at hindi ninyo pinaniniwalaan, paano ninyong paniniwalaan kung sabihin ko sa inyo ang mga bagay na makalangit? 13 Wala pang umakyat sa langit, maliban sa kanya na bumabang galing sa langit, ang Anak ng Tao.
HOW CAN THESE THINGS BE?
Nicodemus went to Jesus to clear his doubts. But, their talk was punctuated with a question, ‘How can these things be?” As a Pharisee, and a member of the Sanhedrin court, he was well educated, intelligent, and very interested in moral behavior. He knows the law of Moses, and the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures very well. But for him, the truth of being born again is unreasonable and illogical.
Being born again is a revealed truth but not easy to grasp and explain. Just as Mary struggled to comprehend the Incarnation of Jesus, saying, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”[Luke 1:34] Jesus’ life is enigmatic. As Paul expressed it by saying;
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.”[1 Tim 3:16]
Jesus had recognized the struggle, saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? The gospel is neither a logical idea nor philosophical concept, is it? The sacrifice of Jesus at the cross is a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks. It is a revealed truth that God has revealed to finite man. How could an earthly being receive eternal things? Do you struggle to understand in order to believe? But, in the economy of God, it is to believe Him in order to understand.
Why did Jesus all the ‘signs and wonders’ before their very own eyes? It is in order to authenticate His divinity so that any man, like Nicodemus, should believe Him and His message. Jesus came down to reveal who God is. Nobody went up to heaven and came back. However, He, who is from heaven, came down for us to know God. Otherwise, we won’t know God. In other words, Jesus is the only way. [see John 14:6, Acts 4:12] They have had abundant evidences so that they should believe Him. Certainly, the problem isn’t that they can not believe but that they refuse to believe.
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John 3:1-8 ESV
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
BE BORN AGAIN.
Of all those who wondered about Jesus, only Nicodemus dared to approach Him. And he was a prominent Pharisee and a member of San Hedrin, a 70-member court. Unlike His critics, Nicodemus wasn’t antagonistic. Perhaps to avoid derision from his peers, He came clandestinely to Jesus at night to clear his doubts. He knew that Jesus power has divine origin but he wanted to confirm and know more.[see v.2]
By addressing Jesus as ‘Rabbi’, he looked at Jesus as his equals. It appears Jesus was incongruous by saying to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”[v.3] It wasn’t for he addressed his important need – to be born into God’s family.
Although Nicodemus was knowledgeable of the law, to be born from above is beyond the grasp to Nicodemus. It’s not physical rebirth as he thought. To be a child of God is a sovereign act of God. As a physical birth ushers a child to his biological family, a spiritual birth ushers us into God’s family. There must be a cleansing of water signifying the role of the Spirit. [see Titus 3:5,6]
How do we ascertain that a person is born again? As Jesus explains, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Simply put, there is a significant change in his life from the inside out. Thus Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”[2 Cor 5:17].
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John 2:23-25 ESV
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
23 Nang siya ay nasa Jerusalem nang kapistahan ng Paskuwa, marami ang sumampalataya sa kanyang pangalan, nang kanilang makita ang mga ginawa niyang tanda. 24 Subalit hindi ipinagkatiwala ni Jesus ang kanyang sarili sa kanila sapagkat kilala niya ang lahat ng mga tao, 25 at hindi niya kailangan ang sinuman upang magpatotoo tungkol sa tao, sapagkat alam niya ang isinasaloob ng tao.
JESUS KNOWS ALL MEN
Extraordinary acts and signs that a person does determine his reputation, does it not? Thus, Jesus became popular by what He did. It should be noted that in John’s book are seven specific "signs," or miracles, used to demonstrate that Jesus is God.
While a lot rejected what they saw in Jesus, there were a number of people who believed in His name. However in reality, many were only interested in His miracles, not His message. There is a big difference between recognizing that something is true and putting trust in what we know. In other words, they were so fascinated and allured by His miracles but missed to believe the claim that He was the Messiah. Let’s not be fooled by such people with superficial faith for even the demons believed God but they shudder.[see Jas 2:19]
Jesus, however, couldn’t be fooled. He had a supernatural wisdom for knowing people's hearts and minds. Notedly, those who seek for miracles[signs] even if they see one won’t believe Him. They are skeptics to the core. Jesus has pointed this truth in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, that is, “And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”[Luke 16:30,31]
Thus, Paul has enjoined us to ‘examine ourselves, to see whether we are in the faith.”[2 Cor 13:5] Jesus warned us not to be hypocritical by saying, “21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ [Matt 7:21-23]
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John 2:18-22 ESV
18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
18 Ang mga Judio ay sumagot sa kanya, “Anong tanda ang maipapakita mo sa amin sa paggawa mo ng mga bagay na ito?” 19 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, “Gibain ninyo ang templong ito at aking itatayo sa loob ng tatlong araw.” 20 Sinabi ng mga Judio, “Apatnapu't anim na taon ang pagtatayo ng templong ito, at itatayo mo sa loob ng tatlong araw?” 21 Subalit siya'y nagsasalita tungkol sa templo ng kanyang katawan. 22 Kaya't nang siya ay muling bumangon mula sa mga patay, naalala ng kanyang mga alagad na sinabi niya ito. At naniwala sila sa kasulatan at sa salitang sinabi ni Jesus.
A QUESTION OF AUTHORITY
For cleansing their lucrative business, the Jews were on retaliation mode. They confronted Jesus hoping to pin Him down, asking, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” It’s not surprising for they did this to John the Baptist, too. It’s understandable that He who acted with authority would be questioned where he got his authority.
Jesus had shown His authority by driving the scrupulous businessmen at the temple grounds. He did it in order to proclaim His authority. In other words, He confronted the religious system by His authority on purpose.
They were agitated by His answer, that is, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” They found it insulting. In fact they derided Him saying, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” Why such reaction? Jesus’ answer had implications of divinity. To build the temple, which took 46 years to finish, in three days is an impossible feat. Clearing the debris itself may take for months! To them, Jesus was a charlatan, a braggart and delusional.
Was Jesus lying?
Of course He did not! Could He who created the universe out of nothing rebuild the temple after being destroyed in three days? Could He make another miracle to prove Himself? Of course, He could. But, He has had no obligation to prove to them at the moment. His answer was in line with the purpose of God in His life.
He answered them in a metaphor, not easily fathomed by man. He was referring to His crucifixion, burial and resurrection. This was the very purpose why He came. In fact, His disciples did not understand this at this moment. Only, at hindsight did they connect the dots. As John recalled, saying, “When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.”[v.22]
Moreover it was prophetic. Jesus came to substitute the temple worship with real worship. Worshiping God won’t be in a place anymore. He said, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” [John 4:23,24]
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John 2:13-17 ESV
13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
13 Malapit na noon ang Paskuwa ng mga Judio, at umahon si Jesus patungo sa Jerusalem. 14 Natagpuan niya sa templo ang mga nagtitinda ng mga baka, mga tupa, mga kalapati, at ang mga nagpapalit ng salapi na nakaupo. 15 Gumawa siya mula sa mga lubid ng isang panghagupit at itinaboy niya silang lahat papalabas sa templo kasama ang mga tupa at mga baka. Ibinuhos din niya ang salapi ng mga mamamalit, at itinaob ang kanilang mga mesa. 16 Sa mga nagtitinda ng mga kalapati ay sinabi niya, “Alisin ninyo rito ang mga bagay na ito; huwag ninyong gawing bahay-pamilihan ang bahay ng aking Ama.” 17 Naalala ng kanyang mga alagad na nasusulat, “Ang sigasig para sa iyong bahay ang tutupok sa akin.”
HIS ZEAL FOR THE HOUSE
Passover and other feasts had to be observed in Jerusalem. Hence, animals for sacrifices such as sheep, oxen, and lambs, as well as doves were of common use in the temple. The men selling them might have started out with good intentions. Pilgrims who came from afar to offer sacrifices needed not to bring these animals necessarily. Moreover, they can bring their money currency with them for offering also. Money-changing services were available, as well. These services were much needed to efficiently and effectively support the feast and temple sacrifices.
Sadly, the focus seems to have shifted to profit, more than just service. Slowly but surely, this wanton business had moved closer in front of the temple. This syndicate was sanctioned by the religious leaders who had benefited and enriched themselves. Consequently, the temple grounds had been turned into a busy marketplace. Prayer and worship of God were set aside. This evil was hard to address to for it was hidden under the cloak of religion. Using the name of God for selfish ends is a grievous sin.
No sinful lifestyle happens overnight. It’s allowing the spiritual erosions until the inevitable collapse occur. A traveler on a camel decided to stay in his tent for the night in the middle of the desert. As the temperature dopdded, the camel begged the traveler to let her head stick into his tent. He consented. Then he allowed his neck. When the morning breaks, the camel was inside the tent while the traveler was outside.
This act of driving the businessmen away portrayed Jesus’ "zeal" for the house of God. Contrary to the soft and mild mannered image, Jesus showed was capable of forceful actions, righteous anger, and confrontation when it was necessary. Notedly, he wasn’t in an uncontrollable outrage. He even made His own whip and there were no men and animals hurt. Fearlessly, He even referred these men as "robbers" (see Luke 19:46) for they robbed the glory of God. He was willing to defy the local civil laws which were flawed, for reason that He should respect the Higher law. The disciples were reminded of Psa 69:9 when they saw their passionate master.
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John 2:1-11 ESV
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
KEEPING THE GOOD WINE UNTIL NOW.
This is the first miracle Jesus did when He started His public ministry. And, it was in a wedding of an unnamed couple at Cana, Galilee, wherein He, his mother and disciples were invited. And a crisis happened that during the reception, the wine ran out.
There are no apparent reasons why. But, in an Oriental wedding, it could be embarrassing to the new couple and their parents that some honored guests would be dissatisfied. The recent wedding reception fiasco in Cebu was unthinkable that the couple was scammed so that there was no wedding reception after all.
The crisis was noticed by Mary, who approached Jesus to help the couple. Jesus’ answer wasn’t disrespectful in the capacity that He was focusing in His divinity. He isn’t on panic mode so that His time to help should be in God’s time.
Mary discreetly adviced the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” It was very crucial for them to obey Jesus by faith in order that a miracle would happen. What was available nearby were six stone jars used for ceremonial washing. Jews cleansed their hands, cups, and vessels with water before meals. Each large pot held from 20 to 30 gallons. A lesson learned is that Jesus could use what is available like the lunch of the boy that fed 5,000.
Jesus told the servants to fill these jars with water. He ordered them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet, who was in charge of food and drink. The master was unaware of Jesus' turning the water in the jars into wine.
Astounded, the steward took the bride and groom aside and complimented them. Most couples served the best wine first, he said, then brought out cheaper wine after the guests had too much to drink and would not notice. "You have saved the best till now," he told them (John 2:10, NIV).
With Christ in this wedding, a crisis has turned into a commendation. Jesus had made the difference so that the end was better than the beginning. The problem became a platform of Jesus’ glory. And the only key is obedience to Him. Simply said, if Jesus is obeyed, our lives could become a miracle from nothing to something significant and a blessing.
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John 1:43-51 ESV
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
I SAW YOU
As Jesus walked through Galilee, he personally met and invited Philip to come on board and follow Him. Philip, Peter and Andrew are townmates from Bethsaida. Philip told Nathaniel [also called Bartholomew] that he found the Messiah. He said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Definitely, Philip knew the Scriptures and was certain that Jesus was the Anointed One.
Yet Nathaniel doubted, saying, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Indeed, there is doubt as an expression of pure skepticism. But Nathaniel doubted yet he was open to learn the truth. And the best way to clear his doubts was to meet Jesus personally himself. He went to Jesus with Philip after he was encouraged by Philip to ‘Come and see.”
The Lord Jesus had proven Philip to be right. Jesus told Nathaniel that He had known him already before this meeting. How can that be? ‘How do you know me?’, Nathaniel asked. He is omniscient or all knowing. [see John 2:24] Nathaniel was so surprised that Jesus knew him as a man of integrity, that is free from deceit and hypocrisy.
Did Nathaniel insult Jesus and the place he grew up, Nazareth? Not really. For Matthew wrote, “And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.” [Mat 2:23] Interestingly, the Hebrew word for "branch" is netzer, which is spelled NZR, same as "Nazareth." "Nazareth" means "branch" in Hebrew! Jesus shall be called the "Righteous Branch" - "He shall be called a Nazarene." [see Jer 23:5-6; Zech 3:8-10]
Having ascertained about who Jesus was, Nathaniel worshiped Him, saying “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Thus, Jesus has promised Him the blessing to “see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” In other words, it was this initial encounter with the Messiah that introduced Him into the journey of knowing Christ more. It wasn’t the end but the beginning of knowing Jesus more. May, we won’t loss our wonder and awe of Jesus as we continue our journey with Him.
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John 1:40-42 ESV
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
40 Ang isa sa dalawang nakarinig ng pagsasalita ni Juan, at sumunod sa kanya, ay si Andres na kapatid ni Simon Pedro.41 Una niyang natagpuan ang kanyang kapatid na si Simon, at sa kanya'y sinabi, “Natagpuan na namin ang Mesiyas”—na kung isasalin ay Cristo.42 Kanyang dinala si Simon kay Jesus. Siya'y tiningnan ni Jesus at sinabi, “Ikaw ay si Simon na anak ni Juan. Tatawagin kang Cefas”—(na kung isasalin ang kahulugan ay Pedro.)
WE HAVE FOUND THE MESSIAH.
One of the two disciples of John the Baptist who went to Jesus was Andrew. Immediately, he did the most ‘brotherly act’ of bringing him to Jesus. What could be better than our siblings becoming a follower of Jesus? Peter, later, became the leader of the apostles. As Archimedes who shouted ‘Eureka!’ upon discovering the law of buoyancy, Andrew’s joy was uncontainable. I believe that he and others were constantly told or reminded by John the Baptist about the Messiah and His coming.
The first thing that Jesus did to Simon was to change his name to Cephas [Peter]. His name means ‘rock’. Its significance was revealed later by Jesus who reiterated His plan to build His church, saying, “And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”[Matt 16:17,18].
A true encounter with Jesus won’t make a person the same. Some people are informed about Jesus so that they have only a mental assent to Him. But, He desires transformation in us. It could only happen when there is true repentance and trust to Jesus and His finished work at Calvary. A nominal believer is as the ground that receive the word but there is no deepening of the roots for beneath the thin layer of soil is the bedrock. Whereas, the true believer is known by his fruits. It’s the life having been rooted truly in God is changing, that is becoming fruitful. Did not the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes multiply when placed at the hands of Jesus. An unconsecrated life is an unchanged life. As Paul has admonished us, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”[Col 2:6,7]
Today, have you found the Messiah? IfI hope you are in Christ, your life is transformed in Him?
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John 1:35-39 ESV
35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.
35 Kinabukasan, muling naroon si Juan kasama ng dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad. 36 At kanyang tiningnan si Jesus samantalang siya'y naglalakad at sinabi, “Narito ang Kordero ng Diyos!” 37 Narinig siya ng dalawang alagad na nagsalita nito, at sila'y sumunod kay Jesus. 38 Paglingon ni Jesus at nakita silang sumusunod ay sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ano ang inyong hinahanap?” At sinabi nila sa kanya, “Rabi (na kung isasalin ang kahulugan ay Guro), saan ka nakatira?” 39 Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Halikayo at tingnan ninyo.” Pumunta nga sila at nakita kung saan siya nakatira; at sila'y nanatiling kasama niya nang araw na iyon. Noon ang oras ay mag-iikasampu.
COME AND YOU WILL SEE.
Definitely, the success of John the Baptist’s ministry was to introduce and influence his disciples to follow Christ. Here, two of them [one is Andrew] did not hesitate leave him in order to follow Jesus. Real success in discipleship is in making others draw closer to Jesus, not on us. No doubt, John the Baptist was popular among people because of his odd ministry but he was willing to fade from the limelight. Are we willing to be obscure towards others if only others will become loyal and faithful to Christ alone?
Jesus knows every heart [John 2;24], yet He asked, “What are you seeking?” Why? It was more for them to check their motives. Were they willing to follow Him at all cost? Their desire to seek where Jesus was staying wasn’t asking for information per se. It expressed their intention to stay with Him. Jesus had no permanent address much nomadic. The fox and birds are better for having holes and nests, respectively.
Seeing the purity of their motives, Jesus had invited them, saying, “Come and you will see. “But, was there something like a house or dwelling to see? Was Jesus bluffing them since he has no place to stay? Apparently, it was a calling for a relationship. Unless they come and stay, they won’t see who He is. That, if they would follow Him wherever He is, they would know ‘the Lamb of God’ in a more intimate way. This began their three year of exciting adventure or journey with the “Lamb of God” who is also the “Son of God”.
Today, Christ has ben calling us. Have we committed as yet to journey with Him?
Today, what are we seeking in Christ? Have we committed?
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John 1:29-34 ESV
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
29 Kinabukasan, nakita ni Juan si Jesus na lumalapit sa kanya, at kanyang sinabi, “Narito ang Kordero ng Diyos, na nag-aalis ng kasalanan ng sanlibutan! 30 Siya yaong aking sinasabi, ‘Kasunod ko'y dumarating ang isang lalaki na higit pa sa akin, sapagkat siya'y nauna sa akin. 31 Hindi ko siya nakilala, dahil dito'y naparito ako na nagbabautismo sa tubig upang siya'y mahayag sa Israel.” 32 Nagpatotoo si Juan, “Nakita ko ang Espiritu na bumababang tulad sa isang kalapati na buhat sa langit at dumapo sa kanya. 33 Hindi ko siya nakilala subalit ang nagsugo sa akin upang magbautismo sa tubig ay nagsabi sa akin, ‘Ang nakita mong babaan ng Espiritu at manatili sa kanya, ay siya ang nagbabautismo sa Espiritu Santo.’ 34 Aking nakita at pinatotohanan kong ito ang Anak ng Diyos.”
BEHOLD, THE LAMB OF GOD
When John the Baptist has declared Jesus’ as the ‘Lamb of God’, it has an allusion to the Passover lamb. Lambs were required as a yearly passover sacrifice for all Jewish families. This holiday looked back to the days of Moses, when lambs' blood covered the doors of Israel, and allowed God's judgment to "pass over" them (Ex 12:22–23). Wasn’t Jesus crucified as the lamb that ‘bear the sins of many’ [Isa 53:6]
Jesus is described as the one who "existed before John," an allusion to His divinity. Having been born 6 months earlier, John was unequivocal to ascribe that Jesus has existed before he did, for He is God (John 1:1). Simply said, Jesus is eternal.
John did confirm Jesus only when the Spirit alighted upon Him during His water baptism. He saw a vision of a dove, representative of the Holy Spirit, "remaining" on Jesus. For him, this attested that Jesus was the Messiah, without any doubt. The word "testify or witness" is from a very specific term meaning "giving information one has direct personal knowledge of." Moreover, Jesus has not done miracles yet to confirm that He was the Messiah.
May the manifestation of the Spirit’s work be seen in and through our lives. The Spirit do confirm our authenticity and authority. Resultingly, this revelation has marked the beginning of Jesus public ministry.
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John 1:19-28 ESV
19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
19 Ito ang patotoo ni Juan nang suguin ng mga Judio ang mga pari at mga Levita mula sa Jerusalem upang siya'y tanungin, “Sino ka ba?” 20 Siya'y nagpahayag at hindi ikinaila kundi sinabing, “Hindi ako ang Cristo.” 21 Siya'y kanilang tinanong, “Kung gayo'y, ikaw ba si Elias?” At sinabi niya, “Hindi ako.” “Ikaw ba ang propeta?” At siya'y sumagot, “Hindi.” 22 Sinabi nila sa kanya, “Sino ka ba? Bigyan mo kami ng isasagot sa mga nagsugo sa amin. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol sa iyong sarili?” 23 Sinabi niya, “Ako ang tinig ng isang sumisigaw sa ilang na lugar, ‘Tuwirin ninyo ang daan ng Panginoon, gaya ng sinabi ng propeta Isaias.’”
24 Sila'y mga sugo buhat sa mga Fariseo. 25 Siya'y tinanong nila, “Kung gayo'y bakit ka nagbabautismo, kung hindi ikaw ang Cristo, o si Elias, o ang propeta?” 26 Sila'y sinagot ni Juan, “Ako'y nagbabautismo sa tubig; sa gitna ninyo'y may isang nakatayo na hindi ninyo kilala, 27 na pumaparitong kasunod ko at hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng panali ng kanyang sandalyas.” 28 Ang mga bagay na ito'y nangyari sa Betania, sa kabilang ibayo ng Jordan, na pinagbabautismuhan ni Juan.
I AM THE VOICE
John the Baptist’s ministry had caught attention to the religious leaders, particularly the priests and the Levites. Definitely, his preaching of repentance and baptism were intriguing, if not threatening to them. They were beyond the norms of the religious system during that time. They couldn’t continue second guessing. It was best for them to know it from John the Baptist himself.
In many cases, the will of God is outside of the box. It may raise questions from others if we obey God for it is doing something out from the mold. Nevertheless, like John the Baptist, we must not be intimidated by what people think but be focused in fulfilling His will. Moreover, we should not cringe when we are compared with others, which is the natural tendency of people.
He knew his role pretty well as he claimed, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”[see Isa 40:3] He is the ‘phone’ while Jesus is "The logos [the Word.]. Doesn’t the "voice" bring awareness of "the word," which people are expected to hear and respond? Thus, he was conditioning the people so that they will be ready to receive the Messiah. He was so self effacing to say “he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” For this Jesus said about his greatness, that is “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” [Luke 7:28]
Jesus’ says that there could even be more than him should he is the least in the kingdom of God. John the Baptist is great but has not the monopoly of it. It is in his expendability that he exudes his greatness.
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John 1:14-18 ESV
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
HE BECAME LIKE US.
The idea that Jesus is a mirage, or an illusion is wrong. Christ was a one hundred percent authentic human being. For, the ‘Word’ directly became flesh. This is not just that Jesus lived among men. Most notably, He became a man Himself.
The original word for ‘dwelt’ suggests the tabernacle of the Old Testament. It was a temporary structure, symbolic of God's "dwelling" with His people, while at the same time a literal physical place. Jesus is with us and among us, in human form, much as God was among His people in the tabernacle. The logic why Jesus is called Immanuel, meaning “God is with us.”[Mt 1:23]
He was an authentic, living or breathing person. Consequently, He had experienced everything humans do such as being tempted. The only difference is that He did not commit a single sin. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [Heb 4:15]. He is the only perfect human being.
Meanwhile, Jesus’ coming was the fulfilment of prophecy as the Messiah. His cousin, John the Baptist was His forerunner as Isaiah prophesied;
“A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”[Isa 40:3]
However, His people did not receive Him. Why? Most people expected that the Savior would be a political or military leader. Unbeknown to them that in His humility “we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness.”[CSB] In fact Paul had articulated, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”[2 Cor 8:9] This marks the difference Jesus compared to Moses. By the law, man would know the truth that he is a sinner. But, Jesus came as the grace and truth. That is, with the knowledge of sin, he provides the solution of sin and the power to live the truth. In His sacrifice through His blood [1 John 1:7] is the only means of forgiveness and deliverance from the judgment we deserve.
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John 1:9-13 ESV
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
9 Siya ang tunay na ilaw na tumatanglaw sa bawat dumarating sa sanlibutan. 10 Siya noon ay nasa sanlibutan at ang sanlibutan ay ginawa sa pamamagitan niya, gayunma'y hindi siya nakilala ng sanlibutan. 11 Siya'y naparito sa kanyang sariling tahanan at siya'y hindi tinanggap ng kanyang sariling bayan. 12 Subalit ang lahat ng tumanggap sa kanya na sumasampalataya sa kanyang pangalan ay kanyang pinagkalooban sila ng karapatan na maging mga anak ng Diyos, 13 na ipinanganak hindi sa dugo, o sa kalooban ng laman, o sa kalooban ng tao, kundi ng Diyos.
BECOMING A CHILD OF GOD.
God took the initiative by coming into the world as the Light. But, as night critters flashed with a beaming light, many people hid and refused to acknowledge the Him. They did not receive Jesus. Not because they couldn’t but they won’t. men loved darkness than light. For example, the athiests and agnostics are running away from the existence of God. They don’t believe that God exist. But, why is it that they are fighting Him, who they believe doesn’t exist? It’s absurd for a man to claim that God is nothing but spend most their time defending against Him.
How far has man ran away from God, His grace of salvation does outpace or outrun him. He isn’t fed up to man’s stubbornness but had invited all to consider believing in Him. He came into His own, but His own did not receive Him. But, to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. [v.11,12]
This offer, Paul had stated it in saying, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”[Titus 2:11] By ‘appear’ means broadcasted as light shines everywhere. However, he only who does receive Jesus are given the authority to become the children of God. To be born again or anew is a result of his trust in Jesus that leads to his adoption. This birthing is not short of a miracle, is it? For, he is born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Clearly, to be born again and become a member of God’s family is the will of God. However, one couldn’t be a part of God’s family should He won’t receive Him into His heart by faith. This is our responsibility.
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John 1:4-8 ESV
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
4 Nasa sa kanya ang buhay at ang buhay ay siyang ilaw ng mga tao. 5 Ang ilaw ay lumiliwanag sa kadiliman; at ito'y hindi nagapi ng kadiliman. 6 Mayroong isang tao na isinugo mula sa Diyos na ang pangalan ay Juan. 7 Siya ay dumating bilang saksi, upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw, upang sa pamamagitan niya'y sumampalataya ang lahat. 8 Hindi siya ang ilaw, kundi dumating siya upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw.
THE LIGHT
Not only that Jesus came as the giver of life, but He is also the ‘Light.’ He is the revealer of truth. And the ‘darkness has not overcome it’, to specifically mean, the darkness can’t ‘acquire’, ‘grasp’ or ‘lay hold of’ the light. Thus, many can’t see the beauty of the gospel because they misunderstand it. It is because of their ‘stubborness’ more than their ‘intellect.’ As Jesus said, “If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” [John 7:17] The evidence is apparent, but those who prefer darkness will not see it for what it is. Moreover, it has a sense of "seizing," as in taking possession.
Moreover, God has appointed a bearer of the light. John the Baptist wasn’t the Light. He bore witness to Him. He was calling Israel to "repent," which literally means to turn around, 180 degrees. Baptism was already practiced in this region, as a sign of repentance by those converting to Judaism. The fact that John did this to the Jews made him and his ministry intriguing and controversial. His role was exactly this: to "prepare the way" for the Promised One.
Today, whenever we notice a person who isn’t interested towards spiritual things like the gospel, let’s commit them unto prayer. That God will open their eyes to see the light of the gospel. They are blinded. And it’s only the Spirit that can open their eyes. [2 Cor 4:4]
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John 1:3 ESV
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made
3 Lahat ng mga bagay ay ginawa sa pamamagitan niya at kung wala siya ay hindi nagawa ang anumang bagay na ginawa.
THE WORD MADE ALL THINGS
God is the creator of the universe. The universe is not the product of chance, but by an intelligent design. Here, Scripture makes the interesting point that nothing created was created apart from Jesus. This is an interesting proof that He is God Himself. Why is this very important?
First, it proves what nature He is not. That is, Jesus is not a created being like an angel, a man, or some other formed being. In other words, He existed before creation. In His essence, Christ is divine. However, this doesn’t negate that He couldn’t adopt humanity. As Paul said, “He emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”[Phil 2:7]
Secondly, it proves of what nature He is. That is, Jesus is eternal. There is significant difference between things which begin to exist, and the One who has always existed. In other words, He did not "begin to exist," which did not "come into being." This one and only being is God. Most theologian term this as the "Cosmological Argument," or the argument from a "first cause." Christ, as God, is the “Uncaused Cause”.
In fact Paul has capsulized Jesus’ divinity by saying, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.“[Col 1:15-17]
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John 1:1-2 ESV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.
Sa simula ay ang Salita, at ang Salita ay kasama ng Diyos, at ang Salita ay Diyos. 2 Sa simula ay kasama na siya ng Diyos.
THE WORD
The universe had a beginning, contrary to the idea that it is eternal. Notedly, the Word was corollary in the beginning of the existence of the material world, not nullifying that it is even before it. As Moses accounted in Gen 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Simply said, the Creator was there during the creation acts and even must be before it. That the Creator and creation occurred simultaneously and He was part of the creation are preposterous thoughts, are they not?
John introduces to us an important term for Jesus referred to as "The Word." It is from the Greek word logos. As the first name attributed to Christ, He is the Logos, the definition, the meaning, the "Word" of God. The rest of the gospel is the unfolding or revelation to prove this claim to be true, particularly through His miracles.
Interestingly, the “Word’ was with God in and during creation. He was not separate but different. That is He coexisted but apparently different. And, He was God. Could a Being be “with God” in His creative acts and eternal existence, not be God Himself? A Being with God who is God Himself must be of similar nature but a different person.
While the creative acts of God shows His transcendence, the ‘Word’ emphasizes His Immanence. The purpose of the “Logos” is to communicate. How do we know God without His initiative to reveal to us? We know God because He made Himself known through the “Word” We use words to communicate, don’t we? And, we use the words of the receiver in order to be understood. The reason why the ‘Word” became flesh and dwelt among us.[John 1:14]
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2 Kings 25:27-30 ESV
27 And in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, graciously freed Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. 28 And he spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat above the seats of the kings who were with him in Babylon. 29 So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king's table, 30 and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, according to his daily needs, as long as he lived.
27 At nangyari, nang ikadalawampu't pitong araw, nang ikalabindalawang buwan ng ikatatlumpu't pitong taon ng pagkabihag ni Jehoiakin na hari ng Juda, si Evil-merodac na hari ng Babilonia, nang taong siya'y magsimulang maghari, ay pinalaya sa bilangguan si Jehoiakin na hari ng Juda. 28 Siya'y nagsalita na may kabaitan sa kanya, at binigyan siya ng upuan sa itaas ng mga upuan ng mga haring kasama niya sa Babilonia. 29 Kaya't hinubad ni Jehoiakin ang kanyang damit-bilangguan. At sa bawat araw ng kanyang buhay ay palagi siyang kumakain sa hapag ng hari; 30 at para sa pantustos sa kanya, may palagiang panustos na ibinibigay sa kanya ang hari, bawat araw ay isang bahagi, habang siya ay nabubuhay.
THE FAVOR
It was Nebuchadnezzar who took Jehoiachin as prisoner along with his mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men in Judah (2 Kings 24:16). Nebuchadnezzar also took ten thousand others into exile, leaving only the poorest behind, and he raided the temple (2 Kings 24:13–14; 2 Chron 36:10).
While he was imprisoned in Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar installed Jehoiachin’s uncle, Zedekiah, on the throne. He was rebellious against God and against King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Chron 36:12–13). After eleven years of Zedekiah’s rule, Jerusalem fully fell to Nebuchadnezzar. More exiles were carried off, and the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem’s walls and burned the temple and the palaces (2 Kings 25:9–10; 2 Chronicles 36:19; Jer 52:13–14). Jerusalem was destroyed.
Thirty-seven years after Jehoiachin’s deportation, he was given some freedom in Babylon. Evil-Merodach had become king of Babylon (2 Kings 25:27; Jer 52:31), and he “spoke kindly” to Jehoiachin and gave him a seat of honor at his table and a daily allowance (2 Kings 25:28–30; Jer 52:32–34). “So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king's table” (v.29).
The granting of grace isn’t always explanable, is it? It is an act done that transcends reason. This is a strange narrative—son of a puppet king of Egypt, imprisoned by the king of Babylon to make room for another puppet king, taken in the second wave of exiles, yet released from prison and given a gracious end to his life. We do not know what happened during his years in prison or why Evil-Merodach was so kind to him. What is evident in the story of Jehoiachin is God’s righteous judgment as well as His merciful grace.
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2 Kings 25:22-26 ESV
22 And over the people who remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, he appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, governor. 23 Now when all the captains and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah governor, they came with their men to Gedaliah at Mizpah, namely, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of the Maacathite. 24 And Gedaliah swore to them and their men, saying, “Do not be afraid because of the Chaldean officials. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.” 25 But in the seventh month, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama, of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down Gedaliah and put him to death along with the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. 26 Then all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the forces arose and went to Egypt, for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.
LIVE AND SERVE GOD TODAY
All the Jews were brought to Babylon except the poor. Thus, Gedaliah , the grandson of Josiah’s Secretary Shaphan, was appointed as governor to those left behind in Judah. He was under the watchful eyes of the Babylonians. He admonished the people saying, “Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.” Unpatriotic as it sounded yet it was the best they could do. The best they could do under this situation of deserved and unstoppable judgment was to simply accept it from the hand of God and do the right thing under the Babylonians.
Did Gedaliah know the words of Jeremiah? Most probably, that is, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.”[Jer 29:4,6] Nothing could be best other than abiding in the will of God even though we couldn’t comprehend everything about it.
However, Ishmael with ten others differed so that he killed Gedaliah along with the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. Definitely, this could cause retaliation so that all the people fled to Egypt. A fulfilment that the land will be deserted, as Jeremiah declared, “Be warned, O Jerusalem, lest I turn from you in disgust, lest I make you a desolation, an uninhabited land.” [Jer 6:8] This was a 180 degree-turn. While Moses had brought them out from Egypt many years back, this time they went back to seek refuge in Egypt from Babylon.
Today, we are in pandemic captivity. God has allowed this and let us subscribe to His plan. Let’s not be a victim of a covid scare but be a victor by blooming in and for Christ. How could we make this Covid pandemic work for God and us? May God help us.
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2 Kings 25:8-17 ESV
8 In the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month—that was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon—Nebuzaradan, the captain of the bodyguard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. 9 And he burned the house of the LORD and the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. 10 And all the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls around Jerusalem. 11 And the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon, together with the rest of the multitude, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried into exile. 12 But the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and plowmen.
13 And the pillars of bronze that were in the house of the LORD, and the stands and the bronze sea that were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon. 14 And they took away the pots and the shovels and the snuffers and the dishes for incense and all the vessels of bronze used in the temple service, 15 the fire pans also and the bowls. What was of gold the captain of the guard took away as gold, and what was of silver, as silver. 16 As for the two pillars, the one sea, and the stands that Solomon had made for the house of the LORD, the bronze of all these vessels was beyond weight. 17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and on it was a capital of bronze. The height of the capital was three cubits. A latticework and pomegranates, all of bronze, were all around the capital. And the second pillar had the same, with the latticework.
BURNED AND BROKEN DOWN
A few weeks later of their attack to Judah, Babylon made the final demolition of the city. Every important building was burned - the house of the LORD and the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. More people were deported leaving the poorest to be vinedressers and plowmen. Some were excuted. [v.18-21]. The temple was stripped with valuable items; the bronze pillars, parts of the movable stands, the bronze Sea and gold and silver wares.[see v.13-15]
This horrible sight had punctuated the end of the glory days of Judah. But, it was the start of the new dealings with God’s people – their 70 year captivity and to begin their exile in Babylon. Jeremiah who lamented for this captivity had sparked hope, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” [Jer 29:5-7]
Then, Jeremiah declared, “For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.”[Jer 29:10]
God as the covenant keeping God, had decreed this, saying, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”[Jer 29:11] And, that they should look forward to their promised return, saying, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
-2 Kings 25:1-7 ESV
And in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came with all his army against Jerusalem and laid siege to it. And they built siege works all around it. 2 So the city was besieged till the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 3 On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land. 4 Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, by the king's garden, and the Chaldeans were around the city. And they went in the direction of the Arabah. 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him. 6 Then they captured the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, and they passed sentence on him. 7 They slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him in chains and took him to Babylon.
THE LAST SIGHT
The Babylonian built barricades all around the city to starve the inhabitants. It worked. But, King Zedekiah had planned an escape. He had ran out of the city and probably thought that his strategy was successful. And, that he had escaped the judgment so that Jeremiah was wrong in his pronouncements against him. Yet God’s word was demonstrated to be true. He was captured in the plains of Jericho.
“It seems ironic that here, at the very spot where Israel first set foot on the Promised Land, the last of the Davidic kings was captured and his monarchy shattered. Here, where Israel experienced her first victory as the walls of Jericho fell before unarmed men who trusted God, was the scene of her last defeat.” (Dilday)
As one of the cruelest acts, they killed his sons in his front before taking out his eyes. This last sight should be a very horrible experience to the king. This fulfilled the mysterious promise God made through Ezekiel regarding Zedekiah shortly before the fall of Jerusalem, that is, “ I will also spread My net over him, and he shall be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldeans; yet he shall not see it, though he shall die there.” (Eze 12:13)
His last sight should have reminded him of his lost sight to the truthfulness of God’s word. God won’t lie. He could have lived in Babylon had he surrendered peacefully as Jeremiah said. Nothing could be further from the truth. Likewise today, we are warned not neglect God’s word in order not to regret. Jesus said, “ If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”[John 12:47,48]
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2 Kings 24:8-17 ESV
17 And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah. 18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 19 And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 20 For because of the anger of the LORD it came to the point in Jerusalem and Judah that he cast them out from his presence. And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
THE LAST KING OF JUDAH
Zedekiah was the last king of Judah and thus, he witnessed the temple destroyed by Babylon in 586 BC and the majority of the people carried into exile. The story of Zedekiah is told in 2 Kings 24–25, 2 Chron 36, and the book of Jeremiah. Zedekiah’s original name was Mattaniah. He was the son of King Josiah and the brother of King Jehoahaz and King Jehoiakim. Zedekiah wouldn’t be included in the line to the throne, if not he kings preceding did not make bad decisions, both spiritually and politically, and were removed in succession.
Second Kings gives the basic historical outline and 2 Chron 36. And, Jeremiah fills in much of the behind-the-scenes information and the spiritual component of Zedekiah’s life. During the siege of Jerusalem, Zedekiah asked Jeremiah to intercede to the Lord for Judah to be delivered. Jeremiah returned God’s answer: He has irrevocably handed Judah over to judgment, first by plague, and those who escape that will fall to the Babylonians. Thus, the only hope that any of the people have is to surrender to the Babylonians. “Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; they will escape with their lives” (Jer 21: 9).
Zedekiah did not like God’s answer. False prophets contradicted Jeremiah and preached a more favorable message (see Jer 23). However, God reiterated His message to Jeremiah (see Jer chap 24–25). King Zedekiah imprisoned Jeremiah to the courtyard of the guard in the palace but he did not compromise his message.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah assured Zedekiah that the king will die peacefully in Babylon, but that the city of Jerusalem will not escape. Later, Zedekiah had freed all the slaves that should have been freed every seven years, a command of the Law that was neglected over the years. However, Zedekiah then reversed his decision and allowed the freed slaves to be enslaved again.
Finally, during the Babylonian siege, Zedekiah fled the city by night but was captured. Zedekiah’s sons were killed before him, and then he was blinded and taken to Babylon in chains (see Jer 52; 2 Kings 25; 2 Chron 36). Then the Babylonians broke down the walls of Jerusalem, burned the temple, and took the temple articles to Babylon with them, They took the king Zedekiah there where he died years later. No doubt it was a peaceful death as the Lord had promised, but what awful memories he must have endured during the rest of his life!
Zedekiah had been given a tremendous opportunity. He missed the throne three times when two of his brothers and then his nephew were crowned. Yet, he finally received stewardship of the kingdom. Zedekiah had seen firsthand the mistakes of his brothers and nephew and had direct messages from God through prophet Jeremiah. Yet he failed to learn and did not submit to the Lord. As a result, Zedekiah lost his sons, his sight, his throne and his freedom.
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2 Kings 24:8-17 ESV
10 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 11 And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it, 12 and Jehoiachin the king of Judah gave himself up to the king of Babylon, himself and his mother and his servants and his officials and his palace officials. The king of Babylon took him prisoner in the eighth year of his reign 13 and carried off all the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the LORD, which Solomon king of Israel had made, as the LORD had foretold. 14 He carried away all Jerusalem and all the officials and all the mighty men of valor, 10,000 captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths. None remained, except the poorest people of the land. 15 And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon. The king's mother, the king's wives, his officials, and the chief men of the land he took into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. 16 And the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon all the men of valor, 7,000, and the craftsmen and the metal workers, 1,000, all of them strong and fit for war. 17 And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
CAPTIVES AND EXILES
Under the King Jehoiachin’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar came to Judah like a wildfire. Everything was carried to Babylon. The king's mother, the king's wives, his officials, and the chief men of the land. He carried off all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord, which Solomon king of Israel had made, as the Lord had foretold. He carried away all Jerusalem and all the officials and all the mighty men of valor, 10,000 captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths [1000].
None remained, except the poorest people of the land. Babylon had ransacked the whole city as a thief would strip the place of its valuables leaving behind the undesirables or rubbish. All of Solomon’s gold and treasures which once flowed in big quantities in his empire will be placed into the coffers in Babylon.
Today, let’s not underestimate the bondage of the enemy. As Paul said, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” [Eph 2:1-3] The enemy, like a thief, came in order to “steal and kill and destroy.” [John 10:10] But, no matter how far man had gone far away from God, His grace and mercy does outran him.
Paul has declared, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”[Eph 2:5-9]
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2 Kings 24:1-7 ESV
In his days, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant for three years. Then he turned and rebelled against him. 2 And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldeans and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the Ammonites, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by his servants the prophets. 3 Surely this came upon Judah at the command of the LORD, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, 4 and also for the innocent blood that he had shed. For he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD would not pardon. 5 Now the rest of the deeds of Jehoiakim and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 6 So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers, and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place. 7 And the king of Egypt did not come again out of his land, for the king of Babylon had taken all that belonged to the king of Egypt from the Brook of Egypt to the river Euphrates.
THE FALL OF JUDAH
God is longsuffering. He is neither capricious nor impulsive. As He decreed, Judah had finally fallen to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon.Nebuchadnezzar was not able unless God had allowed him. In fact, It was the LORD who sent bands of the Chaldeans and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the Ammonites, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by his servants the prophets.
Babylon with his allied forces seemed unstoppable. Assyria had been taken apart. And, Egypt was no match who tried to help Judah. Why? For “surely this came upon Judah at the command of the LORD, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done.”[v.3] The judgment of God was inevitable. Babylon had expanded his territories from from the Wadi of Egypt to the Euphrates River. [see 1 Kings 4:21, 24; 8:65] Simply said, Babylon had flourished because Judah had backslidden.
Certainly, God was on top of everything. As the psalmist wrote; “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”[Psa 76:10] Should God is sovereign in everything, everything contributes for His glory. His light will pierce through darkness. He could turn a mess into a message or a blight into His beauty. He uses the canvass of darkness and sin to manifest the glory of the cross or the gospel. There is nothing attractive about the manger and cross until Jesus was born and crucified in it, respectively.
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2 Kings 23:31-37 ESV
31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 32 And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done. 33 And Pharaoh Neco put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and laid on the land a tribute of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 34 And Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz away, and he came to Egypt and died there. 35 And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money according to the command of Pharaoh. He exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, from everyone according to his assessment, to give it to Pharaoh Neco.
36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. 37 And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.
THE EVIL INFLUENCE
Undoubtedly, King Josiah was the most godly king of Israel. However, he was not successful to influence his sons to follow his footsteps. His son Jehoahaz who reigned after him, did evil in the sight of the Lord. He did all that his “fathers’ had done, except his father Josiah. Pharaoh Necho had imprisoned him, was brought to Egypt, where he died later. Eliakim[name was changed to Jehoiakim] was appointed to replace him. Like his brother Jehoahaz, he did evil too. He gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money according to the command of Pharaoh. He exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, from everyone according to his assessment, to give it to Pharaoh Neco. In short, he was a puppet king tasked to collect taxes for Egypt.
What does it show us?
The evil profilerating for generations was so deep that its influence lingers. All the idols and priests were gone but the values in the hearts of men did not necessarily change. Apparently, the hearts of Josiah’s son were not changed. Real change that lasts is from the inside out. It’s only God who can open the eyes of blinded men and change their hearts. [2 Cor 4:4]
This pose a real concern for us today. Success in parenting is not in following a simple formula. Each child is unique and must be shepherded in the heart. It’s impossible to change the kids heart without God. Thus, we must introduce them to Christ at their early age. Learning from his own mistakes and struggles, Solomon writes, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”[Prov 22:6] Although this isn’t a guarrantee, children most likely will imbibe the values they are nurtured with. As arrows fly from the hands of the hunter[parents], they will fly to the aimed target most likely.[Psa 127:4] For kids to change, they must accept their brokenness in sin, seek for God’s forgiveness, trust in His saving grace and live a surrendered life to Christ’s Lordship.
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2 Kings 23:28-30 ESV
Similarly today, many Christians end their lives not in simple sleep but horribly. There are still many countries wherein Christians are persecuted. But, their souls are spared from God’s judgment in hell. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” [Rom 8:1] Thus Jesus has admonished us, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”[Matt 10:28,29]
28 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 29 In his days Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates. King Josiah went to meet him, and Pharaoh Neco killed him at Megiddo, as soon as he saw him. 30 And his servants carried him dead in a chariot from Megiddo and brought him to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's place.
DYING IN PEACE
King Josiah was killed by Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo. 2 Chron 35:20-25 gave us this account, “20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to meet him. 21 But he sent envoys to him, saying, “What have we to do with each other, king of Judah? I am not coming against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war. And God has commanded me to hurry. Cease opposing God, who is with me, lest he destroy you.” 22 Nevertheless, Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to fight in the plain of Megiddo. 23 And the archers shot King Josiah. And the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded.” 24 So his servants took him out of the chariot and carried him in his second chariot and brought him to Jerusalem. And he died and was buried in the tombs of his fathers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. 25 Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah; and all the singing men and singing women have spoken of Josiah in their laments to this day. They made these a rule in Israel; behold, they are written in the Laments.”
But, did not God promise he would die in peace? The prophetess Huldah said earlier, “ Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.’[2 Kings 22:20]
Clearly, it was not refering to the manner of his death. It was the timing. He would die and be buried peacefully before the terrible events would happened. As Huldah prophesied, “Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.”[2 Kings 22:15-17]
2 Kings 23:24-27 ESV
24 Moreover, Josiah put away the mediums and the necromancers and the household gods and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might establish the words of the law that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD. 25 Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.
26 Still the LORD did not turn from the burning of his great wrath, by which his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked him. 27 And the LORD said, “I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will cast off this city that I have chosen, Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.”
FORGIVENESS AND CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
King Josiah had separated from the sins of the land in order to be set apart unto God. Until and unless the whole land was cleared from the “mediums and the necromancers and the household gods and the idols and all the abominations”, the obedience to the book of the law couldn’t be done. In short, there was separation from sin and towards the Lord. He turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him. Josiah had became the best king ever Judah had.
Yet, the Lord will pour His wrath upon them. The LORD said, “I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will cast off this city that I have chosen, Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.” Why? The provocations with which Manasseh had provoked him was the reason. Even the prophet Jeremiah writes, “ And I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, did in Jerusalem. “Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem, or who will grieve for you? Who will turn aside to ask about your welfare? You have rejected me, declares the Lord; you keep going backward, so I have stretched out my hand against you and destroyed you - I am weary of relenting.”[Jer 15:4-6]
The Lord forgives but won’t remove the consequences. He forgives a repentant drank person but the effect of alcohol in his body remains. He forgives a repentant drug addict but the harm done in his brain may remain. Both could be sober for the rest of their lives but have to bear the consequence of their sinful lifestyle in the past.
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2 Kings 23:21-23 ESV
21 And the king commanded all the people, “Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” 22 For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah. 23 But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was kept to the LORD in Jerusalem.
21 At iniutos ng hari sa buong bayan, “Ipagdiwang ninyo ang paskuwa sa PANGINOON ninyong Diyos, gaya ng nasusulat sa aklat na ito ng tipan.” 22 Walang gayong paskuwa ang ipinagdiwang mula sa mga araw ng mga hukom na naghukom sa Israel, o sa panahon ng lahat ng mga araw ng mga hari ng Israel o ng mga hari man ng Juda; 23 ngunit nang ikalabingwalong taon ni Haring Josias, ipinangilin sa Jerusalem ang paskuwang ito sa PANGINOON.
THE PASSOVER RESTORED
By celebrating the Passover, Josiah’s spiritual reforms was far reaching than Hezekiah and others before him. No Passover celebration was made since the days of the judges. He should be commended for eradicating everything associated with pagan worship. But, this celebration of the Passover was the highlight of his reforms. Similarly, we should not be noted by what we remove in our lives but by what we do in obedience to his words.
How significant is the Passover celebration? The celebration of Passover is in remembrance of the time in Israel’s history when the Lord moved through Egypt destroying the firstborn of all people and animals (see Exodus 11 and 12.) This was the final of the ten plagues God visited upon Egypt designed to force Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave the country and their captivity. The Israelites were commanded by God to take the blood of a male lamb—one without blemish—and smear it on the doorposts of their houses. When the Lord saw the blood, He would “pass over” that house. Ever since that night, Jews have celebrated the Passover in remembrance of God’s grace to them.[from gotquestions.org]
This is a foreshadowing of the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus, whose blood would cover the sins of those who believe in Him, causing God’s judgment to pass over them. The Passover is a wonderful picture of Christ’s atonement for His people and His deliverance of us from the bondage of sin Thus, Paul writes, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” [1 Cor 5:7]
While it is not required for Christians to celebrate the Passover, it is beneficial to study and reflect it for it leads to a greater understanding and appreciation for Christ’s death and resurrection. That is something we should celebrate every day of our lives.
Under the New Covenant, we are enjoined to celebrate instead the Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. Paul had emphasized this observance by saying, “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”[1 Cor 11:23-26]
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2 Kings 23:15-20 ESV
15 Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah. 16 And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the mount. And he sent and took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar and defiled it, according to the word of the LORD that the man of God proclaimed, who had predicted these things. 17 Then he said, “What is that monument that I see?” And the men of the city told him, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and predicted these things that you have done against the altar at Bethel.” 18 And he said, “Let him be; let no man move his bones.” So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria. 19 And Josiah removed all the shrines also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which kings of Israel had made, provoking the LORD to anger. He did to them according to all that he had done at Bethel. 20 And he sacrificed all the priests of the high places who were there, on the altars, and burned human bones on them. Then he returned to Jerusalem.
WHAT IS THAT MONUMENT THAT I SEE?
In his cleansing campaign in Samaria, King Josiah was determined to destroy every pagan edifice, including tombs. He took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar and defiled it, according to the word of the LORD that the man of God proclaimed, who had predicted these things
But he saw a tomb and asked, “What is that monument that I see?” What prompted him to ask is not clear. Clearly, he was careful to destroy shrines which were verified. Interestingly, the men of the city told him, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and predicted these things that you have done against the altar at Bethel.” He had died many years earlier, yet the specific king he mentioned, Josiah, came to fulfill his words. His words were recorded in 1 Kings 13:1-2, “And behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the word of the Lord to Bethel. Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make offerings. 2 And the man cried against the altar by the word of the Lord and said, “O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.” Was this a coincidence?
King Josiah was quick to honor him, saying, “Let him be; let no man move his bones.” He was an obscure prophet but having a popular message. Apparently, people did not remember his name but his words had lingered in their minds. He died but his words lives. Similarly, it doesn’t matter whether people will remember our names as long as they won’t forget the message we bring – the gospel.
Are we passionate to elevate the name of Christ alone? As Paul had declared for himself, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” [1 Cor 2:2] Sadly, today’s norm is when a popular preacher said it that makes it worth considering, is it not? May we be like John the baptizer, the greatest prophet [Luke 7:26-28] who said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”[John 3:30]
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2 Kings 23:4-20 ESV
4 And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second order and the keepers of the threshold to bring out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. 5 And he deposed the priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places at the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and the moon and the constellations and all the host of the heavens. 6 And he brought out the Asherah from the house of the LORD, outside Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron and beat it to dust and cast the dust of it upon the graves of the common people. 7 And he broke down the houses of the male cult prostitutes who were in the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah. 8 And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had made offerings, from Geba to Beersheba. And he broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on one's left at the gate of the city. 9 However, the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers. 10 And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no one might burn his son or his daughter as an offering to Molech. 11 And he removed the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, at the entrance to the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathan-melech the chamberlain, which was in the precincts. And he burned the chariots of the sun with fire. 12 And the altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, he pulled down and broke in pieces and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. 13 And the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, to the south of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 14 And he broke in pieces the pillars and cut down the Asherim and filled their places with the bones of men.
15 Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah. 16 And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the mount. And he sent and took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar and defiled it, according to the word of the LORD that the man of God proclaimed, who had predicted these things. 17 Then he said, “What is that monument that I see?” And the men of the city told him, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and predicted these things that you have done against the altar at Bethel.” 18 And he said, “Let him be; let no man move his bones.” So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria. 19 And Josiah removed all the shrines also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which kings of Israel had made, provoking the LORD to anger. He did to them according to all that he had done at Bethel. 20 And he sacrificed all the priests of the high places who were there, on the altars, and burned human bones on them. Then he returned to Jerusalem.
THE CLEANSING
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2 Kings 23:1-3 ESV
Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. 2 And the king went up to the house of the LORD, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. 3 And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.
Pagkatapos ang hari ay nagsugo, at tinipon niya ang lahat ng matatanda ng Juda at Jerusalem. 2 At pumunta ang hari sa bahay ng PANGINOON, kasama ang lahat na lalaki ng Juda at ang lahat ng mamamayan ng Jerusalem, mga pari, mga propeta, at ang buong bayan, hamak at dakila. Kanyang binasa sa kanilang mga pandinig ang lahat ng salita ng aklat ng tipan na natagpuan sa bahay ng PANGINOON. 3 Ang hari ay tumayo sa tabi ng haligi, at nakipagtipan sa harap ng PANGINOON, upang lumakad ng ayon sa PANGINOON at upang ingatan ang kanyang mga utos at ang kanyang mga patotoo, at ang kanyang mga tuntunin, ng kanyang buong puso at buong kaluluwa, upang tuparin ang mga salita ng tipang ito na nasusulat sa aklat na ito; at ang buong bayan ay nakiisa sa tipan.
A COVENANT BEFORE THE LORD
Everything stopped at the kingdom for all the people had gathered at the temple. With him were the elders, all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. He personally read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
Why did he read the book himself? There is no apparent reason. Reading it by himself had made the impression that he identified with the book’s authority. Earlier he heard the promise of both eventual judgment and the immediate delay of judgment. Yet, he did not respond with indifference or simple contentment that he would not see the judgment in his day. He wanted to get the kingdom right with God. As C.S. Lewis said, “You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Thus, immediately after reading, he made a covenant with God. Upon the hearing of everyone, he declared, that he s going “to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book.” Definitely, this public declaration was without ambiguity and equivocation. Because of this, the people joined him in the covenant. Is not God’s covenant of love towards us that has driven us to covenant with Him? We love Him because He first loved us.[1 John 4:19] Certainly, all these promptings are workings of the Spirit in their lives.
Today, as we read His words, The Holy Spirit should prompt us to covenant with God not be hearers but be doers of His words. As James said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”[Jas 1:22-25]
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2 Kings 22:14-20 ESV
14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter), and they talked with her. 15 And she said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to me, 16 Thus says the LORD, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. 18 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, 19 because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the LORD, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD. 20 Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.’” And they brought back word to the king.
HUMILITY LEADS TO HONOR
Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah. She was the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter). And they consulted with her about the dealings of God concerning the king and the people.
Amazingly, she said about King Josiah, “Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord. Now I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here” (2 Chron 34:27–28). God’s pronouncement of judgment to the wicked kings before Josiah was consitent. King Josiah was the exception. He was a godly king who humbled himself before God.
Solomon had said, “Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” [Prov 18:12]. He added, “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”[Prov 22:4] This principle holds true in Jesus teaching. He said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”[Matt 23:12] For this, Peter wrote, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you”[1 Pet 5:5,6]
The whole kingdom was spared because of the God-fearing king Josiah. Indeed, “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”[Prov 15:33] Leadership rises and falls because of their attitude of humility and pride, respectively. Thus, we must not allow pride to creep in and ruin us. May by His Spirit, we will remain humble so that we will receive His exaltation in return.
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2 Kings 22:8-13 ESV
11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. 12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, 13 “Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”
12 At ang hari ay nag-utos ng ganito kay Hilkias na pari, kay Ahicam na anak ni Safan, kay Acbor na anak ni Micaya, kay Safan na kalihim, at kay Asaya na lingkod ng hari, na sinasabi, 13 “Humayo kayo at sumangguni sa PANGINOON para sa akin sa bayan, at para sa buong Juda tungkol sa mga salita ng aklat na ito na natagpuan. Malaki ang poot ng PANGINOON na nag-aalab laban sa atin, sapagkat hindi sinunod ng ating mga ninuno ang mga salita ng aklat na ito, upang gawin ang ayon sa lahat ng nasusulat tungkol sa atin.”
THE BOOK FOUND THE KING
A pastor visiting a woman in her home, who has not been attending church for quite awhile. The pastor wanted to read a passage with her. Thus, she asked her to get her bible. She went to her shelf and grabbed the bible. She bursted with thanksgiving, saying, “Thank you Lord, that I found my glasses!” Perplexed, the pastor asked, “How long did you loss your glasses?” Sheepishly, she replied, “Almost a year”
Perhaps, we are excited to find our own ‘glasses’ rather than in the ‘beholding as in the glass the glory of the Lord.”[ 2 Cor 3:18]. What makes us glad or sad must be very important to us. When King Josiah heard the word, he he tore his clothes. His reaction spoke a lot. The book had caught all his attention. Immediately in his capacity as the king, he commanded Hilkiah and company to “go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found.” There was no delay. It’s always the right time to do the right thing.
It is one thing to find the book. It is another thing to listen and obey it. Many of us may pay mental assent unto the book. We acccept that it is the word of God. But, how excited are you and I to listen and obey it? How hungry and thirsty are we to hide and cherish it in our hearts? May, we will heed what Joshua had said, that is, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”[Jos 1:8]
Or, like Jeremiah we would say,
“Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O LORD, God of hosts.”[Jer 15:16]
How we receive the word of God tells to how we value it. Those who really love the Lord won’t receive only His words but reallign His life according to it. Truth applied not truth received. Did you find the book? If so, did the book find you?
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-2 Kings 22:8-10 ESV
8 And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9 And Shaphan the secretary came to the king, and reported to the king, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD.” 10 Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king.
I HAVE FOUND THE BOOK
The book of the law was found in the temple. Although we’re not told explicitly, there is no reason for us to think that the loss or concealment of the book of the law is being presented as anything other than a more recent event, that is during the long reign of the most evil king Manasseh. It’s not hard to believe that he removed it from its proper place beside the ark of the covenant. As Deut 31:26 says, “Take this Book of the Law and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against you.”
Let’s recall that their successes and failures were always asociated with in their keeping the law or not, respectively. Solomon was charged to keep the law of Moses[1 Kings 2:3] Jehu was rebuked for not keeping it with all his heart.[2 Kings 10:31] Amaziah was commended for acting in accordance with it.[2 Kings 14:6] and the whole nation was condemned for ignoring it.[2 Kings 1713-14, 34,37]. It was so vital yet they forgot all about it. Certainly, this neglect did not happen overnight.
Losing sight of the book should not be the norm. But sadly, it did happen. The abnormal became normal. Nobody among us does want to neglect our bibles, doesn’t it? Yet, in many instances, the evil one has succesfully lured us. We know that we can live without it.[Matt 4:4] yet, we afford to take it for granted.
The book was still inside the temple, perhaps placed very near the altar, but concealed and hidden. The box where the money was placed before it that it couldn’t be seen. Or, for having been set aside for awhile, everyone who passed it by had seen it but had settled or accepted its insignificance. These were most probable scenarios.
In like manner, we should ask ourselves today. Are there things that cloud our minds not to value God’s word anymore? Or, we may not forget the words of God. We could quote it in memory. But, we’ve lost its wonder and awe. The ‘aha’ and ‘eureka’ moments are long gone. Perhaps, we read it as a piece of literature, nothing more and nothing else. This dryness of the soul could be His judgment. As the prophet Amos had said, “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.”[Amos 8:11]
May, everyday be a ‘discovery day’ of the book. Thus, we pray with the psalmist, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”[Psa 119:18]. May we fall in love to God and His words so that we may say everyday, “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”[Psa 119:97]. Like an expectant treasure hunter, let us ‘seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures’ [Prov 2:4]
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2 Kings 22:1-7 ESV
19 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.
3 In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam, the secretary, to the house of the LORD, saying, 4 “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may count the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the threshold have collected from the people. 5 And let it be given into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD, and let them give it to the workmen who are at the house of the LORD, repairing the house 6 (that is, to the carpenters, and to the builders, and to the masons), and let them use it for buying timber and quarried stone to repair the house. 7 But no accounting shall be asked from them for the money that is delivered into their hand, for they deal honestly.”
THE REPAIR OF THE HOUSE
In the spiritual sparseness of the land during the previous kings’ reign in Judah, Josiah was like an oasis blooming for God. It’s the work of God to ignite life, isn’t it? He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.
He was 26 year old during his eighteenth year when he followed up and summoned both the secretary of the house and the High priest to complete the repair of the house of God. It should be noted that King Joash in the past did the same. The previous kings were too evil abandoning the upkeep of the building. They even replaced some essential paraphernalia inside with pagan structures.
Our spiritual lives, specifically our bodies, are the temples of the Spirit. As such, it has been subject to the spiritual attacks of the enemy. The devil is ‘the thief who comes only to steal and kill and destroy.’ [John 10:10a] Our struggles against him is inevitable, irreversible and unpreventable until the day Jesus will come. As a clay, Paul had recognized the wear and tear of life. He testified, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”[2 Cor 4:16] Battle-torn and wearied, Paul’s renewal was on daily basis. Similarly, we should be aware and accepting to the reality of decay, even death. But, our spiritual altars should be intact, even invigorating. God may allow setbacks. But, let’s hold on unto God’s promise to the nation of Israel through Joel, that is;
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.” [Joel 2:25]
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2 Kings 21:19-26 ESV
19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Meshullemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. 20 And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, as Manasseh his father had done. 21 He walked in all the way in which his father walked and served the idols that his father served and worshiped them. 22 He abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD. 23 And the servants of Amon conspired against him and put the king to death in his house. 24 But the people of the land struck down all those who had conspired against King Amon, and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place. 25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 26 And he was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza, and Josiah his son reigned in his place
HE ABANDONED THE LORD
Undoubtedly, Mannaseh was the most evil king of Judah. He was comparable to King Ahab of the Northern kingdom. After him Amon his son reigned, who was no different but f. He abandoned the Lord, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the Lord.[v.22] He ended his two year reign tragically because his servants conspired against him and put the king to death in his house. His killers were killed as well by the people of the land. He punctuated his kingdom with much killings.
We are not told why he was assassinated by his own servants. Certainly, their act demonstrated their disloyalty to him. He wasn’t able to get their trust either because either they were provoked to anger because they were oppressed or they were driven by jealousy to usurp his power. Indeed, he who abandoned the Lord may live an abhorrent or abusive life. That is, he didn’t know how to relate with others – to his equals or subordinates.
Conversely, he, who in his heart, is pursuing God would display the compassion of God. The temperature of somebody would rise if he is close to the furnace, would it not? The reason why leaders have had problems with people is that their hearts are far from God. About this ‘cause and effect’ reality, John has something to say, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”[1 John 4:20-21]
Everything in us rises and falls with our relationship with God. Thus today, let’s take care first and foremost our relationship with God. When our hearts has been in the warmth of God’s presence, we would relate warmly others. The reason is not necessarily that people are lovable, for they’re not. It is because the love of God has constrained us.
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2 Kings 21:10-16 ESV
10 And the LORD said by his servants the prophets, 11 “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, 12 therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. 13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria, and the plumb line of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. 14 And I will forsake the remnant of my heritage and give them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies, 15 because they have done what is evil in my sight and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.” 16 Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides the sin that he made Judah to sin so that they did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.
I WILL FORSAKE THE REMNANT OF MY HERITAGE
Mannaseh and the kingdom of Judah were like a journeying ship heading towards the rocks. The problem wasn’t how rough the seas were. But, that they didn’t want to follow their spiritual compass. Manasseh willfully had rejected the true and living God and had embraced the pagan idols of the countries around. Thus, God said, “They have done what is evil in my sight and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.” [v.15] This is the reason God has to forsake their remnant and become captives to Babylon.
It’s not possible to serve both God and idols. God had expressed His animosity to the idols. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” [Ex 20:3-6] God is a zealous God. Even Jesus had said,” No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” [Matt 6;21]
Today, we should not dare to provoke our God to anger, should we? Let’s “keep ourselves from idols”. [1 John 5:21] as far as we can be. Let’s not allow anything that can stand in place before God and us.
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2 Kings 21:1-9 ESV
Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. 2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel. 3 For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. 4 And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem will I put my name.” 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. 6 And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger. 7 And the carved image of Asherah that he had made he set in the house of which the LORD said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever. 8 And I will not cause the feet of Israel to wander anymore out of the land that I gave to their fathers, if only they will be careful to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the Law that my servant Moses commanded them.” 9 But they did not listen, and Manasseh led them astray to do more evil than the nations had done whom the LORD destroyed before the people of Israel.
A REGRESSION
Definitely, Mannaseh did the opposite to all that his father Hezekiah did. He annuled the reforms that all his father had done. At a young age of 12, he began his reign and for the next 55 years he brought back all the idols that his father had removed. His kingdom may had progressed politically but had retrogressed spiritually.
Sadly, Hezekiah’s spiritual reforms was not embraced by his son. Parents who nurture their children in the fear of God may result to godly children. Solomon said, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”[Prov 22:6] But, this is not an empirical formula that guarrantees the same resut to every parent. The deceitfulness of the child’s heart is too complex and rooted for us to comprehend. As Jeremiah said;
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
10 “I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”[Jer 17:9,10]
Hence, the parent might had done his part but the child himself is always responsible for his choices later in life. As Ezekiel had said, “ The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”[Eze 18:20]
Only God can change the heart of a child. It does follow that we should always lift them up at the throne of God. Let’s learn the parenting practice of Job. “And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.”[Job 1:5] His children were grown up yet he did not stop his influence through prayers.
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2 Kings 20:12-19 ESV
12 At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. 13 And Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them. 14 Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” And Hezekiah said, “They have come from a far country, from Babylon.” 15 He said, “What have they seen in your house?” And Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.”
16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD: 17 Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the LORD. 18 And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 19 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?”
SHOWING OFF
When the Babylonian emissary came to Judah, Hezekiah showed everything he has had. They had seen all that is inside his house; there was nothing in his storehouses that he did not show them
Did Hezekiah sin in this matter? Plainly, yes. God shouldn’t pronounce judgment on him in response if he had not displeased God. But what was his sin about? What should he had done instead? Surely, it wasn’t sin to receive the Babylonians. It was in his haughty manner in which he received them.
It seemed to us that “showing off” his goodies got Babylon so interested to get them later. He miscalculated by thinking and trusting about them as his friends, instead as opposed to him. That, he referred Babylon as a possible caretaker of Israel's things. We wonder whether it was a good military strategy. Would you show your enemies, or even distant friends, your fortifications. Or your desirables? God will judge him so that they will become captive to Babylon later. And, for him “The word of the LORD that Isaiah have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?” (v.19) this shows his self-centeredness.
Did Hezekiah's lackadaisical attitude towards God was responsible for raising Manasseh to be so evil? “And the Lord said by his servants the prophets, “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.”[2 Kings 21:10-12]
Past successes are not guarantee for the future. It doesn’t always follow that if we start well. Success may blind our eyes to make us conceited or proud.
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2 Kings 20:8-11 ESV
8 And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” 9 And Isaiah said, “This shall be the sign to you from the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he has promised: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?” 10 And Hezekiah answered, “It is an easy thing for the shadow to lengthen ten steps. Rather let the shadow go back ten steps.” 11 And Isaiah the prophet called to the LORD, and he brought the shadow back ten steps, by which it had gone down on the steps of Ahaz.
THE SIGN
As soon as Hezekiah heard Isaiah’s words, he asked him what would be the sign that God would fulfill His words. “That the shadow of the sun dial will either turn either ten degrees forward or backward”, Isaiah replied. Hezekiah thought the shadow going backward was much harder than going forward. Thus, he asked God to do it. How many times we are like Hezekiah when God’s promise is too hard to believe? Is it wrong or not, to ask for a sign from God? The answer is yes and no.
It’s a 'no' when we are like the ‘Jews who sought for a sign’, when the truth was very apparent to them. Jesus did most of his miracles at Galillee towns area, yet they refused to believe Him. Thus Jesus said, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”[Matt 11:21-24] In short, their problem was not that thay could not believe but that they would not believe amidst clear evidences. That is why Paul said about his fundamental problem of the Jews, that is, they sought for a sign. Definitely, its hard to accept God’s will when you have already decided what you want Him to say.”
However, it's a 'yes', when in his sincerity, one would clear his doubts, like Hezekiah and Gideon. Apparently, God saw their hearts’ truthfulness so that He granted their requests. Only God could see our motives. The fact that God had affirmatively answered their asking for a sign should settle our suspicions or doubts whether their motives were right or not. Thus, we shouldn’t question their trust to God’s character and trustworthiness.
When the bible is clear about a subject, we should not seek for a sign. However, when our degree of certainty is not so clear, we may seek God to confirm it through our circumstances. But, we should be earnest to obey whenever we ask an impossible thing from God, should we not? Our example is Hannah. When she was barren, she asked specifically for a son in order to be offered to God. God granted her request. And , she did it accordingly without delay.
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2 Kings 20:1-7 ESV
In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.’” 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, 3 “Now, O LORD, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: 5 “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, 6 and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.” 7 And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.”
I HAVE SEEN YOUR TEARS.
Having been sick, King Hezekiah was told by Isaiah, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.’” It was a death sentence but he refused to accept. He turned his face towards the wall and prayed. Broken, he literally wept and begged for God to grant His mercy. He has been faithful in following the Lord yet God had allowed him to get sick. Sickness may happen to everyone.
The Lord changed His dealings with Hezekiah. Thus, He told Isaiah, who was leaving the room, to turn back and pronounce, “Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.” Sometimes god answers prayer quickly but in many cases we have to travail.
Prayer changes us not God. God is immutable. As God heard hezekiah, He heard the prayer of Moses also so that He relented His dealings with the stiff-necked Israel. “And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”[Ex 33:17]
The Lord heard and healed Hezekiah. The Lord had extended his life for another 15 years. Today, are we like him, desperate enough to be driven on our knees? Do we recognize that we are doomed if not for God’s grace and mercy? In many instances, we think we can survive with a little help from God. Help from Him is seen as optional. That, it is okay whether God will help us or not. Are we so desperate that if God is not in our home, work and ministry, we are doomed to failure? It is not us plus God. But, it is all of God or nothing.
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2 Kings 19:32-37 ESV
32 “Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, declares the LORD. 34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”
35 And that night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. 36 Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh. 37 And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.
GOD WORKS ACCORDING TO HIS WORDS.
Through Isaiah, the Lord has declared, “He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city.” The Lord’s words happened exactly as He said.
Indeed, Hezekiah’s weeping was just for a night. The next day was a day of rejoicing. And that night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. The angel of God was a little too many than the multitude of the proud Assyrians. God did not need the instrumentality of man. Did it cross to Hezekiah’s mind that God will do this miracle? Thus Jer 33:3 and Eph 3:20 are truth about God that we can lean upon.
The saying is true that “When we work, we work; When we pray God works.” How many times we fail because we don’t trust and commit our needs to God? According to S.D. Gordon, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” Prayer is effectual.
And the particular prayer that God hears is that which centers solely for His glory. God did it for “His own sake and for the sake of His servant David.” We should never be in the equation. It should be all for His glory.
As Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” We have to have a faith to believe that God is absolutely trustworthy as He revealed Himself in His words. Like Hezekiah, let us be like the centurion that Jesus commended. “When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.”[Matt 8:5-10,13]
Today, let’s rest that God works according to His words. When God said it that settles it.
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2 Kings 19:29-31 ESV
29 “And this shall be the sign for you: this year eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs of the same. Then in the third year sow and reap and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. 30 And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. 31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD will do this.
29 “At ito ang magiging tanda para sa iyo: sa taong ito ikaw ay kakain ng tumutubo sa kanyang sarili, at sa ikalawang taon ay ang tumubo roon; at sa ikatlong taon ay maghahasik kayo, at aani, at magtatanim ng ubasan, at kakainin ninyo ang kanilang bunga. 30 Ang naiwang ligtas sa sambahayan ni Juda ay muling mag-uugat pailalim at magbubunga pataas; 31 sapagkat mula sa Jerusalem ay lalabas ang isang nalabi, at sa bundok ng Zion ay isang pangkat ng naiwan. Ang sigasig ng PANGINOON ang gagawa nito.
THE REMNANT SHALL BLOSSOM
In the aftermath of the soon Assyrian invasion, the kingdom may experience hardships. Life will be bleak. Their will be tightening of the belt for food production would be reduced. But, they should not be in despair.
They just to endure the first two years when there would be fragility of both human and economic conditions. But, they will survive. Why? The crops will spring up from what is already in the ground. Specifically, in the third year, it would be possible for them to resume their normal agricultural practices. “For you need patience that after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.”[Heb 10:36]
There is a lot of optimism in God, who is sovereign. As the psalmist articulated;
“Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.”[Psa 126:5,6]
Armed with the sure promises of God, let us be faithful in active and productive waiting for God to fulfill His promises. God’s growth might be slow but it is sure. As Paul had admonished us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”[Gal 6:9] “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”[1 Cor 15:58]
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2 Kings 19:25-28 ESV
25 “Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should turn fortified cities into heaps of ruins,
26 while their inhabitants, shorn of strength, are dismayed and confounded, and have become like plants of the field and like tender grass, like grass on the housetops, blighted before it is grown.
27 “But I know your sitting down and you’re going out and coming in, and your raging against me.
28 Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come into my ears, I will put my hook in our nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.
THE LORD IS IN CONTROL
After King Hezekiah prayed, the Lord answered him through the prophet Isaiah. Surely, the Lord does hear and answer the prayers of a righteous man. “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”[Jas 5:16] We should not be surprised when God answers our prayers, should we? However, we should be alarmed if the Lord is not answering our prayers.
Proudly, Senacherib did argue that it was through his ability that he was able to conquer kingdoms and territories. Unbeknownst to him, that God had determined it beforehand. God said;
“Have you not heard
that I determined it long ago?
I planned from days of old
what now I bring to pass,” [see v 25]
Isaiah had articulated this, saying;
“Remember this and stand firm,
recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’”[Isa 46:8-10]
There is no such thing as an accidental or incidental event in our lives. Senacherib’s life and deeds were absolutely subservient to God’s plan and purposes. Isaiah said;
“But I know your sitting down
and your going out and coming in,
and your raging against me.”[v27]
Because the Lord is in absolute control, in every need and circumstances that happen in and through our lives are interconnected or interrelated. We should, then, be at rest and in reverence to Him in prayer always. Whatever lack we experience in life, Jesus has assured us, saying, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”[Mat 5:32]
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2 Kings 19:14-19 ESV
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. 17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands 18 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. 19 So now, O Lord our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.”
YOU, O LORD, ARE GOD ALONE.
Upon receiving the letter from Senacherib, he went into the house of God and spread it before Lord. This time, he did not ask Isaiah’s prayer but did it by himself. This is a wonderful blessing about our relationship with the Lord. Neither one has the monopoly nor somebody is deprived. Specific revelations are provided to the prophets but prayer is available for all.
Jesus has invited all of us to go to Him. He said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”[Matt 11:28-30]. We could ‘cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us.”[1 Pet 5:7]
Upon receiving the letter from Senacherib, he went into the house of God and spread it before Lord. This time, he did not ask Isaiah’s prayer but did it by himself. This is a wonderful blessing about our relationship with the Lord. Neither one has the monopoly nor somebody is deprived. Specific revelations are provided to the prophets but prayers are available for all [v.15]
It could be true that Senacherib had wrought success and destroyed the gods of the other pagan nations around. But they were just powerless idols made of wood and stone. But, Yahweh is the only true God, holy and incomparable. That all the kingdoms of the earth shall know the difference, Hezekiah asked God to defeat the Assyrians. He was so zealous to exalt God in his darkest hour, saying, “ You, o Lord, are God alone.”
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2 Kings 19:1-7 ESV
As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. 4 It may be that the Lord your God heard all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.” 5 When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.’”
THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER
The threat was overwhelming. King Sennacherib and his army were closing in to Jerusalem. The kinng was informed about the threat of Assyria spoken by the Rabshakeh. Instead of panicking, King Hezekiah opted to “tear his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord.”
As the king in the time of need, he sought the prophet Isaiah to plead for the Lord’s mercies. He believed that the Lord must be sought for, first and foremost. Do we recognize our desperate need of God, especially in our time of need? He described their situation to Isaiah as a laboring mother with no strength to deliver their child – powerless and helpless. On the other hand, he believed that the enemy should not continue to mock or ridicule God.
In the same manner, in the book of Acts, the apostles, particularly Peter and John, were rounded up and reprimanded not to speak for Christ anymore. Although they were threatened, they asserted boldly to continue to preach Christ. Upon their release, they went back to the brethren. And the first thing they did was to pray in praises and thanksgiving before God. “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”[Acts 4:31]
Prayer should be the priority because it’s God’s means to show His power. “When we work, we work. But, when we pray, God works.” Prayer is not the last option. It is our first and only option. When we are doing ministry, we don’t stop praying. As Paul had said, “pray without ceasing”[1 Thess 5:17]
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2 Kings 18:28-37 ESV
28 Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out in a loud voice in the language of Judah: “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! 29 Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you out of my hand. 30 Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord by saying, The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ 31 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for thus says the king of Assyria: ‘Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern, 32 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey, that you may live, and not die. And do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” 33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 35 Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’”
36 But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king's command was, “Do not answer him.” 37 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.
SILENCE DESPITE SARCASMS.
Having had success in his conquest against Samaria, King Sennacherib of Assyria had his eyes turned to Judah. He attacked it and sent the Rabshakeh [chief of princes or field commander] to Hezekiah. Thus, Rabshakeh, with his great army, went to issue a challenge to Hezekiah. Isaiah had recorded this, saying, “And the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours? Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?”[Isa 36:4-5]
The Rabshakeh’s message to the people of Jerusalem was full of lies, boasts, and blasphemies:
• he questioned the object of their trust
• he ridiculed Hezekiah’s strategy as weak and ineffective
• he discounted any help they might receive from Egypt
• he told them the Lord had turned against them
• he claimed the Lord had sent him to destroy the land of Judah
• he crudely reminded them of the horrors of being under siege
• he accused Hezekiah of deceiving the people
• he scoffed at the notion of trusting in the Lord
• he offered gifts of land and peace to anyone who would surrender
• he reminded them that no nation’s gods had yet been able to deliver it from Assyria
• he equated the Lord with the impotent gods of the other nations
[from https://www.gotquestions.org/Rabshakeh-in-the-Bible.html]
The people’s response was an amazing silence. Why? “The king's command was, “Do not answer him.” Hezekiah’s silence was golden. Paradoxically, his silence was both a sign of weakness and strength. It’s when silence is marked with confidence. As David had expressed;
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.”[Psa 46:10,11]
Today, it’s not the threat of the enemy that should control us but the truth of who God is to us. It’s not that we are helpless before our enemies but that our enemies are helpless before our God. May we learn to wait upon God with silence and confidence today.
2 Kings 18:1-8 ESV
In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the LORD. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the LORD commanded Moses. 7 And the LORD was with him; wherever he went out, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him. 8 He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.
SPIRITUAL REFORMS.
The kings of Judah had followed the footsteps of Israel so that they were heading for an exile, too. Until, King Hezekiah assumed the throne. He made drastic spiritual reforms. At a young age of 25, he began his reign following after his father David. According to v4,5, “He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him.”
Spiritual reforms means going back to the basics. It was so sad that they continually offered their sacrifices to Nehushtan [the bronze serpent that Moses had made] instead to God. Perhaps like the pillars and poles of Asherah, they made the Nehushtan as an idol of worship. Yet, Hezekiah was neither intimidated nor hesitant to remove everything. “He held fast to the LORD. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the LORD commanded Moses.”
It was C.S. Lewis who said, “We can’t change the past but we can start a new start and change the ending.” Instead of cursing and complaining our past, let us start to get rid our hearts from any idol. As John has exhorted, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”[1 John 5:21] Let us not expect for God to use us if our hearts are full of dirt and weeds. As Paul said, “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”[2 Tim 2:20-21]
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2 Kings 17:29-33 ESV
29 But every nation still made gods of its own and put them in the shrines of the high places that the Samaritans had made, every nation in the cities in which they lived. 30 The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima, 31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 32 They also feared the LORD and appointed from among themselves all sorts of people as priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the shrines of the high places. 33 So they feared the LORD but also served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away.
SYNCRETISM
The settlers who arrived had brought with them their religion and culture and introduced these to the people in the different villages in Samaria. The Sepharvites, in particular, had burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. But, they did not remove out the worship of Jehovah. Instead, they included him in the pantheon of gods to worship. And this mixed worship was very far from the true worship anymore. As v34,35 had declared, “To this day they do according to the former manner. They do not fear the Lord, and they do not follow the statutes or the rules or the law or the commandment that the Lord commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel.”
God is a jealous God. And His name shouldn’t be treated us equal to their gods. But in this Assyrian captivity, God had allowed it for He had used the Assyrians to chastise them. Somehow, this had served the purpose of God. As the psalmist had said,;
“Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”[Psa 76:10]
Truth mixed with error is as a glass of mineral water with a drop of cyanide. The water may appear clean and harmless but it’s deadly. Let us seek, therefore to worship God with purity of our hearts. As David declared;
“For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”[Psa 51:16,17]
Today, there is only one acceptable sacrifice. It’s God’s way and provision. And we must not dillute it with anything or else it will be defiled. According to Heb 10:19-22, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
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2 Kings 17:24-28 ESV
24 And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel. And they took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities. 25 And at the beginning of their dwelling there, they did not fear the LORD. Therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which killed some of them. 26 So the king of Assyria was told, “The nations that you have carried away and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the law of the god of the land. Therefore he has sent lions among them, and behold, they are killing them, because they do not know the law of the god of the land.” 27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, “Send there one of the priests whom you carried away from there, and let him go and dwell there and teach them the law of the god of the land.” 28 So one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel and taught them how they should fear the LORD.
AN APPEASEMENT.
After the fall of Samaria, the king of Assyria brought settlers from Babylon, that is from Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim. These settlers went and took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities. Being pagans themselves, they did not fear the Lord when they came in. But, God raised lions and killed some of them, which prompted them to inform the king. The king had thought of appeasing the god in Samaria, who they angered. Thus, he commanded one of the Jewish exile priests to go back and teach the settlers to fear the Lord. Somehow, they equate Jehovah as one of their gods.
At one time the Jews had gravitated the temple worship as an obligation and duty. There wa no motivation of love to God anymore. Perhaps, the fear of moral retribution was the reason. Thus God rebuked them saying;
““Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house
or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and its fullness are mine.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”[Psa 50:7-15]
Today, some believe a Jesus they need to appease. Should He is a god to be appeased, He is far different than the biblical Jesus we know. Our Jesus doesn’t need to be bribed, does He? He isn’t one who is eccentric being but a selfless one. As Paul, declared, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”[Rom 5:6-8] How could we explain a king who died for His subjects if not of an indescribable love.
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2 Kings 17:14-18 ESV
14 But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the LORD their God. 15 They despised his statutes and his covenant that he made with their fathers and the warnings that he gave them. They went after false idols and became false, and they followed the nations that were around them, concerning whom the LORD had commanded them that they should not do like them. 16 And they abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made for themselves metal images of two calves; and they made an Asherah and worshiped all the host of heaven and served Baal. 17 And they burned their sons and their daughters as offerings and used divination and omens and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger. 18 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight. None was left but the tribe of Judah only.
OBSTINACY
Israel had provoked the Lord to so much anger because of their idolatry. It is an abomination that was rooted deeper and deeper into their lives both individually and nationally. God had been wooing them back through the prophets. “But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the LORD their God. They despised his statutes and his covenant that he made with their fathers and the warnings that he gave them.”[v.14,15] They spiralled down in sin until they hit rock bottom. They “made for themselves metal images of two calves; and they made an Asherah and worshiped all the host of heaven and served Baal. And they burned their sons and their daughters as offerings and used divination and omens and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD”[v.16,17]
“You can’t stop a bird from landing on your head. But you can keep it from building a nest” [ Martin Luther King Jr.] Christians aren’t sinless, are they? We couldn’t prevent our impulses from sinning at all times, could we? That is why, Jesus has told us to pray for forgiveness. [Matt 6:12]. And, John also declared the need of confession, saying, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”[1 John 1:9]
God doesn’t expect us not to sin but not to make it as a lifestyle. We may sin but must settle it by confessing it right away. Hence, it’s our continual refusal to listen from His rebuke and correction that is the concern. The problem of Israel was not that they “could not” listen but they “would not” listen. “They went after false idols and became false.” They became obstinate and stoic as the idols they worshipped. A tragic reality that the psalmist had articulated in Psa 115:4-8;
“Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk;
and they do not make a sound in their throat.
Those who make them become like them;
so do all who trust in them.”
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2 Kings 17:6-13 ESv
6 In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria, and he carried the Israelites away to Assyria and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
7 And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods 8 and walked in the customs of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced. 9 And the people of Israel did secretly against the LORD their God things that were not right. They built for themselves high places in all their towns, from watchtower to fortified city. 10 They set up for themselves pillars and Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree, 11 and there they made offerings on all the high places, as the nations did whom the LORD carried away before them. And they did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger, 12 and they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this.” 13 Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, in accordance with all the Law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets.”
CAPTURED AND EXILED.
Samaria fell to the Assyrians. They had the good reason not to be captured. God had been wooing them back but they chose the idols. They were not conquered because the Assyrians were stronger. According to verse 7, “And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God”. That is, they rebelled God.
What they did was a slap to God. He delivered them from Pharaoh and Egypt from all their idols. He drove out all the idol worshipping pagan tribes, only to embrace them later. Emphatically, He warned them through Moses; “And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me.“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” [Ex 20:1-7]
But, they ignored this despite the many warnings. “The LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, in accordance with all the Law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets.” God was very patient so that their captivity was all their fault.
Should we love God, we must hate sin. We couldn’t love both flowers and weeds and grow both in the same garden, could we? Thus, today, let us search our hearts. God is knocking at our doors as Jesus did to the Laodiceans, saying, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”[Rev 3:20] Nothing should be sweeter to us than our communion with Him.
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2 Kings 17:1-5 ESV
In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea the son of Elah began to reign in Samaria over Israel, and he reigned nine years. 2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, yet not as the kings of Israel who were before him. 3 Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria. And Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. 4 But the king of Assyria found treachery in Hoshea, for he had sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, and offered no tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore the king of Assyria shut him up and bound him in prison. 5 Then the king of Assyria invaded all the land and came to Samaria, and for three years he besieged it.
1 Nang ikalabindalawang taon ni Ahaz na hari ng Juda, si Hosheas na anak ni Ela ay nagsimulang maghari sa Samaria sa Israel, at siya ay naghari sa loob ng siyam na taon. 2 Gumawa siya ng masama sa paningin ng PANGINOON, bagaman hindi gaya ng mga hari ng Israel na nauna sa kanya. 3 Umahon laban sa kanya si Shalmaneser na hari ng Asiria; at si Hosheas ay naging sakop niya at nagbayad sa kanya ng buwis. 4 Subalit ang hari ng Asiria ay nakakita ng pagtataksil kay Hosheas, sapagkat siya'y nagpadala ng mga sugo kay So na hari ng Ehipto, at hindi nagbigay ng buwis sa hari ng Asiria, tulad ng kanyang ginagawa taun-taon. Kaya't kinulong siya ng hari ng Asiria at iginapos sa bilangguan. 5 Pagkatapos ay sinalakay ng hari ng Asiria ang buong lupain at dumating sa Samaria at kinubkob ito sa loob ng tatlong taon.
A WORTHLESS HELP.
Ahaz has angered Shalmanezer, the king of Assyria, because of his treachery. He secretly sent messengers to So, king of Egypt. He did not pay his annual tribute to Assyria anymore which provoked the king of Assyria to capture him. Eventually, Assyria attacked Samaria which fell to their hands after three years. Where was the help of Egypt?
Egypt was a worthless help. As Isaiah rebuked them;
“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord,
“who carry out a plan, but not mine,
and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit,
that they may add sin to sin;
2 who set out to go down to Egypt,
without asking for my direction,
to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh
and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!
3 Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame,
and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation.”[Isa 30:1-3]
Ahaz’s bondage can’t be solved by creating another bondage with Egypt. Similarly, a present debt in a bank can’t be solved by borrowing money from another bank. Generating an income is the solution. Similarly, our problem of sin can’t be solved by going after another sin to cover it up. Solomon had said;
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”[Prov 28:13]
We only can plead for God’s mercy through Christ for forgiveness and deliverance. Did not Jesus say, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”[Matt 11:28-30]. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”[Heb 4:16]
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2 Kings 16:10-16 ESV
10 When King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, he saw the altar that was at Damascus. And King Ahaz sent to Uriah the priest a model of the altar, and its pattern, exact in all its details. 11 And Uriah the priest built the altar; in accordance with all that King Ahaz had sent from Damascus, so Uriah the priest made it, before King Ahaz arrived from Damascus. 12 And when the king came from Damascus, the king viewed the altar. Then the king drew near to the altar and went up on it 13 and burned his burnt offering and his grain offering and poured his drink offering and threw the blood of his peace offerings on the altar. 14 And the bronze altar that was before the LORD he removed from the front of the house, from the place between his altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of his altar. 15 And King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, saying, “On the great altar burn the morning burnt offering and the evening grain offering and the king's burnt offering and his grain offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their grain offering and their drink offering. And throw on it all the blood of the burnt offering and all the blood of the sacrifice, but the bronze altar shall be for me to inquire by.” 16 Uriah the priest did all this, as King Ahaz commanded.
THE STRANGE ALTAR.
King Ahaz travelled to Damascus to pay respect to his new lord. When he saw the altar at Damascus, it caught his attention. He got the model of the altar and sent it to Uriah, the priest. He made instructions to Uriah, the priest, to do some innovations and revisions at the altar in Jerusalem.
King Ahaz traveled to Damascus to pay respect to his new lord. When he saw the altar at Damascus, it caught his attention. He got the model of the altar and sent to Uriah, the priest. He made instructions to Uriah, the priest, to do some innovations and revisions at the altar in Jerusalem.
Why?
The answer is not so evident. Perhaps, it’s the close association between politics and religion in their times. As a new vassal state, this could be one of the reforms needed. But, this is not so clear. However, it’s implicit, by his actions that [i.e. he saw..he sent] he did it due to aesthetics. As a liberal minded king, his travel had broadened his mind that he gained new ideas. He was a king very open for foreign ideas. The temple for him was not where God is but just a political symbol. We could think of the churches in Europe that have become museums, nowadays. Although there is no hint that this reform or change was a requirement, he may had removed some things to avoid offence and replace with things acceptable by the Assyrians. That, he was careful to please his new master.
Seen from the outside, the temple building may appear unchanged. But, it’s tragic that its altar inside was significantly altered. God has set apart and stipulated the exact measurements and placements of every furniture in the tabernacle. Jesus’ anger had shown how jealous is God in preserving the sanctity of the temple. Any alteration or addition won’t be acceptable.
Today, we should always take care our respective ‘altars’, that is our hearts, to be pure and unadulterated before God. How many believers have changed today in the name of being progressive?
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2 Kings 16:5-9 ESV
5 Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, came up to wage war on Jerusalem, and they besieged Ahaz but could not conquer him. 6 At that time Rezin the king of Syria recovered Elath for Syria and drove the men of Judah from Elath, and the Edomites came to Elath, where they dwell to this day. 7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and rescue me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.” 8 Ahaz also took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasures of the king's house and sent a present to the king of Assyria. 9 And the king of Assyria listened to him. The king of Assyria marched up against Damascus and took it, carrying its people captive to Kir, and he killed Rezin.
A DESPERATE ACT
Rezin, the king of Syria had colluded with Pekah, the king of Israel to subdue King AhaZ, the king of Judah. As Rezin conquered the southern territory of Judah named Elath, King Ahaz was significantly threatened. He must have thought that sooner, if he couldn’t find an outside help, the enemy would come and devour them. Thus, he decided to seek the help of King Tiglath-Pileser [Pul] of Assyria.
Are you facing a threatening situation today? To whom do you seek help? To God or somebody else? God allows our vulnerabilities to make as realize our need of God. However, King Ahaz was already influenced with the leavened of idolatry. Thus, he was quick to ask help from a heathen king. Perhaps, he was oblivious for the fact that this was not just a military and political issue. It was a spiritual one. He left God in the equation altogether.
The situation became messy. Judah and Southern kingdom should have united to fight Syria and Assyria. Instead, they are turning against each other with their respective protectors. And, subjugation to their protectors was inevitable price to pay. Thus, Ahaz sent a message to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and rescue me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.” Ahaz was victorious over his enemies because of Assyria. Ironically, he was also a slave to Assyria. As a result, Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasures of the king's house and gave all to him. This is the price of servitude. When God sets us free we are free indeed. Unlike God, Satan won’t gave favor without a corresponding price of serfdom. Paul had pointed this reality by saying, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?[Rom 6:3] Thankfully, as His children, “our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”[Rom 6:6]
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2 Kings 16:1-5 ESV
1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, Ahaz the son of Jotham, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God, as his father David had done, 3 but he walked in the way of the kings of Israel. He even burned his son as an offering, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. 4 And he sacrificed and made offerings on the high places and on the hills and under every green tree.
EMBRACING THE ABOMINABLE
Ahaz was an evil king of judah. Strangely, he “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel.” That is, he was influenced not by the values of his own family but the lifestyle of the kings of the northern kingdom. Why? There are no easy answers but this just showed the lack of godly influence in the home. One of the reasons could be the pursuit of novelty of a young, naïve king. He was fascinated to explore and adopt what was new regardless whether these were abominable before God.
He who befriend the enemy will imbibe his values. He did the unthinkable. “He even burned his son as an offering, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. And he sacrificed and made offerings on the high places and on the hills and under every green tree.”[v 3,4] This was the last straw at the camel’s back. It’s the zenith of an abominable act when the king himself did it. It is claimed that the Ben Hinom valley was the site of worship for the Molech god. Views are varied as to how exactly the god was served, but it involved either burning (to death) or singeing [burning partially].
Wickedness is as a weed that can spread its roots vigorously and rapidly unnoticed in the garden of our hearts. Unless, it is uprooted while it is small, its influence will be fatal. King Ahaz had totally abandoned Jehovah and embraced the pagan gods, without reservation.
James has warned us vehemently against befriending the world. He said, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”[Jas 4:4] King Ahaz may had became unconscionable about his wicked and abominable acts. Thus we must be aware about the deceitfulness of sin to cause the hardness of our hearts. Let’s always ask God to help us have a contrite heart before Him.
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2 Kings 15:32-38
32 In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, began to reign. 33 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. 34 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done. 35 Nevertheless, the high places were not removed. The people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the LORD. 36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 37 In those days the LORD began to send Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah against Judah. 38 Jotham slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father, and Ahaz his son reigned in his place.
GOD’S TOLERANCE IS NOT GOD’S APPROVAL
King Jotham was a good king following the footseps of his father Uzziah’s earlier reign. And, perhaps, he learned a lesson to what happened to his father, he did not enter into the temple of the Lord. According to 2 Chron 27:2, “And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord according to all that his father Uzziah had done, except he did not enter the temple of the Lord. But the people still followed corrupt practices.”
He was commended for learning what should he not follow about his father’s actions in temple worship. Indeed, children are watching their fathers’ lives so that they can learn from their mistakes themselves. His father Uzziah’s pride that resulted to leprosy was too serious to ignore. Perhaps he learned to follow God because of fear of the consequence but not by his love for God.
He was blessed to become powerful for he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God” (2 Chron 27:6). He fortified his kingdom by rebuilding the Upper Gate of the temple. And, he built the wall at the hill of Ophel and towns, forts, and towers (2 Chron 27:3–4). However, he failed to remove the high places so the people could continue to make sacrifices there (2 Kings 15:35).
God is the strength of the kingdom suppose to be. But, Jotham had played enough politics taking for granted the effect of the worship of idols. For him, there was no problem for the people and his kingdom are doing well. The good result of our compromising actions and decisions don’t make them right, do they? It’s sad when God’s tolerance is mistaken as God’s approval. Just that God has blessed us materially doesn’t mean that he approved the means for it. Grace is not permissive to continue sinning but power to overcome sin.
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2 Kings 15:23-31 ESV
23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years. 24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin. 25 And Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him with fifty men of the people of Gilead, and struck him down in Samaria, in the citadel of the king's house with Argob and Arieh; he put him to death and reigned in his place. 26 Now the rest of the deeds of Pekahiah and all that he did, behold, they are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
27 In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned twenty years. 28 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin.
29 In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and he carried the people captive to Assyria. 30 Then Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah and struck him down and put him to death and reigned in his place, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. 31 Now the rest of the acts of Pekah and all that he did, behold, they are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
SLOWLY BUT SURELY
Someday asked, “How to eat an elephant?” One chew at a time is the witty answer. Bit by bit, the Northern Kingdom eventually fell to the Assyrians during the reign of Hosea. During King Menahem’s reign, he paid tribute to Pul [Tiglath Pezer], the king of Assyria, so that there was a temporary respite. “The king of Assyria turned back and did not stay there in the land.”[v.20] But, he stood as the threat on the horizon because Aram had given way to Assyria as the great northern army. After Menahem, his son Pekahiah reigned only to be assasinated by Pekah, one of his chief officers. Argob and Arieh were assasinated too, who perhaps were Pekahiah’s sons.
Pekah’s reign of 20 years was longer than his predecessors combined. However, he noticed that Tiglath-Pileser [Pul] had indeed replaced Aram as the great foe. “He came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and he carried the people captive to Assyria.”[v.29] After his assasination, the kingdom led by his killer Hosea eventually fell under the Assyrian kingdom.
In the same manner, the enslavement of sin comes from one compromise to another. The approach of our enemy is as a guerella tactical skirmishes. Their little advancement may be taken for granted so that encroachment will be inevitable in the future. The dam collapses when a small leak is unattended. The roof fell when a little hole is taken for granted. Thus, we should not let any foothold of the enemy to wield his power. By His grace, let’s nip the bud of sin for a little leaven will leaven the whole lump in a matter of time. James said, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” [Jas 1:14,15]
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2 Kings 15:16-22 ESV
16 At that time Menahem sacked Tiphsah and all who were in it and its territory from Tirzah on, because they did not open it to him. Therefore he sacked it, and he ripped open all the women in it who were pregnant.
17 In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah king of Judah, Menahem the son of Gadi began to reign over Israel, and he reigned ten years in Samaria. 18 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart all his days from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin. 19 Pul the king of Assyria came against the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that he might help him to confirm his hold on the royal power. 20 Menahem exacted the money from Israel, that is, from all the wealthy men, fifty shekels of silver from every man, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back and did not stay there in the land. 21 Now the rest of the deeds of Menahem and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 22 And Menahem slept with his fathers, and Pekahiah his son reigned in his place.
AN ABUSE OF POWER.
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely” is a cliché known to many. The problem lies not in having an authority per se. It’s the wicked person who abuses his authority or power . King Menahem was such a despot. He was governed by his selfish and vindictive impulse.
When the place of Tirzah opposed him, he “sacked it, and he ripped open all the women in it who were pregnant.” It must have been a horrible sight to have the place littered with dead pregnant women with fetuses at their sides.
Just to stay on his throne, Menahem gave Pul[Tiglath Pileser], the king of Assyria, a thousand talents of silver as a tribute. Like holding to the edge of the sword, he turned an enemy by burdening his subjects. Thus, he exacted the money from Israel, that is, from all the wealthy men, fifty shekels of silver from every man, to give to the king of Assyria. Certainly, he did everything he could just to stay in power.
All earthly powers are delegated by God, directly or indirectly. As such, they are subjects to God. “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.” [Acts 17:24-26] In other words, God in His sovereignty may allow a wicked king to reign for His purpose. As Psa 76:10 declares, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.” An abusive authority may always think that he is in absolute control but the reality is that he is not. God is in absolute control. Thus, evil won’t be perpetual.
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2 Kings 15:8-15 ESV
8 In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah, Zechariah the son of Jeroboam reigned over Israel in Samaria six months. 9 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done. He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin. 10 Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him and struck him down at Ibleam and put him to death and reigned in his place. 11 Now the rest of the deeds of Zechariah, behold, they are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. 12 (This was the promise of the Lord that he gave to Jehu, “Your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” And so it came to pass.)
13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah king of Judah, and he reigned one month in Samaria. 14 Then Menahem the son of Gadi came up from Tirzah and came to Samaria, and he struck down Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria and put him to death and reigned in his place. 15 Now the rest of the deeds of Shallum, and the conspiracy that he made, behold, they are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
A BAD REPUTATION.
Zechariah sat on the throne after Jeroboam II. But his evil reign just lasted for six months. He was assassinated by Shallum, son of Jabesh. And as the great grandson of Jehu, this fulfilled the pronouncement of God to Jehu’s descendants reign to end in the fourth generation. [see 2 Kings 10:30] It gave the impression of God’s accumulated wrath that burst the moment Jehu reigned.
God’s word must be respected. Jehu’s descendants continued to make God angry by their idolatry. They ignored the warning of God. God seemed silent and even had blessed their kingdom until Jehu was assassinated. How many times we take God’s word casually? Then, a backlash happened and it was a little too late to realize our neglect.
On the other hand, Shallum even reigned in just a month for Menahem, son of Gad, murdered him. He reaped what he had sown. There was nothing to remember in his reign except that he killed his predecessor, Zechariah. A murderer king who was being murdered too. His name is written in the annals of Israel’s history but with a stigma of bad reputation.
How would you like people to remember you? Solomon said, “A good name is better than precious ointment.”[Ecc 7:1a] How long would a sweet smell last? In contrast, a good reputation will continue to linger. May God will help us to finish our task with a good name, thereby giving glory to the Lord.
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2 Kings 15:1-7 ESV
In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Azariah the son of Amaziah, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. 4 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. 5 And the Lord touched the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and he lived in a separate house. And Jotham the king's son was over the household, governing the people of the land. 6 Now the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 7 And Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Jotham his son reigned in his place.
FROM LOFTINESS TO LEPROSY
King Azariah [Uzziah], who reigned for 52 years, was one of the longest reigning king in Judah. He was a good king at his early years of reign. “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.” (2 Chronicles 26:4,5). He was a gifted and innovative king so that his kingdom prospered tremendously. However, he changed during his later years after Zechariah died. until the Lord ‘touched’ him. He became a leper and died in a separate house. In other words, he was alone and isolated.
What has caused his downfall?
Sadly, King Uzziah’s fame and strength had prompted him to become proud.(2 Chron 26:16). He committed an irreverent act by entering into the temple of God in order to burn incense on the altar. Clearly, this was something only the priests could do. By this presumptuous act, he was basically saying he was above the Law.. When he was confronted by the 80 courageous priests, he became furious instead of being broken. He was far from being humble so that God was displeased. Pride, indeed, happens before every fall. [Prov 16:18]
Thus, let’s be warned not to harbor a proud attitude. Why? “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[1 Pet 5:5] God resists the proud. That is, a proud person is as somebody declaring war with God. Such person is foolhardy thinking that kicking the thorns will hurt it and not himself. The blessings of God could be so glaring to our spiritual eyes. We may lost sight to the Blessor and become proud. And, for being proud, one is hardened and deceived impervious to the voice of God. Simply put, a proud person is spiritually blind and deaf. May God gives us soft hearts always.
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2 Kings 14:23-29 ESV
23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, began to reign in Samaria, and he reigned forty-one years. 24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin. 25 He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. 26 For the Lord saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter, for there was none left, bond or free, and there was none to help Israel. 27 But the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.
28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam and all that he did, and his might, how he fought, and how he restored Damascus and Hamath to Judah in Israel, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, the kings of Israel, and Zechariah his son reigned in his place.
THE FAVOR OF GOD
The reign of Jeroboam II was marked with economic prosperity and and political expansion. According D. Guzik, “ Archaeology confirms the economic might of Jeroboam II. In the age prior to Jeroboam II, the houses in Israel’s cities were roughly the same size. But archaeologists find a change starting in the eighth century b.c. – ancient cities like Tirzah have a neighborhood of large, expensive houses and another neighborhood of small, crowded structures, smaller than the houses from previous years. The larger houses are filled with the marks of prosperity, and the oppressive rich of Israel thought they could find safety there – but God’s judgment came against those houses as well (Amos 3:13-15).”
This prosperity was brought about not by their own merit and ability. It was because of God, who had been merciful to the nation. “He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. ” There was a re-establishment of the ideal borders of the Northern Israel that existed under Solomon’s reign.[1 Kings 8:65]
Sadly, there was no moral and spiritual revival during these economic and prosperous times. The prophecy of Amos and Hosea during this time did reveal the spiritual decadence within. Sooner, the nation would be destroyed by the corruption as termites destroy a building from within.
Let’s not be fooled to equate material prosperity equals spiritual blessings always. When man becomes self-sufficient, his spirituality also will decline in most cases. Our sprituality is always associated with our dependence upon Him moment by moment.
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2 Kings 14:7-14 ESV
7 He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took Sela by storm, and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this day.
8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us look one another in the face.” 9 And Jehoash king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah, “A thistle on Lebanon sent to a cedar on Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son for a wife,’ and a wild beast of Lebanon passed by and trampled down the thistle. 10 You have indeed struck down Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Be content with your glory, and stay at home, for why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?”
11 But Amaziah would not listen. So Jehoash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 12 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his home. 13 And Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash, son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem for four hundred cubits, from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. 14 And he seized all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king's house, also hostages, and he returned to Samaria
THE PERIL OF ARROGANCE
After Amaziah had slaughtered 10,000 Edomites, he challenged the king of Israel Jehoahaz to battle. King Jehoahaz had thought it was a mismatch. He said to Amaziah, “A thistle on Lebanon sent to a cedar on Lebanon.” He told Amaziah, “You have indeed struck down Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Be content with your glory, and stay at home, for why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?” And Amaziah was right for the ten tribes was definitely stronger than Judah. But, Amaziah did not listen. Arrogance causes blindness to our vulnerabilities.
Let’s remember that Amaziah had started his reign well but he became proud. After he conquered the Edomites, he foolishly brought back their gods and sacrificed to them. This idolatry resulted in an unnamed prophet coming to him to rebuke him. Amaziah defiantly resisted, saying to him, “Have we made you a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be struck down?” (2 Chron 25:16). The prophet refused to be intimidated, however. He told bluntly the proud king, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.”
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” [Prov 16;18] Nothing can be further from the truth. Amaziah having been blinded by his glory had proceeded to fight against King Jehoahaz. He was defeated decisively. Thus, Jehoahaz went to Judah and looted “all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king's house, also hostages including king Amaziah, and he returned to Samaria.”
Today, let us not be blinded by our arrogance. Lest we forget, everything that we have is not from us. God’s blessing if seen as God’s gifts won’t make as boastful but humble. Arrogant people are not teachable. Thus, let us check our hearts should we have the tendency to despise counsel from others today.
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2 Kings 14:1-6 ESV
In the second year of Joash the son of Joahaz, king of Israel, Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jehoaddin of Jerusalem. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his father had done. 4 But the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. 5 And as soon as the royal power was firmly in his hand, he struck down his servants who had struck down the king his father. 6 But he did not put to death the children of the murderers, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the Lord commanded, “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. But each one shall die for his own sin.”
22 Nang ikalawang taon ni Joas na anak ni Jehoahaz na hari ng Israel, si Amasias na anak ni Joas na hari ng Juda ay nagsimulang maghari. 2 Siya'y dalawampu't limang taon nang siya'y magsimulang maghari; at siya'y naghari ng dalawampu't siyam na taon sa Jerusalem. Ang pangalan ng kanyang ina ay Jehoaddin na taga-Jerusalem. 3 Siya'y gumawa ng matuwid sa paningin ng PANGINOON, gayunman ay hindi gaya ni David na kanyang magulang; kanyang ginawa ang ayon sa lahat ng ginawa ni Joas na kanyang ama. 4 Ngunit ang matataas na dako ay hindi inalis; ang taong-bayan ay nagpatuloy na nag-alay at nagsunog ng insenso sa matataas na dako. 5 Nang matatag na ang kaharian sa kanyang kamay, pinatay niya ang kanyang mga lingkod na pumatay sa kanyang amang hari. 6 Ngunit hindi niya pinatay ang mga anak ng mga mamamatay-tao ayon sa nasusulat sa aklat ng kautusan ni Moises, gaya ng iniutos ng PANGINOON, na sinasabi, “Ang mga ama ay hindi papatayin dahil sa mga anak, o ang mga anak man ay papatayin dahil sa mga ama; kundi ang bawat tao ay mamamatay dahil sa kanyang sariling kasalanan.”
DOING RIGHT BUT NOT COMPLETELY
Amaziah reigned in Judah after his father Joash for twenty nine years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. How right was he in following the Lord? What are the benchmarks? He reigned as good as his father Joash but not like David. According to 2 Chron 25:2, “And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart.”
Both David and Joash were not perfect kings. They made wrong decisions in their kingship. Joash grew up and became king with Jehioada. But, when Jehoiada passed away, he listened to his new advisers, the ungodly princes, for the rest of his life. In the case of Amaziah, he had tolerated the people to worship in the high places. He executed the murderers of his father but the motive was wrong. It was more of a vengeance rather than doing the spirit of the law.
Likewise, David made horrible sins like getting Bathsebah and murdering Uriah and doing a census of his kingdom. However, David did not allow idolatry. Moreover, he became so remorseful when he was confronted later. Thus, he became the man after God’s heart. In other words, how they behave at the end had made the difference. In our lives, we may stumble and do commit mistakes. And, God is gracious to forgive and forget should we repent. He can give a new slate to begin with. Goodness, therefore, is not in not making mistakes. But, it is in coming out being hearts broken and renewed to love God more in a fresh way.
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2 Kings 13:22-23 ESV
22 Now Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 23 But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now.
22 Pinahirapan naman ni Hazael na hari ng Siria ang Israel sa lahat ng mga araw ni Jehoahaz. 23 Ngunit ang PANGINOO'Y naging mapagpala sa kanila at nahabag sa kanila, at siya'y bumaling sa kanila, dahil sa kanyang tipan kina Abraham, Isaac, at Jacob; at ayaw niya silang lipulin, ni palayasin man sa kanyang harapan hanggang sa ngayon.
THE LORD IS GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL.
In all the days of King Jehoahaz, Israel has experienced continual harassment from King Hazael, king of Syria. The Lord has permitted this not as a punishment but a chastisement to them because they were sinning against God. Punishment is done as an end in itself to those who are not related with Him. On the other hand, chastisement is to discipline an erring person who is related with God. God disciplines His children as a loving parent. Heb 12:7,8 says “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”
The graciousness and mercies of God are results of God’s faithfulness to His covenant to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God’s dealings with them has been predominantly by His grace and mercies. Jeremiah said,
“ The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.” [Lam 3:22-23]
But, God’s greatest act of grace and mercy was at the cross. As Paul declared, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”[Rom 5:6-8]
Let’s always glory in God’s grace and mercy alone. We are nothing apart from Christ. “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”[Titus 3:5-7]
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2 Kings 13:20-21 ESV
20 So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. 21 And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.
20 Namatay si Eliseo at kanilang inilibing siya. Noon ang mga pulutong ng mga Moabita ay laging sumasalakay sa lupain sa panahon ng tagsibol. 21 At habang inililibing ang isang lalaki, kanilang natanaw ang isang sumasalakay na pulutong. At ang lalaki ay naihagis sa libingan ni Eliseo; at nang sumagi ang tao sa mga buto ni Eliseo, siya'y muling nabuhay at tumayo sa kanyang mga paa.
LIFE FROM DEATH.
Elisha had died for sometime. What was left in his grave was his bones. Since the graves were carved out of soft rock, it was possible that a dead man was thrown into his grave. This unknown man, perhaps, was mercilessly killed by the marauding band and in a hurry was thrown into Elisha’s grave.
Amazingly, as his dead body touched the bones of Elisha, he became alive again. Elisha though he died for sometime was still became a blessing. Was this because he has the double portion from Elijah. Elijah did not taste death but Elisha, though he died has given life to an unknown man. His name means “God saves”[2 Kings 2:19-25].
Elisha was mentioned only once in New Testament, particularly in Luke 4:27, “And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” Jesus did this analogy with Elisha in healing the sick, specially the lepers. Implicitly, he was a type of Jesus.
Bruce Waltke, writing in Ligonier Magazine about the parallels between Elisha and Jesus:
Both are designated by a prophet, whom the general populace recognized as a true prophet. Both receive the Spirit on the other side of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:7–15; John 1:28);
• are surrounded by more disciples than their predecessors;
• are itinerant miracle workers;
• give life in a land of death;
• cleanse lepers (2 Kings 5; Mark 1:40–45);
• heal the sick (2 Kings 4:34–35; Mark 8:22–25);
• defy gravity (2 Kings 6:6; Matt. 14:22–33);
• reverse death by raising dead sons and restoring them to their mothers (2 Kings 4: 1–7; Luke 7:11–17);
• help widows in desperate circumstances; are kinsman redeemers to save from slavery (2 Kings 4:1–7; Luke 4:19);
• feed the hungry (2 Kings 4:1–7; Mark 8:1–12);
• minister to the Gentiles (2 Kings 5:1–16);
• prepare (2 Kings 6:20–23) and sit at table with sinners (Luke 5:29);
• lead captives (2 Kings 6:18–20; Eph. 4:7–8);
• have a covetous disciple (Gehazi and Judas);
• end their lives in a life-giving tomb from which people flee (2 Kings 13:20–21; Mark 16:1–8).
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2 Kings 13:14-19 ESV
14 Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” 15 And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. 16 Then he said to the king of Israel, “Draw the bow,” and he drew it. And Elisha laid his hands on the king's hands. 17 And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The Lord's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.” 18 And he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped. 19 Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.”
THE LORD’S ARROW OF VICTORY
When Elisha was sick and dying, King Joash of Israel came to him weeping. He felt pathetic about the dwindling chariots and armies of Israel. He cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen.” How could they fight against Syria if the prophet Elisha would be gone? He never had felt so helpless.
The ailing prophet commanded him to draw the bow, open the window. He has to shoot the arrow eastward to the direction of Syria. And he has to lay his hands to the king’s hand when he will shoot the arrow. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The Lord's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.”
Immediately after, he instructed Joash to grab the arrows and struck the ground with them. He was angry with Joash because he only did it three times. Why? He argued, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.”
God never fails. Interestingly, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, that is: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?[Jer 32:27] For His promises are backed up by His incomparable power to fulfill it. Thus, failure is always on our side in not taking His promises at face value. “God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”[Eph 3:20] And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.[Heb 11:6]
Similarly, the Lord has promised Mary the unimaginable – to become a mother when she was a virgin. The only assurance is the word from the angel, that is, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”[Luke 1:37] Unlike king Joash she believed and yielded wholeheartedly to the Lord, saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”[Luke 1:38]
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2 Kings 13:1-9 ESV
In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years. 2 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin; he did not depart from them. 3 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them continually into the hand of Hazael king of Syria and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael. 4 Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the Lord, and the Lord listened to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. 5 (Therefore the Lord gave Israel a savior, so that they escaped from the hand of the Syrians, and the people of Israel lived in their homes as formerly. 6 Nevertheless, they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin, but walked in them; and the Asherah also remained in Samaria.) 7 For there was not left to Jehoahaz an army of more than fifty horsemen and ten chariots and ten thousand footmen, for the king of Syria had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing. 8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 9 So Jehoahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria, and Joash his son reigned in his place.
TAKING GOD’S GOODNESS FOR GRANTED
Jehoahaz assumed the throne of Israel after his father Jehu died. Previously, the Lord promised to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.”[2 Kings 7:30] This was God’s favor to his clan. But his son Jehoahaz did evil. Thus, there was a divine punishment in the form of Syrian invasions. It was so severe that it reduces the army of Jehoahaz so insubstantial like ‘a dust at the threshing time’.
But, the Lord did not abandon Israel. Although, Jehoahaz was an idolater, he pleaded for God’s favor who saved them. This was out of desperation. And, God provided an unnamed savior. In other words, God was gracious to them. However, His graciousness had made no difference to Israel’s outlook. They continued in their sins and re-introduced the worship of Asherah which Jehu destroyed. Impliedly, they asked God’s help only when they needed help and only for their own selfish ends.
Certainly, he and the nation were hardened by sin to become unconscionable. For the evil they had done, they deserve judgment. But, God saw how they suffered from the Syrian’s oppression. Unlike them, you and I should not take God’s goodness for granted, should we? Paul said, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.”[Rom 2:4]
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2 Kings 12:17-21 ESV
17 At that time Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath and took it. But when Hazael set his face to go up against Jerusalem, 18 Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred gifts that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, the kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred gifts, and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king's house, and sent these to Hazael king of Syria. Then Hazael went away from Jerusalem.
19 Now the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 20 His servants arose and made a conspiracy and struck down Joash in the house of Millo, on the way that goes down to Silla. 21 It was Jozacar the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, who struck him down, so that he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Amaziah his son reigned in his place.
A SAD END.
Clearly, King Joash was intimidated by the King of Syria, Hazael. He took all the sacred gifts that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, the kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred gifts, and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king's house, and sent these to Hazael. Simply said, he changed.
A good start of one’s life does not guarantee a better ending all the time. The turning point in Joash’s life came after the death of Jehoiada: “Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention..” (2 Chr 24:17-19).
Why were they not able to influence him earlier? It is because when Jehoiada was still alive, he was a powerful and influential mentor to Joash. Thus, to have Joash listen to them probably would not work. But as soon as Jehoiada was gone, the leaders of Judah had led him to serve other gods, which was utterly against his beliefs. Their flattery had a profound influence on him that he “did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him” (2 Chr 24:22). All the guidance, care, and instruction that Joash had received from his beloved ‘father’ was forgotten for the remainder of his reign as king. And, ultimately he was murdered by one otf them in cold blood.
What we learn is that despite all the time he spent under Jehoiada’s instruction, he had not established a faith that could stand on its own. The insidious ploy done by the leaders of Judah does remind us of our temptations today. They don’t come at full package; they come piece by piece. Satan waits until you are all alone in your faith, when you let your guard down, desperate or lonely, unsure of yourself, It’s when when you are not close to God.
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2 Kings 12:9-16 ESV
9 Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored a hole in the lid of it and set it beside the altar on the right side as one entered the house of the Lord. And the priests who guarded the threshold put in it all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord. 10 And whenever they saw that there was much money in the chest, the king's secretary and the high priest came up and they bagged and counted the money that was found in the house of the Lord. 11 Then they would give the money that was weighed out into the hands of the workmen who had the oversight of the house of the Lord. And they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders who worked on the house of the Lord, 12 and to the masons and the stonecutters, as well as to buy timber and quarried stone for making repairs on the house of the Lord, and for any outlay for the repairs of the house. 13 But there were not made for the house of the Lord basins of silver, snuffers, bowls, trumpets, or any vessels of gold, or of silver, from the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, 14 for that was given to the workmen who were repairing the house of the Lord with it. 15 And they did not ask for an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to pay out to the workmen, for they dealt honestly. 16 The money from the guilt offerings and the money from the sin offerings was not brought into the house of the Lord; it belonged to the priests.
THE FAITHFUL AND HONEST WORKMEN
In obedience to the king, the High Priest Jehoiada placed “a chest and bored a hole in the lid of it and set it beside the altar on the right side as one entered the house of the Lord.” It was in a public place so that it was accessible and free from any suspicion of foul play. The priests guarded the chest. And, whenever the chest was almost full of money, the king's secretary and the high priest came up and they bagged and counted the money. Immediately, they would give the money that was weighed out into the hands of the workmen who had the oversight of the house of the Lord. And they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders who worked on the house of the Lord, and to the masons and the stonecutters, as well as to buy timber and quarried stone for making repairs on the house of the Lord, and for any outlay for the repairs of the house. These money was spent purely for the building repair so that they did not but accessories, such as basins of silver, snuffers, bowls, trumpets, or any vessels of gold, or of silver.
And it must be noted that they did not ask for an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to pay out to the workmen. Why? It is because they dealt honestly. Definitely, trust is given to honest people. People should not be given a task in order to make them faithful but because they were found earlier as faithful.
Thus, faithfulness is seen in the track record of the person. Did not Jesus say, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? [Luke 16:10-12].
The work progressed well because the job of the repair was given to the right people, that is, with carpentry and masonry skills. More than that, they were faithful and honest. Effective and efficient people of God has these two inseparable traits as the two wings of a plane needed in order to fly. Faithful and honest men are diligent.
2 Kings 12:4-8 ESV
4 Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the holy things that is brought into the house of the Lord, the money for which each man is assessed—the money from the assessment of persons—and the money that a man's heart prompts him to bring into the house of the Lord, 5 let the priests take, each from his donor, and let them repair the house wherever any need of repairs is discovered.” 6 But by the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, the priests had made no repairs on the house. 7 Therefore King Jehoash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and said to them, “Why are you not repairing the house? Now therefore take no more money from your donors, but hand it over for the repair of the house.” 8 So the priests agreed that they should take no more money from the people, and that they should not repair the house.
WHY ARE YOU NOT REPAIRING THE HOUSE?
Most likely, the temple of the Lord was in disarray by some form of neglect during the reign of Athaliah. It was not totally abandoned but it needed repair. Thus, Jehoash encouraged the raising of funds for its repair. There were three sources of this sacred offering, namely, first, payments in relation to the census of male Israelites[Ex 30:11-16], payments connected to personal vows[Lev 27:1-25] and all the love offerings from the people. It is similar to the special fund raising campaign of Moses in Ex 35 with emphasis of the people’s willingness to give from their hearts.
He reminded and charged the priests to undertake this priority project. But, at his 23rd year, he found out that no repair was done. This was the reason he asked Jehoiada and the priests, “Why are you not repairing the house? They had the money but impliedly, the priests were not anxious to spend the money for the repair. Perhaps, it was divested. Thus, Jehoash took charge and directed them not to take the money from the donors themselves.
Should our altars are in desrepair, it is our priority to repair it is it not? Like the priests, we may neglect it. There could be no simple reasons. But definitely, it’s the problem of our hearts that is the heart of the problem. As the Lord has encouraged the churh at Ephesus, who lost their first love, saying, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”[Rev 3:5]
The returning Jews had similar experience too. For 16 years the continuance of building the temple was stalled. And the people became accustomed to it sight. “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.” [Hag 1:2-5]
The repair of God’s temple, needless to say the altar, was of paramount importance. It’s where God said His presence be manifested. Thus, let’s guard our altars. Let’s not allow other things to crowd our hearts which may result to its neglect.
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2 Kings 12:1-3 ESV
In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued to sacrifice and make offerings on the high places.
Nang ikapitong taon ni Jehu, nagsimulang maghari si Jehoas at siya'y naghari sa loob ng apatnapung taon sa Jerusalem. Ang pangalan ng kanyang ina ay Sibia na taga-Beer-seba. 2 Gumawa si Jehoas ng matuwid sa mga mata ng Panginoon sa lahat ng kanyang araw, sapagkat tinuruan siya ni Jehoiada na pari. 3 Gayunma'y ang mga mataas na dako ay hindi inalis; ang mga tao ay patuloy na naghandog at nagsunog ng insenso sa mga mataas na dako.
A GODLY INFLUENCE.
Jehoash [or Joash] was seven years old when he was proclaimed as the new king of Judah. He inherited a damaged kingdom because of her predecessor, her evil grandmother Athaliah. It’s unimaginable that she even killed all her grandsons except Joash. She was so obsessed to erase the royal family line. This was in no doubt the devil working in and through her. But, by God’s providence Joash was spared from her evil acts because her Aunt Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada the high priest, hid him.
Joash was orphaned and young when he assumed the throne. How did he rule rightly before the eyes of the Lord? It was because of Jehoiada, who nurtured him. He was instrumental in molding the life of the young king. When Joash was at the age of seven, Jehoiada crowned him before the people as the new king. And correspondingly, he ordered the killing of Athaliah. Most importantly, he rallied the people to make “a covenant between the Lord and the king and people, that they should be the Lord's people, and also between the king and the people.”[2 Kings 11:17]
Jehoash had a godly nurture from a godly high priest Jehoiada. He became who he was because of his mentor. And, Jehoiada had played his role faithfully, without ulterior motives. He was in charge in the spiritual training of his nephew but did not usurp his role. In fact, he ran the show but saw to it that it was Jehoash who was recognized as the king. That is, Jehoash had to be a godly king. Like Jehoash, nobody has become a great leader by himself. It is because he is surrounded by godly people around.
What the psalmist David had declared is true, that is, “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.” [Psa 27:10] “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”[Psa 68:5] In the case of of the helpless Jehoash, it was Jehoiada whom God used to help him to become the king God wanted him to be.
Thus today, you and I could be a “Jehoiada” to a young Christian in order for him to grow and reach his potential in Christ. Have we realized that Christians are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”? [1 Pet 2:9] Or, we could be like “Jehoash” who need a godly mentor. Let’s be teachable under their tutelage so that we will continue to grow and behave as kings in Christ.
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2Kings 11:17-20 ESV
17 And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people, that they should be the Lord's people, and also between the king and the people. 18 Then all the people of the land went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and his images they broke in pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest posted watchmen over the house of the Lord. 19 And he took the captains, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the Lord, marching through the gate of the guards to the king's house. And he took his seat on the throne of the kings. 20 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword at the king's house.
17 Si Jehoiada ay nakipagtipan sa PANGINOON, sa hari, at sa mamamayan, na sila'y magiging bayan ng PANGINOON; gayundin sa pagitan ng hari at ng bayan. 18 At ang lahat ng mamamayan ng lupain ay pumunta sa bahay ni Baal, at ito'y ibinagsak. Ang kanyang mga dambana at ang kanyang mga larawan ay kanilang pinagputul-putol ng lubusan at kanilang pinatay si Matan na pari ni Baal sa harap ng mga dambana. At ang pari ay naglagay ng mga bantay sa bahay ng PANGINOON. 19 Kanyang isinama ang mga punong-kawal, ang mga Cariteo, ang mga bantay, at ang buong mamamayan ng lupain. Kanilang ibinaba ang hari mula sa bahay ng PANGINOON, at nagsidaan sa pintuang-bayan ng mga bantay patungo sa bahay ng hari. At siya'y naupo sa trono ng mga hari. 20 Kaya't ang lahat ng mamamayan ng lupain ay nagsaya. Ang lunsod ay tumahimik pagkatapos na si Atalia ay mapatay ng tabak sa bahay ng hari.
THE COVENANT
When Athaliah was killed, Jehoiada, the High Priest, had represented the people in initiating a covenant with God. They made it clear that they had committed that they shold be the people of God and submit to the kingship of the seven year old king, Joash. The seed of David had withstood and survived by the skin of the teeth. God had proven that He is in control.
How did they prove it? “All the people of the land went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and his images they broke in pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.” Cleansing of one’s life is the first evidence of true repentance. He who loves the flower would pull out all the weeds.
A joyous procession followed. “The priest posted watchmen over the house of the Lord. And he took the captains, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the Lord, marching through the gate of the guards to the king's house. And he took his seat on the throne of the kings. So all the people of the land rejoiced.” Rejoicing is a byproduct of God’s mighty exploits.
Peace was experienced. The city was quiet again. As soon as Baal worship had been practiced, there was no peace in the city. Likewise, the guilty heart won’t be able to experience peace until he confesses it before the Lord. Therefore, let’s remember that peace with and in the Lord could be experienced through His cleansing. David had expressed it, saying, “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.”[Psa 32:3]
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2 Kings 11:9-16 ESV
9 The captains did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded, and they each brought his men who were to go off duty on the Sabbath, with those who were to come on duty on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest. 10 And the priest gave to the captains the spears and shields that had been King David's, which were in the house of the Lord. 11 And the guards stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the south side of the house to the north side of the house, around the altar and the house on behalf of the king. 12 Then he brought out the king's son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!”
13 When Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she went into the house of the Lord to the people. 14 And when she looked, there was the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets. And Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, “Treason! Treason!” 15 Then Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains who were set over the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to death with the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest said, “Let her not be put to death in the house of the Lord.” 16 So they laid hands on her; and she went through the horses' entrance to the king's house, and there she was put to death.
LONG LIVE THE KING!
The six years of Athaliah’s reign was marked with vindictiveness and evil. Earlier, her son Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for she as her counselor in doing wickedly. [2 Chron 22:3 What could anyone expect from this wicked mother now reigning as the queen? Her six years as a queen, Athaliah used her influence to further establish Baal worship in Judah, installiwng priests and building altars for her idol in the very temple of the Lord (2 Kings 11:18; 2 Chronicles 24:7)
The chief priest Jehoiada, however, did an splendid job of protecting Joash, the only rightful heir left of David’s throne. At the seventh year, he and other conspirators arranged secretly the installation of Joash as the new king at the temple. Three companies of armed guards were stationed inorder to secure the ceremony within the temple precincts. There, they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!” Athaliah, having been caught offguard, came rushing in and shouting, “Treason! Treason!” It was little bit too late. The people had made up their mind to support the new king, Joash. She was dragged outside the temple to be executed there.
God may allow us to loss our battles at a certain period of time. But, there will come a time that He would manifest His glory. The celebration of the people would never be sweeter as this. The pain under a wicked queen should have made the celebration extremely significant. As the saying goes, “We won’t recognize the value of freedom until it is lost.”
Similarly, a person must experience and realize first his looseness before he could appreciate wholeheartedly his freedom in Christ. Unless a person recognizes his bankruptcy, he won’t glory in the riches he is going to receive in Christ.
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2 Kings 11:1-3 ESV
Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal family. 2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king's sons who were being put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not put to death. 3 And he remained with her six years, hidden in the house of the Lord, while Athaliah reigned over the land.
Nang makita ni Atalia na ina ni Ahazias, na ang kanyang anak ay patay na, siya'y tumindig at nilipol ang lahat ng binhi ng hari.
2 Ngunit kinuha ni Jehosheba, na anak na babae ni Haring Joram, na kapatid na babae ni Ahazias, si Joas na anak ni Ahazias, at lihim na kinuha siya mula sa mga anak ng hari na malapit nang patayin, at kanyang inilagay siya at ang kanyang yaya sa isang silid-tulugan. Sa gayon niya ikinubli ang bata kay Atalia, kaya't siya'y hindi napatay.
3 Siya'y nanatiling kasama niya sa loob ng anim na taon na nakatago sa bahay ng PANGINOON, samantalang si Atalia ay naghari sa lupain.
HIDDEN IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.
As soon as Ahaziah died, his mother, Athaliah ascended the throne. She became the only female monarch to sit on David’s throne. Her demeanor of wiping out the royal family reminds us of her mother Jezebel’s wickedness. But, Jehosheba, hid Joash, who was his brother Ahaziah’s son, away from Athaliah. Jehosheba, also was the wife of the high priest Jehoiada.
Definitely, Athaliah was a very evil queen. She killed her grandsons except Joash. Had she succeeded, the royal line of David would be cut off. But, God had promised that the ‘lamp of David’ will continue to shine. [2 Kings 8:19] Everything seemed uncertain but God will preserve a remnant. It’s an evocative image for us today. It’s a picture of hope. It is a promise of an eternal flame burning in the midst of turmoil and chaos in the world. The light is still on at David’s home while a people get dragged off into exile until the Messiah, the Lord Jesus was born.
Joash had lost his parents but the Lord was with him. David has said, “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.”[Psa 27:10] The Lord had used Jehosheba to nurse Joash in her bedroom at first. She later smuggled the baby out of the castle and brought him to the temple, where he remained hidden for six years while Queen Athaliah reigned over the land. Joash grew up securely in the temple. That is, he was secured both physically and spiritually.
There could be no better place for a boy, who will be the next king, to grow other than in the temple of God whereby he will be consciousness of the presence of God. This is our challenge today. Instead of cursing our painful past and fate, we should stay closer to God and grow in His presence.
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2 Kings 10:29-31 ESV
29 But Jehu did not turn aside from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin—that is, the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan. 30 And the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” 31 But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.
29 Gayunma'y hindi humiwalay si Jehu sa mga kasalanan ni Jeroboam na anak ni Nebat, na dito'y ibinunsod niya sa pagkakasala ang Israel, samakatuwid ay ang mga guyang ginto na nasa Bethel at Dan. 30 Sinabi ng PANGINOON kay Jehu, “Sapagkat ikaw ay gumawa ng mabuti sa paggawa ng matuwid sa aking paningin, at iyong ginawa sa sambahayan ni Ahab ang ayon sa lahat ng nasa aking puso, ang iyong mga anak sa ikaapat na salinlahi ay uupo sa trono ng Israel.” 31 Ngunit si Jehu ay hindi maingat sa paglakad ng kanyang buong puso sa kautusan ng PANGINOONG Diyos ng Israel. Siya'y hindi humiwalay sa mga kasalanan ni Jeroboam, na dito'y ibinunsod niya sa pagkakasala ang Israel.
THE GOLDEN CALVES.
God had applauded Jehu for removing Baal worship in accordance to His heart. For this, He would bless his dynasty so that his sons would continue to sit on the throne of Israel until the fourth generations. Obedience results to blessings. Moses said, “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God:”[Deut 28:1-2] Even Jesus had corroboarted this, saying, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”[Luke 11:28]
However, he still follow the sins of Jeroboam, that is, he worshiped and did not remove the golden calves that were in Bethel and Dan. His complete obedience of removing Baal won’t absolve God’s displeasure against him for tolerating the worship of the golden calves. Evidently, for Jehu, the eradication of Baal worship was significant so much so that the sins of Jeroboam pales into significance.
How many times we hear people classify sins as big and small; mortal and venial. Like Saul, who proudly affirmed to Samuel that he obeyed the commands of God. But, he was oblivious to the bleating of the sheep. Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. In our walk with God , it’s always carefulness in our hearts. Our hearts can be either calloused or accustomed to an idol seeing it as not obnoxious before God’s eyes.
Therefore, it is necessary for us to let the Spirit search our hearts. Thus we should ask God;
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!”[Psa 139:23,24]
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2 Kings 10:18-28 ESV
18 Then Jehu assembled all the people and said to them, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him much. 19 Now therefore call to me all the prophets of Baal, all his worshipers and all his priests. Let none be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to offer to Baal. Whoever is missing shall not live.” But Jehu did it with cunning in order to destroy the worshipers of Baal. 20 And Jehu ordered, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they proclaimed it. 21 And Jehu sent throughout all Israel, and all the worshipers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left who did not come. And they entered the house of Baal, and the house of Baal was filled from one end to the other. 22 He said to him who was in charge of the wardrobe, “Bring out the vestments for all the worshipers of Baal.” So he brought out the vestments for them. 23 Then Jehu went into the house of Baal with Jehonadab the son of Rechab, and he said to the worshipers of Baal, “Search, and see that there is no servant of the Lord here among you, but only the worshipers of Baal.” 24 Then they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings.
Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside and said, “The man who allows any of those whom I give into your hands to escape shall forfeit his life.” 25 So as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guard and to the officers, “Go in and strike them down; let not a man escape.” So when they put them to the sword, the guard and the officers cast them out and went into the inner room of the house of Baal, 26 and they brought out the pillar that was in the house of Baal and burned it. 27 And they demolished the pillar of Baal, and demolished the house of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day. 28 Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel.
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE HOUSE OF BAAL
Samaria was the center of Baal cult worship. The temple of Baal was its iconic structure. King Jehu enjoined all the worshippers of Baal to come for a religious festival at the temple of Baal in Samaria. Hence, he announced, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him much. Now therefore call to me all the prophets of Baal, all his worshipers and all his priests. Let none be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to offer to Baal. Whoever is missing shall not live.”
This was a trap.
Everyone came so that the place was packed from end to end with unsuspecting Baal worshipers. Jehu went into the house of Baal with Jehonadab the son of Rechab, and he said to the worshipers of Baal, “Search, and see that there is no servant of the Lord here among you, but only the worshipers of Baal.” He saw to it that no servant of the Lord will be one among in the massacre.
As they did the offering, Jehu instructed his 80 armed guards and officers to kill everyone inside, not allowing anyone to stay alive. They went into the inner room of the house of Baal, and they brought out the pillar that was in the house of Baal and burned it. And they demolished the pillar of Baal, and demolished the house of Baal, and made it a latrine to this day. Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel.
Definitely, it was an aggressive and decisive act of Jehu to eradicate Baal’s worship. In a similar way to a cancer patient, his malignant tumor must be removed completely. Otherwise, a single cell may multiply agressively inside his body. Undoubtedly, the temple of Baal was the malignant tumor that Jehu had demolished and turned into a latrine.
Should you and I are having some sin strongholds in our lives, we must take a drastic and decisive decision. Should we kill the octopus of sin, we must destroy and cut not only the tentacles but crushed the head. Thus, in our fight against sin, we must not take second chances. Sin always contaminates like a little leaven that always leavens the whole lump.
2 Kings 10:6-11,17 ESV
6 Then he wrote to them a second letter, saying, “If you are on my side, and if you are ready to obey me, take the heads of your master's sons and come to me at Jezreel tomorrow at this time.” Now the king's sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who were bringing them up. 7 And as soon as the letter came to them, they took the king's sons and slaughtered them, seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets and sent them to him at Jezreel. 8 When the messenger came and told him, “They have brought the heads of the king's sons,” he said, “Lay them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until the morning.” 9 Then in the morning, when he went out, he stood and said to all the people, “You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him, but who struck down all these? 10 Know then that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of the Lord, which the Lord spoke concerning the house of Ahab, for the Lord has done what he said by his servant Elijah.” 11 So Jehu struck down all who remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, all his great men and his close friends and his priests, until he left him none remaining.
17 And when he came to Samaria, he struck down all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, till he had wiped them out, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke to Elijah.
THE BUCK ENDS HERE.
King Jehu’s demand for the guardians to cut off the heads of Ahab’s sons had shown how determined he was to wipe off Ahab’s clan. The guardians for having pledged to do everything for him did so. The 70 heads placed in baskets were transported to Jezreel. At the of the city gate, Jehu had displayed these heads in two heaps for people to see. What a distasteful sight for them to behold. This object lesson should ellicit fear among the people.
The next morning he stood and pronounced, “You are innocent. It was I who conspired against my master and killed him, but who struck down all these? Know then that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of the Lord, which the Lord spoke concerning the house of Ahab, for the Lord has done what he said by his servant Elijah.” Nobody was to be blamed except himself. It should be noted that the late U.S. Pres. Harry Truman, who placed in his office the frame that read, “The bucks end here.” Like him, he took total responsibility to the mass murder.
Jehu did all these without vaccilating fior he believed that it was in keeping with the word of God through the prophet Elijah. God’s word has the absolute authority. Jesus had said, “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”[Matt 5:18] Furthermore, He strongly claimed, “If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”[John 12:47,48]
Our response to the word of God should be neither be disrespect nor neglect. We must take it as it is. God’s word won’t be in vain. Isaiah said;
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”[Isa 55:10,11]
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2 Kings 10:1-6 ESV
Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of the city, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying, 2 “Now then, as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons, 3 select the best and fittest of your master's sons and set him on his father's throne and fight for your master's house.” 4 But they were exceedingly afraid and said, “Behold, the two kings could not stand before him. How then can we stand?” 5 So he who was over the palace, and he who was over the city, together with the elders and the guardians, sent to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants, and we will do all that you tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your eyes.”
Jehu was in a beast mode. He killed Joram, Jezebel and Ahajiah. Upon learning that Ahab had 70 sons at Samaria, he sent letters to their guardians. He said, “Now then, as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, fortified cities also, and weapons, select the best and fittest of your master's sons and set him on his father's throne and fight for your master's house.”
But, the guardians cowered in fear. They heard about the ruthless acts of Jehu towards Kings Joram and Ahaziah. Thus they sighed, “Behold, the two kings could not stand before him. How then can we stand?”
In other words they were intimidated. Hence, they wrote a letter to express their complete submission, saying, “We are your servants, and we will do all that you tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your eyes.”
Fear has a crippling effect to those who are intimidated. The ten spies felt they were just tiny grasshoppers before the Anakims because of fear. But like Joshua and Caleb, we can muster courage. Why! “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”[2 Tim 1:7] Jesus does not want us to be paralyzed by fear of harm and death. He said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”[Matt 10:28] Thus, we must only fear God. And all those who fear Him has nothing else to fear.
These guardians became Jehu’s servants by fear of harm. It was their way of coping out from danger. However as Christians, we do yield to Him as servants out of reverential fear, don’t we? Jesus has given His all to me so that we also will give our all to Him. Consequently, we would serve Him joyfully as His servants.
Thus, Paul had expressed the paradox of a free slave of Christ, saying, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”[Rom 6:17,18] We obey our Master not because we have to but because we want to. Simply put, Jesus has won our hearts not by intimidation but by His compassion at the cross.
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2 Kings 9:24-26, 30-37 ESV
24 And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and shot Joram between the shoulders, so that the arrow pierced his heart, and he sank in his chariot. 25 Jehu said to Bidkar his aide, “Take him up and throw him on the plot of ground belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. For remember, when you and I rode side by side behind Ahab his father, how the Lord made this pronouncement against him: 26 ‘As surely as I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons—declares the Lord—I will repay you on this plot of ground.’ Now therefore take him up and throw him on the plot of ground, in accordance with the word of the Lord.”
30 When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window. 31 And as Jehu entered the gate, she said, “Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?” 32 And he lifted up his face to the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 He said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her. 34 Then he went in and ate and drank. And he said, “See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king's daughter.” 35 But when they went to bury her, they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. 36 When they came back and told him, he said, “This is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel, 37 and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, This is Jezebel.’”
THE RETRIBUTION FROM GOD
In his pursuit to kill Ahab’s descendants, Jehu had shot the fleeing king Joram of Israel to death with an arrow. He then commanded his aide to “take him up and throw him on the plot of ground belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite.” What is the significance of this? He rehearsed the pronouncement he heard from Elijah, the Lord had against him: ‘As surely as I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons—declares the Lord—I will repay you on this plot of ground.’
Jehu, then proceeded to Jezreel in order to apprehend Jezebel. She was found dressed in a prostitute looking out of the window when three eunuchs threw her down as Jehu challenged them to do. It was a very horrible sight of her body tumbling down, blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her.
Apparently, Jehu was very determined to kill king Joram and Jezebel. And, although he claimed a prophetic justification for his actions, it was God who permitted everything to happen according to His words. What he did had allusion in to what Elijah had said, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”’[1 Kings 21:19]
God’s judgment may run slowly but surely. Ahab and Jezebel couldn’t run away from God’s retribution. They couldn’t be provoking God to anger with their idolatry forever. His clan will be obliterated by the jealous God. He has warned through Moses, saying, “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me.”[Ex 20:3-5]
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2 Kings 9:1-10 ESV
Then Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tie up your garments, and take this flask of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead. 2 And when you arrive, look there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi. And go in and have him rise from among his fellows, and lead him to an inner chamber. 3 Then take the flask of oil and pour it on his head and say, ‘Thus says the Lord, I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and flee; do not linger.”
4 So the young man, the servant of the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead. 5 And when he came, behold, the commanders of the army were in council. And he said, “I have a word for you, O commander.” And Jehu said, “To which of us all?” And he said, “To you, O commander.”6 So he arose and went into the house. And the young man poured the oil on his head, saying to him, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, I anoint you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel. 7 And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord. 8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. 10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel, and none shall bury her.” Then he opened the door and fled.
DO NOT LINGER.
Previously, God had charged Elijah that he should anoint Jehu as the next king over Israel. [see 1 Kings 19:6]. Jehu was the son of Jehoshaphat, whose name means “Yahweh is he.” This portrays well his future, God-given task, that is, to obliterate the house of Ahab along with the worship of Baal that pervaded the kingdom at the time.
Elijah failed to anoint him. It is left to Elisha now to fulfill it. He commanded one of his servants to do it quickly as possible at the least ideal situation. Jehu was at Ramoth-gilead having a meeting with the military council. In short, he was in a military operation. The servant managed to anoint him secretly without the knowledge of anybody. This is a classic case that God’s timing in fulfilling His words is inscrutable and unpredictable.
Certainly, the servant did the words of Elisha as he was told. He did not linger. An unnamed servant had made the difference in the kingdom of Israel because of his complete obedience to Elisha. Had he failed, there could be no Jehu to exterminate Ahab’s family and Baal worship. Likewise, we must not delay but hasten to do the will of God. As the psalmist expressed;
“ I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.”[Psa 119:60]
Delayed obedience is disobedience. And, let us not forget that blessings come only to those who obey. As Jesus has said, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” [John 13:17] God is looking for men and women who don’t just hear and know His words but doers of the same. As James has said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”[Jas 1:22-25]
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2 Kings 8:25-29 ESV
25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, Ahaziah the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, began to reign. 26 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah; she was a granddaughter of Omri king of Israel. 27 He also walked in the way of the house of Ahab and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was son-in-law to the house of Ahab.
28 He went with Joram the son of Ahab to make war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth-gilead, and the Syrians wounded Joram. 29 And King Joram returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds that the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.
25 Nang ikalabindalawang taon ni Joram na anak ni Ahab, na hari ng Israel, nagsimulang maghari si Ahazias na anak ni Jehoram na hari sa Juda. 26 Si Ahazias ay dalawampu't dalawang taong gulang nang siya'y magsimulang maghari; at siya'y naghari sa loob ng isang taon sa Jerusalem. Ang pangalan ng kanyang ina ay Atalia na apo ni Omri na hari ng Israel. 27 Siya'y lumakad din sa landas ng sambahayan ni Ahab, at gumawa ng kasamaan sa paningin ng PANGINOON, gaya ng ginawa ng sambahayan ni Ahab, sapagkat siya'y manugang sa sambahayan ni Ahab. 28 Siya'y sumama kay Joram na anak ni Ahab upang makipagdigma laban kay Hazael na hari ng Siria sa Ramot-gilead, na doon ay sinugatan ng mga taga-Siria si Joram. 29 Si Haring Joram ay bumalik sa Jezreel upang magpagaling sa kanyang mga sugat na likha ng mga taga-Siria sa Rama nang siya'y lumaban kay Hazael na hari ng Siria. Si Ahazias na anak ni Jehoram, na hari ng Juda ay lumusong upang tingnan si Joram na anak ni Ahab sa Jezreel, sapagkat siya'y sugatan.
THE WAY OF AHAB
When Ahaziah succeded the throne of his father Jehoram at Judah, he ‘walked in the way of Ahab’ like his father. Most likely, his mother Athaliah had influenced him greatly. As the saying goes, “Apples don’t fall far from the trees.” Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, the most wicked king and queen of Israel. She did introduce the Baal worship in Judah.
Understably, there was a peace between the Northern and Southern kingdoms. But, clearly, through this relationship, Ahaziah had implicated himself in the King Joram’s troubles. He had to fight Syria with King Joram, his uncle. This was the price of compromises in relationship. He had to visit Joram, his uncle who was the king of Israel, who was wounded in battle, in order to help him.
The embrace of idolatry had paved the way in fostering relationship between the two kingdoms. However, this had angered God. God is a zealous God. We have to serve God alone and to despise idols. He commanded us through Moses, “You shall have no other gods before me.“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,Should we sacrifice the truth for unity? What is the basis of true unity? Is it not our unity in Christ.”[Ex 20:3-5]
Today, let us be sure not to sacrifice our relationship with God for the sake of external peace. Jesus wants us to walk in the light and not in darkness. It’s impossible to mix both as paddling two rivers with one canoe. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” [1 John 1:5,6]
2 Kings 8:16-19 ESV
16 In the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, began to reign. 17 He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 18 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 19 Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever.
A LAMP TO DAVID.
After the time of King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel split into 2, namely; the kingdom of Judah and the kingdom of Israel. These two nations, essentially brothers, were in conflict for about 60 years. It was when Jehoshaphat came to power in Judah, that there was finally peace between Judah and Israel. One of the symbols of that peace was the marriage between Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram and Ahab’s daughter, but that marriage proved to be the start of corruption of Judah. It was Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, that brought Baal worship into the kingdom of Israel. Now it was Ahab and Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah, who would bring Baal worship into the kingdom of Judah. Spiritual darkness had set in the kingdom.
How wicked was Jehoram, the king of Judah?
“He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah; all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 3 Their father gave them great gifts of silver, gold, and valuable possessions, together with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn. 4 When Jehoram had ascended the throne of his father and was established, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel.”[2 Chron 21:2-4] He also brought Baal worship into Judah. Although it may have been the influence of his wife, Athaliah, Jehoram approved and had a temple of Baal built in Judah (it was destroyed in 2 Kings 11:18). More than that, he led Judah and the people of Jerusalem to worship Baal, as Ahab did (2 Chr 21:13) – and the way Ahab made people worship Baal was to persecute the prophets of the true God. Jehoram killed his brothers, established Baal worship, and coerced the people of Judah to commit idolatry.
Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever. King David had been dead by now for over 100 years, but God remembered his promise to David, and he remembered his love for David. How would David know since he had died many years earlier already? But God kept it. He loved David so much so that he was not willing to break the promise he made. God did promise to king David that through him, he would establish his kingdom forever. This promise cannot be fulfilled if he discredits all of David’s descendants. That is what he should do, but for David’s sake he was not willing to destroy Judah.
Many dynasties had started and have long gone in the past, but David’s dynasty still stands today. The lamp for David has represented all of his sons, and his line extended into the future. Thus, when Christ was born into the line of David. For Jesus is the fulfilment of the covenant of God to David. Jesus Christ is God who came in the flesh, who died on the cross for our sins, and he rose again from the dead, never again to die. Jesus lives, today and forever – so that, He is the fulfillment of God’s promise to establish the throne of David forever.
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2 Kings 8:7-15 ESV
7 Now Elisha came to Damascus. Ben-hadad the king of Syria was sick. And when it was told him, “The man of God has come here,” 8 the king said to Hazael, “Take a present with you and go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the Lord through him, saying, ‘Shall I recover from this sickness?’” 9 So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, all kinds of goods of Damascus, forty camels' loads. When he came and stood before him, he said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, ‘Shall I recover from this sickness?’” 10 And Elisha said to him, “Go, say to him, ‘You shall certainly recover,’ but the Lord has shown me that he shall certainly die.” 11 And he fixed his gaze and stared at him, until he was embarrassed. And the man of God wept. 12 And Hazael said, “Why does my lord weep?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel. You will set on fire their fortresses, and you will kill their young men with the sword and dash in pieces their little ones and rip open their pregnant women.” 13 And Hazael said, “What is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?” Elisha answered, “The Lord has shown me that you are to be king over Syria.” 14 Then he departed from Elisha and came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me that you would certainly recover.” 15 But the next day he took the bed cloth and dipped it in water and spread it over his face, till he died. And Hazael became king in his place.
REMORSELESS.
Benhadad was desperate to ask help for healing. He asked Hazael, who brought extravagant gifts [40 camel-loads of goods] with him, to Elisha, who was in town. He wanted prognosis about his future more than seeking for revenge for the past. It is ironical that he consulted the Lord while an Isralite king Ahaziah in the past had consulted Baal-zebub.
And, as Hazael told Elisha, he must had been puzzled to hear the prophet’s answer. Elisha said, “Go, say to him, ‘You shall certainly recover,’ but the Lord has shown me that he shall certainly die.” Furthermore, Hazael should had humbled and felt embarassed himself upon hearing the reason of the prophet’s weeping. Elisha wept because he knew beforehand that Hazael would become king someday and will harass his people ruthlessly. He said, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel. You will set on fire their fortresses, and you will kill their young men with the sword and dash in pieces their little ones and rip open their pregnant women.”
Simply said, Hazael had a wicked plan to usurp the kingdom and Elisha knew everything about it. The Lord had revealed it to Elisha. Sadly, he has had an unconscionable or hardened heart. It was so hard that he just answered nonchalantly, “What is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?” The words and tears of the prophet did not soften his heart. He went back to Syria and murdered the king by suffocating him in a cold blood and clandestine fashion.
A hardened heart is impervious to the Holy Spirit’s conviction. The Spirit’s role is to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. [John 16:9,10] Thus, if we sinned and we feel guilty, we must be thankful. For, such feeling of shame and guilt do remind us of the grace of God for making our hearts sensitive. Let’s therefore “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”[Heb 3:13]
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2 Kings 8:1-6 ESV
Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, and depart with your household, and sojourn wherever you can, for the LORD has called for a famine, and it will come upon the land for seven years.” 2 So the woman arose and did according to the word of the man of God. She went with her household and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. 3 And at the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to appeal to the king for her house and her land. 4 Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, “Tell me all the great things that Elisha has done.” 5 And while he was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, behold, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land. And Gehazi said, “My lord, O king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life.” 6 And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed an official for her, saying, “Restore all that was hers, together with all the produce of the fields from the day that she left the land until now.”
A BLESSING RESTORED.
Before the famine strikes badly, Elisha told the the Shunamite woman to flee to Philistia in order to save her family. Previously, she argued with Elisha that was contented and happy to dwell with her people until the famine came.[see 2 Kings 4:13] Like her, we should be contented with the blessings of life at every situation in our lives until the Lord leads us somewhere. In her case, it was for the safety of her family as the man of God had suggested. Today, poverty and hardships are allowed by God among His people so that they spread [diaspora] and thereby, they spread the gospel also to others.
But, her stay in Philistia was only for seven years. She has had to go back to her homeland after the crisis. Like her, we are reminded that we are ‘strangers in this world’. Our citizenship is in heaven.[Phil 3:20] We must remember that we are just here temporarily.
However, there was a problem when she arrived home. While she was away, somebody took over her land. Perhaps, it was the king himself like what his parents who had done it previously.[read 1 Kings 1] Thus, she went to the royal court to make an appeal to restore her property to her.
When she arrived, the king was talking with Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, He asked him about the deeds Elisha did. As Gehazi was sharing to the king, he saw the woman. Hence, he exclaimed, “My lord, O king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life.” Was this a concidence or God’s providence? After she confirmed herself before the king, she begged for her house and land. Amazingly, the Lord through the king had given more than she asked for. For aside from her house and land, the king ordered that all the income of her land be given to her from the day she left until her arrival.
Indeed, God had honored her who took care the prophet of God. The goodness of the Lord is always suprising and overflowing. Jesus had taught, “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”[Luke 6:38]
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2 Kings 7:16-20 ESV
16 Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD. 17 Now the king had appointed the captain on whose hand he leaned to have charge of the gate. And the people trampled him in the gate, so that he died, as the man of God had said when the king came down to him. 18 For when the man of God had said to the king, “Two seahs of barley shall be sold for a shekel, and a seah of fine flour for a shekel, about this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria,” 19 the captain had answered the man of God, “If the LORD himself should make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” And he had said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” 20 And so it happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gate and he died.
16 Pagkatapos ang taong-bayan ay lumabas at sinamsaman ang kampo ng mga taga-Siria. Kaya't ang isang takal ng mainam na harina ay naipagbili ng isang siklo, at ang dalawang takal ng sebada ay isang siklo, ayon sa salita ng PANGINOON. 17 At inihabilin ng hari sa punong-kawal na sinasandalan ng kanyang kamay sa pangangasiwa sa pintuang-bayan, at pinagtatapakan siya ng taong-bayan sa pintuang-bayan, kaya't siya'y namatay na gaya ng sinabi ng tao ng Diyos nang pumunta ang hari sa kanya. 18 At nangyari, gaya ng sinabi ng tao ng Diyos sa hari, na sinasabi, “Ang dalawang takal ng sebada ay maipagbibili ng isang siklo, at ang isang takal ng mainam na harina ay isang siklo, bukas sa mga ganitong oras sa pintuang-bayan ng Samaria;” 19 ang punong-kawal ay sumagot sa tao ng Diyos, at nagsabi, “Kung mismong ang PANGINOON ay gagawa ng mga durungawan sa langit, mangyayari ba ang gayong bagay?” At kanyang sinabi, “Makikita mo iyon ng iyong mga mata, ngunit hindi ka kakain mula roon.” 20 Kaya't iyon ang nangyari sa kanya, sapagkat tinapakan siya ng taong-bayan hanggang sa namatay sa pintuang-bayan.
THE PRICE FOR INSULTING GOD.
Certainly, the four lepers had enjoyed the blessings. And, because they changed their minds, they became also a source of blessings to the hungry dwellers of the city. In contrast, the scornful captain was trampled to death by the stampede, having not able to enjoy the blessing.
His death appeared like an accident. But, it was not. The prophet Elisha had predicted that he would die in the midst of blessing. It’s ironical, is it not? The price of mocking God or going against God. Man had a free course to resist God. But, the consequence would be disastrous. Is there anybody who could dare to go against God?
In the book of Acts, the council of Pharisees vehemently opposed the preaching of the gospel so that they wanted to kill the apostles. But, one of them named Gamaliel said, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice” [Acts 5:35b-39]
Simply said, God is in control even though skeptics and violent people are opposed to Him and His work. He does not need our help so that like the apostles we can rest by praying unto Him should opposition comes. As Paul has said, if God is for us, who can be against us. Nobody.
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2 Kings 7:9-16 ESV
9 Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king's household.” 10 So they came and called to the gatekeepers of the city and told them, “We came to the camp of the Syrians, and behold, there was no one to be seen or heard there, nothing but the horses tied and the donkeys tied and the tents as they were.” 11 Then the gatekeepers called out, and it was told within the king's household. 12 And the king rose in the night and said to his servants, “I will tell you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we are hungry. Therefore they have gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the open country, thinking, ‘When they come out of the city, we shall take them alive and get into the city.’” 13 And one of his servants said, “Let some men take five of the remaining horses, seeing that those who are left here will fare like the whole multitude of Israel who have already perished. Let us send and see.” 14 So they took two horsemen, and the king sent them after the army of the Syrians, saying, “Go and see.” 15 So they went after them as far as the Jordan, and behold, all the way was littered with garments and equipment that the Syrians had thrown away in their haste. And the messengers returned and told the king.
WE ARE NOT DOING RIGHT.
The lepers walked into the camp as unwitting victors. Their first thoughts were to amass wealth and food for themselves. After hiding a lot of stuff, they came to their senses, saying, “ We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king's household.”
Thus, they went to tell the gatekeepers of the city, who relayed the news to the king. The king was suspicious at first thinking the Syrians were hiding for an ambush. Hence, he sent two horsemen to investigate. They went as far as the Jordan and found the route littered with garments and equipments the Syrians had thrown in haste. They turned back and told the king. The people were allowed to go inside the camp and got food for themselves. In other words, the four lepers had saved the whole city from dying in hunger because they cared to tell the good news.
In like manner, we are not doing right if we keep the good news to ourselves. The souls of men are hopeless. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men[c] by which we must be saved.”[Acts 4:12] Christ is the only hope to this dying world. We have the moral obligation to proclaim Him to the lost. As Paul said, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”[1 Cor 2:2] The lost should hear the gospel. “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”[Rom 10:13-17]
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2 Kings 7:3-8 ESV
3 Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. 6 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.” 7 So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives. 8 And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into a tent and ate and drank, and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent and carried off things from it and went and hid them.
WHY ARE WE SITTING HERE UNTIL WE DIE?
The famine was so severe in Samaria. And, four lepers were found sitting at the entrance of the city. As outcasts, they were desperate for help. Death was looming in the near future, inevitably. They couldn’t prevent it. However, they thought what would be a better option to die.
There were three options. Remaining at the gate and doing nothing surely will lead to their death. This is raising the white flag that there is no future. It’s experiencing death while still being alive. That is, having no more will to survive.
The second option is for them to enter into the city. But, the famine was so severe inside. It is a decision equivalent to a suicide. Asking help from desperate people inside would be compounding the problem. Why? The city would have another four stomach to feed.
Their third option was to try their luck at the Syrian camp. This was what they chose. The Syrian army had looted the city so that they brought with them the spoils. Food was abundance at the camp. However, there was a fifty-fifty possibility that they would survive. For, either the Syrians would feed them or kill them.
But, when they arrived at the camp at twilight, nobody was there. In haste, they abandoned and fled for their lives for they heard sound of chariots and horses believing they were attacked by the Hittites and Egyptians. Thus, the four lepers went in and ate and drank from tent to tent, carrying off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them, again and again.
Like them, we couldn’t prevent death. And we should ask, “Why make our lives idle until we die?” Is there not a better way of dying? Paul had expressed, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”[Phil 1:21] We can’t prevent death but we may choose how to. Our choice to die in and for Christ will determine definitely our daily walk in life. We should live for Christ each day should we want to die in Him someday. Or, when He comes again, He should find us with our boots on.
Otherwise, we will suffer loss. Jesus desires for us to occupy until He comes. Let’s not ‘bury’ our lives and waste it for nothing. Our lives are expendable, either to something temporal and fleeting or eternal and lasting.
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2 Kings 7:1-2 ESV
But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.” 2 Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”
Ngunit sinabi ni Eliseo, “Pakinggan ninyo ang salita ng PANGINOON. Ganito ang sabi ng PANGINOON: Bukas sa ganitong oras, ang isang takal ng piling harina ay ipagbibili ng isang siklo, at ang dalawang takal ng sebada sa isang siklo sa pintuang-bayan ng Samaria.” 2 Nang magkagayon, ang punong-kawal na sa kanyang kamay ay nakahilig ang hari, ay sumagot sa tao ng Diyos, “Kung mismong ang PANGINOON ang gagawa ng mga dungawan sa langit, ito na kaya iyon?” Ngunit kanyang sinabi, “Makikita mo iyon ng iyong mga mata, ngunit hindi ka kakain mula roon.”
THE LORD IS IN CONTROL.
Against the backdrop of the king’s impatience was God’s promise through Elisha that the famine would end in the next 24 hours. He said to the king’s captain, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.”
For the captain it was too good to be true due to the severity of the famine. Thus, was skeptical. He even m God for it. For his insult to God’s word, Elisha pronounced that he would witness the miracle but won’t be able to eat God’s provision.
What is possible with God should not be measured by what is possibly conceivable for mortals. “For nothing will be impossible with God.”[Luke 1:37] Thus in praying we must believe that God is able to do the unthinkable. The prophet Jeremiah says,” Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” [Jer 33:3] Even in the New Testament, Paul said, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”[Eph 3:20,21]
God has promised not to leave us nor forsake us, hasn’t He? Amidst the threat of lack, He would provide our needs. Paul says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”[Phil 4:19] Could we be calm and content before God? As the writer of Hebrews says;
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?’ “[Heb 13:5,6]
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2 Kings 6:24-33 ESV
24 Afterward Ben-hadad king of Syria mustered his entire army and went up and besieged Samaria. 25 And there was a great famine in Samaria, as they besieged it, until a donkey's head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five shekels of silver. 26 Now as the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, saying, “Help, my lord, O king!” 27 And he said, “If the Lord will not help you, how shall I help you? From the threshing floor, or from the winepress?” 28 And the king asked her, “What is your trouble?” She answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give your son, that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.’ 29 So we boiled my son and ate him. And on the next day I said to her, ‘Give your son, that we may eat him.’ But she has hidden her son.” 30 When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes—now he was passing by on the wall—and the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth beneath on his body— 31 and he said, “May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today.”
32 Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. Now the king had dispatched a man from his presence, but before the messenger arrived Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent to take off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door and hold the door fast against him. Is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?” 33 And while he was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him and said, “This trouble is from the Lord! Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?”
A DESPERATE KING.
The next siege of Samaria by the Syrian king Behadad was significantly more serious. There was a severe famine so that “a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a cab of seed pods for five shekels.” One woman was even prompted to do the unthinkable. She resorted to cannibalism, eating her own son with another woman. She complained that this woman hid her son when it was the time to et her son also. Definitely, there are times that physical hunger may overrule one’s morality. Physical hardships may drive people to neglect moral values and do the unimaginable.
When the king of Israel knew this predicament of the two mothers, he felt helpless. He said, “If the Lord will not help you, how shall I help you? From the threshing floor, or from the winepress?” Only the Lord could provide needs. And the king seemed to recognize this by his mourning and wearing of sackcloth.
The king should have waited the Lord but he became impatient. His impatience had led him to blaming Elisha, thereby blaming God. He blamed Elisha for not taking action. This is strange to somebody who invoked the name of God. Does he believe that that the prophet has in control of their own and their destinies? Is removing Elisha would solve the problem?
In this time of pandemic, are we desperate as the king of Israel? However, are we like him who is frustrated for His silence and inaction? The mixed multitude did the same to Moses when they were trapped before the Red Sea.
Let us always remember that God wants us to trust Him and not our notion. Prov 3:5-6 says;
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
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2 Kings 6:20-23 ESV
20 As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” So the Lord opened their eyes and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 21 As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?” 22 He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” 23 So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel.
20 Pagkarating nila sa Samaria, sinabi ni Eliseo, “O Panginoon, imulat mo ang mga mata ng mga lalaking ito upang sila'y makakita.” Iminulat ng Panginoon ang kanilang mga mata at kanilang nakita na sila'y nasa loob ng Samaria. 21 Nang sila'y makita ng hari ng Israel, sinabi niya kay Eliseo, “Ama ko, papatayin ko ba sila? Papatayin ko ba sila?” 22 Siya'y sumagot, “Huwag mo silang papatayin. Papatayin mo ba ang binihag ng iyong tabak at ng iyong pana? Maghain ka ng tinapay at tubig sa harapan nila, upang sila'y makakain at makainom, at magsiparoon sa kanilang panginoon.” 23 Kanyang ipinaghanda sila ng malaking handaan; at nang sila'y makakain at makainom, kanyang pinahayo sila, at sila'y pumunta sa kanilang panginoon. At ang mga taga-Siria ay hindi na sumalakay pa sa lupain ng Israel.
WHEN GOD OPENED THEIR EYES.
The blinded Syrian army was at the mercy of the seer, Elisha, who led them out of Dothan to Samaria. This blindness must not be physical but rather a dazed condition so that they were easily manipulated by Elisha. And, the king of Israel took this as an opportunity to kill the army mercilessly. Afterall, they are an enemy.
Elisha, however, differed him strongly, by saying, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” Christians should have a magnanimous spirit as Jesus said. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”[Matt 5:43-48]
Even, Solomon has admonished us, saying, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.” [Prov 24:17] The reason is that to show vengeance belongs to the Lord alone. Paul explains, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” [Rom 12:19-21]
The Lord had opened the eyes not only to the Syrian armies but to the king of Israel also. He understood what the prophet were saying. Interestingly, the goodness that the prophet Elisha and the king of Israel in sending the Syrian army back unharmed had paid dividends. The Syrian did not come for raids anymore to the land of Israel. At the end of the day, we have seen thatall of their eyes, that of Elisha, the king of Israel and the Syrian army, were opened to see God. And, they experienced the peace among themselves, correspondingly.
2 Kings 6:15-19 ESV
15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. 19 And Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria.
15 Kinaumagahan, nang ang lingkod ng tao ng Diyos ay bumangong maaga at lumabas, isang hukbo na may mga kabayo at mga karwahe ang nakapaligid sa bayan. At sinabi ng kanyang lingkod, “Kahabag-habag tayo, panginoon ko! Paano ang ating gagawin?” 16 At siya'y sumagot, “Huwag kang matakot, sapagkat ang mga kasama natin ay higit kaysa mga kasama nila.”17 Si Eliseo ay nanalangin, at nagsabi, “Idinadalangin ko sa iyo, PANGINOON, na buksan mo ang kanyang mga mata upang siya'y makakita.” At binuksan ng PANGINOON ang mga mata ng binata, at siya'y nakakita. Ang bundok ay punô ng mga kabayo at ng mga karwahe ng apoy sa palibot ni Eliseo. 18 Nang ang mga taga-Siria ay dumating laban sa kanya, nanalangin si Eliseo sa PANGINOON, at nagsabi, “Idinadalangin ko sa iyo, na bulagin mo ang mga taong ito.” At kanyang binulag sila ayon sa salita ni Eliseo. 19 At sinabi ni Eliseo sa kanila, “Hindi ito ang daan, at hindi ito ang lunsod. Sumunod kayo sa akin at dadalhin ko kayo sa taong inyong hinahanap.” At kanyang dinala sila sa Samaria.
O LORD, PLEASE OPEN HIS EYES THAT HE MAY SEE.
While Elisha and his servant were in Dothan, a great army with horses and chariots came and surrounded the city. Every exit was sealed. The next morning, the servant who saw the army and shouted in fear, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
Fear is our natural reaction when we are overwhelmed, is it not? When we realize that our problem is much bigger than we can carry. And this is the reality we face today in the ongoing pandemic. But God is real, too. Thus we may say with David, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”[Psa 56:3]
While the servant was in panic, Elisha was in perfect peace. Why? He saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire around him. We may not God by our naked eye but we must believe that “ He is and He is the rewarder to them who diligently seek Him.”[Heb 11:6] As the prophet Isaiah has written;
“fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”[Isa 41:10]
We must see the Lord as greater than our problems so that His peace could be experienced. For He promised, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”[Isa 26:3]
Elisha had understood why his servant was frantic. Instead of disparaging him, he prayed unto God to open his eyes. His fear ended when he saw the host of army protecting them. And, amazingly, the same Lord who opened the servant’s eyes had blinded the eyes of the Syrian armies according to the prayer of Elisha. Thus, Elisha ushered the blind armies away from the city toward Samaria.
Today, we are either like Elisha seeing God by faith, thereby experiencing His peace. Or, like the servant, we are panicking. We need to “believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!”[Psa 27:13]
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2 Kings 6:8-14 ESV
8 Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.” 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.
11 And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?” 12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” 13 And he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” It was told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” 14 So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD
During war, decision making and military actions between warring kings matter greatly. The king of Syria was outsmarted by the king of Israel many times. The Syrians had set ambushes but the Israelites knew their plans. The reason was simple. Elisha’s counsels to the king was followed. The prophet knew every move the king of Syria did.
Similarly, God doesn’t want us to be deceived by the enemy. Knowledge of the truth is paramount in our spiritual warfare. We must discern the truth from the errors the father of lies thow upon us. And discernment is knowing not the difference between black and white which is apparent. It is recognizing the rightness in a seemingly wrong thing and the wrongness of a seemigly right thing. The key is the Holy Spirit using the word of God. “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”[2 Cor 10:4]
The king of Syria was puzzled. Upon knowing from one of his servants that Elisha was the culprit, he ordered right away to find and seize him. Literally, Elisha was the brain of Israel’s successes. Similarly, it is understandable that Satan is after to the godly. He seeks to fire his magic bullet to the closest to the Lord. Let us be realistic in our walk with the Lord. The closer we are with God, the more we feel the relentless attack from the enemy. Everyone who is for God wholeheartedly is his his firecest enemy. That is why jesus says, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”[John 15:18-20]
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2 Kings 6:1-7 ESV
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.
At sinabi ng mga anak ng mga propeta kay Eliseo, “Tingnan mo, ang lugar na aming tinitirhan sa pangangasiwa mo ay napakaliit para sa amin. 2 Papuntahin mo kami sa Jordan, at kukuha roon ang bawat isa sa amin ng troso at hayaan mong gumawa kami roon ng isang lugar na aming matitirahan.” Siya'y sumagot, “Sige.” 3 At sinabi ng isa sa kanila, “Maaari bang ikalugod mo na sumama ka sa iyong mga lingkod?” At siya'y sumagot, “Ako'y sasama.” 4 Kaya't siya'y sumama sa kanila. Nang sila'y dumating sa Jordan, sila'y nagsiputol ng mga punungkahoy. 5 Ngunit samantalang ang isa'y pumuputol ng troso, ang talim ng palakol ay nalaglag sa tubig; at siya'y sumigaw, “Naku, panginoon ko! Iyon ay hiram lamang.” 6 Sinabi ng tao ng Diyos, “Saan iyon bumagsak?” Nang ituro sa kanya ang lugar, pumutol siya ng isang patpat, at inihagis doon, at pinalutang ang bakal. 7 At kanyang sinabi, “Kunin mo.” Kaya't kanyang iniabot iyon ng kanyang kamay at kinuha iyon.
ALAS, MY MASTER! IT WAS BORROWED.
The sons of the prophets had realized the need to build additional rooms for them. Among them, one was certainly commendable for not making the absence of axe not to involve in the work. They proposed to Elisha to allow them to cut timbers for such a project. Like them, we can plan but unless God allows us to execute our plan, we should not go ahead.[see Prov 16:3] We should not go ahead of God.
As Elisha granted their request, he should have remained. But one servant pleaded him to go with them. At the hindsight, it was good that Elisha was there because the lost axehead was recovered. Let’s invoke God’s presence in every endeavor we do. It is presumptuousness that we can do something without His presence and power, isn’t it? Let’s learn from Moses, who said, “And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”[Ex 33:15] Could we thrive without God? Apart from Christ we are nothing.[John 15:5]
Had the servant stayed home, the loss should not happened. But, he accomplished nothing, too. We must be realistic. There is always a risk in serving God. Losses or set backs may happen. Just like the storm that. happened, when the disciples crossed the lake of Galilee, our crisis do come even we obey God’s will. The good thing is Jesus was with them to calm the storm. Likewise, Elisha was with the servant to float and recover the iron axe head. Indeed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”[Psa 46:1]
Moreover, the loss from our hands of something we borrowed is more worrying, isn’t it? Our lives together with our time, talents and treasures belong to the Lord. We must consecrate our all for His glory.[1 Cor 10:31] Then, it’s not worrying when we are spent for Him and His glory. Rather, it is satisfying. [Phil 1:20-21]
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2 Kings 5:19-27 ESV
But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, 20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?” 22 And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’” 23 And Naaman said, “Be pleased to accept two talents.” And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants. And they carried them before Gehazi. 24 And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and put them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed. 25 He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” 26 But he said to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.
THE EVIL OF GREED.
Obviously, Gehazi had not embraced the spiritual values of his master, Elisha. He went after Naaman and manufactured a story that his master had changed his mind. What he asked for did not arouse suspicion. It was a clever ploy in not asking too much. He did not ask for gold but one talent of silver and two changes of clothing. Greed makes one clever in making cover up stories. Let us be aware that when we are tempted to lie against God, Satan is there to help us. He is the father of lies.[John 8:44]
And, Naaman, for having the pleasure to bless Elisha, eagerly dipped into his treasures and give two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing instead. Presumably, Gehazi had calculated that Elisha won’t know anything about his clandestine acts. But he was wrong. When asked by Elisha where he has been, he denied vehemently. One sin breeds to another.
Clearly, Gehazi took an opportunity as a servant of Elisha as a means of gain. He thought he could continue to serve under Elisha with greed in his heart for material things. Is godliness a means of gain? Certainly not. Paul said, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”[1 Tim 6:6-9]
We couldn’t serve God and mammon[money] at the same time, could we? Jesus had said plainly, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”[Matt 6:24] Simply said, we must not use God for money. Rather, we should use money to serve God, and not the other way around.
Ultimately, Gehazi had reaped what he had sown. What he got couldn’t compensate the punishment he received. Yes, he got Naaman’s silver. But, he also got his leprosy that was passed unto his descendants. Like Achan’s punishment of losing his clan, the price of greed is still equally costly to Naaman and his family. While Achan and family were stoned to death, he and his family were plagued with leprosy.
2 Kings 5:15-19 ESV
15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the Lord. 18 In this matter may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.” 19 He said to him, “Go in peace.”
A 360 DEGREE TURN.
Clearly, Naaman had faith that he could be healed by the prophet Elisha. Otherwise, he should not have travelled miles with gifts to see the prophet. The problem was that he had a preconceived idea how he should be healed. Having not able to meet Elisha personally and was asked to dip at the Jordan River seven times were far from what he thought about. He felt insulted. But, a simple word from one of his servants had convinced him to just do it. He got healed.
In deep gratitude, he returned to Elisha to thank and present him his presents. This time Elisha met him in person but not to accept his presents. By doing so, he strongly made an impression that God must take the center stage and not him.
Through this miracle, Naaman’s eyes were opened to know God personally. It was not Elisha but God who healed him. It was necessary for him to go to Jordan river to experience the power of God. Indeed, the truth that God heals using a murky river without the presence of the prophet is quite a scene. Simply put, God weaned Naaman from trusting the prophet in order to know and trust God directly.
His change was 360 degrees. He went back to Syria never again to make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any god. [v.17] Instead, he will worship the Lord upon an altar made of earth taken from the land. This has an allusion to Deut 20:24, “An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.” However, Naaman apologetically recognized an unavoidable occasions when he is found in the temple of Rimmon in the course of his official duties.[v.18] He went off with the blessing of Elisha.
Like Naaman, we could be enamored by our successes. And, God allowed some reversals to make us humble and broken in order to encounter God. And, when we sought Him we found Him, healing our soul from hopelessness to joy.
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2 Kings 5:9-14 ESV
9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
JUST DO IT.
In His chariot and horses, Naaman arrived at Elisha’s house with precious gifts only to be met by the prophet’s messenger. As he was told, the messenger said to Naaman, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.”
Naaman was furious. Why? He was disappointed and insulted. He expected to be met by the prophet personally and be healed by him instantly. What was he thinking when he asked, “Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” For him, it was either just a bluff or a useless ritual. That he could easily do it in their clean rivers than Jordan. He was skeptical for its unreasonableness. Why should he travel hundreds of miles away just to dip himself in a murky water? But, Isaiah had written;
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [Isa 55:8,9]
As he turned back, one of his messengers tried to convince the angry general, saying, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” Though reluctant, he dipped into the Jordan River seven times. And to his amazement, his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean as a result.
His obedience made the difference. Simply stated, blessings are experienced only if we obey God’s words. In the New Testament, Peter fished the whole night and caught nothing. The next morning, Jesus urged him to launch into the deep. He was doubtful yet obeyed. Consequently, he was humbled to witness Jesus’words fulfilled before his very eyes.
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2 Kings 5:5 -8 ESV
So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”
8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
LET HIM COME NOW TO ME.
Naaman went to the king of Israel bringing with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten changes of clothing. He brought the letter from the king of Syria which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.”
How did the king of Israel react with such demand? He was shocked. It was an impossible request for only God can heal leprosy. Hence, he thought the king of Syria was looking for a reason to fight against him. He tore his clothes to express his sorrow for his helplessness.
Are we like desperate Naaman, who expects help from the wrong person? Or like the king of Israel, are we victims of unrealistic expectations from others? In either case, we find man seeking help from another man is helpless. In short, only God can we expect and not be disappointed. In the midst of the king of Israel’s dilemma, the prophet Elisha came in to rescue. He said, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
Like them, man has been searching for the answers of his questions and meaning of life at the wrong places. Thankfully, God took the initiative. He sent His son. [John 3:16, Rom 5:8] With open arms, Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”[Matt 11:28-29]
And perhaps today, you are like the king of Israel having been overwhelmed by much expectations from others. Our Father, like Elisha, is more than willing to shower us His grace. Jesus had expressed this in a parable. And He said to them “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” [Matt 6:5-12]
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-2 Kings 5:1-5 ESV
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”
THE INFLUENCE OF A LITTLE GIRL.
Naaman was a mighty man of valor and a well decorated military commander of Syria. Because of his military conquests, the king had highly favored him. We are told at the outset that all his accolades are coming from the Lord. Meaning, Syria had triumphed because of the sovereignty of God. Indeed, we can find comfort that every geo-political movements and maneuverings are under the auspices of God. Paul says, “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ [Acts 17:26-28]
But, he was a leper. Leprosy is a disease which may cause him to loss his carreer and make him an outcast. In other words, Though the fiercest battle couldn’t put him down, leprosy had made him realize his vulnerability. He learned to listen to his wife and her servant, a little Jewish girl.
The little girl had believed that the prophet Elisha was the man of God. She must have heard about the many miracles Elisha did. Her faith gave her the boldness to suggest to Naaman’s wife, saying, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy”
The wife and Naaman don’t have to believe the little girl. Who was she that the chief commander of the Syrian army should believe her? Yet, she told them the truth anyway. Similarly, we should seek to tell the truth of the gospel in season and out of season. For ‘faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.’[Rom 10:17] True freedom is only by knowing the truth. [John 8:32; 14:6]The power lies not in the messenger but in the message. As Paul had expressed, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” [Rom 1:16]
As the little Jewish girl was unnamed and unknown, we should be in our service to the Lord. “He[Christ] must increase, but I must decrease.”[John 3:30] It’s not us who influence but the power of the gospel and the Spirit. To exalt Christ alone and not ourselves is a very wise pursuit in life. As Solomon had said in his metaphor, “I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siege works against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.” [Ecc 9:13-16]
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2 Kings 4:38-44 ESV
38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Set on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” 39 One of them went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were. 40 And they poured out some for the men to eat. But while they were eating of the stew, they cried out, “O man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. 41 He said, “Then bring flour.” And he threw it into the pot and said, “Pour some out for the men, that they may eat.” And there was no harm in the pot.
42 A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firs fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.” 43 But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” 44 So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.
GOD’S PROTECTION AND PROVISION.
The famine of the land has made life very hard for Elisha and the sons of the prophets. As Elisha commanded his servants to cook stew for the sons of the prophets, one of them went out into the wild to gather herbs. He ‘found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were.’ While they were about to eat it, they found out they could not do it. They cried, “O man of God, there is death in the pot!” Elisha asked for flour and threw it into the pot. They ate and there was no harm in the pot. How did Elisha know what to put in in order to make the stew alright? His wisdom from God made him greater than the cook.
At another instance, a man had given his firs fruits of twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha instructed his servant to give to the sons of the prophets. But, the servants thought it won’t be enough for one hundred men. To make his command clear, Elisha repeated it, by saying, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” They ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.
We couldn’t limit God or put Him in a box, could we? Like Paul, we may confidently say, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”[Phil 4:19] In His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, Jesus had helped the problem of lack and shame to the couple and their families. He changed the six jars of water into the best wine. The key was the obedience of the servants to His words. As Mary had cautioned them, “Do whatever he tells you.”[John 2:5]
Similarly, Jesus fed five thousand men excluding the women and children at the wilderness by just five loaves of bread and two fishes from the boy. It was incomprehensible so that Andrew, Peter’s brother commented, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”[John 6:9]. The key was that these bread and fishes were in Jesus’ hands.
During the time of crisis, who is in charge of our lives? Do we take things in our hands? Or, do you surrender to God and obey Him whatever He says? God will provide the way. Our, responsibility is to trust and obey.
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2 Kings 4:32-37 ESV
32 When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. 33 So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. 34 Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. 35 Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36 Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” 37 She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.
PICK UP YOUR SON.
When Elisha saw the dead boy lying on his bed, he shut the door and by himself, he prayed unto the Lord. Jesus had declared this posture when we pray, saying, “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”[Matt 6:6] Are we desperate enough to plead with God in secret?
Then he laid himself upon the baby, mouth to his mouth, eye to his eye and hands to his hands. Suddenly, the boy’s body became warm. Elisha got up, paced back and forth for a while in the house. And, he stretched himself once more upon him. By this time, the boy had resuscitated so that he called Gehazi to call the mother. As she came in, he said to her, “Pick up your son.”
She received her son from God again. Simply put, she received her son twice from God. The second time must be sweeter. An unbeliever is born once in this world but may die twice, if he won’t trust the gospel for their salvation. Physical and spiritual deaths are haunting him. However, if he believes on Jesus, he is born twice and will die once. That is, he may die physically but his soul won’t languish in Christless eternity in hell. A born again believer is twice owned by God, that is by creation and by spiritual regeneration.
There is joy, without a doubt, when our birthday comes. We celebrate our physical life having been extended by God. What about a celebration of our spiritual birthday? Does it not call for a much joyous celebration? Is there a greater privilege other than to be born into the family of God? Hence, we can say with te apostle John, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”[1 John 3:1]
As the woman picked her son up, she bowed down in worship. She left leaving her sorrows and hopelessness behind. Similarly, we can pick up our broken but mended lives and start to live anew in the Lord. Indeed, the life with have in Christ is design for our fullness [abundance]. [John 10:10] Let’s celebrate our life in Christ today.
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2 Kings 4:25-31 ESV
When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite. 26 Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.” 27 And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.” 28 Then she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’” 29 He said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child.” 30 Then the mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her. 31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, “The child has not awakened.”
PERSISTENCE.
The head of the son of the Shunamite woman suddenly ached so that her husband brought to him to her. Sadly, he died at her lap. She laid him upon Elisha’s bed at her house and went out to look for Elisha, who was at Mt. Carmel.
And when she had a chance to meet Elisha, she caught hold of his feet. Then, she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’” It was Elisha’s idea for her to have a son in order to give her joy. He gave her a son as a gesture of gratefulness for her sacrifices in taking care for him.
Conversely, the tragic death of the boy had her shifting from joy to deep sadness. Since, she had grown in her affection to the boy and gone in a day tragically, she felt she was betrayed. Sometimes, the great blessing that God has brought us could be a source of sadness. Let’s remember that everything in this world are fleeting and momentary, including our relationships.
Elisha had summoned his servant Gehazi to run as quickly as he can to bring the boy alive by laying his staff upon him. But, the woman did not content with this. She clung firmly upon Elisha’s feet as Jacob did to the angel, and said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” Her persistence had caused Elisha to go back with her to her home. Thankfully, God is more than willing listen to our cries. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”[Psa 34:18] Unlike the unjust judge in Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:1-4, our gracious God is many times more than willing to hear us when we pray. Are we not encouraged to persist in pursuing God.
The staff of Elisha should remind us of the powerful staff of Moses, that he rose to divide the Red Sea. Although the staff worked during Moses’ time, Elisha’s staff did not work in raising the boy to life again. This reminds us the God who created the universe out of nothing couldn’t be stereotyped in the ways He does.
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2 Kings 4:8-17 ESV
8 One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. 9 And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. 10 Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”
11 One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there. 12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.” 14 And he said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” 15 He said, “Call her.” And when he had called her, she stood in the doorway. 16 And he said, “At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant.” 17 But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.
A KINDNESS REWARDED
While Elijah was taken cared by a poor Shunamite woman, Elisha was cared by a wealthy Shunamite woman. Her hospitality was shown by urging Elisha to eat her food whenever he passed by her home. Perceiving that Elisha was a holy man after some time, she suggested to her husband to make “a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to them, he can go in there.” This act of consulting the husband had shown how she respected him, revealing her good heart.
She who showed kindness had reaped the same. Elisha asked his servant Gehazi to call her in order to find out what should be done unto her for all her sacrifices for him. Should she have requests before the king or to the commander of the army, Elisha was willing to do it for her. But, she answered, “I dwell among my people.” That is, she was satisfied with her lot. In other words, she was contented in life. Contented people demonstrate goodness not for any gain or ulterior motive,
But, Elisha wanted to bless her although she did not want anything from him. Gehazi had noticed that she, living with her old husband, and they had no son. For this, Elisha surprised her that she would become a mother the next year. It was a news too good to be true. Hence, she said, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant.”
God is the God of surprises, is He not? His goodness always exceeds our expectations. But the writer of Hebrews says, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.”[Heb 6:10]. Even Jesus had said, “The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.”[Matt 10:41] Indeed, He is ‘able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.’[Eph 3:20] Indeed, those who honor God, he also honors. [1 Sam 2:30]
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2 Kings 4:1-7 ESV
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” 2 And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. 4 Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
BRING MORE EMPTY VESSELS
One of the sons of the prophets died. His widow approached Elijah seeking for his help. Why? The creditors were going to take his two children soon to enslave them as payment for her debts. Definitely, like the widow, only those who are desperate do seek God’s help in prayer, don’t they? Is the feeling of self-sufficiency the reason why most don’t seek God today?
Like the widow, every sinner is in bondage of sin. And, the wages of sin is death.[Rom 6:23] Like the ceditors, death is sure and inevitable to happen, sooner or later. May the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin to people and make them realize their need of salvation in Christ alone. [John 16:7-9]
Like the widow at Zarepath who Elijah helped, she had nothing but a jar of oil. Elisha had instructed her to borrow empty vessels as many as she could, from her neighbors. She has to pour the oil into these jars, one at a time. And, she has to do it secretly at home. She did exactly what Elisha had told her.
Out of God’s miraculous power, she poured the only oil of her jar and filled all the jars, one at a time. Thus, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” But, there was nothing more. Thus, the flow of the oil ceased. Simply put, the problem lied to the lack of empty vessels and not on the lack of supply of oil.
In our relationship with God, the problem does not lie in God but in us who limit God. The issue is not that God won’t use us. But, we lack the consecration that God could use us. As Paul had said, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”[2 Tim 2:21] The power of God depends upon our cleansing.
Are we empty vessels fit for God to use? God won’t use a vessel full of self and pride, would He? May we all yield to the Spirit’s control. As Paul had expressed, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”[Eph 5:18] The Spirit who resides in our hearts should have more of us.
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2 Kings 3:21-27 ESV
21 When all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to put on armor, from the youngest to the oldest, were called out and were drawn up at the border. 22 And when they rose early in the morning and the sun shone on the water, the Moabites saw the water opposite them as red as blood. 23 And they said, “This is blood; the kings have surely fought together and struck one another down. Now then, Moab, to the spoil!” 24 But when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose and struck the Moabites, till they fled before them. And they went forward, striking the Moabites as they went. 25 And they overthrew the cities, and on every good piece of land every man threw a stone until it was covered. They stopped every spring of water and felled all the good trees, till only its stones were left in Kir-hareseth, and the slingers surrounded and attacked it. 26 When the king of Moab saw that the battle was going against him, he took with him 700 swordsmen to break through, opposite the king of Edom, but they could not. 27 Then he took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there came great wrath against Israel. And they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.
THE SOVEREIGN ACTS OF GOD
The Moabites rallied everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, to fight the Jews. Amazingly, they saw the pools of water as red as blood at a distance. This had deceived them to think that the Jews were killed out of infighting. Thus, they rushed to get the spoil. But, the Israelites rose and struck them in an ambush. They pursued them as they fled away striking everyone.
They overtook completely their cities exactly as Elisha had said. They overthrew the cities, and on every good piece of land every man threw a stone until it was covered. They stopped every spring of water and felled all the good trees, till only its stones were left in Kir-hareseth, and the slingers surrounded and attacked it.
Upon seeing his inevtable defeat, the king of Moab fled with 700 swordsmen. They wanted to breakthrough opposite the king of Edom but they couldn’t. Out of desperation he offered his eldest son, his successor to the throne, as a burnt offering to his idol. This caused a great ‘wrath’ to the Israelites, who were on the verge of winning, to withdraw.
Did the idol overpower God? Isn’t it that an idol is nothing before God? Definitely, God has allowed this to happen. He can use Babylon and Assyria later to fulfill His plan and purposes to discipline the Israelites. According the psalmist, “ Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”[Psa 76:10]
Though how surprising these events were, Elisha’s prophecy happened exactly as proclaimed. Their withdrawal in such fashion did not nullify the prophecy. It does prove that not everything was revealed to Elisha by God. God had defied man’s expectations. God is not bound by the conventional. Why? He is the Sovereign God so that His actions could surprise us.
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2 Kings 3:13-20 ESV
13 And Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the Lord who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 14 And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you. 15 But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him. 16 And he said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools.’ 17 For thus says the Lord, ‘You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.’ 18 This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand, 19 and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” 20 The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.
GOD HONORS THE HUMBLE
Certainly, Elisha did not honor Jehoram as a true worshiper. Sarcastically, he advised him to go back to the prophets of his parents. He agreed to help him only because of Jehoshaphat. In other words, God through Elisha will show His goodness to Jehoram only because of Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat humbled so that he gained the favor from the prophet. Indeed, God will give grace to the humble. [1 Pet 5:5] Solomon even says, “Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”[Prov 18:12] And, the people around Jehoshaphat had experienced God’s favor as well.
Then, the prophet Elisha had prophesied that streambeds will be filled with water so that their cattles and animals could drink. That God will give Moabites unto them so that they will ruin every fortified city including all the trees and springs of waters. Thus, the next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.
Humility may reverse the mishaps and bad consequences we experience in life. For in humility, we recognize our brokenness and thereby, are prompted to ask help. And God is there ready to pour His grace and mercy to us. Definitely, humility was the key to David’s greatness, so he says;
“ You have given me the shield of your salvation,
and your right hand supported me,
and your gentleness made me great.”[Psa 18:35]
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2 Kings 3:9-12 ESV
9 So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them. 10 Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! The Lord has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 11 And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king of Israel's servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.” 12 And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
9 Kaya't humayo ang hari ng Israel kasama ang hari ng Juda, at ang hari ng Edom. Nang sila'y nakalibot ng pitong araw na paglalakbay, walang tubig para sa hukbo o para sa mga hayop na nagsisisunod sa kanila. 10 At sinabi ng hari ng Israel, “Kahabag-habag tayo! Tinawag ng PANGINOON ang tatlong haring ito upang ibigay sa kamay ng Moab.” 11 Ngunit sinabi ni Jehoshafat, “Wala ba ritong propeta ng PANGINOON upang tayo'y makasangguni sa PANGINOON sa pamamagitan niya?” At isa sa mga lingkod ng hari ng Israel ay sumagot, “Si Eliseo na anak ni Shafat na siyang nagbuhos ng tubig sa mga kamay ni Elias ay narito.” 12 Sinabi ni Jehoshafat, “Ang salita ng PANGINOON ay nasa kanya.” Kaya't ang hari ng Israel at si Jehoshafat, at ang hari ng Edom ay pumunta sa kanya.
IS THERE NO PROPHET OF THE LORD HERE?
Enroute to attack Moab, both kings Jehoshaphat and Jehoram marched with their respective armies through the desert for seven days. To their dismay, they found out that in this tortous journey they found no water for the army and animals that followed them.
Certainly, their military venture without the prophetic advice had resulted to a disaster. As Solomon has warned, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”[Prov 16:25] Many Christians argue confidently that they act and decide base upon sound judgment. They gather the facts except to pray for God’s guidance. Thus, they ended up regretting for their presumptuousness.
Firstly, Jehoram gave the impression of recognizing the hand of the Lord. However, we do question the sincerity whether it was real ‘faith’ that led to his pious behavior, don’t we? At the time of crisis, many irreligious people do resort to pray. God for them is the contingency plan and nothing else.
Jehoshaphat, on the other hand, was brought to his senses. He asked, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” He should have done this at the start. Elisha’s name popped out so that both agreed to consult him.
Mistakes or sins could only be acknowledged humbly. There is no other way to correct ourselves by accepting our sin and ask for God’s help and mercy. Solomon says, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”[Prov 28:13] God can forgive but may not remove the consequences.
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2 Kings 3:4-8 ESV
4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he had to deliver to the king of Israel 100,000 lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams. 5 But when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 6 So King Jehoram marched out of Samaria at that time and mustered all Israel. 7 And he went and sent word to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to battle against Moab?” And he said, “I will go. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” 8 Then he said, “By which way shall we march?” Jehoram answered, “By the way of the wilderness of Edom.”
9 So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them. 10 Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! The Lord has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 11 And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king of Israel's servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.” 12 And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
A NEGLECT TO PRAY.
When Ahab died, King Mesha of Moab, a vassal kingdom to Israel, rebelled. King Jehoram, Ahab’s son and successor, prepared the kingdom to fight against Moab. He invited King Jehoshaphat of Judah to fight with him. And Jehoshaphat immediately agreed, saying, “I will go. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” Previously, Jehoshapat was very concerned to ask ‘the counsel of the Lord’ when he helped Ahab to fight against the Syrians.[See 1 kings 22:5] He neglected to pray. He even resorted to tactics right away with Jehoram. [v.8]
We should involve God in our planning and making decisions, should we not? It was Solomon who said;
“The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.”[Prov 16:9]
Solomon added; “There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.[Prov 16:25]
You are may be facing a crossroad today. And, you’ve got to make a big decision. Don’t just trust your guts and neglect to pray. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.” [Prov 3:5-6]
God will guide us a step at a time. As the psalmist David said, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”[Psa 37:23]. Seeking His guidance does make us wise to avoid pitfalls. It was AJ Gordon who said, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed; but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.”
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2 Kings 3:1-3
In the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned twelve years. 2 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, though not like his father and mother, for he put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made. 3 Nevertheless, he clung to the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin; he did not depart from it.
Nang ikalabingwalong taon ni Jehoshafat na hari ng Juda, si Jehoram na anak ni Ahab ay naging hari sa Israel sa Samaria, at siya ay naghari sa loob ng labindalawang taon. 2 Siya'y gumawa ng masama sa paningin ng PANGINOON; bagama't hindi gaya ng kanyang ama at ina, sapagkat kanyang inalis ang haligi ni Baal na ginawa ng kanyang ama. 3 Gayunma'y kumapit siya sa mga kasalanan ni Jeroboam na anak ni Nebat, na dahil dito'y nagkasala ang Israel; hindi niya ito hiniwalayan.
GOOD YET NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
King Jehoram [Joram] was not the same as his father Ahab and brother Ahajiah. He put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made and upheld by his brother Ahaziah. The implication is that he did not worship Baal. However, the Baal cults was still much alive.
He tolerated Baal worship but not participating it. Thus, his sins are less spectacular sort his predecessors, who worshiped and encouraged others to worship Baal. However, his sins were still worthy of divine judgment of course.
He still clung to the sin of Jeroboam. “Jeroboam’s reign included many sins, yet the “sin of Jeroboam” is a specific reference to idol worship that marked his reign and the reigns of the kings of Israel who followed him. This sin was one that angered the Lord and ultimately led to judgment upon Israel.”[gotquestions.org]
Many people pat their own shoulders when talking about goodness. They feel good that they don’t do evil themselves badly as others but tolerate it in their homes and places where they have influence. Cleaning the facade of our homes while stacking the rubbish at the backdoor does not make the house clean, does it? The rich young ruler had thought he was good by keeping most of the law, even though he loved his riches more than God. Was he good before Jesus?
We can’t be good before God by minimizing to do evil. Man has the propensity to classify sins as big and small. But before the holy God, all sins unto God are punishable by death. This fact is worrisome, isn’t it? Therefore, a simple lying isn’t simple at all.
And who would be able to escape from God’s punishment? Yet, in this hopeless condition, God has provided for us the only solution. He gave Jesus, who sacrificed and paid all our sins at the cross, once for all [1 Pet 3:18]. Therefore, our goodness is only associated to God’ righteousness imputed upon us.[2 Cor 5:21]
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2 Kings 2:23-25 ESV
23 He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” 24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. 25 From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.
23 Mula roo'y pumunta siya sa Bethel; at samantalang siya'y nasa daan, may mga kabataan na dumating mula sa bayan, na sinasabi, “Humayo ka, ikaw na kalbo! Humayo ka, ikaw na kalbo!”24 Nang siya'y lumingon at makita sila, kanyang sinumpa sila sa pangalan ng PANGINOON. May lumabas na dalawang osong babae mula sa gubat at nilapa ang apatnapu't dalawang kabataan sa kanila. 25 Mula roo'y pumunta siya sa Bundok ng Carmel, at pagkatapos ay bumalik siya sa Samaria.
A DIVINE JUDGEMENT
After Elisha healed the waters of Jericho, he met young boys who were mocking and deriding him. It was a clear manifestation of their great disrespect to the man of God. There must be a cause why they have had such behavior. In 1 Kings 12:25-13:34, Bethel is portrayed as the focal city of apostasy. Could it be that they had adopted the culture of the city of treating the prophets badly? Likely, they did.
The behavior of kids are influenced by both nature and nurture. Foolishness are bound their hearts. [Prov 22:15] And in a decadent culture, their foolishness could be enhanced or re-enforced. Children are like mirrors. They reflect their surroundings. That is why, parental discipline is very necessary. As Prov 22:6 says;
“ Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Interestingly, the NIV had quoted them as ‘youths’, which makes sense. That is, they were not innocent looking young boys making fun of a bald man. The problem was in their hearts not in their mouths. This wickedness was not developed overnight. Sarcastically, they were shouting, “Go up, bald headed.” In a way, they were taunting and insulting him to repeat Elijah’s translation. They were mocking more than his physical appearance but his sacred anointing as a prophet.
Elisha ‘s response was even more intriguing. There was no equivocating. He cursed them in the name of the Lord. That is, he invoked God to deal with them as God saw fit. God had moved two she-bears to maul to death 42 youths, which was a horrible scene. The seriousness of this judgment does tell us about the seriousness of their crime. Surely, it was a warning to all who would scorn the prophet of God. This narrative is not an account of God mauling young children for making fun of a skin head man. Rather, it is a record of an insulting demonstration against God’s prophet by blameworthy youths.
Let’s be watchful to our hearts always.[Prov 4:23] Kids should be discipline even in their formative years. They are who they are because of the nurture they get, besides nature. A disrespect to the man of God is a disrespect to God, and could result to a great punishment from Him.
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2 Kings 2:19-22 ESV
19 Now the men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.” 20 He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” 22 So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke.
19 At sinabi ng mga mamamayan sa lunsod kay Eliseo, “Tingnan mo, ang kinalalagyan ng lunsod na ito ay mabuti, gaya ng nakikita ng aking panginoon, ngunit ang tubig ay masama, at ang lupa ay walang bunga.” 20 Sinabi niya, “Dalhan ninyo ako ng isang bagong banga, at lagyan ninyo ng asin.” At kanilang dinala sa kanya. 21 At siya'y pumaroon sa bukal ng tubig at hinagisan niya ng asin, at sinabi, “Ganito ang sabi ng PANGINOON, ‘Ginawa kong mabuti ang tubig na ito; mula ngayo'y hindi na magkakaroon mula rito ng kamatayan o ng pagkalaglag.’” 22 Sa gayo'y bumuti ang tubig hanggang sa araw na ito, ayon sa salita ni Eliseo na kanyang sinabi.
OUR NEED OF HEALING.
At the city of Jericho, the men went to Elisha for an important need. They asked his help about their bad water and land being unfruitful. The city was under curse during the time of Joshua’s conquest may had caused this.[see Jos 6:46] Definitely, they acknowledged that Elisha could help. And, this became the first test to Elisha.
In his capacity as the prophet, he went to the spring and threw salt unto it, saying, “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” And, the water was healed miraculously. This was similar to what Moses did to the bitter waters at Marah. He threw a twig into the water surface and the water became sweet.
Definitely, Elisha is a type of Christ. Through Adam’s sin, everyone is under the curse. Paul said, “ Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” [Rom 5:12] However, Paul had expained that Jesus came to give life. He said, “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”[1 Cor 5:20,21] In 1 Cor 15:45, Paul concluded, “Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.”
Like the men of Jericho, each man should recognize his helplessness because of sin. Each one of us is sick. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”[Mark 2:17] Would a person seek a doctor if he doesn’t recognize his sickness? The healing in Christ is offered to all. But, it is only effective to those who trust Him. It depends upon each one whether he is going to humble himself or not.
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2 Kings 2:15-18 ESV
15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him opposite them, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. 16 And they said to him, “Behold now, there are with your servants fifty strong men. Please let them go and seek your master. It may be that the Spirit of the Lord has caught him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley.” And he said, “You shall not send.” 17 But when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, “Send.” They sent therefore fifty men. And for three days they sought him but did not find him. 18 And they came back to him while he was staying at Jericho, and he said to them, “Did I not say to you, ‘Do not go’?”
15 At nang makita siya sa may di-kalayuan ng mga anak ng mga propeta na nasa Jerico, ay kanilang sinabi, “Ang espiritu ni Elias ay na kay Eliseo.” Sila'y lumapit upang salubungin siya at nagpatirapa sa lupa sa harapan niya. 16 Kanilang sinabi sa kanya, “Tingnan mo, ang iyong mga lingkod ay may limampung malalakas na lalaki. Hayaan mo silang humayo, at hanapin ang inyong panginoon. Baka tinangay siya ng Espiritu ng PANGINOON at inihagis sa isang bundok, o sa isang libis.” At kanyang sinabi, “Hindi, huwag mo silang susuguin.” 17 Subalit nang kanilang pilitin siya hanggang sa siya'y mapahiya, ay kanyang sinabi, “Suguin sila.” Kaya't sila'y nagsugo ng limampung lalaki, at naghanap sila sa loob ng tatlong araw, ngunit hindi siya natagpuan. 18 Nang sila'y bumalik sa kanya, samantalang siya'y naghihintay sa Jerico at kanyang sinabi sa kanila, “Di ba sinabi ko sa inyo, huwag kayong humayo?”
THE FUTILE SEARCH.
The sons of the prophets met Elisha and bowed to the ground before him. By this act, they acknowledged that the succession of Elisha as a full-pledged prophet took place. But, it is puzzling why they insisted to search for Elijah. If Elijah has been taken up into heaven, why look for him on earth?
The answer lies in their ignorance of what really had happened. Only Elisha had seen him taken by a chariot and horses of fire like whirlwind. This was the very requirement for Elisha to receive the blessing he requested from Elijah, that was, a double portion of his spirit. The sons of the prophets did not. They were bystanders at a far distance.
Let’s be like the Bereans to search the scriptures diligently. But, if something is incomprehensible. God meant it to be a secret. And we should accept it as it is. [Deut 29:29] Moreover, it is an important thing to note is for us not to be obsessed for the sole purpose of understanding. But, it is in our desire for obedience. To their knowledge, Joshua did not, after all, succeed until Moses was dead? And, have they not seen Elisha tearing down his clothes as a sign of grief? There are no easy answers.
One thing we can learn is to trust God’s word as declared even though at times it is incomprehensible. Sometimes like the sons of the prophets, we waste time in spending so much time to understand rather than obeying His revealed word simply. Had they received Elisha’s words, they should not have wasted their time in a futile search of Elijah.
Let’s be like the Bereans to search the scriptures diligently. But, if something is incomprehensible. God meant it to be a secret. And we should accept it as it is. [Deut 29:29] Moreover, it is an important thing to note is for us not to be obsessed for the sole purpose of understanding. But, it is in our desire for obedience.
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2 Kings 2:6b-14 ESV
So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” 10 And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” 11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more.
Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 13 And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.
A DOUBLE PORTION IN SPIRIT.
Elisha followed Elijah with 50 sons of the prophets until they arrived at the bank of Jordan river. Elijah rolled his cloak and by it touched the water. And the river parted so that he and Elisha crossed over on dry ground. A reminiscent of Moses and Joshua crossing the Red Sea and Jordan River in the past. God can do a repeat to remind us of Himself and His power. A miracle of two would be enough for us to be convinced but a third one has sealed it.
When asked what he wanted, he said unhesitatingly to Elijah, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” He was as a son asking from his father his inheritance. Only that it was not a land, but in spirit. From a busy farmer living a normal life, Elisha left all in exchange for the call.
After he saw Elijah being caught up by a chariots and horses of fires like a whirlwind, he received what he asked for. He, then, tore his clothes into two pieces. Perhaps, he was sad upon seeing Elijah having gone. And, by the cloak that Elijah left for him, he touched the waters of Jordan as Elijah did. And, it parted again so that he walked back in a dry ground.
What happened to Elisha was like Joshua following the leadership of Moses. It is so significant that both the names Joshua and Elisha mean “God saves or the Lord saves.” Success in leadership is in the effective and efficient empowering of the successors, who reflect the same spirit, even more.
Today, are we engaged in the cultivation of the passions and affections of others for the Lord Jesus Christ? Do we dream like Jesus that those under us will do more than what we are doing in their own time? Jesus said to his disciples, “ “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”[John 14:12]
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2 Kings 2:1-6 ESV
1 Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”
4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.
A LOYAL SPIRIT.
Earlier, the Lord said to Elijah, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.”[1 Kings 19:15-16]
But, he discouraged Elisha to follow and stay close to him even in the last 24 hours on earth. This is quite puzzling. And, we have no clear reasons, except that Elisha was very clear and commited to pursue his calling. He was so committed to pursue it so that he burn his bridges behind. Let us recall that Elijah “found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.”[1 Kings 19:19-21]
He followed Elijah at Bethel and Jordan closely. Why? He said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” Similarly, Naomi discouraged her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah. Orpah went back but Ruth followed Naomi with determination, saying, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”[Ruth 1:16,17]
Elisha was fixated upon God. The reason to his loyalty to Elijah was because of God, who was behind Elijah. Simply put, he was drawn to God who can transform his life. This was the reason why he asked for ‘a double portion of his spirit.’ Undoubtedly, it’s only God who can do this.
Today, let’s keep ‘looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith’, not unto men. [Heb 12:2]
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2 Kings 1:9-18 ESV
9 Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty men with his fifty. He went up to Elijah, who was sitting on the top of a hill, and said to him, “O man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’” 10 But Elijah answered the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
11 Again the king sent to him another captain of fifty men with his fifty. And he answered and said to him, “O man of God, this is the king's order, ‘Come down quickly!’” 12 But Elijah answered them, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
13 Again the king sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up and came and fell on his knees before Elijah and entreated him, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight. 14 Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties, but now let my life be precious in your sight.” 15 Then the angel of the Lord said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king 16 and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron—is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word?—therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’”
17 So he died according to the word of the Lord that Elijah had spoken. Jehoram became king in his place in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, because Ahaziah had no son. 18 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
A STUBBORN HEART.
King Ahaziah should have humbly received and believed Elijah’s message that he heard from his returning messengers. But, he did not. Instead, as a king he summoned Elijah to come to him by a show of force. Thus, he sent fifty soldiers with their captain, who said, “O man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’” Definitely, Ahaziah had maintained that he was more authoritative than the man of God, Elijah. This had displeased God so that Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Poor soldiers! For in a sudden they were consumed with fire.
This single act of God should have been enough for him to concede and humble himself. But, he sent another team of fifty with their captain to coerce Elijah. And God, consumed them again in the same fashion. He still did not learn his lesson. He sent a third team. But, they were spared because of the captain’s plead for grace and mercy.
The third captain was more commendable than Ahaziah because he has a soft heart. Unlike the unconscionable king, he was pleading not only for his own life but for his men. The king’s heart was as hard as an adamant stone.
Eventually, Elijah went to see Ahaziah only to pronounce the same message. God could have forgiven him should he was humble. Clearly, he wanted to be helped and healed by God. But, in his own terms. That, he should not repent of his sins and make things right. He died with a hardened heart. This was the start of the fulfilment of a sad consequence of Ahab and Jezebel’s sins about the death of their children. For God said to Ahab through Elijah previously, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”[1 Kings 21:29]
Let’s check our hearts today. Let’s be humble like David in Psalm 51-17. He also prayed Psalm 19:13-14.
After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel.
2 Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.” 3 But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? 4 Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah went.
5 The messengers returned to the king, and he said to them, “Why have you returned?” 6 And they said to him, “There came a man to meet us, and said to us, ‘Go back to the king who sent you, and say to him, Thus says the Lord, Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” 7 He said to them, “What kind of man was he who came to meet you and told you these things?” 8 They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”
A POOR SUBSTITUTE.
Like father like son. In his two-year reign in the Northern kingdom, King Ahaziah was no different than his father Ahab. Notedly, Ahab, with Jezebel, had reigned as one of the most wicked kings in Israel. According to 1 Kings 22:53, “He served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger in every way that his father had done.”
He has had a strange accident by falling from a lattice [probably window] so that he got sick. In God, however, there is no such thing as an accident. God had humbled as a proud king to realize his need of God. Everyone is vulnerable and weak including kings and despots, isn’t it? Thus, he was desperate to find help.
Every experience of pain we have is allowed by God to humble us. Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to prevent him from becoming proud. Thus, let us perceive our hardships and pains as gifts from God. Otherwise, we will become conceited and forget God. That is why Paul’s admonition to be thankful in all our circumstances always is quite appropriate. [1 Thess 5:18] Humility that leads us to cast our total dependence upon God pleases Him the most.
Sadly, Ahaziah, during his dying moments, sought not God but Baal. Definitely, Baal was a poor substitute to Jehovah. He sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he shall recover from this sickness. In God’s act of grace, He instructed Elijah to intercept the messengers and instruct them the message from God. His message to Ahaziah was a rebuke and reminder for him to seek Jehovah. Elijah said, “Go back to the king who sent you, and say to him, Thus says the Lord, Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’”[v.6] This is the similar act God did to Adam and Eve when they were hiding at the woods after they sinned. God went seeking and asked them where were they not because God did not see them bur them to see God.
Perhaps today, we’ve been proud and God has allowed chastening in our lives. He did it because He loves us. Thus, the writer of Heb 12:5,6 says;
“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
Galatians 6:15-16 ESV
15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
15 Sapagkat ang pagtutuli o ang di-pagtutuli ay walang kabuluhan, kundi ang bagong nilalang 16 Kapayapaan at kaawaan nawa ang sumakanilang lahat na lumalakad sa alituntuning ito, at maging sa Israel ng Diyos.
A NEW CREATION
In contrast to the Judaizers belief, the truth is that whatever status we are in and religious rites we practice, including circumcision, couldn’t earn favor before God. It’s not about sincerity about what you do for God. No good works so good enough that could wash away our sins. It’s only the pefect sacrifice of Christ at the cross. This re-echoed with Paul's dismissal of race, gender, or wealth has a meaningful effect to our relationship to God (Gal 3:23–29).
It’s through the new creation. That is, the supernatural act of God in giving us a new birth. In other words, it is completely a sovereign act of God. It’s incomprehensible but true that a sinner, once he repents of his sins and receives Jesus, is ushered into the family of God. John said, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” [John 1:12] For this, Paul concluded, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”[2 Cor 5:17]
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a teacher of the law. Yet, the Lord Jesus had said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”[John 3:3] This is solely the work of the Spirit using the word of God. Peter said, “you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.”[1 Pet 1:23]
In contrast to the flesh, the Spirit gives life. As Jesus had emphasized, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.”[John 6:63] Our status is determined by our relationship with the indwelling Spirit, who placed us into one body, the church. “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”[Col 3:11]
Someday, there will be a grand reunion of all the born again believers coming from all walks of life from all ages and from all corners of the globe. They will worship the Lamb before the throne. As they will hear the twenty four elders in unison who will proclaim;
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.” [Rev 5:9-10]
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Galatians 6:14 ESV
14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Subalit huwag nawang mangyari sa akin ang magmalaki, maliban sa krus ng ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo, na sa pamamagitan nito ang sanlibutan ay ipinako sa krus para sa akin, at ako'y sa sanlibutan.
GLORY IN THE CROSS.
One of the fundamental needs of man is the sense of purpose. As His children, it is the joy of fulfilling the will of God in our lives, is it not? The happiest person is one who knows that what he is doing right now and what he is supposed to do are one and the same thing.
There is no doubt that Paul was man of passion before and after his conversion. He was as a marauding lion chasing the followers of the “Way”. He was so determined to exterminate the Christians until he met the Lord in a hard way. He fell from his horse and became blind. Broken, he humbled himself, trusted the Lord and became one of the stalwarts of Jesus. He has unequivocably committed to the gospel, saying, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[Acts 20:24]
He had expressed that His life and existence is Christ. He said, “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”[Phil 1:20-21]
What Christ has done to us at the cross should be our only boast. Nothing more. Nothing less. And, nothing else. As Paul had recognized, we are crucified in Him. And, He should be the one living in and through us. Paul had testified, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”[Gal 2:20]
Christ must be all or He is nothing. We can’t serve God and mammon. As the man who found the pearl of great price, we should be willing to let go of everything in order to embrace Christ, His cross and the gospel wholly.
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Galatians 6:11-13 ESV
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
11 Tingnan ninyo kung sa gaano kalalaking mga titik sumusulat ako sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng aking sariling kamay! 12 Ang mga nais gumawa ng magandang palabas sa laman ang siyang pumipilit sa inyo na magpatuli, upang hindi sila usigin dahil sa krus ni Cristo. 13 Sapagkat maging ang mga nagpatuli ay hindi rin naman tumutupad ng kautusan; ngunit ibig nila kayong magpatuli upang sila'y makapagmalaki sa inyong laman.
STAND FOR THE GOSPEL TRUTH.
Paul might simply have written the end of some of his letters in distinctive large handwriting as evidence that the letter was genuine. As some scholars had speculated, he had a failing eyesight so that his handwriting were larger than the rest. He understood himself to be writing with the authority of an apostle of Jesus Christ, and he wanted to minimize the ability of anyone to suggest the letter was a fake.
Again, he expresses that those trying to influence the Galatians to be circumcised were only doing so in order to make themselves look good "in the flesh." They sought to earn the approval of other Jewish religious leaders by the number of new Gentile Christians they can convince to be circumcised. Paul warned his readers not to buy into their lies.
Also, they insisted on circumcision because they were afraid of being persecuted by other Jewish religious leaders. They might had agreed that faith in Christ is necessary for salvation. But, to teach that circumcision is not necessary will draw a strong dislike from the religious leaders. Paul knew it by experience. Thus, they took the popular and convenient route to avoid trouble. However, Paul has emphasized clearly that faith in Christ and circumcision cannot go together (Gal 5:4). They, need to stand for the truth of the gospel.
Moreover, Paul says that these Judaizers are also hypocrites. Because the demand of the law is to be followed perfectly, nobody couldn’t be obeyed perfectly. Just a failure in obeying one law makes one guilty of all. (Gal 3:10–14). Thus, the only reason is for them to boast about their influence. In other words, the Galatian believers are just merely numbers to their roster as salesmen boast for having many customers.
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Galatians 6:9-10 ESV
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
9 At huwag tayong manghinawa sa paggawa ng mabuti, sapagkat sa takdang panahon ay mag-aani tayo, kung hindi tayo manlulupaypay. 10 Kaya't habang may pagkakataon, gumawa tayo ng mabuti sa lahat, lalung-lalo na sa mga kabilang sa sambahayan ng pananampalataya.
DOING GOOD ALWAYS TO EVERYONE.
Our God is characterized with goodness, is he not? God is good all the time. “For He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”[Matt 5:45] He is no respecter of persons. Similarly, we should be good to all, even to those who are hostile to us. As Paul said, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”[Rom 12:20,21]
Firstly, doing good involves persistence. Let’s not be weary in doing good. For in due season, we will reap if we don’t throw the towel. As the psalmist had expressed;
“Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.” [Psa 126:5,6]
Secondly, doing good to our brethren in the household of faith is a priority. A culture that the first Christians in Jerusalem had displayed. “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” [Acts 2:44,45] Such action is a confirmation of the authenticity of love among the brethren. The apostle John has said, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” [1 John 4:16-18] He who is in the furnace of God’s love will come out warming others with his goodness.
This provides an undeniable testimony to the unbelieving world. As Jesus has declared, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” [John 13:35] Certainly “the light that shines the farthest shines the brightest at home.”
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Galatians 6:7-8 ESV
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
7 Huwag kayong padaya; ang Diyos ay hindi maaaring lokohin, sapagkat ang anumang ihasik ng tao, ay siya rin niyang aanihin.
8 Sapagkat ang naghahasik para sa kanyang sariling laman ay mula sa laman mag-aani ng kasiraan; subalit ang naghahasik sa Espiritu, mula sa Espiritu ay mag-aani ng buhay na walang hanggan.
WHAT YOU SOW YOU REAP
Reaping what we sow is a law of nature. The seed kind we plant will germinate and grow into a plant with the same physical and genetic construct later. An avocado seed planted won’t grow and become a tree that will bear mango fruits someday. It’s just contrary to nature. It’s an impossibility.
This was the basic problem of the Galatians. They mixed up the Spirit and the flesh, which are fundamentally opposed to each other. [see Gal 5:16-17] The flesh could never result a spiritual fruit. Thus Paul had rebuked them, saying, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” [Gal 3:3]
Reaping what we sow is also irreversible. Perhaps, some are emboldened to ‘sow in the flesh’ thinking they will escape or avoid from its consequences. Such persons are deceived and are mocking God. They act as though He does not exist, and is not coming back to judge them. Man may choose to mock Him. But could he prevent the consequences later? People may blaspheme and deride Him today. But, this is only for a time being. There will be a day of reckoning, and ultimately, a man reaps what he sows. They will deal the consequences of their choices someday. Indeed, ‘what goes around comes around.’ [an old proverb]
Today, let us yield to the Spirit always. As Paul said, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”[Gal 5:16] Consequently, His fruit will emerge in a multi-faceted manner of “ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.”[Gal 5:22-23]
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Galatians 6:6 ESV
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.
Ang tinuturuan ng salita ay dapat magbahagi sa nagtuturo ng lahat ng mga bagay na mabuti.
SUPPORT YOUR PASTOR.
One of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament for the edifying of the church is that of pastor-teacher. “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers.” [Eph 4:11] They are given the unique ability by God through the Spirit to teach His Word to others. Generally, most churches have full-time pastors. But, a few have either volunteer or part-time pastors, especially if the church is new and small.
Unlike a classroom teacher, they are expected to teach more by their ways more than their words; more by their lives than their lips. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”[Heb 13:7] Their example is of prime importance.Peter has instructed the pastors, saying, “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”[1 Pet 5:2-3] Even, Paul has emphasized the character of a pastor than his competence. He said, “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”[1 Tim 3:1-7]. It’s no wonder that James has to say, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”[Jas 3:1]
As part of the general rule of bearing one another’s burden, the church should share "all good things" with those who teach. That is, providing for those who teach the Word is part of the load each of us should carry. The material support is purely logical or it has a lot of common sense. Thus, Paul asked, “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? [1 Cor 9:7] The Lord Jesus also has expressed this when He sent the twelve disciples, saying, “Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.” [Matt 10:9,10]
Moreover, it is also lawful. Paul continued to ask, “Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned?” [1 Cor 9:8] Most importantly, it should be done to honor them. For Paul has also written, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”[1 Tim 5:17,18]
Definitely, the sharing of good things to your pastor is love in action.
Galatians 6:3-5 ESV
3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
3 Sapagkat kung inaakala ng sinuman na siya'y may kabuluhan, gayong wala naman siyang kabuluhan, ay dinadaya niya ang kanyang sarili.
4 Ngunit subukin ng bawat isa ang kanyang sariling gawa, at kung magkagayon, ang kanyang dahilan upang magmalaki ay sa kanyang sarili lamang, at hindi sa kanyang kapwa.
5 Sapagkat ang bawat tao ay dapat magdala ng kanyang sariling pasan.
THE LONE RANGER CHRISTIAN MYTH
“If you want to travel faster, walk alone. But, if you want to travel farther, walk together.” This is exactly true in our Christian life. You and I will run out of gas if we travel alone. Our Christian journey is meant to be a community endeavor. We must carry our burdens together. As Heb 10:24,25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
The imagery of the church as a body makes isolation of a believer impossible. Paul said, “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” [1 Cor 12:14-20]
The reason is pride. What happens when we see ourselves as self-reliant? We don’t need anyone’s help to carry our load, even when it gets too heavy for us. Or, perhaps, we are simply too proud to do the work of carrying another's burden. We must not fall into the trap of seeing ourselves as the source of our own strength to follow Jesus.
An over estimation of ourselves is lethal to our own downfall. One of the causes is the evil of posturing ourselves as better than others. Paul had warned, “When they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”[2 Cor 10:12b]
Having been called as one body, we should always seek to engage one another, should we not? As Rom 12:3-5 says, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another “ Paul even added, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”[Phil 2:3,4]
Today, let’s avoid the lone ranger Christian myth.
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Galatians 6:1-2 ESV
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Mga kapatid, kung ang isang tao ay natagpuan sa anumang pagsuway, kayong mga espirituwal ay dapat panunumbalikin siya sa espiritu ng kaamuan. Tingnan ang iyong sarili, baka ikaw ay matukso rin. 2 Dalhin ninyo ang mga pasanin ng isa't isa, at sa gayon ay matutupad ninyo ang kautusan ni Cristo.
FULFILL THE LAW OF CHRIST.
Believers are not perfect. A tragedy of being ‘caught in’ sin may happen an individual believer. Believers may commit sin, advertently or inadvertently. The devil is so subtle. Thus, we might be deceived by his lies through the promptings of our flesh. For this, James has warned us, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”[Jas 1:13,14]
For this, the church community, as a whole, has to take steps in restoring the concerned person back to his fellowship with God and the believers. The word "restore" is commonly used in common Greek in resetting broken bones, and for mending fishing nets. Thus, to "restore" something broken is to make it whole and functional again. When it comes to a fallen brother into sinning, itinvolves repentance and a return to Spirit-powered living. We can help each other do that.
Our spiritual growth takes place in a community. As the African proverb goes, “It takes the whole village to raise a child.” Thus, we must “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you[us] may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”[Heb 3:13]
The dynamics of Christ’s followers helping each other to recover from a fall confirms the authenticity of Christ’s love among them. Paul has reminded us, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” [1 Thess 5:14] In order to carry each other’s loads, we do really need patience, don’t we? Love indeed is being patient to help each other not to continue living in sin. [1 Cor 13:4] “And as Jesus has said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”[John 13:35]
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Galatians 5:24-26 ESV
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
24 At ipinako sa krus ng mga na kay Cristo Jesus ang laman na kasama ang masasamang pagnanasa at mga kahalayan nito. 25 Kung tayo'y nabubuhay sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu, lumakad din tayo sa patnubay ng Espiritu. 26 Huwag tayong maging palalo, na ginagalit ang isa't isa at naiinggit sa isa't isa.
LIVE BY THE SPIRIT
Crucifixion of the flesh is the mark of the true believer. He has died to self in order to be alive in Christ. That is, it is governed by the Spirit not by the flesh anymore. The Spirit’s life-giving power is appropriated by faith. It does follow that we must yield to his control, moment by moment.
Living in the Spirit is keeping in step with the His pace. Christians are neither robots nor machines. They exercise their volitions to follow Him. There is a recognition of the promptings of the flesh but the promptings of the Spirit is opted as a driver following a gps.
Spirit-led-Christians should be noted by the things they don’t do. But, these are naturally done or practiced by the natural person. That, Christians should not be conceited, provoking and envying one another. Definitely, these are expressions of promoting the flesh.
Following Jesus is not a walk in the park. It’s not just a counter-culture but also a counter-self. Practically, a daily funeral is needed everyday to our flesh. Thus, Paul has charged us “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”[Eph 4:22-24]
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Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
22 Subalit ang bunga ng Espiritu ay pag-ibig, kagalakan, kapayapaan, pagtitiyaga, kagandahang-loob, kabutihan, katapatan, 23 kaamuan, at pagpipigil sa sarili. Laban sa mga ito ay walang kautusan.
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
The image of a believer like a fruit bearing tree is fascinating, isn’t it. Firstly, it reminds us of a healthy plant. Like a sickly plant that doesn’t bear fruits is a believer whose spiritual life is a struggle. Jesus liken him to a branch that doesn’t abide to the vine. Thus, He said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” [John 15:4,5]
This fruit is of the Spirit. Although, its stalk is attached directly to the branch, it doesn’t belong to it. Simply stated, the branch is just a bearer of it and has no rightful claim to it. Why? The branch, was once an undesirable one, having been grafted in into the trunk. In other words, the life comes from the trunk. Similarly, the Spirit is our life. Thus, a believer who knows how to love could humbly acknowledge that it’s God’s love, not his. As Paul has declared, “God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”[Rom 5:5]
Moreover, this fruit is multifaceted, like a gem with nine facets that glitters. Each facet is distinct yet complementary and co-equal to each other. We couldn’t emphasize one and neglect the others. Should you want one, you have to get all. Isn’t it weird for a believer to just want joy and neglect to be kind or patient? At some moments of special needs in our lives, one facet can be prominent without negating the others. For example, a believer who is provoked to anger, could display his patience more than the others at the particular moment when he depends upon the Spirit.
Lastly, the Spirit will bring blamelessness to the believer should He is in control. Where the Spirit is, there is liberty to do the will of God and serve people.
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Galatians 5:16-21 ESV
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
16 Subalit sinasabi ko, lumakad kayo ayon sa Espiritu, at huwag ninyong bigyang-kasiyahan ang mga pagnanasa ng laman.
17 Sapagkat ang laman ay nagnanasa laban sa Espiritu, at ang Espiritu ay laban sa laman; sapagkat ang mga ito ay laban sa isa't isa, upang hindi ninyo magawa ang mga bagay na nais ninyong gawin.
18 Subalit kung kayo'y pinapatnubayan ng Espiritu, kayo ay wala sa ilalim ng kautusan.
19 Ngayon ay hayag ang mga gawa ng laman, ang mga ito ay pakikiapid, karumihan, kahalayan,
20 pagsamba sa diyus-diyosan, pangkukulam, alitan, pagtatalo, paninibugho, pagkagalit, pagkamakasarili, pagkakabaha-bahagi, mga pagkakampi-kampi,
21 pagkainggit, paglalasing, kalayawan, at ang mga katulad nito. Binabalaan ko kayo, gaya ng aking pagbabala noong una sa inyo, na ang mga gumagawa ng gayong mga bagay ay hindi magmamana ng kaharian ng Diyos.
WALK BY THE SPIRIT.
The imagery of us having a war with our flesh gives us warning not to take second chances in winning. ‘The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.’ We have no control over this reality. But, to accept that tension within us is a normal phenomenon just as the atmospheric pressure that presses our skin twenty-four-seven.
Thankfully, He gives us the Spirit of liberty [2 Cor 3;17]. From the clutches of the flesh, we can be free. Thus, it is essential to yield to His control. Let us ‘not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.’ [Eph 5:18] Should we be led by the Spirit, we won’t be condemned under the law. That is, we would be blameless from the ugly works of the flesh.
Otherwise, a person who continues and love to practice sin does show that he doesn’t belong to God’s kingdom. The apostle John has declared, “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.”[1 John 3:4-6]
In other words, a true believer may sin but he doesn’t live a lifestyle of sinfulness. As he continues to walk and depend upon the Spirit, he progress towards becoming more like Christ.
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Galatians 5:13-15 ESV
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
13 Sapagkat kayo, mga kapatid, ay tinawag sa kalayaan; subalit huwag lamang ninyong gagamitin ang inyong kalayaan bilang isang kadahilanan para sa laman, kundi sa pamamagitan ng pag-ibig ay maging alipin kayo ng isa't isa. 14 Sapagkat ang buong kautusan ay natutupad sa isang pangungusap, “Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa na gaya ng iyong sarili.”
15 Ngunit kung kayo-kayo ang nagkakagatan at nagsasakmalan, mag-ingat kayo, baka kayo'y magkaubusan.
THROUGH LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER.
The world has a different concept of freedom. It is doing anything a person wants without restrain. Can we consider a man chasing every gil he likes like a rooster to every every hen the symbol of true freedom? Ironically, this guy is governed by an uncontrolled passion. Unrestrained passion is slavery. Solomon says, “ A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”[Prov 25:28]
Only the true believers who are really free. And it is doing what is morally right. And, they expresss it by overcoming the flesh in order to serve others. Christ has freed us from ourselves to become mindful towards others. They have the mind of Christ, who is God Himself but voluntarily became a servant. [see Phil 2:4-8]. Jesus even said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”[Mark 10:45]
Genuine Christians could truly fulfill the law, summarized in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The apostle John even said, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”[1 John 4:8]
As Christians, we are called by God to love others the way He loves them. This means, we do seek to serve them and not to use them for personal gain, don’t we? Therefore, let us not ‘give opportunity to our flesh’ to gratify its selfish desires’.[Rom 13:14] May “the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” [2 Cor 5:14,15] Let us glory because “God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” [Rom 5:5]
Is to serve the least and the lost your desire today? Have you been occupied about yourself licking your own wounds that you are not mindful towards others anymore? The change from wanting to be served to one wanting to serve is a great miracle the gospel has done in our lives.
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Galatians 5:7-12 ESV
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
7 Kayo ay tumatakbo noon ng mabuti, sino ang humadlang sa inyo sa pagsunod sa katotohanan? 8 Ang paghikayat na iyon ay hindi nagmula sa tumatawag sa inyo. 9 Ang kaunting lebadura ay nagpapaalsa sa buong masa. 10 Ako'y nagtitiwala sa Panginoon, na hindi kayo mag-iisip ng iba pa. Subalit sinuman siyang nanggugulo sa inyo ay tatanggap ng parusa. 11 Ngunit ako, mga kapatid, kung ipinangangaral ko pa ang pagtutuli, bakit pa ako inuusig? Kung gayon, ang katitisuran ng krus ay inalis na.12 Ibig ko sana na ang mga nanggugulo sa inyo ay kapunin nila ang kanilang sarili.
A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP.
By Paul’s description that they were ‘running well’, he meant that they had embraced the true gospel and served Christ rightly. But, they were sidetracked. The effect was like a dough affected by a little lump.
Most spiritual errors can be traced to compromises perceived as insignificant at the beginning. Like a pinch of leavening that appear harmless, they may not had suspected that this particular false teaching could lead them away from Christ. A leaven of religious falsehood is quite powerful to influence us. Thus, Jesus had said, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”[Matt 16:6]
Paul had adressed the severity of this drift. Thus, he expressed the resulting penalty of the person who led them astray. And, in no way, did Paul endorse or preach circumcision that perhaps others had thought. If, he did, why were these leaders persecuting Paul? What were they so angry about? Their teaching was an ‘offense to the cross.’
We need to guard ourselves that we won’t swerved from the truth. Our devotion to Christ is paramount, is it not? Thus Paul had expressed this to the Corinthians, “I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.”[2 Cor 11:1-4]
Let us guard our hearts therefore that nothing can deceive us away from the gospel and its blessings.
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Galatians 5:5-6 ESV
5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
5 Sapagkat sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu, sa pananampalataya ay naghihintay tayo sa pag-asa ng katuwiran.6 Sapagkat kay Cristo Jesus, ang pagtutuli o di-pagtutuli ay walang kabuluhan, kundi ang pananampalataya na gumagawa sa pamamagitan ng pag-ibig.
FAITH WORKING THROUGH LOVE.
The Judaizers may claim that to be righteous is by doing the circumcision or law. In contrast, true believers do rest on what Christ has done through the working of the Spirit. By faith, upon the Spirit’s working we obtain the righteousness. This righteousness is a gift of God in Christ. Paul said, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:21]
What should we do in response to the gift of salvation we received in Christ?
For this, John has written, “We love because He first loved us.” [1 John 4:19] Let us immerse ourselves in the love of God. Should we understand it more, behold it always, think about it all the time, we would be ever thankful for it. Consequently, our obedience to Him will be effortless and natural. As John writes, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”[1 John 5:3]
Let us not be tied up to any outward religion whatsoever, for Christ has freed us from this. Rather, Let us express our true faith express through loving others. This is the only thing that counts before God. Let us demonstrate our true faith by taking pleasure in loving others.
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Galatians 5:2-4 ESV
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
2 Makinig kayo! Akong si Pablo ay nagsasabi sa inyo na kung kayo'y patutuli, si Cristo ay hindi magiging pakinabang sa inyo. 3 At muli kong pinatotohanan sa bawat taong nagpatuli na siya'y may pananagutang tumupad sa buong kautusan. 4 Kayo'y hiwalay kay Cristo, kayong mga nagnanais ariing-ganap sa pamamagitan ng kautusan; nahulog kayo mula sa biyaya.
FALLING AWAY FROM GRACE.
A person couldn’t be both inside and outside of a room, could it be? Similarly, one can’t be in Christ and accepts the circumcision offered unto him. In fact, circumcision is useless. This incompatibility is confirmed by the apostle Paul.
Paul was blameless before the law[see Phil 3:5] Yet, he has stressed its uselessness. He said, “Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.”[1 Cor 18-20] “In him[Christ] also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.”[Col 3:11]
Should a believer insists to accept circumcision, he is obligated to keep the whole law. Even James corroborates with this, saying, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”[Jas 2:10] It’s a ridiculous thought that a man who is freed would go back to bondage. In fact, Paul do strongly testify against them.
Is the sinner justified by keeping the law? No! Paul has declared, “Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”[Rom 3:27,28]
Is the box of more in value than the treasure? Certainly not! But, Paul had described these deceived believers who embrace the circumcision again by saying, “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.”[v.4] Like quenching a fire by water, the insistence of the circumcision do put the grace of God to nothing. They severed the grace of God. That is why Paul said, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”[Gal 2:21]
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Galatians 5:1 ESV
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Para sa kalayaan ay pinalaya tayo ni Cristo; kaya't magpakatatag kayo at huwag pasakop na muli sa pamatok ng pagkaalipin.
CHRIST HAS SET US FREE.
Sin has enslaved us. But, Christ has set us free. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”[John 8:36] Our freedom is a gift. It is offered and is experienced by faith. Thus, we must appropriate it by claiming it.
Having been set free doesn’t mean that the temptation to go back to slavery has vanished away. It is there. We just don’t need to submit to it. Why? We have already the power to say “no” and reject it. The Holy Spirit indwells and seals us that we belong to Christ already. Paul said, “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”[Eph 1;13,14] And, that we have been freed from the curse and enslavement of sin. [Rom 8:1]
Christ has redeemed us from the law. Thus, there is a transfer of ownership. Paul said, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”[1 Cor 6:19,20]
Christ owns us now. So, let us stand firm that we belong to Christ by living in and for Christ. As Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”[Gal 2:20] Thus Paul has referred himself as a ‘slave’ of Christ. [see Rom 1:1]
Christ has set us free to live for Him and His glory.
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Galatians 4:28-31 ESV
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
28 At kayo, mga kapatid, tulad ni Isaac, ay mga anak ng pangako. 29 Subalit kung paanong inusig noon ng ipinanganak ayon sa laman ang ipinanganak ayon sa Espiritu, gayundin naman ngayon. 30 Subalit ano ang sinasabi ng kasulatan? “Palayasin ang aliping babae at ang kanyang anak, sapagkat hindi magmamana ang anak ng babaing alipin na kasama ng anak ng babaing malaya.” 31 Kaya, mga kapatid, hindi tayo mga anak ng babaing alipin, kundi ng babaing malaya.
CHILDREN OF PROMISE.
True believers at Galatia are children of promise like Isaac. But, they’re not devoid of a conflict. Thus Paul, had brought the tension of Abraham’s home. In Gen 21:9-10, “But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” Thus, Abraham drove away Hagar and Ishmael. Hence, Isaac grew without Ishmael to share as heir of Abraham. Similarly, believers must stand to their status – free children.
Thus Paul had enjoined us to live as free. He said, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”[Rom 6:6-11]
Thus today, we must live up to our label as children of promise. We are free to live a righteous life. This can be done by considering ourselves as dead to sin but alive to God. In Rom 12:1-2, Paul said this in another way, that is, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
The freedom of the children of promise is that they have the power to live the righteous life.
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Galatians 4:21-27 ESV
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,
“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;
break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
than those of the one who has a husband.”
21 Sabihin ninyo sa akin, kayong nagnanais mapasailalim ng kautusan, hindi ba ninyo naririnig ang kautusan? 22 Sapagkat nasusulat na si Abraham ay nagkaroon ng dalawang anak, isa mula sa aliping babae, at ang isa ay sa babaing malaya. 23 Subalit ang mula sa alipin ay ipinanganak ayon sa laman, at ang mula sa babaing malaya ay sa pamamagitan ng pangako. 24 Ang mga bagay na ito ay isang paghahambing, sapagkat ang mga babaing ito'y dalawang tipan. Ang isa ay si Hagar na mula sa bundok ng Sinai na nanganganak para sa pagkaalipin. 25 Ngayon, si Hagar ay bundok ng Sinai sa Arabia at katumbas ng kasalukuyang Jerusalem, sapagkat siya'y nasa pagkaalipin kasama ng kanyang mga anak. 26 Ngunit ang Jerusalem na nasa itaas ay malaya, na siyang ating ina.27 Sapagkat nasusulat,
“Magalak ka, ikaw na baog, ikaw na hindi nanganganak;
bigla kang umawit at sumigaw, ikaw na hindi nakakaranas ng sakit sa panganganak;
sapagkat mas marami pa ang mga anak ng pinabayaan
kaysa mga anak ng may asawa.”
THE TWO COVENANTS.
Abraham has two sons. Ishmael was his elder son with Hagar, their Egyptian slave. Isaac, however, was his son with his wife, Sarah. While Isaac was the son of the promise, Ishmael was his son according to his flesh. Sarah’s impatience had caused her to pressure Abraham to have a son with Hagar. [Gen 16:5] Does God need help from man to fulfill His promise? The flesh can’t produce the work of God.
Figuratively, Sarah and Hagar did represent two covenants. Hagar represents Mount Sinai, bearing slavery. It should be noted that Mount Sinai is where God gave His law for Israel to Moses. [see Ex 19] Earlier in this epistle, Paul has already shown that he who lives under the law of Moses is to live in slavery to his own sin. The law reveals our sin. However, it does not offer a way to be free from it (Galatians 3:19–25).
Moreover, Paul added that Hagar also corresponds to the ‘present Jerusalem’ of Paul's day. Why? Jerusalem was the seat of Jewish religious authority. The false teachers, representatives of the law, were misleading the Galatian Christians into a system of slavery to their sin.
But Paul referred that there is another Jerusalem one that is ‘above and free’. In contrast to the children of slavery, the true children of Sarah [Abraham] are free. This Jerusalem is their mother. Paul quoted Isa 54:1, that the children of the ‘barren’ woman [Sarah] will multiply in fulfilment to His promise.
Later on, John has the vision that, “ And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”[Rev 21:2-3]
Galatians 4:19-20 ESV
19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
19 Minamahal kong mga anak, na para sa inyo ay muli akong nakakaranas ng hirap ng panganganak hanggang si Cristo ay mabuo sa inyo. 20 Nais kong makaharap kayo ngayon at baguhin ang aking tono, sapagkat ako'y nag-aalinlangan tungkol sa inyo.
CHRIST BE FORMED IN YOU.
Paul can be hard to the Galatians because he loved them dearly. He endeared them as his ‘little children’
It is the mother who loves his children could earn the right to reprove and correct them. In fact, Paul likened himself to a laboring mother, full of anguish within. He was deeply pained for their departure from a life of blessedness.
What has caused Paul to have such deep concern for them?
Paul had one goal. That is, the gospel of the grace of God. He resolved, saying, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[Acts 20:24] Again, he expressed this to the Colossians, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”[Col 1:28,29]
Nothing satisfies Paul aside from seeing the believers maturing in Christ. Are you and I have the same concern with Paul in our lives and ministry? We could be like the Galatians if we’re not discerning. Thus Paul has warned, “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” [2 Cor 11:3] The father of lies could disguise as an angel of light. [2 Cor 11:14]. A little leaven that he sows could affect the whole lump. Therefore, let us not be ignorant to his devices. [2 Cor 2:11]
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Galatians 4:15-18 ESV
15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you,
15 Nasaan na ngayon ang inyong kagandahang-loob? Sapagkat ako'y nagpapatotoo sa inyo, na kung maaari sana ay dinukit na ninyo ang inyong mga mata at ibinigay sa akin.16 Ako ba ngayo'y naging kaaway ninyo sa pagsasabi ko sa inyo ng katotohanan? 17 Sila'y masigasig sa inyo, subalit hindi para sa mabuting layunin; nais nilang ihiwalay kayo, upang kayo'y maging masigasig sa kanila.18 Subalit mabuti ang maging laging masigasig sa mabuting bagay at hindi lamang kapag ako'y kaharap ninyo.
HAVE I THEN BECOME YOUR ENEMY BY TELLING YOU THE TRUTH?
The brothers at Galatia had treated Paul with kindness and honor even during an illness (Gal 4:13–14). They even received his message by faith alone. But, not for long, Paul was bewildered about their faith, by saying, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—” [Gal 1:6]
Furthermore, he asked, “What then has become of your blessedness?” A question he knew the answer but he asked it for them to be aware of their change. The Judaizers had deceived and poisoned their minds. "Those false teachers are so eager to win your favor, but their intentions are not good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay attention only to them."[v.17 NLT]
Basically, Paul had recognized the subtlety of these false teachers, who turned the gullible believers to believe their lies. They flatter them to gain their favor. Afterwards, they manipulate them to doubt Paul until they went against Paul. Their ultimate motive is the promotion of their own glory.
This reality has brought much concern.
Instead of focusing about what Christ has done for us[grace], it shifted to what we can do for Him[performance]. Remember that the focus of man-driven-religion is on ‘man’s performance’. In contrast, the focus of salvation through faith in Christ is on ‘His performance’. That is, it makes much, even all, of God. It is all about God. Indeed, the thought can contribute something is flattering. But, the truth that man is nothing is humbling. Nobody can be proud. [Eph 2:8.9]
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Galatians 4:12-14 ESV
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
12 Mga kapatid, nakikiusap ako sa inyo, kayo'y maging kagaya ko, sapagkat ako'y naging katulad din ninyo. Wala kayong ginawang masama sa akin. 13 Nalalaman ninyo na dahil sa karamdaman ng katawan ay una kong ipinangaral sa inyo ang ebanghelyo. 14 Bagaman ang aking kalagayan ay naging isang pagsubok sa inyo, hindi ninyo ako hinamak o kinasuklaman kundi tinanggap na gaya sa isang anghel ng Diyos, gaya ni Cristo Jesus.
LIKE AN ANGEL OF GOD.
Paul was sick when he first met the Galatians. Was it a chronic illness? . In 2 Cor 12, he describes "thorn in the flesh" allowed by God to keep him from becoming conceited. This perhaps was a form of physical illness. Some even suggested that it was a visual impairment. Or, perhaps it was simply a disease that came and then went away. We really don't know.
At any rate, he referred his condition as a trial or burden for the Galatians. Perhaps he either needed an urgent medical care from them or he was just an annoyance. Again, we have no idea. Certainly, it made him look weak in the eyes of the Galatians. It’s easy for people to associate illness with weakness. Or, they may assumed illness to be the punishment of God or the gods for great wrongdoing. A mark of a person’s rejection from the gods.
Despite of this, they received Paul as if he was an angel or Christ Himself. They valued his message about faith in Jesus so that they refused to allow his illness to keep them from honoring him. If the messenger can be trusted, the message is received. Definitely, Paul’s life had exuded the beauty of Christ. Just a note. Paul and Barnabas were mistaken to be gods when they in Lystra [see Acts 14:11-13]
To them, Paul had no ambiguity in declaring the gospel, either by his lips or life. He strongly said, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”[Gal 1:8,9]
He was so sure that his message is consistent to his manner. He testified before the Thessalonians, saying, “our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”[1 Thess 1:5] Even to the Corinthians, he said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”[1 Cor 11:1]
How about us? Are our words consistent with our walk? Our talks with our testimonies? Our conduct with our claims? How do people perceive us when we talk with them? As an angel of God or a fallen angel?
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Galatians 4:8-11 ESV
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
8 Subalit noong una, nang hindi pa ninyo kilala ang Diyos, kayo'y naging mga alipin ng mga hindi likas na diyos. 9 Subalit ngayong nakikilala na ninyo ang Diyos, o sa halip ay kinikilala na kayo ng Diyos, bakit muli kayong nagbabalik sa mahihina at hamak na mga panimulang aral, na sa mga iyon ay nais ninyong muling maging mga alipin? 10 Nangingilin kayo ng mga araw, mga buwan, mga panahon, at mga taon. 11 Ako'y natatakot na nagpagal ako sa inyo nang walang kabuluhan.
KNOWN BY GOD.
Knowing God means freedom from enslavement of sin. It’s a fact and a great blessing that we know God. But, most appropriately, it is He who knows us. We know Him because He initiated it. He revealed himself. Paul had expressed the impossibility of knowing God in Rom 3:10-11, that is;
“as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.”
Being known by God is effectual. The believer becomes a new person. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”[2 Cor 5:17]. This means, he has a new heart, with new desires and passions.
However, Paul had concerns to the believers at Galatia. His labor [preaching and teaching them the gospel] might be in vain. Having been surprised, he asked, “how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?” Peter said, “What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”” [2 Pet 2:22]
The believer’s life must be marked by a significant difference between his former and present life. The once cherished life of sin is now abandoned and rejected. The old and the new can’t be pursued simultaneously as mixing oil and water. By rejecting the past, a new lifestyle direction is pursued. As Paul had resolved in his life, we may also declare today, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Gal 2:20]
Since you trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, do you see a significant change in your life? Do others perceive that you have changed in your talk and walk of life? Let us be sure that when we claim before people that we are Christians that it will confirm their suspicions, not to surprise them.
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Galatians 4:4-7 ESV
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
_____
4 Subalit nang dumating ang ganap na kapanahunan, isinugo ng Diyos ang kanyang Anak, na ipinanganak ng isang babae, at ipinanganak sa ilalim ng kautusan, 5 upang tubusin ang mga nasa ilalim ng kautusan, upang matanggap natin ang pagkupkop bilang mga anak. 6 At sapagkat kayo'y mga anak, isinugo ng Diyos ang Espiritu ng kanyang Anak sa ating mga puso, na sumisigaw, “Abba, Ama!” 7 Kaya't hindi ka na alipin kundi anak; at kung anak, ay tagapagmana.
REDEEMED.
It was God who first prophesied about the coming of the ‘seed of the woman’ when He pronounced the curse to the serpent. Gen 3:15 says;
“ I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.”
God covenanted this unilaterally. Sooner or later, His promise would be fulfilled. God is faithful [Num 23;19] “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”[ Ecc 3:11]
Jesus was born under the law in order to redeem those who were under the law. Jesus was born into an ordinary Jewish family, Joseph and Mary. It was a miracle for Mary had conceived and gave birth while she was a virgin. [Matt 1:18].
As a Jew, Jesus was born literally "under the law." He was the only human who kept the law perfectly. And in so doing, He had declared that He had "fulfilled" the law (Matthew 5:17). That is, He had satisfied all of its requirements. And ultimately, He died on the cross to pay the penalty for sinners. (Galatians 3:13).
His mission is to redeem us from the law. The word translated as "redeem" is from the Greek root word exagorazo, which means to buy a slave out of bondage. Because were literally slaves to our own sinfulness with no hope of escape, Jesus paid for our ransom at the cross, declaring “It is finished”, literally “Paid in full”. [John 19:30]
Moreover, in our redemption, He sent the Holy Spirit as confirmation to our adoption. Thus, He makes it possible for us to call God our “Abba” Father! Can any child who is not a legitimate child of a person call him daddy? Of course not!
Paul had elaborated this in his epistle to the Romans. He writes, “ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”[Rom 8:14-17]
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Galatians 4:1-3 ESV
I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.
1 Ganito ang ibig kong sabihin: ang tagapagmana, habang bata pa ay hindi nakahihigit sa mga alipin bagama't siya ang may-ari ng lahat, 2 subalit siya ay nasa ilalim ng mga tagapangalaga at mga katiwala hanggang sa panahong itinakda ng ama. 3 Gayundin tayo, nang tayo'y mga bata pa, tayo'y naalipin sa mga panimulang aral ng sanlibutan.
Paul draws the domestic imagery pertaining to man’s relationship with the law. The child has then entitled heir of his wealthy father. But, he won’t be able to possess it until his legal age. Thus, during his childhood, he is under guardians and managers. They dealt with him not different from a slave. In other words, he lived day by day with limited freedom. While they oversee the estate and make decisions about property and investments, they also discipline the child. And until a specific date, he would inherit his portion of the family estate as designated by the father.
WHEN THE SON IS LIKE A SLAVE.
Notedly, the Jews are heirs to the promises of Abraham by birth. Similarly, Christians [ Jews and Gentiles] are heirs by faith in Christ. Yet all, as children are enslaved to the “elementary principles of the world”. Paul has referred this to all religions (including the Old Testament Law and especially its ritual system) before and outside of Christ. All of us have lived in a similar predicament.. decisions about property and investments, they also discipline the child. And until a specific date, he would inherit his portion of the family estate as designated by the father.
Such was the case of the nation of Israel while they were under Moses. And in a similar sense, this apply to the Gentile believers' previous history when they were under the pagan philosophies of their own culture as well. Gentile believers once lived as slaves to "the elementary principles of the world" until Christ came.
Notedly, the Jews are heirs to the promises of Abraham by birth. Similarly, Christians [ Jews and Gentiles] are heirs by faith in Christ. Yet all, as children are enslaved to the “elementary principles of the world”. Paul has referred this to all religion (including the Old Testament Law and especially its ritual system) before and outside of Christ. All of us have lived under a similar predicament.
In this light, Paul had warned us. He said, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”[Col 2:8]
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.”[Col 2:16-18]
What does this mean for us today? Should we allow these things in the world to govern our lives, we are sons who live like slaves. Let us not allow compromises, that is by not “making void the word of God by your tradition[ man made] that you have handed down.”[Mark 7:13]
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-Galatians 3:26-29 ESV
26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
26 Sapagkat kay Cristo Jesus, kayong lahat ay mga anak ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya. 27 Sapagkat ang lahat na sa inyo na binautismuhan kay Cristo ay ibinihis si Cristo. 28 Walang Judio o Griyego, walang alipin o malaya, walang lalaki o babae, sapagkat kayong lahat ay iisa kay Cristo Jesus. 29 At kung kayo'y kay Cristo, kayo nga'y mga binhi ni Abraham, mga tagapagmana ayon sa pangako.
WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST.
More than sons of Abraham, the believers in Christ are all sons of God. The Gentiles no longer needed to think of themselves as lesser members in the family of God. Full rights and privileges of a full son or daughter of God are granted to all who trust in Christ for their salvation from sin.
Every believer is baptized into Christ. Most likely, this refers not about water baptism. More likely, Paul means that believers are baptized in (or into) the Holy Spirit when they trust in Christ for salvation. It is the instantaneous act of the Spirit to come and indwell in their hearts. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."[1 Cor 12:3]
The picture is like putting on a robe or a garment. Thus, every believer has ‘put on’ Christ. Hence, he is identified with Christ. His righteousness is clothed upon each one of us. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” [Rom 10:4]
Nobody has the monopoly of the Spirit. We are all equal in our standing before God. However, we maintain our distinctions in our functions. Like for example in marriage. Both husband and wife are equal before God positionally. Yet, the husband is the head and the wife submits to his leadership as a help meet.
The gospel provides unity despite our diversity. It is our recognition and faithful conduct of our unique and distinct roles or functions in the body that promote unity. This is to distinguish from uniformity. Everyone should be unique and distinct as he or she is, and not strive to be like somebody else. And one’s role doesn’t diminish his or her importance in the body of Christ. This Paul has elaborated, by saying, “ On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”[1 Cor 12:22-26]
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Galatians 3:21-25 ESV
21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
21 Kung gayon, ang kautusan ba ay salungat sa mga pangako ng Diyos? Huwag nawang mangyari. Sapagkat kung ibinigay ang isang kautusan na makapagbibigay-buhay, samakatuwid, ang katuwiran ay sa pamamagitan ng kautusan.22 Subalit ibinilanggo ng kasulatan ang lahat ng mga bagay sa ilalim ng kasalanan, upang ang ipinangako sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya kay Jesu-Cristo ay maibigay sa mga sumasampalataya.23 Ngunit bago dumating ang pananampalataya, nabibilanggo tayo at binabantayan sa ilalim ng kautusan, hanggang sa ang pananampalataya ay ipahayag.24 Kaya't ang kautusan ay naging ating tagasupil hanggang sa dumating si Cristo, upang tayo'y ariing-ganap sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya.25 Subalit ngayong dumating na ang pananampalataya, tayo ay wala na sa ilalim ng tagasupil.
IS THE LAW THEN CONTRARY TO THE PROMISES OF GOD?
The law and promises of God are not opposed to each other. Apparently, both serve different ultimate purposes. The law was not designed and given to give life, however, because no human being has ever been able to keep it perfectly, aside from Christ Himself. Thus, no human beings could become righteous—"justified"—by following the law.
The Scriptures manifested that we are all imprisoned "under sin,"[see v.22] And, this leads to condemnation and hopelessness of all sinners. We are sinful. And, knowing what God wants us to do makes us more guilty. We can not stop sinning. So what is the way out?
It comes only through the promise given to Abraham through his offspring, Christ. That season under the law was just temporary, however. Eventually, faith upon Christ came. Those who believe in Christ "by faith" do receive the promise. Paul will go on to show how receiving that promise, along with Christ, provides for the forgiveness of and escape from our sin.
The law as described by Paul is a "pedagogue." This word in English is commonly referred as "guardian," or "tutor."In Greek families, he was a servant entrusted with protecting and caring for the children until late adolescence. Unlike a teacher, his role is to discipline the child. He taught them morals and corrected them until the kids got old enough. Then the tutor isn’t needed anaymore.
Similarly, the law does serve its purpose if it directs sinners and points them to Christ, who only can transform hearts. And once we are in Christ, we are not under the law. There is now no more condemnation to us who are in Christ. [Rom 8:1] We are not made righteous by following the law but by faith in Christ. In Him, we become new creation.[2 Cor 5:17] In fact, we are His workmanship created unto good works, that is, to fulfill the law. Paul said, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” [Eph 2:10]
We are not justified by following the law. We are justified by faith in Christ. Consequently, for being made righteous, we have the power through the Spirit to do righteous acts or obey the law. True freedom in Christ is obeying the law not by obligation but with joy in our hearts.
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Galatians 3:19-20 ESV
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
19 Bakit pa mayroong kautusan? Ito ay idinagdag dahil sa mga paglabag, hanggang sa dumating ang binhi na siyang pinangakuan; at ito'y ibinigay sa pamamagitan ng mga anghel sa kamay ng isang tagapamagitan.20 Ngayon, ang tagapamagitan ay nangangahulugan na may higit sa iisang panig; subalit ang Diyos ay iisa.
WHY THEN THE LAW?
Perhaps, the insistent Judaizers must have asked this question. What was the point of the law, then? It was added because of transgressions. That is, after Abraham who had received the promise, his descendants continued to transgress. Thus, God gave them the law to show them His standards of what are right actions are they going to take and sinful acts for them to avoid.
Furthermore, God had instituted it to show the Israelites, and all of us, just how sinful we really are. In Rom 5:20, Paul argued, “Now the law came in to increase the trespass.” Without the law, man may not be aware how sinful he is. Against the backdrop of the law, man are made conscious to his rebellion and sinfulness. Simply put, where the law is implemented. There is the knowledge of sin.
Then Paul added that the law was put in place through angels and by an intermediary, from the Greek term mesitou, also translated as "mediator." In other words, the law was a covenant between two parties, God and Israel. God was represented in this agreement by angels. Israel was represented by Moses. The covenant agreement was this: If Israel would keep God's commands, He would bless them. If the people disobeyed, God would curse or punish them. It was a two-way covenant.
God, however, is "one," Paul concludes. He does not require human beings to be involved in order to make a covenant. We call this a unilateral covenant or promise. God gave promises to Abraham and his offspring without demanding anything in return. Abraham simply believed, and God gave. Jesus is "the offspring" who received what was promised to Abraham's descendants. Those who are "in Christ" receive those promises, as well, without need of help from the law.
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Galatians 3:15-18 ESV
15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
15 Mga kapatid, ako ay nagsasalita ayon sa tao, kapag napagtibay na ang tipan ng isang tao, walang makapagdaragdag o makapagpapawalang-bisa nito.16 Ngayon, ang mga pangako ay ginawa kay Abraham at sa kanyang binhi. Hindi sinasabi, “At sa mga binhi,” na tungkol sa marami; kundi tungkol sa iisa, “At sa iyong binhi,” na si Cristo.17 Ito ang ibig kong sabihin: “Ang kautusan, na dumating pagkaraan ng apat na raan at tatlumpung taon, ay hindi nagpapawalang-bisa sa tipan na dati nang pinagtibay ng Diyos, upang pawalang-saysay ang pangako.18 Sapagkat kung ang mana ay sa pamamagitan ng kautusan, ito ay hindi na sa pamamagitan ng pangako, subalit ipinagkaloob ito ng Diyos kay Abraham sa pamamagitan ng pangako.
THE PROMISE.
Arguing from a legal standpoint, Paul had emphasized that a ratified will[covenant] could not be annulled even if the person creating it had passed away. This is valid under Greek law. Thus, the fulfilment of God’s covenant to Abraham is not affected by the law, which came 430 years later.
Hence, God’s promise to Abraham and his offspring is unconditional. This covenant was announced by God to Abraham unilaterally. “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[ Gen 12:1-3] Clearly, God takes the onus of keeping the covenant upon Himself.
“When a covenant was dependent upon both parties keeping commitments, then both parties would pass between the pieces of animals. In Genesis 15, God alone moves between the halves of the animals. Abraham was in a deep sleep. God’s solitary action indicates that the covenant is principally His promise. He binds Himself to the covenant.”[ from gotquestions.org]
Abraham’s offspring is the Lord Jesus. He is the fulfilment of God’s promise. For through Him, all the nations will be blessed by faith. That is why, today, those who trust him are sons of Abraham. Jesus had initiated the new covenant through His sacrifice, by saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”[Luke 22:20]
There will come a time in the future that the descendants of Abraham [Jews] will possess the entire territory or land promised to them. When the Messiah will return, he will set up His throne, and through His righteous rule the whole world will be truly blessed. For there will be an abundance of peace, pleasure, and prosperity.
God’s children live by God’s promise. We are adopted into His family through His grace by faith alone. In Jesus, we received those covenant promises made to Abraham. Thus, all who trust in Christ's sacrifice for their sin, positionally "in Christ” do receive the blessings promised to Abraham's offspring. We receive whatever is entitled to Him because we have been given credit from His sinless and perfect life of sacrifice.
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Galatians 3:10-14 ESV
10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
10 Sapagkat ang lahat na umaasa sa mga gawa ng kautusan ay nasa ilalim ng sumpa; sapagkat nasusulat, “Sumpain ang bawat isang hindi sumusunod sa lahat ng bagay na nasusulat sa aklat ng kautusan.”11 Ngayon ay maliwanag na walang sinumang inaaring-ganap sa harapan ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng kautusan, sapagkat “Ang matuwid ay mabubuhay sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya.”12 Subalit ang kautusan ay hindi nakasalig sa pananampalataya; sa halip, “Ang gumagawa ng mga iyon ay mabubuhay sa mga iyon.”13 Tinubos tayo ni Cristo mula sa sumpa ng kautusan nang siya'y naging sumpa para sa atin—sapagkat nasusulat, “Sumpain ang bawat binibitay sa punungkahoy”—14 upang kay Cristo Jesus ang pagpapala ni Abraham ay dumating sa mga Hentil, upang ating tanggapin ang pangako ng Espiritu sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya.
NOT BY STRIVING BUT IN RESTING.
Life under the law is a life under God’s curse. Quoting Deut 27:26, Paul said, “for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” He who insists to obtain righteousness by following the law should be sure to follow everything in it. As Paul said, “The one who does them shall live by them.” But, is there anyone among us who can perfectly follow the law? An onerous task that is easier said than done. James said, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”[Jas 2:10] Simply put, we can’t fulfil the law. Thus, we’re guilty and condemned before the Lawgiver.
Indeed, we stand hopeless before the holy God. But, He loves us so that He gave Him to us. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”[1 Pet 2:24,25] “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 cor 5:21]
What a good news! It’s not by our striving but in resting at the finished work of Christ. The righteous shall live by faith. Man has to repent from his sins. That is, he must recognize that it is sinful to trust in his religion or good works and he should turn away from it. And, he must trust in Christ and His work alone. Paul said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”[Eph 2:8,9]
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Galatians 3:6-9 ESV
6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
6 Kung paanong si Abraham ay sumampalataya sa Diyos, at ito'y ibinilang sa kanya na katuwiran.7 Kaya't inyong nakikita na ang mga sumasampalataya ay mga anak ni Abraham.8 At ang kasulatan, na nakakaalam nang una pa man na aariing-ganap ng Diyos ang mga Hentil sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya, ay ipinahayag ang ebanghelyo nang una pa man kay Abraham, na sinasabi, “Sa iyo ay pagpapalain ang lahat ng mga bansa.”9 Kaya't ang mga sumasampalataya ay pinagpapalang kasama ng mananampalatayang si Abraham.
THE SONS OF ABRAHAM
Since the Old Testament, salvation has been always by faith and not by works. Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” [Rom 4:3] “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” That is, through his offspring, who is Christ [v.16] Jesus did testify about this when He said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”[John 8:56]
As Gentiles, we could be blessed to receive this salvation should we believe Jesus as Abraham did. So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” In fact, “those of faith are the sons of Abraham.” Thus, no believer should feel he is an orphan!
In the Old Testament times, Abraham and others looked forward to the birth of the Messiah. Their lamb sacrifices were expressions of their faith that forgiveness of sins was through the substitutionary death of the sacrifice. And, at the start of Christ’s earthly ministry, John the Baptist had introduced Him and proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! [John 1:29] Three years later, Jesus shouted at the cross before He died, “ It is finished!” [John 19:30]
Today, we looked back at the historical event that happened at Calvary more than two thousand years ago. “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”[1 Cor 15:3-5] “In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”[Eph 1:7]
We sigh that you and I are sons of Adam. “Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”[Rom 5:12] But, we can be sons of Abraham too. If we believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord today.
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Galatians 3:1-5 ESV
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith-
O hangal na mga taga-Galacia! Sino ang gumayuma sa inyo? Sa harapan ng inyong mga mata ay hayagang ipinakita si Jesu-Cristo na ipinako sa krus!2 Ang tanging bagay na nais kong matutunan mula sa inyo ay ito: Tinanggap ba ninyo ang Espiritu sa pamamagitan ng mga gawa ng kautusan, o sa pamamagitan ng pakikinig sa pananampalataya?3 Napakahangal ba ninyo? Nagpasimula kayo sa Espiritu, ngayon ba'y nagtatapos kayo sa laman?4 Inyo bang naranasan ang maraming bagay ng walang kabuluhan?—kung tunay nga na ito ay walang kabuluhan.5 Ang Diyos ba ay nagbibigay sa inyo ng Espiritu at gumagawa ng mga himala sa gitna ninyo sa pamamagitan ng inyong pagtupad sa mga gawa ng kautusan, o sa pakikinig sa pananampalataya?
ARE YOU SO FOOLISH?
Paul was very sure that the believers at Galatia understood clearly the gospel. As he introduced Jesus unto them, he had clearly portrayed Him as crucified for their salvation. This was Paul’s central message, as he said, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”[1 Cor 2:2]
However, these believers were dissuaded to believe that their righteousness by faith in Christ as the work of the Spirit was incomplete. They had to work or observe the law. Thus, Paul had not hesitated to call them foolish? Why?
Firstly, it’s an insult to Christ. By doing so, they “nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” [Gal 2:21] Salvation, therefore, is by grace alone without the works of the law.
Secondly, it was not based on good sense. As if they were victims of a spell. They had not thought it over. Should our salvation that began in Spirit[God] be completed in the flesh[man]? Definitely not! It’s like a diver who dives underwater. And, after awhile, he throws his S.C.U.B.A. to keep himself underwater. It’s a ridiculous thought, is it not?
Since we received our salvation by faith in God alone, he does the safekeeping of it. As Peter articulated it in his epistle, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.[1 Pet 1:3-5]
Let’s not be foolish to believe the lies of the devil. As D. L. Moody said, “I believe hundreds of Christian people are being deceived by Satan now on this point, that they have not got the assurance of salvation just because they are not willing to take God at His word [Rom. 10:17]. But, a man said to me, "no one has come back, and we don't know what is in the future. It is all dark, and how can we be sure?" Thank God! Christ came down from heaven, and I would rather have Him, coming as he does right from the bosom of the Father, than any one else. We can rely on what Christ says, and He says: "He that believeth on Me shall not perish, but have everlasting life [Jn. 3:16]." Not that we are going to have it when we die, but right here to-day.”
Galatians 2:20-21 ESV
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
20 Ako'y ipinakong kasama ni Cristo at hindi na ako ang nabubuhay, kundi si Cristo ang nabubuhay sa akin, at ang buhay na ikinabubuhay ko ngayon sa laman ay ikinabubuhay ko sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya sa Anak[d] ng Diyos na sa akin ay nagmahal, at nagbigay ng kanyang sarili dahil sa akin. 21 Hindi ko pinawawalang halaga ang biyaya ng Diyos, sapagkat kung ang pag-aaring-ganap ay sa pamamagitan ng kautusan, kung gayon, si Cristo ay namatay nang walang kabuluhan.
CHRIST LIVES IN ME.
Christ paid the penalty we owed for failing to keep the law. Through our faith in Christ, God "declares us righteous" [justified] His righteousness is clothed upon us. Thus, Paul testified that he is crucified and is dead to the law. Once a person is dead, he is separate from the law. So Paul was freed him to truly "live to God."
There is a great exchange that is happening. The sinful ‘me’ dies and is substituted by the resurrected Christ ‘in me’. This life continues to live in the flesh surely. But, it is now directed not by the sinful self but by faith in Christ. Christ life will be manifested in our lives. That is, by the power of the indwelling Spirit.
In Rom 6:4-6, Paul has elaborated this. He writes, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
The Christian life indeed isn’t difficult. It’s impossible. For it’s the resurrected Christ expressed in and through us. His life must be infused in order for us to live. Apart from Christ we are a branch detached from the vine - nothing.
We can’t pump something when deep in our hearts is nothing. Religious people do try to imitate Christ’s moral goodness. However, by trying to live morally by following the law, they nullify the grace of God. The working of the flesh would never glorify God. It’s in our yielding to the Spirit’s control that His life is lived. Notably, this working of the Spirit is the grace of God. That is, the power or capability of God for us to obey the will and commands of God with gusto.
As John has articulated, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome..” [1 John 5:1-3] This pleasure of obeying God is definitely the life of Christ demonstrated in the power of the Spirit.
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Galatians 2:17-19 ESV
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.
17 Ngunit kung sa ating pagsisikap na ariing-ganap kay Cristo, tayo mismo ay natagpuang mga makasalanan, si Cristo ba ay lingkod ng kasalanan? Huwag nawang mangyari! 18 Kung ang mga bagay na aking sinira ay aking muling itayo, pinatutunayan ko sa aking sarili na ako'y suwail. 19 Sapagkat ako sa pamamagitan ng kautusan ay namatay sa kautusan, upang ako'y mabuhay sa Diyos.
IS CHRIST THEN A SERVANT OF SIN?
Paul answers the critics of the gospel of Jesus: If God declares people righteous for free by faith in Christ, won't everyone just go on sinning? What motivation would anyone have to do what is right? Paul's accusers likely pointed to exactly what happened with Peter. When someone feels they are justified by faith in Christ, they could eat with Gentiles with unclean food! From the Judaizers' perspective, this was the definition of a sinful lifestyle.
Does the idea of justification by faith in Christ have turned Jesus into a servant of our sin? Paul answers harshly: Certainly not! May it never be! Absolutely not!
Does Christ promote sin? Is God's forgiveness a license to continue sinning? This mindset is a big blunder. Thus Paul in rhetoric, asks, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!”[6:1-2,15] See also Galatians 3:21.
Furthermore, Paul argues how ridiculous it is to build a new law than by living freely in God's grace. He says that if he rebuilds the law after tearing it down, he even makes himself to be an even greater sinner. It's the law that reveals and promotes our sinfulness. And definitely, it’s not the free grace of God through faith in Christ. Instead, His grace will promote holy living. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” [Titus 2:11-12]
God’s grace gives us freedom from the enslavement of sin and power to obey His will.
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Galatians 2:15-16 ESV
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
15 Tayo mismo ay ipinanganak na mga Judio, at hindi mga Hentil na makasalanan,16 at nalalaman natin na ang tao ay hindi inaaring-ganap sa pamamagitan ng mga gawa ng kautusan, kundi sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya kay Jesu-Cristo, at tayo ay sumasampalataya kay Cristo Jesus, upang ariing-ganap sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya kay Cristo, at hindi sa pamamagitan ng mga gawa ng kautusan, sapagkat sa pamamagitan ng mga gawa ng kautusan ay hindi aariing-ganap ang sinumang laman.
BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH.
Although Paul was born a Jew, he didn’t take it as an advantage over the Gentiles. The ‘Judaizer company’ had insisted that Gentiles should observe the Mosaic law in order to be justified before God. However, Paul had emphasized clearly that they were “to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”
Justification simply means the state of being declared righteous before God. It’s solely rests by faith upon the sacrifice of Christ at the cross and His resurrection. It’s not by observing the law. It’s not even observing the law on top of our faith in Christ.
In the book of Romans, Paul had exemplified the life of Abraham. He said, “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in[a] him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” [Rom 4:1-5]
Was the sacrifice of Christ insufficient for the atonement of our sins? Did He not shout “It is finished” to manifest its completeness or perfection of His sacrifice for our sins? Adding anything to Christ’s sacrifice is an insult, is it not? Thus, to be declared righteous before God is by faith upon the grace in Christ alone plus nothing else. And, this could be received by our sincere repentance from sin and trust in Christ. For “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men[c] by which we must be saved.”[Acts 4:12]
Have you received Jesus as your Savior as yet? “ We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:20b,21]
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Galatians 2:11-14 ESV
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
11 Ngunit nang dumating si Cefas[b] sa Antioquia, sumalungat ako sa kanya nang mukhaan, sapagkat siya'y nahatulang nagkasala.
12 Bago dumating ang ilan mula kay Santiago, dati siyang nakikisalo sa mga Hentil. Ngunit nang sila'y dumating, siya'y umurong at humiwalay dahil natatakot sa pangkat ng pagtutuli.
13 At ang ibang mga Judio ay nakisama sa kanya sa ganitong pagkukunwari, kaya't maging si Bernabe ay natangay ng kanilang pagkukunwari.
14 Ngunit nang makita ko na hindi sila lumalakad nang matuwid sa katotohanan ng ebanghelyo, sinabi ko kay Cefas[c] sa harapan nilang lahat, “Kung ikaw, na Judio, ay namumuhay gaya ng mga Hentil at di gaya ng mga Judio, bakit mo pinipilit ang mga Hentil na mamuhay na gaya ng mga Judio?”
A SHOW OF COURAGE.
Leaders are expected to have spine. Strong convictions to what is right should characterize them. But, Peter[Cephas] has demonstrated his equivocalism. As a Jew, it was a tough decision to eat with the Gentiles. However, he withdraw later for his fear to the ‘circumcision party.’ There is a proper platform in playing politics but not in the body of Christ. Christianity isn’t about our reputation but Christ’s, isn’t it? We must decrease but Christ must increase. [John 3:30]
Certainly, Paul is an apostle of guts. He opposed Peter to his face, right in front of a group of people gathered for a meal together. He exposed in public their sin of hypocrisy. Why did Paul has to do this?
The rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. As he influenced the other leaders, he was so concerned that this ‘leaven will affect the whole lump.’ He has had to nip the problems at the bud! He saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel. What could had happened if this hypocritical attitude had permeated to the grassroots of Christianity?
What is important to us? Is it the truth of the gospel or pleasing a group in our churches, like the circumcision party? The truth of the gospel gives birth to the church. There would be no true church if not for the truth of the gospel. Correspondingly, it is the duty of the church through the leaders to guard the gospel. There is only one person to please in the church – Jesus. Everyone else, who wants recognition is a photobomber.
This is where we admire the toughness of Paul. Nothing could intimidate Him to recant his commitment to Christ and the gospel. Not, even death. He said, “As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”[Phil 1:20-21]
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Galatians 2:6-10 ESV
6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
6 Subalit mula sa mga wari'y mga kinikilalang pinuno—maging anuman sila, ay walang anuman sa akin: ang Diyos ay hindi nagpapakita ng pagtatangi—ang mga pinunong iyon ay hindi nagdagdag ng anuman sa akin.7 Kundi nang makita nila na sa akin ay ipinagkatiwala ang ebanghelyo para sa mga hindi tuli, kung paanong ipinagkatiwala kay Pedro ang ebanghelyo sa mga tuli,8 sapagkat ang gumawa sa pamamagitan ni Pedro sa pagka-apostol sa mga tuli ay siya ring gumawa sa akin sa pagka-apostol sa mga Hentil;9 at nang malaman nila ang biyayang sa akin ay ipinagkaloob, ang mga kanang kamay ng pakikisama ay ibinigay sa akin at kay Bernabe nina Santiago, Cefas[a] at Juan, sila na itinuturing na mga haligi, upang kami ay pumunta sa mga Hentil, at sila'y para sa mga tuli.10 Ang kanila lamang hiniling ay aming alalahanin ang mga dukha, na siya namang aking pinananabikang gawin.
THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP.
The apostles and leaders themselves agreed with Paul's message of salvation by God's grace alone. However, there was a sect, referred as the "Judaizers" who objected. And, they claimed that Titus had to be circumcised in order to be saved (Acts 15:1). Paul called these men "false brothers." A term Paul is saying that, by his definition of the gospel, they were not even true Christians.
It was made clear that Paul specifically to take the gospel to non-Jewish people around the world. Peter, in a similar way, had been sent by Jesus to proclaim the gospel to "the circumcised," the Jewish people. Though Paul and Peter preached to different groups of people, they preached exactly the same message, that is, all sinners must come to salvation by God's grace through faith in Christ.we must glory in the different ministries used by God to reach more people in God’s vineyard.
The three most influential leaders, James, Peter (Cephas), and John, recognized the grace given to Paul by God to carry out his ministry (Gal 1:15). They acknowledged the truthfulness of Paul's testimony that Christ had been revealed to him and had called him as an apostle. Hence, they gave to Paul and Barnabas, his partner in ministry, their seal of approval called "the right hand of fellowship." It was more thanan official handshake. In the New Testament, this was a show of acceptance and inclusion in the group.
Then, Peter, James, and John did ask Paul to do one extra thing in his ministry to the Gentiles. That is, Paul has to remember the poor. Paul eagerly agreed. Thus later, he had brought relieffor those affected with famine at Jerusalem given by the brethren at Anticoch and Syria (Acts 11:29–30). Even, one of Paul's missionary journeys was marked by urging Christians to give support and care to those who were struggling in Judea (1 Cor 16:1–3).
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Galatians 2:1-5 ESV
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
Pagkalipas ng labing-apat na taon, muli akong nagtungo sa Jerusalem kasama si Bernabe, at isinama ko rin si Tito.
2 Ngunit ako'y nagtungo dahil sa isang pahayag, at isinaysay ko sa harapan nila ang ebanghelyo na aking ipinangangaral sa mga Hentil (subalit palihim sa harapan ng mga kinikilalang pinuno), baka sa anumang paraan ako'y tumatakbo, o tumakbo nang walang kabuluhan.
3 Subalit maging si Tito na kasama ko ay hindi pinilit na patuli, bagama't isang Griyego.
4 Subalit dahil sa mga huwad na kapatid na lihim na ipinasok, na pumasok upang tiktikan ang kalayaan na taglay namin kay Cristo Jesus, upang kami'y alipinin—
5 sa kanila ay hindi kami sumuko upang magpasakop, kahit isang saglit, upang ang katotohanan ng ebanghelyo ay manatili sa inyo.
THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL.
After fourteen years, Paul, Barnabas and Titus had a private meeting with the influential leaders in Jerusalem. There was an issue. There were false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out their freedom that they have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring them into slavery.
Is the truth of the gospel he preached to the Gentiles compromised? This was the chief concern of Paul. He made sure that he wasn’t running or had not run in vain. He said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”[Acts 20:24] Indeed, preaching another or distorted gospel is in vain, even, it does invite God’s judgment. It’s an ‘anathema’ before God.
The truth of the gospel must be preserved. How? It’s by preaching it as it is. We should protect it from contaminants. Any distortion to any part must not be tolerated for it change the image of the whole. Similarly, any tweaking of the true gospel destroys the whole. It’s not good news anymore but a hearsay, even a curse. This is what the devil is doing today.
There is only one gospel that saves. And that is the gospel that Paul preached. He said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”[Rom 1:16]
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Galatians 1:18-24 ESV
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR LIFE.
Paul’s life has been enigmatic. This former Pharisee was a staunch enemy of the gospel. He testified by saying, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”[1 Tim 1:12-16]
In the regions of Cilicia and Syria, his name began to emerge. But, he was still unknown to the churches at Judea. Amazingly, his testimony had sounded forth so that they heard, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” A persecutor becoming a preacher of the gospel was not easily believed then. Even today, people are skeptical to notorious characters having a complete turn around in their lives.
Paul’s change was no short of a miracle. He met Christ and in a moment his life made a 180 degree turn. His life became amazing not for stopping what he used to do fervently, that is persecuting Christians or the church. More than that, he became a champion preacher and defender of the gospel. Christians shouldn’t be noted for what we don’t do but for what we do – advancing the gospel witness, at whatever cost. For this, they glorified God through Paul.
Paul’s zealousness had not weaned. The only difference was the touch of God’s grace. From a zealous persecutor to a zealous preacher. From a murderer of Christians to a martyr for Christ. He said in Phil 1:20-21, “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Paul who recognized as the chief of sinners became the champion for Christ. He testified, “For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.” [1 Cor 15:9-11]
Reflecting on this, how motivated are we today to glorify Christ in our lives? It is when we understand, like Paul, that it is all about His grace that saves us. Because of sin, we all. But, Christ who gave His all so that we regain all. What should then be our response to the grace of God? Like Paul, we ought to glorify God in our lives.
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Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
6 Ako'y namamangha na napakabilis ninyong iniwan siya na tumawag sa inyo sa biyaya ni Cristo at bumaling kayo sa ibang ebanghelyo.
7 Hindi sa may ibang ebanghelyo, kundi mayroong ilan na nanggugulo sa inyo at nagnanais na baluktutin ang ebanghelyo ni Cristo.
8 Subalit kahit kami, o isang anghel mula sa langit ang mangaral sa inyo ng ebanghelyo na iba sa aming ipinangaral sa inyo, ay hayaan siyang sumpain!
9 Gaya ng aming sinabi noong una, at muli kong sinasabi ngayon, kung ang sinuman ay mangaral sa inyo ng ebanghelyo na iba kaysa inyong tinanggap na ay hayaan siyang sumpain!
THE TRUE GOSPEL.
There is only one true gospel. What Christ did and its implications can’t be amended. This gospel that brings salvation is purely by grace plus nothing else. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”[Eph 2:8,9]
However, the Christians at Galatia had turned to a different gospel. There were Judaizers infiltrators who troubled them and wanted to distort the gospel. They tweaked one aspect of it and the whole gospel becomes unacceptable. That is, faith in Christ alone is not enough, believers must also observe the law.
Paul was astonished that they quickly ‘deserted Christ’ who called them through His grace. Believing this skewed gospel is tantamount to going against Christ. Why? It’s an insult that what Christ had declared in victory, “It is finished” is considered lacking and incomplete.
Paul made a strong statement. That is, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” [v.8,9]
Absolutely, “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”[Acts 4;12]
This should catch attention to each one of us. There are a lot of distortions of the gospel out there. Are we believing the right gospel? Its always be through grace in Christ by faith alone. Nothing less. Nothing. More. Nothing else.
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Galatians 1:3-5 ESV 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
3 Sumainyo nawa ang biyaya at kapayapaang mula sa Diyos na ating Ama, at sa ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo, 4 na nagbigay ng kanyang sarili dahil sa ating mga kasalanan, upang tayo'y kanyang mailigtas mula sa kasalukuyang masamang kapanahunan, ayon sa kalooban ng ating Diyos at Ama, 5 sumakanya ang kaluwalhatian magpakailanman. Amen.
OUR GREAT SALVATION Paul’s greetings to his readers "grace and peace" from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ was not an ordinary salutation. This has set the tone that our salvation rests solely upon God. He describes exactly who Jesus Christ is by describing what the Lord did and why He did it.
First, Jesus gave Himself. Christ's death on the cross (1 Timothy 2:6; Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:14). Nobody took Jesus' life from Him against His will. He gave it freely (John 10:17–18). It's true that the Jewish religious leaders called for His death and that the Romans executed Him, but they could not have done so without Jesus' willingness to be sacrificed.
Why was He sacrificed? "For our sins." Jesus gave Himself to the death penalty we deserve as wages to our sin (Romans 6:23). As our substitute on the cross, He paid in full the payment for our sins.
Moreover, He did it "to deliver us from the present evil age." Humanity is fallen and held captive so that evil has permeated in man’s culture. Jesus has provided the only free exit, the ransom, to make it possible for us to escape from the judgment of God. But most importantly, He also gave Himself "according to the will of our God and Father." That is, His sacrifice on the cross was an act of submission to the eternal plan and purpose of God.
Have you received this free and great salvation as yet?
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Galatians 1:1 ESV
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
AN APOSTLE FROM GOD.
Unlike today, the author of an epistle [letter] did begin by identifying himself. Thus, Paul had declared quite emphatically that he was an apostle.
An apostle simply means ‘sent one’, That is, he himself was sent by God to accomplish a certain purpose. In the New Testament, this refers primarily to the 12 men Jesus called and trained during His ministry on earth and then commissioned to represent Him in the world.
There were many who accused Paul’s apostleship, that it was from man or through man. Definitely, they were wrong. The resurrected Christ appeared to him and he was converted.[Acts 9:3-9] And, God appeared to Ananias, who was reluctant at first to lay his hands on him, saying, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”[Acts 9:15,16]
Paul was very clear and focused in accomplishing his goal as an apostle. He declared in Acts 20:24, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
We are not apostles. But, we can be doing a similar work of the apostles. The great commission is given to all of us. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”[Matt 28:19,20]
How are you and I responding as His gospel witness? How are we actively involved in the spreading of the gospel around to the least and lost? Would you yield to the Holy Spirit’s control so that He could make you an effective witness of the gospel? [Acts 1:8, Zech 4:6]
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1 Kings 22:41-46 ESV
41 Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 43 He walked in all the way of Asa his father. He did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the Lord. Yet the high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. 44 Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel.
45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed, and how he warred, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 46 And from the land he exterminated the remnant of the male cult prostitutes who remained in the days of his father Asa.
A GODLY LEGACY
While the northern kingdom was in turmoil, the southern kingdom Asa was a good king and Jehoshaphat his son followed his footsteps and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.”[2 Chron 17:3-5]
As summarized by author, D. Guzik, who said, “The writer of 1 Kings actually summarized many of the remarkable accomplishments of Jehoshaphat, who was one of the better kings of Judah. From 2 Chronicles we learn many of Jehoshaphat’s other accomplishments.
· He sent teachers of God’s Word out to his entire kingdom (2 Chronicles 17:7-10). “By this little band of princes, Levites and priests, sixteen in all, Jehoshaphat did more toward impressing the surrounding nations with a sense of his power than the largest and best-equipped standing army could have secured to him.” (Knapp)
· He established a permanent military garrison along the northern frontier (2 Chronicles 17:1-2, 12).
· He trained and equipped a sizeable army (2 Chronicles 17:14-19) that was able to quell a Transjordan invasion (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).
· He placed Edom under Judean control, controlling an important caravan route to the south (2 Kings 3:8-27; 2 Chronicles 20:36).
· God blessed his reign so much that the fear of the Lord came upon neighboring nations so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:10).
· Jehoshaphat was also an able administrator, implementing judicial reforms (2 Chronicles 19:5-11) and religious reforms (2 Chronicles 17:3-9).
· Jehoshaphat was also the king connected to the famous incident when the army of Judah saw a great victory won as the Levites led the battle with praise (2 Chronicles 20:15-23).”
Stability was the order his reign. More than his father did, Jehoshaphat ‘exterminated the remnant of the male cult prostitutes who remained in the days of his father Asa.’ Yet the high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. Perhaps, these high places were consecrated for God as opposed to idolatrous practices. For we read in 2 Chron 17:6, “His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.” Commentator Adam Clarke wrote, “Allowing that the text is right in 2 Chronicles the two places may be easily recognized. There were two kinds of high places in the land: 1. Those used for idolatrous purposes. 2. Those that were consecrated to God, and were used before the temple was built. The former he did take away, the latter he did not.”
1 Kings 22:29-38 ESV
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 30 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 31 Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.” 32 And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is surely the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out. 33 And when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 34 But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.” 35 And the battle continued that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians, until at evening he died. And the blood of the wound flowed into the bottom of the chariot. 36 And about sunset a cry went through the army, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!”
37 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. 38 And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood, and the prostitutes washed themselves in it, according to the word of the Lord that he had spoken.
DEATH IS AN APPOINTMENT.
As King Ahab put Micaiah in prison, he bragged about his coming back in peace from battle. Micaiah disagreed. Thus, he challenged everybody, by saying, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!” [v.28] Either Micaiah’s prediction was wrong or Ahab was deluded with his own presumption that he could control his destiny.
In this confrontation, the Syrian king made it clear to his 32 captains, saying, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.” That is why, they turned back upon knowing that who they pursued was King Jehoshaphat, not King Ahab. However, they couldn’t locate king Ahab for he chose to disguise himself as he went to battle.
But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. This wasn’t incidental, was it? Ahab was able to hide from man. But, God had directed the arrow to strike him fatally through his armor. His death, as everyone’s death is, was an appointment. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
There was a merchant in Baghdad who sent his servant to market to buy provisions and in a little while the servant came back, white and trembling, and said, Master, just now when I was in the marketplace I was jostled by a woman in the crowd and when I turned I saw it was Death that jostled me. She looked at me and made a threatening gesture, now, lend me your horse, and I will ride away from this city and avoid my fate. I will go to Samarra and there Death will not find me. The merchant lent him his horse, and the servant mounted it, and he dug his spurs in its flanks and as fast as the horse could gallop he went. Then the merchant went down to the marketplace and he saw Death standing in the crowd and he came to him and said, Why did you make a threating gesture to my servant when you saw him this morning? That was not a threatening gesture, he said, “It was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I had an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.”[by W. Somerset Maugham,1933]
The best of world’s mind may help us extend our lives, through medicines and technology. But, death is unpreventable and irreversible.
1 Kings 22:15-28 ESV
15 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he answered him, “Go up and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 16 But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” 17 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’” 18 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” 19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; 20 and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ 22 And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ 23 Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.”
24 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you?” 25 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.” 26 And the king of Israel said, “Seize Micaiah, and take him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king's son, 27 and say, ‘Thus says the king, “Put this fellow in prison and feed him meager rations of bread and water, until I come in peace.” 28 And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”
UNASHAMED.
The king of Israel asked him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” In the presence of a hostile crowd, he refused to be intimidated. Whatever he received from the Lord, he articulated everything before the king, unedited and uncensored.
Everyone did not like what they heard . Thus, Zedekiah slapped him on the cheek. For this, he assured Zedekiah that he would he would be hiding in his room when the defeat would happen. The king had instructed to incarcerate and starve him until his return from battle. Against such presumption, Micaiah made a bold statement, that is, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”
A man of strong faith will always stand in the time of the crucible. He who fears God above all has nothing else to fear. Jesus said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”[Matt 10:28] Standing for jesus will surely pay off. He promised that, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.”[Mark 8:35]
Today like Micaiah, let’s stand unashamed for our God. Why? “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” [Mark 8:38]
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-1 Kings 22:9-14 ESV
9 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.” 10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.’” 12 And all the prophets prophesied so and said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”
13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 14 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”
CONVICTION
Due to Jehoshaphat’s insistence, the prophet Micaiah was summoned. As they waited for his arrival, the 400 prophets had displayed their antics at the threshing floor, reminiscent of the scene at Mt Carmel. They prophesied as a group before the two kings in one accord. They said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” Moreover, Zedekiah had used iron horns to act out symbolically the role of Ahab as he ‘gores’ the Arameans like an ox. [cf Ezek 4:1-5:4]
Meanwhile, the messenger who fetched Micaiah felt that the prophet would do the same. Perhaps, he thought of the pressure. Who is he against the king and the 400 prophets? However, he said unequivocally, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”
Without any doubt, Micaiah, as he was always before the king, had rooted for the truth, not the popular. He could have easily followed what is popular, convenient and comfortable at the moment. But, he did not. As a true prophet, he had committed himself to remain faithful as God’s spokesman.
In the Lord, the majority isn’t always right. In fact, following the crowd could be misleading. Since it’s theocracy not democracy, we’ve got to listen and heed only God’s voice. For, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”[Matt 24:35] His word is firmly fixed in the heavens.[Psa 119:89]
How do you value the word of God? Do you cherish the word of God as your most cherished treasure? May as Jeremiah, we would say, “ Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.”[Jer 15:16] Christians should be men and women of convictions, not of convenience.
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1 Kings 21:12-29 ESV
17 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 18 “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession. 19 And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”’”
20 Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. 21 Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. 23 And of Jezebel the Lord also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.’ 24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.”
25 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. 26 He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.)
27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. 28 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”
A BITTER END.
Time and again, Ahab had proven how unconscionable he was. Despite to God’s goodness, he remained adamant and unchanged until his end as the leopard’s spot. Paul once asked, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”[Rom 2:4]
Power and affluence are two causes to spiritual blindness. Solomon said, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18] Ahab might be enjoying for he got what he wanted. But, did he see his fall coming? As Elijah confronted to him for his sins, he said, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” Apparently, he saw Elijah, God’s prophet, as the problem.
For being hardened to the core, he rebelled God like no other. “(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.)”[v.25,26] God’s judgments upon him was so staggering – his family would be obliterated and Jezebel horribly would be eaten by dogs. In fact, “anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.”[v.24]
Until Ahab heard God’s horrible judgment, he broke down. God saw the sincerity of his heart. The Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”[v.28,29]
It was a little bit too late. Yet, God forgave him and had soften a bit the consequences. He won’t see it happening in his time. But, surely it would happen in his son’s days. Thus, let’s not be careless. By the grace of God, let it be that the end be better than its beginning.[Ecc 7:8]
1 Kings 22:1-8 ESV
For three years Syria and Israel continued without war. 2 But in the third year Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 3 And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and we keep quiet and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?” 4 And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
5 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.” 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 7 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?” 8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”
A PREJUDICE.
The king of Israel had convinced King Jehoshaphat of Judah to fight with him against the Syrians in order to regain Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat felt they have to inquire the Lord first. Thus, the king of Israel did summoned 400 prophets, who in unison had said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” But Jehoshaphat, did not satisfy. Why? Perhaps , he smelled that something was wrong. Does it need 400 prophets to prophesy? He asked the king for another one. And he said, ““There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” Jehoshapaht’s suspicion was confirmed so that he said, “Let not the king say so.”
The king of Israel had a preconceived opinion that Micaiah was against him. For, he did not like his prophecies. Simply said, he just want to hear what he wanted. Are we like the king of Israel. Didn’t Paul accuse the prejudiced Galatians, by saying, “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? [Gal 4:16]
In the last days, Paul had warned against prejudice to the truth. He said, “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.”[2 Tim 3:8,9]
Perhaps today, we are plagued by selective listening? ? Do we seek to hear what we only want to hear? May in our hearts, we’ll always cherish the truth. That, we are going to embrace and apply the truth in our lives.
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1 Kings 21:5-15 ESV
5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. 9 And she wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. 10 And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” 11 And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, 12 they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. 13 And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. 14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned; he is dead.”
15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” 16 And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
GIVE NO OPPORTUNITY TO THE DEVIL.
Jezebel is a type of the devil. As the devil influenced Eve, so she influenced Ahab. In fact, she deviced a wicked plan for Ahab to get what he wanted. She masterminded to accuse Naboth falsely that he cursed God and the king, which had led to his stoning to death. Definitely, she reflected her father, the devil, who is the father of lies and death. [John 8:44]
An angry heart like Ahab is Satan’s workshop. A man filled with passion is an easy prey for the devil’s manipulation. Anger is the key that open the flood gates for the evil one to overwhelm him. That is why Paul had admonished us to dessipate anger as soon as possible. He said, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”[ Eph 4:26,27]
Let us not be ignorant to the devil’s devices. Therefore, “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”[1 Pet 5:8] He would jump at us during our weakest moment. James has articulated this moment, saying, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”[Jas 4:1-2b]
Indeed, Naboth got what he always wanted. However, he was oblivious that Satan through Jezebel had captured his heart first. He was locked in his own prison without knowing it. He saw the lush vegetable garden beside his palace. But, he did not see the weeds of evil consuming his heart.
Today, let’s clear the walls of our hearts from any buttresses of anger and bitterness. Lest, the devil can make these as foothold to climb over and ruin our souls. Let’s confess and be cleansed from all these unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]
-1 Kings 21:1-7 ESV
Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 4 And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.
5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
COVETOUSNESS.
In his best judgment, Ahab thought acquiring Naboth’s vineyard was best for him. Why not? It was located adjacent to his palace, so it was very convenient for him to raise vegetables. He offered Naboth a good deal. But, the later refused for sentimental reasons. He had inherited it from his fathers.
In a barter trade, it should be a win-win situation. Both parties can mutually agree and seal a deal only if both are gaining. Otherwise, there would be no deal. And, mutual respect to one’s decision should be upheld.
However, we saw Ahab vexed and sullen again. He was angry for he did not get what he wanted. Imagine, he lost his appetite because he was upset. Apparently, his greed had gripped his heart. It ruined his sanity or rationality.
Ahab was like a rich kid who has his room filled with toys. But, he frets because there was one toy he always wanted that he didn’t have. Sadly, many of us fared not so differently. We fret that we have no new dress, when our closets are full; that we have no shoes, when our shoe racks are full, that we have no food, when our fridges are full. When we feel that we lack that one thing to satisfy us.
To covet is a sin. The 10th commandment says;
“You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”[Ex 20:17]
But today, it’s accepted. And even, it is elevated as a virtue by many, isn’t it? Their slogan is, “Don’t settle for less when you can have more.” To feel dissatisfied is glamorized as a heroic pursuit. But Jesus couldn’t be mistaken when He said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” [Luke 12:15]. It’s only “godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.”[1 Tim 6:8,9] Paul had learned this secret, so he testified, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”[Phil 4:11-13]
Let’s be watchful therefore, that we won’t be influenced by the leaven of covetousness. Let’s not “not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
-1 Kings 20:35-43 ESV
35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow at the command of the Lord, “Strike me, please.” But the man refused to strike him. 36 Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as you have gone from me, a lion shall strike you down.” And as soon as he had departed from him, a lion met him and struck him down. 37 Then he found another man and said, “Strike me, please.” And the man struck him—struck him and wounded him. 38 So the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. 39 And as the king passed, he cried to the king and said, “Your servant went out into the midst of the battle, and behold, a soldier turned and brought a man to me and said, ‘Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.’ 40 And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” The king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” 41 Then he hurried to take the bandage away from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. 42 And he said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’” 43 And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.
VEXED AND SULLEN.
After Ahab had released Benhadad, he was confronted by one of the prophets in a scenario reminiscent to Saul. Saul was rebuked by Samuel because he spared an enemy, Agag, who was suppose to die. Ahab may had appeared noble to show mercy to Benhadad. But, in the eyes of God, he was naïve and presumptous. Freeing an enemy was inviting more trouble in the future
He accused Elijah in the past as the troubler of Israel. But, who is the real troubler of Israel? Whether he admitted it or not, Ahab was and had always been the troubler. Living in sin may give temporary pleasures but their shadows are haunting. The consequences of sin are severe than one could think.
Ahab, like Achan, might had thought about the restored riches plus the ‘bazaars in Damascus’[v.32] promised by Benhadad. They were material blessings to enticing to ignore. But, God was ignored. The consequence for this would be painful. The Lord rebuked him through the prophet, saying, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’” Indeed, what happened to him is of no surprise for abandoning God for idols was courting for a disaster.
Ahab’s compromises had caused a life mixed-up. He wanted to kill Elijah, a godly prophet but called Benhadad, the enemy his brother[see v.32]. Despite to his failings in the past, God gave him victory at Aphek . This goodness of the Lord shown in his life could have led him unto repentance.[Rom 2:4] But, he remained stubborn. He who was full of self to not hear God. He ignored history [Achan, King Saul] and was bound to repeat it.
Upon hearing God’s judgment upon him, he became vexed and sullen. Not surprising. (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) [1 Kings 21:25,26]
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1 Kings 20:30-34 ESV
Ben-hadad also fled and entered an inner chamber in the city. 31 And his servants said to him, “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads and go out to the king of Israel. Perhaps he will spare your life.” 32 So they tied sackcloth around their waists and put ropes on their heads and went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please, let me live.’” And he said, “Does he still live? He is my brother.” 33 Now the men were watching for a sign, and they quickly took it up from him and said, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go and bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he caused him to come up into the chariot. 34 And Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities that my father took from your father I will restore, and you may establish bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” And Ahab said, “I will let you go on these terms.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go.
MERCY.
The haughty king Benhadad, who was taunting earlier against Ahab, had entered into a room like a dog with tail tucked under with his servants. Indeed, he who exalts himself will be humbled. And in a moment, his servants said, “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads and go out to the king of Israel. Perhaps he will spare your life.” And, they did.
How did they know? Having been caught in between the devil and the deep blue sea, they tried their luck. And, it was the reputation of mercy to the kings of Israel that prompted them to do so. And, they tried their luck. When Ahab said, “Does he still live? He is my brother.” they confirmed their guess. Ahab let him go up into is chariot, made a covenant with him and let him go. This favor granted by Ahab had removed their animosity. But, God wasn’t pleased.
However, we can learn the dynamics of showing mercy here. As sinners, we are worthy of judgment. And, we couldn’t appeal in any other basis before God, except for mercy. There is no other way. As Prov 28:13 says;
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Where mercy is demonstrated, the implementation of punishment is withdrawn. And, God won’t deal us according to our sins. As Paul had declared, “he[God] saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”[Titus 3:5,6]
Let’s not forget that everyday we continue to live because of His continual mercies.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”[Lam 3:22-23]
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1 Kings 20:23-30 ESV
23 And the servants of the king of Syria said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills, and so they were stronger than we. But let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. 24 And do this: remove the kings, each from his post, and put commanders in their places, 25 and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so.
26 In the spring, Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27 And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 29 And they encamped opposite one another seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the people of Israel struck down of the Syrians 100,000 foot soldiers in one day. 30 And the rest fled into the city of Aphek, and the wall fell upon 27,000 men who were left.
TWO LITTLE FLOCKS.
The Syrians were planning a counter-attack against Israel. They were convinced that Israel has gods of the hills but not in the valleys. Thus, they consolidated their armies. This was a sound military strategy for horses could better function in the plains. It was a faulty theology, however, for the true God isn’t bound by geography. Like the Syrians, people today had beliefs and hopes today anchored upon mere superstitions.
God did step in through the man of God, who said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” Was it to prove the Syrians wrong, first and foremost? No! That the king and the nation of Israel may know that Jehovah is the Lord! God’s name was at stake more than the nation of Israel.
God does what He does for His glory. Anything else He uses are just His instruments. It doesn’t matter before Him for He can either use either with many or few. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats before the multitude of Syrians looked pathetic for seven days. But, during their confrontation at the seventh day, this two little flocks with God had struck down 100,000 Syrians and the 7,00 who fled died under a collapsed wall. Clearly, this was not short of a miracle.
Regarding God’s zeal for His glory, let’s be reminded to the words of Paul. He said, “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” [1 Cor 1:29-31]
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1 Kings 20:13-21 ESV
13 And behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, “Thus says the Lord, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” 14 And Ahab said, “By whom?” He said, “Thus says the Lord, By the servants of the governors of the districts.” Then he said, “Who shall begin the battle?” He answered, “You.” 15 Then he mustered the servants of the governors of the districts, and they were 232. And after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.
16 And they went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the booths, he and the thirty-two kings who helped him. 17 The servants of the governors of the districts went out first. And Ben-hadad sent out scouts, and they reported to him, “Men are coming out from Samaria.” 18 He said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive. Or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”
19 So these went out of the city, the servants of the governors of the districts and the army that followed them. 20 And each struck down his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. 21 And the king of Israel went out and struck the horses and chariots, and struck the Syrians with a great blow.
OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSING.
The angry Benhadad with 32 other kings had prepared to attack Israel. In the midst of this crisis, an unnamed prophet approached Ahab. He was a blessing from God dropped into Ahab’s lap in the nick of time. Let’s take notice that Elijah was mistaken to think he was the only one left. The unnamed prophet’s abrupt appearance means that the focus is God alone.
His pronouncement of victory was purely an act of grace to the wicked king. He did not expect this so that he asked, “By whom?” Perhaps he either felt unworthy or thinking another champion or deliverer to help them. But, not himself. When the prophet said, “You”, how did he respond?
Ahab believed the word of the prophet wholeheartedly. As was told by the prophet, Ahab ‘mustered the servants of the governors of the districts, and they were 232. And after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.’ [v.15,16]
He ‘struck the Syrians with a great blow’ according the word of the Lord when Benhadad and the other 32 kings were drunk. Was this a coincidental or incidental? Definitely, the God who commanded him has the control of the events. Despite of who Ahab was, his obedience had led to victory. Blessings comes by obedience. Definitely, it was not that Ahab was great. As he yielded to God, God did use him as instrument for His glory. All credits are to God.
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-1 Kings 20:1-12 ESV
Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together. Thirty-two kings were with him, and horses and chariots. And he went up and closed in on Samaria and fought against it. 2 And he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad: 3 ‘Your silver and your gold are mine; your best wives and children also are mine.’” 4 And the king of Israel answered, “As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.” 5 The messengers came again and said, “Thus says Ben-hadad: ‘I sent to you, saying, “Deliver to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children.” 6 Nevertheless I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house and the houses of your servants and lay hands on whatever pleases you and take it away.’”
7 Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Mark, now, and see how this man is seeking trouble, for he sent to me for my wives and my children, and for my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.” 8 And all the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen or consent.” 9 So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you first demanded of your servant I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” And the messengers departed and brought him word again. 10 Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” 11 And the king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off.’” 12 When Ben-hadad heard this message as he was drinking with the kings in the booths, he said to his men, “Take your positions.” And they took their positions against the city.
THE THREAT.
Benhadad, king of Aram, headed a powerful alliance with 32 other kings to put pressure to Israel. Having wanted to make Israel a vassal state, he demanded Asa to deliver to him his treasures, wives and children. Ahab was agreeable at first. But, Benhadad had sent his messengers again to demand for more. Nothing could appease a greedy oppressor. Benhadad’s demand was extensive [everything you value]. Intrusive [search your palace] and immediate[by tomorrow]
This caused Ahab to consult his elders, who advised him not to give in to his demands. This infuriated King Benhadad so that he threatened and taunted them.
Ahab was a wicked king. But, his decision to ask counsel from the elders was commendable. Is the non-mention of Jezebel mean that he did not want her to involve? Perhaps. “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.”[Prov 11:14] A wicked leader like Ahab may get the right decision if he listens to godly counselors. On the other hand, a good king may make a terrible decision if he listens to ungodly counselors.
Perhaps, you are threatened at your work places to give in to moral compromises. You might think the compromise is minuscule. But, the oppressor’s greed is insatiable as a tiger that had tasted blood. This man will demand more from you as the tiger will not satisfy unless he devours the prey. Thus, let’s nip it at the bud before it blossoms.
Secondly, in times of pressure, we need a godly community for godly counsel. Our ability to make right decisions could be affected by fear or panic. Definitely, God can use the perspective of others to broaden our minds.
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1 Kings 19:19-21 ESV
19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.
THE MANTLE
Elijah cast his mantle upon Elisha. According to Adam Clarke, “The mantle, or pallium, was the peculiar garb of the prophet, as we may learn from Zechariah 13:4; and this was probably made of skin dressed with the hair on. See also 2 Kings 1:8.” The act of Elijah casting his mantle to Elisha was a symbol of ushering him into the prophetic calling. Elijah did as God had told him for the calling should be always coming from God. If not for God’s revelation, Elijah have no way of knowing.
Like Samuel, we have the tendency to look at the external qualities. As he assessed Jesse’s sons starting from the eldest, he thought each guy was worth anointing to be the next king. David was ruled out by his father but he was God’s choice. He looked at the heart.
Elisha was diligent in his trade when God called him. "Elisha is found not in his study, but in the field: not with a book in his hand, but the plough" (Hall). Diligence or faithfulness precedes God’s calling. Jesus declared this principle, saying, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”[Luke 16:10] Prov 22;29 even says;
“Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.”
Simply said, God calls and uses people who are active and productive.
The demand was great and he counted the cost. Most probably, he was a man of wealth but had given up willingly and freely everything to follow God’s call. He took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. He made a statement that for him there was no turning back.
Peter and the others did the same. When Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”[Matt 4:19,20] God deserves our all. Thus, we must be willing to let go anything should He asks us to. However, God are calling also tentmaking missionaries who may engage in other jobs in order to support their full timework in God.
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1 Kings 19:13-18 ESV
13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
AN UNWORTHY VESSEL.
After the display of power, Elijah wrapped his face with cloak as an act of contrition. Spurgeon said, “it is a great thing when a sinner is willing to wrap his face when he is confounded, and say, ‘I cannot defend my course; I am guilty.’ We know that if at our judgment-seat a man pleads guilty, he is punished; but at the judgment-seat of the gospel whoever pleads guilty is forgiven. Wrap your face.”
And, as God asked the same question, “What are you doing here Elijah?” Elijah blurted the same response. Similarly, Jesus asked the same question to backsliding Peter, “Do you love me?” for three times. And his responses were all the same. That he loved Jesus honestly as a brother.
God puts premium to an honest yet humble heart. Both Elijah and Peter wouldn’t hide the truth. The good thing however was that they had perceived God again rightly. Elijah saw God at Mount Horeb while Peter at the shore of Galilee.
Amazingly, in their acknowledgment of failings, God commissioned them. Elijah had to go and anoint Hazael and Nimshi as new kings of Syria and Israel, respectively. He had to anoint Elisha to replace him as well. What an honor for him to end his ministry in such a fashion. In the case of Peter, he was commissioned by the Lord to go and feed the sheep of God.
Strange as it is, God’s treatment for His despaired soldier is not to put him out of the fight. Instead, He thrusted them into his vineyard, as instruments of blesssing. Trust and empowerment are the cures to the wounded soul. Definitely, the feeling of being trusted by no other than God Himself could boast our confidence. For many times, our problem is not our sense of inadequacy. It is our lack of trust that God could use unworthy vessels for His glory, isn’t it? It’s not about us but God always.
Paul had clearly emphasized that God uses the insignificant. He said, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”[1 Cor 1:26-29]
God uses unworthy vessels as channel for His glory.
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1 Kings 19:9-12 ESV
9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, ELIJAH?”
Unlike to God’s previous appearances to Elijah, this time God had appeared and had asked him a question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Did not the all knowing God know what He was doing? Definitely, it was not a question for God to know but for Elijah to come to his own senses.
We may minister effectively to the discouraged by just asking simple questions, like “ Kumusta ka na?” Discouraged people are talking from their hearts not from their heads. It’s almost impossible to talk rationally with a person overwhelmed with so much passion. A diagnostic and prescriptive approach may not work, even counterproductive to defensive heart. The person himself must be honest to process and come to his own senses for having been provoked by a simple question.
Elijah’s answer to God had been skewed and exaggerated. The ‘bread and water’ that the angel gave him should have reminded him of both the raven’s bread and meat daily provision and the widow’s jar of flour and jug of oil at Zarepath. But, evidently, he had a selective memory. Did he remember that the ruined altar was restored, the wicked prophets were killed and the nation of Israel was brought back to Yahweh at Mount Carmel? He discounted all these and had focused on one woman, Jezebel. He needs to be reminded of the past in order to see God clearly who He really is and what He has done. We shouldn’t dwell in the past but draw strength from our experiences with God in our past. He was definitely better than his ancestors but he felt not.
Instead of talking, God opted to display His object lessons. It wasn’t entertaining I suppose but a nerve wrenching display of power for Elijah to witness at Mount Horeb – His great and strong wind that tore and break mountains and rocks, respectively, the earthquake and fire. A similar display was seen when Moses received the law from God that caused fear and awe to the nation of Israel. In this case, there was just one audience – a discouraged prophet. After the display of fire, he must had remembered the fire that came from heaven and devoured the offering and the altar at Mount Carmel.
But the Lord wasn’t in the wind, earthquake and fire. Of course God was there but it was too blinding and deafening to Elijah. God did whisper and he was able to hear God clearly. To a distressed soul, a soft answer gets attention more than a shout, is it not? As Proverbs 15:1 says “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Perhaps today, you’re discouraged like Elijah. Don’t look for the spectacular. God is there in our silence. Let’s have a posture of quiet listening to the still small voice of God. As the psalmist had admonished us,
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” [Psa 46:10]
1 Kings 19:5-8 ESV
5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
THE ANGEL’S TOUCH.
Being dead tired and exhausted, Elijah had fallen asleep under the broom tree. And suddenly, he was awaken by a touch of the angel from the Lord, “Arise and eat.” Just beside his head was a ‘cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water’ provided. It was a breakfast in bed. He ate and drank and sleep again. This time it was a sleep with full stomach.
Elijah wished to die but the angel let him live. Suddenly, he appeared to feed him. I am thankful that God answers our prayers the other way around at times. In desperation, we are prompted to pray. And, our prayers mostly are just ventilations of our frustrations and disappointments. Thankfuly, God, our Father, does show His gentleness for He knows that we are made of dust. Indeed, “a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory.” [Matt 12:42]
Elijah had excluded God from his equation but God did not. He ran away but God outran him. For God’s plan was not yet through in his life. He is leading him back to his feet and run for God, not for himself. How? He fed and let him sleep and awaken him to eat once more. For, Elijah has a great journey to Mt. Horeb [Sinai], the mount of God.
In times of our discouragements, God wants us to go where He is. He wants us to “lift up our eyes to the hills, from where does our help come.”[Psa 121:8]. Let us resolve to say with the psalmist, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”[Psa 42:11]
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1 Kings 19:1-4 ESV
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
POST VICTORY BLUES.
It’s unimaginable that Elijah who had trashed 840 prophets a day earlier would cower in fear the next day. Post victory blues can happen. Indeed, he was a man of the same passion as all of us. [Jas 5:16] A man may soar up to the clouds. We should not forget however, that his feet is still clay.
We admire Christian giants of faith, even idolize them to some degree. The infamous Baptist preacher, Charles Spurgeon is considered as the prince of preachers. But, at one moment in his life, he was stricken with depression. Thus, we shouldn’t forget to pray our succesful Christian leaders today.
Having been overwhelmed with fear, he arose and ran for his life. This prophet who used to run for God is now running for his self preservation. Earlier God had commanded him to hide at the brook Cherith which was evidently absent here. In short, he took matters into his hands.
In the same manner, it happened to Peter. While he was walking on the water, he changed his focus away from Christ to the waves had began to sink. The waves of life may prompt fear. But, if we continue to look unto Jesus, we could muster courage. Let us therefore keep “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”[Heb 12:2]
Definitely, Elijah’s emotion had overruled his faitha nd reason. Why did he take a day’s journey and ask at the end for God to take his life? Thu, we must be watchful to our physical and emotional weariness. For these could implode into deep self inferiority and insecurity. Thus, Elijah lamented wrongly to say, “I am no better than my fathers.”
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-1 Kings 18:41-46 ESV
41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. 43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 44 And at the seventh time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’” 45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
SOUND BEFORE SIGHT.
Under normal circumstances, the flashes of lightning do come before we hear a crushing thunder, is it not? Thank God, for we have a time to prepare, that is, to crouch and cover our ears. However, in the economy of faith, we must hear and believe first the sound[the wordof God] before we would see it happens [experience].
Hence, faith is just believing that what God says is true regardless of the circumstances. Elijah had heard the sound of rain from God in a cloudless day. This prompted him to command his servant to watch for the clouds is coming soon. His faith was contagious. Though the servant had found none, he did not tire himself to climb up and down the mountain peak to view towards the sea many times. It was at the seventh time that he saw a far distant cloud as big as his fist.
In God, to hear is to see. That is, to hear and believe His word precedes our witness that it’s true. In a lot of cases, to ask for a sign first is showing our doubt, isn’t it. Jesus said to Thomas who asked for a sign, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”[John 20:28] How many times we are like Thomas more than like Elijah?
May today, we will have a paradigm shift of faith. Let His word govern our spiritual ears. Like the boy Samuel, we may readily say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”[1 Sam 3:10] Like David, we may have the resolve to say;
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!”[Psa 27:13]
Sound before sight. That is, to hear God’s word is to see. May as we wake up everyday, we will seek and listen attentively to His words, that are, to what He says and promises. Then, as we obey, we will see His words have proven real in and through our jobs, relationships and ministries.
1 Kings 18:30-40 ESV
30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,” 32 and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” 34 And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.
36 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” 40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.
THE LORD, HE IS GOD.
While Baal was silent, God had won the reverence of the people in a highly spectacular fashion. First, Elijah asked them to come closer to him. There are just just acts of God that are too precious to miss. They were so distant to God for having been told to embrace Baal. Like Elijah, let us usher people towards knowing God.
Elijah then did repair the destroyed altar of the Lord. An altar neglected over the years had surely worn and broken. Have we neglected our personal worship with God so that we need to restore it? Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,”[v.31] This must be a reminder to all of them that as one covenant people they should worship the only true God.
And, Elijah did what was unexpected. What did the people think when he made troughs around the altar and poured water unto the pieces of wood and bullock for three times? He poured water unto the sacrifice before he prayed for the Lord to send the fire. The Lord does not need our help through manipulations, cutting corners and trickeries, does He? Thus, when the people had encountered God firsthand, so close and personal, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.”
Let God be God. As His servants like Elijah, our role is to obey God, nothing more, nothing less and nothing else. As a leaven to the dough, we should neither intervene nor introduce anything coming from the flesh,no matter how noble is it. God does not need neither our opinions nor suggestions, does He.
Thus, in presenting the gospel, Paul had said, “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” [1 Cor 2:1-5]
1 Kings 18:20-29 ESV
20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. 24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” 26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. 27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.
SILENCE.
In the eyes of man, the contest at Mt. Carmel was lopsided. How can one man stand against the 400 prophets of Baal and 450 prophets of Asherah combined? But, in the eyes of God, it was nothing. Elijah with Yahweh is more than conqueror. His fight is the Lord’s.
What they thought could be a laudable victory for the prophets has made them a laughing stock. Remember, Baal for them was the god of fire. As they set the bull sacrifice at the altar, they cried from morning to to noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. Silence. And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention. And still, silence.
Idols are nothing before God. Thus, Elijah had made fun for them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” However, this does not warrant us to be disrespectful to idol worshipers. Peter has warned us, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”[1 Pet 3:15]
Worshiping idols will make us like them – nothing before God. It’s futility to put our trust on nothing. Conversely, it’s the wisest to put our whole trust upon the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.
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1 Kings 18:16-19 ESV
16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” 18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.”
THE REAL TROUBLE.
The famine became severe. Thus he did explorations to find food and water for his animals all over the land. He met Elijah along the way for God had appointed the meeting.[see verse 1]
He immediately accused Elijah and held him responsible for the ongoing famine. That, Elijah was the troubler of Israel and not himself. A person could be hardened with sin as Ahab to become unconscionable. What a sad state of his heart to spiral down from accepting sin to exalting it. He made idol temples and altars in his kingdom.
Most probably, he took for granted the word of God through Elijah, that is, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” [1 Kings 17:1] A person who continues to reject God’s word is making his heart impermeable. The wall of his heart is thickened and lose its sensitivity.
Indeed, the practice of sinning results to illusionment. It did not cross in Ahab’s mind that he was the problem. Definitely, he didn’t see wrong with his marriage with Jezebel and his worship to idols, did he? A person who sees the mote in others’ eyes but can’t see the beam before his eyes is an exaggeration Jesus had said. Sadly, this pictures the blinding effect of a deceived heart. A hardened heart makes his eyes blind to the realities.
My pastor friend said one time, “Karamihan as atin nagsasabi na ang problema sa mundo ay komunismo, capitalismo, pasisismo at socialismo.Hindi ba natin alam na ang problema sa mundo ay ‘tayo mismo’?” Ahab was in a big trouble for having been oblivious that he was the cause of trouble.
Today, let’s sport a tender heart before the Lord. Let us not be deceived by the lures of sin. May we will be able to see our hearts as God sees it. [see Psa 139:23,24]
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1 Kings 18:1-6 ESV
After many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.” 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria. 3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly, 4 and when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.) 5 And Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, and not lose some of the animals.” 6 So they divided the land between them to pass through it. Ahab went in one direction by himself, and Obadiah went in another direction by himself.
DIPLOMACY AND SMARTNESS.
Should God can use a confrontative prophet Elijah, He can use a diplomatic prophet Obadiah. Obadiah had served Ahab inside the palace. However, it does not mean that He had compromised. God may call us uniquely in His vineyard. Elijah was no better than Obadiah, vice-versa. There should be no comparing as Paul had written, that is “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers.”[1 Cor 3:-9a]
How did he serve God in the courts of Ahab?
He took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water. Unlike Elijah who directly and openly rebuked Ahab, he indirectly and secretly use Ahab’s power and resources for God’s glory. Where did he get the bread and water to feed the one hundred prophets hiding in the caves? Most probably, he risked to channel the king’s resources to support God’s spokesmen.
Obadiah wasn’t coward but wise. God had called him in his position uniquely as was Daniel and his three friends before Nebuchadnezzar. Let’s not forget that Jesus has said to his disciples, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”[Matthew 10:16] In difficult times, we must work harmlessly and wisely for the advancement of God’s kingdom like Daniel and his friends.
Honey hunters do try not to disturb the bee colony as much as possible in getting the honeycomb. Similarly, we can be us stealthy as possible, avoiding unnecessary incumbrance, in promoting or advancing the kingdom of God. We don’t necessarily have to lobby politically in government institutions in order to initiate change, do we? Thank God for godly men and women in oppressive institutions, who feared God greatly and had not bowed to the ‘baals’ of this world.
Are you and I guilty of zeal without knowledge in advancing the kingdom of God? Are we willing to be like Obadiah, to take risk in the kingdom of God in the hostile work places we are in? Do we see an opportunity to work silently in the midst of hostility that would bring impact for the gospel?
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1 Kings 17:17-24 ESv
17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” 19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. 20 And he cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” 21 Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child's life come into him again.” 22 And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” 24 And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”
AFFLICTION, SUPPLICATION AND VINDICATION.
At her initial meeting with Elijah, this widow was hopeless to cook her last meal with his son. She must be elated to receive God’s provision miraculously – the jar of flour and jug of oil did not fail. Then, her son got sick and died. An affliction resolved guarantees no immunity in the future.
Blame is the natural cop-out to somebody who is tormented with pain, isn’t it? The widow blamed Elijah, saying, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” Did she forget that she and her son could have died long ago in hunger if not for Elijah? The blessings we receive day by day may numb our soul. Our hearts could be plagued with familiarity to the blessings so that we feel contempt.
Crisis should lead us to supplication. In many cases this is the best and only thing we need to do. Amazingly, Elijah didn’t defend himself before the woman but had redirected the crisis to God. Let us not defend ourselves in the court of man when we can bring every accusation into the court of God.
He took responsibility. Although he was not to blame, he took the dead boy from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. In secret, he stretched for three times upon the child cried to the Lord. Didn’t Jesus teach us to pray in secret? [Matt 6:6] He begged God to show His glory by reviving the child. And He did.
Although the widow had experienced the provision of God previously, it was this miracle that she confirmed Elijah as really the man of God. Her animosity towards him was turned into an admiration. She acknowledged that Elijah’s words are coming from God and are true without any doubt. Simply put, God had vindicated Elijah.
Jesus similarly had done a lot of miracles. But, it was the raising of Lazarus back to life that sparked faith of many Jews and anger to his enemies. “Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”[John 11:45-48]
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1 Kings 17:8-16 ESv
8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.
FULLNESS DESPITE THE FAMINE.
When the brook dried up, God commanded him to go to Zarepath and a widow would feed him there. It may appear ridiculous yet Elijah did as the Lord told him. He journeyed 100 miles north to Zarepath, a small Phoenician town. Interestingly, this was the homeplace of Jezebel. To be at the brook of Cherith was silly but to traverse towards enemy’s territory was even sillier. God’s thoughts and ways are indeed beyond ours.[Isa 55:8,9]
When the widow met him at the gate, he commanded her to give him water to drink and a morsel of bread. The poor woman who was preparing for her last meal with his son found found it unreasonable. Elijah didn’t budge but had convinced her to feed him before themselves according to God’s word. And he assured her that ‘the jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” It exactly happened. Why? It was because this Gentile widow believed and obeyed the word of God. She experienced fullness in the midst of famine.
“Zarepath” means a “smelting place”. Indeed, God had refined Elijah’s faith as well as the widow’s. If the brook Cherith was a test of obscurity, Zarepath was a test of absurdity. Like Elijah, we must believe God is in control in both obscure and absurd circumstances. It’s not that we can understand the command clearly that matters but that we hear the clarity of His command . As the puzzled apostle Peter said to Jesus, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”[Luke 5:5]
Today, we could just confidently say with David, “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”[Psa 18:30] Even Solomon wrote, “Every word of God is tried: he is a shield unto them that trust in him.”[Prov 30:5]
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1 Kings 17:1-7 ESv
Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.
HIDING BY THE BROOK CHERITH.
Definitely, it took courage for Elijah to confront the wicked king Ahab with God’s judgment of drought And, he showed the same courage too in living solitary beside the brook Cherith. That the God who told him to do so, He would sustain him supernaturally. The God who led him to the spotlight had in a sudden placed him away in solitude.
Like Elijah, are we ready to follow his directions courageously? Should it happen, do we believe that He has His best interest for us? God may led us away from a known position into an unknown for a reason. The hiding at the obscure brook Cherith was preparing Elijah for the fighting at the top of Mt. Carmel.
On the other hand, the ravens bringing him bread and meat during the morning and evening for years was no less than a miracle. How could unclean birds gather food daily, drop them at the same place at regular intervals for years? It’s only because of God’s sovereignty that this could be explained. Moreover, he saw the source of his drink dwindling as the days unfolded. This was understandable because there was no rain in the land. It should had prompted him to ask, “Where could I get my next drink should the brook dries up completely?”
Our faith is nurtured by our extended time of solitude with God. There is no short cut. Moses had to become unknown for 40 years before God called him. Joseph was forgotten for almost 20 years before God removed him from prison. David hid in caves for years before he rose at the throne. Waiting is an essential part of our faith growing process.
Undoubtedly, it was God’s idea for Elijah to hide by the brook. Don’t count it strange when at times He wants you to exit from the limelight into the unknown. It’s just temporary as the crysallis forming into a beautiful butterfly.
We may say then;
“ I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!” [Psa 27:13,14]
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1 Kings 16:29-34 ESV
29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him. 31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. 32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 34 In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.
IS IT A LIGHT THING TO SIN?
Of all the wicked kings in Israel, Ahab was incomparable. He did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. He married “Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. And Ahab made an Asherah.”[v30-31]
As Hiel built Jericho again, Ahab’s firstborn Abiram and youngest son Segub died respectively. Joshua’s curse was fulfilled. That is, “Cursed before the Lord be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho.
“At the cost of his firstborn shall he
lay its foundation,
and at the cost of his youngest son
shall he set up its gates.”[Jos 6:26]
Ahab seemed not to mind. It had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Definitely, he was hardened by sin.
Heb 3:13 says,”But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” The hardening is a slow process produced by wilful neglect. Should we ignore the ‘exhorting of one another’ dynamics. It will surely happen. Solomon wrote, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”[Prov 27:5] If we neglect to listen from the rebuke of others, our hearts will become accustomed to the sins we do definitely.
Let’s always allow God to search and soften our hearts. And as Psa 139:23,24, let us pray;
“ Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!”
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1 Kings 15:27-30; 16:11-13 ESV
27 Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him[Nadab]. And Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines, for Nadab and all Israel were laying siege to Gibbethon. 28 So Baasha killed him in the third year of Asa king of Judah and reigned in his place. 29 And as soon as he was king, he killed all the house of Jeroboam. He left to the house of Jeroboam not one that breathed, until he had destroyed it, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite. 30 It was for the sins of Jeroboam that he sinned and that he made Israel to sin, and because of the anger to which he provoked the Lord, the God of Israel.
11 When he[Zimri] began to reign, as soon as he had seated himself on his throne, he struck down all the house of Baasha. He did not leave him a single male of his relatives or his friends. 12 Thus Zimri destroyed all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, 13 for all the sins of Baasha and the sins of Elah his son, which they sinned and which they made Israel to sin, provoking the Lord God of Israel to anger with their idols.
DON’T PROVOKE THE LORD TO ANGER.
Baasah, son of Abijah, became king by carrying a coup d’etat against Nadab, the wicked son of Jeroboam. And as soon as he was king, he killed all the house of Jeroboam. He left to the house of Jeroboam not one that breathed, until he had destroyed it, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite.[v.29]
When Baasah died after 24 year reign, his son Elah became king. His reign was shortlived. During his second year, Zimri killed him as his father Baasah killed Nadab. What goes around comes around. What a man sows that will he also reap later.
However, there is an indictment from God consistent to these events. The Lord allowed this to happen for “they made Israel to sin, provoking the Lord God of Israel to anger with their idols.”[1 Kings 15:30; 16:13] Previously, Yahweh had declared through Moses, saying, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me.” [Ex 20:3-5]
God is a jealous God. He won’t tolerate that glory would be attributed to any of His creation. “For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.”[Isa 48:11]
Thus, the apostle John had argued, “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”[1 John 5:20,21]
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1 Kings 15:16-24 ESV
16 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. 17 Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might permit no one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 18 Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king's house and gave them into the hands of his servants. And King Asa sent them to Ben-hadad the son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, who lived in Damascus, saying, 19 “Let there be a covenant between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. Behold, I am sending to you a present of silver and gold. Go, break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel, that he may withdraw from me.” 20 And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel and conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and all Chinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali. 21 And when Baasha heard of it, he stopped building Ramah, and he lived in Tirzah. 22 Then King Asa made a proclamation to all Judah, none was exempt, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and its timber, with which Baasha had been building, and with them King Asa built Geba of Benjamin and Mizpah. 23 Now the rest of all the acts of Asa, all his might, and all that he did, and the cities that he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? But in his old age he was diseased in his feet. 24 And Asa slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father, and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place.
FORTIFY YOUR BORDERS.
Asa’s reign was comparable to Solomon’s early years of reign. But, unlike Solomon’s reign where there was peace, ‘there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.’ Baasha put pressure to Asa by fortifying Ramah. He was so displeased about the number of his people relocating to Judah, so he built this fortified city “Ramah”, about five miles north of Jerusalem. A fortified city was used to help protect a border. It usually included a large, thick wall and several towers.
As this would effectively block all traffic into Jerusalem from the north, Asa had to find a way to stop the project. He sent a substantial gift, a bribe, to Benhadad of Aram to side with him against Baasha. It worked for him as Solomon had said, “A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
wherever he turns he prospers.”[Prov 17:8]
And when Baasha heard of it, he stopped building Ramah, and he lived in Tirzah.[v.21] As Baasha withdrew, Asa had mobilized Judah to come into Ramah. They carried away the stones of Ramah and its timber. He then built Geba and Mizpah as fortresses to ward off another attack from Judah's adversaries. It appeared that Baasha had left in such a hurry so that the building materials were left behind.
We are in an ongoing tension too. Let’s fortify our spiritual borders too. Thus Paul had admonished, “ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”[Gal 5:16-17] Let us therefore “ put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”[Rom 13:14]
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-1 Kings 15:9-15 ESV
9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa began to reign over Judah, 10 and he reigned forty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. 11 And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as David his father had done. 12 He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. 13 He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. And Asa cut down her image and burned it at the brook Kidron. 14 But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the Lord all his days. 15 And he brought into the house of the Lord the sacred gifts of his father and his own sacred gifts, silver, and gold, and vessels.
ASA, A GOOD KING.
Unlike his predecessors, Asa ‘did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done.’ We understand that he was not perfect but that he followed His father David’s reign, the abstinence from any form idolatry. He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. He even stripped his own mother Maacah her crown as the queen. Why? She had made an abominable image for Asherah. He cut down her image and burned it at the brook Kidron.
Asa did not allow her relationship with family to shroud his relationship with God. How many believers had mellowed down in their commitment to God by consenting to their erring family member? Our relationship with God should be paramount in all things, should it be not? For the reputation of the family before the world, they would sacrifice their relationship with God.
However, the high places were not taken away. There was a reform at Jerusalem. However, outside of the city, he let the high places to continue for 41 years. He could have been a better king should he completely removed the idol worship. Thus, it was his son Hezekiah who would remove all these in the future. [ 2 Kings 18:4]. Asa was a good king but he was not the best.
Perhaps, we are plagued by complacency in our lives. Thus, we allow the seemingly lesser or secondary dangers as the ‘high places” and taken them for granted. Let’s not allow the little foxes to ruin the vines. [Song 2:15] Should we be acceptable before God, let us present our everything to Him.
As Rom 12:1,2 says, “ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
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1 Kings 15:1-5 ESV
Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Abijam began to reign over Judah. 2 He reigned for three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. 3 And he walked in all the sins that his father did before him, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. 4 Nevertheless, for David's sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, setting up his son after him, and establishing Jerusalem, 5 because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
HAVE A HEART WHOLLY TRUE TO THE LORD.
Abijah succeeded his father Rehoboam. He had reigned in Judah for only three years before he died. Like father like son. He was a wicked king. “He he walked in all the sins that his father did before him, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father” (v.3). Due to his attempts to reclaim the northern ten tribes of Israel as part of his kingdom, there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam throughout his reign (v. 6).
He should have followed the Lord wholly with his heart as David. But, he did not. God had just favored him because of His covenant to David. God gave him a son to succeed him and protect Jerusalem. In other words, God is always faithful to His covenant.
Interestingly, God had recognized David that ‘ did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.’[v.5]. In God’s eyes, he was right despite his sins with Bathseba and to Uriah. In a seemingly contradictions, we may exclaim, “What an amazing God we have!”
“The statement in question is by no means a pronouncement of David’s virtual sinlessness for several reasons. First of all, it is a general and true characterization of David’s life. Just as Job was not sinless, but was called “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1), even so David’s life was without major fault. Second, this commendation of David is not absolute, but relative to all the sins Abijam had committed (cf. 1 Kings 15:1, 3). David did, with one major exception, “that which was right in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 5). Third, even when he sinned, he did what was right, namely repented immediately when confronted by God (cf. 2 Sam. 12:1ff and 1 Chron. 21:8). Fourth, the exception clause (“except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite”) is not found in many manuscripts of the OT, including the Vatican Ms. Without it, the point that this was only a general commendation of David has even stronger force. Fifth, the phrase “had not turned aside” indicates that God is speaking of the generally steadfast direction of David’s life, not every specific sin in it. This would account for why David’s other sins are not mentioned, since they did not turn him from the generally forward direction of his life in serving the Lord to this point.”[ from https://defendinginerrancy.com/bible-solutions/1_Kings_15.5.php]
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1 Kings 14:25-28 ESV
25 In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. 26 He took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king's house. He took away everything. He also took away all the shields of gold that Solomon had made, 27 and King Rehoboam made in their place shields of bronze and committed them to the hands of the officers of the guard, who kept the door of the king's house. 28 And as often as the king went into the house of the Lord, the guard carried them and brought them back to the guardroom.
REPLACING GOLD WITH BRONZE.
Rehoboam’s reign at the south was marked with evil practices in almost every place. “Judah did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins that they committed, more than all that their fathers had done.”[v.22]
In his fifth year, Shishak king of Egypt invaded the land. He took away every treasure from the temple and the palace. This included the shields of gold that Solomon had made. Rehoboam replaced them with shields of bronze and committed them to the hands of the officers of the guard, who kept the door of the king's house. The wealth Solomon had accumulated were gone in just five years.
Substituting gold with bronze is unquestionably a downgrade. How many times we sacrifice the superior with the cheap in life? The temporal for the eternal? Or the important with the urgent? Let’s not forget what Paul had argued, saying, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” [2 Cor 4:17,18]
This replacement is a perfect picture of the decline under the days of Rehoboam. During Solomon’s reign, the gold shields were hung on display in the House of the House of the Forest of Lebanon (1 Kings 10:16-17). Under Rehoboam, these replacement bronze shields were kept in a protected guardroom until they were specifically needed for state occasions. He was contented to assure himself that the appearance had not much difference.
How many times a believer is ‘having the appearance of godliness but denying its power.’ [2 Tim 3:5] Forms replace functions. Religious rituals replace reverential worship. Religious appearance replaces relationship authenticity with God.
Today, are you and I replacing our gold for bronze?
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1 Kings 14:1-18 ESV
At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick. 2 And Jeroboam said to his wife, “Arise, and disguise yourself, that it not be known that you are the wife of Jeroboam, and go to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there, who said of me that I should be king over this people. 3 Take with you ten loaves, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what shall happen to the child.”
4 Jeroboam's wife did so. She arose and went to Shiloh and came to the house of Ahijah. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age. 5 And the Lord said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. Thus and thus shall you say to her.”
When she came, she pretended to be another woman. 6 But when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another? For I am charged with unbearable news for you. 7 Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over my people Israel 8 and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, and yet you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my eyes, 9 but you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back, 10 therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam, as a man burns up dung until it is all gone. 11 Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat, for the Lord has spoken it.”’ 12 Arise therefore, go to your house. When your feet enter the city, the child shall die. 13 And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found something pleasing to the Lord, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. 14 Moreover, the Lord will raise up for himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam today. And henceforth, 15 the Lord will strike Israel as a reed is shaken in the water, and root up Israel out of this good land that he gave to their fathers and scatter them beyond the Euphrates, because they have made their Asherim, provoking the Lord to anger. 16 And he will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he sinned and made Israel to sin.”
17 Then Jeroboam's wife arose and departed and came to Tirzah. And as she came to the threshold of the house, the child died. 18 And all Israel buried him and mourned for him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Ahijah the prophet.
CAN A MAN DECEIVE GOD?
The time came that the son of Jeroboam, Abijah, got sick. This prompted Jeroboam to devise a sinister plan. He told his wife, “Arise, and disguise yourself, that it not be known that you are the wife of Jeroboam, and go to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there, who said of me that I should be king over this people. Take with you ten loaves, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what shall happen to the child.”
Why didn’t he think of asking the help from the priests at Bethel or Dan? Did he realize now that only Jehovah is the true God and Ahijah, God’s true prophet? But, why the disguise? He was so proud to admit his wrong and believed He could get God’s blessing by fraud. Similarly, Saul went to the witch of Endor to get the blessing of God through Samuel.
What Jeroboam did was futile. They are fools who claim that there is no God. [Psa 14:1]
1 Kings 13:26-32 ESV
26 And when the prophet who had brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, “It is the man of God who disobeyed the word of the Lord; therefore the Lord has given him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him, according to the word that the Lord spoke to him.” 27 And he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” And they saddled it. 28 And he went and found his body thrown in the road, and the donkey and the lion standing beside the body. The lion had not eaten the body or torn the donkey. 29 And the prophet took up the body of the man of God and laid it on the donkey and brought it back to the city to mourn and to bury him. 30 And he laid the body in his own grave. And they mourned over him, saying, “Alas, my brother!” 31 And after he had buried him, he said to his sons, “When I die, bury me in the grave in which the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones. 32 For the saying that he called out by the word of the Lord against the altar in Bethel and against all the houses of the high places that are in the cities of Samaria shall surely come to pass.”
GIVING HONOR APPROPRIATELY.
The man of God was killed according to the word of God. “All the circumstances of this tragic occurrence (the undevoured carcass, the untouched ass, the passengers unmolested by the lion, though standing there) were calculated to produce an irresistible impression that the hand of God was in it.”[from Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible] Moreover, he had to be buried not in the tomb of the man of God from Judah’s fathers, in fulfillment of the previous prophecy.
The prophet took up the body of the man of God and laid it on the donkey and brought it back to the city to mourn and to bury him. “How strange it was for the old prophet to look upon the carcass of the dead prophet, and to realize: “My sin was worse than his.” The ways of God’s judgment are sometimes past finding out, and only understandable from eternity.” [ D. Guzik]
The prophet from Bethel lied to him, led him into sin, and prophesied judgment against him. Yet, he laid the corpse in his own tomb. And he said to his sons, “When I am dead, then bury me in the tomb where the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones.” This was his respect to the man of God from Judah.
“Perhaps he understood that the word he spoke against Jeroboam required a courage he did not have; therefore he confirmed the word of the man of God against Jeroboam and the altar at Bethel.”[D. Guzik] That is, the man’s failure to obey God’s word that caused his life later had not negated his admirable boldness earlier to confront the king the word of God. Unfortunately, in real life, one mistake a person does is remembered clouding over his one hundred and one good deeds done previously.
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-1 Kings 13:20-25 ESV
20 And as they sat at the table, the word of the Lord came to the prophet who had brought him back. 21 And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord and have not kept the command that the Lord your God commanded you, 22 but have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water,” your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.’” 23 And after he had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the prophet whom he had brought back. 24 And as he went away a lion met him on the road and killed him. And his body was thrown in the road, and the donkey stood beside it; the lion also stood beside the body. 25 And behold, men passed by and saw the body thrown in the road and the lion standing by the body. And they came and told it in the city where the old prophet lived.
TAKING THE WORD OF GOD SERIOUSLY.
What could be a great meal for the man of God was spoiled. This time the word of the Lord came to the host. Thus, he rebuked the man of God, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord and have not kept the command that the Lord your God commanded you, 22 but have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water,” your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.’”
Taking the word of God carelessly is very costly, is it not? Thus Jesus has warned us, “If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”[John 12:47,48]
Our faithful obedience to His word does only ensure that ‘better is the end of a thing than its beginning.’ [Ecc 7:8a] Thus, the disobedient man of God had ended his life miserably. ‘A lion met him on the road and killed him. And his body was thrown in the road, and the donkey stood beside it; the lion also stood beside the body. And behold, men passed by and saw the body thrown in the road and the lion standing by the body.’[v.24,25]
What a pathetic sight.
Let us resolve therefore to uphold the word of God. As Solomon concluded, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”[ Ecc 12:13] Even, Joshua had written, ‘This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.’[Jos 1:8]
Be committed to make the word of God as the basis of your belief and practice.
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1 Kings 13:11-19 ESV
11 Now an old prophet lived in Bethel. And his sons[a] came and told him all that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told to their father the words that he had spoken to the king. 12 And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him the way that the man of God who came from Judah had gone. 13 And he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey for him and he mounted it. 14 And he went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak. And he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” And he said, “I am.” 15 Then he said to him, “Come home with me and eat bread.” 16 And he said, “I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, 17 for it was said to me by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’” 18 And he said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” But he lied to him. 19 So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water.
DECEIVED.
The man of God was very clear about the warning from God. There was no ambiguity. That is, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’ Our success over temptation yesterday does not always guarantee the same today. The man of God was able to say no to Jeroboam but not to the old prophet. He wasn’t enticed by the reward Jeroboam had offered to him. However, he was deceived to believe the lie of the old prophet.
Why?
The prophet had tricked him that “an angel spoke to him by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” He must have no second thoughts that a co-prophet would bluff him.
Like the old prophet, Satan may look trustworthy. As Paul warned, “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” [2 Cor 11:14] Undoubtedly, he did appeared intentional to his lying, didn’t he? Looks and impressions can be deceiving. How many of us have been deceived to trust a decent looking guy with sweet words?
Should an angel had appeared and spoke differently to the old prophet, he should have asked why the angel did not speak to him directly as previously. Does God channel his revelation to us via a third party? Let us be careful therefore to anybody who impose God’s revelation unto us when we have the same Spirit who lives in us as believers.
Thus today, let’s not substitute the clear word of God with our ‘gut feel’. The gospel [or the revealed word of God as a whole] is the only truth we should rely on. [John 17:17, 2 Tim 3:16,17] Even Paul was very emphatic, saying, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”[Gal 1:8,9]
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1 Kings 13:1-10 ESV
And behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the word of the Lord to Bethel. Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make offerings. 2 And the man cried against the altar by the word of the Lord and said, “O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’” 3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign that the Lord has spoken: ‘Behold, the altar shall be torn down, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.’” 4 And when the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar at Bethel, Jeroboam stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, “Seize him.” And his hand, which he stretched out against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back to himself. 5 The altar also was torn down, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. 6 And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored to him and became as it was before. 7 And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” 8 And the man of God said to the king, “If you give me half your house, I will not go in with you. And I will not eat bread or drink water in this place, 9 for so was it commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.’” 10 So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel.
THE MAN OF GOD.
The abomination that Jeroboam did was too much to Yahweh. He is a jealous God. Thus, He sent the man of God to confront the king of Israel. Was it incidental that he was there at Bethel when Jeroboam was doing his offering?
And, by the word of the Lord, he pronounced judgment upon the king boldly. He said, “O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’” Moreover, he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign that the Lord has spoken: ‘Behold, the altar shall be torn down, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.’”
The king defied and stretched his arm to seize the man of God. Amazingly however, the king’s hand froze. The altar also was torn down, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the Lord.
The haughty king had been humiliated to say, “Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored to him and became as it was before.
Though the man of God was unknown to the king, he did not doubt that God was behind this man. He saw that his proclaimed words had happened to the letter. The evidence was undisputable, was it not? “As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.”[Jer 28:9] Conversely, a prophet who pronounced judgment and nothing happens is proven an impostor. Indeed, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” The king was physically healed but his heart had remained hardened. Instead of being remorseful, he was arrogant to give a reward. Did he not think that a true prophet can be bribed with material gain?
1 Kings 12:25-33 ESV
25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one. 31 He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites. 32 And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made. 33 He went up to the altar that he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, in the month that he had devised from his own heart. And he instituted a feast for the people of Israel and went up to the altar to make offerings.
WHEN TAKING MATTERS ON OUR HANDS.
Jeroboam’s plan seemed brilliant to gain the loyalty from his people. He took counsel and made two golden calves for worship, one in Bethel and the other in Dan. This had provided convenience so that the people needed not to travel to far south anymore to worship. But, to promote the worship of idols and deprive God’s people their right worship to Jehovah in Jerusalem were always abominations before the eyes of God.
They are only to worship Jehovah and nobody else. And, they’re to offer to Him in Jerusalem and in no other place. Had Jeroboam forgotten that this was an abomination before God? Had he forgotten as well that God assured him His blessings if he would follow Him as David, his father?
Jeroboam had successfully convinced the people. Perhaps, the newly temple worship and the feasts instituted did not have a big difference than the one in Jerusalem. It appeared clearly that the people had just reflected the kind of leadership they have had.
Let’s get the rubber hit the road. A closer church to your home is convenient. But, if they’re not preaching the gospel and the bible isn’t taught well enough, would you attend in their services? You have a financially secured suitor but not a believer. Would you marry him? You are offered a lucrative job that requires moral compromises. Are you going to take it?
Therefore, let’s not forget that;
“There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.”[Prov 16:25]
Thus, let us “Commit our work to the Lord,
and our plans will be established.
The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.”[Prov 16:3,4]
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1 Kings 12:21-24
21 When Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000 chosen warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. 22 But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: 23 “Say to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, 24 ‘Thus says the Lord, You shall not go up or fight against your relatives the people of Israel. Every man return to his home, for this thing is from me.’” So they listened to the word of the Lord and went home again, according to the word of the Lord.
LISTEN TO THE WORD
Rehoboam was either oblivious or knew but minimize the declarations by God about the consequence of his father’s sins. Thus, he organized 180,000 chosen warriors to fight Jeroboam and restore the kingdom. Thus, God had revealed to the man of God Shemaiah, saying, “Say to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, ‘Thus says the Lord, You shall not go up or fight against your relatives the people of Israel. Every man return to his home, for this thing is from me.’”[v.23,24]
Rehoboam and his army did listen and obey. They went home according to God’s word.
The word of God is perfect.[Psa 19:7] David acknowledges;
“This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”[Psa 18:30]
Perhaps, the word of God was painful to Rehoboam to hear that the kingdom be divided. Truth hurts definitely. Nevertheless, they had to follow it. More disobedience or rebellion against God and His words would undoubtedly hurt the nation more. Enough is enough.
We have the choice to make everyday. Either we honor and obey God’s word or not. Lest, we are carried by our senses, let us be reminded that;
“The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.”[Prov 16:9]
Moreover, let us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”[Prov 3:5,6]
Therefore, obedience to God’s word is the only means that could make us wise. Nothing else could do.
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1 Kings 12:16-20 ESV
16 And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents. 17 But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. 18 Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was taskmaster over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. And King Rehoboam hurried to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. 20 And when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. There was none that followed the house of David but the tribe of Judah only.
RESENTMENT
The king’s refusal to listen had provoked the people to rebel. Rehoboam’s folly made Israel to reject ,not only him, but also the entire dynasty of David. They rejected the descendants of Israel’s greatest king. It was the last straw at the camel’s back that had enraged them greatly.
Resentment always leads to rebellion as a brewing lava in a volcano that sooner would erupt violently. This angry mob killed the taskmaster Adoram. This had prompted King Rehoboam to flee speedily to Jerusalem for safety. Let’s not forget that the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God.[ Jas 1:19].
The small leak unattended became a huge rift of the kingdom. From this point on in the history of Israel, the name “Israel” and “Judah” referred to the ten northern tribes and the southern tribes of Benjamin and Judah, respectively. In short, the kingdom was destroyed by implosion.
In a fallen world with imperfect people, we could hurt or be hurt by people. Resentments may brew and wreck relationships if not diffused in marriages, even in churches. Hence, Paul had admonished that we should be “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” [Col 3:13]
Even parents are warned not to provoke their children to anger.[Eph 6:4] That is, they should not exasperate them as Rehoboam did to the people. Generally, animals are timid to run away when humans are near. However, they would fight and bite when pushed in a corner. Timid humans are no different.
Unlike Rehoboam, let’s be wise and understanding in our relationships. Let’s heed to James who warned, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”[Jas 3:13-16]
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1 Kings 12:1-14 ESV
Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from Egypt. 3 And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, 4 “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” 5 He said to them, “Go away for three days, then come again to me.” So the people went away.
6 Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” 7 And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” 8 But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. 9 And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” 10 And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs. 11 And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’”
12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, “Come to me again the third day.” 13 And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, 14 he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the Lord that he might fulfill his word, which the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
THE FOLLY OF REHOBOAM
The economic boom of Solomon’s kingdom was financed by the king’s exorbitant taxation upon the people. This had caused Jeroboam and the people to plead before Rehoboam, the new king, “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.”
Rehoboam should be commended in his seeking counsel within three days. Prov 11:14 says, “
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” And, Prov 24:6 also states, “for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”
Having more counselors do make decisions sound, don’t they. Hence, Rehoboam sought counsel to both the old and younger men. The old men said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” While the young men said, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, “My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’”
But, Rehoboam had exposed his folly by listening the young men’s unloving advice. “These men were much more likely to tell Rehoboam what he already thought. By turning to those likely to think just as he did, it shows that Rehoboam only asked for advice for the sake of appearances.
-1 Kings 11:26-43 ESV
26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, also lifted up his hand against the king. 27 And this was the reason why he lifted up his hand against the king. Solomon built the Millo, and closed up the breach of the city of David his father. 28 The man Jeroboam was very able, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious he gave him charge over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph. 29 And at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Ahijah had dressed himself in a new garment, and the two of them were alone in the open country. 30 Then Ahijah laid hold of the new garment that was on him, and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon and will give you ten tribes 32 (but he shall have one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel), 33 because they have[a] forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites, and they have not walked in my ways, doing what is right in my sight and keeping my statutes and my rules, as David his father did. 34 Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of David my servant whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes. 35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand and will give it to you, ten tribes. 36 Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name. 37 And I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your soul desires, and you shall be king over Israel. 38 And if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 39 And I will afflict the offspring of David because of this, but not forever.’” 40 Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. But Jeroboam arose and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.
41 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon? 42 And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 43 And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.
JEROBOAM
Jeroboam was a ‘skilled worker from the tribe of Ephraim, a servant of King Solomon’s, and the son of a widow.’ When Solomon saw how well this young man did his work, he placed him over the labor force of the tribes of Joseph (v.28).
One day, the prophet Ahijah approached Jeroboam with a prophecy. After tearing a new cloak into 12 pieces, he said, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes” (v.31). What’s the reason behind? The idol worship of the Israelites had caused God to divide the kingdom (v.33). However, the house of David would retain a remnant of the kingdom, including Jerusalem, because of God’s covenant with David (v. 32). This division pronounced by Ahijah came to pass (see 1 Kings 12:15).
Did Jeroboam ever think that someday he would become the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel?
1 Kings 11:14-25 ESV
14 And the Lord raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite. He was of the royal house in Edom. 15 For when David was in Edom, and Joab the commander of the army went up to bury the slain, he struck down every male in Edom 16 (for Joab and all Israel remained there six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom). 17 But Hadad fled to Egypt, together with certain Edomites of his father's servants, Hadad still being a little child. 18 They set out from Midian and came to Paran and took men with them from Paran and came to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave him a house and assigned him an allowance of food and gave him land. 19 And Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him in marriage the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. 20 And the sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house. And Genubath was in Pharaoh's house among the sons of Pharaoh. 21 But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.” 22 But Pharaoh said to him, “What have you lacked with me that you are now seeking to go to your own country?” And he said to him, “Only let me depart.”
23 God also raised up as an adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer king of Zobah. 24 And he gathered men about him and became leader of a marauding band, after the killing by David. And they went to Damascus and lived there and made him king in Damascus. 25 He was an adversary of Israel all the days of Solomon, doing harm as Hadad did. And he loathed Israel and reigned over Syria.
THE ADVERSARIES.
Hadad from Edom and Rezon from Syria were adversaries to King Solomon and his kingdom. They sought to disrupt the peace that Solomon had established in his kingdom at all times.
God had ‘raised the adversary up.’ That is, God had permitted them to vex Solomon. Although, evils are tolerated in this world but they will be finally judged someday. As the psalmist wrote, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.”[Psa 76:10]
Hadad as a little child had escaped to Egypt, where he grew. Having found favor with Pharaoh, he was given by Pharaoh’s wife Tahpenes to become his wife. In other words, he had gained power in Pharaoh with time. The time came that David passed away and he requested to go back to his own country, Edom.
Both Hadad and Rezon was kept at bay because of David. However, they surfaced after David’s demise. Like Hadad, our flesh would jump in when the Spirit is not in control. There is no vaccuum. The dynamics of this tug-of-war is articulated by Paul, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” [Gal 5:16-17]
And as Rezon with his marauding band, conducted ambushes, our ‘adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.’[1 Pet 5:8] Let’s not be slack therefore, for he is lurking to jump at us at our unguarded moments. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.”[Eph 5:15]
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-1 Kings 11:9-13 ESV
9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the Lord commanded. 11 Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. 12 Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen.”
THE ANGER OF GOD
How could God be angry with man when He is the God of love? Perhaps, this is the underlying reason why many presume they can go on sinful lifestyle and compromises like Solomon. There is no conflict between God’s holiness and love. As the stream flows along its banks so God’s love doesn’t rejoice in wrongdoing. [1 Cor 13:6] The stream is God’s love while the banks are God’s holiness.
God isn’t venting His anger towards Solomon as somebody ruled by uncontrolled passion like the cartoon character, incredible hulk. He isn’t capricious, is He? Does not the act of God’s calling for Adam after he sinned a gesture of love and grace? And, does not God appear to Solomon twice to warn him? Sadly, like Adam, Solomon did not repent. He was hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.[Heb 3:13]
God’s dealing with Solomon was conditioned by his obedience or not. Blessings are received when His statutes are followed. Otherwise, he will be judged. God’s holiness is as the unchanging heat of the sun that can either harden the clay or melt the wax. In other words, Solomon’s tender heart had changed so that the anger of God was inevitable. As Jesus said to Paul in a vision, “It is hard for you to kick against the pricks.”[Acts 9:5, Acts 6:14]
Prov 15:10 says, “There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.” Solomon’s son would be stripped off the throne for his servant, who will rule the 10 tribes. If not for David’s sake, his son won’t be allowed to rule one tribe. The split was a sad result of Solomon’s sins.
At the end of the day, God won his heart back. Solomon had realized his futility but the damage had been done. He wrote, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”[Ecc 12:13,14]
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1 Kings 11:1-8 ESV
Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. 8 And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.
A DECADENCE.
King Solomon’s political, military and economic success has reached its zenith. There was nobody one who could match his wisdom, power and riches. But, the glitters of fame and fortune were too blinding to his spiritual eyes. This led to his belief that he could do anything he wanted. Could a kite stay in flight if it decides to cut off the string and free itself? Definitely not!
Having had 700 pagan wives and 300 concubines surely did turn away his heart from the Lord unto their idols that they worshipped. He ‘went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.’[v.5] Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem.[v.7] definitely, these were obnoxious acts before God.
Amidst the external splendor and grandeur of his kingdom is the spiritual corruption tolerated. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. Solomon wasn’t wise to heed to what he wrote,
“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.”[Prov 4:23]
Decay doesn’t start from the outside. Defilement starts within. According to James, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” [Jas 1:14,15] The lust of power, riches and women were too enticing and irresistible to Solomon’s heart as the sirens’ spell to sailors in Homer’s Odyssey. Solomon had dropped his guard and was either oblivious to the danger or overconfident to handle his fate. Thus, the lament of Jeremiah should jerk us to our core;
“ The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?” [Jer 17:9]
Let us realize that in our spiritual climb, the more heights we gain the more slippery are the route. It’s more dangerous at the top than at ground zero. A single misstep may plunge us into an inevitable downward spiral into the abyss. We may conquer heights as the kite and enjoy the wind. But, let’s be humble that our strength is at the Rock where our string of faith is bound tightly.
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1 Kings 10:14-29 ESV
14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 15 besides that which came from the explorers and from the business of the merchants, and from all the kings of the west and from the governors of the land. 16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold; 600 shekels of gold went into each shield. 17 And he made 300 shields of beaten gold; three minas[c] of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 18 The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with the finest gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and the throne had a round top,[d] and on each side of the seat were armrests and two lions standing beside the armrests, 20 while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. The like of it was never made in any kingdom. 21 All King Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None were of silver; silver was not considered as anything in the days of Solomon. 22 For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.[e]
23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 25 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh,[f] spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.
26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 27 And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. 28 And Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king's traders received them from Kue at a price. 29 A chariot could be imported from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver and a horse for 150, and so through the king's traders they were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.
TRUE RICHES.
The account of earthly riches Solomon had is staggering. “There has never been a human in history who had so much gold and silver "at his fingertips" such that it was as common as pebbles! Since we know he ruled Israel for forty years, and that he brought in roughly 1.1 BILLION dollars of gold each year, we can safely assume his assets were in the multiple billions of dollars. Solomon, however, possessed even more riches than what was mentioned above. He also inherited wealth from his father David, regularly received gold and silver from the kings of Arabia, had other governors and merchants give him stuff, plus he also heavily taxed his own people! As if all the above was not enough, Solomon also received tribute money from countries and kingdoms, plus gold, silver, ivory, animals, slaves and so on every three years due to his business partnership with the King of Tyre and he garnered gifts of gold, spices, precious stones, garments, armor, and so on each year from a variety of others! It is safe to say that the king was not only rich he was, are arguably still is, the wealthiest human ever to walk the face of planet earth!” [https://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/how-rich-was-solomon.html]
God has delivered His promise to Solomon, that is, “Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.”[1 Kings 3:12-13]
God has no aversion in acquiring wealth. However, there is a risk to our gullible hearts.
1 Kings 10:1-13 ESV
Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.
6 And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. 8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” 10 Then she gave the king 120 talents[a] of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
11 Moreover, the fleet of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought from Ophir a very great amount of almug wood and precious stones. 12 And the king made of the almug wood supports for the house of the Lord and for the king's house, also lyres and harps for the singers. No such almug wood has come or been seen to this day.
13 And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what was given her by the bounty of King Solomon. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants.
SOMETHING GREATER THAN SOLOMON IS HERE.
During the epoch of Solomon’s fame, the queen of Sheba had heard about him. Her curiosity drove her to travel and visit his kingdom herself with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. He answered all her queries. And, she had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.
Having been awed for what she saw, she exclaimed, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard.”[v.6-8]
She heard, came, saw and was blessed.” And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what was given her by the bounty of King Solomon.”[v.13] She shouldn’t had experienced the blessing if she was contented upon hearing about Solomon.
Sadly, many who had witnessed firsthand the wisdom and miracles Jesus did refused to believe Him. Thus He said to them, “The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”[Luke 11:31]
Do you and I recognize that Jesus is the ‘something greater than Solomon is here’ now? What do we do for Him? Like the queen of Sheba, are we going to drop everything in order to see Him today and everyday?
1 Kings 9:15-28 ESV
15 And this is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon drafted to build the house of the Lord and his own house and the Millo and the wall of Jerusalem and Hazor and Megiddo and Gezer 16 (Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up and captured Gezer and burned it with fire, and had killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and had given it as dowry to his daughter, Solomon's wife; 17 so Solomon rebuilt Gezer) and Lower Beth-horon 18 and Baalath and Tamar in the wilderness, in the land of Judah, 19 and all the store cities that Solomon had, and the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion. 20 All the people who were left of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of the people of Israel— 21 their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel were unable to devote to destruction—these Solomon drafted to be slaves, and so they are to this day. 22 But of the people of Israel Solomon made no slaves. They were the soldiers, they were his officials, his commanders, his captains, his chariot commanders and his horsemen.
23 These were the chief officers who were over Solomon's work: 550 who had charge of the people who carried on the work.
24 But Pharaoh's daughter went up from the city of David to her own house that Solomon had built for her. Then he built the Millo.
25 Three times a year Solomon used to offer up burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar that he built to the Lord, making offerings with it before the Lord. So he finished the house.
26 King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. 27 And Hiram sent with the fleet his servants, seamen who were familiar with the sea, together with the servants of Solomon. 28 And they went to Ophir and brought from there gold, 420 talents, and they brought it to King Solomon.
THE FORTRESSES
King Solomon had launched a massive labor force to complete his massive infrastructure projects. All the people who were left of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of the people of Israel— their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel were unable to devote to destruction—these Solomon drafted to be slaves.[see v 20,21]
Aside from the temple and his house, he built the Millo and the wall of Jerusalem and Hazor and Megiddo and Gezer. “The Hebrew term ‘millo’ is probably a name for a prominent fortress near the temple and the palace. However, it is possible that it describes architectural terracing and buttressing along the northeastern slope of the east hill of Jerusalem, the city of David.’[ D. Guzik]
These strong structures maybe seen as icons of strong defense against foreign invaders. However, does the strength of Solomon lie on physical strength alone? As David testified, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”[Psa 20:7]
Should the Lord fight for us, we must obey Him and avoid compromises. The kingdom may look fortified externally, but Solomon had allowed the termite of compromises to thrive within. His marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter had made Pharaoh to give unto him Gezer. He built a house for her and fortified it. Moreover, instead of driving away the remnants of these tribes be driven out of the land, he used them as slave laborers in Israel which displeased the Lord.
There is nothing wrong in making steps to secure our future. God has blessed us with knowledge and material blessings so that as the ants we should prepare for the rainy days to come. However, we must not allow to shift our focus on all these blessings.
1 Kings 9:10-14 ESV
10 At the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the Lord and the king's house, 11 and Hiram king of Tyre had supplied Solomon with cedar and cypress timber and gold, as much as he desired, King Solomon gave to Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. 12 But when Hiram came from Tyre to see the cities that Solomon had given him, they did not please him. 13 Therefore he said, “What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” So they are called the land of Cabul to this day. 14 Hiram had sent to the king 120 talents of gold.
CABUL
The friendship of Solomon and Hiram had flourished. Twenty years had lapsed from the building of the temple and his house when Solomon gave Hiram the 20 cities in Galilee. Hiram, however, was not pleased, saying, “What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” This is the reason why the land was called Cabul, to mean, “good as nothing.”
Hiram felt insulted. Did Solomon give him a squalid and impoverished cities? For whatever reason, it did not match his expectations. For the 120 talents of gold he gave, the 20 cities were as nothing.
It’s understandable that mutuality should mark the relationship between kings, such as between Solomon and Hiram. But, our relationship with our king, the Lord Jesus Christ is of different level. Is it mutual when He died for us while we were sinners? [Rom 5:8] When God the Father did not spare His Son, but gave Him up for us all? [Rom 8:32] He had given and always does give His best for us. But, do we give our best to Him? Thus, we should love Him because He first loved us. [1 John 4:19]
God does deserve our best, doesn’t He? As a show of profound gratefulness, we should strive to give our best, even our all, to Him. Anything lesser is an insult. God doesn’t need things. He owns everything. What He is after of are our motives. Everything else is as nothing to God without the love we have in our hearts.[see 1 Cor 13:1-3] Why did the widow with her two coins have given much than the others?
May, like David, we won’t give to God that which costs as nothing. However, everything in and through us belongs to God in essence. Since we are bought with a prize, what is there in our lives that we can claim our own?[see 1 Cor 6:19,20] Nothing, plain and simple.
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1 Kings 9:1-9 ESV As soon as Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord and the king's house and all that Solomon desired to build, 2 the Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 And the Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 4 And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, 5 then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ 6 But if you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 8 And this house will become a heap of ruins. Everyone passing by it will be astonished and will hiss, and they will say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ 9 Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the Lord has brought all this disaster on them.’”
PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY. The Lord was greatly pleased for the house of the Lord built for Him. He appeared to Solomon again to affirm His covenant with David to him. And, God’s covenant with David was not earned, was it? It was a privilege. However, there was a condition. Solomon and his successors must be faithful to “walk as David their father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that God have commanded them, and keeping His statutes and His rules.” [see v.4] In this covenant, there is a responsibility to do in order to keep the privilege given by God. God had said emphatically,” if you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And this house will become a heap of ruins.” [see v.6-8] As a consequence all their pagan neighbors passing by the house will deride them, saying, “‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the Lord has brought all this disaster on them.’” In other words, the people would blame not God but upon the unfaithfulness of His covenant people. The Lord who blesses us may allow the blight should we turn away from following Him. Let us not forget to recognize and be grateful to our privilege. The favor of God’s salvation and corresponding blessings should not be taken for granted. We could be very familiar to these blessings from God that they may breed contempt. Moses had warned the wandering Jews earlier before settling in the promised land, saying in Deut 8:11-14. Thus, let’s not allow that our hearts will be lifted up with pride because of the blessings.
1 Kings 8:54-61 ESV
54 Now as Solomon finished offering all this prayer and plea to the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, where he had knelt with hands outstretched toward heaven. 55 And he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 56 “Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant. 57 The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, 58 that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers. 59 Let these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, and may he maintain the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel, as each day requires, 60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other. 61 Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.”
INCLINE YOUR HEARTS TO HIM
As soon as Solomon had finished praying, he stood and blessed all the assembly. Definitely, he who is coming from the presence of God in prayer has the authority to bless men. Thus, preaching should be an outflow of praying. A prayerful closet produces a powerful pulpit.
God hasn’t failed to fulfill His promises to Moses, not even one word. Having been assured to His abiding presence, Solomon pleaded that God wont either leave nor forsake them. For what reason? That God may incline their hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded their fathers.
Our hearts are prone to wander because it’s deceitful and desperately wicked.[Jer 17:9,10] Apart from the grace of God, we are all miserable. It’s His goodness that leads us to repentance. Thus, Paul asks, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”[Rom 2:4]
We draw near to Him because He draws us to Himself. Not by manipulation and coercion, but by His continual grace and mercies. Simply put, He with His ‘outstretched arm’ is reaching us. As the psalmist said;
“The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him.”[Psa 103:8-11]
It’s always the right posture of prayer to ask, “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”[Psa 119:36] Resultingly, we may say,
“Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.”[Psa 119:111,112]
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1 Kings 8:46-53 ESV
46 “If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near, 47 yet if they turn their heart in the land to which they have been carried captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely and wickedly,’ 48 if they repent with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies, who carried them captive, and pray to you toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, the city that you have chosen, and the house that I have built for your name, 49 then hear in heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause 50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions that they have committed against you, and grant them compassion in the sight of those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them 51 (for they are your people, and your heritage, which you brought out of Egypt, from the midst of the iron furnace). 52 Let your eyes be open to the plea of your servant and to the plea of your people Israel, giving ear to them whenever they call to you. 53 For you separated them from among all the peoples of the earth to be your heritage, as you declared through Moses your servant, when you brought our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord God.”
IF AND WHEN…THEN.
During this inauguration of the temple, Solomon had humbly prayed. His prayer consists of seven pairs of either ‘ifs’ or ‘whens’ with ‘thens.’ Definitely, he recognized the gullibility of the nation to fail God. But, he looked with confidence to receive God’s grace when repentant should they sin.
Solomon had said, “for there is no one who does not sin.” Indeed, “there is none righteous, no not one.”[Rom 3:10] Thus, he had depended solely upon God’s rich mercies. And God is rich in mercy. As Jeremiah had articulates;
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”[Lam 3:22-24]
We couldn’t plead before God on the basis of justice, could we? Our sins demand condemnation before the holy God. Thus, we can only hope for His mercies at His throne as Solomon did before the temple. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.[Heb 4:16]
The temple was the bastion of God’s mercy where repentant sinners should not be afraid to go and plead for God’s forgiveness or favor.
Let’s not therefore conceal our sins before God but be honest and confess it. Solomon had warned, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”[ Prov 28: 13] Thus, “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” [1 John 1:7-10]
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1 Kings 8:22-30 ESV
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, 23 and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; 24 you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. 25 Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ 26 Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father.
27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. 30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
WILL GOD DWELL ON EARTH?
The assembly of Israel had gathered around Solomon. Before the altar, he stood and spread out his hands toward heaven and burst into praise, worship and thanksgiving. God has been faithful to His covenant with his father David. There was a condition. His sons should pay close attention to their way, to walk before Him as David have walked before Him. And, there will not lack a man to sit before God on the throne of Israel.
God’s initiative to enter into a covenant relationship with weak man is mindboggling, is it not? Why should God risk His honor with men? Did He not know beforehand that Solomon and the rest would fail to walk according to their father David someday?
This puzzled Solomon. If heaven isn’t too big enough to contain God, how could He dwell on earth, needless to say, the temple? Yet, He did. His presence was in the temple, twenty four seven, where they can approach, worship and pray unto Him. This truth had humbled Solomon.
Sadly, Solomon and the rest had failed. But, God will be true to his covenant with David. God will raise a son in the lineage of David to become the king on his throne forever. And, in the fulness of time[Gal 4:4], Jesus was born. He is the Emmanuel [God with us] for He was the Word who became flesh to dwell with men[John 1:14a] How near was God incarnate to His people? The apostle John recounted, “We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”[John 1:14b]
John added, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”[1 John 1:1-3]
1 Kings 8:12-21 ESV
12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. 13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” 14 Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. 15 And he said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father, saying, 16 ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there. But I chose David to be over my people Israel.’ 17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. 19 Nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.’ 20 Now the Lord has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and I have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 21 And there I have provided a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.”
WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART?
King Solomon had proclaimed with pride for the opportunity that he built the house of God. And blessing the assembly, he said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father.” Yes, the building of the temple was in Solomon’s hands. But, Solomon recognized that it was always in the heart of David. He recollected that God had told his father David,” ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart.”
Definitely, David was flawed. His battle scars both physically, morally and spiritually couldn’t be concealed. But, he wasn’t called the ‘man after God’s heart’ for no reason. Was it not the burning passion in his heart to build the house of God until his last breath? He did not content to die as the king, did he? The temple was always in his mind and heart. He said;
“One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.”[Psa 27:4]
What is the burning passion of your heart?
Jesus’ mission is to establish God’s kingdom. And, He had laid the blueprint by building his church. And, nobody could avert it. He said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” [Matt 16:18] Is the advancement of God’s kingdom our passion also?
Jesus also said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”[John 14:12] He has done a great work. But, the greater work will be done by His disciples as Solomon did than David. In what way? Jesus’ influence was limited to His eleven disciples. He had not traveled outside Israel. Yet, He had ignited a movement of the kingdom of God that will diffuse all over the world after His death.
May we will end up our lives with an apparent passion for Christ and the gospel. And, that our lives are as mustard seeds sown to become a gigantic tree. The next generation like Solomon could cultivate the flame from the sparks that we initiated. We are not living for our generation, are we? What is then in our hearts? What is it that we can pass to the next generation?
1 Kings 8:1-11 ESV
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 2 And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. 5 And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered.6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. 7 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles. 8 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT.
This box, or chest, was called an “ark of the Lord” and was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. The ark was to be housed in the innermost sanctum of the tabernacle. Inside are placed the two tablets of stone only that Moses received at Horeb.’ However, in Heb 9:4, the golden urn with the manna and Aaron’s staff that budded are said to be placed inside.
“The bowl of manna and Aaron’s staff were not usually inside the ark of the covenant, but rather beside it. God’s command in Exodus 16:33 was for Moses to place the manna “before the LORD” (ESV) or “in a sacred place before the LORD” (NLT). Similarly, the staff was to be placed “before the testimony” (Numbers 17:10, ESV) or “permanently before the Ark of the Covenant” (NLT). So, the manna and the staff were kept in the same place as the tablets of stone, but it’s possible they were not, strictly speaking, inside the ark.”[www.gotquestions.org]
It’s because of the covenant that God made with the Jews through Moses that this box is also called the ‘ark of the covenant”. He promised blessings and chastisements if either they obey or disobey His laws, respectively. Simply said, it was a conditional covenant.
The day finally came to transfer the ark of the Lord from Zion[ the city of David] to the newly finished temple. King Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel. He and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, were sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered.
It was a day worth celebrating without a doubt. We must always cherish the truth that God loves us so that He initiated to reach for us. As the ark of the covenant, He sent His only begotten Son who became flesh and dwelt among us. And as John exclaims, “and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”[John 1:14]
Should the glory of the Lord shines, men must be out of the picture. God deserves all the eternal praise and glory. Moreover, nobody can stand in proximity with God, not even the priests.
1 Kings 7:13-14 ESV
13 And King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre. 14 He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze. And he was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his work.
HIRAM, THE METALSMITH.
There are three persons named Hiram in the bible. The first two are the King of Tyre[1 Kings 5:1] and the grandson of Benjamin.[1 Chron 8:3-5]
But, another man named Hiram worked on Solomon’s temple as a metalsmith. He was from Tyre, as was his father, and his mother was from the tribe of Naphtali. “Hiram the metalsmith is referred to as Huram in 2 Chronicles 4:11 but called Huram-abi in 2 Chronicles 2:13 and 4:16. Abi means “master.”[ https://www.gotquestions.org/Huram-Hiram.html]
He was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. Like Hiram, it’s important to know our gifts and skills. Let’s be aware that all of us had at least a gift from the Spirit. Paul said, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” [1 Cor 12:4-6] Do you know what is your gift?
Moreover, Hiram made himself available in times of need. And, he did an excellent job [see 1 Kings 7:15-58] Doesn’t God say, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”[Ecc 9:10] Our time and opportunity may not come again. Let’s be “making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”[Eph 5:16,17]
Identifying our giftedness and making ourselves available are what we need in effectively serving the Lord. Who you are [ with your gifts] is God’s gift to you. What we do with our lives [ in using our gifts] is our gift to Him.
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1 Kings 6:11-13 ESV
11 Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, 12 “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.”
GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE TEMPLE.
After seven years of construction, the temple of Solomon was finished. In terms of beauty and cost, it was matchless. It was built with the choicest materials; hewn stones and cedar and cypress timbers overlaid with gold and silver. Its cost today may be estimated to 3 to 6 billion U.S. dollars.
However, the true value of the temple is the presence of God, isn’t it? Similarly, heaven becomes meaningful because God is there. And the way to ensure God’s abiding presence is their obedience. God said, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.” Failure to heed and walk according to God’s statutes, commandments and rules will cause God to forsake them.
Today, having a beautiful church building where God’s people can gather for worship and fellowship is a good idea. It becomes wrong only when the people content themselves more with it and the activities in it more than God’s presence. Functions should be taken into consideration more than forms.
As a church, in fact, Paul argued that it’s only the indwelling of God through the Spirit that makes it holy. He said, “ Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.”[1 Cor 3:16,17]
Let’s not forget that loving God being demonstrated by keeping His words matters most. Jesus said, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him. If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” [ John 14:21,23]
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1 Kings 5:13-18 ESV
13 King Solomon drafted forced labor out of all Israel, and the draft numbered 30,000 men. 14 And he sent them to Lebanon, 10,000 a month in shifts. They would be a month in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of the draft. 15 Solomon also had 70,000 burden-bearers and 80,000 stonecutters in the hill country, 16 besides Solomon's 3,300 chief officers who were over the work, who had charge of the people who carried on the work. 17 At the king's command they quarried out great, costly stones in order to lay the foundation of the house with dressed stones. 18 So Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the men of Gebal did the cutting and prepared the timber and the stone to build the house.
FOUNDATIONS.
King Solomon launched a massive preparation for the temple building. His workforce by the tens of thousands to prepare the timber and stones had shown it. A staggering number of 183,300 workers deployed onsite. Aside from the best of timbers from Tyre, they quarried out great, costly stones in order to lay the foundation of the house with dressed stones.
Since the strength of a building lies in its foundation, its importance shouldn’t be ignored. “These great stones” were to hold the structure above it and keep it upright. According to C. Stanley, “These great stones were at least twelve feet every way, and fifteen feet every way. If you just cast it up, you will find they weighed about 250 tons each. There was one stone in the temple, after its restoration, thirty feet by thirteen by seven and a half feet. There are similar great stones in the ruins at Balbec, which may have been built by Solomon, called the "House of the forest of Lebanon. The temple was built on a rock, by the side of a frightful precipice. We are told by historians that 600 feet of foundation work had to be built to the level, on one side, where Solomon's porch stood. The foundation stones were dovetailed, or mortised, in a most wonderful manner into the very rock. The joint was so finely wrought that it could scarcely be found. Thus they were rooted, and grounded, and built, into the very rock.”[
https://www.stempublishing.com/authors/stanley/great_stones.html]
When talking about our spirituality and morality, the psalmist asks, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”[Psa 11:3] And we must recognize that Jesus’ life and work is our foundation. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 3:5-16.) Such claim is a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy that Peter wrote,” For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”[1 Pet 2:6]
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1 Kings 5:6-12 ESV
6 Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”
7 As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the Lord this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people.” 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message that you have sent to me. I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber. 9 My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes by providing food for my household.” 10 So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, 11 while Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year. 12 And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.
A FAVOR FROM A FRIEND.
King Solomon had recognized the friendship of Hiram with his father David. He knew that the king of Tyre was aware to David’s desire to build the temple. This, had prompted him to ask him the favor to supply the timber needed for the house of God. Hiram as the father’s friend became the son’s friend as well. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.
A friend in need is a friend in deed. Hiram was available to supply what Solomon wanted. Isn’t availability one of the most important traits of a friend? Of what help is a friend who’s not there when you needed him most?
Moreover, Solomon had acknowledged Hiram’s exceptional skill. He said, “ there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.” Hiram did not fail his expectations. True friends won’t settle to do for the second best in helping their friend, would they?
And, there was mutuality in their friendship. As Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year.
Today, let’s not forget that Jesus is known as a “friend of sinners” (Luke 7:34) What could He get from sinners? And, He has promised us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Indeed, Jesus is truly the Friend who sticks closer than a brother [Prov 18:24] Thus, blessed are those who have Him as their Friend (John 15:14).
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1 Kings 5:1-5 ESV
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David. 2 And Solomon sent word to Hiram, 3 “You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune. 5 And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’
MY TIME IS IN GOD’S HANDS.
At long last, there was rest in the kingdom. There was neither adversary nor misfortune anymore. King Solomon had inherited this from his father, the late king David. Most importantly, he had also caught the vision of David, that is, to “build a house for the name of the Lord his God.”
David, the man after God’s own heart, had the passion to build the temple. The fact that his friend Hiram, king of Tyre, knew it well means that he was very open about it. 1 Chron 22:1-5 has accounted, “Then David said, “This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” So David commanded to gather the aliens who were in the land of Israel; and he appointed masons to cut hewn stones to build the house of God. And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails of the doors of the gates and for the joints, and bronze in abundance beyond measure, and cedar trees in abundance; for the Sidonians and those from Tyre brought much cedar wood to David. Now David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparation for it.” His wasn’t yet the time. But, David made abundant preparations for it before his death.
Our time is in God’s hands. David wrote,” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!” [Psa 31:15] Simply put, God, in His sovereignty, is arranging the ‘ups and downs’ and ‘twists and turns’ of our lives.
David did pray, plan and prepare, didn’t he? He saw to it that his desire was aligned to God’s will before planning and preparing to build it. However, it was God who accomplished it through his son Solomon, after his death. Did he fail because he wasn’t able to see the temple? Definitely not.
Perhaps, God intends that some of our present visions and desires will happen at a distant future. Nevertheless, it’s important therefore to pursue it and prepare for it for the next generation. David had cast the vision and Solomon materialized it. And, Solomon recognized this perfect time.
Indeed, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”[Prov 19:21] Simply put, our plans must subscribed to His purposes. His purpose should overrule our plans, including the time and seasons in executing it. Either, we are like David to cast the vision or Solomon who make the vision real. Similarly, Paul had recognized this in the kingdom’s work. He wrote, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” [1 Cor 3:6]
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1 Kings 4:20-34 ESV
20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
22 Solomon's provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour and sixty cors of meal, 23 ten fat oxen, and twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened fowl. 24 For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him. 25 And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon. 26 Solomon also had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen. 27 And those officers supplied provisions for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon's table, each one in his month. They let nothing be lacking. 28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where it was required, each according to his duty.
29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, 30 so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. 32 He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. 33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. 34 And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.
THE GLORY OF KING SOLOMON.
The kingdom of Solomon had reached to its zenith politically, militarily and economically. “Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.” [v.20,21]
“For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him. And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon.” [v.24,25]
He was most famous as the wisest king in all of the east including Egypt.[see v.30]. Thus, people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. [v.34]
Indeed, the glory and magnificence of King Solomon was undeniable that the Queen of Sheba came from the “ends of the earth” to see. Yet, Jesus, referring to himself, said, “Behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” [Matt 12:42b] John exclaimed, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14]
And instead of chasing after Solomon’s fame and glory, we should glory in the way God had esteemed each one of us uniquely. Solomon was clothed in the best finery in the world and his kingdom flowed with gold and silver. He lived in great luxury. However Jesus says, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”[Matt 6:28,29]. e sees the splendor of the lilies' beauty surpasses even Solomon's, though they do nothing to put it on. You and I are more glorious in the sight of God.
1 Kings 3:16-28 ESv
16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman's son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king.
23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.
LOVE WINS
As both mothers were arguing furiously over the ownership to the infant, how did the king discern who was the real mother? There were no witnesses and clear evidences.
Out of the wisdom of God in him, King Solomon made the most bizarre and weird decision – to cut the baby in half, that is, to kill the baby. Was the king annoyed and impatient? Did the king forget that the goal was to give the baby alive to the rightful mom? It was only when we see the reactions of the respective moms that could see his point clearly.
The king’s purpose was to create a clear evidence where there was none. Apart from what he decided, there was no way to see their reactions and emotions. The one who is real broke down and gave up her claim while the culprit has no concern that the child be killed. How could a real mom afford to see her child split to half before her eyes? For her love, she desired her child should live even apart from her. True love is wanting the best to happen for her child even in this dire situation. She has had no hesitation to sacrifice. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” [1 Cor 13:7,8a] She won by yielding. She gained her child through losing.
Does not God allow some perplexing circumstances in and through our lives in order to test our love? And like Solomon, God knows perfectly what He is doing. A man fell at the cliff and happened to grab with both hands at a root. He noticed the root is beginning to give way so that he shouted, “Help, is there anybody out there, Help!” And, he heard a voice, “ Son, I’m God, let go and I will catch you.” Silence. Then he shouted, “ Help, is there somebody else out there?”
Should our circumstance is uncertain, are we willing to give up our rights and give our King the benefit of the doubt/ Our God is too good to be unkind, too wise to commit mistakes.
1 Kings 3:3-15 ESV
3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
15 And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.
A WISE AND DISCERNING MIND.
Solomon was in Gibeon to sacrifice at the great high place. It’s because the ark of the covenant was there for no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord. [see v.2] Previously, the prophet Samuel blessed sacrifices that were offered at high places. (1 Sam 9:12–25]
It was here when the Lord appeared to him in a dream by night asking, “Ask what I shall give you?” Solomon in worship had humbly asked the Lord, “And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
He asked the right thing. And, the Lord was so pleased. Thus, aside from giving a wise and understanding heart, God gave Solomon “both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with him, all his days”[v.12,13]
In fact Solomon later wrote, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." [Prov 4:7 KJV] Wisdom is far more valuable than any material possession, see Prov 3:13–15 says;
In fact, riches were given as an add-on to Solomon. Hence, the wisest thing we can do is to seek wisdom. In modern parlance, we may say "the first rule of wisdom is to always ask for more wisdom from God. "And, we’ve got to take note that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”[Prov 9:10] Despising this we would become fools.[see Prov 1:7].
1 Kings 3:1-2 ESV Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh's daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. 2 The people were sacrificing at the high places, however, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord.
PRAGMATISM Taking Pharaoh’s daughter in a marriage alliance was no doubt a political measure of Solomon in order to strengthen his kingdom’s influence. A pragmatic move to foster relationships with the most powerful of his neighbors. But, should political advancements be considered even in violation to the laws of God? Was not Solomon charged by David to ‘walk in God’s ways and to keep his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses’?[1 Kings 2:3]
“God had strictly forbidden his people to form alliances with heathenish women, lest they should lead their hearts away from him into idolatry. Let us hear the law: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son; for they will turn away thy son from following me, etc. Exodus 34:16; Deuteronomy 7:3, Deuteronomy 7:4. Now Solomon acted in direct opposition to these laws; and perhaps in this alliance were sown those seeds of apostasy from God and goodness in which he so long lived, and in which he so awfully died.” [Adam Clarke]
It’s not surprising that the world operates prejudiced towards pragmatism. In an environment of ‘survival to the fittest’, pragmatism thrives. As somebody said, “Hindi na ngayon panahon ni Kristo kung di sa mga listo.” What works at the moment may not be right. In other words, the end does not justify the means. Solomon may had found success in befriending the world. But, he estranged himself from God. As James said, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” [Jas 4:4] At the end of the day, he had to settle this with Jehovah.
Doing what is right and pleasing to God must be our pursuit. It may not be practical. In fact, it may cause us to receive oppositions. However, let us remember that those who honor God , He will honor someday. [1 Sam 2:30]
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1 Kings 2:36-46 ESV
36 Then the king sent and summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there to any place whatever. 37 For on the day you go out and cross the brook Kidron, know for certain that you shall die. Your blood shall be on your own head.” 38 And Shimei said to the king, “What you say is good; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.
39 But it happened at the end of three years that two of Shimei's servants ran away to Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. And when it was told Shimei, “Behold, your servants are in Gath,” 40 Shimei arose and saddled a donkey and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants. Shimei went and brought his servants from Gath. 41 And when Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and returned, 42 the king sent and summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the Lord and solemnly warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and go to any place whatever, you shall die’? And you said to me, ‘What you say is good; I will obey.’ 43 Why then have you not kept your oath to the Lord and the commandment with which I commanded you?” 44 The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your own heart all the harm that you did to David my father. So the Lord will bring back your harm on your own head. 45 But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever.” 46 Then the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck him down, and he died.
PALABRA DE HONOR
King Solomon had followed the words of his father David concerning Shimei, a relative of Saul who onced cursed him. As an act of grace, David allowed him to build his house in Jerusalem. But, he had warned him sternly to stay foot always in Jerusalem. Otherwise, he will take his life if found guilty. Simei, in return, had commended the king’s word and promised to keep it. One mistake will be enough. There will be no second chances.
But, after three years when Shimei’s two servants fled to king Achish at Gath, he pursued them there to seek them. He broke his vow. He violated the king’s word willfully. What were he thinking? that it was outdated? that the king had changed? that his case was an exception to the rule?
The king’s edict is authoritative, final and irrevocable. His law must be respected at all times. How many times we play down the character of God as just and righteous. Thus, we say glibly, “God is love so He won’t inflict pain unto me because of my sin.” Yes, God is love. But, he isn’t equivocal too. He is holy and righteous. He has pure eyes to see evil. [Hab 1:3]
Shimei had taken lightly the words of the king. But, King Solomon did not. Thus, he commanded his general Benaiah to execute Shemei as proven guilty. Like Solomon, had not Jesus warned us to take seriously his words? He said, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”[John 12:48] It is impossible for God to lie. [Heb 6:18]. Let us therefore respect His words. God is true to His words.[Matt 24:35]
Let’s take note that Solomon had concluded in the book of Ecclesiastes, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”[Ecc 12:31]. What God says really matters at the end.
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1 Kings 2:28-35 ESV
28 When the news came to Joab—for Joab had supported Adonijah although he had not supported Absalom—Joab fled to the tent of the Lord and caught hold of the horns of the altar. 29 And when it was told King Solomon, “Joab has fled to the tent of the Lord, and behold, he is beside the altar,” Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” 30 So Benaiah came to the tent of the Lord and said to him, “The king commands, ‘Come out.’” But he said, “No, I will die here.” Then Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, “Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.” 31 The king replied to him, “Do as he has said, strike him down and bury him, and thus take away from me and from my father's house the guilt for the blood that Joab shed without cause. 32 The Lord will bring back his bloody deeds on his own head, because, without the knowledge of my father David, he attacked and killed with the sword two men more righteous and better than himself, Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah. 33 So shall their blood come back on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants forever. But for David and for his descendants and for his house and for his throne there shall be peace from the Lord forevermore.” 34 Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and struck him down and put him to death. And he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. 35 The king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada over the army in place of Joab, and the king put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar.
VAIN RELIGIOSITY.
Joab in desperation had ran out of options to save his life but to went inside the sanctuary and lay hold upon the horns of the altar, a place of refuge. Suddenly, this rascal and murderer had appeared religious. Was he expecting that the same freedom granted to Adonijah be given to him also?
As he was summoned by the king to come out, he said, “No I will die here.” He got what he wanted. Our King of kings has summoned us to come out from our religious obstinacy humbly. But sadly, many do stick their heads and say, “I will die in my religion that I was born.” No religion can save us from our sins. Only the blood of Christ can atone us from our sins. [see 1 John 1:7]
Joab’s holding upon the altar did not help. Spurgeon had said, “Your hands, which are superstitiously laid upon the altar’s horns, might as well be placed upon your weapons of rebellion. Outward emblems can do you no good whatever if you remain unspiritual. Without faith in Christ, even the ordinances of God become things to condemn you”
Similarly, any form of religiosity won’t help anybody before God. Our righteousness, though how good it appears outside, is as filthy rags before God. [see Isa 64:6] Like Paul, let us be “be found in him, not having a righteousness of our own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”[Phil 3:9]
Unlike Joab, let’s be poor in spirit, mourn and meek to recognize our utter unworthiness. This is the only way we can receive the rich mercy of God’s forgiveness and salvation.
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1 Kings 2:13-18,22-25 ESV
13 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, “Do you come peacefully?” He said, “Peacefully.” 14 Then he said, “I have something to say to you.” She said, “Speak.” 15 He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully expected me to reign. However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother's, for it was his from the Lord. 16 And now I have one request to make of you; do not refuse me.” She said to him, “Speak.” 17 And he said, “Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” 18 Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”
22 King Solomon answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and on his side are Abiathar the priest and Joab the son of Zeruiah.” 23 Then King Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, “God do so to me and more also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life! 24 Now therefore as the Lord lives, who has established me and placed me on the throne of David my father, and who has made me a house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today.” 25 So King Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he struck him down, and he died.
AN IMPENITENT HEART.
Despite the insurrection that Adonijah did, Solomon had granted him clemency. “And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”[1 Kings 1:52] He came and paid homage to King Solomon but there was no evidence that he was repentant.
Adonijah did not keep silent. He approached Bathsheba to talk and persuade Solomon that Abishag, the Shunnamite woman, be given to her as his wife. Why didn’t he approach Solomon himself? His scheming had infuriated Solomon. He said to his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and on his side are Abiathar the priest and Joab the son of Zeruiah.” This silly move had cost Adonijah’s life.
He abused the favor that Solomon had shown upon him. Clearly, he did not change. His subtlety showed it. Similarly, the same predicament we could observe nowadays. “God makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” [Matt 5:45] And this outpouring of God’s goodness is perceived by many as an entitlement, is it not? “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” [Rom 1:21].
God’s goodness is as the sun that either soften the wax or harden the clay. As Paul articulated, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.”[Rom 2:4,5]
Hence, it’s only a penitent heart that could say humbly in his heart in worship each day,
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness”[Lam 3:22-23]
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1 Kings 2:5-12 ESV
5 “Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet. 6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother. 8 And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.”
10 Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
PAYBACK
At his deathbed, David had recollected the deeds of Joab, Barzillai and Shemei towards him. His silence in the past did not mean that he had forgotten what they did. He instructed Solomon to let Joab pay for his cold blooded murder of Abner and Amasa, respectively. And to Shimei, who once cursed David, Solomon should not put him to death with the sword but in a house arrest in Jerusalem until his death. On the other hand, he must he must show favor to the sons of Barzillai, the Gileadite who helped him while he fled from Absalom. In the same manner, God’s justice may run slowly but surely. Sooner or later, let’s be warned as Num 32:23 says, “be sure your sin will find you out.”
David’s requests were not vindictive in nature, were they? They were just and righteous. They should reap commensurate to what they had sown. As Paul had expressed, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”[Gal 6:7,8]
Similarly, each of us will give account to our king someday. There is no escape. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”[2 Cor 5:10]
Unlike Joab and Shimei, let’s serve the King of kings loyally like Barzillai. Why? “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.”[Heb 6:10]
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1 Kings 2:1-4 ESV
When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
SHOW YOURSELF A MAN
These "last words" of King David were especially significant. He charged Solomon, “Be strong, and show yourself a man.” Unlike David, Solomon grew up in the palace. David had fought ferocious animals as a shepherd, even killed a giant as a young lad. But, Solomon did not.
What does it take for Solomon to become the man of God? He must be a man of courage.. And, this is qualified by tests and trials. A typhoon does not make a building strong, does it? It is proven strong if it stands after the storm. Thus “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” [Prov 24:10] As James articulated, “ Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” [Jas 1:2-4]
What should he be courageous about? Solomon has to ‘keep the charge of the Lord his God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses. David's reference to "The Law of Moses," is in the very terminology of Deuteronomy 18:17-20. The conviction to uphold the truth at all cost is a demonstration of manliness in God.
Lastly, there was a corresponding promise. Should David’s sons ‘walk before God in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, David shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ To preserve His kingship, Solomon has to uphold the truth in his heart faithfully.
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1 Kings 1:49-53 ESV
49 Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. 50 And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” 52 And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”
FEAR BRINGS TORMENT.
When Adonijah knew that Solomon was anointed king, he trembled in fear. Was not his fear re-enforced upon knowing that ‘all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way.’[v.49] The loyalty of his people was proven lacking in times of the crucible. Alone and deserted, he ‘laid hold of the horns of the altar’ for safety.
“The horns of the altar in Jerusalem had provided a refuge for fugitives. Those who caught hold of the horns of the altar were granted asylum (1 Kings 1:50-53). This use of the horns sheds additional light on God’s statement in Amos 3:14.” [https://www.gotquestions.org/horns-of-the-altar.html]
A similar reaction King Saul did earlier. “When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits.”[1 Sam 13:6] In panic , Saul offered the burnt sacrifice forbidden for him to do.
Fear is felt when we’re vulnerable and threatened by a coming danger we can’t handle, specially death. While Adonijah took refuge at the horn of the altar, we doubt whether he was sincerely repentant and broken. Many people are fearful to the consequence of their sins more than their respect[reverential fear] to the Living and Righteous God.
God should be feared. However, He forgives and loves the truly repentant sinner. [2 Cor 7:10] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [Rom 8:1] Hence, to every true believer, ‘there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.’ [1 John 4:18]
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1 Kings 1:32-37 ESV
32 King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. 33 And the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. 34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 You shall then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” 36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, say so. 37 As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”
SOLOMON, THE NEW KING.
Adonijah’s manipulation did not materialize. In the nick of time, King David proclaimed Solomon as the the next king. He was the son of David and Bathsheba, the former wife of Uriah the Hittite whom David had killed to hide his adultery with Bathsheba while her husband was on the battle front. He was the one chosen by God.
Out of David’s sin of adultery with Bathsebah and murder of her husband Uriah, Solomon was born. With this backdrop, it’s incredible that he became the third king of Israel. A display of the grace of God obviously. Who would think that he would be chosen as the king among the sons of David?
Thus, we should not look at our stupidity and sinfulness today as carving our fate on a rock. Like David, we could confess and repent so that God will forgive and give us a new lease of life. [see Psa 32 and 51] The past is gone and a new future is dawning. As C. S Lewis said, “You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Grace is ‘God’s Renewal At Christ’s Expense.” There is a new life in Christ. As Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” [2 Cor 5:17]
Just like David and Bathsebah’s lives with Solomon, our lives could have a new turn. God is all the reason behind all of our blessings in life. We are nobodies because of our sins. We lost it all but in Christ, we gain it all.
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1 Kings 1:5-10 ESV
5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom. 7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David's mighty men were not with Adonijah.
9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent's Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, 10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother.
THE DESIRE FOR POWER.
“I will be king” was the mantra of Adonijah. He was the fourth son of King David with Haggith, one of David’s wives. And, he was handsome and flamboyant.[v.5,6] On top of all, he was spoiled. His misbehavior was that King David had neglected his discipline: “His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” (v.6). His desire was unabated believing he can get what he always wanted. When David was old, he gathered an army and proclaimed himself as the new king , regardless for the fact that David had chosen Solomon as his successor. Some influential men supported Adonijah’s move, including Joab, the captain of the army; and Abiathar the priest. But others opposed his plans, including Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and David’s wife Bathsheba. As a result, they were not invited by Adonijah, when he threw a big party for all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the royal officials of Judah.
Adonijah did not succeed. Jesus says, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”[Luke 14:11] The taste of power could be so pleasant, if not addictive. Is this the reason why many politicians stay in power? It’s as the wolf licking blood being coated at a hunter’s knife. After awhile, the wolf is oblivious to the fact that he is licking his own blood to his death. Thus the saying, absolute power corrupts absolutely. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18]
In contrast, Jesus is king who humbled himself. As a result, He is exalted. Paul wrote, “who, though he[Jesus] was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”[Phil 2:6-11]
Thus today, may we be careful not to have the haughtiness like Adonijah but the humility like Christ.
“Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
He had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
He had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
He had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
So, Who is He? He is the Jesus of Nazareth! - anonymous
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1 Kings 1:1-4 ESV
Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. 2 Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.” 3 So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.
ENCOURAGE THE WEAK.
Age and weariness had caught up David [ age 70+ perhaps] so that ‘he could not get warm’ by himself. His condition of hypothermia is common to old people. The once tough shepherd- warrior who had endured many cold Judean nights in the open now is seen trembling in cold inside his beautiful palace.
Even with extra blankets couldn’t keep the elderly king warm and alleviate his condition. Thus, his servants had hired Abishag, a beautiful Shunammite young woman, to serve the king by lying with the king to make him warm.
“It was proper because it was a recognized medical treatment in the ancient world, mentioned by the ancient Greek doctor Galen. When Josephus described this in his Antiquities of the Jews, he said that this was a medical treatment and he called the servants of 1 Kings 1:2 “physicians.” [ by David Guzik]
“Abishag was neither a wife nor a concubine, but her position in the king’s household gave her such high prestige that David’s son Adonijah asked to marry her after the king’s death, but Solomon recognized this as an attempt by Adonijah to make himself king, and he had his brother executed (1 Kings 2:21–25).”[by gotquestions.org]
Hence, it was more of helping the worsening physical condition to an aging David. There was no sexual relationship whatsoever.[see v.4] Unlike before, our old folks today may avail to thermal blankets to keep them warm. But, what about their spiritual wamth? How could we support them to be spiritually warm?
Paul wrote, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” [1 Thess 5:11]
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Philippians 4:18-20 ESV
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
GOD WILL SUPPLY OUR EVERY NEED.
The gifts Paul received were fruits credited to the Philippian’s account. Gifts given that are more than what is expected does demonstrate generosity, doesn’t it? And as such, it’s an outflow from a heart of worship - a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. We don’t live under the requirements of the sacrificial system anymore, do we? Today however, we could show our joy unto the Lord through other expressions of worship such as the sharing of gifts and resources to the ministry.
Is our giving an outflow of worship? “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”[2 Cor 9:7] let’s not forget that the motive and manner of giving matter most to God in the worship through giving. This is the reason why the widow’s giving of two mites was acceptable than the Pharisees.[see Luke 21:1-4]
Such giving is assured of God’s promise. That is, ‘And God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.’ [v.19] The conjunction ‘and’ manifests it clearly. Those who honor God, He would honor surely. [1 Sam 2:30] Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”[Luke 6:38]
This promise, therefore, is particularly to those who honor God by supporting or partnering in the ministry of the gospel. Many believers had presumably claim this promise, believing that this is an unconditional promise. Absolutely, God does provide the needs to those who seek Him first in their lives. [Matt 6:33] Could a loving and faithful King starve His subjects who are loyal to Him?
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1 Peter 2:24-25 ESV
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
THANK GOD IT’S GOOD FRIDAY.
A blessed ‘Good Friday’ greeting to all.
As we commemorate the passion and death of Christ, let’s go back to its true significance. The restrictions to do religious gatherings and festivities today may cause many to feel that we individually can focus on its spiritual significance.
Why did Jesus suffer at the cross?
Jesus had carried all our sins on the cross in His body. His death is the payment for all our sins. He became our substitute, dying the death we deserved. The God who judges justly (1 Pet 2:23) had judged Christ for our sin during His crucifixion. God has poured His wrath towards His own Son in order to satisfy the payment for our sin. As the apostle Paul wrote, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:21]
By His perfect sacrifice at the cross, we have been freed from the penalty and power of sin. Such freedom is through grace by faith alone in Christ.[ Eph 2:8,9] Believers are free and empowered now to live a righteous life. We don't have to sin; we are free to make right choices that please and honor our God (1 Cor 10:13) Otherwise, we are all miserable and hopeless before the holy God.
After a weary week long work at the work places, many people do express a sigh of relief saying, “Thank God its Friday!” How I wish many do breath a sigh of spiritual relief also today, to say, “Thank God it’s Good Friday!” This is only possible to everyone who had sincerely received forgiveness and salvation from sin by faith in Christ. Have you trusted Jesus in your heart as your Savior and Lord as yet? I hope and pray you did. And, if you have not done it yet, may today you’ll do. And this day will really be a “Good Friday” to you, even all the rest of the days of your life.
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Philippians 4:14-17 ESV
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
A GIFT AND A FRUIT
Undeniably, the Philippians faithfulness in their partnership of the gospel was demonstrated in their financial support to Paul. For the record, no church aside from them had entered into partnership with him in giving and receiving when he entered Macedonia, and even after he left the region.
Their gifts were properly acknowledged as their show of their kindness to share in his trouble. Indeed, it was a ‘gift’ credited to Paul’s account. At another angle however, Paul had looked at it as ‘fruit’ credited to their account. This was what Paul was after of which marked his posture of ‘looking not his own interest but the interest[good] of others as well.’[Phil 2:4] His satisfaction was seeing the brethren bearing fruit, was it not?
Is our gift a fruit? Not all giving are fruits of a growing relationship with God. Definitely, the Pharisees gave their tithes for show. The reason the widow with her two mites with the right motive of love was commended by Christ than they all. It’s not the amount but the reason behind the giving.
Growing Christians are generous givers. As they abide in Christ, they bear fruits continually. One of the expressions of their love is an outflow of generosity for the Lord’s work and causes. Thus, we must focus on ‘fertilizing’ the hearts of the believers in our churches. Was this not Paul’s focus even in his prayer? He said, “ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” [Phil 1:9-11]
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Philippians 4:11-13 ESV
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
CONTENTMENT
Having been incarcerated in Rome, he was at a time of great need certainly. Even so, Paul had expressed joy and contentment. Before this, he has had his fair share of hardships in life in Palestine, experiencing five floggings, three beatings, a stoning, three shipwrecks, and more. [see 2 Cor 11:23-29]
Contentment is neither natural nor automatic. It’s a learned attitude and skill. God, in His sovereignty, does allow us to experience all the various difficulties in life in order to produce this fortitude. Contentment couldn’t be produced by any other means.
Hence, there must be the willingness as student to endure through the school of contentment. There is a deliberate choice to be content, in the power of Christ. Paul had gone without food at times and had been given plenty of food at other times; lived with much and with little. He had experienced hunger and thirst, was without friends, and many more.
Despite his frequent need, and harsh treatment, Paul did emphatically affirm, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”[v.13] That is, he has his confidence that God will allow him to endure under all kinds of circumstances.[ see 2 Cor 3:4; 7:16; 8:22; 10:2; 11:17; Gal 5:10; Eph 3:12; 2 Thess 3:4] His affirmation is consistent with the gospel teachings that ‘nothing is impossible with God’ (Matt 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37). Job 42:2 declares that ‘God can do anything’. Paul did assert also that if God is for us, who can be against us, didn’t he? (Rom 8:31) A perspective that is found also in Jeremiah 32:17, that is, ‘nothing is too hard for the Lord.’
Let’s not apply Paul’s statement, however, out of context. He specifically was referring to the ability of a Christian to endure hardships and persecution. Despite well-meaning use of this verse, this does not warrant that a Christian is empowered to accomplish any task he wants simply because he is a believer.
Clearly, what Paul had expressed here has a direct relation with what James had encouraged us to do in the midst of trials. James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.’[Jas 1:2-4]
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Philippians 4:10 ESV
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
BE A BLESSING.
Paul rejoiced to feel the concern of the brethren at Philippi once more. The generosity of the Philippian Christians was consistent and was much appreciated by Paul. Previously, he had expressed, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phi 1:3–6).
He recognized that the brethren at Philippi had the commitment and sincere interest in his well-being. They were seeking always for an opportunity. There is readiness in a generous heart to grab an opportunity to help. As Paul had encouraged us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”[Gal 6:9,10]
Paul said that ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’[Acts 20:35] Blessedness is associated always with giving – not only treasures but time, service and even prayers towards others. You can’t give what you don’t have, can you? We don’t need to have much before we can bless, do we? Jesus had said, “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”[Matt 10:42]
Let’s find an opportunity to be a blessing today. There are people in the ministry of the gospel like Paul who need our support. Not necessarily material help, but even prayers and encouragements could be a great factor. Can the soldiers at the frontlines advance without the supply and service battalion behind?
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Philippians 4:9 ESV
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
JUST DO IT.
“Just do it” is a popular Nike Company slogan. And, we see these posters at the malls with Michael Jordan’s pose at the background most commonly. It sounds simple yet compelling, isn’t it? The grandest intention is no better than the smallest deed.
The joy, gentleness and peace will only be wishes when the ‘these things’ aren’t put into action. This is the working of the Spirit that we must appropriate by faith. [see Gal 5:22-23]These were what they had ‘learned, received and heard’ from Paul. His instructions are not merely for information or affirmation, but for transformation. They must be put into action. The use of the original word ‘prassete’[Greek] implies an ongoing, daily effort. This is not a one-time attempt or short-term effort to follow God.
Similarly, the Lord Jesus had emphasized the blessedness of doing, specially in servanthood. He said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”[ John 13:14-17]
Definitely, a person who is a hearer only and not a doer is deceived. Aware or not, he is fooling himself. As James had pointed out, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” [Jas 1:22-25]
The practicing Christian is assured of the presence of the ‘God of peace.’ Thus today, as we hear God’s word, may we be quick to do and be faithful in doing it. As the psalmist had committed, by saying;
‘ I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.’ [Psa 119:60]
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Philippians 4:8 ESV
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
RIGHT THINKING.
What is true, lovely, just, commendable, pure, excellent, honorable, and praiseworthy, believers were to "think about these things." While God is guarding our hearts (Phil 4:7), we are also enjoined to focus our lives on things that please God.
Throughout Paul's epistles, God's involvement in every aspect of our lives is emphasized. Yet at the same time, we are commanded to strive to live according to God's ways. Paul had commanded us, saying “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”[Phil 2:12,13] God’s working is the reason why we should be working too. As our pattern, Paul was faithful in prayer, yet he gave every bit of his life to serve and sacrifice to the Lord.
God has lavished us with His grace already. Peter said, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”[2 Pet 1:3,4] Hence, we have to appropriate all these by faith to live and think godly.
All of our ungodly thoughts do come from our deceitful hearts. Jesus had said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” [Matt 15:19] Thus we must ‘keep our heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.’[Prov 4:23]
Thus, we must recognize the fickleness of our hearts and consecrate them unto the Lord, moment by moment. As the psalmist prayed;
“ Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”[Psa 19:13,14]
“ Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!” [Psa 139:23,24]
Today, let us be meditating upon the word of God. The hidden word in the heart deters us from sin.[Psa 119:11] As Paul had admonished us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”[2 Cor 10:4,5]
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Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER AND PEACE.
Undeniably, we have all the reasons to be anxious in today’s world, most specially, the uncertainty and threat of Covid-19 pandemic. The thought of it is so overwhelming.
However, God has offered us the privilege of prayer. Instead of being burdened, we should cast all our cares unto the Lord for he cares for us. [1 Pet 5:7] We have to pray not only at all times [1 Thess 5:17] but for everything as well. Since, with God nothing is impossible[Luke 1:37], no need is too big for Him to handle. Thus, it’s futile to classify needs as big and small that most think about. That is, they think there are things they can handle and not pray about it. And, they’re only pray that which they can’t. Simply put, let us worry nothing and pray for everything.
Prayer and supplications should be seasoned with thanksgiving. Why? A thankful heart does demonstrate faith and reverence to God, does it not? There is a strong confidence that God is in control. And, that He knows what He is doing.
This kind of prayer results to ‘peace that passes all understanding’. Such peace is both beyond the comprehension of any man and couldn’t be produced by any man. The peace despite problems is incomprehensible but true. No circumstance can affect the hear, guarded by the peace of God in Christ This is a gift of Jesus who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” [John 14:27]
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Philippians 4:5 ESV
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
BE GENTLE.
Should believers be noted for having an attitude of joy, they must be known also with gentleness towards all types of people. Christians must manifest graciousness, reasonableness, moderation and being considerate. They must not be seen as easily irritated or coerced, but rather as gentle people who can deal with difficulties in relationships maturely. Paul's request to Euodia and Syntyche to settle their public disagreements had provided the context to the need of gentleness, not rudeness.
Since Jesus is coming very soon, we have the reason to ‘take things easy’ or for being tolerant with people and not be harsh unto them. Should we are provoked, why do we take things in our hands when the “Lord is at hand’? That is, the Judge is standing at the door? An awareness that God is present does prevent us from panic, doesn’t it? Psa 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Thus, the writer had admonished us,
““Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”[Psa 46:10]
Gentleness, therefore, isn’t a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s a posture of strength as the pliant bamboo that sways during storms without breaking. The tough Christian is likewise when being tried who is tolerant and tender before his assailants.
As Paul himself did testify, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”[2 Cor 4:8-10] Such strength, however, is from God alone as Paul recognized, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” [2 Cor 4:7]
As we received the grace of God, we can be gracious also towards others.
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Philippians 4:4 ESV
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
REJOICE IN THE LORD.
Paul placed primary importance in rejoicing at all times, regardless to our circumstances. We should not forget that Paul penned these words while a prisoner in Rome. He had been falsely accused for some time, shipwrecked on the way there, bitten by a snake, and left under house arrest for two years (see Acts 27).
It should be noted that ‘the joy of the Lord is our strength.’[Neh 8:10] take for example a wife secured in her relationship with her husband is joyful, isnt it? Therefore, any temptation or solicitation from the enemy for the wife to doubt and discredit the goodness of her husband carries no traction. Simply said, we need to have a settled conviction and satisfaction that God is always right and good do make us secured like Paul.
Having every reason to complain, Paul chose to rejoice instead. As our example of authenticity, he had walked his talk. Normally, people do conclude that joy and sadness correspond always with the pleasant and unpleasant experiences in life, respectively? Thus, how is it possible to rejoice in the Lord despite our difficult situations, just as Paul did? It is therefore a fruit of the Spirit. [see Gal 5:22]
In other words, joy is a posture within based upon our relationship with the Spirit. It’s a perspective, not a feeling. As Paul did testify, “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.’ [2 Cor 6:10] Let us then ‘be filled with the Spirit.’ [Eph 5:18b] If you seek joy, you won’t find it. But, if you seek God, you’ll surely have it. Things may give us happiness. But, God can only give us true joy in your heart. Like Paul, having a joyful attitude can transform our ‘prison’ into a ‘palace.’
In Christ, to ‘rejoice always’ then is possible. [1 Thess 5:16]
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Philippians 4:2-3 ESV
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
RESOLVING CONFLICTS.
Euodia and Syntyche were two particular women within the church, who apparently had some kind of disagreement. Paul rarely named names when referring to disagreements in the churches. The mention of both so specifically showed that they were well known in the congregation. Their dispute could be very public, even serious, or even both.
Their disagreements, however did not mean that they were terribly bad and irreconcilable. We know that both had served together with Paul, Clement, and the other godly leaders. Paul also said that their names were in the "book of life," noting his confidence that they were believers. This should strengthen the case for them to resolve and reconcile.
Christians are not perfect but forgiven people. Their struggle with the flesh is still real.[Gal 5:16,17] Thus, they may show carnality which needs to be addressed. This is the reason why Paul had stressed to strive towards unity by having a humble attitude like Christ. [see Phil 2:1-8]
At one time in Paul’s life, he himself had experienced a dispute with Barnabas which led to their split into two separate missionary teams (see Acts 15:36–41). Thankfully, they reconciled later. Certainly, this particular experience had prompted Paul to resolve this quarrel so that these two women would come together to work out their differences. This can’t be done without a help of a third party. Thus, an unnamed church leader was asked to help them in this process.
The health of the church is not seen in their endeavor to evade conflict. Evading conflict is equated with indifference in many instances. For example, two stones placed far from each other make no friction. But, when both are close to each other, frictions are inevitable. In other words, frictions[conflicts] in church may mean that members are close to each other. Hence, it is in our willingness to be vulnerable so that when conflicts arise we are going to resolve our conflicts effectively.
Today, let us keep ‘bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.’[Col 3:13]
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Philippians 4:1 ESV
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
STAND FIRM.
Our citizenship in heaven is too good but true. The prospect of eternal bliss should encourage us to hold our grip in Christ and not succumb to any discouragement. Paul had often taught us to "stand firm" (1 Cor16:13; 2 Cor 1:24; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:13; 2 Thess 2:15).
As Jesus had said to the disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”[John 14:1-3]
Thus, we must be realistic in this ‘perverse and crooked’ world. “For it has been granted to you[us] that for the sake of Christ you[we] should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”[Phil 1:27]. But Jesus had assured us, saying, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you[we] will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33]
Paul did not want to see the brethren at Philippi drift away from faithful service to Christ. They were very close to his heart – his loved, longed for, joy and crown. His desire was for them to keep “holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I[he] may be proud that I[he]did not run in vain or labor in vain.” [Phil 2:16]. Paul’s rejoicing is in seeing those he ministered blossoming in their walk with God. He declared to the Thessalonians,” For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?”[1 Thess 2;19]
Heaven is real. And, we are more than conquerors in Christ.[Rom 8:37] Let us then ‘be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.’[Eph 6:1]
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Philippians 3:20-21 ESV
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
CITIZENS IN HEAVEN.
Unlike the ‘enemies of the cross’, true believers should mind heavenly things. Why? They’re citizens in heaven. Everyone who receives Christ becomes one of God’s children.[John 1:12] And they are heirs of God in Christ. [Rom 8:16,17] This is ‘the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.’[2 Cor 8:9].
Thus, “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”[Eph 2:4-7]. Therefore, Christians, while here on earth temporarily, has already an heavenly status. Take for example Filipino tourists visiting a foreign country do remain as Filipinos, don’t they?
Our position as citizens in heaven should determine our posture and practices now. That we should be ready and excited in waiting the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And this waiting isn’t passively sitting down with folded hands. For Jesus has said,” Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”[Luke 12:43] May when Jesus come, he will find us with our boots on. An occupied life is the prepared life.
What should excite us to wait our Savior? It is because He will ‘transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.’ How would this happen? Paul, therefore, had articulated, saying;
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”[1 Cor 15:54-57]
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Philippians 3:17-19 ESV
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
BE AN EXAMPLE.
The Christian witness is muddled nowadays. We do need models to follow in our spiritual walk, don’t we? But, we have difficulty in ascertaining the real from the fake now as before.
According to Paul, these ‘impostors’ were showing up their ‘tears.’ This makes the tv religious broadcasts suspect when we see so much emotionalism and choreography. Let us be aware about their ‘crocodile tears’. They ‘walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.’ They are ‘having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions.”[2 Tim 3:5-6]
Thus, Paul had enjoined us to imitate him. Why? He was an authentic imitator of Christ. [1 Cor 11:1] Far from a sense of arrogance, Paul noted his own imperfection in Phil 3:12. Moreover, he acknowledged other godly examples apart from himself to follow. This was important during the beginning years of Christianity when persecutions and hardships were rampant among Christians. Even today, the lives of godly people, either seen in person or in a biography, do inspire us to devote our lives towards spiritual growth. Jesus did the same. He said, “ For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.’ (John 13:15).
In Heb 11, our heroes of faith are even mentioned to encourage us to run the race faithfully. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”[Heb 12:1-2]
May we be an example to others so that we inspire them to live for Christ. As Paul had challenged Timothy, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” [1 Tim 4:12]
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Philippians 3:15-16 ESV
15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
HAVE A MATURE THINKING.
Based on the previous verses, Paul did emphasize his resolve to know Christ and nothing else. He enjoined each one ‘who are mature’ to think in this same way. In putting the pursuit of Christ above all things, any excuse is unwarranted.
It seemed that as a concession, Paul had admonished those who know they are not walking in that path as yet. At the very least, we, his readers, should not fall back into our previous life. Press on and focus on Christ. But, it you are not, at the very least, do not lose your ground in Christ. In terms of his ‘race’ illustration, Paul was encouraging the Philippians to not back-pedal, even if they don't feel they're advancing.
The same encouragement that Paul did to the Corinthians, when he said, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”[1 Cor 15:58] “Being immovable and abounding” is a beautiful picture of a maturing Christian, is it not? His life may plateau for awhile but not sliding back. However, in due time he will abound and become fruitful.
Like trees, we have seasons of being vegetative and productiveness, respectively. Autumn and winter may cause the tree to shed off some leaves but the roots are still deeply engaged in sipping nutrients from the soil. In a little while, summer and spring may come so that the trees could flower and bear fruits again.
As the psalmist penned;
“but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.”[Psa 1:2,3]
The tree, whose roots have access to the river, isn’t much affected by the changes of times and climate. In a similar fashion is the meditation to God’s word to the mature believer. As Joshua had admonished, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”[Jos 1:8] Interestingly, Joshua had said this when they were about to ‘press on’ and claim the land God had promised.
Our mature thinking is re-enforced by our meditation to God’s word.
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Philippians 3:12-14 ESV
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
PRESS ON.
In this side of heaven, our Christian life isn’t a destination but a journey, or a race. Believing Christ as our Savior starts a relationship as in a marriage. It does commence an exciting walk of fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives, doesn’t it?
Yet, this is more grand than in a mutual marital partnership. Christ neither need us for growth nor He will be fault Him for any breakdown. From our nothingness as a branch attached to the tree[Jesus], He is our everything. For Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” [John 15:5] For this, are we not motivated, even compelled, to press on as Paul? That we should be ambitious to keep raising the spiritual bar?
“Press on” means progress and growth, Inch by inch, step by step. And, this imagery does reveal a few dynamics. Firstly, there is a dissatisfaction to the status-quo. Paul did not entertain the thought he has had arrived. The greatest room in this world is the room of improvement.
Fixation is essential too. Christians aren’t jack-of-all-trades yet master of none, are they? We should be single-minded to only fulfill the will of God as Paul was. Didn’t Paul commit,” But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”? [Acts 20:24] It should be noted that Jesus was committed with “one thing I do.” He said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”[John 4:34]. Not surprising that later He did claim ‘one thing I did’. During His prayer, He said,” I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” [John 17:4]
And lastly, there is determination needed. “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” [Heb 10:36] We have an enemy, though defeated, won’t give up the fight. Thus, we must flex our muscles and trudge forward.
“Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.”
- by S. Baring-Gould
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Philippians 3:9-11 ESV
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
THAT I MAY KNOW CHRIST.
Righteousness coming from obeying the law is not compatible with God’s righteousness by faith through Christ. Any good works we either depend on or take pride in is as putting a garbage at our drinking well to pollutes it. It doesn’t save. And surely it will impede our walk with Christ. They are barriers in our fellowship with Christ.
Our reconciliation with God solely depends upon what Christ did, no more, no less. As Paul had said, “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:20b,21] “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”[Acts 4:12] Thus, His righteousness has been offered unto us and for us to freely received by faith. [see Eph 2:8,9]
Knowing Christ isn’t superficial but experiential. It is evident by living out the power of His resurrection firstly. That victory over sin is manifested in our talk, walk and work. That we ‘renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.’[Titus 2:12]
Moreover, it is shown in our willingness to endure suffering. The true Christian life isn’t having ‘freedom from hardships’ but ‘freedom in hardships.’ As Paul had testified himself, “ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”[2 Cor 4:9-11]
Also, there is the pursuit of ‘becoming like Christ in His death.’ This isn’t literally to mean we should die the process or method of crucifixion that Jesus died. It simply means to be like Him in death - dying to the world of sin and temptation, so we can be fully transformed like Him. “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”[Rom 6:11]
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Philippians 3:4-8 ESV
4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
GAINING THROUGH LOSING.
In comparison to the false teachers, the apostle had a strong case to trust in the flesh than these false teachers when talking about righteousness. His resume is almost perfect - circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. He might be morally equaled but can’t be surpassed by anybody.
But, comparing ourselves with others isn’t wise. Paul had said,” Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”[2 Cor 10:12].
For what reason?
It doesn’t mean that if we are better than others that we will be acceptable before God, does it? In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus had debunked those who trusted themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt. [see Luke 18:9-14]. "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In other words, the righteousness of God couldn’t be obtained by our moral and religious accolades. Why? “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”[Isa 64:6] Sad but true. Thus, Paul’s view to his ‘righteousness before the law and blamelessness’ as garbage does make sense, doesn’t it ?
Our good deeds through the law stinks before God while Christ’s deeds at the cross is the only pleasing sacrifice before the Father. Thus, as Paul, we should hurl our trust from our good works for righteousness away as throwing our refuse at the garbage bin. And, we put a sign – No scavenging!
The surpassing worth of knowing Christ far outweighs anything. Thus, we should exchange our everything for Him as our only thing, should we not? “Like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” [Matt 13:45,46]
There must be losing of our life, including successes, before we could gain Christ. There must be a reckless abandon for Christ. This was what the rich young ruler had failed when Jesus said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”[Luke 18:21]. ..
Philippians 3:1-3 ESV
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
BEWARE FOR THE DOGS.
This sign is a common sight at the gates of households that own dogs in our neighborhood. Though how tame a dog is, it has the tendency to bite when agitated. In other words, dogs can be dangerous. Rabid dogs are deadly. Thus, any passerby being bitten by it shouldn’t fault their owners when the warning sign is flashed on.
Dogs in the first century were noted for their wildness and aggressiveness in scavenging, devouring whatever food they could find. Similarly, false teachers are as dogs looking for their own interests. Unlike Jesus, they take advantage to whatever they can get from others. (see Matthew 7:6; 15:26, 27; Mark 7:27, 28; Luke 16:21; 2 Peter 2:22]
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” [2 Cor 11:13,14] They distorted the gospel by adding the law as the requirement as the ‘circumcision party.’ It was too bad that an act of obedience of circumcision became a ‘mutilation of the flesh’.
Definitely, Paul declared that salvation is by faith not by following Jewish customs such as the circumcision. Far from an empty legalism, authentic followers of Jesus are marked by three things. First, their worship is focused on the Holy Spirit's work in their lives.
Secondly, they put their faith in Christ solely, not in the law. The law provided the knowledge of sin as a mirror so that it introduces at to the Messiah, who can cleanse us from sin. “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.” [Gal 3:24] We take solace only to what Jesus has done, not on following the law.
Thirdly, they don’t stake their spiritual lives and eternity on either rituals observed or their own good deeds.[Titus 3:5,6] The assuring confidence of a believer isn’t whether he has been circumcised—or performed some other religious ritual—but whether he has received salvation through faith in Jesus alone.
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Philippians 2:25-30 ESV
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
AN EXPENDABLE LIFE
Aside from Timothy, Epaphroditus was another dependable guy Paul had a very high opinion. Unhesitatingly, he referred him as ‘my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.’ He had served Paul on many occasions, especially during his critical time under Roman house arrest. He also brought financial gifts to Paul from the Philippians during this time, as mentioned in Philippians 4:18. He may well have been a leader at the Philippian church.
Epaphroditus had been extremely sick. What kind of sickness is not mentioned, but it was clearly serious and nearly fatal. This shows that those who faithfully serve Christ are not immune to troubles. God allows it for a reason. Apparently, he was bothered by the fact that his friends knew he was sick, but had not yet heard he was now well. As a disciple who is expendable before God, he showed no trace of neither self-pity nor self-centeredness for his fate.
Paul had declared that God's "mercy" had come in the form of healing. As his friend, and the recipient of Epaphroditus's help, Paul saw this recovery as a personal mercy from God. Paul was so endeared with Epaphroditus that he would have grieved deeply at losing his dear friend.
In the New Testament, mercy is associated with healing, such as the woman asked for mercy from Jesus for her demon-possessed daughter[Matt 15:22], the son who was an epileptic [Matt 17:15] and the two blind men called to Jesus [ Matthew 20:30, Mark 10:47]
Paul commanded the Philippian believers to celebrate his return, thanking the Lord for his life and healing. This is a lesson that all who serve God with humility and sacrifice should be honored by their fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Epaphroditus was to be honored for his tremendous level of commitment for Christ. Today, many may claim to serve Christ. Yet how many could say that they nearly died in order to serve the Lord?
Those who serve Christ by leaving home and risking their lives are deserving to be honored in our churches, are they not? As in this case, the ministry needed not only an evangelist or teacher. Epaphroditus left to personally care for Paul, to deliver him the money and perhaps other supplies, and to encourage him. Such workers are of tremendous importance to those serving on the front lines of ministry.
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Philippians 2:19-24 ESV
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
AN HONORABLE LIFE.
Paul addresses Timothy as "my true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2) This son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother had joined Paul during one of Paul’s later missionary journeys. He probably heard and responded to the gospel when Paul came through the area of Derbe and Lystra. Although he was just in his early twenties, he had distinguished himself as faithful as noticed by the elders at Derbe and lystra.
Interestingly, to Paul, Timothy was true to his name – honorable. In what ways?
Firstly, his sincerity is unsurpassable. There was no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for their welfare as Paul. His love to the Philippians was genuine. The issue isn’t just enough that we minister to people. But, do we love them or treasure them as precious in our hearts.
Moreover, his selflessness for Christ is unequivocal. While all seek their own interests, he sought Jesus Christ all his life. Certainly, he was a person of conviction. That is, he was neither distracted nor having second thoughts to have his interests in Christ alone.
Lastly, his submissive spirit as Paul’s subordinate. He has had proven his worth as a dependable servant of the gospel. Paul was in prison but Timothy was his alter-ego – like father, like son relationship, who has the same heartbeat as him.
Like Timothy, may we be found honorable through our sincerity, selflessness and submissive attitudes. And, may we have more parents who do raise their kids as ‘Timothy’ in the 21st century. That despite the growing secularization, may we see more young people who are deeply commited to serve the Lord.
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Philippians 2:16-18
16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
HOLD FAST TO THE WORD OF LIFE.
To see the brethren at Philippi holding fast to the word of life was Paul’s source of pride. Why? That is what matters when the ‘day of Christ’ comes, that is, during Jesus’ return. Interestingly, he had confidence that God will keep them through, saying, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” [Phil 1:6]
Jesus is the word of life.[John 1:1] Like him, Paul had wanted them to be committed to Christ as himself.[Phi 1:21] Otherwise, either his run or labor for them are all in vain. Simply said, this was his joy.
Even Peter had expressed this when asked if the disciples should stop following Jesus like the others. “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”[John 6:38]
In other words, Peter did believe wholeheartedly that Jesus is the life [John 6:53,54;14:6]
For this, Paul has expressed his joy at being able to serve them, though he does refer to his life as a "drink offering." This was an Old Testament practice of pouring a drink offering in worship (Numbers 15:1–10; 28:1–8). The priest would sacrifice a lamb, ram, or bull. Then, he would pour wine beside the altar as a show of worship. He did expect that the Philippians brethren do reciprocate.[v.18]
What matters most to you? What would give you the most satisfaction in life? At the end of the day, it is the life devoted to Christ that all matters at the ‘day of Christ.’
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Philippians 2:14-15 ESV
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
DO SHINE AS LIGHTS.
Jesus had referred us as ‘lights of the world.’ He said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” [Matt 5:14-16]
In what ways?
Should we live to please God, we should refrain from complaining about serving Christ. Do serve in "fear and trembling" not "grumbling or disputing."
The idea of "disputing" includes arguments and quarrels. Those who serve the Lord should not be known for arguing, but for humble service. “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”[Gal 6:9,10]
As lights shine through darkness, so we do good works despite the circumstances – crooked and twisted. The mean characters of the people are not excuses. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”[Rom 12:21] A good act like this will separate us from the world. As Jesus said, “ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” [Matt 5:46-48]
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Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
GOD WORKS IN AND WE WORK OUT.
Today, we will learn that the principle in Christian living is ‘in and out’ not ‘up and down’. God is working in us so that we can work out the life we received from Him.
Firstly, our salvation can’t be worked for. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”[Eph 2:8,9] Definitely, Jesus [ and His work] is a gift and thus He must be received by faith alone. Have you received Him as yet. [John 1:12]
Should Christians have the life, they should express it as a muscle builder displaying his muscles. Working out in the gyms doesn’t produce muscles, does it? In the first place, they had the muscles. It is basically enhancing their muscles so that they will become evident. Similarly, Paul had encourage us to demonstrate our salvation. In what ways? By our good works where we live, work and play.
We are saved to do good works, are we not?[Eph 2:10] But, it isn’t from our power. We do good because of Him who “works in” us. Can we pump out something we don’t have? God had deposited in us all that pertain to life and godliness. [2 Pet 1:1-3] Thus, living the Christian life is possible.
Let’s not forget that God had created His own for His pleasure and glory. As Isaiah had said;
“Everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”[Isa 43:7]
As Martin Luther had articulated, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” James said, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”[Jas 2:18b] Christianity is far from being passive. As the Spirit is working within, we do work our attitudes and actions out. Thus, our attitudes then aren’t ours but by the Spirit’s working. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”[Gal 5:22,23]
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Philippians 2:9-11 ESV
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.
After Jesus’ ‘emptying of himself’ and even His death at the cross, He was exalted. Sin, death and hell couldn’t contain Him. He rose from the grave and had sealed His victory permanently. His obedience to the Father’s will had resulted to His exaltation. Indeed, ‘humility comes before honor.’[Prov 18:12]
In His prayer, He has had expressed, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” [John 17:4,5]
Here, the apostle Paul is declaring the divinity of Jesus. When will this declaration that ‘every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Him as Lord’ will happen? Definitely, this will happen at the Second Coming of Christ. During His first advent, Christ came in humiliation. In His second advent, Christ will come with power as the Conquering King.
This will be the fulfilment to what the Lord Jesus had predicted in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 25:31–46) and as the vision of the apostle John. [Rev 20:11–15] And as the prophet Isaiah foretold years earlier, the King of kings and the Lord of lords returns to this earth, then will come true what: “Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear allegiance.”
What are you looking forward today? Let us be ‘waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.’[Titus 2:13] He is coming eminently so that everyday is 24-hour closer to His coming. “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”[Matt 24:46]
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Philippians 2:5-8 ESV
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
JESUS, OUR MODEL OF HUMILITY.
Clearly, Paul has enjoined us to pursue the same humble attitude like Christ. Jesus is our model. Humility is a choice to make. It’s possible that a person is humiliated yet proud within.
“The Greek word translated “humility” in Colossians 3:12 and elsewhere literally means “lowliness of mind,” so we see that humility is a heart attitude, not merely an outward demeanor. One may put on an outward show of humility but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance.” [https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-humility.html]
Jesus has ‘equality with God” status eternally. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” [Heb 13:8] Yet, He did not "grasp" or “hold on” to His positional authority. Instead, He ‘emptied himself’ which doesn’t mean that He stopped being God. By ‘taking up’ the form of a man and servant, He had chosen not to exhibit His unlimited powers.
The Son of Man [Jesus] came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [See Matt 20:28, Mark 10:35] As a humble servant, He was consumed in fulfilling His Father’s will. He said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”[John 4:34] Even if it required a horrible death at the cross, He didn’t budge. Upon seeing the gruesome image of His crucifixion, He prayed at the garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”[Luke 22:42]
Jesus had shown that true humility may involve struggles and pains. It was never easy for Him. As the writer of Hebrews wrote, “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” [Heb 5:7-8]
Since Jesus was humble, we should be too. Could we think of any sensible reason to be proud in and for ourselves? Let’s continue to wear the garb of humility. As Peter exhorted, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[1 Pet 5:5b]
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Philippians 2:1-4 ESV
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
OTHER-ORIENTEDNESS.
Counting others as better than ourselves and looking into their interests are antithetical to sinful men. Yet, we are going to practice these among ourselves according to Paul, are we not? However, how could we fulfill it, if selfishness is our fundamental problem?
Thus, Paul had pointed out that we have to recognize the blessings that we receive in Christ, namely; an encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, and affection and sympathy. We can’t give what we don’t have, can we? Should we receive the goodness and love of Christ, we could show the same to others. These blessings therefore are absolutely essential.
Technically, this unity in spirit, mind and spirit is the Holy Spirit’s working within that overflows towards others. “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive.” [John 7:38,39]
Unless Paul would see this relationship of ‘other-orientedness’ happening among God’s people, he wouldn’t experienced ‘complete joy.’ Like Paul, let us commit to live in harmony through the instrumentality of the Spirit. Let us not allow ‘bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth’ that will lead to disorder and vile practice. [Jas 3:14-16]
Have you received Christ as your Lord and Savior? If you do, you have had these blessings. Thus, you will be able to see others as better than ourselves and look at their interests as well.
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Philippians 1:28-30 ESV
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
THE GOSPEL AND SUFFERING.
The "opponents" were likely the false teachers and antagonists threatening them in Acts 16. Hence, Paul did encourage them to live with great courage, rather than in fear. How different—relatively speaking—to be a follower of Jesus today, as compared to the first century Christians.
When believers live without fear in the face of threats, it does serve as a form of promoting the gospel witness effectively, doesn’t it? The confidence and peace of Christians have should be seen as a rebuke to those who reject their message. This considerably explains why Christianity spreads so well under persecution. True believers claim Christ, and when their true belief is lived out in love, it does provide a powerful testimony, doesn’t it?
Perhaps, they had wondered why they had to suffer since they were faithfully living for Christ. Thus, Paul made it clear that godliness and suffering often go together. There will be times when we suffer, at the hands of the world, because we are following the will of God. As Paul wrote in 2 Tim 3:12 says, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
The world do hate the gospel or Christ, and it will naturally try to discredit it forcefully. Jesus had warned us, saying, “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:1-4,33]
Believing Christ is as cruising in an ocean of destruction in unsinkable ship – the gospel. But, we‘re not exempt from the waves and storms. Let us brace for it brethren.
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Philippians 1:27 ESV
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
LIVE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL.
Whether Paul would see them or not in the future, he had highlighted one main concern to the Philippian believers, that is, live a life worthy of the gospel.
Similarly, the same challenge he said to the believers at Ephesus and Colossae, respectively. He said in Ephesians 4:1: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." And, to the Colossians, he also wrote,” so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” [Col 1:10] That they would walk their talk.
The gospel to us is as the tuning fork to a thousand pianos. If every piano is attuned to the tuning fork, all the pianos will sound in the same tune. This echoes the high priestly prayer of Christ. “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” [ John 17:22,23). A loving and united community is irresistible. As Jesus had said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”[John 13:34–35].
And this oneness of spirit and mind is as the waterjet that can cut a steel. Our unity in the gospel is the cutting edge that can effectively advance the ‘faith of the gospel.’
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Philippians 1:24-26 ESV
24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
A LIFE DEVOTED FOR OTHERS.
Either we look at others as a nuisance or a nonparallel. For Paul, others are the cause for him to exist. He had committed to continue with them all, for their progress and joy in the faith. He desired to visit Philippi once again so that his coming to teach them would make them glorify the Lord. Clearly, his freedom meant serving others.
Didn’t Paul say, "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” [Gal 5:13] For this, he practiced what he preached. Apparently, Paul had a selfless attitude.
Similarly, Christ did come not for Himself but for us. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”[Mark 10:45] He had sacrificed His deity by embracing the nature of man. “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”[Phil 2:6-8]
May like Jesus and Paul, we do find joy in serving others today and everyday. Our sense of importance is enhanced upon knowing that others are blessed by our service, is it not? “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”[Acts 20:35] That is, it is more fulfilling to serve than to be served.
We are saved to serve.[Eph 2:10]. Thus, esteeming others as better than ourselves should be our posture. One is only motivated to serve another who he values dearly, isn’t it not? May the love of Christ flows in and through us so that we would see others the way He sees them – priceless.
“Let me see this world, dear Lord,
As though I were looking through Your eyes.
A world of men who don’t want You Lord,
But a world for which You died.
Let me kneel with You in the garden,
Blur my eyes with tears of agony;
For if once I could see this world the way You see,
I just know I’d serve You more faithfully.”
- by Mike Otto, ‘Looking through His eyes’
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Philippians 1:20-23 ESV
20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
CHRIST, MY ALL IN ALL.
One of the most commendable things in Paul’s life is his ‘full courage.’ He had neither fear nor shame in dying for Christ. To honor Christ in his life, whether it be by life or by death, was his desire. Simply put, Paul did resolve to be expendable for Christ.
Paul who feared God has nothing else to fear. He who was consumed with the passion to honor Christ doesn’t value his life for himself. He had resolved by saying, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” [Acts 20:24] For to him to live is Christ, and to die is gain.[v.21]
The gospel doesn’t produce weaklings, does it? Jesus had highlighted the cost in following Him, by saying, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”[Luke 9:23,24]
A person who had referred himself as dead beforehand isn’t afraid to face any a challenge or threat that comes on his way.
Personally, Paul had an overwhelming desire to be with Christ which was better. Was he so heavenly minded that he was no earthly good? Definitely not! He had not lost his tender compassion to the lost. Thus he said, “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two.”
His equivocation wasn’t in his unwillingness to the will of God. Clearly, his surrendered life was disposed to follow the will of God always. Are we? If not, what do cause our hesitation and equivocation? Paul said, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all.” [Rom 8:32] Why can’t we give up our all for Him also?
May we resolve to make our Christ as our all in all today.
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Philippians 1:19 ESV
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
INTERCEDING WITH ONE ANOTHER.
The imprisoned Paul had high hopes. He has had a strong confidence that his deliverance is coming. And, it’s the prayer of the brethren that gave him this conviction.
Prayer do certainly work. It’s as pushing on an electrical switch that power is appropriated. Not that God is as a machine but He is pleased to answer prayers in accordance with His will. John did write, “and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.”[1 John 3;22] Praying is not twisting God’s arm to do what we want but is an aligning of our will to His.
Definitely, Paul had believed that prayer is closely associated with the ‘help of the Spirit of Christ.’ The Spirit, in essence is our help, both in the act and answering our prayers. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” [Rom 8:26]. Moreover, He is our power as Zech wrote, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” [Zech 4:6]
Do we feel isolated in this time of Covid-19 pandemic? Like Paul, you and I need not be. Our prayer support with one another is exceptionally vital. When we are physically separated, our prayers should bind us together with one another. Thus, the intercessions of the brethren could give comfort and confidence surely.
We are perhaps stripped to almost every group physical activity today. But, let us not neglect the only means that moves the hands of God – prayer.
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Philippians 1:9-11 ESV
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
PURE LOVE ABOUNDS.
The focus of Paul’s prayer unto them was that their love would abound. Love is dynamic. It knows no bounds. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” [1 Cor 13:7,8]
And, pure love is not indiscriminate. “It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” [1 Cor 13:7] Thus, it isn’t permissive but tough that sin isn’t tolerated. Why? The holy God is love as well.[1 John 4:7] Thus, He who grants us this love doesn’t contradict Himself. It’s as an endless spring that flows along the God’s banks of holiness. Thus, what flows is excellently pure and blameless. This is only possible through the control of the Spirit.
Certainly, his life would be teeming with ‘fruit of righteousness’ through Jesus Christ. This fruit is through abiding in Jesus alone as the branch is to the tree. Thus Jesus had said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” [John 15:9,10] In essence, this is the result of the Spirit’s control to a yielded heart. As Paul had declared, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” [Gal 5:22-23]
Do our lives overflow with righteousness gushing out from a pure heart? Do we grow in our passion to live an excellent life of purity before God?
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Philippians 1:3-8 ESV
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus
A JOYFUL PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL.
Like Paul inside the prison, it’s encouraging to know that a Christian in distress is praying. But, is he joyful in his prayer like Paul? What was the reason for Paul’s joy, even in praying for them?
It was the brethren at Philippi who had partnership with him in the gospel. Gospel-centered individuals or churches do really encourage us, don’t they? That is, their common desire and aspirations to proclaim and live for the gospel which did not wane with time. In other words, they resonated with Paul’s ultimate goal in life. He stated his commitment, that is, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” [Acts 20:24]
Did not Jesus say, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.”? [Mark 8:35] Definitely, Jesus had highlighted the primacy of the gospel above any other pursuit, had He not? What did Jesus mean in relating the parable of the hidden treasure and pearl of great price? “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”[Matt 13:44-46]
Between Paul and the church at Philippi, a feeling of mutual affection had resulted naturally. Paul held them in his heart, for they were all partakers with him of grace, both in his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. Geographically, they were miles apart but they were just a prayer away from each other. The inconvenience in the prison is overwhelmed by the joy of remembering the brethren in prayer. Paul did recognize that they’re not only in his mind and prayers but also in his heart.
Are your leaders joyful every time they remember you? Or, would they be grieving? Is the gospel your primary pursuit in life? That you will promote the gospel by proclaiming and living for it? What should you do in order to strengthen your resolve in living for the gospel?
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Philippians 1:1-2 ESV
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
GRACE AND PEACE.
This is not incidental that Paul had used this salutation to the brethren at Philippi. He purposely summarized his desire for the brethren at Philippi should experience in the Lord.
Grace and peace are two inseparable truth for us to live as the engine and wings of an airplane to fly. Just as the engine do cause the wings to function so is grace do make peace a reality.
Salvation is only by grace through faith. The apostle wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” [Eph 2;8,9] We deserve nothing but judgment or condemnation because of our sins. The wages of our sins is death.[Rom 6:23] But, God is gracious and merciful in Christ. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”[2 Cor 8:9]
And this grace should sustain us to live for Christ. Paul had declared, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” [2 Cor 3:5] In 1 Cor 15:10, he claimed, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” [Titus 2:11,12]. Paul said to Timothy, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”[2 Tim 2:1]
As God’s grace is received, His peace will be experienced, too. “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”[Eph 2:14-17]. Didn’t Jesus say He is the only source of true peace.[John 14:27]
“When we do not have peace, it is because somewhere we are not appropriating or resting in God’s grace. Remember, peace does not mean the absence of pain or hurt. It means that in our pain our hurt, we have peace because we know the Lord and we know He is in control.” [from bible.org/article/grace-and-peace]
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2 Samuel 24:18-25 ESV
18 And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 So David went up at Gad's word, as the Lord commanded. 20 And when Araunah looked down, he saw the king and his servants coming on toward him. And Araunah went out and paid homage to the king with his face to the ground. 21 And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be averted from the people.” 22 Then Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering and the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. 23 All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the Lord your God accept you.” 24 But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.
A SACRIFICE THAT COSTS NOTHING IS NOT A SACRIFICE AT ALL.
As David saw the death toll, he spoke to the LORD, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father's house.” Certainly, his earnestness was seen in his irresponsibleness to take the blame for himself and family. The sight of dead bodies piling up in such a short time was an unbearable that it broke the king’s heart.
Then God through the prophet Gad instructed him to build an altar at Araunah’s threshing floor. The surprised threshing floor owner asked the unexpected king upon seeing him, saying, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David replied, “To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be averted from the people.”
Araunah, amazingly, had unequivocally offered his threshing floor and everything the king needed for the burnt sacrifice for free. May we would have the same readiness should the Lord require our time, treasures and talents for His use. May we be honorable vessel, ‘ set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.’ [2 Tim 2:21]. That by the mercies of God, we do present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship.[Rom 12:1]
The desperate king could have grab the offer. But, he did not. He was committed not to offer burnt offerings to the Lord his God that cost him nothing at all. He must buy the threshing floor for a price. How could David demonstrate his true repentance and sincerity? A sacrifice that doesn't cost anything is not a sacrifice at all.
At a hindsight, we can see God had placed his prophetic mark on this spot back in Genesis 22, that is, it was the place where God had told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac – mount Moriah. And after David’s death, his son King Solomon built a glorious temple on the same site. Solomon’s temple lasted for over four hundred years until it was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar’s armies. Most importantly, it was somewhere here in this mountain that the Son of God was crucified for our salvation from the wrath of God.
Definitely, David’s sin was turned around so that the field of Araunah became a memorial place of God’s mercy and grace. David’s embarrassment was turned into an exaltation. He who humbles himself like David would be honored. No failure needs to be final. Truly, God’s grace and mercy can make the difference.
2 Samuel 24:10-16a ESV
10 But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” 11 And when David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, 12 “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the Lord, Three things I offer you. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’” 13 So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, “Shall three years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now consider, and decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.” 14 Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.”
15 So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel from the morning until the appointed time. And there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba 70,000 men. 16 And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was working destruction among the people, “It is enough; now stay your hand.”
THE COST OF SIN.
When David was convicted in his heart for his sin, he confessed it unto the Lord right away, saying, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”
God forgives a repentant heart always. That is, He would relent His anger. But, He does continue to inflict the consequence of sin almost always. In their case, there were three choices God had offered through the prophet Gad, namely; three years of famine come to you in your land, fleeing three months before your foes while they pursue you and three days' pestilence in the land.
David chose the latter. Why? He hoped that God is merciful that His direct judgment isn’t so severe as from man. But, hasn’t the writer of Hebrews said, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” [Heb 10:31]
Dr J. R Nally Jr. commented, “Those living in covenant loyalty and faithfulness need to have no fear of God. David had learned that God gives GREAT grace. Jesus, too, had no fear of God: "Into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46). This is far different than the warning to unfaithful and unrepentant sinners in Hebrews 10:31. As Ezra 8:22 states, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." Therefore, we should "humble ourselves, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift us up in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6).”
David’s arrogance had cost 70,000 men to perish from the angel of calamity. It could had been more should the Lord had not relented and hindered the angel to destroy the city of Jerusalem. God indeed is merciful to those who fear Him. This resonated to what happened at the fall of man. Yet, God in His mercy had sent Jesus so that we would be saved from His condemnation. [John 3:16,18]
Should we sin today, let us relish on the endless mercies of God.[Lam 3:22] Let us hold fast to God’s merciful character as the psalmist claims, that is;
“The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.”[Psa 103:8,9]
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2 Samuel 24:1-8 ESV
Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” 2 So the king said to Joab, the commander of the army, who was with him, “Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the number of the people.” 3 But Joab said to the king, “May the Lord your God add to the people a hundred times as many as they are, while the eyes of my lord the king still see it, but why does my lord the king delight in this thing?” 4 But the king's word prevailed against Joab and the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army went out from the presence of the king to number the people of Israel. 5 They crossed the Jordan and began from Aroer, and from the city that is in the middle of the valley, toward Gad and on to Jazer. 6 Then they came to Gilead, and to Kadesh in the land of the Hittites; and they came to Dan, and from Dan they went around to Sidon, 7 and came to the fortress of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and Canaanites; and they went out to the Negeb of Judah at Beersheba. 8 So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. 9 And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to the king: in Israel there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were 500,000.
GOD RESISTS THE PROUD.
The Lord’s anger against David was kindled. For what reason? He numbered the nation of Israel. Did the Lord incite him to do it? Why is that 1 Chron 21:1 says, “Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.”
“The difficulty in reconciling the statement in 1 Chronicles 21:1, “Satan . . . moved David,” with that of 2 Samuel 24:1, “the Lord moved David,” is not problematic. All temptation is permitted by God, but not caused by God. When evil spirits tempt us, they do so by permission (Job 1:12, 2:6; Luke 22:31). Satan therefore provoked David to number the people, and God allowed him to do so. God allows those things which serve to advance His holy and perfect will.” [from https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/contradiction-who-incited-david-to-count-the-fighting-men-of-israel/]
As far as we know, David decided quickly without consulting the Lord. Thus, Joab boldly asked the king, “Why does my lord the king desire this thing?” Clearly, he implied his prideful motive. Discreetly and tactfully, he asked the king to reconsider this silly numbering of the nation of Israel. But the king didn’t budge to consider his and the captains doubt. Didn’t Paul say that “ For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”? [Rom 14:23] And for the next 9 months and 20 days, they knew that there were 1,300,000 fighting men among the twelve tribes, reflecting an estimated total population of about 6 million in Israel.
Did David know that this was wrong at the beginning? Perhaps. It’s because of Joab and the captains second thoughts and equivocation. Solomon had wisely said, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” [Pro 11:14] Sadly, Pride had a deafening effect in one’s ears.
Moreover, didn’t David know about the warning that Moses said about conducting census in Ex 30:12, that is “When you take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the Lord when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them.”
The once humble David had been corrupted by the glitter of power. Satan had successfully tempted him. [1 Chron 21:1] Indeed, pride comes before his fall. [Prov 16:18] which angered God. Indeed, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[1 Pet 5:5]
2 Samuel 23:13-17 ESV
13 And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. 15 And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord 17 and said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.
A SACRIFICE FOR GOD.
While David was at the stronghold hiding, he said remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” His three mighty men, namely Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar and Shammah had heard him say.
So, they decided to go and get him what he wants! They traveled thirteen miles east to Bethlehem where a Philistine garrison was stationed. There would have been a number of soldiers! They arrived in the area and fight their way into the gate of the city. And with a bucket of some kind and then put it into a jug or a skin, they had to make sure they did not lose the water as they fought their way out! When they arrive back at the cave they give David the water they had worked and sacrificed for!
The obvious question here is why? Why risked their way into a Philistine garrison just to get some water? Why risk their lives? Were they ordered to do it? Or did they do it just for fun? Was it because it was a sound military strategy? Certainly, they did it purely out of devotion for the one that they loved! They did it just because David desired it and for no other reason. The tough and courageous men loved David so much that they would do anything to bring him joy!
Likewise, do we have the same devotion to Jesus? Are we willing to sacrifice to the One who has given His all for us? Like Paul, could we say, “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”? [Phil 1:20-21] The gospel does not turn us out to become weaklings, does it?
But, the thirsty David didn’t drink it but poured it unto the Lord as an offering. Surely, this even had made him more admirable to his guys. For had endured his thirst for the water to be offered as an act of worship. That is, his satisfaction in God did quench his physical thirst, didn’t it? Similarly, we heard of Jesus, though being hungry, had said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” [John 4:34] Today, we ask, “Does our worship transcend our physical discomfort and appetite?”
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2 Samuel 23:8-10 ESV
8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time.
9 And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. 10 He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the Lord brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain.
MARKS OF TRUE GREATNESS.
One of the mighty men in David’s army is Eleazar, the son of Dodo. What were the marks of his greatness?
Firstly, he was a man of exemplary courage. While everyone else fled, he stayed and fought alone. Most men have a bandwagon or herd mentality. But, a man of conviction doesn’t care. Like Eleazar, they will stand for the right cause. And, don’t we have the gospel as our compelling cause in life? There is no other means of salvation apart from Christ. [Acts 4:12, Rom 1:16]
Secondly, it is his tenacity. He was weary yet he didn’t loose grip to his sword. Persevering men won’t stop until the work is completed. Their body is weary but not their soul. Weariness couldn’t affect the men with strong resolve. Men of stick-to-itiveness are evidently determined. Like Paul who said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” [Acts 20:24]
And lastly, his magnanimity. The men returned after him only to strip the slain. That is, the people had enjoyed the fruit of his labor. He did it for God, the king and to the nation of Israel. Similarly, as His children our joy should be to see discouraged souls having been edified and brought to life in Christ. That is, they are on the journey of knowing, growing and serving Christ. Paul’s source of joy are the people he impacted with the gospel. He said, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” [1 Thess 2:19]
Because of the gospel, we must be courageous, tenacious and magnanimous in Christ.
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2 Samuel 23:5-7 ESV
“For does not my house stand so with God?
For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and secure.
For will he not cause to prosper
all my help and my desire?
6 But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away,
for they cannot be taken with the hand;
7 but the man who touches them
arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear,
and they are utterly consumed with fire.”
AN EVERLASTING COVENANT.
God’s covenant to perpetuate his house is unconditional. From the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah, the Messiah would come and establish a kingdom that would endure forever. The guarantee of the promises did rest solely on God’s faithfulness and neither depend at all on David nor in Israel’s obedience.
At one time, Nathan conveyed to David God’ plan, saying,” When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.”[1 Chron 7:11-14]
As God covenanted with David with his ‘house’, Jesus likewise had established his covenant to the church. He purchased it with His own precious blood [Acts 20:28] and is secured towards eternity of bliss in heaven. [John 14:1-3] It will last forever, that even the gates of hell couldn’t prevail against the advancement of His “kingdom.” [Matt 16:18] His subjects are sinners redeemed by the blood of Christ alone and for no other merit whatsoever. [Titus 3:5,6] And thus, for having been gifted with this free salvation solely, everyone of them are unworthy.
The apostle Peter had guaranteed our inheritance as solely dependent upon the power of God. Thus, he said, “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” [1 Pet 1:3-5]
A mother and son ere about to cross a busy street. “Son hold unto me tightly.” the mother said. But, the boy replied, “ Not me Mommy, but you hold me. It’s because I will surely loss my grip on you but you won’t loss your grip on me.” As we cross from darkness into light, it’s not we holding on by trusting on our strength. But, it’s God who is holding us.” [John 10:28-29] That is, the God who do promise will surely keep us through. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful.” [2 Timothy 2:13]
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2 Samuel 23:1-4 ESV
Now these are the last words of David:
The oracle of David, the son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man who was raised on high,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
the sweet psalmist of Israel:
2 “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me;
his word is on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel has spoken;
the Rock of Israel has said to me:
When one rules justly over men,
ruling in the fear of God,
4 he dawns on them like the morning light,
like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.
JESUS, OUR LIFE AND LIGHT.
“The last words of David” according to J. Gill, refer not to the psalm in the preceding chapter, but to what follows; not the last words he spoke, for he said many things afterwards”
Now at his old age, he looked back and saw God’s hand in and through his life. He was not a self made man but a God molded-one, wasn’t he? His descriptions of himself did reveal it. Who was he?
“The son of Jesse,
…the man who was raised on high,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
the sweet psalmist of Israel:”[v.1]
This has made David’s oracle authoritative. A message backed up by the stamp of God in His life should be considered. Having been anointed by God, the Spirit had revealed to him God’s message. He became the spokesman of God. The psalms and songs he composed were not the fruits of his own genius, but were written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. [2 Tim 3:16]
Moreover, he was able to ‘rule justly over men, ruling in the fear of God.’ Solomon later did write;
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” [Prov 29:2]
Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.” [Prov 14:34]
Beyond his kingship, David had been promised to a perpetual kingdom. He had a vision to a glorious ruler ruling on a glorious day, none other than Jesus, the son of David. Out of a dark night, He ‘dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning.’ Jesus did come and shine to dispel the darkness of sin. He claimed, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” [John 8:12]
Like rain that makes the grass to sprout from the earth, so Jesus did pour His grace of life to men’s dead souls. He is life. [John 14:6] Simply put, Jesus is both our ‘light and life’ in this darkened and barren world.
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2 Samuel 22:47-51
47 “The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,
48 the God who gave me vengeance
and brought down peoples under me,
49 who brought me out from my enemies;
you exalted me above those who rose against me;
you delivered me from men of violence.
50 “For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,
and sing praises to your name.
51 Great salvation he brings to his king,
and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
to David and his offspring forever.”
I WILL PRAISE YOU, O LORD, AMONG THE NATIONS.
Again, we saw David ascribing God as the “Rock of my salvation.” In the past, David had many chances to take revenge against his enemies, particularly Saul. But, he didn’t play the place of God. He trusted that God would vindicate his righteousness, that was, God would reward his cleanness[v.21,25]
The apostle Paul later, had articulated this by saying,” Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”[Rom 12:19-21]
God didn’t just let David escape from his enemies but He had exalted him above them. That is, He had bestowed him honor. In fact, He shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” [v.51] Similarly, didn’t Paul say in Eph 2:4-7,”But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
“For this, David burst in thankfulness exclaiming, “I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name.”[v.51] We are delivered in order to declare the greatness of God, are we not? We are saved in order to show forth His glory unto the nations.
A heart full of praise is a powerful testimony to the world, isn’t it? As the spring that flow downstream so is the bubbling heart that experience the reality of God’s grace and mercy. May our witness be an overflow from God’s work, especially Christ’s sacrifice at the cross. As Paul had expressed, “So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”[Rom 1:15,16]
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-2 Samuel 22:32-46 ESV
32 “For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
33 This God is my strong refuge
and has made my way blameless.
34 He made my feet like the feet of a deer
and set me secure on the heights.
35 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
36 You have given me the shield of your salvation,
and your gentleness made me great.
37 You gave a wide place for my steps under me,
and my feet did not slip;
38 I pursued my enemies and destroyed them,
and did not turn back until they were consumed.
39 I consumed them; I thrust them through, so that they did not rise;
they fell under my feet.
40 For you equipped me with strength for the battle;
you made those who rise against me sink under me.
41 You made my enemies turn their backs to me,
those who hated me, and I destroyed them.
42 They looked, but there was none to save;
they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them.
43 I beat them fine as the dust of the earth;
I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.
44 “You delivered me from strife with my people;
you kept me as the head of the nations;
people whom I had not known served me.
45 Foreigners came cringing to me;
as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me.
46 Foreigners lost heart
and came trembling out of their fortresses.
OUR VICTORY IN CHRIST.
David had decisive victory over his enemies. He wrote, "I beat them fine as the dust of the earth; I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.”[v.43] Yet he acknowledged that it wasn’t him but God. He said;
“You delivered me from strife with my people;
you kept me as the head of the nations;
people whom I had not known served me.”[v.44]
His victory however wasn’t just dropped at his lap. By God’s enablement, he had to train his feet like the feet of a deer and set to secure himself secured on the heights. Moreover, he trained his hands to war and bend a bronze bow. There is no shortcut from hard work. He had trained hard for God had ‘ equipped him with strength for the battle.’ [v.40]
Similarly, Joshua, previously, was promised by God that the land belonged to them already. But, he had to actualize it by moving forward into the enemies’ territories. The Lord had said, ”Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.”[Jos 1:3] On the other hand, Joshua mustering his courage said,”.. go in to take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’”[Jos 1:10]. The ownership of the land was a gift. But, they must grind to get it. Let’s remember that in Christ we are already victorious. That is why we could and should strive to live victoriously. “ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”[Rom 8:37]
As Paul had exhorted,” work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”[Phil 2;12-13]. As we receive the gospel freely, let us also live in the power of the gospel victoriously. A balance truth regarding God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. God has ensured us 100% of our salvation. Correspondingly, we have to strive 100% to express our salvation in Christ.
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2 Samuel 22:26-31 ESV
26 “With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
27 with the purified you deal purely,
and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
28 You save a humble people,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.
29 For you are my lamp, O Lord,
and my God lightens my darkness.
30 For by you I can run against a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.
31 This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
HIS WAY IS PERFECT.
Despite that David’s climb to the throne was as a labyrinth of dark tunnels. David had to run head on against the troop and scale walls. [v.30] Yet, God was his lamp that lighted his darkness.[v.29] If Jesus is our light, we shouldn’t walk as one groping in the darkness, should we? [John 8:12]Thus interestingly, he did recognize that “His way is perfect.” [v.31]
Far from being smooth and plain, God’s ways for David to take were narrow and rugged. And, the nights may be were long and dreary. God did not promise us an easy journey but a sure arrival.
Let’s remember that God led his people out of Egypt through Moses in and through the wilderness. Why? For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. [see Ex 13:17-18] Hence, the shortest way is not always the best way.
God leads us today through His word as our light. His ‘word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’[Psa 119:105] His words always prove to be true. And if we are going to follow it, there is no stumbling.
Today, we must not slack in our grasp to the word of God. As somebody had said, “Don’t doubt in your darkness the truth and promises you have learned in the light.” There is a ‘need of endurance, so that when we have done the will of God we may receive what is promised.’[Heb 10:36]
Thus, let’s trust God though though His pathway is long and dreary. For, His way is perfect.
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2 Samuel 22:17-25 ESV
17 “He sent from on high, he took me;
he drew me out of many waters.
18 He rescued me from my strong enemy,
from those who hated me,
for they were too mighty for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my support.
20 He brought me out into a broad place;
he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
21 “The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.
22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord
and have not wickedly departed from my God.
23 For all his rules were before me,
and from his statutes I did not turn aside.
24 I was blameless before him,
and I kept myself from guilt.
25 And the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
according to my cleanness in his sight.
INTEGRITY.
David was as a desperate drowning man pulled ‘out of many waters.’ No doubt, the enemy was overwhelmingly strong. Then, the Lord had ‘brought him out and rescued him’. Why? The Lord has delighted in him.[v.20] The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.[v.21,25]
David had maintained his integrity before God. He kept his heart in check as he testified, such as; his righteousness, cleanness, keeping his ways, departing from wickedness, abiding to His rules and statutes, his blamelessness, and keeping away from any guilt or unconfessed sin.
Looking back, didn’t David sin against Bathsebah and Uriah? Didn’t he sin against his sn Absalom by neglecting him? And, many more.
David’s blamelessness wasn’t perfection but by purification. Only Jesus is perfect. David and everyone of us, are sinners. Like David, should we sin, we have to ‘confess our sins, [for] he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’[1 John 1:9]
David in his brokenness had written,
“I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” [Psa 32:5]
When we are overwhelmed with challenges, let us maintain our integrity before God. The key is to keep our righteousness. This is the only guarantee that God will be on our side, isn’t it? Didn’t the psalmist say;
“ If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.” [Psa 66:18]
Even Isaiah added, saying, “but your iniquities have made a separation
between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
so that he does not hear.”[Isa 59:2]
May we will be able to say with David at the close of the day,” I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt.”[v.24]
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2 Samuel 22:8-16 ESV
8 “Then the earth reeled and rocked;
the foundations of the heavens trembled
and quaked, because he was angry.
9 Smoke went up from his nostrils,
and devouring fire from his mouth;
glowing coals flamed forth from him.
10 He bowed the heavens and came down;
thick darkness was under his feet.
11 He rode on a cherub and flew;
he was seen on the wings of the wind.
12 He made darkness around him his canopy,
thick clouds, a gathering of water.
13 Out of the brightness before him
coals of fire flamed forth.
14 The Lord thundered from heaven,
and the Most High uttered his voice.
15 And he sent out arrows and scattered them;
lightning, and routed them.
16 Then the channels of the sea were seen;
the foundations of the world were laid bare,
at the rebuke of the Lord,
at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
GOD’S IMMANENCE.
In this song, Moses had articulated and rehearsed God’s activities within creation. That is, God is expressed through but distinctively over and above His creation. He is immanent.
“God’s immanence refers to His presence within His creation. (It is not to be confused with imminence, which refers to the timing of Jesus’ return to earth.) A belief in God’s immanence holds that God is present in all of creation, while remaining distinct from it. In other words, there is no place where God is not. His sovereign control extends everywhere simultaneously. [https://www.gotquestions.org/immanence-of-God.html]
David had expressed that God controls everything He has made. It’s a preposterous thought that the creator of the universe have no control over it, isn’t it? God is neither identified with creation nor distant from it.
Paul had written,” He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”[Col 1:16-17]
Our world won’t go wild as a headless chicken as the skeptics believed. A sovereign personal God is in control. Next time when we hear we see and hear lightnings and thunders, respectively, may we recognize the sovereignty of God. He who could rock the foundations of the heavens also could give us sleep in the midst of the storms.
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2 Sam 22:1-7 ESV
And David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
3 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
5 “For the waves of death encompassed me,
the torrents of destruction assailed me;
6 the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
7 “In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.
THE LORD IS MY ROCK.
David could just looked back and retrace God’s indelible footprints all over the places he had been through. The treacherous ‘ebbs and flows’ of life were not able to shake his “rock’, not even a micro-inch of it.
His ordeal was unimaginable when he related;
“For the waves of death encompassed me,
the torrents of destruction assailed me;
the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.” [v.5,6]
Later, he also wrote Psalm 23:4 and did say;
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
God’s presence had assured David that He is just a prayer away. Thus he said,”
“In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.” [v.7]
Certainly our challenges are as drowning as storm surges. We must neither descredit nor deny the magnitude of our problems. But, we should also recognize the impregnability of our God as our Rock. In other words, it isn’t how overwhelming are our loads but how awesome is our Lord. Theris no wave so big that our God isn’t bigger still. Yes, like David, we may claim;
““The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge, my savior.”
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2 Sam 21:15-22 ESV
15 There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. 16 And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”
18 After this there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the giants. 19 And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. 20 And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. 21 And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David's brother, struck him down. 22 These four were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.
THE LAMP OF ISRAEL.
During the confrontation with the Philistines, David fought but grew weary in battle. Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his rescue and attacked the Philistine and killed him.
Like the ageing David, we might be assuming that we are physically strong as before. There is a time to go to war and a time to rest from it. The willingness is there but the body doesn’t warrant anymore. Let’s recognize that there is a time to press the accelerator and a time to press the break. Everything is beautiful in his time.[Ecc 3:11]
David's men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” They demanded David to rest from battle. Thus, it was David’s last. His soldiering days was over. Although he wasn’t there at the succeeding battles, all of their victories were ascribed to him interestingly. [see v18-22] Success in leadership is getting things done through others. Simply put, David lived a life of influence and significance among his people. For them, he was ‘the lamp of Israel’.
I am so glad to see godly and loving children who insist that their parents had to take rest from labor and toil and enjoy the life afforded to them, such as vacations and breaks. They see their parents as the lamp of their lives. Conversely, I am saddened to see grandparents having to work in their old age as burning a candle at both ends in order to support their families.
May we will seee in our churches more ageing leaders who do inspire the young generations to pursue the gospel work. Leaders may not last long but their godly legacy should continue. May the baton be passed effectively to the next generations. Conversely, it would be sad to see a bitter generation drifting slowly yet surely away from the love of Christ and the gospel. May God help us.
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2 Sam 21:10-13 ESV
10 Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until rain fell upon them from the heavens. And she did not allow the birds of the air to come upon them by day, or the beasts of the field by night. 11 When David was told what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done, 12 David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, on the day the Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa. 13 And he brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan; and they gathered the bones of those who were hanged. 14 And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father. And they did all that the king commanded. And after that God responded to the plea for the land.
DOING WHAT IS RIGHT.
Rizpah, the mother of two sons having been executed, held a vigil over the bodies until the late rains came. Undeniably, she resigned quietly to the fate of his sons but her grief didn’t just go away easily.
This means that the bodies of these men were deliberately hanged and left unburied. Definitely, it was disgraceful but a stern warning to the nation. For “he who is hanged is accursed of God.”[Deut 21:23] David did what was right though how painful it was. This was to emphasize the fact that these men were executed as an act of judgment. Indeed, “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”[Heb 10:31] “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”[Ecc 12:13,14]
And surely, the coming of rain showed that the famine was over, that justice was satisfied, and that Israel was delivered. That, God responded to the plea for the land to bring in productivity again. Our God is both tough and tender, isn’t He?
When David had heard about what Rizpah did, he did give a decent burial to Saul and his son Jonathan. He commanded that the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan be gathered and buried in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father.
Saul did what was wrong and the nation of Israel had suffered for it. What happened to his seven sons was incomprehensible. It was tough and painful but David had to do it. Indeed, it is always the right time to do what is right. Disciplining our kids is painful but we’ve got to do it quickly now. For. it’s not right to delay doing what is right.
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2 Sam 21:1-9 ESV
Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year. And David sought the face of the Lord. And the Lord said, “There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” 2 So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the people of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites. Although the people of Israel had sworn to spare them, Saul had sought to strike them down in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah. 3 And David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? And how shall I make atonement, that you may bless the heritage of the Lord?” 4 The Gibeonites said to him, “It is not a matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.” And he said, “What do you say that I shall do for you?” 5 They said to the king, “The man who consumed us and planned to destroy us, so that we should have no place in all the territory of Israel, 6 let seven of his sons be given to us, so that we may hang them before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the Lord.” And the king said, “I will give them.”
7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul's son Jonathan, because of the oath of the Lord that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. 8 The king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; 9 and he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the mountain before the Lord, and the seven of them perished together. They were put to death in the first days of harvest, at the beginning of barley harvest.
A RETRIBUTION.
The three-year famine had prompted David to seek the face of the Lord. And the Lord said, “There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” Saul had dishonored God by trying to anihilate the Gibeonites that caused the famine. God isn’t capricious but consistent to His character of holiness.
During the time of Joshua, the Gibeonites did try to deceive Israel into making a peace treaty with them, though Israel was forbidden to make peace with any of the tribes of Canaan (Exodus 23:23-24). They approached Joshua craftily, had misrepresented themselves (pretended), and gave false “evidence” of their deception (old sacks, old wineskins, old and patched sandals, dry and moldy bread). But despite their lies, they have a proper admiration and honor for the God of Israel. Because they believed that the Gibeonites were from a distant land, they made the treaty with them. Consequently, they had to keep their oath, even if it was a bad oath. Joshua could not kill the Gibeonites, but he could control them by making them perpetual workmen for the tabernacle service. They would serve in menial ways such as cutting wood for the sacrificial fires of the tabernacle and carrying water used in its service. [see Jos 9:1-15]
When king David asked them what they wanted, they asked that seven of Saul’s sons be given to them, so that they may hang them before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the Lord.” And the king said, “I will give them.” But, Mephiboseth must be spared for David has a covenant with his father, Jonathan.
We’ve got to honor whatever oath the Lord binds. Why did Jesus say, "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”? [Matt 19:6] Don’t we reap the sad consequence today when vows of marriage are not honored? A man and woman who willingly placed themselves under oath in marriage should strive to preserve and persevere in their marriage.
2 Samuel 20:14-22
14 And Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah, and all the Bichrites assembled and followed him in. 15 And all the men who were with Joab came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah. They cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart, and they were battering the wall to throw it down. 16 Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’” 17 And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” 18 Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. 19 I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?” 20 Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy! 21 That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” 22 Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
A WISE WOMAN.
Sheba was trapped inside the walled city of Abel of Beth-maacah. Thus, Joab and his men cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart, and they were battering the wall to throw it down. A wise woman surfaced and negotiated politely with Joab. She said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?”
The impulsive Joab came into his senses to say,“Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy! That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” It wasn’t just or fair to penalize the whole city in order to apprehend a fugitive, was it? Thus, the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
This tactful woman was able to pacify an angry Joab. As Solomon had said, ”A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”[Prov 15:1] A soft word was heard loudly and effectively by Joab. How many times we don’t hear each other by our shoutings? She with her wisdom had saved the city. Indeed, “wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.”[Ecc 7:19]
Indeed, wisdom is much effective than physical might. As Solomon had related,” I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siege works against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.” [Ecc 9:13-15]
Thankfully, as His children, we are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God. [1 Cor 1:30b]
2 Samuel 20:4-10 ESV 4 Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.” 5 So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond the set time that had been appointed him. 6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord's servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.” 7 And there went out after him Joab's men and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men. They went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. 8 When they were at the great stone that is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was wearing a soldier's garment, and over it was a belt with a sword in its sheath fastened on his thigh, and as he went forward it fell out. 9 And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. 10 But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab's hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled his entrails to the ground without striking a second blow, and he died.
DEAL WITH EVIL URGENTLY AND DECISIVELY. The king had acted quickly against Sheba, who he thought would do more damage than Absalom. Thus, he activated the men of Judah through Amasa. But, the general had delayed. Was it because he himself was the former commander of Absalom so that he has had an affinity to Sheba? Most probably. Thus, David went back to his former commander in chief, Abishai. Abishai with his brother Joab and men pursued Sheba quickly. But. Amasa came and meet them. For what reason? Perhaps he would hinder them. But, Joab did trick him by grabbing his beard to kiss him, saying, “Is it well with you, my brother?” But, he stabbed him secretly at his stomach to his untimely death. A farmer was asked by a friend why the roofing of his barn had collapsed. The farmer replied, ”I saw this leak during rainy days when it was dripping. I knew I should repair it but it was still rainy days. I will do this during summer. But, when summer came, I thought there was no need of repair because there was no problem of dripping.” An evil must be dealt with urgently and decisively. Therefore, we must neither delay nor take evil for granted. It must be nipped at the bud. A little spark unattended can become a bush fire. And, to our surprise the whole forest is burned to the ground. For the evil to triumph is for godly people tolerating it at the start as insignificant. Weeds should not be tolerated to grow in the garden of our hearts, should we? We must not take second chances in dealing with evil. Otherwise, the evil is as a leaven that will leaven the whole lump. [Gal 5:9] Paul had pointed out a familiar proverb to illustrate his point. Leaven—or yeast—does not remain isolated in a single spot within a lump of dough. It will spread and become part of the entire loaf. In a similar way, wickedness or evil and its consequences are never limited to just a few people in a group. It is either rejected—and removed—or it waves its way into the thoughts and practices of the whole group. Wickedness is contagious, that is, it spreads and take hold. Tolerating evil in our lives is as putting fire at our pockets and hoping we will not get burned.
2 Sam 20:1-2 ESV
Now there happened to be there a worthless man, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite. And he blew the trumpet and said,
“We have no portion in David,
and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse;
every man to his tents, O Israel!”
2 So all the men of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah followed their king steadfastly from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
A WORTHLESS MAN.
The rift between the northern and the southern kingdom was an opportunity for a troublemaker, Sheba, son of Bikri, a Benjamite, to put a final wedge for secession from David’s kingship . A conclusive parting of ways from David as he blew the trumpet and shouted;
“We have no portion in David,
and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse;
every man to his tents, O Israel!”
A story was told that while two farmers were arguing about the ownership of a cow, somebody was milking it. Such is the case in profitless Christian bickering. When Christians fought over petty issues, Satan is as Sheba does come in and fuel the pride to consummate the break up. Ans as Paul warned us, “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” [2 Cor 2:11]
Let’s remember that our fight isn’t among ourselves. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”[Eph 6:12]
May we won’t be carried away by our passions and pride in our relationships. How many splits had been instigated by nourishing pride among God’s people? A civil war is always a loss-loss situation to one’s country, is it not? Likewise, divisions in the body is as an implosion finally detonated by our enemy, Satan.
2 Sam 19:41-43 ESV
41 Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David's men with him?” 42 All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king's expense? Or has he given us any gift?” 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, “We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.
ESTEEMING OTHERS AS BETTER THAN OURSELVES.
David's return to Jerusalem was marked by the escalating tensions between the Northern and Southern tribes, each being jealous of the king's favor. The northern tribes had felt sidelined in this ceremonial welcoming back of David from across the Jordan River.
They argued about who was more loyal to King David, and who had the greater right to honor him. They felt unappreciated by the southern tribe of Judah. This tension between Judah and the ten northern tribes set the stage for civil war in David’s day and the eventual division of the nation into two later.
Selfish ambitions always trigger relationship tremors. As James had written, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” [Jas 3:16] This even plagued the apostles, who were closed to Jesus.
At one time, James and John asked Jesus, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. [see Mark 10:35-41] Why were they indignant to the brothers James and John? Thus Jesus said to them, “To sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” The sovereignty of God should have settled their pursuit for it.
Certainly, they argued who had more favor from king David. But, should we compete who had more grace from Jesus, our king? Didn’t He wash the disciples feet , all without exception? Did He die more for some and not to others? Didn’t God so love the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life?[John 3:16]
Our true blessedness isn’t in sitting at Jesus side as the John and James wanted. It is in stooping down with Him in order to wash others feet. Thus Jesus admonished them about serving, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”[John 13:17]
Today, let’s heed to what Paul had said. That is,” So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”[Phil 2:1-4]
2 Sam 19:31-40 ESV
31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, and he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan. 32 Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 33 And the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” 34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you.” 38 And the king answered, “Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and all that you desire of me I will do for you.” 39 Then all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. And the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home. 40 The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. All the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel, brought the king on his way.
GRACEFUL AGING.
For the goodness that Barzillai did to him at Mahanaim, David had decided to reciprocate his favor. He said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” But, Barzillai, being a wealthy man himself, did refuse gently.
His reason was that he, at 80 years old, was too old to enjoy the luxuries of life. “Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women?”, he argued.
Simply said, Barzillai found out he passed the time of youth. Eating good food and listening to beautiful music weren’t anymore a pleasure but a struggle. He felt he would be a burden to David rather than be a blessing. [see Ecc 12:1-11]
May we would age beautifully as Barzillai who just wanted to be a blessing and not a burden. A selfless man even at his old age. He even blessed Chimham by recommending him to David in his stead, which David took unhesitatingly. Let it be that we should seek to bless others always with our right hands without letting our left hands know about it, should we not?
Apparently, he looked forward to retire quietly in his home town until his death. There was no sense of regret whatsoever for having wasted his life. Indeed, there is a reality of physical life ebbing low. As Psa 90:10, says,
“ The years of our life are seventy,
or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away.”
Our season of ‘toil’ will turn into ‘trouble’. It’s irreversible. Thus, let’s be ‘making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” [Eph 5:16]
2 Sam 19:24-30 ESV
24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety. 25 And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame. 27 He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you. 28 For all my father's house were but men doomed to death before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to cry to the king?” 29 And the king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.” 30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.”
LAME EXCUSES.
When asked why he didn’t go with him, Mephiboseth had argued that Ziba, his servant, had deceived him. That, he being lame, Ziba didn’t saddle a donkey for himself in order to go to the king. However, could he not request other than Ziba to bring him to the king? This lame guy did seem to have lame reasons, didn’t he?
Ziba didn’t take responsibility but had ascribed all the blame to Ziba. Such blame shifting had started at the garden of Eden. It’s easier for us to blame another than to accept personal responsibility, isn’t it. The more we find excuses, the more we are accused. More words are sef-defeating. It reveals concealed realities as removing a glue by wiping it with a tissue paper. Thus David said to Ziba, “You’ve said enough. I’ve decided that you and Ziba will divide your land equally between you.”[ v.29 NLT]
Solomon had said,
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” [Prov 28:13]
Blaming others doesn’t exonerate us from from our sins and failings. Our pride opposes God. And, it’s only by humility and honest confession do move the heart of God. As Peter had admonished us, “for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”[1 Pet 5:5b,6]
God doesn’t need our reasonings today. He knows our thoughts. Instead, we need God’s mercy. Let’s appropriate it by faith for He has lavished us with it perpetually. As Lam 3:22-23 says;
“ The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
May God help us to develop our sense of responsibleness.
2 Sam 19:8-15 ESV
8 Then the king arose and took his seat in the gate. And the people were all told, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” And all the people came before the king. Now Israel had fled every man to his own home. 9 And all the people were arguing throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies and saved us from the hand of the Philistines, and now he has fled out of the land from Absalom. 10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”
11 And King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his house, when the word of all Israel has come to the king? 12 You are my brothers; you are my bone and my flesh. Why then should you be the last to bring back the king?’ 13 And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me and more also, if you are not commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’” 14 And he swayed the heart of all the men of Judah as one man, so that they sent word to the king, “Return, both you and all your servants.” 15 So the king came back to the Jordan, and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring the king over the Jordan.
THE RETURN OF THE KING.
From his chamber of mourning, David went out and sat at the gate, a place of authority, one again. Doesn’t a king suppose to rise from his feelings and show his authority? The people who fled were told so. Thus, they came before the king. But, some elders were hesitant. He sent the priests Zadok and Abiathar to negotiate, to say, ‘Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house, since the words of all Israel have come to the king, to his very house? You are my brethren, you are my bone and my flesh. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?’
David didn’t lift a finger to re-establish his authority... His return to sovereignty was decided by the voluntary submission of his kinsmen and by their loving obedience to his will.” (Redpath)
Notedly, David also replaced Joab with Amasa as the new commander to his army. Why? He was the captain to Absalom’s army. It was a magnanimous gesture of winning the hearts to the former supporter of Absalom.
Similarly, as from Absalom to David, there must be the transfer of allegiance from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light in our lives. [see Eph 5:8] But, Jesus won’t force His way unto us. Men had to welcome His reign. And just like Zadok and Abiathar, the Holy Spirit does work of convincing sinners unto the Savior.
May we allow Christ to dwell, that is to reign, in our hearts by faith today. [Eph 3:17]
2 Sam 19:1-8 ESV
It was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people, for the people heard that day, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle. 4 The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 5 Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, 6 because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased. 7 Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” 8 Then the king arose and took his seat in the gate. And the people were all told, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” And all the people came before the king.
AN EXCESSIVE GRIEF.
Absalom’s horrible death had made David grieving profusely. He covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Apparently, his gladness for regaining his kingdom was drown by his excessive sadness for losing his beloved son.
God knows our vulnerabilities. And He has no animosity over our expression of feelings. Aren’t fathers suppose to mourn over the sad plight of their children? What went wrong? Was it not that he allowed himself to be to be overwhelmed with sorrow.
Let’s beware to excessive mourning – mourning that is basically anchored in unbelief and self indulgence. Clearly, in 1 Thess 4:13, Paul had warned us, “I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” Is it appropriate for believers to sorrow in death or tragedy like those who have no hope in God? Did not the psalmist write, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” [Psa 34:18]
Then Joab rebuked David. He had expressed the frustration of the people over David’s excessive grieving. That he loved those who hated him and hated those who love him. That the commanders and servants are nothing to him. That if Absalom were alive and all of them were dead that day, then he would be pleased.
As David Guzik had pointed out, “David’s problem was not in what he knew – Absalom’s tragic death and David’s own role in it. David’s problem was in what he forgot – that God was still in control, that a great victory was won, that he had many loyal supporters, and that God showed great grace and mercy to David. When someone is overcome in tragedy or sorrow, the problem is not in what they know, but in what they forget.”
Should we are confronted with sadness today, let’s not forget that God is upon His throne. Let’s nourish our hearts with hope through the scriptures. “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” [Rom 15:4]
2 Sam 18:28-33 ESV
28 Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king, “All is well.” And he bowed before the king with his face to the earth and said, “Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king.” 29 And the king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king's servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.” 30 And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” So he turned aside and stood still.
31 And behold, the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king! For the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you.” 32 The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” 33 And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
TRUTH HURTS.
David was sitting at the gate. Obviously, he was anxious to hear any report from the battlefield, specially about Absalom. As he scanned the horizon, David saw two runners coming in, namely Ahimaaz and the unnamed Cushite, which meant two reports are expected.
Ahimaaz arrived first and lied to the king saying, “ When Joab sent the king's servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.” A report that did not cause any concern to the king obviously. But, it wasn’t complete.
Sometimes like Ahimaaz, we want to tell others what would be pleasing to them, that is, the thing they always want to hear. An avoidance to hurt others feelings may prompt us to either sugar coat or beat around the bush in talking with others. The person may feel good but it doesn’t help him either. Sadly, the mentality of Ahimaaz seems to dominate our times. It is akin to the days of Jeremiah when he twice wrote these words, “They have healed the wound of my people lightly,
saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11)
The Cushite, however, was direct. He said, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” The Cushite just told David the plain truth. The king apparently was hurt , who went into his chamber and wept. But, isn’t it better to have temporary pain from hearing the truth that leads to healing than to believe a lie?
‘Today there is an unwillingness to tell people that they are sinners and separated from God. There is an unwillingness to make the people know the extent of their "wound" so that the good news of the Gospel will make sense to them. Rather than tell the bad news many ministers and Christians proclaim with a shout as soon as they can... "Shalom! Shalom!" when there is no shalom. The people are in a carnal state that is at enmity with God. Many are ushered into the churches and the enmity remains.’ [from http://realrevival.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-spirit-of-ahimaaz.html]
Indeed, the gospel truth may hurt. Nevertheless, they must know the truth in order to obtain freedom. [John 8:32] Yet, we must speak the truth in love. [Eph 4:15]
2 Sam 18:9-18 ESV
9 And Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak, and his head caught fast in the oak, and he was suspended between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on. 10 And a certain man saw it and told Joab, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.” 11 Joab said to the man who told him, “What, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? I would have been glad to give you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” 12 But the man said to Joab, “Even if I felt in my hand the weight of a thousand pieces of silver, I would not reach out my hand against the king's son, for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘For my sake protect the young man Absalom.’ 13 On the other hand, if I had dealt treacherously against his life (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof.” 14 Joab said, “I will not waste time like this with you.” And he took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak. 15 And ten young men, Joab's armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him and killed him.
16 Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the troops came back from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained them. 17 And they took Absalom and threw him into a great pit in the forest and raised over him a very great heap of stones. And all Israel fled every one to his own home. 18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar that is in the King's Valley, for he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He called the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom's monument to this day.
AN ABUSE OF POWER.
There is no doubt that David had his trust to his nephew-general, Joab. He was the son of Zeruiah, David’s half sister. He became the commander in David’s service when David was ruler of Judah in the south while one of Saul’s remaining sons, Ishbosheth, was still ruling northern Israel. Ishboseth’s commander. Then, Abner eventually had a pact with David. But, Joab killed Abner treacherously in revenge for Killing Asahel, Joab’s brother.[2 Sam 3:27] And, instead of punishing him, David washed his hands that he had nothing to do with it. Simply put, he tacitly approved it.
Moreover, Joab had complied with David’s order to murder Uriah as a cover-up for his adultery with Bathseba. It was a clean and perfect concealment. He knew what makes David happy.
And here, when Absalom tried to escape and his long hair was stuck at a branch, the other officers refused to kill him. Without hesitation, he shot three darts into Absalom’s heart and buried his corpse in a pit. Obviously, he didn’t honor David’s word, much more the rebel son Absalom.
Simply put, as David’s hatchet man, Joab was drunk with power. He was so quick and impulsive in taking things in his hands.
Having power is as having a fertile ground for the weeds of pride to grow. And, its glitter is blinding and deafening to one’s eyes and ears, respectively. Joab had gone overboard that he wasn’t even bothered to disrespect David. “Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.”[anonymous]
“For pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.” C.S. Lewis
2 Sam 18:1-5 ESV
Then David mustered the men who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 And David sent out the army, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, “I myself will also go out with you.” 3 But the men said, “You shall not go out. For if we flee, they will not care about us. If half of us die, they will not care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore it is better that you send us help from the city.” 4 The king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands. 5 And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.
YOU ARE WORTH TEN THOUSAND OF US.
David was once the sidelined shepherd by his father, slighted by his brothers, hunted by Saul and now having been undermined by his son, Absalom. Despite all these, to all who knew and had been endeared by him, he was ‘worth ten thousand of them.’
Though David was on the run, he is still the anointed king of Israel. But, it was the integrity of his heart that was undoubtedly splendid, was it not? He wasn’t perfect. He made egregious mistakes but he made amends later. His humility was evident by his brokenness. His meekness was manifested when he dealt with Shimei. And his gentleness to his erring son Absalom was made evident. Just before the confrontation, he ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.”
I wonder if we hold Jesus so dearly as the men did to David. Didn’t Jesus demand our all in following Him? He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23] Shouldn’t we give our all to the One who gave His all firstly to us? As the father hadn’t spare Him for us[Rom 8:32], Jesus did willingly give Himself for us as well.
Shouldn’t we be like Paul in esteeming Jesus? He expressed, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” [Gal 6:14]. “As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” [Phil 1:20,21]
We know that ‘we were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.’ [1 Pet 1:18,19] How then should we esteem Him in our lives today?
Christ is my all in all.
2 Sam 17:27-29 ESV
27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, 29 honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”
REAL FRIENDS.
During David’s escape and hardships, there were true friends who helped him and his men, namely; Shobi, Machir and Barzillai. They refreshed with their gifts from hunger, weariness and thirtsts in the wilderness. They were very opposite to Ahitophel.
According to Coffman Commentaries of the Bible, “All of the men mentioned here were powerful princes of Israel who had the grace and the ability to supply David's company with much-needed provisions. This reaction of David's friends to his misfortunes bears strong testimony to the remarkable power he had for winning the affections of men. If a man is to be judged by the opinion of his friends, David must stand high in the judgment of history."
"Shobi ... of the Ammonites" His father may have been the king of the Ammonites; and David may have appointed him as a vassal king or governor of Ammon after he took Rabbah (2 Samuel 12:29)." In any event, "He was one of the men of Rabbah to whom David had shown kindness after his capture of that city." "Amiel of Lo-debar" This man was a son of Ahithophel and the father of Bathsheba. Thus, Machir was Bathsheba's brother. "Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim" This man was an ancestor through a daughter of a family of priests, who were called after him, `Sons of Barzillai.' They returned from the Babylonian captivity with Ezra (Ezra 2:61-63)."
Friends in need are friends indeed. It’s a joy to be surrounded by sincere and genuine people, who in unexpected ways may reciprocate the goodness done unto them.
A bird saw an ant struggling to keep himself afloat dropped a leaf to rescue it. Several days later, the same ant saw a hunter aiming his arrow to the bird. Immediately, he bit the foot of the hunter affecting his focus so that the bird flew away uscathed. The goodness that we do to others maybe reciprocated for what we sow we reap.[Gal 6:7]
2 Sam 17:14, 23-26 ESV
14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.
23 When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.
AHITOPHEL’S SUICIDE.
When Ahitophel took his own life, it was the last straw in the camel’s back. His bitterness had led him spiraling down. His suicide was the inevitable result.
Death is both an event and a process. The day Ahitophel had nourished his grudges was the beginning of his end. It is said that being bitter is like drinking poison hoping that the person he hated will be poisoned. This poison may affect one’s sight that he becomes oblivious of the corruption within.
Many disasters had start with a small leak. Hence, Solomon had warned us, by saying;
“Catch the foxes for us,
the little foxes
that spoil the vineyards,
for our vineyards are in blossom.”[ Song of Sol 2:15]
David had completed trusted Ahitophel as a friend. He did not expect their relationship would ever turn sour, much more to betray him. David had reflected about this by saying;
” Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” [ Psa 41:9]
Are you hurting today? Forgiveness is the only way. It’s not a feeling but a volition. Otherwise, bitterness would erode the core as hungry termites that consume the core of a giant tree until it falls down. Therefore, let’s not fail the grace of God, that is, the supernatural capacity to let go off our hurts and pains. May we won’t be carried away by the deceitfulness of our hearts. [Jer 17:9,10]
Keep your heart with all vigilance. [Prov 4:23]
2 Sam 16:15-23 ESV
15 Now Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 And when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17 And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” 18 And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, for whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain. 19 And again, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? As I have served your father, so I will serve you.”
20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel. What shall we do?” 21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof. And Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.
AHITHOPEL’S COUNSEL.
As Hushai indicated his allegiance to him, Absalom was hesitant at the start, saying, “Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” But, Hushai’s play of words had outwitted him, even Ahitophel.
No doubt, the young Absalom had leaned upon the wisdom to the older and experienced Ahitophel. Thus, as Ahitophel had counseled him, he went into his father’s concubines. “In the ancient world, taking the king’s concubines was not only an act of immorality; but also an act of treason. This was a way for Absalom to not only replace David but also to completely repudiate his father.” [ from David Guzik]
Absalom, then, pitched a tent at the roof top and did the deplorable act in the sight of all Israel. Was this Ahitophel’s slight to David’s adultery that started at the roof top? Most probably but nevertheless, this was part of the consequences of David’s sin.
Ahitophel’s counsel was bad for having been tainted with personal grudges and revenge. Had he forgotten that David is the anointed king? His passions did color his evil decisions, didn’t it? Paul had warned us ‘not to be wise in our own conceits.’[Rom 12:16] Ahitophel’s actuations did betray his age, didn’t it?
Today, let it be that we have our passions keep in check. God had placed our heads above our hearts so that we should not allow our hearts to supersede our minds. An anger that controls the mind doesn’t work the righteousness of God.[Jas 1:19] This is the sure formula that results to more regrets in life. God does not want us to take things in our hands but wait upon the Lord. Let’s be aware that our self centeredness is always our own undoing.
2 Sam 16:5-14 ESV
5 When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually. 6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! 8 The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”
9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” 10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.” 13 So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust. 14 And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.
FORBEARANCE.
There is no doubt that Shimei was filled with hatred to David, the king. In a tantrum, he hurled stones to David and cursing him along the way. A total disrespect to the anointed king of Israel.
While David did nothing, Abishai, one of his generals, was annoyed. “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.”, he said to the king. But, David’s answer may had taken him aback. “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so? Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.” David did not react based on impulse. As the king, he had the power to indict Shimei, But, his meekness had him response with serenity and quiescence.
Like David, do we see the hand of God over the evil hurled upon us? That we shouldn’t take things in our hands in anger. For “surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.” [Psa 76:10] Evidently, David had believed that the Lord will repay with good for the cursing he received that day.
We don’t have control to what anyone will do to us, do we? But, we do have with regards to our reactions. The stability of a leader is in the control of his spirit. “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” [Prov 16:32]
Thus, you and I need not be carried by our passions but by the truth that God is behind either directly or indirectly in the troubles of our lives today.
2 Sam 16:1-4 ESV
When David had passed a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, bearing two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred of summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who faint in the wilderness to drink.” 3 And the king said, “And where is your master's son?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back the kingdom of my father.’” 4 Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba said, “I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”
THE FAVOR.
In the times of David’s need, Ziba the servant of Mephiboseth brought him ‘two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred of summer fruits, and a skin of wine.’ Curious, David asked him. Clearly, Ziba just wanted to bless David and his men by providing what they needed on his own volition.
Ziba was always concerned with Mephiboseth. In fact, he had blessed him for his vow to his father Jonathan. Hence, David asked Ziba about his whereabout. Ziba’s answer may had surprised David, that is, “Behold, he remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back the kingdom of my father.” Did Mephiboseth side with Absalom? At this time, David believed Ziba. Hence, he said to him, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.”
Was Ziba telling the truth? Mephiboseth had his own version of the story in 2 Sam 19:25 –30. When David was restored to his kingdom later, he didn’t believe one is more right than the other so that he divided the land between them equally.
For the favor we give to people undeservedly, every recipient has his own take about it. The favor may cause undue contention like Ziba and Mephiboseth due to dissatisfaction. Should a father has two sons and he has three candies, a fight will surely erupt when each one wants two.
What about the disciples? There were twelve of them and each one wanted to sit by the sides of Jesus. [see Mark 10:35-40] Were they not contented to be part of the 12 Jesus’ had chosen? To be better than others had plagued close relationships since the fall of man.
What and who we are could be attributed only to God’s grace. That is, our status here on earth has little or nothing to do with our true identity in Christ. Let’s be satisfied with it and avoid comparing ourselves with others. “One's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” [Luke 12:15] Since all Christians are grace recipients, nobody is better than others. If one beggar has been given a bigger piece of bread than the others won’t make him better than the rest. He does remain a beggar, doesn’t he?
2 Sam 15:30-37 ESV
30 But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. 31 And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” 32 While David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and dirt on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. 34 But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father's servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. 35 Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So whatever you hear from the king's house, tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son, and by them you shall send to me everything you hear.” 37 So Hushai, David's friend, came into the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.
PRAYER AND ACTION. Definitely, David was broken. He went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. His pain had aggravated when he knew that one of his trusted advisers Ahithopel conspired with Absalom against him. Why? Most probably, he lost respect to David who by his abuse of authority had gone to Bathseba, his granddaughter to have an illicit sexual encounter and murder of the husband Uriah later. [2 Sam 23:34] The root of bitterness may had soured his soul. [Heb 12:15] David turned this pain into a prayer, ”O Lord, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” Surely, God works through answering our prayers. But, prayer that works is accompanied by actions. These are the evidences that we believe our prayers, are they not? Thus, David devised a plan to foil the counsel of Ahithopel. He told Hushai the Archite, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father's servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So whatever you hear from the king's house, tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. Behold, their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son, and by them you shall send to me everything you hear.”[v.34-36] Praying and acting don’t contradict. Through our prayers, God would either open doors or provide wisdom as to the next stap to take. Hence, Solomon had counseled; “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” {Prov 3:5,6] Today, for every need, let’s pray first and foremost. Yet, we must plan and act upon our prayers.
2 Sam 15:24-31 ESV
24 And Abiathar came up, and behold, Zadok came also with all the Levites, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God until the people had all passed out of the city. 25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. 26 But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.” 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your two sons, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem, and they remained there. 30 But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. 31 And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
GOD IS IN CONTROL. As David was watching everyone fleeing from Jerusalem, he saw the priests Abiathar and Zadok with all the Levites, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. What these priest did was undetestable. Was it not David their king? Was it not David who brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem? But David’s strong faith upon the sovereignty of God when he said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.” Should everything would turn south, could we believe that God is always in control? That, He is on top in everything that is happening in our lives? Like Job, we may say to our God, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”[Job 42:2] Or, as Joseph had said to his brothers who did him harm, we may say,” As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” [Gen 50:20] God has declared through the prophet Isaiah; “for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”[ Isa 46:9b,10I] God’s sovereignty may scare those who are not in Him. But, it’s a rest for us who believe Him. For we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.[Rom 8:28] Solomon had articulated God’s sovereignty when he wrote,” Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.” [Ecc 9:11] In him[Christ] all things hold together. [Col 1:17b]
2 Sam 15:13-23 ESV
13 And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” 14 Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” 15 And the king's servants said to the king, “Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king decides.” 16 So the king went out, and all his household after him. And the king left ten concubines to keep the house. 17 And the king went out, and all the people after him. And they halted at the last house. 18 And all his servants passed by him, and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath, passed on before the king. 19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home. 20 You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you.” 21 But Ittai answered the king, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” 22 And David said to Ittai, “Go then, pass on.” So Ittai the Gittite passed on with all his men and all the little ones who were with him. 23 And all the land wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed the brook Kidron, and all the people passed on toward the wilderness.
LOYALTY Because of Absalom’s sedition, David had decided to flee from Jerusalem. The thought of confrontation with the son he loved was unbearable to David perhaps. As a veteran warrior, he should had marshaled his army to defend the city. His men were committed to obey his orders. But, he did not. Instead, he urged everyone to flee away from the city. As all his servants were passing by, David took notice of the 600 Gittites who had followed him from Gath. Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home. You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you.” Undoubtedly, this offer from the king was an opportunity for them to be free from possible crossfire. But Ittai answered the king, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” Ittai’s loyalty was confirmed when given the choice to be free when David had been very weak. What could he get from David this time should he follow him? Interestingly, he did it decisively, voluntarily and publicly. Though he had served David not long enough, there was neither equivocalism nor hesitancy in his commitment. Are we equally loyal to our king Jesus? Have we made up our mind to deny ourselves, take up his cross daily and come after Him? [Luke 9:23]. As Jesus had explained the cost of following him, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” [John 6:66-69] Either we are for Jesus or not. There is no middle ground. We must be willing to count the cost in following Him. He calls us for a life of significance not ease. If Jesus is not the Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.
2 Sam 15:1-12 ESV
After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,” 3 Absalom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you.” 4 Then Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.” 5 And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 And at the end of four years Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the Lord, in Hebron. 8 For your servant vowed a vow while I lived at Geshur in Aram, saying, ‘If the Lord will indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will offer worship to the Lord.’” 9 The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron. 10 But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, ‘Absalom is king at Hebron!’” 11 With Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem who were invited guests, and they went in their innocence and knew nothing. 12 And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.
ABSALOM’S REBELLIOUSNESS.
Absalom had undermined his father David, specially his authority and kingship. What did provoke him to do it so? Was it his resentment for the neglect of his father to give justice to the rape of Amnon? Was it David’s cold treatment to him? No doubt, his father had lapses. But, was he not responsible to his own decision as a grown-up man? In this fallen world, we couldn’t prevent to be hurt. But, we shouldn’t allow the past hurts to define us, should we?
David had conquered his enemies so that he sat at the throne as king. Ironically, he failed to subjugate the heart of his son Absalom. Sad but true. Similarly, we might be successful in our careers and public life to the neglect of our very own. That, our kids won’t be hardened as Absalom. Success in any other fields is nullified by our failures in the homes.
The evil Absalom did to his father was unthinkable. He undermined his father. Definitely, he had lost his respect for him as a father, needless to say as the anointed king by God. His malevolence had led him to manipulate the unsuspecting people around him. Firstly, on the guise that he was helping David, he provided help and justice to the needy in a very compassionate way, like taking hold of them and kissing them. And, slowly but effectively stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
2 Sam 14:23-24, 28-33 ESV
23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king's presence.
28 So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king's presence. 29 Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but Joab would not come to him. And he sent a second time, but Joab would not come. 30 Then he said to his servants, “See, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom's servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose and went to Absalom at his house and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?” 32 Absalom answered Joab, “Behold, I sent word to you, ‘Come here, that I may send you to the king, to ask, “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.” Now therefore let me go into the presence of the king, and if there is guilt in me, let him put me to death.’” 33 Then Joab went to the king and told him, and he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.
THE RELUCTANT FATHER.
Through Joab’s intermediary, David consented to let Absalom go back to Jerusalem. But the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king's presence. So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king's presence.
They are so near yet far from each other. The king had neglected to reach out to his son Absalom. Why? Did not David long to see Absalom? [2 Sam 13:39] The reason isn’t obvious as his act of willful neglect to talk with Absalom.
After two full years of not seeing his father, Absalom sought for Joab’s help, who also had paid no attention to him. Thus, he told his servants to set Joab’s field on fire , that was next to his. The act seemed outrageous but that was the only way he thought to get the attention of Joab and the king. Certainly, Absalom was desperate to see the king.
Unlike David, our God isn’t deaf and stern to His own, is He? “With a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever.”[Psa 136:12] Isaiah also wrote;
“I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people,
Who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts.”[Isa 65:2]
Even Jesus when he entered Jerusalem had cried,” O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” [Luke 13:34]
We should run to the Father as the prodigal son did when he realized the goodness of his father. He said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.[Luke 15:17-18]
Furthermore, we can go to the Father through Jesus, who unlike Joab knows and sympathizes with us always. As Heb 4:15-16 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
2 Sam 14:1-3, 12-17 ESV
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king's heart went out to Absalom. 2 And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman and said to her, “Pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning garments. Do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead. 3 Go to the king and speak thus to him.” So Joab put the words in her mouth.
12 Then the woman said, “Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king.” He said, “Speak.” 13 And the woman said, “Why then have you planned such a thing against the people of God? For in giving this decision the king convicts himself, inasmuch as the king does not bring his banished one home again. 14 We must all die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life, and he devises means so that the banished one will not remain an outcast. 15 Now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid, and your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant. 16 For the king will hear and deliver his servant from the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together from the heritage of God.’ 17 And your servant thought, ‘The word of my lord the king will set me at rest,’ for my lord the king is like the angel of God to discern good and evil. The Lord your God be with you!”
INCONSISTENCY
Through Joab’s scheming, the wise woman from Tekoa was able to talk with David. She coached her to tell te king a hypothetical story. That, she had two sons and one struck dead the other. Consequently, the entire family wanted the killer to avenge him. Thus, she asked help for the king to protect the only “remaining coal, leaving no one on the face of the earth to carry on the name of my husband.”
Without hesitation upon hearing it, David assured her that “not a single hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.” His response was the woman’s point of accusation against him. She said, “Why have you devised something like this against God’s people? When the king speaks in this fashion, he makes himself guilty, for the king has not brought back the one he has banished.” David’s inconsistency was revealed by being kind to the woman’s son but not to his son Absalom.
Like David, at times, we are caught in between the devil and the deep blue sea. He was angry to what Amnon did to Tamar yet he did not take action to punish him.[see 2 Sam 12:31] How could he punish his own son? Absalom could have been pacified if justice was meted out. Certainly, his inaction had ushered to another crisis – Absalom’s murder to Amnon. “The king longed to go to Absalom, for he had since been consoled over the death of Amnon. And, Joab son of Zeruiah realized that the king longed to see him.” [2 Sam 13:39, 14:1] But, he turned a cold shoulder to Absalom for three years.
Similarly, we fathers sometimes know the right thing to do mentally but our emotions prompt us to do the opposite in dealing with our erring children. This inconsistency is shown in our inactions. And, these inactions towards their wrongs are signs of consent, are they not? May God has mercy upon us as He was to David.
Othe other hand, our Father in heaven is also inconsistent but in a different way. Think of this. He punished His sinless Son to provide forgiveness for our sins. He doesn’t bypass sin for He is just and righteous. Yet, for His love, His Son received His wrath for he became our substitute at the cross. In an incomprehensible way, God is both loving and righteous in Christ.
At the cross, God’s justice and love are demonstrated.
2 Sam 13:23-33 ESV
23 After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king's sons. 24 And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. 28 Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” 29 So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled.
30 While they were on the way, news came to David, “Absalom has struck down all the king's sons, and not one of them is left.” 31 Then the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the earth. And all his servants who were standing by tore their garments. 32 But Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David's brother, said, “Let not my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men, the king's sons, for Amnon alone is dead. For by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day he violated his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore let not my lord the king so take it to heart as to suppose that all the king's sons are dead, for Amnon alone is dead.”
THE ANGER OF MAN.
For the evil Amnon did to Tamar, Absalom hated him. Bitterness doesn’t wane with time, does it? Quite the opposite, the longer bitterness is harbored, its corruption do spread like a gangrene. Heb 12:15 says, “ See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;”
After two years, Absalom was able to persuade his reluctant father David to allow Amnon with all the king’s son to follow with him in shearing the sheep at Baal-hazor. He threw a drinking spree to let Amon and the rest got drank. He commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” Thus Amnon was killed by Absalom through his servants. In short, He had reaped what he had sown. Indeed, ‘the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.’[Jas 1:20]
Consequently, David had heard the wrong report of the fleeing servants that Amnon and all the king’s sons were dead. It was Jonadab, his nephew, who had clarified him that only Amnon had died. Fear may had cause this exaggeration of the report as the 10 spies said did to the nation of Israel that they were just gasshoppers before the Canaanites.
This cycle of evil done among the children of David does demonstrate the ugliness of man’s heart, doesn’t it? The lust of Amnon and Absalom’s man’s slaughter of Amnon had exposed the secret sin David did into the open. Did not God to say to David through Nathan, “For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’[2 Sam 12:12]
The cost of sin is too serious to ignore. Unless we cringe to the thought that our home be consumed with fire, we won’t be convinced not to play with fire, though how small it is. May God will teach us to hate sin as God hates it.
2 Sam 13:1-14 ESV
Now Absalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her. 2 And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. 3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man. 4 And he said to him, “O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.” 5 Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’” 6 So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, “Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.”
7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, “Go to your brother Amnon's house and prepare food for him.” 8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house, where he was lying down. And she took dough and kneaded it and made cakes in his sight and baked the cakes. 9 And she took the pan and emptied it out before him, but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, “Send out everyone from me.” So everyone went out from him. 10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. 11 But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 She answered him, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing. 13 As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” 14 But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.
AN IMPLOSION.
Amnon had an obssession to his half sister, Tamar. He lusted after her. With the wicked advice of his cousin, Jonadab, he was able to consumate his brutish passion. By pretending as sick, he succeeded to request Tamar to bring food to him alone in his room, where he raped her mercilessly.
David had a taste to the bitter consequences to his sins. “God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”[Gal 6:7] What Amnon did to Tamar was no different to what he did to Uriah. A pure madness.
This would be the start of David’s nightmare. He would be fighting his own demons within for the rest of his life. A giant tree that could survive a thousand storms may fell to our surprise because of the termites within. Such is the corruption of sin in our flesh. The weakness of our flesh remains unchanged as a magnet that draws iron fillings to itself.
Undoubtedly, Amnon is the type of the flesh. Her sister pleaded to him sayig, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing.” But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her. James had warned us, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” [Jas 1:14,15]
The only cure is the control of the Spirit. As Paul had exhorted us, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” [Gal 5:16,17]
2 Sam 12:24-25 ESV
24 Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him 25 and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord.
JEDIDIAH
Both David and Bathsheba were comforted that God gave them another son. They called him Solomon, which means ‘man of peace.’ David had been in turmoil and must had a high hope that the future of his son would be the opposite. Solomon will be a catalyst of peace.
Amazingly, the Lord loved him. As Nathan knew it from God, he named David and Bathsheba’s son, Jedidiah, which means “beloved or darling of Yah.” God had expressed displeasure to David for his double sin of adultery and murder. But apparently, after David’s confession, His anger was replaced with mercy. As Psalm 103:8-11:
“The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
No mistake needs be final. Thus, we don’t need to be stuck in the past. As our covenant keeping God, He does give us a new start so that we may not be defined by our blunders in the past. Like David, the righteous may fall seven times but he could rise again. [Prov 24:16]
Who among us is isn’t tossed and hurt by the crisis? As we crossed the 365 dateline we reached 2021. As ship cruising in treacherous 2020 waters , we traversed with our sails are torn perhaps. Nevertheless, God had enabled to usher ourselves to 2021 and began a new journey. But this time, we do have had precious lessons learned, don’t we?
Like David and Bathsheba, let’s forget the past and build up from the ashes. Let’s focus unto the future and embrace the challenges ahead. Let’s continue our journey having been assured of the unfailing love of God, abounding with hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”[Rom 15:13]
Our God is the God of the second chances. God anticipates that we fail. But, He doesn’t want us to live in failure. We could fail. But, we should not call ourselves failures, should we? We may climb the tallest mountains on earth. But, let’s not forget that our feet are made of clay. And this should cause us to be humble always.
Our failure needs not be final. For God can create beauty for ashes. As Isaiah encouraged the dispersed Jews, that is, “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”[Isa 61:3]
-2 Sam 12:15-23 esv
And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick. 16 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
BROKENNESS.
As Nathan had said, David lost his child with Bathsheba. At first, the child got seriously sick. David became broken. For seven days, David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. Though the elders sought him to eat, he did not.
How broken was David?
When the child died after seven days, the elders were quite hesitant to tell the king for they fear that he may do himself harm. But, David had heard them. Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house.
After a span of almost two years that David had covered his sin, he confessed and came out broken. He worhiped God after he experienced a painful consequence. He expressed this when he wrote Psa 51:14-17, when he said;
“Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
David’s servants did not understand why David ceased to fast when his child was dead. He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”[v.22,23]
David had accepted the will of God. Like him we must fast and worship neither to twist God’s arm nor to change His mind. Contrariwise, we should ask Him to break our will to align to His. In other words, we fast and worship because we seek God and Him alone.
2 Samuel 12:7b-15 esv
Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. 9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’” 13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.” 15 Then Nathan went to his house.
“I HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE LORD.”
In Nathan’s confrontation, Nathan did remind David a litany of abundant blessings he received from God. Nathan said, “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.”
What had caused him to forget all these? Perhaps, he was too familiar to God’s blessing to feel contempt. There was an abuse to God’s goodness undoubtedly. His hardening had made him out of touch to this reality. Thus Paul had asked us today, “do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? [Rom 2:4]
The confrontation Nathan did was hard but needed, that is, “Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.”
David’s conscience was hardened so that it must be awakened like pouring a pail water to a person, who is sound asleep. Living a pretentious life for almost two years was too long enough to make him a chronic liar.
Thankfully, David had acknowledged to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” No blameshifting. Neither euphemizing nor whitewashing. Just plain confession. Period.
True confession results to cleansing. Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.As John explained, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9]
David came out clean through God’s forgiveness. But, the consequence of his sins would haunt him through out his life. Nathan said, “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.”
God may restore us in fellowship with Him because he forgives. But, the consequences of our sins may stay.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 ESV
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
HE HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME.
First of all, I would like to greet each one, “A blessed New Year 2021”
It’s a new year. Therefore, it must be different. Thus, we should embrace the reality of change this year, should we not? The past is like water under the bridge, gone forever but some of its footprints are left behind. Most may fade with time but a few will stay. We can’t change what happened in 2020. But, we can change its meaning as we look at hindsight. There are just myriads of lessons if we see it from the perspective of God, that is, from the lenses of Scriptures.
The wounds in 2020 may have healed yet leaving a few noticeable scars. Are we going to cosmeticize these scars? Not necessarily. Battle scars are attractive, aren’t they? A scar at the eyebrow from a scrimmage in basketball shows toughness. A scar on your knee from a bike fall shows your endurance. Or, even a callous hand means persistence and diligence. That is why, the imprisoned Paul pridely said, “From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” [Gal 6:17]
Today, let’s turn our scars into badges of honor, our trials into triumphs and messes into a messages. Did not Paul declare, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”? [Rom 8:28] Paul added, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” [Phil 1:6] Fof Isaiah had written;
“for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
10 declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done.
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,”[Isa 46:9b,10]
God, our Potter, is at the helm always. Every time he turns the Potter’s wheel is a step in fulfilling His plan and purpose in and through our lives. Thus, as He start revolve the earth around the sun today, we may confidently say,”But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” [Isa 64:8] Summer may turn to spring and spring to fall. Yet, our God is in control. Indeed, as He did it in 2020, He will make everything beautiful in its time.
James 1:26-27 ESV
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
PURE RELIGION BEFORE GOD.
A person may claim that he is religious. However, if he isn’t able to control his tongue, he proves his religion is nothing. True religion should control the whole being. It should be noted that Jesus has established the strong connection about a person’s heart being revealed by his tongue. “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”, Jesus said. [Matt 15:18] Later in this epistle, James also has pointed out that “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”[Jas 3:2].
Conversely, true religion isn’t marked not by one’s profession but by his practice, not merely by one’s claim but by his conduct. Didn’t Jesus warn us about people having an ‘appearance’ but not real believers? He said, ““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”[Matt 7:21-23] Indeed, it’s incumbent to “examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”[2 Cor 13:5]
For having a authentic relationship with God, genuine believers [pure religionist] do show their real faith by their works. Where there is a real substance, a shadow is seen. A dog barks in order not to become a dog but because it’s a dog. Similarly, a believer does good works as the fruit for being a true one.
His works are of twofold, proactively and defensibly. Proactively, he helps the needy, particularly the orphans and the widows in their afflictions. This act of service is an evidence that he loves God truly. John said, “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
Defensively, he kept himself unblemished or pure from the contamination of the world. For John said also, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” [1 John 2:15,16]
People may claim that they’re true believers. But, it's their conduct that proves it real or not.
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Are You A Doer of The Word?
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
ARE YOU A DOER OF THE WORD?
There is a big difference between a hearer and a doer of God’s word. A man may know tons of skills. But unless he put them into action, they’re just nothing. A person may know how to cook rice. But, he will starve until he applies his knowledge. Sadly, many churches have members with a lot of biblical knowledge but still are struggling with life and relationships. The reason is the failure to apply.
The illustration James gave isn’t just humorous but insulting. No man in his sound mind will go to the mirror, look at his face and walk away ignoring the dirt he sees at his face. He who lies to himself is worse than a fool. Simply put, he stressed how ridiculous is it for anyone of us to read God’s word without the purpose of applying the biblical principles.
The doers of the word have made up their mind. He is committed to “look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts.” He has accepted that God’s word is the ‘perfect law of liberty.’ Arbitrarily, he accepts he might have flaws, aware or not, so that he must reflect to the mirror of God’s word. Thus, he will conduct his actions in line or in accordance to its precepts and principles.
It’s no wonder that they are blessed. As Psalm 1:3,4 says;
“but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.”
After the Lord Jesus had shown his humility by washing their dirty feet and explained its significance, he challenged them by saying, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” [John 13:17] The blessed are not those who know His words. They are those who apply them. Let’s not forget that this blessedness is through the instrumentality of the Spirit using His words. As Paul had said, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” [2 Cor 3:18]
Perhaps, you have had a lot of Scriptural knowledge already. You keep on reading His words regularly. But, you feel that your life is stagnating, dry and unfruitful. Knowing the word isn’t equal to spirituality.
God has been prompting us today to apply His words. Let’s have the posture of the heart as Samuel who asked God, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” Let us seek His grace and enablement that we won’t just be hearers of His words but doers from now on.
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James 1:19-21 ESV
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
HAVE A LISTENING EAR.
In a world that give weight to instant gratification today, most of us do struggle how to listen effectively, don’t we? We’re evolving into a culture wherein everything must be fast. Thus, a small delay of services at food and service centers may evoke complains. Consequently, this impatience results mostly to verbal altercations. These outbursts of anger seem inevitable.
Man’s anger doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. That is, the corruptions of a man’s heart is exposed by his acts of anger. At one time Jesus had accused the angry Pharisees, “ You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” [Matt 12:34] And again, He said, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.”[Matt 15:18-20]
Somebody asked, ”Why does man speak so much than listen when God has given us two ears and only one mouth?” Strange. Isn’t it? When a person had an impaired listening attitude, he has had a diseased heart. It’s not surprising that an angry heart will speak out with outburst of emotions as a brewing volcano spewing lava and hot ashes.
That is why Jesus came offering Himself as our life. [John 14:6, John 10:10] He came not to aid in the reformation of our behavior but to radically transform our hearts. Christians have Christ living and controlling their hearts. As Paul had testified,” I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”[Gal 2:20] Is your life in Christ and Christ in you by faith? They are those believers who “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” [v.21]
Then and only then, that what he commanded to us in Phil 2:3-4 makes sense. That is, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” An unselfish heart could only provide a listening ear. How can a person listen to others if he does all the talking?
Having a listening ear and zippering our mouth do not just keep us out of trouble. It can make us effective servants to others. We show our love not in spectacular deeds but in the simple acts of providing our undivided attention to listen to people. This display more Christlikeness than perhaps we realize. It’s true that those who are pushing their own agenda who are considered great in this world. But, in Gods kingdom, they are those who ‘esteem others as better than themselves” so that they will listen and serve them.
Listening is more than an art. It’s an attitude of the changed heart.
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James 1:16-18 ESV
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
THE FATHER OF LIGHTS.
While Satan’s ploy is to entice us to sin, the Father of lights illumines us to the truth. As the epitome of goodness, our Father is the giver [source] of all good and perfect gifts. Would you and I consider that trials are gifts from God? As Job had recognized, by saying, “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? [Job 2:10] Everything is ordained by God. As Solomon said, "The dice are thrown in the lap, and every decision is from the Lord" (Prov 16:33)
Simply put, whatever the Lord gives is coming from above. It is therefore ‘perfect’ as a reflection to God’s character. God’s goodness isn’t vascillating. As the source of light, there is no variation or shadow in Him due to change. In other words, God’s eternally and immutably good. God says, “ For I the Lord do not change.” [Mal 3:6]
“God being the infinite Father of lights, he hath no eclipses or decreases, no shadows or mixtures of darkness, but always shines with a settled and constant brightness, always is, and was, and to all eternity will be, immutably the same, and never undergo the least change, either of his essence and being, or of his properties and perfections” [Burkitt, William. "Commentary on James". Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament.”
Should we are pressed with difficulties today, the devil will use it to deceive us to doubt to God’s goodness. We might be tempted to ask, “If God is good, how come He allows me to be unjustly treated? Why did He allow my loved ones to suffer? etc.”
In the midst of darkness, may His light will always beacon in our hearts. Let’s not be ignorant of the devil’s devices. As Paul had declared, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”[2 Cor 4:3-6]
Don’t doubt what God has said in the light when you are in your darkness. As God is unchangeable, so are His promises. This is the truth that frees us from Satan’s wiles and deceptions.
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James 1:2-15 ESV
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
LET US REMAIN STEADFAST.
A trial and a temptation can be both the same thing but is seen at two opposite perspectives. Seen from God’s side, a difficulty is a trial allowed by God Himself in order for us to grow in our faith. For this, Peter has said, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”[1 Pet 1:6,7]. The crown of life awaits for those who love Him proving it by enduring trials by faith.
Conversely, from Satan’s side, he uses it to provoke us to sin against God. A holy God doesn’t tempt us to sin because it contradicts His nature, does He? The devil knew that we have a ‘depraved desire’ that marks our weakness. Even Paul had recognized this tension, by saying, “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” [Rom 7:14-18]
The desire of our hearts is as the magnetic pointer in a compass. But, the problem is that it is corrupted by sin. [Jer 17:9,10] Thus, let’s keep our hearts in check with all diligence. [Prov 4:23] Thankfully, God has given us new heart with new desires. [2 Cor 5:17] Should we are in the midst of trials. our hearts might be tempted to doubt God’s goodness and love. Satan wants us lured to embrace the ‘now yet temporary’ pleasures. Like Moses, we must see the riches in Christ’s reproaches than the fleeting pleasuressin Egypt. [Heb 11:35] But, if you “delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” [Psa 37:4]. That is, our desire will be aligned to His so that we continue to ‘count’ trials with joy.
Today, let us let the Holy Spirit check our hearts as we face our challenges. Satan may have engineered our difficulties that stir our inner desires. Let’s not forgrt however, that God has allowed it for our faith to become strong. For us who love God, everything works for the good of becoming more like Christ. Let’s not give in but be firm in our resolve. By God’s grace, we would be able to endure and obtain the promise. [Heb 10:36].
Winners don’t quit. And, quitters don’t win.
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James 1:9-11 ESV
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
LIFE IS AS THE FLOWER OF THE GRASS.
An old man dying at his sickbed was asked what was his favorite statement in the bible. “And it came to pass”, he blurted without hesistation. Stunned, those around him asked him why. “I am glad every pain and hardships in this life are just temporary,” he answered smiling.
As a believer, aren’t you glad that your life here on earth is temporary?
As James said, the lowly brother and the rich could both glory in their exaltation and humiliation, respectively. At both status in life, both has something appropriate to glory about. Like Lazarus, the poor but rich in faith is an heir of God. [Rom 8:16,17]. Thus, he has a blessed hope in heaven.
Whereas, the rich man, who refused to trust in uncertain riches, could humble himself and recognizes God’s ownership to what he owns. Like Job, he may glorify God to say ‘what the Lord gives, the Lord may also take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ [Job 1:21]
It was Solomon who wisely prayed;
“give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.” [Prov 30:8a,9]
Therefore, what matters in our lives isn’t our economic status but relationship with God status. God has allowed both the rich and poor people to exist in this world. The ugly and beautiful flower that grow in this same ground have one thing in common. Both will wither through the scorching sun. Similarly, the poor and the rich will face decay and death someday. The rich may be able to prolong his life a little bit. But, he couldn’t prevent his demise, could he?
This world is doomed as the Titanic, isn’t it? While everyone else is busying his life with his own affairs, the inevitable will happen to everyone. Some could gather more toys than others. But at the ultimate end, everyone will end up with nothing.
Thus, at whatever circumstance we are in, let’s glory in our relationship with Jesus alone. Since we are just temporal here, it makes sense that our joy and satisfaction shouldn’t be on earthly things. Like Paul, we may say, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” [Phil 1:21] Paul added by saying, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” [Phil 3:8]
As the ground where the cross stood was a level ground, so is everyone, whether rich or poor, can glory in knowing Christ alone.
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James 1:5-7 ESV
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
DOUBLE-MINDEDNESS.
Trials will always challenge our focus. Because of the pain, we’re tempted to focus on the immediate rather than on the end result. Thus, to vacillate isn’t a remote possibility as we moved with time in the process. Sadly, we see a number of Christians become a castaway at the ‘narrow and difficult road’ towards life. Their lingering question is “How long..?” instead of “what lessons could I get through this..?”
It’s incumbent, therefore, that we should have the wisdom of God, isn’t it? God has promised to reveal His wisdom unto us generously without reproach. That is, God isn’t somebody selfish to let us know His mind clearly without ambiguity.
However, He sets one condition – faith without doubting. Faith with doubting is double-mindedness. He is the one wanting to walk ahead but keeps turning his head behind. Like a driftwood, he is governed by the waves around. This instability is the reason why he can’t receive anything [i.e. wisdom] from God.
Our single-mindedness is both a cause and effect of our faith in prayer. Faith in God will cause us to believe that God is doing right even though our surroundings are topsy-turvy. And as God gives us His mind[wisdom], we are motivated to continue to trust Him even when our nights are becoming much darker.
In our prolonged Covid-19 pandemic, the future seemed becoming much bleaker and deplorable. Let’s be singleminded. Let’s focus at the edge of the dark gray clouds until we see the silver lining. God knows what He is doing. Our mental processes must be governed by His words and promises, not on what we perceived by our five senses. As Paul had said, “we walk by faith, not by sight” [2 Cor 5:7] It was by faith that Abraham walked until he reached the promised and, wasn’t it? We “need of endurance, so that when we have done the will of God we may receive what is promised.”[Heb 10:36]
Our journey with God is either we pass through or evade trials. But mostly, we are immersed into and pass through it. However, as Isaiah wrote we could rest in His divine control and wisdom. He said;
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” [Isa 43:1-3]
Having the wisdom of God makes us stable despite the trials.
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James 1:2-4 ESV
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing
JOY AMIDST TRIALS.
Out rightly, Joy and pain are seen as contradiction of terms . Thereby, both are incompatible. Yet, in the Lord, there is joy in trials.
Trials aren’t optional. It’s not ‘if’ but ‘when’ it will happen. Nobody is exempted to its multi-faceted[variegated] occurrences. Job had described well the reality of trials by saying, “man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.”[Job 5:7] Thus, Peter had warned us to expect it, saying, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”[1 Pet 4:12]
The Covid-9 pandemic has had brought hardships to everyone. Somebody had commented though, it has caught so much attention than hunger in some parts of the world has been for ages now. Why? For the simple reason hat it has stirred everyone, rich and poor, black or white, easterners or westerners, alike.
Trials are designed and permitted by God for His reasons. To us who love God, all things are working together for good. And that ‘good’ is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son. [Rom 8:28,29] As the synergy of the elements in a medicine, God has calibrated every experience, pleasant or not, we could have to mold s unto Christlikeness. [see Col 1:28]
To this effect should everyone of us ‘count’ [consider] with joy in every trial we undergo. As we continue to trust Him, we become accustomed to bear the load in a longer period of time. This steadfastness [patience] makes us function maturely, unaffected by our circumstances. As Paul said, “we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” [Rom 5:2-5]
A man of mature character is like an anvil. Though the constant hammering, it doesn’t change.
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Ezra 10:13-17 ESV
13 But the people are many, and it is a time of heavy rain; we cannot stand in the open. Nor is this a task for one day or for two, for we have greatly transgressed in this matter. 14 Let our officials stand for the whole assembly. Let all in our cities who have taken foreign wives come at appointed times, and with them the elders and judges of every city, until the fierce wrath of our God over this matter is turned away from us.” 15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah opposed this, and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supported them.
16 Then the returned exiles did so. Ezra the priest selected men, heads of fathers' houses, according to their fathers' houses, each of them designated by name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat down to examine the matter; 17 and by the first day of the first month they had come to the end of all the men who had married foreign women.
TOUGH YET TENDER.
People’s lives are messy including ours. And the bible had recorded This reality prompts the delicate balance between toughness and tenderness should be carefully observed. As the people took responsibility to rectify their wrongs, they realized they needed space and time to do it. There were a few who opposed. “Perhaps they were protecting themselves or their relatives. Perhaps they viewed the measures of separation as too harsh. Less probably they were fanatics who wished no delay in implementing the measure." (by Yamauchi)
While Ezra was wisely willing to accept the delay, he also held the assembly accountable to do what they agreed to do in the months after the great assembly. This whole process took many weeks, because there were so many men who had taken pagan wives. The inquiry was vital because they needed to examine if one of these wives had genuinely decided to serve the Lord God and to forsake her native religions.
The restorative process was done firmly. Yet, Ezra and his team were full of listening ears. Definitely, disciplines or chastening are painful but not punitive in purpose. “Love isn’t rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” [1 Cor 13:5,6] Did not Paul say in Gal 6:1-2, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”?
Even as we live in this broken world with hurting people, either we are a part of the restoration or not. As believers, who have received the gospel, but unable to do anything is a sign of indifference, isn’t it? The gospel is the only hope for this world. [Rom 1:16] Not all of us could be at the frontlines but the Lord Jesus has mandated us to be involved even in prayers. “When he[Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” [Matt 9:37-39]
Perhaps today, you are dealing with hurting people around you. Like Ezra, we must involve in their lives in much prayer, first and foremost. As God brings conviction, we should be loving by showing the balance of toughness and tenderness.
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Ezra 10:6-12 ESV
6 Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib, where he spent the night, neither eating bread nor drinking water, for he was mourning over the faithlessness of the exiles. 7 And a proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the returned exiles that they should assemble at Jerusalem, 8 and that if anyone did not come within three days, by order of the officials and the elders all his property should be forfeited, and he himself banned from the congregation of the exiles.
9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. And all the people sat in the open square before the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain. 10 And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel. 11 Now then make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.” 12 Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, “It is so; we must do as you have said.
A COURAGEOUS PROCLAMATION.
Ezra has withdrawn from the crowd and spent the night without eating and drinking. Perhaps, in his deep sorrow, he has had an ardency only for God’s honor up to a point he lost his desire for food and water. In short, he was very desperate for God to intervene.
We have this country cliché that ‘When our cowardice is depleted, all that remains is courage.’ Both courage and fear are diametrically opposing emotions resulting from either praying or not, respectively. The problems were beyond Ezra’s control. He didn’t try to figure out how to address it by his wisdom and power. Instead, he sought God and surrendered everything to Him.
Prayer wasn’t one among the many options. It was his only option. There was no alternative. Unless God will do something, he and everyone else is doomed. They’ll either rise or fall at the mercies of God. Certainly, he who absolutely honors God will He honor. [1 Sam 2:30] If we believe that our battles are the Lord’s, prayers should be our weapons.
Undoubtedly, the courage of Ezra to announce his proclamation was the result of his prayer and fasting. He was bold in confronting them with clarity and unequivocally. The people were trembling as they gathered at the open square to hear him before the temple. The effectiveness of his ‘public ministry’ was the answer of his ‘prayer ministry.’
Let’s remember what did Isaiah say, that is;
“He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” [Isa 40:29-31]
Today let’s keep our prayer PUSH, that is, ‘Pray Until Something Happens.’
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Ezra 10:1-5 ESV
While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly. 2 And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, addressed Ezra: “We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. 3 Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the Law. 4 Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.” 5 Then Ezra arose and made the leading priests and Levites and all Israel take an oath that they would do as had been said. So they took the oath.
A COVENANT WITH GOD.
Ezra had thrown himself down before the house of God[temple] in deep sorrow. It was a sight that had caught attention to many. This large crowd which included not only men but women and children, wept bitterly also. God was working so that there was a brewing deep conviction upon the people’s heart as Ezra. Thus, Shechaniah stood up and addressed to Ezra their full support.
As the spokesman, he said, “We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the Law. Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.”
"Confession of sins is a neglected doctrine. It only comes into its rightful place in times of revival, when the Holy Spirit comes in doubly-convicting power and makes it impossible for the erring believer to have any peace of mind until the wrong is confessed whenever necessary." (by J. Edwin Orr)
Prayer is powerful and effective in touching hearts. It moves the Hand that moves the world. It’s His delight in seeing His people humbly seeking His face that precedes His healing. As 2 Chron 7:14 says, “ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Ezra neither did any coercion nor manipulation. He just humbly sought the Lord and revival of hearts happened. It was evidenced by their willingness and sincerity to vow before the Lord. Together they made a covenant to remove the sin [ put away their foreign wives] and follow the law. Certainly, Ezra did not suggest it, did he? Such repentance couldn’t have happened should God did not convict their hearts. The price is too high. Yet, they were willing to do it. It does prove how broken they were. Since some of the women had even borne children [v.44], we could think of the kids that suffered greatly for being separated from either their dads or moms.
Indeed, when God moves, nobody could stop Him.
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Ezra 9:6-15 ESV
“O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. 7 From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt. And for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as it is today. 8 But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. 9 For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection[c] in Judea and Jerusalem.
10 “And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, 11 which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness. 12 Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’ 13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this, 14 shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape? 15 O Lord, the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this.”
THE PRAYER OF EZRA.
Ezra’s credibility had been re-enforced by the sincerity and nobility of his prayers. He was grieving but not hopeless. He knew God had been angered but not detached to them.
He started with confession. He felt so ashamed because of their sinfulness. Did not others sin excluding himself? Yet, why did he confess the sins as if he sinned? The sins other did have affected everyone for they were one people. As a leader, he sensed it was a command responsibility. A sad reality seemed unfair for faithful leaders like Ezra. Perhaps, it was his love for his people that had prompted him to identify with them. Nehemiah did the same in his prayers, too. [see Neh 1].
According to Dr. D. Kidner, "Ezra had not even the heart to plead, as Moses had, that God's name would suffer in such a case. His prayer was naked confession, without excuses, without the pressure of so much as a request."
Before God, guilty people stand as a performer standing at the center stage being illuminated with lots of powerful floodlights. Nothing could be hidden. Thus, Solomon had wisely warned, “ Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”[Prov 28:13] Ezra, took ownership of the gravity of their sins without blame shifting, justifying or sugarcoating.
However somber, he wasn’t hopeless. He clung unto the mercifulness and loving kindness of God alone. For their evil deeds and for their great guilt, he acknowledged, that God, have punished them less than their iniquities deserved and have given them such a remnant. He realized nobody could stand before God. In other words, they could just prostrate and plead for His mercy.
Ezra 9:1-5 ESV
After these things had been done, the officials approached me and said, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands with their abominations, from the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 2 For they have taken some of their daughters to be wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race[a] has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands. And in this faithlessness the hand of the officials and chief men has been foremost.” 3 As soon as I heard this, I tore my garment and my cloak and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat appalled. 4 Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around me while I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice. 5 And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God,
BEING GRIEVED.
When they were in Jerusalem, Ezra’s joy was replaced with grief. It happened when he heard that many of the Jews [including some priests and leaders] had been engaged with inter-marriage with the pagans around. As God’s chosen people, it’s a plain no-no. It was a declaration of their faithlessness, plain and simple. As Malachi had expressed how God abhorred this, by saying, “Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD's beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god.” [Mal 2:11]
How did Ezra express his grief?
As soon as he heard about it, he tore his garment and cloak and pulled hair from his head and beard and sat appalled. He showed his deep sorrows and brokenness. Brokenness is a reality that most leaders have to deal with. For, even the best of people around him may fail and commit egregious mistake. Sadly, some are near to impossible to repair.
They must be tough but they must know how to be tender, too. Ezra did not lambast them. Instead, he first poured his heart before the Lord. He could have confronted the culprits right away, but he did not. Surely, this was a show of someone with power but under control. For God’s servants should show meekness, shouldn’t they? As Paul had said, “And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” [2 Tim 2:24]
Brokenness is both a sign of weakness and strength. It shows that one is human. And, there is nothing wrong to shed tears. The Lord Jesus cried as a man when He was grieving for the death of His friend Lazarus. [see John 11:35]. He was carried with His strong emotions like Ezra. But, it was at the same setting that He had shown His power, wasn’t it? He brought Lazarus back to life. A few days later, He wept when He saw Jerusalem. “And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it.” [Luke 19:41].
Even, at the garden, in deep agony, He wept again. And through it, He became victorious to obey the Father’s will.
Interestingly, Ezra’s lament in fasting, with sackcloth and ashes did influence the others who feared God also. Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around him while he sat appalled until the evening sacrifice. [v.4] Godly people are drawn to authentic and sincere people like Ezra, who mean business with God. They too were grieved to what grieved the heart of God.
Today, how do we react to the sinfulness of this world? Are we grieved? Or indifferent? Are we easy to take offense? Do we seek for God’s glory be upheld amidst the brokenness of this world? Are we full of anger upon seeing that others are living in sin? Or, are we full of compassion that drives us to seek the Lord’s mercy and grace upon them?
Ezra 8:24-30,34 ESV
24 Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests: Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their kinsmen with them. 25 And I weighed out to them the silver and the gold and the vessels, the offering for the house of our God that the king and his counselors and his lords and all Israel there present had offered. 26 I weighed out into their hand 650 talents[d] of silver, and silver vessels worth 200 talents,[e] and 100 talents of gold, 27 20 bowls of gold worth 1,000 darics,[f] and two vessels of fine bright bronze as precious as gold. 28 And I said to them, “You are holy to the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the Lord, the God of your fathers. 29 Guard them and keep them until you weigh them before the chief priests and the Levites and the heads of fathers' houses in Israel at Jerusalem, within the chambers of the house of the Lord.” 30 So the priests and the Levites took over the weight of the silver and the gold and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem, to the house of our God.
34 The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded.
FAITH AND PRUDENCE.
Contrary to the false notion of incompatibility, careful planning and faith are not in conflict. Some said that one has no faith if he spend time crafting a detailed plan. Or, the one who said he believes God must be only spontaneous. Many Christians do fall into this fallacy, don’t they?
Ezra knew how crucial was the guarding of the precious treasures for the temple. He must put the right people on the guard. They must be ‘holy people’, that is, men of integrity and character. In many cases, we fail to choose the right people to handle a vital job. We rush to look unto their colorful credentials and are deceived to focus on the superficials in people. Why did Ezra call for a fast? Surely, the Lord will show His will clearly to those who sought Him in fervent prayers. It’s sad that many churches and ministries are ruined by implosion. The problem isn’t traced from the outside but inside with people who are not consecrated before God.
Prudence is a gift from God. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” [Prov 16:9] There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. [Prov 16:25] Man, indeed, is helpless unless God will give him the eyes to see.
Amidst the fog of confusions and uncertainty today, His wisdom and guidance are what we need badly. God had promised us, by saying, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” [Heb 13:5] Through this, is the encouragement that He will guide us always, a step at a time. Thus, we must heed Solomon’s counsel, that is, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” [Prov 16:3]
Today, let’s not forget to seek guidance through His words. As the psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Unlike a flashlight, a lamp can just light one step ahead along the dark path. We shouldn’t bother, therefore, what will be our lives for tomorrow for God will direct us only a day at a time. Let’s not ruin our lives today but carrying the cares we are supposed only to face the next day.
Let’s believe that God is in control to things we can’t handle in life. And let us faithfully do what we need to do the best that we can. [Ecc 9:10]. The farmer believes his crops will be fruitful without his control but is faithful in ploughing and harrowing his fields. Similarly, let’s believe that God is in control of everything. Yet, let’s plan to do our best in everything in our hands.
Ezra 8:21-23 ESV
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
THE HAND OF GOD.
Having been supplied with everything needed, Ezra must be ready to go. However, he thought of the dangers before their enemies during their travel. He has had with them their children and precious goods. They needed the necessary protection.
He could had easily asked the king for a military escort. But, he did not for he felt ashamed. Why? He assured the king by saying, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.”
He was concerned about inconsistency. He had glorified God before the king to protect them. Thus, he must refrain to walk by sight, that is, to ask favor from the king for help. He has had to walk his talk. The exaltation of God’s name was his primary goal.
Moreover, Ezra, undoubtedly, has had a strong faith but was not presumptuous. His proclamation of a fast was the proof not a contradiction. A reliance on supernatural intervention without prayer is presumption. Prayer and fasting are both a show of deep humility and faith. Didn’t Jesus teach us that we have a Father in heaven? And, that the best way to express our faith in Him is our prayer? [see Matt 6:5-13] The issue in mind is that we should not put ourselves ahead of ourselves. Our steps are ordered by the Lord.[Psalm 37:23] Thus, we don’t take steps ahead of Him and ask Him then to protect us.
Today, the assurance of “the hand of God” upon us should give us courage before any challenges we face. But, we must take precaution in not taking it presumptuously like using a blank cheque imprudently. Hence, let’s not take any step ahead without seeking His guidance first.
Having seen all the great and wonderful things God did, Ezra wasn’t in a hurry to go after a long wait for freedom. Like him, we must not be too excited to forget to spend time in prayer. Simply stated, let’s walk with God by faith. As Solomon had wisely counseled;
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.” [Prov 3:5,6]
The hand of God is upon us always. Hence, let Him point us first to where we should direct our steps.
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Ezra 7:27-28
27 Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, 28 and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.
WHEN GOD MOVES HEARTS.
The decree of King Artaxerxes seemed too good to be true. His support, obviously, was exceptionally overwhelming. When he said to Ezra that ‘whatever else is required for the house of your God, which it falls to you to provide, you may provide it out of the king's treasury’ [v.20] was a blank cheque of his support. Added to this was his protection from paying tributes and taxes and harassments. Thus, Ezra and his people did have all what they needed in building the temple of God, didn’t they?
Moreover, his endorsement for Ezra to teach the ‘laws of God’ to everyone was as icing on a cake. He said, “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach. Whoever will not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of his goods or for imprisonment.” [v.25,26]
What had prompted the king to issue such a decree?
Clearly, it was because the Lord had put fear in his heart. Thus, the king had said, “Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons.” [v.23]. And Ezra had affirmed this by praising God, saying,” Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers.”[v 27,28]
Consequently, Ezra was emboldened to step forward. Having been assured of God’s hand being upon him, he took courage to lead men to go up to Jerusalem. Courage is always a by product of the abiding presence of God. Most fearful people having been ascertained of God’s presence are transformed to become courageous people, are they not?
Thus, today, let’s not be pushing our way but trust that God will make His way. It’s only Him who can make doors either open or close. [Rev 3:8] Like Ezra, let’s wait upon the Lord. For God has promised, “
“ but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” [Isa 40:31]
God is accomplishing His work in His time through people He moves.
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Ezra 7:6-10 ESV
6 this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the Lord, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.
7 And there went up also to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king, some of the people of Israel, and some of the priests and Levites, the singers and gatekeepers, and the temple servants. 8 And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. 9 For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. 10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
EZRA AND GOD’S LAW.
As a scribe, Ezra was skilled in the law of Moses. This did not merely signify a speedy writer or an excellent penman, but one who was eminently skillful in expounding the law. As explained further by Jamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R. and Brown, David, “The term “scribe” does not mean merely a penman, nor even an attorney well versed in forms of law and skilled in the method of preparing public or private deeds. He was a rabbi, or doctor, learned in the Mosaic law, and in all that related to the civil and ecclesiastical polity and customs of the Hebrew people. Scribes of this description possessed great authority and influence (compare Matthew 23:25; Mark 12:28).”
The Lord needs learned persons like Ezra only if their hearts are right like his. ‘For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.’[v.10] The key was that the law of the Lord he knew in his head was also imbedded in his heart so that he desired to actualize the same through his hands. Then and only then, that he became an effective teacher to others. As this true saying goes, “We can teach by what we say, more by what we do but most by who we are.”
Certainly, he has had this heart even way before the Lord had brought them back to Jerusalem. Only the sailboats with its sail spread is able to catch the wind, isn’t it? The Lord is looking for ready hearts for Him to use. Thus, Paul had advised us, saying, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” [2 Tim 2:21]
How we wish to see more ‘Ezra-like’ believers among ourselves, today. A kind of believer whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” [Psa 1:2] Indeed, he is “the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” [Jas 1:25] The hand of the Lord his God would be upon him as Ezra. [v.6]
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Ezra 6:19-22 ESV
19 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the returned exiles kept the Passover. 20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were clean. So they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the returned exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves. 21 It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile, and also by every one who had joined them and separated himself from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to worship the Lord, the God of Israel. 22 And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
THE PASSOVER.
Passover is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays. Along with the feast of Pentecost and Feast of Tabernacles, the Passover is one of the three “pilgrimage” festivals. As such, the Jews had been commanded to travel back to Jerusalem in order to observe theses feasts. Thus, after they were able to finish the temple, they observed the Passover right away.
It is to celebrate the exodus from Egypt and their freedom from slavery to the Egyptians. It is the first festival commanded to be observed and is accompanied with the Feast of Unleavened Bread (see Exodus 12). As God had promised to redeem His people (Exodus 6:6), God sent Moses to demand from Pharaoh, saying to him, “let my people go” (Exodus 8:1). When Pharaoh refused, God had brought ten plagues on the land of Egypt. And, it was the tenth that was the worst. It led to the death of all the firstborn all over Egypt.
The night of the Passover was the very night of the tenth plague. On that tragic night, God had instructed His people to sacrifice a spotless male lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood with lintels (Exodus 12:21–22). Then, when the angel of the Lord passed by and see the blood, He would “pass over” those households. (verse 23). In the true sense, the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites from death, that is, their firstborn children. However, none of the Egyptians did so. All through Egypt, behind the unmarked, bloodless doorways of Egypt homes, the firstborn children died at midnight (Exodus 12:21–29). “There was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead” (verse 30). This ultimate plague finally melted the Egyptian king’s heart, so that he released the Israelite slaves (verses 31–32). Thereafter, the Lord had required every firstborn son of the Israelites to belong to Him and had to be redeemed with a sacrifice (Exodus 13:1–2, 12; Luke 2:22–24).
Along with the instruction to apply the Passover lamb’s blood to their doorposts and lintels, God instituted a commemorative meal: fire-roasted lamb, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8). The Lord told the Israelites to “observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever” (Exodus 12:24, ESV), even when in a foreign land.
Indeed, the Passover and the story of the exodus have great significance to the Jews. But it is for the believers too. Jesus Christ had fulfilled the Law, so that it included the symbolism of the Passover (see Matthew 5:17). Even the apostle Paul had said that Jesus is our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7; Revelation 5:12). It wasn’t neither accidental nor incidental that He was crucified [sacrificed] at Passover time, and the Last Supper He did with the disciples was a Passover meal (Luke 22:7–8). In a similar fashion, the applying of His blood by faith into our lives had brought salvation or deliverance to our souls. What they did during the first passover was a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation. Let’s remember that It was not their ancestry or good works or amiable nature that delivered them. Very clearly, it was only through the blood of the lamb as Jesus’ blood is to us as the Lamb of God.
Ezra 6:13-18 ESV
13 Then, according to the word sent by Darius the king, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered. 14 And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; 15 and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16 And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. 17 They offered at the dedication of this house of God 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel 12 male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 And they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their divisions, for the service of God at Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses.
THE TEMPLE IS FINISHED.
At long last, they finished the building of the temple during the sixth year of King Darius. But, it was not without some hiccups. They needed the encouragements from the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. Haggai has had three messages within the space of four months. [see book of Haggai]
“The three causes which are apt to hinder our faithful zeal in building for the Lord—selfish sloth, unbelieving despondency, and carnal security—are they not the bane also of our own spiritual life? The Lord will not, He cannot, bless us personally while we yield to these temptations to slackness in the business in which He would engage us: the business of seeking out from amid the world's ruins stones for His living temple, doing what in us lies to build up Christ's spiritual house, to win souls to Him, to feed His sheep and His lambs, helping them to abide in Him.” [R. S. Candish]
Similarly, has not God called our spiritual leaders to edify the body of Christ? Paul said, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” [Eph 4:11-13]
Consequently, the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. [v.16] It was marked with festive celebration of offering animal and burnt sacrifices. Having the temple and altar been restored, there is no stopping anymore to the fire at the altar. As Moses had instructed, ““The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” [Lev 6:13]
“The continuously burning, divine fire at the altar of burnt offering helped remind the Israelites of the reality of God’s presence and of their need for God. The sacred fire endured throughout the 40 years in the desert and likely beyond that, as tabernacle worship continued until the time of King Solomon and the building of the Jewish temple. When the temple was dedicated, God once again lit the fire on the altar (2 Chronicles 7:1).” [https://www.gotquestions.org/altar-fire.html]
Thus, the finishing of the temple was not the end. It was the start of the new beginning. Similarly, our spiritual ‘perfection’ isn’t an attainment but a lifestyle of consistent worship unto our God.
Ezra 6:8-12 ESV
8 Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. 9 And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, 10 that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. 11 Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. 12 May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”
THE KING’S HEART BELONGS TO THE LORD.
The intimidation that the enemies had mounted against God’s people had backfired. Instead of discontinuing the work, King Darius had strongly supported the building of the temple. They must be devastated for their expectations did not happen. In fact, King Darius had made a strong warning against their adversaries. He decreed, “Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill.” [v.11]
It was Solomon who said, “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” [Prov 21:1] As God did to King Cyrus, He had touched King Darius significantly. In the advent of national elections, we as believers could spend in prayers serenely. In our communion with God, we should cease from our strivings and trust that God will “tell us great and hidden things that we have not known.”[Jer 33:3] Isn’t our God “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”?
Nobody could go against the fulfilment to the purposes of God and be successful. Even, the psalmist wrote amazingly, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you [God]”[Psa 76:10]. Moreover, Solomon also had written,” The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”[Prov 16:4] Thus, everything will be for His glory. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” [Rom 11:36]
At the early days of the church, the Pharisee named Gamaliel was wise to counsel the leaders not to continue in persecuting the disciples. He said to them, “So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” [Acts 5:38,39]
Today, may we be encouraged to seek His will and pursue it. Let’s lay our plans and purposes subservient to His. As Solomon had admonished us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” [Prov 16:9] That is, He will touch or change everyone should they are needed in the fulfilment to His will at one point in your journey in fulfilling His will.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”[Rom 11:33]
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Ezra 5:3-5 ESV
3 At the same time Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came to them and spoke to them thus: “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?” 4 They also asked them this:[a] “What are the names of the men who are building this building?” 5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it.
BEING UNDER GOD’S WATCHFUL EYE.
When they rose up and continue to build the temple, the enemies in no less than the governor Tattenai and his associates had opposed them immediately. Our enemy Satan, similarly, isn’t concerned with us until we rise up again and fulfill His will. Thus, we should not be surprised why there are difficulties or hardships in doing His will.
We must resist our enemy.[ 1 Pet 5:9] In what way?
As the Jews had stood firmly under the watchful eye of God, so we should rest in God’s abiding presence and sovereign power. Like the Jews, are we not the apple of His eye as believers.[Deut 32:10] Moreover, His decrees are immutable. What the word of God has declared, it is as stable as the character of God. As Num 23:19 says,
“God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?” [Num 23:19]
What the enemy can only do is intimidation. Jesus had promised to advance His kingdom despite resistance. He assured Peter and us by saying,” And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”[Matt 16:18]
Thus, let’s not be passive or defensive as His soldiers today. As the apostle John said, “Let’s believe that God is with us even when oppositions mount. “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Thus, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” [Rom 8:31] “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”[Rom 8:37]
Moving forward despite oppositions will give God the greater glory as God’s people through Moses had broken to freedom against the stubbornness of Pharaoh's heart. Undeniably, it was God who brought them out of Egypt and should be given all the glory. Then and only then, people couldn’t deny that it’s God alone and nobody else could be attributed to the exploits and advancements to His kingdom. God uses people and not the other way around.
It was God who assured Moses, saying, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. [Ex 33:14,15] Therefore, let’s stay foot until God signals us to move with Him. And firmly, let’s obey God’s clear command for He will pave the way through the difficulties.
Our spiritual advancements shouldn’t be determined by the degree of oppositions but by the clarity of God’s instructions in our lives.
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Ezra 5:1-2 ESV
Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. 2 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH.
These two prophets were used greatly by God to encourage the governor Zerubbabel and the rest of the Jews to continue the rebuilding of the house of God in Jerusalem. As God’s spokesmen, they heralded the words of God that awakened God’s people unto repentance.
Perhaps, the people’s lethargic attitude had deepened as the years gone by. Simply said, they had settled down so that they had to be awakened. In the same manner, many of us might had become spiritually complacent. The Holy Spirit has to use godly people to prod us.
They could be pastors and teachers who faithfully proclaimed the truth. It’s not them but the word of God that God had used as a sharp sword to our soul. As Heb 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” It’s the word of God that can build us up. [Acts 20:32] Any teaching against and not in subscription to the biblical principles will tear us down.
We don’t need to become pastors or bible experts in order to encourage others today, do we? We could be a ‘Haggai and Zechariah’ to them who need a little push from their spiritual apathy. After all, Heb 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Encouraging others is not by our manipulative skills but through the ministry of prayer and the word. As Paul had admonished us, saying, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”[Col 3:16]
Only the words of God can build us up. But, He uses people to speak up for it.
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Ezra 4:23-24 ESV
23 Then, when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease. 24 Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped, and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
THE WORK ON THE HOUSE OF GOD THAT IS IN JERUSALEM STOPPED.
It is said that the Lord who guides our ‘steps’ also permits our ‘stops.’ Their rejoicings were cut short because of the enemy’s slanderous accusations before the King Artaxerxes. The most sovereign God had allowed it for a reason. We may have setbacks but this doesn’t mean God isn’t on top of everything.
Have you wondered why there are ‘stops’ in your life. Everything went well in your life until an unexpected thing happened. You have approached a ‘dead end’. But, as you listened to God and looked around, you saw a ‘bend’. Our lives are governed neither by luck nor chances. We believe on a loving God who directs our every step. “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” [Psa 37:23]. Didn’t Solomon admonish us, saying;
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”? [Prov 3:5,6]
Did not Satan hinder Paul to go to Thessalonica? He said, “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.” [1 Thess 2:17,18] Just that it did not hinder Paul from being a blessing through his epistle to them, we should not allow Covid-19 to hinder us as instruments of blessings by ministering with one another through virtual platforms.
Think about Elijah’s experiences. He hid himself by the brook of Cherith only to see the water of the brook drying up. He went to Zarepath to ask food from a widow reparing her last meal with her son. These all he did everytime ‘the word of the Lord came to him’ before he faced King Ahab boldly. [see 1 Kings 17:1-16] There is a time to hide and grow in our faith before the show of it.
The silence of sawing woods and hammer poundings didn’t mean God’s inactivity. When the Lord’s work sops, it doesn’t mean He stops working. In many cases, it is when we pause working that God is accomplishing the work inside of us. Doesn’t the seed germinate and grow when the farmer is resting and fast sleep? Isn’t the beauty of a musical rendition accentuated by pauses and rest?
Yes, our God who did make the sun stood still so that Joshua could finish his work in a day is the same God who also allow the work of His temple to stop for many days, even years. God is in control so that let’s wait upon Him. Let’s obey what He said we need to do by His grace and let Him do that which only He could. As David had declared, “The battle is the Lord’s.”
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Ezra 4:1-6 ESV
1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel, 2 they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers' houses and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.” 3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses in Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.”
4 Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build 5 and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
HOW TO RESPOND TO OUR ADVERSARIES.
God’s work is no short of oppositions. Moving objects are more noticeable to people than stationary things, are they not? God has moved His people to build His temple so that this has had caught the attention of their enemies.
Similarly, Satan doesn’t want you and me to repair our altars – our worship and prayer disciplines before God. Samuel Chadwick had once said, “Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayer less studies, prayer less work, prayer less religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” Have you realized why it’s easier for us to serve in ministry than to be consistent in our prayer and worship? Let’s not be surprised that our prayer meetings are one of the least attended activities in our churches. It is where the battle rages the most.
Hence, let’s not be ignorant to the enemy’s devices. One of which is by compromise or infiltration. Initially, their enemies went to the leaders and did express their desire to worship together with them. Posing as wolves in sheep’s clothing, this reminds us that the father of lies[John 8:44] can transform into an angel of light.[2 Cor 11:14] Having not been successful, they swung to the other extreme, that is, the use of force. They disparaged them by slandering them having bribed counselors to frustrate their purpose.
How did they respond to these adversaries?
Their leaders were united in their firmness and resolved, to say, “ You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the Lord.” Peter was clear in his admonition, by saying, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” [1 Pet 5:8,9]
Thus, let’s remember to be watchful and sober today. Let’s claim our victory in and through the gospel. [Rom 8:35-39]. For if we mean business with God, the enemy will be most mean to us. We are in a battleground not playground.
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Ezra 3:10-13 ESV
10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the directions of David king of Israel. 11 And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord,
“For he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.”
And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people's weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away.
EXPRESSIONS OF JOY.
As the builders had laid the foundations of the temple, the Levites worshipped and sang before the Lord delightedly, that was;
“For he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.”
They had realized that God’s love had not and would never runs out. As Jeremiah had pointed out;
“the Lord appeared to him[a] from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
O virgin Israel!” [Jer 31:3,4]
Joy is a by-product of knowing God’s character and experiencing His favor. All the people in a spontaneous chorus shouted with great joy. Moreover, the old folks who had seen the first temple were weeping also loudly. They were young boys and girls when they were brought to Babylon yet the memories of the beauty of the first temple was still fresh in their mind. For the fact that they were going to see it again had brought them to so much emotion. Certainly, they wept for so much joy.
It was a bit frenzy. Both shoutings of joys and weeping were indistinguishable. It was so loud that those who are faraway heard it. It’s hard to conceal our joy, isn’t it? May our lives exude the joy in Christ that others will see and be attracted to Christ. A sour spirit doesn’t attract, does it?
Interestingly, the joy of a believer is his mark of strength. Nehemiah had said, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” [Neh 8:10] Strong people [matured] are not easily irritated by the discomforts and inconveniences of life. As James said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” [Jas 1:2-4].
Today, let’s muse to what Jesus has done at Calvary. Let’s savour in our minds His unfailing grace. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” This is the way we would breakthrough into worship and joy despite the gloomy circumstances we might be in today.
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Ezra 3:1-7 ESV
1 When the seventh month came, and the children of Israel were in the towns, the people gathered as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then arose Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel with his kinsmen, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. 3 They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening. 4 And they kept the Feast of Booths, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number according to the rule, as each day required, 5 and after that the regular burnt offerings, the offerings at the new moon and at all the appointed feasts of the Lord, and the offerings of everyone who made a freewill offering to the Lord. 6 From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord. But the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid. 7 So they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia.
THEY BUILT THE ALTAR OF GOD.
First and foremost, they settled first their sacrifices of worship and burnt offerings. This necessitated to the building of a new altar. Even though, the foundation of the temple was not yet laid.
They set it in its place. One can’t build on something without clearing the place first, could he? Thus, they had to clear the ruins, to fix and settle on the same spot as it stood prior. Similarly, didn’t Jesus say to the church at Ephesus, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” [Rev :5a] Repentance does initiate worship, doesn’t it?
What had motivated them? It was for their fear because of the peoples of the lands. Certainly, they had learned their lessons. With ‘peoples’ around them, it brought remembrance to their forefathers’ neglect that had caused their being dispersed and oppressed by the Babylonians. At the flipside, the threat that prompted them to worship was a blessing in disguise.
The most vital place in one’s life is his altar of worship. It’s the peg where the flow of life’s experiences either spins off or settles. If we “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you [us]” [Matt 6:33]. Otherwise, our lives will end up in limbo. As Haggai had rebuked the Jews, “You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. Therefore, the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.” [Hag 1:9-11]
Let’s clear the ashes and rebuild our altars today.
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Ezra 2:68-70 ESV
68 Some of the heads of families, when they came to the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, made freewill offerings for the house of God, to erect it on its site. 69 According to their ability they gave to the treasury of the work 61,000 darics[a] of gold, 5,000 minas[b] of silver, and 100 priests' garments.
70 Now the priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all the rest of Israel[c] in their towns.
THE FREEWILL OFFERING.
To see caravans loaded with goods traversing the wilderness towards the Jerusalem should be a beautiful sight to behold. Not anymore exiles and strangers but free, they must be very excited to be home after 70 years. Obviously, they were filled with exuberance to the fact that they are able to build the temple and worship God freely. The overflow of their freewill offering had evidenced for it.
A life stirred by the Spirit will certainly become fruitful. Like the branch that is fruitful in John 15 because it abides in the vine. Revival is evidenced by generosity. And, it is measured by the depth of the heart, not pockets. It’s God’s working to subdue or overrule our old nature of selfishness.
Such overflow is exemplified by the Christians at Philippians. [Read Phil 4:16-19] Paul was joyful not because he desired a gift but their generosity was a fruit. The imagery of a fruit bearing tree reminds us of the result not out of coercion and obligation. As the tree grows healthily through the nutrients from the ground, it will bear flowers that eventually become fruits.
Yes, they gave to meet a need. But, their attitude is remarkable for being joyful in their sacrifice to bless Paul. Similarly, in 2 Cor 8:1-5, Paul mentioned the Macedonian believers who gave not only according to their abilities, but even beyond. Paul did try to stop them but they insisted. Indeed, when a person experiences the grace of God, in his heart will overflow with goodness to bless others.
Thus, today, let’s allow God to work in our hearts. That, when our hearts are revived, we will know how to sacrifice and be generous yet joyful.
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Ezra 1:1-4
1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:
2 “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”
THE LORD STIRRED UP THE SPIRIT OF CYRUS KING OF PERSIA.
As an introductory note, Ezra, the author was a priest and scribe of the Law (see Ezra 7:6). He returned to Jerusalem to build the temple at the sixth year of Darius reign, who succeeded Cyrus. This was, about fifty years after the first return under Zerubbabel. With him was a great company and much treasure; with letters to the king's officers to get all the things needed for the temple. And at his coming, he fixed that which was faulty, and set things in order.
As mentioned in Isaiah 44:28, it is probable, that this decree of Cyrus in favour of the Jews was in a great measure owing to the good reputation of Daniel, now an aging minister of state famed over all the east for his great wisdom.
Who was Cyrus? He was the emperor of the Medo-Persian empire, practically ruling the known world at that time. According to Hales, “The Persian empire, including Persia, Media, Babylonia, and Chaldea, with many smaller dependencies, was founded by Cyrus, 536 B.C.” His first year of reign was immediately upon the finishing the 70th year of Israel's captivity. This is a great point in this history to attend to, inasmuch as it becomes a confirmation of the word of God concerning the desolation of Jerusalem. Jeremiah 25:11-12.
God sovereignty is reassuring. He has declared and He can use whatever means to fulfill His purpose and plan for His people. Certainly, whatever God said, He will surely do it. [Num 23:19] However, the way He will accomplish it is beyond our grasp[Isa 55:8,9], and in most cases, surprising. [see Psa 126] Psa 76:10 even says, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.” As Solomon had declared, “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
Fast forward, why did Caesar Augustus decree that all the world should be registered? [Luke 2:1] So, the poor couple, Joseph and Mary, who was on the family way, had to travel on foot back to Bethlehem. It was there that Jesus was born according to God’s sovereign plan. As Gal 4:4 says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” Did not Micah prophesy hundreds of years earlier? He wrote:
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.”
Nothing is accidental or incidental in God’s kingdom. Everything is beautiful in His time. [Ecc 3:10]. Thus, mankind’s history is actually His story. Let’s trust Him. He knows what He is doing.
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Ezra 5:5-11 ESV
5 Then rose up the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem. 6 And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered. 7 Cyrus the king also brought out the vessels of the house of the Lord that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his gods. 8 Cyrus king of Persia brought these out in the charge of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. 9 And this was the number of them: 30 basins of gold, 1,000 basins of silver, 29 censers, 10 30 bowls of gold, 410 bowls of silver, and 1,000 other vessels; 11 all the vessels of gold and of silver were 5,400. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up, when the exiles were brought up from Babylonia to Jerusalem.
WHEN THE SPIRIT WORKS.
Everything that they lost were recovered. It’s because of the Spirit’s working. All the vessels that King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian’s had looted 70 years earlier were brought back to Jerusalem. This was not short of miracle. What they thought were lost, it seems to us that they were just deposited for safe keeping in Babylon for seven decades.
Why?
The temple has to be rebuilt and all the utensils needed must be there. With God’s favor, “all who were about them aided them [exiles] with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered.”[v.6] In short, they were blessed with overflowing.
Indeed, it’s a beautiful picture to see the exiles returning with their caravans loaded with blessings. But, the most spectacular sight is the revived hearts of the “heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites.”
Let us ask God to stir our hearts today, as He should breath life into our souls. May “out of [his] hearts will flow rivers of living water.” [John 7:38] Just as Jesus had told each one of us, that is, to “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” [Matt 7:7] What should motivate us to be more persistent? It’s because of Jesus’ assuring words, that is, “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! [Matt 7:8-11]
The story of the exiles had reminded us that God is trustworthy. Though at times, our circumstances may cloud our vision, the fact remains that God is neither silent nor indifferent. He is working when it seems that He isn’t. No amount of concerted human efforts and resources can substitute the working of God’s Spirit. What a hundred-year human labor produces is only as a drop in a bucket in comparison to what the Spirit can do in a minute.
Amidst the plethora of man’s activities nowadays, the Spirit’s touch is what we desperately need for a spiritual turn around.
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Hebrews 13:20-25 ESV
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you.
THE GOD OF PEACE.
It was the resurrection of our Lord Jesus which proved the reconciliation we have with the Father was perfected. Through Christ, the God of peace, had accepted us back to Himself. Amazingly, the Lord Jesus as our Great Shepherd became also the sacrificial Lamb. His blood was shed in order to establish the eternal covenant with us. As the apostle Peter had said, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” [1 Pet 3:18] In short, God had done His perfect work in Jesus to secure us to Himself.
Having been at peace with God, we should strive to live the peace of God. Having perfected His saving work, He is doing His sanctifying work for us now. He is ‘working in us’, that is energizing us to do His will. As the apostle Paul had said, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” [Phil 2:13]
The Christian life isn’t marked by ‘ups and downs’ as in a roller coaster journey. It’s should be by the ‘ins and outs’ as in breathing. He must work[breath] in us the life so we can work it out. As we couldn’t get water out of a dry well, we couldn’t pump out life from our flesh.
Thus, God in the new covenant had said;
“ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds,
and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. [Heb 8:10]
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.” [Ezek 36:26,27]
While we rejoice that the God who had perfected our salvation, let us submit to His working in our sanctification.
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Hebrews 13:18-19 ESV
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
PRAY FOR US.
To intercede for others in their times of need, specially leaders, is the common practice in our churches, isn’t it? When we perceive that one is doing fine, we aren’t motivated to pray for him. In other words, our prayers are more curative in nature than pre-emptive.
Here, it’s a different case. The writer had invoked his need of prayer when they were doing just fine. He was so sure that they had a ‘clear conscience.‘ A good conscience is to the soul what health is to the body; it preserves a constant ease and serenity within us, and more than countervails all the calamities and afflictions which can possibly befall us. (T. Addison.)
B Sibbes wrote, “There is no friend so good as a good conscience. There is no foe so ill as a bad conscience. It makes us either kings or slaves. A man that hath a good conscience, it raiseth his heart in a princely manner above all things in the world. A man that hath a bad conscience, though he be a monarch, it makes him a slave. A bad conscience embitters all things in the world to him, though they be never so comfortable in themselves. What is so comfortable as the presence of God? What is so comfortable as the light?”
What is most crucial to the leaders are the condition of their hearts, as in all of us. Solomon had said, “ Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” [Prov 4:23]. Their integrity is paramount above their skills. [1 Tim 3:1-8] Should their relationship with God is skewed, we couldn’t ‘consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.’ [Heb 13:7] Sadly, many gifted and popular leaders are soiled with moral scandals so that many in the body of Christ are offended.
The devil’s ploy hasn’t changed to smite the shepherds so the sheep will scatter. All spiritual leaders, like Paul, could only be effective through lives sanctified and sustained by His grace. Thus, every spiritual leader may say, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” [1 Cor 15:10-11]
In reality, all of us are in imminent danger, aren’t we? Thus, we must “be sober-minded; be watchful. Our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” [1 Pet 5:8]. His work ethics is incomparable by working 24/7! Since “ Satan disguises himself as an angel of light”[2 Cor 11:14], we should not lower our guards and take things for granted, should we? He is the father of lies and is extremely dangerous. [John 8:44]. Thus, Pauls admonition to “pray without ceasing” makes sense.
We can only move forward towards the advancement of the kingdom of God only on our knees. As S. Chadwick has articulated, “Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.”
The key to victory is prayer. Thus, brethren, pray for us. Let’s pray for one another.
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Hebrews 13:14-16 ESV
14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
WE SEEK THE CITY THAT IS TO COME.
Should we have no ‘lasting city’ here, we should feel unsettled as pilgrims and exiles in this world. We won’t allow the spiritual dust to settle for they are always on the move, pressing forward until we are ushered into the ‘celestial city.’ Like the account of our spiritual heroes in Heb 11:14-16, that is, “they made it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”
Having been assured of an eternal covenant in Him [Jesus], these pilgrims had burst into ecstatic worship. They ‘continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.’ Although they were being persecuted and ostracized, the fruit of their lips had resounded unto the exaltation of God’s name. Out of the abundance of their joyful hearts had flowed their sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving.
“Praise that pleases God is the fruit of our lips, more than just thoughts directed towards God. It is spoken out unto the Lord, either in prose or in song. “What proceeds from the lips is regarded as fruit, which reveals the character of its source, as the fruit of a tree reveals the nature of the tree.” (Guthrie)
Thus, present circumstances don’t necessarily sour the soul, soaked in the grace of God. As the kettle can whistle under the fire, His grace indeed can help us to transform a lemon into a lemonade; a test into a testimony; and a mess into a message. Thus, genuine worship is manifested during our darkest moments.
Moreover, spiritual pilgrims ought to be a blessing to others in need. They who had received God’s strength do have the capacity to bless, don’t they? As hurting people may hurt others, blessed people would bless others correspondingly.
How about us today? Have we abounded in our sacrifices of worship and good works toward God and others, respectively? Yes, as pilgrims living in tents, we may not find the comforts found on the houses of bricks and mortars. We should be always ready to be uprooted and obey God at any moment of the day, should we not? “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” [2 Cor 4:16-18].
“We are just pilgrims in this world but citizens in heaven. God doesn’t allow dual citizenship.”
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Hebrews 13:9-13 ESV
9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
LET US GO TO HIM OUTSIDE THE CAMP AND BEAR THE REPROACH HE ENDURED.
Our world is littered with ‘diverse and strange teachings’, even before. But, if you take notice, all of them had something in common. It’s marked by what a person does. The offering of food in the altar appears in a broad spectrum, from the simplest to the most elaborate. Sadly, all of these had no spiritual benefit to the offerer. Nothing but a sense of either pride or fear. Pride for having done something better than others. Fear for the uncertainty that what they are doing are not good enough.
But, we have an altar, a different one. Those who are inside the tent [the Judaistic tabernacle with all its rituals] have no right to partake [eat] in it. Religion[Judaism] and grace are evidently incongruent as circle is to a triangle. There is no middle ground. ‘Grace’ doesn’t involve eating ‘meats’. In other words, the ongoing practice of offering of animal blood, with a part of the bodies burned and other parts are eaten, is an insult to the perfect sacrifice of Christ at His altar [the cross]. He did it outside the camp, which is Golgotha or Calvary. The suffering of Christ at the cross is the embodiment of God’s grace, isn't it? Why? Unlike in going to the temple, wherein each one should bring his offering, it was the Father who brought the offering for us. Grace does make us appear as 100% recipients always. If we have any contribution, it will cease to be grace.
The religionists[insiders] had ostracized the believers of being heretical because they weren’t doing the ritualistic tradition anymore. Like the useless bodies of animals dumped and burned outside the gate, so they despised the followers of Jesus as garbage. Interestingly, Jesus was crucified outside the gate of Jerusalem not incidentally. They cursed Him. Crucifixion was the most horrible expression of ignominy. However, to us, His redeemed people, He is the ‘fairest of ten thousands’ or ‘the pearl of great price’.[see Matt 13] How true is this old saying, “One’s trash is somebody’s riches.” Christ is seen as trash by the unbelievers but the believer’s riches, is He not? The stone which the builders rejected became the chief cornerstone. [1 Pet 2;7]
Today, we’ve got to make a choice. Children are amusing when they play, “Are you in? Are you out?” Childish as it may seem, but, we’ve not outgrown these questions in the arena of life, even today. Either we are for Jesus or against Him. Either we’re his followers or not. Born again or not? Dead or alive in Christ? Being half-dead or half-alive are misnomers.
Those who are truly His would be willing to go with Him outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured. Even Jesus has said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23]
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Hebrews 13:7-8, 17 ESV
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
HONOR YOUR LEADERS.
Because of their faith, persecutions were common to Christians. Consequently, their leaders are the prime targets. They bore the shame attaching to their faith of Christ and had persevered in good works. Some of them did not survive. In this context, we are enjoined to remember them, with the focus to consider ‘who they were.’ Official status was not yet defined and official titles were not yet universal during these times. In other words, their integrity stood out and spoke volumes, making them worthy examples to others. Since their lives were worth emulating, believers were enjoined to imitate their faith, that is, the way they live.
For most leaders in the world, their oratorical or communication skills are given with primary importance. Whereas, for the spiritual leaders, their manner of life is. The manner of life of the pastor is closely entwined with his ministry. How he lives matters greatly. They may do things professionally, but they’re not professionals. A professional [e.g. lawyer, doctor, engineer, etc.] may live a double-life. Yet, his effectiveness isn’t hampered, if ever, it’s significantly minimal. On the other hand, it’s unthinkable, even unacceptable, if a spiritual leader has known moral issues. Though not perfect, he must be ‘above reproach’. [1 Tim 3:2] Who they are matter most than what they do.
What is the reason of their tenacity in their faith? It’s because of the immutability of Jesus, the object of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. It’s incumbent for all of us, therefore, to ‘look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.’[Heb 12:2] However, we need respectable spiritual leaders like Paul, who said, ‘Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.’[1 Cor 11:1]. Thus, Paul had recognized that his life had effectively influenced the believers in Thessalonica for Christ. He said, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” [1 Thess 1:6]
Having seen their exemplary manner of life, we are enjoined to ‘obey and submit to them.’[see v.17] We do submit only to somebody who we trust, don’t we? They are called to watch souls, with the purpose of care and protection. [see Acts 20:28] However, could they do it joyfully if we are either reluctant or resistant ourselves? This old adage is so true, “It’s better to watch a thousand cattles than to do it for one soul.” Paul had expressed this pressure when he said, “And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” [2 Cor 11:28]
Lamentably, our religious world is littered with ‘spiritual predators’ as wolves in sheeps clothing. Some of us may have been victims to their wily schemes. Thereby, we had lost trust to any leader, today. Don’t throw the baby with the bath water. Or, you may be blessed by a good communicator or preacher via the internet in this Covid-19 locked down season. We give credit to the advances in technology for this. But, you can know for certain only the manner of life of your pastor at your home church – their dedication, sincerity and compassion. Thus, be prayerful, supportive and loyal to their leadership. Your pastor does only exercise leadership well if you offer it to him, doesn't he?
Hebrews 13:5-6 ESv
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
COVETOUSNESS VS. CONTENTMENT.
Covetousness and contentment are diametrically opposed virtues. In what ways? Covetousness is a sign of unbelief to God. Jesus has warned us, saying, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” [Luke 12:15] A covetous person trust his money to secure his life and future so that he loves it above anything else. Simply put, it is idolatry. [Col 3:5, Eph 5:5].
Contentment, on the other hand, is one’s feeling of sufficiency because of his faith in Christ. Even in his direst circumstance, Paul was deeply contented. He testified, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” [Phil 4:11-13] Jesus even had assured us, saying, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” [ Matt 6:31-32]
God’s promises are our security not our possessions. He knows our end from the beginning. [Isa 46:10] He will never leave us nor forsake us. Our God will supply every need of ours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. [Phil 4:19] And God has assured us that He will fulfil His promises. Numbers 3:19 says;
“God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”
In short, “in him [Christ] it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” [2 Cor 1:19b,20]
Today, are you certain in your hearts that you have trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior? “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” [Rom 8:32] Is there a need in your life greater than Jesus Himself that God can not or would not provide? Nothing!
However, it does follow that you put your trust on something or someone else if you have not trusted Jesus as yet. Most likely, it is money. But Jesus has warned “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” [Matt 6:24]
Covetousness and contentment are results in placing our trust either on our gold or God, respectively. Just for the play of words, “Gold’ can be read as “God” if the letter “l” is removed. Therefore, if God is our security, the ‘lust’ for more is no more pursued.
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Hebrews 13:4 ESV
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
HOLD MARRIAGE AS HONORABLE.
Once the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist, the atom, is split, a nuclear fission is inevitable and becomes a threat to mankind. As a note, the word "atom" literally means "indivisible. Similarly, when man destroyed the basic institution of society, which is marriage, social problems had gone from bad to worse. Our present confusing issues of LGBTQS is a product of prolong neglect to the sanctity of marriage.
Let’s not forget that God had immortalized on that stone these inscriptions, “You shall not commit adultery” and “you shall not covet your neighbor's wife” [Ex 20:14,17a]. God, in His foreknowledge, knows that man will fall and consequently desecrate the marriage relationship. Why did God judge the world with a universal deluge during the time of Noah? Gen 6:4-5 says, “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Did not Jesus say,” For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark” [Matt 24:38,39] Why did God also rained fire at Sodom and Gomorrah? [see Gen 19] There is no escaping. God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
For this, Paul has painted a sad scenario, by saying, “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” [Rom 1:28-32]
Man’s disregard in honoring the sacredness of marriage is as shooting his own foot. God’s command to honor marriage is for our protection as the corral to the wild stallions. Thus Paul had said, “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” [1 Cor 7:2-5]
Today, therefore, let’s uphold the sanctity of our marriages. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”[1 Thess 4:3-5]
The main purpose of marriage is to reflect the glory of Christ. [Eph 5:31-32]
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Hebrews 13:2-3 ESV
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
HOSPITALITY AND KINDNESS.
As followers of Jesus, we are commanded to practice hospitality. [see Rom 12:13, 1 Pet 4:9] And, this is one of the qualities leaders should embrace. [see 1 Tim 3;2, Titus 1:7,8]. Of these strangers, there could be a number of Christians traveling to other places for the first time. And, expectedly upon their arrival, they will look for safe places to stay. Christians may had found this need an opportunity to show brotherly love.
Hospitality involves trust. Knowing the background of a stranger is remote, and perhaps, in many cases impossible. Some Christians might have lost their trust to strangers because they were fooled or abused in the past. Yet, we must be hospitable and watchful, at the same time. One sad experience with one should not make us generalize that all strangers are phonies. Our goodness has to root in our experience to the unconditional love of Christ and not on the loveliness of the person.
Moreover, by doing so, what we are doing to the needy is tantamount of doing it to Jesus personally. [see Matt 25:35] Who knows that as Abraham and Lot, these strangers are angels coming to us. [Gen 18:1-22; 19:1-3]
Moreover, we should be kind to the prisoners. That is, we should empathize with their difficulties for being mistreated because of the gospel. As Paul had enjoined us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” [Rom 12:13] Paul himself as a prisoner had benefited greatly from the support of Christians. [see Phil 4:14-19]
Lastly, let’s take note of the hospitality and kindness of Jesus as our example. John said, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” [John 1:11-12] This is an irony of all ironies, isn’t it? Though He wasn’t received by His own people living in this world He created, He will receive anyone as part of His family should they receive Him. Man’s rejection is countered, if not overruled, by His compassion.
Thus, Paul had pointed out, saying, “and [He] might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” [Eph 2:16-19]
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Hebrews 13:1 ESV
Let brotherly love continue.
A BROTHERLY LOVE.
There are 4 types of love mentioned in the bible. 'Storge' is an affectionate love, the type of love one might have for family or a spouse. Second, is 'eros' which is a passionate or sexual love (eros is the source of the English word erotic). The third is 'agape' which is the most powerful, noblest type of love. As a sacrificial love, 'agape' love is more than a feeling—it is an act of the will. This is the love that God has for His people and that prompted the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, for our sins. Simply put, Jesus is 'agape' love personified.
However, the brotherly love is ‘phileo’ in Greek language. Two individuals exhibiting brotherly love and is marked by close friendship. Best friends will display this generous and affectionate love for each other as each seeks the betterment of each other. The Scriptural account of David and Jonathan is its excellent illustration, “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. . . . And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1-3).
This involves feelings of warmth and affection toward another person. Thus, we do not have this love toward our enemies. But, God has commanded us to have an ‘agape’ love toward everyone. This includes those whose behaviors contradict, those hurt and treat us unjustly, and even those who are hostile toward us and our faith (Luke 6:28; Matthew 5:44). Later on as a result, as we obey God and His example of ‘agape’ love for them, we may start to experience phileo love for some of them as we see them through God’s eyes.
To a genuine believer, there is a new love to the brethren.[1 John 3:14] However, warm and affectionate relationships do not just happen. Like a garden, our relationship in church must be cultivated through constant communication and nurture through fellowship. Thus, we are enjoined to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” [Heb 10:24] Without this, our relationships will grow cold. As Solomon has said, “Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.” [Prov 27:10b] To love a brother, therefore, is making oneself available to him in times of need.
As the apostle John had admonished us, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” [1 John 3:16-18]
Today, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” [Gal 6:10] Hence, brotherly love prompts us to prioritize in helping the needy in the church before anyone else outside.
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Hebrews 12:25-29 ESV
25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE.
God has spoken at Mt. Sinai. They suffered the consequences for their rebellion, how much more when they will ‘we reject him who warns from heaven’. That is, Him who can shake not only earth but heaven once more. In other words, we should not be ignorant of the consequences of rejecting Christ.
We can’t be secured by trusting the things that are removed, that is the law. Christ removed it by fulfilling it. [Rom 10:4] hus, the unshaken remains – His kingdom. And, we receive His kingdom, which means, it’s a gift to us to be part of His kingdom. How could a sinner like us be admitted into His kingdom if not for His unmerited approval or grace.
C. Spurgeon had written, “Glory be to God, our kingdom cannot be moved! Not even dynamite can touch our dominion: no power in the world, and no power in hell, can shake the kingdom which the Lord has given to his saints. With Jesus as our monarch we fear no revolution and no anarchy: for the Lord hath established this kingdom upon a rock, and it cannot be moved or removed.”
As we had received His grace, we should offer unto God our acceptable worship, should we not? Grace prompts reverence and godliness. Otherwise, a professing believer who abuses and thinks God’s grace as His license to sin more may not have really received the grace of God. Thus Paul had asked, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? [Rom 6:1,2] He added, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” [Titus 2:11-12]
The God who sin full of compassion is a consuming fire, too. He recognized our helplessness towards His judgment. Thus, He sent His Son as our substitute. And as the fire consumed the burnt offering, so He poured His wrath upon Jesus at the cross. ‘The penalty of sin is consumed in Jesus at the cross’ [D. Guzik]
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Hebrews 12:18-24 ESV
18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
FROM MT. SINAI TO MT. ZION
At Mt. Sinai, there was the sound of a trumpet, calling forth the nation to meet with God. The Jews had to wash their clothes and abstain from sexual relations. Thunder, lightning. and a thick cloud were on spectacular display. There was more smoke, like a furnace, and earthquakes; then the trumpet sounded long – until Moses spoke, and God Himself answered. God spoke to Israel from Sinai, but warned them in every way possible to stay away. It was fenced off. Moses alone was allowed to touch it (Exodus 19:12-13).
The reaction of Israel was understandable: they were terrified and wanted the experience to stop (Exodus 20:18-21). This fear neither had succeeded in promoting holiness among the people of Israel nor changing the heart of Israel. For 40 days later, they worshipped a golden calf and said this was the god that brought them out of Egypt.
But we have come to a different mountain. We come to God’s other mountain: Zion, the name of the hill upon which Jerusalem sits. In the Old Testament Zion refers figuratively to Israel as the people of God (Isaiah 60:14). In the New Testament, Zion refers to God’s spiritual kingdom. We have not come to Mount Sinai, says the apostle, but “to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22). Peter, quoting Isaiah 28:16, refers to Christ as the Cornerstone of Zion: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6). Thus, our relationship with God is not modeled after Israel’s bitter-sweet experience at Mount Sinai.
Consider the contrasts between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. [ By. D. Guzik]
· Mount Sinai was marked by fear and terror – Mount Zion is a place of love and forgiveness.
· Mount Sinai is in the desert – Mount Zion is the city of the Living God
· Mount Sinai spoke of earthly things – Mount Zion speaks of heavenly things.
· At Mount Sinai, only Moses was allowed to draw near to God – at Mount Zion, an innumerable company, a general assembly is invited to draw near.
· Mount Sinai was characterized by guilty men in fear – Mount Zion features just men made perfect.
· At Mount Sinai, Moses was the mediator – at Mount Zion, Jesus is the mediator.
· Mount Sinai brings an Old Covenant, which was ratified by the blood of animals – Mount Zion brings a New Covenant, which is ratified by the blood of God’s precious Son.
· Mount Sinai was all about exclusion, keeping people away from the mountain – Mount Zion is all about invitation.
· Mount Sinai is all about Law – Mount Zion is all about grace.
The superiority of the New Covenant is highlighted again. How could the Jewish believers even consider in going back and preferring the religion of Mount Sinai to their relationship of Mount Zion? The sprinkling of blood has been better than that of Abel.
Hebrews 12:15-17 ESV
15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
FALLING FROM THE GRACE OF GOD.
Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. [see Eph 2:8,9] But, after salvation we do continue to depend upon His grace in order to walk the new life we have, don’t we? In fact, we are enjoined to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. [2 Pet 3:18] Thus, His grace that saves us also sustains us. It’s a ludicrous thought that we can start our Christian life by His grace and continue in the flesh.
Failing to obtain the grace of God is spiritually disastrous and would eventually result to sin's bondage.
The first identified is bitterness. By God’s grace we can forgive the person and let go of the hurts and wounds he has inflicted upon us. The writer of Hebrews may have thought of the persecutions and injuries inflicted upon them as believers in Christ. Forgiveness doesn’t allow bitterness to root in our hearts. It’s neglect is as letting the weeds to grow at the garden of our hearts. In due time, the inevitable fruits that defile or poison many others around us.
Secondly, it is profanity. Esau is the example. Why did he sell his birthright for a single meal? “Fornication is nearly akin to gluttony, Esau's sin. He profanely cast away his spiritual privilege for the gratification of his palate. Genesis 25:34 graphically portrays his reckless, self-indulgent levity. An example well fitted to strike horror into those Hebrews, whosoever, like Esau, were only sons of Isaac according to the flesh." (by Bengel). Simply stated, without the grace of God, there is no way to stop the flesh to gratify its own desires as a magnet to iron pellets. Like Esau, a fleshly person’s sense of judgment is distorted – what matters is the ‘here and now’ without seeing the worth of restrain in order to get the best.
The grace of God is as the buoy that makes us spiritually afloat above the changing current of world’s ebbs and flows. Life’s persecutions and pleasant experiences are equally detrimental to our spiritual health. The grace of God is indispensable for forgiveness and self control. Otherwise, we’ll indulge in bitterness and profanity.
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Hebrews 12:12-14 ESV
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
BE STRONG. BE RIGHT.
Be strong. The Christian is illustrated as a runner, warrior and boxer. Amidst the hardships and chastening of the Lord, the believer should take courage. Instead of wallowing in discouragements, as a determined athlete, we must flex our muscles personally.
Be right. There are two areas the Christian must strive to get right. Firstly, he must ‘strive for peace with everyone.’ The key of winning is by counting others as important. Thus, it’s not on what they do unto us but how we treat them with goodness despite the wrong we received. As Paul extensively had exhorted us in our relationship with others in Rom 12:14-21. He wrote,” Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Secondly, we must be right before God, that is, live a holy life. Far from isolating ourselves from people, holiness is practiced or achieved even when surrounded with people. Holiness is not building a wall from people. But, even though we put ourselves vulnerable, we maintain our meekness and humility before them. Thereby, God’s holiness in our lives is manifested as the star that glitters in the darkest night. Without this holiness, we would never see the Lord. Without any sign of hatred and prejudice in our hearts, we would look others, even in their worst, and yet see the Lord. Such, selflessness prompts us to serve others but also cognizant of their undesirable traits.
Today, let us be strong in order to do what is right before others and God.
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Hebrews 12:5-11 ESV
5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
LOVE AND CHASTENING.
The believer’s relationship with God is familial. God is our Father and we are children by virtue of adoption. [see John 1:12, Eph 1:4-5] This should continue to amaze us that sinners could become God’s children, should we not?
A relationship must take place before we talk about discipline. We almost don’t bother upon seeing a child throwing himself in a tantrum unless he is our child, do you? God isn’t only interested in saving us but also in sanctifying us as His children. “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” [v.6] At another angle, we do freak out when a man disciplines us unless he is our father, don’t we? We only recognize and offer the right to our father to discipline us.
If we sinned and we are not disciplined by God, we may doubt wether we are really His children. Does God treat us as His sons? For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. We learned this from our parents, who we respect. Likewise, we understand and do this same to our kids, don’t we?
If earthly parents do this best both for themselves and his kids, how much more our heavenly Father in heaven does this for Himself and us?
He disciplines us in order that we may share in His holiness. [John 15:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16] This process is painful but temporary. The ultimate fruit compensates many times over the pain to those who are trained by it at the moment.
As an athlete being harnessed to compete and win in a fierce competition, our Father does likewise unto us in life’s hostile competition. The goal is for us to obtain the fruit of righteousness through ‘peaceable’ means. That is, we must be yielded, to His control as a fruitful tree to the pruning of the farmer and a wild horse becoming meek. Why should we take the hard way as the horse or amule [ Psa 32:7,8], when we can learn righteousness he easy way – by cooperation and submission.
Discipline is God’s gift of love shown unto us by His patience in training us to achieve the purpose that pleases Him.
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Hebrews 12:4 ESV
In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
OUR STRUGGLE AGAINST SIN.
Certainly, the early Christians were severely persecuted and ostracized but not yet to the point of shedding their own blood. Consequently, these provocations had caused struggles against sinning. As the writer had pointed out, they’ve withstood or resisted.
Because of the fall, man is born sinner. Psa 51:5 says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Simply put, man sin because he is a sinner. To commit sin is his nature. “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child.” [Prov 22:15a]. It’s not a surprise that a child will do naughty things even though nobody taught them. His nature prompts him so.
Thus, our struggle against sin is as going upstream, against the natural current from the springs. Paul had recognized this by saying, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” [Rom 7:18-20] This tension won’t stop until the grave.
Thereby, it will take the power of the Holy Spirit for us to resist sin as a motorized boat travels against the strong water current. Should the engine stop, the boat will be carried downstream. Thereby, we must continue to let the Holy Spirit take control by our obedience to Him as the engine is kept running with sufficient fuel supply. Indeed, He is indispensable. This struggle is explained by Paul in Gal 5:16-17, that is, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” [Gal 5:16,17]
Today, let’s be watchful to any provocation of sin from three sources, namely, our flesh, the world and Satan. Let’s consecrate our hearts unto the Lord for they are desperately wicked by itself. [Jer 17:9,10] Only those who have purified hearts who can see God. [Matt 5:6]
The provocation for us to sin is inevitable as the gravitational pull. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Cor 15:56] He gave us the Holy Spirit, who is our indespensable power, to live the victorious Christian life. Thus, like Paul, we may claim, “ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Gal 2:20]
To win against sin's struggle, let us obey the Spirit's control.
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Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS.
The crucial part in running our race is focus. Distraction is the devil’s tool to get rid of our eyes from Jesus. Our eyes must be fixated on him by looking away from other things in order to see Him distinctly, as one looking an object afar. Like Peter, James and John at the Mt. of Transfiguration, we should no longer see anyone but Jesus only. [Mark 9:8] Let’s remember that the central person in this race isn’t us. It’s Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the originator of our faith because of His vicarious work at the cross.
Jesus is our example about focus. For the joy that was set before him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Thus, we must consider Him. If He underwent such severe conflict and opposition from sinners, who among us should refuse to submit unto Him to experience the same? Otherwise, we will grow weary and fainthearted.
The wonderful examples of faith we have are only to be followed as they followed Christ. [ 1 Cor 11:1] As James, “You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11.) Then the Apostle means that the end of our sufferings will be the same with those of Christ, according to what is said by Paul, “We’re heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:17.)
Like Paul, who himself even had testified, “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” [Phil 1:20,21]
Today, have you grown weary in your Christian race? Do consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [Rom 8:18] Jesus will surely finish what He has began in your life.[Phil 1:6] “Therefore, let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” [Heb 13:13]
In our Christian race, our win is to exalt Christ, by following the example of Christ, and through the energy of Christ.
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Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
RUNNING WITH ENDURANCE.
We have a great cloud of witnesses, meaning a great number of people. The thought of these past heroes of faith in heaven are watching us as spectators is inconclusive to prove. Surely, heaven as a place is where people are always happy and untroubled. But, it is hard imagine that they are happy and untroubled if they are watching us stumbling at times in our faith journey, isn’t it? Thus, it’s preposterous to say that people in heaven are actually observing us.
Therefore, these witnesses are not witnessing us as we conduct our lives. Instead, they are witnesses to us of faith and endurance. [by D. Guzik]
In view of this encouragement, let us run successfully by laying aside everything that impedes us. “Weights” are encumbrances that may not be sins but nevertheless makes perseverance difficult. We should strip off any unnecessary baggage that may weigh us down, shouldn’t we. "Some one is recorded to have asked whether a certain thing would do a person harm, and the reply was given, "No harm, if you do not wish to win."" [by Dr. Thomas] The believers’ choices may not be always between right and wrong, but between something that may hinder us and something else that may not. Is there a weight in our lives that we must lay aside?
Secondly, we must confess and get rid of any lingering sin that beset us. Sin has a hardening effect in our hearts as stain that stick stubbornly on a fabric. [Heb 3:13] According to Dr. Lane, "Sin might have reference to the love of wealth, attachment to the world, preoccupation with earthly interests, or self-importance." Have we confessed our sins and repented from it?
According to D. Guzik, “The words ‘easily ensnares’ translate a difficult ancient Greek word (euperistaton), which can be translated four ways: “easily avoided,” “admired,” “ensnaring,” or “dangerous.” If such ensnaring sins were really the work of demonic possession or demonic influence in the Christian, this would be an ideal place for the Holy Spirit to address this. Yet we are never given reason to blame our sin on demons; the appeal is simply for us to, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The reason for this discipline is for us to keep on running the Christian race effectively. As the opposition mounts, let us endure to finish the race and obtain His promise. [ Heb 10:35,36] Far from being passive, we should have a determination, unhurrying and yet undelaying, which goes steadily on and refuses to be deflected.” (by Barclay). As Paul had admonished us to be stedfast, unmoveable yet abounding in the work of the Lord. [1 Cor 15:58]
The Christian race is not a 100 meter sprint but a marathon. Let us, therefore, run with endurance.
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Hebrews 11:32-39 ESV
32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
FAITH AND DIFFICULTIES.
For the lack of time to mention the details, the writer just has had his list of characters with broad narrative descriptions to a few of them. One thing in common, however, is that all of them continued to trust God faithfully amidst difficulties, even extreme hardships that led to death.
Many were able to accomplish extra-ordinary tasks. Yet, many died mercilessly having not accomplished anything spectacular except for standing faithful in God. Today, likewise, we see a wide spectrum of equally faithful believers with different outcomes in serving God. While some had seen their ministries growing by leaps and bounds, some are struggling or stagnating. The outcomes, whether good or bad, don’t necessarily mean that one is better or lesser than the other.
Yet in v. 39, all of them did not live to see the Messianic promise fulfilled (see Hebrews 11:13), though some had individual special promises fulfilled as already mentioned (Hebrews 11:33). Unlike them, God had provided something better for us, that is a better promise. [Heb 8:6] This special and glorious purpose of God is not due to any special merit in us. It is simply the fulness of the time in God‘s dispensation of grace of which we are the beneficiaries. But all the same and all the more, we should prove worthy of our heritage and of God‘s goodness to us and be loyal to Christ.
Like them, let’s hold unto God's promises. As Heb 10:35-39 says,
“35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”[2 Cor 4:16-18]
Real faith holds unto the promises of God even when the circumstances are difficult.
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Hebrews 11:30-31 ESV
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
REAL FAITH TRANSFORMS.
For Rahab, as a former prostitute, being included in the hall of faith list is quite strange. And, even more, when we see her name as the mother of Boaz in the genealogy of Christ. [see Matt 1:3] Obviously, the grace of God is highlighted in and through her life for believing God. Surely, God forgives and forgets.[Heb 10:17]
As Jericho’s wall fell down by mere encircling of Joshua and his armies, so astonishing also was the turn around of Rahab’s faith and loyalty. Her faith comes by hearing about what God did as she testified in Jos 2:10-11, that is,” For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”
The Spirit using the word of God can transform lives. [ Rom 10:17, Eph 6:17] The Sprit can convict a hardened heart as Rahab to turn it 180 degrees. Thus, she risked to help in favor to the spies. Thereby, she betrayed her own people and their gods. A true repentance was demonstrated, wasn’t it?
As a result of her genuine faith, she and her household were spared from the destruction. All the sections of the wall crushed down except theirs. Why? Rahab had trusted God by obeying the instruction of the spies to hang a red cloth or cord at her window. As the angel of death had spared his judgments when he saw the blood at the doorposts, so God had spared Rahab also because of the red cloth or cord at her window.
Thank God for Jesus’ blood. For, it is our assurance of forgiveness and salvation. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” [Rom 8:1] Like Rahab, true believers should genuinely “turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” [1 Thess 1:9,10]
The past doesn’t matter for God won’t remember anymore. Instead, He transforms the genuine believer to be His honor.
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Hebrews 11:23-29 ESV
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
FAITH AND COURAGE.
Moses was born in a difficult regime in Egypt when Hebrew male infants had to be put to death. [Ex 1:22] Yet, his parents defied Pharaoh by hiding Moses until they could not any longer. The reason is that they saw Moses as a beautiful child, that is ‘he was lovely in the sight of God.’ [see Acts 7:20]. Certainly, their faith was honored as they placed him in a basket to float downstream at the river Nile. The Egyptian princess who fell in love when she saw the baby crying was God’s working. It was far from being a product of chance.
Christian parents today, likewise, should look at their own children as goodly. And, they should not allow the world to define their identity and destiny. By faith, they should take courage to harness the potential of their children.
Moses, like his parents, was exceptionally courageous too. Between the best of the world and the worst in pursuing God, he chose the latter. Rather than choosing to enjoy the pleasures in Egypt, he chose to be mistreated with the people of God. The reproach of Christ is far greater than the treasures in Egypt. Faith looks what is felt and seen at the moment from eternity’s perspective.
“As with Abraham and Moses of old, the decisions we make today will determine the rewards tomorrow. More than this, our decisions should be motivated by the expectation of receiving rewards.... The emphasis in the Epistle to the Hebrews is: "Don’t live for what the world will promise you today! Live for what God has promised you in the future! ..."[by W. Wiersbe]
In v.27, Moses has had his exceptional moments with God like the burning Bush experience, but it was his daily fixed upon God that nurtured his faith and courage. From being timid, by faith Moses became fearless before Pharaoh. His faith in keeping of the Passover was his assurance from the judgment of God. He did not budge in from Pharaoh’s threats and intimidations until their ultimate victory and deliverance at the crossing of the Red Sea. As Spurgeon has said, “There you have the difference between faith and presumption: faith goes through the sea, presumption is drowned in the sea.”
Our daily gaze at Him through His word will surely build our faith and courage likewise.
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Hebrews 11:20-22 ESV
20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
THE FAITH OF THE PATRIARCHS ISAAC, JACOB AND JOSEPH.
What is common among the three patriarchs is the strong beliefs that God’s blessings be granted unto their children, to wit; Isaac to Jacob and Esau; Jacob to the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh and Joseph’s wish for the next generation to settle back freely to their homeland. There is the expectancy that Jacob, though he was the younger, was blessed before the the eldest, Esau. It was the intention of Isaac to bless Esau not Jacob, though it was the will of God that he should bless Jacob. [Gen 27:18.] When he pronounced the blessing, he did it in faith and with finality. Thus, when he found out that it was Jacob, he did confirm it. [Gen 27:33] He even blessed Jacob after this. [Gen 28:1] As Solomon had said, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” [Prov 19:21]
Similarly, Jacob did the same to Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, when he blessed them when he was dying. Instead of blessing the firstborn, he blessed the younger Ephraim, not Manasseh. After all his life and family’s schemings and shambles in the early years, Jacob and his whole clan were united in Egypt. Indeed, “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning” [Ecc 7:8a] Jacob was seen at the tail end of his life worshiping God, even when leaning on his staff.
Joseph, on the other hand, did not content himself to be buried in Egypt, the place where he found comfort, riches and power. He covenanted with his people that his bones be brought to the promised land someday. This had shown that he had forgiven and let go of the pain he experienced when he was young. He believed there will come a time that his clan would settle back in Canaan, as the fulfilment to God’s covenant to Abraham. Whatever success they have had in Egypt, they will be always a foreigner in Egypt and temporary.
Similarly, we are pilgrims in this world, are we not? [1 Pet 1:1]. “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” [Phil 3:20-21]. Thus, for having “been raised with Christ, let us seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And, set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” [Col 3:1,2]
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Hebrews 11:17-22 ESV
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
AN ULTIMATE TEST OF FAITH.
Abraham has had a lot of tests in his journey with God since he left Ur of Chaldees. In many instances, he failed God. And as expected, he suffered the painful consequences. Yet through all these, God was faithful unto His covenant to him. Thereby, Abraham grew in his faith, even gradually but steadily.
Therefore, Abraham, as our father of faith, has had developed his trust unto God as God has continued to show His faithfulness unto him day by day. Our faith grows as our knowledge or experience with God grows. It’s not how strong our faith is but who, we place our faith. Our faith can be as small as a ‘mustard seed.’ But, if it is placed on God, miracles can happen.
It’s quite a feat of faith for Abraham to believe God and His seemingly irreconcilable promise and demands. How could Abraham be a father of multitude as God promised if his only son Isaac be offered as a burnt sacrifice? God’s command and promise are in a stalemate. But, for Abraham God had deserved his trust. Abraham had believed God could raise Isaac back to life. That is, he had considered in his heart before that climb to the mountain that Isaac is already dead. His resolved made him obey immediately without reservation. In fact, Abraham had considered it as an act of worship. When Abraham saw the place from afar, he said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” [Gen 22:5]
Like Abraham, anyone who exercises of true faith does not necessarily need any explanation. A skeptic once mockingly asked a faithful believer, saying, “If your God will ask you to bump your head against a cement wall, you will still obey?“ Unhesitatingly. He answered, “My business is to obey. God’s part is to provide the way.”
There was no second thought for Abraham. He lifted his hand with the knife to slay his son as an offering. If not for the angel, Isaac won’t be alive and had become a burnt sacrifice for God. Why did Abraham did it? He loved God more than his son. One does gave up something only for somebody, who he loves most, doesn’t it? The angel of the Lord had confirmed it by saying, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” [Gen 22:12]
We truly prove our love for God if we can give up our most cherished possession for Him.
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Hebrews 11:8-12 ESV
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
DO CONSIDER GOD FAITHFUL WHO HAS PROMISED.
Just because we don’t know the place or thing won’t nullify the truth about the reality of it. When God promised Abraham to go to a place God gave him as his inheritance, he packed all and left all at once bringing with him everything he needed. According to Morris, "Abraham"s faith accepted God"s promises and acted on them even though there was nothing to indicate that they would be fulfilled."
He perseveringly moved forward, putting up and packing his tents as he journeyed. And even in the promised land he continued to live in tents. Isaac and Jacob were greatly influenced by him to live similarly as him. Why? More than a literal place, he was pursuing toward a celestial city. As pilgrims in this world [1 Pet 1:1], all believers like us should look for such a habitation as well, namely, the New Jerusalem, should we not? ( Revelation 21:1; Revelation 21:9-27).
In the same manner, his wife Sarah, though the weaker vessel and at first doubting, received strength to conceive even though she was already of past age. She ceased to doubt and was convinced later. And considered God faithful who had promised.
This is the key.
The promise is as good as the integrity of the promiser. And, as God has revealed to Balaam, who said, “God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” [Num 23:19]
The fulfilment of God’s promise may be delayed. But, surely it will never be denied.
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Hebrews 11:7 ESV
7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
PORTRAIT OF OBEDIENCE.
God has admonished Noah about a universal deluge that would wipe out the world’s sinful population. Thus, in reverential fear, he constructed the ark according to God’s design and specifications. His was not a slavish or servile fear but as an obedient worshiper, who recognized his awesome God.
He was a preacher of righteousness. [2 Pet 2:5] However, as Jesus lamented of the hardness of hearts in His time, He recognized that this generation before His coming again will be as the time of Noah. He said, “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark.” [Matt 24:37-38]. No wonder God had said to that generation, “Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” [Gen 6:3]
Noah has preached faithfully for many years but it can’t be more than 100 years. According to Jack Kelly of gracethrufaith.com, “The context of Genesis 6 is judgment so it’s much more likely that God was giving mankind 120 years before destroying them. Finally, Genesis 7:6 shows the flood beginning when Noah was 600 years old. Therefore, sometime between his 500th and 600th birthdays, God informed Noah He was going to destroy mankind with a flood and told him to build an ark so he and his family would be preserved through it. If his sons were old enough to be married when God called Noah to build the ark, as Genesis 6:18 indicates, then Noah couldn’t have spent anywhere near 100 years preaching about the coming judgment.”
Sadly, nobody had believed his message except his family. The world’s rejection to his message became their condemnation. Rejecting the light that could have enlightened them had blinded them instead. Everyone else had perished in the flood.
Like Noah, our role is to be faithful and obedient. Regardless of the result, we must not dilute the message of the gospel. We have no power to change sinner’s hearts except that they must hear the truth clearly from us. For “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” [ Rom 10:17] Like Paul who said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”[ 1 Cor 3:6,7]
Have we been discouraged for seeing no results in our ministries over the months or years of faithful service? Noah just persevered as Moses and Isaiah did. Moses obeyed God despite being told that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart.[see Ex 7:3]. Isaiah had obeyed God despite to what God had said that is;
“ And he said, “Go, and say to this people:
“‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’
Make the heart of this people dull,
and their ears heavy,
and blind their eyes;
lest they see with their eyes,
and hear with their ears,
and understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.” [Isa 6:9,10]
“God knows what He is doing. Thus, let us just be obedient to Him."
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Hebrews 11:5-6 ESV
5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD.
Most people I know have expressed their beliefs towards Christ. However, these beliefs are spread over in a wide spectrum. Either, one is a professing believer or a possessing believer of Christ. Jesus lamented for the professing believers by saying, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” [Matt 7:21]
However, there are possessing believers, who have genuinely received or trusted Jesus in their hearts. [ see John 1:12] They are the true believers. Are you? But, we should note that having been related with Christ, we should strive to please Him everyday. Our example is Enoch.
Enoch was commended for ‘walking with God’, a metaphor of consistent and persevering journey with God against all odds. Amazingly, God took him without facing the reality of death. What was in his faith that pleased God?
Firstly, he believed that God is, that is, God exists. Secondly, he believed God is a rewarder to him who sought Him. Jude had corroborated this, when he said, “ It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones.” [Jud 1:24]
He faithfully proclaimed to others God. And that God will come into this world victoriously. He believed a majestic God surrounded by innumerable host of angels. No wonder, he had walked with God steadily. His unfeigned belief of his personal God has determined his unwavering walk with God.
Like Enoch, do you and I believe that God is as revealed in His words? And as such, do we believe that He is our rewarder, that we are going to wait and hope upon Him to fulfill His promises? May God help us to develop such pleasing faith to God as Enoch.
It’s not just enough that we have faith in Christ unto salvation. But, let us walk by faith to please Him day by day. For, as believers, we walk by faith and not by sight. [2 Cor 5:7]
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Hebrews 11:4 ESV
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks
A QUIET WORSHIPER OF GOD.
Abel, as a simple and quiet shepherd, had continually offered a pleasing sacrifice from the firstborn of his flock. God’s favor was evident that it had caused envy of his brother Cain, whose sacrifice wasn’t accepted by God. Thus, the unimaginable happened for he murdered his brother. What Solomon had said is true indeed, that is, “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
Although his life was cut short, Abel is listed as the first being commended of his faith. Other than being depicted as one who has offered a better sacrifice than Cain, we don’t have much information about him.
Like Abel, most of us are living as an ordinary believer quietly doing our routines or chores f life. But, this doesn’t mean that we are of lesser importance for just ‘tending our sheep’, that is having a lowly job. By God’s grace, let us strive to emulate Abel. What are the lessons we can learn from his simple faith.
Firstly, it’s being faithful in little things. Like him, we might be doing things before people. What is special in washing clothes or cleaning the house? Yet, Jesus has said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” [Luke 16:10]. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” [1Cor 10:31] Thus, there is no trivial things before God if we do it faithfully for His glory.
And secondly, it’s being faithful to do the right things. Perhaps, Cain was sincere but it wasn’t right. There is no remission or forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood. [Heb 9:22] Our simple obedience to His will matters to God. And, He disdains any sacrifice no matter how grand like King Saul’s sparing the fatted lambs for sacrifice when he was supposed to kill everything.
Thirdly, let’s be faithful by being consistent. Without fanfare, Abel had quietly tended his flock daily. As the Lord blesses us, let us not fail to offer our offering of praise and thanksgiving unto Him.
Thus, today let us be reminded. That, there is no ordinary life before God if the little but right things we do are done faithfully and consistently for His glory.
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Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
THE EXERCISE OF FAITH IS ESSENTIAL.
There are things that are imperceptible. But, that doesn’t mean that they are not real. Man’s perceptions are certainly limited, and in a lot of instances, untrustworthy. Consequently, we have had struggles in making decisions in life if we don’t factor in faith. Thus, exercising faith is part of our normal lives, isn’t it? We trust the bus drivers when we board the bus, the baker when we eat our bread, the doctors and pharmaceuticals when we take our medicines, and many more.
The mention of many bible characters who believed God in this chapter is providing encouragement for us to follow suit. Thus they, having first received the witness of God, then having testified themselves have become "witnesses" to all others (Hebrews 12:1)
Faith is essential in understanding the origin of the universe. This includes all that exists in time and space, whether visible or invisible, present and eternal. This, we perceive with our spiritual intelligence, though we see neither Him nor the act as described in Genesis 1:1-31. The natural world confirms it when apprehended by faith. Paul has explained, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” [Rom 1:19,20]
God spoke and the universe came into existence. God made the world out of nothing, that, is not as in all things reproduced from previously-existing and visible materials. God doesn’t need a raw material to build upon. He is the Eternal God [the Self-existent One].
And amazingly, Christ is referred as this God. John says, “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” [John 1:3] This was corroborated by Paul, when he said also,” 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”[Col 1:15-17]
Thus, faith upon God and His creative power is our foundation. Christianity is built upon and around believing in the God, who we do not see.
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Hebrews 10:32-39 ESV
32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
HOLD ON.
These Christians had already suffered for Jesus, having been rejected from their Jewish community and perhaps being counted as dead. This came after they trusted in Jesus.
Being a Christian may mean to suffer for Christ.[ 2Tim 3:12] Like these Jewish background believers, their persecutions were struggles that came in many different ways. They were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations. “An allusion to the combats at the Grecian games, or to the exhibitions of gladiators at the public spectacles.” [ by Clarke]
They were companions of those who were so treated – including the writer to the Hebrews himself (you had compassion on me in chains). They also had faced economic persecution (the plundering of your goods).
How did they endure in such hardships?
A case in point is that they had faced these persecutions in the past, and had endured them well. Thus, they could take a look at these and be encouraged to keep standing strong in the future.
Moreover, they have to keep a heavenly perspective. Like them, discouragements may pose a danger of casting away tour confidence in Jesus and relapsing into the old, as they could go back to the Old Covenant. They, and we, have need of endurance to receive the promise of God after we have done the will of God. The toughest and most discouraging trials are when we are called to obey God’s will when the fulfilment of His promise seems so far away, is it not?. The reason why we need endurance. John Guzik says, 'Faithfulness during the time when the promise seems unfulfilled is the measure of your obedience and spiritual maturity.'
As James has said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” [Jas 1:2-4]. We need to follow in the footsteps of the just who will live by faith, and endure to see the promise fulfilled.[see Hab 2:4, Rom 1:17] We will be those who endure on and gain the promise of God. We will not draw back into old traditions or into old life’s beliefs – or any other replacement for Jesus
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Hebrews 10:26-31
26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
DELIBERATE SINNING.
This speaks of someone who has receive the ‘knowledge of the truth.’ That is, they have heard and understood the truth about Christ and His perfect sacrifice at the cross. Yet, they willingly and continually reject it.
“It has nothing to do with backsliders in our common use of that term. A man may be overtaken in a fault, or he may deliberately go into sin, and yet neither renounce the Gospel, nor deny the Lord that bought him. His case is dreary and dangerous, but it is not hopeless.” (Clarke)
Since they had rejected the only sacrifice for sins, there remains no other sacrifice for sins. Then, what are the implications about their willful rejection?
Firstly, they ‘trampled the Son of God underfoot.’ They disgraced and devalued Him by devaluing what He did.
Secondly, they ‘profaned the blood of the covenant as ordinary.’ They considered Jesus’ blood of no greater importance. There, it is no different than the countless animals’ blood sacrificed under the Old Covenant.
Third and last, it ‘outraged the Spirit of grace.’ They insulted or offended the Holy Spirit, whose purpose it is to present Jesus and glorify His work to us. John says, ‘He [the Holy Spirit] will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.’ [John 16:8-10]
To such people, God won’t hesitate to judge. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. If rejection to the law of Moses is a sore punishment, how much more to those who has resisted His love, refused His salvation, despised the Spirit’s promptings. Thus, His judgment is commensurate to their rejection to His mercy.
Today, my friends, let’s heed to God’s warnings in Psa 95:7-11, that is;
“Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers put me to the test
and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I loathed that generation
and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart,
and they have not known my ways.”
11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,
“They shall not enter my rest.”
‘Should God’s grace is deliberately rejected, it may result to a heart hardened.’
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Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
LET'S ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER.
Nowadays, most are hurting and volatile emotionally. We notice this through postings at social media, wherein bashing and shaming others are rampant. As Jesus has said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, their mouth speaks.” [Matt 15:19]. Most probably, this is the way they can vent their disappointments and frustrations in life. On the other hand, we see a lot of edifying posts, too. For this we are thankful. May their number will grow.
As His children, we are enjoined to encourage one another. This can’t be as simple as we might think. We must ‘consider how’ to stir up others to love and works. It runs against the grain of our selfish ego. To stir a strife seems so natural but it takes a lot of effort to stir others to love and good works, isn’t it?
Thus, Paul has said, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” [ Phil 2:3,4]
Today, let’s think and be watchful to our words and actions. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” [ Eph 4:29]
Moreover, let’s not forsake our assembling together. Our fellowship, though not possible physically today, may be done through virtual platforms. Be sure you have a community for prayer support and encouragement in this Covid19 lockdown season.
Our motivation is the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ. Failure to see His soon return may cause us to be spiritually lethargic. Our time is too short to engage in non-sensical arguments, isn’t it? An awareness to His soon return should cause us to feel the urgency in encouraging one another to be faithful in the Lord.
When most people today are hurting due to Covid-19, as believers, let's find ways to be an encouragement.
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Hebrews 10:19-23
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
DRAW NEAR WITH COURAGE.
Our confidence before the Lord is a gift. A sinful man should tremble before Him . But, God has provided us the source of confidence, namely; He opened a new and living way by opening the curtain for us. When His flesh was torn at the cross, the curtain at the temple was torn into half as well. Also, since we received Jesus, He became our Great High Priest, [over the house of God]. And, He is a compassionate High priest. [see Heb. 4:15,16]
Thus, ‘let us draw near’ unto Him. God’s grace and mercy attract us to Him. It’s not that we have the merits [ good works and achievements] to proudly go to Him.
In what ways?
By the truthfulness of our heart, we go without hypocrisy. Let’s not doubt as to our acceptance when coming to God by the blood of Christ. And, Christ's blood purifies our hearts and consciences as well as our body. A loyal response to Christ is the logical correlate of the magnitude of Christ’s redemptive accomplishment.
As Paul implored us, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” [Rom 12:1,2]
There is no reluctance or fear to submit our all to God who has showered us with His gospel mercies, isn’t it? The result of which is knowing the will of God. That is, the Lord will reveal His will only to those who are surrendered to Him.
There is no fear of shame to approach our God who is not ashamed to sacrifice for us.
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Hebrews 10:11-18 ESV 11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” 17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE NEW COVENANT. The long section on the high priestly ministry of Jesus ends here ( Hebrews 7:1 to Hebrews 10:18). Priestly ministry was such an important part of old Israelite worship that the writer gave it lengthy attention here.
It is shown that Jesus is a superior priest compared with the Levitical priests, and that His priesthood supersedes the Levitical priesthood. Jesus has inaugurated the New Covenant that is superior to the Old Covenant. His sacrifice is superior to the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant. Lastly, His priesthood brings the believer into full acceptance with God, something which the former priesthood could not do. Would it not be foolish to abandon Christianity for them to return to Judaism. Similarly, today’s believers should also be foolish to turn away from Christ and the gospel.
In contrast to the repeated offering of the priests, Christ offered Himself once for all. By this single offering, He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Forgiveness of sins is complete [1 John 1:7]and sins are forever blotted out by God. He vanished sins as far as the east is from the west. [see Psa 103:10]
Subsequently, He has seated victoriously at the right hand of the Father. Someday, He will make all His enemies subject to Him finally, that is, they will be His footstool.
Moreover, what the Son has perfectly done, the Spirit has testified. Through Jeremiah ( Jeremiah 31:33-34; cf. Hebrews 8:8-12), He continues to testify in the hearts of the believers. The Spirit’s indwelling presence [1 Cor 6:19,20] could make it possible that the laws are placed in the hearts and written in their minds. Thus, those who are under the New Covenant may learn to worship God truly and directly in their hearts in Spirit and truth [John 4:24], devoid of the Levitical sacrifices of animals. After all, believers in Christ are called ‘royal priests’ before God. [1 Pet 2:9]
For being perfectly forgiven, we are free forever.
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Hebrews 10:1-10 ESV
For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body have you prepared for me;
6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”
8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.
The inadequacy of the Old Covenant: repeated sacrifices were necessary ( Hebrews 10:1-4). While, he one sacrifice of Christ: supersedes the repeated sacrifices ( Hebrews 10:5-10)
The keywords of this chapter are year by year and day by day as contrasted with continually and forever. Repetition means imperfection. The ancient offerers of sacrifice could never be sure that they were finally accepted. Each year they had to go over the odd ground. How different from us, who have heard Jesus say, “It is finished”!- F.B. Meyer
The spirit of inspiration offers to us the secret of our Savior’s work in His voluntary identification with the divine purposes. It was not so much His outward anguish and blood-shedding that made reconciliation possible, as His cry, ‘Not my will, my Father, but thine.’ His attitude reminds us of the ancient custom of boring fast to the door the ear of the servant, who desired never again to leave His master’s service.
"The psalmist's words, "Lo, I am come to do thy will, O God," sum up the whole tenor of our Lord's life and ministry, and express the essence of that true sacrifice which God desires. The passage he quoted first ( Psalm 40:6-8) expresses Messiah's commitment to offer His body as a sacrifice to God (at His first advent) because animal sacrifices of all types were inadequate. God's will was the perfection (i.e, thorough cleansing) of believers. Jesus was not some dumb animal that offered its life unthinkingly. He consciously and deliberately offered His life in obedience to God's will.
His victory cry, "It is finished" at Calvary was an echo to His obedient prayer, "Not my will but Thine." at Gethsemane.
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Hebrews 9:23-28 ESV
23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
A SACRIFICE ONCE FOR ALL.
After the fall, death happens to all. [Rom 5:12]. It’s a consequence to man’s disobedience.[Rom 6:23] And as such, it’s certain and inevitable destiny of man. Simply stated, we are born to die. It’s an appointment as one inside a waiting lounge waiting for his name to be called.
Today, Covid19 may infect the most vulnerable physically but the most healthy may come out scathe free. However, sin that causes death is ingrained in our DNA. In other words, we are all in bondage to this problem within us. Man’s steps, since his conception, do lead him to the grave, don’t they?
Thus, Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many. As the Critical Commentary has explained, “He did not need to die again and again for each individual, or each successive generation; for He represents all of every age, and therefore once for all exhausted the penalty incurred by all. He was offered by the Father, His own "eternal Spirit" (Hebrews 9:14) concurring; as Abraham spared not Isaac, but offered him, the son unresistingly submitting to the father's will. (Genesis 22:1-24)”
When Jesus was lifted up at the cross, He carried our sins along with Him. The great exchange had happened. The righteous became unrighteous so that the unrighteous be declared righteous before God. [ see 2 Cor 5:21] The giver of life has died so the dead like us can live.
Thus death, though inevitable isn’t solvable. Christ had died once for all to defeat sin, death and hell. However, He will come again [second time] to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. He is coming again to usher His own to His glory. Thus, we are “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” [Titus 2:13], are we not?
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Hebrews 9:15-22 ESV
15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” 21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
During the time of Moses, he saw to it that he obeyed the commandment of the law. For, under the law almost everything is purified with blood. Thus, he conscientiously ‘took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship.’ [v.20-21]
We should note that this quote, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you’ is from Ex 24:8. There is a change accorded with Christ's introduction of the New Testament, recorded in Luke 22:20, "This cup (is) the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you." It is the only Gospel in which the "is" has to be supplied, as here.
Thus, Christ has sealed the new covenant with His blood. The Lord's supper is the sacramental sign. In certain respect the covenants God made with humankind are similar to wills. With all wills, the person who made the will must die before the beneficiaries experience any effects of the will. The testator [one who makes the will] was represented by the animals slain in the old dispensation [ from Adam to Christ]. In both dispensations the inheritance was bequeathed: In the old, it’s by Christ but being typically present. However, in the new, Christ has come in person and died. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.
Therefore, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Jesus’ death, that is His blood shed, is the only and final means of redemption for you and me.
“The blood that Jesus shed for me.” By Andrae Crouch
The blood that Jesus shed for me
Way back on Calvary
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
It reaches to the highest mountain
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
It soothes my doubts and calms my fears
And it dries all my tears
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
It reaches to the highest mountain
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
Hebrews 9:11-14 ESV
11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
REDEMPTION THROUGH CHRIST’S BLOOD.
Christ did appear as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation). That is, Christ is a High priest to that which are eternal. And, instead of entering the Holy of holies yearly as the High priest, He passed through heaven into the inner abode of the unapproachable God once for all (see Hebrews 4:14)
He did it not by the blood of animals but by His own blood. He is both the High priest and sacrifice. Thus, it was perfect and complete securing everyone of us an eternal redemption. A feat that animal’s blood could never possibly accomplished.
According to the law, there is remission or purification through the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer. However, these are all temporary. This picture was initiated by God indirectly after the fall. “And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.”[Gen 3:21] Hence, the shame of man was covered by the skins of killed animals. The blood of these animals had to be shed in order for them to have their shame [guilt] covered.
His blood is the only means of reconciliation between man and God. As Paul had said, “and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” [Col 1:20] A perfect and satisfactory sacrifice means nothing else is needed. ‘We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.’[Eph 1:7] As an act of grace, he offered Himself through the eternal Spirit.
We are purchased by His blood, are we not? [Acts 20:28] How should we then live? If we are not on our own because He had purchased us, then, let us glorify God in our lives. [1 Cor 6:19,20] It’s a ridiculous thought that those who are cleansed still love to wallow in the mud.
Consequently, this had purified our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Until we received His redemption, we couldn’t be able to serve God aright, could we? Redemption is the proper motivation of true service. Prior to our redemption our acts of service are ‘dead works’. Performing good works coming from undegenerated hearts never could provide righteousness. In fact, ‘all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”[Isa 64:6]
Before the eyes of God, the only acceptable deeds are done by the hands of those with redeemed hearts.
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Hebrews 9:1-10
Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.
THE TORN CURTAIN.
The inside of the tabernacle [earthly sanctuary] is divided into two sections; namely, the Holy Place and the Most Holy place. The Holy place section, which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. was where the priests could go regularly to perform their regular duties. However, in the Most Holy place [Holy of holies], where the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant lie, the High priest only can go inside once a year after a purification ceremony for his sin. These two sections were separated by a curtain or veil, from top to bottom.
What is the significance of this?
Thus, the writer has explained that “The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. [v.9,10 NIV] Simply put, the curtain has to be removed. When?
This happened during the death of Christ at the cross. “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.’[Matt 27:50,51].
God has torn the veil by Himself through the Lord Jesus death or sacrifice. He has had removed the separation between man and Himself completely. The veil at the temple was decimated as Jesus crushed sin at the cross. Sin separates us rom God [Isa 59:2] but Jesus’ perfect sacrifice had brought us back to Himself. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” [1 Pet 3:18]
Why do people still insist on following the rituals and sacrifices of their religion? That which ‘cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper.’ Perhaps, many are ignorant to the truth. Others, may just have been blinded by tradition.
Thus, today, ‘Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’[Heb 4:16] Sin had separated us to God like a curtain. But, Jesus had torn it bringing us back to Him.
Hebrews 8:7-13 ESV
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.
8 For he finds fault with them when he says:
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,
when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah,
9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers
on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.
For they did not continue in my covenant,
and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds,
and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor
and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
for they shall all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
and I will remember their sins no more.”
13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
A NEW COVENANT.
The imperfections of the Old Covenant has necessitated the introduction of the New Covenant. It’s not an improvement of the old one but God’s initiative to fulfill His will for man’s relationship with Him.
Under the old covenant, God has established a conditional or bilateral agreement with man. But, man had failed by rebelling against God. And so, He also established the way to atone for sin through the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). Thus, the Levitical priesthood was formed to perform these sacrifices. But “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4)
In this new covenant [see Jer 31:31ff], God had made it unconditional. In it the Lord speaks alone in words of sovereign grace – “I will.” It is the same what the Lord had promised to the nation of Israel through the prophet, Ezekiel (Ezekiel 36:1-38). And this grace covenant awaits its fulfillment for that nation in the future. For, it is grounded in the perfect sacrifice of Christ[John 19:30]. And, His blood cleanses us from all our sins. [1 John 1:7]
Thus, God has said;
“ I will put my laws into their minds,
and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.’
This covenant however is encompassing. It includes everyone, Jews and Gentiles comprising the ‘commonwealth of Israel’ by faith. Paul said, “remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” [Eph 2:12,13]
Then, it is possible then for everyone to know God. In what way? It's by the Spirit. And as John Calvin said, “it is the work of the Spirit of God to illuminate our minds, so that we may know what the will of God is, and also to bend our hearts to obedience. For the right knowledge of God is a wisdom which far surpasses the comprehension of man’s understanding; therefore, to attain it no one is able except through the secret revelation of the Spirit. Thus, God’s grace would be poured on all ranks of men, so that no class would be without it.”
Thus, the new covenant makes the old covenant obsolete.
Hebrews 8:1-6
Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. 4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
A MINISTER OF THE TRUE TABERNACLE.
Jesus, our heavenly High Priest, is the minister of the sanctuary, or literally of the true tabernacle. Thus He obtained a much more excellent priestly ministry than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
Thus, the Mosaic tabernacle is not false but a type. It was constructed in order to “serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things.” And as a shadow, it differs from the substance, and the sign from the thing signified.
And ,far from being an invention of man, Moses was instructed by God Himself, by saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”
Jesus and Moses’ priestly ministry has had profound difference. In John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Yet, Jesus’ more excellent ministry doesn’t negate the law but had super imposed it. He claimed, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” [Matt 5:17]
Now if Jesus were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. That is, every priest has to offer a gift according to the law. This Old Covenant required repeated, daily sacrifices of animals as a reminder of the people’s sin. However, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).
For this, the author categorically said that Jesus couldn’t do. Why? Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. He is the God who became man in order to become the mediator between God and man. [1 Tim 2:5] Instead of offering an animal sacrifice, He offered Himself once for all. Thus, he died, was buried and rose again. He ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God. Simply put, His is a ministry of grace.
Even Paul has recognized this buy saying, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” That is, if the blood of animals has merit to grant us forgiveness and righteousness then Christ’s sacrifice would be useless or redundant. As Calvin had said, “the gospel is a more excellent covenant than the Law, and also because the death of Christ was a nobler sacrifice than the victims under the Law.”
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Hebrews 7:23-28 ESV
23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
A PERFECT SACRIFICE.
Since Aaron’s time, many priests did come and go, and had offering countless sacrifices correspondingly. Death had limited them. However, Jesus has a permanent priesthood for He continues forever. Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the alpha and omega, having no beginning and ending.
Moreover, those priests had to offer sacrifices daily, first for their own sins and then for those of the people. Simply said, although the ceremonial law had appointed them, they are high priests who struggled themselves with their weaknesses. Thus, the daily sacrifices are needed for everyone needs cleansing everyday.
However, Jesus has offered a single and perfect sacrifice when he offered up Himself. Peter said, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” [1 Pet 3:18]
Thus, in v.26 [Amplified bible], It was fitting for us to have such a High Priest [perfectly adapted to our needs], holy, blameless, unstained [by sin], separated from sinners and exalted higher than the heavens. Thus, if we are in Christ, we are not bound anymore by any forms of religious rituals whatsoever. Paul said, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ” [Col 2:16,17]
How about you today? Do you feel you need to perform more religious rituals and attend religious activities in order to become acceptable before God? These are nothing for only His blood could atone for our sins perfectly. “The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7]
Thus, He is ‘able to save to the uttermost’, that is completely, perfectly for eternity. This means that our salvation is secured. What God has done has settled the payment for our sins once for all. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” [1 Pet 2:24]
Today, if you have not yet received this salvation as yet, do repent of your sins and trust Him and His finished work at the cross. Then and only then, you will receive His salvation. Thus you can be free from any form of religiosity and rituals.
Because the sacrifice of Jesus is perfect, my salvation in Him is complete.
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Hebrews 7:11-22 ESV
11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”
18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”
22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
A SUPERIOR PRIEST FROM JUDAH.
Throughout his epistle, the author of the book of Hebrews reminds his readers that Jesus Christ is superior, and he explains that the new covenant is much better than the old covenant. The superiority of the new covenant rests partly on the priesthood of Christ who serves in the order of Melchizedek. The Melchizedek's order has set aside the Levitical priesthood and will bring perfection to God’s people whereas the priests of Levi could not do (Heb. 7:11–12). Beside, this priestly appointment is bound by an oath from God himself while the Levitical priesthood is not. [see v.20,21]
In V.13 and 14, Christ is indicated as from the tribe of Judah. We should take note that the law, the ceremonial law in particular, does not give the priestly office to that tribe because it belongs to the tribe of Levi. Since Christ is High Priest but is not from the tribe of Levi, clearly it does follow that the Law had been changed.
In highlighting this, the author had silenced the objection that Christ couldn’t be a High Priest. True, Jesus was not a part of the right priestly tribe on the basis of human ancestry. However, it is because He serves in the order of Melchizedek, He is fully worthy to be High Priest. And since Melchizedek’s order is far superior to Levi’s, Jesus’ High priesthood is also far superior to Aaron’s.
As Christ is appointed Priest, 'not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent ‘ one in which a carnal succession was required, as in the Levitical priesthood; but by the power of an indestructible life.' This is the reason, like Melchisedek's priesthood being forever. In contrast to the Levitical priesthood, which is not continuing in one person. Notedly, in Psalms 110:1-7, this prophecy of His priesthood after the order of Milchizedek forever is mentioned (see Hebrews 7:17).
In v. 18 , there is a disannulling or a repealing [set aside] of the former commandment, that is the Levitical priesthood. And, as the Levitical priesthood and the law are inseparable, it’s a repealing of the law also. Why? The reason is in v.19, for (the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 7:1-10 ESV
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
4 See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. 9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
A BETTER PRIESTHOOD.
These Christians from a Jewish background had shown interest in Jesus as their High Priest, but had a intellectual struggle to the truth. Why? Jesus isn’t from the trib e of Levi, particularly from Aaron’s lineage. This intellectual hang-up must be removed. Otherwise, they will be hindered in their spiritual maturity.
Notedly, God did not allow the kings of Israel to be priests at the same time. History shows the danger of combining religious and civic authority. But, the mention of Melchizedek, who was both king of Salem and priest of the Most High God has made him a unique exception.
As a king, Melchizedek was called “king of righteousness“ and “king of peace.“ As C. Spurgeon had said, “As always, righteousness comes before peace. Righteousness is the only true path to peace. People look for that peace in escape, in evasion, or in compromise, but they will only find it in righteousness. “Peace without righteousness is like the smooth surface of the stream before it takes its awful Niagara plunge.” (Spurgeon)
While, all priests are coming from the lineage of Aaron, there is nothing said about the genealogy of Melchizedek. This made him greater than Aaron. As far as the Biblical record is concerned, he has no father or mother, no beginning of days nor end of life. He might hve had parents, only that they were unknown. Spurgeon said, “We see but little of him, yet we see nothing little in him.”
Furthermore, he must be greater than Abraham, too, because he blessed Abraham. Abraham, on his part, had recognized that Melchizedek was greater when he received the blessing. Moreover, Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him: Because the whole tribe of Levi was genetically in the loins of Abraham when he did this, we see the Old Testament priesthood paying tithes to the priesthood of Melchizedek. This shows Melchizedek is in a position of authority over Abraham and his descendant Levi.
Melchizedek was made like[resembling] the Son of God. It really isn’t that Jesus has Melchizedek’s kind of priesthood. Instead, Melchizedek has Jesus’ kind of priesthood. Thus, Jesus must be greater than Melchizedek . ‘Made like’ in Hebrews 7:3 is a suggestive word, used in the active of ‘a facsimile copy or model’ and in the passive of ‘being made similar to’.” (Guthrie)
“It was as if the Father could not await the day of His Son’s priestly entrance within the veil; but must anticipate the marvels of His ministry, by embodying its leading features in miniature.” (Meyer)
Hebrews 6:16-20
16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
GOD IS UNCHANGEABLE.
By swearing unto Himself, God does signify that He is binding His word to His character, doesn’t He? Thus, God gave Abraham double guarantee that He would indeed deliver what He had promised to Abraham. He gave him the assurance of the promise of the God who does not lie and the assurance that God specially guaranteed that particular promise. The two unchangeable things are His promise and oath.
Thus, God’s binding promise to Abraham is a great encouragement to us now. Why? It is because God has also promised us future blessings. Specifically, He has promised that we will receive rewards when we see Him if we persevere faithfully now (2 Timothy 2:12).
Taking hold upon God fervently is having surety more than a man fleeing to the city of refuge. ( Numbers 35:9-15; Joshua 20) As a fearful person, we could flee to His presence, that is, ‘into the inner place behind the curtain.’ Let’s remember that the veil in the altar is removed so that we can go to His throne of grace unashamed. [Heb 4;16]
That is, we have a hope, which is the sure and steadfast anchor of our soul. This hope is never described as subjective attitude (I hope or I wish, a hopefulness) but always denotes the objective content of hope, consisting of present and future salvation. Hence, in times of temptation to turn away, we can flee to the promises of God. We hold unto His promises because His promises have a hold in us. As sailors secure their ship from drifting away, so our security should be anchored from drifting away from God. As it rests firmly in the God’s holy of holies in His presence with Christ, our great High Priest.
Should God and his promises are true, how are we going to conduct ourselves? Do you fear that God will fail? Do you feel insecure about your life and future? Do you feel hopeless since things around you are going from bad to worse? As Greg Laurie had coined in his message, “ Though our feet is planted on earth, our minds should be in heaven.”
In this time of life’s uncertainty, let’s be encouraged for the fact that we have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” [ 1 Pet 1:4,5] Thus, Peter added by saying, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [1 Pet 1:6,7]
God’s promises are as strong as His character. Because God is unchangeable, our future entrusted unto Him thereby is secured.
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Hebrews 6:13-14
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.
WAITING PATIENTLY TO OBTAIN GOD'S PROMISE.
We, as His children, live by His promises. And, His promise will only become real to us should we claim by applying or obeying it by faith. God, however, has His own timetable so that we need to wait patiently, like Abraham.
This particular promise that God will bless and multiply his descendants to which the writer referred was the one God gave Abraham after he had obeyed God by offering up Isaac (James 2:21). And, Abraham had trusted God to fulfill His former promise regarding his descendants by raising Isaac from the dead ( Genesis 22:16-17).
Abraham had waited for 25 years before God gave him Isaac. He became impatient at one time that he went to Hagar and Ismael was born. The resulting conflict between Sarah and Hagar has reminded us to the danger of acting based on our own judgments and impulses. Could God’s promise be fulfilled by the work of the flesh? God doesn’t need help so that we just need to wait for Him. [Psa 27:14]
Thus, as God had called Abraham to do what He instructed him to do at Mt. Moriah, we need too to faithfully trust and obey Him. Even though it would look as thugh our perseverance would result in tragedy. Definitely, he persevered towards obeying a seemingly tragic command? Isaac was his only son and God has asked him to offer him as a burnt sacrifice before the Lord. An unfathomable and illogical dilemma that only God can unlock.
Yet, Abraham obeyed God because he trusted the trustworthiness of the promiser, God. He always did as God’s trustworthiness hasn’t changed. Malachi 3: 6a says, “For I the Lord do not change” Thus God had sworn to Abraham, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son.” [Gen 22:16]
Having patiently waited and remained steadfast in the midst of trying circumstances, Abraham had qualified to receive everything that God had wanted to give him ( Colossians 1:11; Hebrews 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:7; James 5:11). Likewise, He will do to us should we wait patiently His promise.
Why should we doubt? Did not Paul say about God’s trustworthiness,”He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [Rom 8:32] Since the fall of Adam, God had fulfilled His promise in Jesus. Gal 4:4 says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman.” As the fulfilment of Gen 3:15, that is;
“I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.”
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. [Heb 10:35,36]
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Hebrews 6:9-12
9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
YOUR WORK AND LOVE.
By calling them beloved, the writer expressed his confidence that his readers would not turn away from the truth. He based his confidence on their realizing the dreadful consequences of apostasy that he had just explained and avoiding it.
Unlike those who fall back, they are serving the saints. Loving the brethren is an evidence of genuineness. John said, “By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” [1 John 3:10,14]
And, whatever good we do is primarily done in and for the name of Christ, isn’t it? People, even at their best, may forget your work and labor of love. This could discourage us if God doesn’t see and remember. But, He is! Do you feel discourage that God might had forgotten what you did for Him and His people? But God would deny His own nature if He forgot such things. He would be unjust!
God would justly reward them for it. Therefore, they should persevere in it and not turn aside from it (i.e, turn away). "Not unjust" is understatement; God is eminently just. This is a figure of speech that sets forth an undeniably positive idea by stating its negative opposite [a double negative].
Thus, the writer had encouraged us like a coach, by pressing us to press on. We must keep up our good work; press on with that hope until the end; and imitate those who inherit (not earn) God’s promises. Thus, “ let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” [Heb 10:24,25]
When we fail to do this, discouragement often makes us become sluggish. Let’s recall that earlier the writer had addressed them as being sluggish (lazy as in Hebrews 5:11). Now, he has urged them to be diligent and to stop being lazy (see Proverbs 24:30-34; 2 Peter 1:5; 10). He wanted them to remain faithful to God while waiting patiently for Him to fulfill His promises to them regarding their future inheritance.
Whether our labor of love are appreciated by others or not, let’s continue to be earnest always for He is not unjust.
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Hebrew 6:3-8
3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
A FALLING AWAY
Earlier in this epistle the writer warned his Christian readers about drifting away from the truth through negligence ( Hebrews 2:1-4) and about failing to continue trusting God and walking by faith ( Hebrews 3:7-19). Now he referred to the same apostasy as "falling away."
Were they real believers?
According to Dr. T. Constable, ”Most probably they were genuine believers. Elsewhere being ‘enlightened’ refers to complete appropriation (e.g, Jesus Christ tasted death for everyone, Hebrews 2:9; cf. 1 Peter 2:1-3). This is an Old Testament usage as well (cf. Psalm 34:8). Christians become "partakers" (cf. Hebrews 1:9, "companions"; and Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 3:14, "partakers") of the Holy Spirit through Spirit baptism.”
Similarly, Philip Hughes had corroborated, saying, “Every true Christian has tasted the Word of God and found it to be good to some extent. The original readers had also tasted the powers (lit. miracles) of the coming messianic age. They had observed the apostles perform miracles (cf. Hebrews 2:4).”
John wrote that “Those who were opposing Christ had gone out from "us." "Us" may mean the apostolic eyewitnesses, as often elsewhere in this epistle (see 1 John 1:1-5; 1 John 4:6). This would mean that these false teachers had gone out from among the apostles, not that they were apostles themselves, claiming that their message was what the apostles endorsed (see Acts 15:1; 2 Corinthians 11:5). "Us" elsewhere in this epistle refers to the believing community (see 1 John 1:6, 1 John 2:2) evidently had been members of local house-churches and then left them because of doctrinal differences. The physical separation of these men from the apostles and the faithful eventually illustrated their doctrinal separation from them.
"It is possible, in this instance, that those who later allowed their heretical thought and actions to run away with them (when it could obviously be said, "they were not of us") were in the first place believers with a genuine, if uninformed, faith in Jesus." [Hodges, The Epistles of John]
"If you will investigate the history of the false cults and antichristian religious systems in today"s world, you will find that in most cases their founders started out in a local church! They were "with us" but not "of us," so they went out "from us" and started their own groups." [W. Wiersbe]
This is an expression of a total attitude reflecting deliberate and calculated renunciation of God ( Ezekiel 20:27] In Hebrews 3:12, this apostasy entailed a decisive rejection of Gods gifts, similar to the rejection of the divine promise by the Jews at the wilderness ( see Hebrews 3:7- 4:2]. Thus, here in Hebrews 6:6 is every form of departure from faith in the crucified Son of God. This could entail a return to the old life of Jewish convictions and practices as well as the public denial of faith in Christ. Perhaps, it is due to under pressure from a magistrate or a hostile crowd, simply for personal advantage.
The word "apostate" refers to extreme cases of departure from the truth. We usually refer to less serious departure as backsliding.
Hebrews 6:1-3 ESV
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.
PRESS ON TO MATURITY.
The writer presented the six foundational teachings in Hebrews 6:1-2 in three pairs: (1) repentance from dead works, and faith toward God ( Hebrews 6:1), (2) instruction about washings, and laying on of hands ( Hebrews 6:2 a), and (3) instruction about the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment ( Hebrews 6:2 b). The structure of this sentence in Greek suggests that the last two pairs explain the first pair. Laying the foundation of repentance and faith consists of instruction regarding washings, sortilege (laying on hands), resurrection, and judgment. The first pair points God-ward, the second Prayer of Manasseh -ward, and the third forward into the future. Each of these teachings was foundational in Judaism as well as in Christianity. Most of the original readers would have come to believe these truths even before they became Christians. They are very basic. [by Dr. Thomas Constable]
Should they are genuine believers, their need is not knowledge; rather, they need to use [apply] the knowledge they possess. It is a moral duty to grow up, and the duty involves an effort."
Recognizing the backward pull, the writer stressed the need to "press on to maturity." That they should not be content with their present condition. In this context spiritual maturity involves receiving and responding appropriately to revealed truth ( Hebrews 5:14), zeal for the realization of hope ( Hebrews 6:11), and unwavering faith and steadfast endurance ( Hebrews 6:12).
As the verb ‘press on’ is in passive voice, we could render it, "Let us be carried on" (i.e, by the Spirit). Spiritual maturity happens only by cooperating with God as we do His will while depending on His help. For, it is the Holy Spirit who leads and empowers us the submissive believer (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16).
Paul had emphasized this balance, by writing, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” [Phil 2:12,13] One can only work out that which God has been working in and through his life. Spiritual growth is recognizing that with respect to His word we do the biting and chewing. But, it’s only God who can give the appetite and digestion of our food.
If you surely know Christ personally, strive to grow in Him spiritually.
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Hebrews 5:11-14
11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
SPIRITUAL MATURITY.
The process of spiritual maturity is asssociated with one’s attitude towards God’s Word. The immature, through their continual refusal to heed God’s Word, are becoming more dull of hearing. Hard-heartedness, then, is inevitable to happen in due time.
His word will build us up. [Acts 20:32] And, Faith comes by hearing it. [Rom 10:17] Thus, it is expected that with time as believers, we would grow. As Paul had said, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” [Col 2:6-7]
Sadly, this isn’t the case for everyone as these Jewish background believers were. Instead of teaching others, they still depend someone to teach them the basic principles of the oracles of God. Having been described as children who thrived with milk, they were unskilled in the word of righteousness. That is, they have had struggles in living rightly before God. Carnality becomes the norm. They don’t know how to apply God’s word as children having indigestions for eating solid food.
A maturing Christian, on the other hand, has an appetite for God’s word. Like a child approaching to adolescence, he isn’t content eating only milk [basic principles of the oracles of God] but even solid food. [deeper truth in God’s word] Thus, he is progressing in his ‘powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.’ [v.14] He listens and applies God’s word as he journeys not toward sinless perfection but toward spiritual progression.
How do you look at yourself spiritually? What is your attitude towards His word? Have you grown in your desire not only to be a hearer but a doer of His word? Do you have the joy in applying spiritual principles in your life, work and relationships? Have you grown up in living righteously?
James had warned us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” [ Jas 1:22-25]
Our spiritual maturity is a direct result o our obedience to His words. Otherwise, we may know much Scriptures in our minds but still stunted spiritually.
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Hebrews 5:7-11
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE.
At the garden of Gethsemane, is the record of Jesus’ agony as He prayed. Certainly, He has had struggles as He prayed with ‘loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.’
Yet, despite His knowledge to inevitable suffering, He prayed, “Not my will but yours be done.” He has had the choice not to as a Son. Resultingly, He perfected our salvation through His sacrifice. In other words, Jesus had chosen to suffer and wrought victory. He was neither a victim nor obliged to sacrifice for our sins.
An obedience of a slave to sacrifice for his master is expected. He doesn’t have much choice, does he? But, it’s incomprehensible, when a Son will obey to suffer for us under His Father in order to perfect our salvation. His love towards us always continue to amaze us. As Paul has written, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [Rom 5:8]
Today, let’s pray with the psalmist, “ Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” [Psa 143:10] Most of us know His will. But, it’s always a struggle to do it. It takes the grace of God to fulfill His will. Obedience is the result of our surrender to the Spirit’s control, is it not?
Jesus is our example of obedience. Peter said, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”[1 Pet 2:21] Did He not challenge us, by saying, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23]
The mark of a true disciple of Jesus is obedience.
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Hebrews 5:1-6
For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”
A PRIEST AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.
God established the office of priesthood as described in Exodus 28 through Moses. Here, the writer summarizes the work of the high priest, in saying “that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices [which may include non bloody sacrifice] for sins.” Thus, his primary role was to officiate, either directly or indirectly through lower-ranking priests, sacrifices unto the Lord.
More than being dutiful, he had compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray and ministered the atoning sacrifices with a loving heart for the people. In this ideal, the high priest had this compassion because he understood that he himself is also subject to weakness.
Thus, he is to wear the breastplate with the 12 tribes engrave on it. In this, the people of Israel were always on the heart and on the shoulders of the high priest (Exodus 28:4-30). A practice that should stir the compassion of the high priest.
Today, we should see to it that we don’t serve just for service sake. We, should be driven by a genuine compassion, shouldn’t we? Should we not bring people close to our hearts?
Another observation is that, ‘no man [high priest] takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was: The High Priest was taken from the community of God’s people but was not chosen by God’s people. He was appointed by God for His people. Simply put, the office of high priest was nothing to aspire to or campaign for. Korah, King Saul and Uzziah were judged dreadfully for usurping the office of priesthood.
It was given by right of birth in Aaron’s lineage and therefore chosen by God. It was an honor no man could take to himself. Thus, Aaron and his descendants should not take pride for having been deserving when God just had chosen them. Grace makes us special before God. But, it doesn’t make us stand out as better than others.
Similarly, Christ was appointed him like Aaaron, too [see v.5]. However, God had appointed Him after the order of Milchizedek, who has no beginning and ending [Psa 110:4, Gen 4:18,19]. This means, Jesus priesthood is unending. Would there be a time that He isn’t able to intercede for us?
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Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
THE THRONE OF GRACE.
A throne is a special seat reserved for a monarch. When the Bible speaks of God’s “throne,” the emphasis is on God’s transcendence, dignity, and sovereign rule. The fact that His throne is in heaven further underscores the transcendent nature of God’s existence.
Isaiah had seen the Lord “high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1). At that time, the prophet was having an inspired vision. God’s throne (and His robe) should not be taken as literal, physical objects. Rather, God was revealing to Isaiah the magnificence, splendor, and exaltation of His Being. The prophet Ezekiel and apostle John have had their visions of the throne, too.
In the bible, it is a symbol of power and authority, majesty and honor, perfect justice, sovereignty and holiness, praise, purity, place of eternal life. But what connects this throne to sinful man is it’s a place of abundant grace and mercy. Inside the Jewish temple was the Ark of the Covenant, which was a “copy of the true” (Hebrews 9:24), and it had a “mercy seat” where God’s presence would appear (Leviticus 16:2, ESV).
The transcendence of God may cast an awe and fear before God. And, we must fear Him, we should. Yet, as a loving Father, He extends His hands for us to run from our brokenness into His embrace. His amiability as the source of grace and mercy is too strong a pull to Himself. As the psalmist had expressed;
“ How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.” [Psa 84:1,2]
Living our Christian life is like driving a car. We need to fill our tanks with the fuel of grace and mercy. Otherwise, we are stuck. We need to plead before God for His mercy because we fail and sin against Him. Mercy is God withholding His punishment upon us. Thank God that He is plenteous of mercy. [Psa 103:7] Moreover, we need His grace to obey and fulfill His will. Can we do His will by our strength? He should be our sufficiency always. [2 Cor 3:5]
Should you feel spiritually down and depleted today, you may draw near to the throne of grace. By faith, you “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” [Matt 7:7,8]
“Let’s draw to the throne of grace; Thereby, we may feel the King’s embrace.”
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Hebrews 5:14-15 ESV
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
JESUS, OUR HIGH PRIEST.
Jesus is presented as our High Priest. The high priests' main duty was to make sacrifices for the peoples' sins once a year on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16) Yet, unlike the others in the past, He is described uniquely as great, passing through the heavens. It’s because He is the Son of God. Such honorable descriptions of Him should encourage us to ‘hold fast our confession.’
However great, Jesus isn’t detached with us. For He is the great High Priest, who has identified with our struggles of life against flesh and temptations. In all aspects, He was tempted yet He didn’t sin. The perfections of God displayed in a weak body. The Jews did acknowledge that Jesus was blameless. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” [John 10:31-33] How could He claim as the Son of God when He was just an ordinary carpenter from Nazareth? Is there something good coming from Nazareth? The simple answer is because He is both God and man in one person. Thus, Paul had declared, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”[1 Tim 2:5]
Thus, He could sympathize with us. How does this truth have encourage you today? In this Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, could Jesus feel what you feel? Absolutely, yes! He was tempted in every respect. The devil gave Him a hard time when He fasted for 40 days. He was thirsty, hungry and weak physically when the devil came to deceive and lure Him to sin against God, the Father.
Have you been treated unjustly, mocked and spat upon? Jesus had His share. In just one day, He went through six illegal trials [kangaroo courts] that eventually led to His crucifixion. Yet, as He hang at the cross as a lamb slaughtered, He was meek and blameless. As Peter accounted, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” [ 1 Pet 2:22-24]
Jesus as a man has sympathized with sinners on earth. And as the God, He has justified and brought them to heaven.
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Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
THE WORD OF GOD.
The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. [Eph 6:12] Aware or not, we are in a cosmic war. Are you surprise that you have struggles in your thought patterns or meditations? We are in a spiritual battleground. And, this war is as real as Covid-19 that we don’t see.
And, our only and potent weapon is the word of God through the Spirit. " For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." [2 Cor 10:4,5] This is very important because the devil know the word of God but does use the same to deceive us, does he not? He twisted Scriptures to tempt Jesus. But, He, did effectually defeat Satan by using correctly the Scriptures, didn't He? The devil trembles not with one whose head is full of Scriptures. But, to the one whose heart is governed by it.
Unbelief, which was a heart problem to the Jews, is a deep spiritual or demonic bondage. Satan can blind our eyes to not see the light of the gospel. [2 Cor 4:4]. Thus, the writer has enjoined us to take a serious look at our faith. Have we therefore ‘strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.’? [Heb 4:11] Otherwise, we will be hardened to unbelief?
While unbelief is the work of the devil, the Spirit does to every hardened heart through His sword. When Paul said, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” [Rom 10:17], it is He who does the ‘conviction of sin and persuading the person to trust Christ.’ [John 16:7-9]. His word is sharper than any two-edged sword. It is sharper than the Damascus swords. ‘The sharpest swords in the past that are sharp enough to slice a falling piece of silk in half, strong enough to split stones without dulling – owe their legendary qualities to carbon nanotubes, says chemist and Nobel laureate Robert Curl.’
What this sword could do to the silk and stones, the Spirit can use God’s word to “pierce through to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The minutest distinction such as between soul and spirit doesn’t slip from the light of His word. Thus, “no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” [v.13] In short, we can fool people but never the Spirit.
Moreover, unlike any sword, the word of God is ‘living and powerful.’ Instead of killing, the word of God gives life. And, Jesus, is the Word, who is the “bread of life” too. Thus Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” [John 6:60] But, what does Jesus mean when He said, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”? [John 12:48]
Jesus and His word therefore is like a scalpel that can either help or harm the person. Or, as the sun that either melts the wax or harden the clay. Simply put, when a person hears God’s word and humbles himself to repent and believe Jesus, he will receive eternal life. Conversely, if he doesn’t follow his conscience, refuse to believe, he will be judged. As John had said, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” [John 3:36]
Hebrews 4:6-8 ESV
6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
REST AS GOD DID.
In contrast to the disobedient Jews, those who believe the good news has entered into God’s rest. They ceased from his works as God did. In other words, the pattern of our rest is the same with God when He rested after He created the world.
The Lord has created the universe in six days. On the seventh day [Sabbath], He rested. Was God tired? Exhausted? God won’t be God if He is tired and weary. His rest is His show of completion and satisfaction. For everything He created was good and complete. Do you think that there is still lacking in this world? Energy can’t be formed but transformed from one form to another. But, the substance is the same. Meaning, everything that this world should have is already here. Man is just to discover as more scientific breakthroughs are found.
The idea of rest is prophetic to the ‘another day later on’ wherein sinners can finally avail rest. “There is no peace[rest],” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”[ Isa 48:22] But Jesus, implying to His sacrifice of the cross, had invited us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”[Matt 11:28-30]
The law and its requirements is impossible to provide us rest. It was never intended to. The law just accentuated our restlessness. For our guilt surely disturbs us as a sand in our shoe. But, the sting of sin and the law was removed by Jesus perfect sacrifice at the cross and resurrection. We, who had trusted Him as Savior had ceased from our dependence on our works [obedience to the law] since He perfected it. Paul said, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” [Rom 10:4] he came not to abolish but fulfill the law for us.
Think of the Samaritan woman, who asked Jesus of the ‘living water’ that can quench her thirst. At first, she got it wrongly to ease her physical burden of coming everyday to fetch water at the well. Not so long, she realized Jesus is the living water who can quench her soul thirst. Thus, she found her real rest in Him so that she won’t go to another relationship after her 5th common law husband.
Like her, have you trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord as yet? Have you experienced true freedom and rest in Him? For they who trust Him had His forgiveness and righteousness are imputed upon Him. In Christ we are complete. [Col 2:10] In short, there is perfect rest in our soul. Our satisfaction in Christ isn't in the clutches of religion and man made institution. There are no more sacrifices for our sin for He has done it completely.
In Christ, we don’t lack anything, do we? Christ is enough!
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Hebrews 4:1-6 ESV
Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said,
“As I swore in my wrath,
‘They shall not enter my rest,’”
although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5 And again in this passage he said,
“They shall not enter my rest.”
6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience,
THE NEED OF FAITH.
God’s works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” This promise of entering into His rest still stands.
But, what do we mean by rest? John Owen, a Puritan theologian had defined it, namely; Rest means peace with God, freedom from a servile, bondage-like spirit in the worship and service of God; the deliverance from the burden of Mosaic observance; the freedom of worship according to the gospel and the rest that God Himself enjoys.
In a world wherein we are told to do good and prove our own worth by achieving something, this invitation is too good to miss. Aren’t we tired that we can’t live up to the expectations of man and religion? Let’s be concerned not to fail to reach it. How?
By faith.
Certainly, God’s promise of rest is only beneficial to the one who believe the good news. Clearly, the reason why the Jews were not able to enter the promised land because of their lack of faith or unbelief shown by their disobedience [see v.6]. It’s not they can’t but they won’t. It was their choice. They heard the message but they failed to believe it, so that the message did not do them any good.
There were many who had heard and seen Jesus during his earthly ministry. But, only those who had believed Him had had known Him personally and intimately. His true disciples abide [keep believing] in His words. As a result, they will know the truth and experience freedom or deliverance. [see John 8:31,32] His challenge to us is to trust Him and we will know and understand the Father. [John 10:37,38]
Thus , Jesus has warned us sternly, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ [Matt 7:21-23]. Simply put, not everyone who professes has really possesses a genuine relationship with Jesus. Those who “do the Father’s will” show it as a shadow appears because of the substance.
Can you consider a person to be inside a room when only one foot has stepped in and the other is not? This is a sad reality. Running the race behind by a mile and by an inch are both equal losses. The Jews were at the door but haven't entered in because they refused to believe.
Our salvation is by faith alone in Christ. But, true faith in Him is demonstrated by our obedience.
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Hebrews 3:16-19 ESV
16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
UNBELIEF.
In their experience to God’s favor, the Jews had rebelled Him. God, through Moses, had led them out of Egypt, that is, from slavery to freedom.
Their rebellion was deep seated to their unbelief. It’s possible that we experience the goodness of God and yet remain in an unbelief. A hard heart becoming more impervious is nourished by willful unbelief. Their disobedience and rebellion then were not a surprise.
Was God right to be angry with them?
Certainly. They provoked Him. As a result, God splattered their bodies in the wilderness. The unbelief that they had sown in their hearts had resulted to God’s judgment. Their hearts were as barren as the wilderness they were buried.
Just as the beauty of the gold and jewelries are enhanced against a dark velvet background display, so is the ugliness of unbelief against the goodness of God. God is good without prejudice to our goodness. However, is this a license for us to abuse it? Definitely, not! How repulsive were the Jews to God’s eyes? In God’s eyes, there is no beauty to behold in an unbelieving heart. Our simple trust shown by our humble obedience pleases Him. Did not David say;
“ For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” [Psa 51:16,17]
For every goodness we receive from God should sweep away every dust of unbelief. Otherwise, these can accumulate and thicken making our hearts disobedient and rebellious of the first order. Did not Paul warn us by saying, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.” [Rom 2:4,5]
Today, and everyday, we should begin with a heart check as doctors take regular vital signs to his patients. Let’s be quick to acknowledge God’s goodness. Otherwise, we get bored inside our homes in this lockdown. And like the Jews, who murmured, “There is nothing else but manna everyday.”, we whine and fret that life is monotonous and colorless. Have they not forgotten where they came from? Have they not recognized the goodness of God? They did loss the sight that their wilderness journey is just temporary, didn’t they?
God’s goodness could either harden or soften our hearts. It’s our responses that matters.
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Hebrews 3:7-12 ESV
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,
“Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
on the day of testing in the wilderness,
9 where your fathers put me to the test
and saw my works for forty years.
10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation,
and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart;
they have not known my ways.’
11 As I swore in my wrath,
‘They shall not enter my rest.’”
12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said,
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.
Certainly, no believer plans to become cold and hard hearted. Does anyone plan to miss praying, reading the bible, worship, or fall away? A little neglect can have disastrous effect. But, for many Christians, it’s a sad reality that hits them in the face. And even more pathetic, that they’re oblivious that they’re one.
The hardening of one’s heart isn’t overnight. It is a slow process. A guy who walk barefooted for the first time may grimace for pain at every time he steps upon a rugged pavement. But, overtime, his sole will grow callous so that he won’t feel the pain anymore. And, such were the Jews who may had hardened as they accustomed and not bothered anymore by the scorching heat of the sun at the wilderness.
In verse 7, the writer has warned us quoting Psalm 95. It’s a result of rebelling against the promptings of the Spirit. “He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” [John 16:8-11] The Jews had heard God’s voice but they vehemently refused to listen.
Moreover, they had witnessed the work of God for 40 years. The manna, Pillar of clouds and fire did not fail day by day. The favor of God to them was overwhelming. Yet, they refused to honor God and had provoked Him to anger. As in a perfect ultrasound scan, God’s diagnosis was thorough - ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
How could we prevent from becoming hardened?
Know your heart. Jeremiah said,
“ The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?” [Jer 17:9]
Thus, we must take care of our hearts. “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” [Prov 4:23]
Thus, we need also the “exhorting one another” among ourselves, i.e. an accountability group. Speaking the truth with one another in love [Eph 4:25]. Sin is deceitful, isn’t it? The momentary pleasure of sin gives could blind us of its catastrophic consequence later. Nobody is too smart and strong that can handle the effects of sin. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” [Prov 28:13]
Brethren, please do not harden your hearts today. Open your heart to the Spirit's promptings, by praying, “
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!” [Psa 139:24,25]
Hebrews 3:1-6 ESV
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
MORE THAN MOSES.
Jesus was faithful to God the Father just as Moses was in all God’s house. Yet, Jesus has been counted of more glory than him. Why? He is God Himself. The writer has argued that “the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” [v.3,4] It’s quite mind boggling, is it not? The servant and the owner [builder] of the house are one and the same person – Jesus.
Meanwhile, the apostle Peter has affirmed that Jesus is the prophet like Moses (Acts 3:22, quoting Deuteronomy 18:15, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him”). Also, Stephen, addressing the Sanhedrin in Acts 7:37, quoted the prophet Moses and has applied the prophecy to Jesus Christ.
While Moses was faithful in the house of God [ God’s chosen people] as their servant-spokeman, Jesus is the servant -spokeman -son, rolled into one. Think of this. Moses was considered a prophet and the greatest lawgiver. But Jesus did more. He is the law author [John 13:34,15:12, Gal 6:2] , proclaimer of the word [Matt 21:46] and has fulfilled the law for us[ Matt 5:17, Rom 10:4]
It should be noted that while Moses, as an intercessor for God’s people but, he was willing to die for God’s people in Exodus 32:32. But Jesus as the God-man did fulfill what He said, that is, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” (John 15:13) He proved His love when He “laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16; John 10:15). In summary, both Moses and Jesus had mediated a covenant between the holy God and sinful men—Moses the Old Covenant (Exodus 34:27; Acts 7:44), and Jesus the New (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15).
What does this mean to us who believe in Jesus today?
We are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. Simply put, let’s be certain or assured about our trust in Jesus. As Paul had said, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” [2 Cor 13:5]
Let’s, therefore, be sure today of our profession of faith in Jesus. Are you? If we are, let’s rejoice for this certainty that we are ‘His house’, that is, we are His people, by virtue to His faithful obedience to die at the cross.
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Hebrews 2:14-18 ESV
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
A PROPITIATION FOR THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE.
He [Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. [1 John 2:1] That is, Jesus is the appeasement or satisfaction, specifically toward God. Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him.
Thus, he became man like us. As v 14 and 15 says, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
Our sins result to bondage. The Lord allowed the devil to master us like Pharaoh who masters the Jews in Egypt. We need deliverance from the grip of Satan, sin, death and hell, don’t we. Yet, we recognize that all these are expressions of God’s wrath to sinful man.
But God loves us, doesn’t He? [John 3:16] How could He punish those who He loves? That is why He gave Jesus to be born like us in order to have a body to sacrifice at the cross. The reason He shouted at the cross, “ Tetelestai” [It is finished or completed ] God is appeased by Jesus’ sacrifice. At the cross, Jesus took our sin upon Himself. He paid the penalty for our sin. He became our substitute.
He did it not to the angels [demons are fallen angels] but to the ‘ offspring of Abraham”, that is those who believed God, for they are true offspring of Abraham. Paul said, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.”[Gal 3:28,29]
Thus today, if you and I are believers in Christ we may glory to say, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! (Rom 5:9). We are saved from God’s wrath for Jesus has received it from God in our stead.
His suffering at the cross has portrayed God’s wrath and mercy together; His love for us and his judgment against sin. On the cross, God condemned sin through His Son so that we will become His sons. This is the glad-happy message of the cross. Sin has been dealt with once and for all!
So we can sing today in our hearts,
‘Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live’
- From In Christ Alone by Stuart Townend
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Hebrews 2:10-13 ESV
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
HE CALLS US BROTHERS.
Jesus calls all who are sanctified [ set apart] as family. And, He is not ashamed. What a privilege!
Many years ago our practical theology teacher asked us, ‘What is the risk involve for Jesus calling us unto Himself?’ There I understood the weight of Jesus’ identification with us. Definitely, He would never shame us for He will never fail. However, we don’t live up often times to our name as Christians, do we? Thus, we affect His name and reputation.
We become members of His family once we are born again [John 3:3] Thus, we can call our God, “Abba”, which means our true and legal father. [Gal 4:4-6, Rom 8:16] He transforms us from the inside out through the power of the Spirit to become the persons we ought to be. [2 Cor 5:17]
He isn’t ashamed because His righteousness has been imputed unto us so that we appear blameless before God. [2 Cor 5 :21, Rom 10:3] And those who are real to Him do show their commitment to follow His will. Jesus said, “And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” [Mark 3:34,35] Spiritual relationships are sustained with time that physical relationships.
Thus today, do you consider yourself as Jesus’ brother or sister for not just having a mental exercise of ‘believing’? Have you surrendered to His lordship and that you are seeking to know and do His will in your life? Have you endeavored to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship; to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” [Rom 12:1,2]
It’s one thing to claim that we belong to Him. It’s another thing to know that He claims us as His own. We are a family. Thus, our heavenly Father do desire that His children bear a family resemblance, and He gave us the perfect pattern in our big Brother, Jesus Christ.
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Hebrews 2:5-9 ESV
5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere,
“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned him with glory and honor,
8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.”
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
JESUS WAS MADE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS.
Previously, we learn that Jesus is superior than the angels. And in a twist, He was declared as one ‘made lower than the angels’.
This simply means that Jesus has identified Himself with humanity by choosing to become one. Let us recall that God made man and had given him the authority to rule over the created world. Thus the ‘son of man’ title in v. 6 could refer to Adam. [ see also Psa 8:4]
But in verse 9, the author applied the title ‘son of man’ to Jesus. Definitely, this stresses the humanity of Jesus. In fact, He is called as the second Adam. Paul has declared, “Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” [1 Cor 15:45] Jesus is the Son of man (see Luke 19:10), who is to deliver mankind from death, through His cross, burial, and empty tomb.
On the other hand, the taking on a body did not in any way diminish the deity of Christ. Jesus never ceased to be God; He simply showed the meekness and condescension of God. “He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” [Phil 2:6,7]. Whatever the “emptying” entailed, Jesus remained fully God: “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).
When Jesus became human, He placed Himself in subjection to the Law (Galatians 4:4), became poor for our sakes (2 Corinthians 8:9) and came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
In this good Friday, let’s reflect and be grateful for Jesus' humbling and subjecting Himself to the crucifixion of His flesh as the payment for our sins. This humble state though was but temporary, just “for a little while.” Three days later He rose from the grave. And He is exalted above all angels, and some day every knee will bow at His name and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9–11).
My dear friends and brethren, this day is really rightly called ‘Good Friday’ if we have received His grace of salvation by faith. We are the reason for His coming as a ‘little lower than the angels’. Thus to all believers, we can say, ‘we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.’ [Heb 10:10]
A blessed day to all.
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Hebrews 2:1-4 ESV
1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
A GREAT SALVATION.
Corresponding to the great privilege a man have is the degree of his accountability, isn’t it? Take for example, the gift of salvation. It’s a gift that everyone can receive freely. Thus, it carries with it the severest punishment if neglected.
The true gospel [as differentiated to the false] is a gift from God. In Chapter 1, we learned that Jesus, who is God Himself and superior than the angels. He is the God who became man so that we can see or know God. God took the initiative to reveal Himself to us in Christ.
Salvation as free gift is too good to be true. The only difference is that it’s true. That is why it is called ‘great’ salvation. As Paul had described, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.”[1 Tim 3:16]
Now, Man must be careful not to miss this privilege. Simply put, man, having been offered by this privilege has become accountable. He could miss this great salvation by two things, namely, by being adrift [see v. 1] and by neglect [v.3]. We may miss this salvation by being carefree and not careful as a boat losing it grip and is carried by a strong current. Many today are adrift because of the cares of this world. [ see 1 John 2:15-17].
Or, they miss the salvation because they willfully neglectful. They know but they willfully reject. Take for example in the parable of the wedding feast. [see story in Matt 22:1-14] There was one guest who went into the banquet but did not wear the wedding garment like everyone else. The king asked him why and he couldn’t answer. Why? He has no reason. Everyone was offered and they take it except himself. He willfully neglected to receive it. “Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” [Matt 22:13,14] What a severe punishment, isn’t it?
Rejecting the greatest privilege, that is receiving Jesus for our salvation, entails the worst punishment. There is no escape like the neglectful guest. Be warned from what John said, that is, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” [John 3:36]
Having been unable to receive Jesus has the wrath of God as a damocles sword hanging over one’s head even right now. Thus, rightly we ask, “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”
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Hebrews 1:4-14 ESV
4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”
Or again,
“I will be to him a father,
and he shall be to me a son”?
6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God's angels worship him.”
7 Of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels winds,
and his ministers a flame of fire.”
8 But of the
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
10 And,
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11 they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
12 like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.
13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
JESUS IS GREATER THAN THE ANGELS.
Perhaps, there were popular teachings in the past that angels should be worshipped.[see Col 2;18] Undeniably, the angels are powerful spirits. But, are they greater than Jesus?
Scripture is quite clear that no one but God is to be worshiped. Even though angels are supernatural beings, they are not the Creator. They remain created beings, for God created “all things” (Eph. 3:9} Isn’t it an egregious error to worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator? (Rom. 1:24–25). Furthermore, in Scripture we also see instances in which someone tries to worship an angel sent by the Lord and is rebuked by the angel. In Rev. 1:8-9, for example, describes how John tried to worship the angel who brought him a message and vision from God, but the angel ordered him to worship the Lord alone (Rev. 1:8–9).
But, Did Jesus object when He was worshipped. He did not! [see Matt 14:33, 28:17, John 5:23, John 9:23]. Even, in this passage, in v. 6 & 8, ‘And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, 'Let all God's angels worship him. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.'
Today, let’s exalt the Lord Jesus, especially in this Holy Week season. Yes, He died at the cross and was buried. but, He rose again to live forevermore. Let’s be reminded of Paul’s summary of Jesus’ deity and humanity. He said, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [Phil 2:6-11]
Jesus is our God. Let's worship Him in our hearts, today.
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Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
JESUS IS GOD REVEALED.
The book of Hebrews is the God the Father telling us what God the Son is all about. “If men cannot learn about God from the Son, no amount of prophetic voices or actions would convince them.” (Guthrie). Thus, we'll know God in Jesus.
In the past in diverse manners and occasions, God had revealed to mankind who God is through the prophets. But, in our times, the ultimate and the complete revelation of God is Jesus.
Didn’t John say,” And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”? [John 1:18] His glory wasn’t lesser than that of the Father. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. [v.3] A blind man should not doubt the existence of the sun by the heat that it emits. Similarly, we will never see God as He is. But, should not doubt that He is for Jesus that the apostle John had known Him. [1 John 1:1-3]
In answering Philip’s question for Jesus to show the Father, Jesus pointed this truth about Himself quite bluntly. He said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? [John 14:8-10]
John had written, “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” [1 John 5:20] Is He not the God, we are waiting for? As Paul had said in Titus 2:13, we are "waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Thus today, we can know God because He has revealed Himself in Jesus. Otherwise, nobody won’t know Him. Thereby, we should pursue to know Him as the Savior. Although man will be judged by his sins, his ultimate condemnation couldn’t be blamed by his inability to save himself. It’s his refusal to believe in Jesus as a guy whose prison lock is opened wide but has refused to step out. “ John said, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” [John 3:18]
Jesus is the complete revelation of God to us. That is, He has given Himself to us in Jesus. And by receiving Jesus we relate with God personally. Have you received Jesus as your Savior and Lord as yet?
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Ruth 4:11-21 ESV
11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, 12 and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.”
13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.
THE RENOWN OFFSPRING.
The narrative ends at a high note. Indeed, with God, the end is better the beginning. [Ecc 7:10] God is in the business of mending lives.
Ruth, an unworthy Moabitess to stand at par as Rachel and Leah. Her decision to follow Naomi paid off. Was there any tangible benefits she was after? Nothing. Naomi was old, broke and felt bitter so that she discouraged her. Yet, her strong faith to Jehovah caused her to go to Bethlehem, the house of bread.
Naomi, on the other hand, had regained her life and composure. From Marah [bitter] to be Naomi [pleasant] once again. A complete turn around of her life. Earlier, as the women had exclaimed as they saw her arriving with Ruth in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Is this Naomi?’ Here, the same women had praised her, saying, ““Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”
Meanwhile, the single and rich Boaz, must not have been thinking that he will raise a family and that his name would be known in Bethlehem, more so in God’s prophetic plan. Who had thought that at one of his normal routines at the farm he will meet Ruth. And, this would transform his life and make history.
Boaz’s son Obed [servant] became the grandfather of King David, whose throne will be everlasting. This pertains to Jesus, the branch of David, who will establish His throne forever.[ 2 Samuel 7:12–16; Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5–6]
God’s ways in fulfilling His purposes are inscrutable, are they not? His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. [Isa 55: 8,9] Hindsight is always the best sight. Somehow, you and I could be like Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Nither that happens in and though our lives is incidental nor accidental. Everything is working for good for us who loves the Lord, that is, God is using everything for His glory. [Rom 8:28,29]
'Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.' [Rom 11:33-36]
Ruth 4:7-12 ESV
7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel. 8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal. 9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. 10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.” 11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, 12 and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.”
JUSTIFIED AND GLORIFIED.
This is almost a make-believe story. Ruth, the Moabitess, became the wife of a rich man, Boaz. In a public declaration, Boaz had expressed in details the condition of the transaction. He said, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.” [v.9.10]
Likewise, when Jesus was hanging at the cross, He shouted, “It is finished” [John 19:31]. A term which connotes that a debt is paid in full. That, there was no lack, but was complete. Thereby, it was satisfactory.
Like Ruth, every sinner who repents of his sins and believes on Jesus will receive complete forgiveness of his sins. ‘There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’ [Rom 8:1]
And as in every wedding, all the people and the elders did their well wishes. What was surprising is that they wished Ruth to be ‘like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel.’ [v.11] Ruth was like Rachel and Leah, who had left their father Laban to embrace the God of Jacob. They became the mother of the 12 patriarchs of Israel. Such honor might had not crossed in the minds of both Ruth and Naomi.
Similarly, Jesus doesn’t just deliver sinners from condemnation of sin. But, He glorifies them as well. Paul said, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” [Eph 2:4-6] In Rom 8:30, Paul added,” And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
He who justifies also glorifies us. Praise be the name of the Lord, today.
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Ruth 4:1-6 ESV
Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. 3 Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. 4 So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” 6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
THE COSTLY DEAL.
Boaz was at the gate when the kinsman came by. He called the 10 elders and in their presence, he presented a proposal for him to redeem Naomi’s[Elimelech’s] estate. He said he was willing to do it.
But, Boaz also said that if he buys it of Naomi he also must buy of Ruth to raise up the name of the dead. There was no name left for the inheritance since father and two sons were all dead and no grandsons. Plain and simple, he must also marry Ruth and have children with her to proliferate Elimelech’s inheritance.
For such condition, he backed out of the deal for he thought it would endanger his own inheritance. Why?
He was worried that his children from Ruth (and anything they inherited) would be deemed illegitimate because Ruth was Moabite and the verse in Deuteronomy 23:3 says that a Moabite is out rightly not permitted to join the Israelites.
But, if Ruth should be seen as an Israelite widow and a worthy woman, the nearest kinsman perhaps could marry her. Thus, if Ruth had children with him later, it might endanger his present estate. Since, it would be divided between them and his present children. Furthermore, the redeemed estate will remain named after Ruth’s former husband Mahlon’s name and not become part of his estate. [see Lev 25:25-28] This must be too costly for him.
Boaz, however, he was willing to count the cost. Although he wasn’t Mahlon’s brother, he was willing to redeem Naomi’s property and marry Ruth in a levirate marriage. A thing he did solely because of His love, grace and mercy to Ruth and Naomi.
Similarly, Jesus was willing to count the cost for our redemption. We once ‘were dead in our trespasses and the uncircumcision of our flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.’ [Col 2:13-14] Paul said, “He made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [2 Cor 5:21] In other words, Jesus was willing to be ill-reputed, even considered as a criminal [see Phil 2:5-8], just for us to receive the inheritance reserved by God for us.[1 Pet 1:4,5]
We lost all. Jesus paid all. We regain all.
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Ruth 3:14-18 ESV
14 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city. 16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her, 17 saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” 18 She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
OVERFLOWING.
Boaz saw to it that Ruth had to leave the place wherein nobody knew. Should anyone had known, this could be a big scandal that will be in the front pages of Bethlehem news. A gentleman like Boaz will protect the reputation of a naive yet sincere lady like Ruth. Like Boaz, does not Jesus hide our shame before God? In fact, He took the shame at the cross for us so that we can appear righteous before the Holy God. [2 Cor 5:21]
Moreover, before Ruth had left, Boaz said to her, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’ This sounded too good to be true. For Boaz to consider himself as Ruth’s kinsman redeemer would be more than enough to her and Naomi. Yet, she went back home with 6 measures of barley [about 27 kg.]
The unexpected kindness of Boaz is the picture of Jesus’ overflowing goodness to mankind. His love to sinners like us is inexplainable. How could we describe Jesus’ love in dying for unworthy sinners like us? Paul said, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [Rom 5:6-8]
You and I maybe are in a physical lockdown today. But, His grace and mercy unto us are not limited by space and distance, are they? Spiritually, let’s believe that “God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” [Eph 3:20] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [Rom 8:31,32]
God’s overflowing grace and mercies are just a prayer away. ‘Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.’[Jer 33:3] Simply put, let’s go to God in prayer bringing with us not with a small basket. Let’s approach Him with faith that He can do more than we ever ask or think. God wants us not to limit Him in our prayers today.
Today, let’s ask great things from God and for His glory.
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Ruth 3:7-13 ESV
7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” 10 And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. 12 And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. 13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
A GRACIOUS REDEEMER.
When Boaz found out that a woman was lying down at his feet at midnight, he was scared to the living daylights of him. She answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” This was a bold, daring and straightforward request, was it not? Boaz could harmed her. But, her trust for the goodness of Boaz prevailed.
In an unguarded moment like this, a person’s true character is revealed, is it not? Boaz, who has had a pure heart, had blessed and commended Ruth for showing greater kindness by her request. If not for this, Ruth wouldn’t have been that courageous to approach him, would she?
This was a whirlwind love story. Immediately, Boaz had committed himself what she asked for. For him, here was no doubt that she was a worthy woman, which means virtous or of noble character. Even, the townfolks had recognized it.
Like Boaz, Jesus is full of “grace and truth.”[John 1:16] He claimed as the only One, who can satisfy us, by saying, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” [John 6:35] Such goodness of Jesus should encourage us to draw unto Him boldly, shouldn’t we? Didn’t He challenge us, like the Samaritan woman, to ask Him the ‘living water.’ [John 4:10]
Jesus is much gracious and tender than we know. As the writer of Hebrews had pointed out, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Heb 4:14-16]
In the gospels, a story is told about the Canaanite woman, with a demonized daughter as a good example of one having such genuine faith in Jesus. She cried for His attention to heal her daughter. But, the disciples drove her away. Yet, she insisted. Jesus even had tested her by saying, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” [Matt 15:26-29]
The graciousness of the Savior should draw us to Himself, even the world’s worst sinner.
Ruth 3:1-6 ESV
Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” 5 And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her.
UNRESERVED OBEDIENCE.
After Naomi saw Ruth’s blessed experience with Boaz, she became alive again. She saw a spark of hope to look at the future with optimism. She sought for the future wellbeing of Ruth. We may question her plan but God allowed it to happen.
She asked Ruth to beautify herself and clandestinely go to Boaz’s tent that evening. When he is about to sleep, she has to “uncover his feet and lie down.” No further explanation except that Boaz will tell her what to do once he discovers her. She has just to trust her words and obey her.
And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
Why did Ruth didn’t ask for any explanation? As a Moabitess, why was it easy for her to obey without rancor such ridiculous order from Naomi? Her obedience was an evidence of genuine trust as a child to his mom.
Certainly, Naomi didn’t do this should she had not known the character of Boaz. He was a kind, generous and godly. Similarly, Ruth should have had second thoughts about Naomi if she has had questions to her character. Our integrity, not our logic or rationality, does command more respect towards other people, doesn’t it? Children obey their parents not because they understand. In most cases, they have no idea yet they do it. What’s the reason? They say, “My mom said it. And mom is always good”
Is blind obedience encouraged here? Definitely, No. In a wedding at Cana when they lacked wine, Mary said to the servants, “Whatever He[Jesus] tells you do it.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.’ [John 2:5-7] Did the servants obey Jesus blindly? What are servants suppose to do?
Abraham obeyed God to go to Mount Moriah to sacrifice his only son, who was the heir of promise. Did Abraham obey God blindly? [see the story at Gen 22]
The Holy Spirit had led the Lord Jesus to go to the wilderness in order to be tempted by Satan. Did Jesus obey blindly too? [see story at Luke 4]
In all these, we see the supernatural or miracles happening only after they had fully obeyed. And the reason for them to obey is the character of the one they obeyed. It is the integrity of the person, not our understanding to the logic of the command, that should command our respect and obedience, doesn’t it?
God is trustworthy. Let’s obey Him fully.
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Ruth 2:17-23 ESV
17 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. 18 And she took it up and went into the city. Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied. 19 And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.” So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” 20 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.” 21 And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’” 22 And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.” 23 So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law.
FULLNESS.
Having been highly favored by Boaz, Ruth gleaned from morning until evening at his field. Freely, she gathered barley from already harvested ‘sheaves and bundles’ as much as she could. Perhaps, the most that she could carry was an ephah [about 23 liters] Like Boaz, God is lavish indeed. And, she did this until the end of the barley and wheat harvests.
Boaz’s goodness was astounding. Ruth, the foreigner and Naomi, who referred herself as Marah, were startled. Both were empty handed when they arrived Bethlehem. And in a moment, their table had abounded with blessings. Certainly, Boaz was rich and generous. Thus, they received grace. Consequently, they experienced fullness.
Boaz is the type of Jesus, the grace of God who brings fullness. Paul said, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” [2 Cor 8:9] Like Ruth and Naomi, we are all once impoverished because of our sins. Yet, He made us spiritually rich. In what way? He died for us while we were yet sinners as a demonstration of His love toward us. [Rom 5:8]
Even the apostle John had accounted how he knew Jesus, saying, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” [John 1:14-16]
Thus, Jesus as the Word is God [John 1:1]. He is full [ perfect] of glory. Yet, He is the Immanuel, the God who became flesh and dwells among us because He is gracious. [Mat 1:23] “He emptied Himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” [Phil 2:7,8] The cross was where Jesus became impoverished in order to enrich us with forgiveness and salvation.
Today, the grace of God does continue to amaze us, doesn’t it? From His fullness, He pours grace. And since we drink His grace, we experience fullness.
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Ruth 2:8-16
8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.
9 Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.”
10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
11 But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before.
12 The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” 13 Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.” 14 And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over. 15 When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”
GRACE.
Ruth did not expect to receive Boaz’s favour. It did not cross her mind. He saw to it that she won’t go to another field and had tasked the other women protected and provided for her. But, the extra favour of Boaz was inexplainable. He had her dined with him as the rest so that she was satisfied with some left over. As a foreigner, she could just be satisfied as a gleaner. But, Boaz had treated her as one of his servants. Thus, she was allowed to ‘glean among the sheaves.’ Even, he tasked his men pull out some bundles for her to glean freely. Like Boaz’s favour to Ruth, God’s grace given freely is abundant and immeasurable. As Jeremiah had declared God’s goodness to a rebellious people, the Jews, saying; ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’[ Lam 3:22-23] “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” [Psa 103:8] Certainly, it was the Lord who touched Boaz to recognize the genuine faith of Ruth. That, she left everything in Moab to cling to the God of Israel alone. Thus, Boaz commended, “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”[v. 12] Certainly, the Lord was honoured by her true repentance. Do you have true faith like Ruth that bears fruit of true repentance? Similarly, having been alienated before God because of our sins, God has poured His grace upon us by reconciling us unto Himself through Jesus. Paul argued, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” [Titus 2:11] He had explained this to those who had received his grace by faith, by saying, “remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility “ [Eph 2:12-14]. Paul added, “ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” [Eph 2:19].
Ruth 1:19-22 ESV
19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.
A BITTER LIFE.
Naomi must be a known and familiar person in Bethlehem. After 10 long years she was away, the people still had recognized her so that they were stirred at her arrival specially the women. Their question of surprise, “Is this Naomi?”, implied that they didn’t expect to see her again. Nevertheless, they were excited to have her back. But, where is Elimelech and his two sons? Who is the lady with her? Perhaps, the people asked.
People, who know us, are curious to ask us questions. Some ask because they care like the friends of Naomi. Sadly, others ask in order to slight us. They want to project that they are better by putting down others. For example, after an unsuccessful business, career or marriage, they add more insult to our injury by their defamatory remarks. Like or not, people have their own perceptions toward us – either good or bad.
How then should we respond to the setbacks that happened to us?
Sadly, Naomi was overwhelmed with sorrow for a long time. Could we blame her after all her losses? Yes, she had left Moab but she had brought the pain with her. This had affected adversely her sense of identity. Naomi [pleasant] was long gone. And, after leaving home full and coming back empty, she felt not deserving anymore to be called such a name. Instead, she christened herself as Mara [bitter] She may not had been angry with God. She has had accepted her ‘fate’ from Him. In her mind, her destiny was sealed divinely already.
A person overruled with much sorrow has lost his buoyant spirit to keep him afloat in life as a punctured ball submerged in water. Naomi was just contented to step back into his own town, But, her dream of becoming pleasant and full again had vanished into thin air.
Today, are we like Naomi still nursing our hurts that happened many years ago? What happened to you may had shattered you. But, what is happening in you after what happened to you will make you miserable. Healing from pain and sorrow is at reach in Jesus. In fact, He has invited us, by saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [Matt 11:28,29]
While the devil desires to keep you wallow in despair, Jesus is gentle to build your life again. Like you, ‘a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench until he brings justice to victory.’[Matt 12:20] He came to ‘bring good news to the poor; to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.’ [Luke 4:18/Isa 61:1]
It’s not what happened to us; how others look at us; and even how we look at ourselves that should define who we are. Since Jesus came down to die for us, we must be very special. Are we not? Therefore, let's look ourselves through the eyes of Jesus, not through our setbacks.
Ruth 1:14-18 ESV
14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.
15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.
COMMITMENT.
While Orpah decided to stay in Moab, Ruth ‘clung’ to Naomi. Despite her mother-in- law’s insistence, Ruth was committed to follow with her back to Judah. With respect to our commitment unto God, we’re either as Orpah or Ruth. Ruth was committed while Orpah was double-minded. Thus, she turned back to Moab.
Like Ruth, our commitment to God must be very clear or certain. She knew for certain that her decision was final. Burning her bridges behind, there wasn’t turning back to her people and ‘gods.’ And that she is going to embrace Noemi’s people and God resolutely. This commitment did Paul commend the Thessalonians, saying,” For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” [1 Thess 1:9]
Furthermore, commitment is costly. Like Ruth, we must be willing to severe relationships and affections in conflict with God. God do deserve our unmitigated affections, doesn’t He? We should ‘love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind.’ [Matt 22:37]
Like Ruth, Abraham did leave his kindred and country with finality. “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him” [Gen 12:1, 3a] Abraham and all of God’s pilgrims, ‘are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.’ [Heb 11:14b-16]
Are you committed to follow Jesus and Him alone, today? In John 6:66-68, the multitudes who ate the bread He multiplied miraculously followed Him for a while but turned back. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Are we like Simon who answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
At another instance, a rich young man left Jesus with sorrow for he can’t give his riches away for Him as Jesus required him to do. But are we like Peter who could say, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” [Matt 19:27-29]
Since Jesus is worth above all, we do commit to follow Him with our all, don’t we? We decide to follow Jesus. And, there’s no turning back.
Ruth 1:6-13 ESV
6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. 7 So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 10 And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” 11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, 13 would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.”
RETURN
When Naomi heard that the ‘Lord had visited his people and given them food’, she decided to go back. Her daughters-in-law wanted to go with her. However, she discouraged them not. Why? She was pragmatic, plain and simple. Their future with her is uncertain in Judah. Being young, they could stay and get married again. This was very remote to happen for Naomi knew that a Jew won’t marry a heathen like them.
The decision to return is one of the difficult decisions to do. Besides the speculations and uncertainties, our low esteem during the time of setbacks could pull us down. We’re stuck in a rut. And like the enslaved Jews for hundreds of years in Egypt, we could accept our fate and don’t dream for freedom anymore. The abnormal state of defeat and pessimism are taken as normal. Thus, they refused to go out of Egypt with Moses.
Like Naomi, the prodigal son was encouraged to return to his father because he remembered his father’s goodness to his servants. Paul has written, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? [Rom 2:4]
Today, we don’t need to wallow in despair. We can fail but God doesn’t look at us as failures, does He? He looks at us as saints and not stain. [note: saint and stain come the same letters]. He can mend our broken lives as long as we give Him all the broken pieces. We don’t need to be stucked up in our past. As C. S. Lewis has said, ““You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
One writer said that a basketball player needs not to look the score during the first half in order not to be discouraged. He should remember there is a second half coming. And as Solomon had said, “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning.” [Ecc 7:8]
We can’t change the past failures . But we don’t need to be stuck-up with them either. Instead, we can look at our past and learn from it. Every failure can become a peg to direct us to the right path. Like Naomi, nobody among us should feel we are too old to return and have a good start.
God is still writing the story in your life now. Could you flip to the next page, please.
Ruth 1:1-5 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
SETBACKS. Naomi’s family was full and intact when they left Bethlehem to Moab. It’s ironical that there was a famine in Bethlehem, when the place means, ‘house of bread’. As food became scarce to find, they migrated to Moab. Sadly, her husband Elimelech and two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, died and were buried in this foreign land. Only her two widowed Moabitess daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth had survived with her. It was Job who said, “but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.” [Job 5:7] When a stone is thrown into a heap of burning ambers, sparks will flutter all over the place. How we wish that problems will arrive in our lives, one at a time. But, most often than not, it dropped at our laps almost simultaneously like Naomi’s losses. Naomi and her family wanted to escape the famine in order to survive. Unbeknownst to her, Moab became a graveyard to her loved ones. Could we blame Naomi for making such steps in the time of famine? Had she knew, she wouldn’t had decided to migrate, would she? Like her, we plan and go to a place where we think we can earn a living, thrive and build better families. Thankfully, a lot of our ‘kababayans’ who have migrated abroad are doing fine. But sadly, many also are struggling and suffering. Like Naomi, they left full and ended up, empty handed. You just watch Raffy Tulfo’s program to know their sad plights. Let’s remember as James warned us not to leave God in our future plans. He said, “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” [Jas 5:13-17] Today, let’s be humble to recognize our nothingness and helplessness apart from God. Thus, by the mercies of God, let’s “present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship. Let’s not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our mind, that by testing we may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” [Rom 12:1,2] Today, the escalating Covid-19 cases that affect adversely powerful economies all over the world is a reminder to man’s finiteness and vulnerabilities. Unless God will intervene, we would be all doomed, miserable and destined to failure. Our hope is in Him alone to avoid setbacks. Let’s humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God always.