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Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 28th (Job 38; Zechariah 13, 14; Revelation 15, 16)

Yahweh puts before Job in chapter 38, several of His mighty creative acts and dares the patriarch to explain how his Sovereign performed these marvels. Tell me about the foundations of the earth, if you can. Modern science has some ideas related to our earth's core; however, some hypotheses still surround certain aspects of this. Job is told that the creative work was the task of the angels - the sons of God. What about assigning the sea its boundaries? Or can you explain the delicate balance of the clouds and the water cycle? What do you make of the abundant riches of the oceans? Can you explain the relationship between light and darkness? Do you, Job, understand the treasures of the snow? There are no two snowflakes which are identical - yet every one of them is a perfect prismatic hexagon. The elements, says the Almighty, are My armoury prepared for the day of battle. What about the rain and dew, and My care for all creatures great and small - can you comprehend? Don't you understand that water is a unique liquid whose density decreases when frozen? By this means I preserve the life of fish and other creatures living in frigid climates. Do you understand the circuits of the constellations of Pleiades (the seven sisters), or Orion (heaven's giant)? What about Ursa Major (the giant bear - perhaps the first inference in the Bible of Russia)? The list of nature's inexplicable marvels goes on. The wisdom is evident. And with the psalmist (and no doubt also the dazed and amazed Job) we declare, "In wisdom (God) You made them all".

The Life Of Christ # 116 The Feast of Dedication pt 2 by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 116 The Feast of Dedication pt 2 by John Martin

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 27th (Job 37; Zechariah 12; Revelation 14)

Elihu concludes his speech in Job 37 by proclaiming the majesty of the Almighty. The final speeches of the book are delivered by our Sovereign God. And so, in a sense, Elihu is God's forerunner just as John the Baptist was of our Lord Jesus Christ as Malachi 3 prophesied he would so do. In the final chapter Job is asked by the Almighty to make intercession in prayer for his 3 friends. As no such intercession is requested for Elihu it is reasonable to conclude that Yahweh had accepted what Elihu had said. Like with Moses and Elijah at Mount Sinai, so did the LORD precede His speech with an awesome display of His might - on this occasion "out of the whirlwind'. The whirlwind is a symbol of warfare in the Bible - indicating there is a divine warfare in the book Job - between the Almighty against sin and self- righteousness. Elihu outlined the majestic power revealed in the thunder (spoken of in the Psalms as, "the voice of Yahweh of") and in the lightning and the interplay between these two momentous forces. Verse 6 says that the snow falls at the Almighty's command. Mankind and all creatures are cowed by His awesome power. And what God does is according to His will and He does it purposefully. How can you even understand such power, let alone think you can challenge the LORD? Humble yourself and learn from Him. Show reverential fear and cease from your conceit. The same words must be acknowledged by us and responded to by the way in which we live.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 26th (Job 35, 36; Zechariah 11; Revelation 12, 13)

In Job chapter 35 Elihu condemns Job. If we wonder about whether Elihu is a brash upstart, or whether he is a faithful younger man whose speech demonstrates the wisdom of God - this chapter provides us with the answer to that puzzle. And the answer is that the second statement represents Elihu's character.Every accusation against Job, which Elihu makes, is endorsed by the Almighty in His final speeches. Elihu contests that whether you're right, or whether you sin, God is no way advantaged. However, the LORD is pleased with children whose pleasure it is to please Him. You, Job, he says must see that you are just an insignificant speck of dust. The creature cries out because of pain and suffering, but so infrequently turns to God for His love and support (Romans 8verses18-25). Surely God made us to be more than brute beasts (Ecclesiastes 3verses17-22). Job, wake up to yourself and order your speech aright before your Sovereign. In order to put things in their true perspective, for Job and his friends, in chapter 36 Elihu extols the virtues and might of our Creator. Be patient and listen, Elihu urges them. I will speak in truth and wisdom he declares. It is not the intention of the Almighty to inflict endless sufferings on the wicked (see Hebrews 12verses5-11). He is, in His wisdom, crying to the sons of men, "Repent, turn to Me and be saved". Don't go to the grave in anger and vexation. It's so easy to judge the wicked and at the same time fail to see our own failures. Learn from failure and in all things praise and thank the Almighty. Consider the magnificence of His wisdom - all creation shouts, "In wisdom You have made us".

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 24th (Job 33; Zechariah 9; Revelation 7, 8, 9)

Having rebuked Job's 3 friends in chapter 32, Elihu turns his focus to rebuking Job in chapter 33. Elihu says that he is not influenced by important people, but he will speak the truth as it is. Nor will he be intimidated by older men. Elihu acknowledges that his respect for the Almighty will temper his response. Elihu declares that his words are acceptable before God and like those engaging in the debate, he "too was pinched off from the clay" (verse 6 ESV). Don't be frightened by what I say. He condemns Job's self- vindication and the idea that the Almighty has chosen to be Job's adversary. You, Job he says, have no right to question the LORD's right to do as He pleases. Humble yourself, listen with respect to Yahweh, is the course I recommend that you adopt, Job. What you have suffered gives you time for reflection. Job you need a mediator to speak on your behalf, as your accusations against your Maker are improper.When you understand the redemptive work of God you will receive God's mercy and will be delivered from a permanent place in the grave. But, Job, it requires your humble pleas in prayer to your Creator. Please hearken to my words Job, for my intent is to vindicate you. And I am sure my words are wise.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 23rd (Job 31, 32; Zechariah 8; Revelation 5, 6)

Zechariah 8 gives us a beautiful picture of a Jerusalem - whose name means "frame, or city of peace". The chapter portrays a Jerusalem at rest, and blessed by Messiah's tranquil rule. What a contrast to the city we now see. Zion will be the head, as the metropolis, of the Lord Jesus Christ's kingdom embracing all nations in the rejuvenated and new earth, as fulfilling the terms of the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 12verses1-3; Romans 4verses13; Jeremiah 3verses15-17). The chastisement of the LORD has passed and Zion's time to be favoured is in its ascendancy (Psalm 102verses13). No longer is the city the scene of war and hostility; it is rather a haven for children and elderly citizens. And the city which had so often been the place of treachery and falsity toward its God, will be become a haven for justice, mercy and truth. The economic hardships of the present citizens would be reversed on their returning to their LORD. This prosperity would be magnified in Messiah's kingdom. The way to blessings is revealed in verse 16 - i.e. to speak truth to one another (Paul says the same in Ephesians 4verses25). To behave uprightly towards each other; hating everything that is false in word and deed, as verse 17 declares. Read verses 20-23 aloud slowly, and pause and ponder. These verses speak of the elevated status of the Jew in Messiah's kingdom. What a contrast to the current despised position of Jews.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 22nd (Job 29, 30; Zechariah 6, 7; Revelation 3, 4)

n chapters 29 and 30 Job summarised his defence to his friends; before making his final appeal in chapter 31. In the opening verses of chapter 29 Job reflected on former years when everything was well and then all blessed him, including the Almighty. He reminisces about his lost family. As well as the message, let us enjoy the majestic and poetic language in this part of Scripture. At that time all strata within his society were in awe of him, and showed their respect in his presence. The poor and the disabled blessed his care and charity. He was the protector of the oppressed and the vanquisher of all those who sought self-advancement at the cost of the downtrodden. People waited for his words of wisdom and acted upon his counsel. Chapter 30 muses on the sad and sorry state he was in now. The young, who were not suitable enough to look after Job's dogs, disdained and scorned him. The lazy sloths of the past now looked down on Job. That rabble made up hurtful ditties and songs about the once respected elder. In addition, the mental torment from which Job suffered was made worse by his intense physical struggles. Any cry for support was met by ignoring him, or, even worse, by turning their backs on him. Job tells of his pain and exclusion from human company. The wild animals were his companions and their doleful cries his music.

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

We are told in 2 Timothy 3verses16 that "all Scripture has been breathed out by God". This includes the book of Revelation which is known in the Greek as 'the Apocalypse'. It was as its first verse tells us given to the Lord Jesus Christ by his Father who showed our Lord the matters "revealed" in that book. But having received those wonderful matters Jesus 'reveals' those matters via his angel through John the Apostle to all believers. In Revelation we have the only book in the Bible directly given to believers by the Lord Jesus Christ (1verses1) and encompassing blessings on the diligent readers (v3). It contains letters of advice in chapters 2-3 from the Lord which are portrayed in the opening vision of 1verses9-20,. Each of the seven ecclesias in Turkey are told what's wrong with their attitude, and also they receive commendation for their successes. The 7 letters all emphasise faithful works that are necessary to please our Father and His Son. These works are seen in the faithful lives of His children as they strive to walk to the Father's kingdom guided daily by the energy drawn from the love of the Father and His Son and given to us through the Word of the Almighty. From this amalgam of instructions, we are to be both warned and encouraged; in order for us to, like our Lord 'overcome' the world (2verses26-27) and so be blessed to inherit the Kingdom.
Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

The Life Of Christ # 115 The Feast of Dedication by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 115 The Feast of Dedication by John Martin

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 20th (Job 25, 26, 27; Zechariah 2, 3; Jude)

In Job 25 we have Bildad's third round of argument. His contention is the impossibility of humans being righteous before the Almighty. And at one level this is absolutely true. There is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3verses9-11); but the same chapter in Romans tells of a righteousness from God. Remember, we were already told, in the 1st chapter of the book, that Job was an upright man - 1verses1. Bildad's reckoning was still coming from the viewpoint that since Job was suffering, it was because of Job's evil deeds.Bildad speaks of the immense power of our Sovereign. God's armies are beyond man's capacity to challenge. The heavenly bodies of the moon and stars, he argues are flawed. And the least of the Creator's works is this maggot called man. Job's reply in chapter 26 is to firstly acknowledge the magnitude of the Almighty's power. And that it's beyond man's reach to understand. In verses 2-4 Job tells of his aid to the needy and asks his friends to examine themselves by way of comparison. Then Job majestically outlines the wondrous might and activities of his Creator. Yahweh controls the wind, the sea and the waves in their circuits. And we frail humans just perceive a whisper of His grandeur. Job continues in chapter 27 by stating that, despite his suffering, he will steadfastly cling to his integrity. The suffering servant contends that the Almighty has removed Job's natural rights. Verse 3 tells us that our life is dependent on the spirit of the Almighty, being present in our nostrils and sustaining our breath. Man has no immortal soul. No matter what befalls me in life, Job says, I will remain steadfast. The LORD's suffering servant invites his friends to look at the flourishing of the wicked and their families too in verses 13-17. What we receive in life is not necessarily a reflection of our relationship to our Sovereign. But ultimately the wicked will be removed from the earth (Psalm 37verses1-11 read slowly. Pause and ponder.)Chapters 2 and 3 of Zechariah contain the next two visions, which were both relevant in the prophet's era and symbolic of the kingdom age under the Lord Jesus Christ. The measuring line of chapter 2 speaks of the restoration of Jerusalem subsequent to the judgement that would soon overtake it. But, given the fact that the exiles had returned, and were in the process of rebuilding, it has to incorporate a future Messianic application. Verse 4 speaks of the future blessing of a peaceful and restored Zion. Verse 5 tells us that the pillar of fire which protected the fleeing Israelites at the time of the Exodus - symbolising God's presence - will once again defend and glorify His nation shortly. Let the nations, who have in the past attacked Israel and will once more do so in the near future, know that anyone touching God's people is irritating the pupil of His eye. The daughter of Zion will, verse 10, rejoice when Yahweh in the person of His Son permanently dwells in Jerusalem (Joel 3verses17-21; Isaiah 2verses1-4; 52; Jeremiah 3verses17; Zechariah 14verses8 to the end). The vision concludes with a command to maintain reverential awe and silence before the Omnipotent Creator (see Habakkuk 2verses20). Chapter 3 is the vision of Joshua the high priest in filthy clothes working in the rebuilding of Zion's ruins. It is precisely what Jesus our Lord did. He partook of our fallen nature in order to restore and save us (Hebrews 2verses14-18). The high priest was opposed by the Samaritans, as was our Lord by the Jewish rulers and the antagonistic burden of the human nature which he bore. But having faithfully completed the assigned work the Son of God is now seen clothed with glorious immortality (Psalm 45verses1-8). Joshua fulfilled this type by way of this enacted parable. Those that stood by were the angelic host whose nature was that of the Father and which our Lord now has having vanquished sin and death. This too is our hope as Luke 20verses35-36 informs us. In verse 6 of Zechariah 3 Joshua is charged to continue walking in the ways of God, in order that he might forever dwell in Yahweh's courts as Psalm 23verses6 promised. The seven eyes of the vision speak of the LORD's omniscience - nothing can be hidden from our All-seeing God. And the engraved signet speaks of the "character" (the Greek word for engraving of a seal which is used in Hebrews 1verses1-5) of the incomparable Son of God. And through the work God accomplished in His Son sin has been taken away by the offering of our Lord Jesus.
Jude tells us that he is the brother of James. In James' letter he says to us that he is the Lord Jesus Christ's brother (actually half-brother - for Mary was their mother see Mark 3verses31-35; and 6verses3). Joseph was the father of James and Jude. Mary was, contrary to orthodox teaching, not a perpetual virgin. After Jesus was born Joseph had a normal marital relationship with Mary (see Matthew 1verses23-25) and had an additional 3 sons and at least 2 unnamed daughters. Unlike his siblings Jesus was conceived by the power of God - the Holy Spirit (Luke 1verses30-35). The letter of Jude deals with the same issues as 2 Peter 2 - the problems created by the false teachers. The letter was written about 65 AD, by which time the departures in teaching from the true faith were multiplying. Jude had set out with the purpose of writing a letter to encourage his readers in their shared faith. But due to the pressing problems created by the errorists Jude was diverted to write about the need to continue in the faith and to strenuously resist the errorists. Verses 3-16 tell us that there will always be opposition from false brethren. Jude cites 5 Scriptural historical examples. These demonstrate God's dealings with the false leaders and, inferentially show the same point as 2 Peter 2 i.e. that Yahweh knows how to preserve and deliver the righteous. The first example was from the time of the wilderness wanderings, when Korah, Dathan and Abiram attempted to usurp the authority of Moses and Aaron. Numbers 16 gives details of that rebellion. The second example is the destruction of Sodom and deliverance of righteous Lot found in Genesis 19. The third example is that of the insatiable covetousness of Balaam, which not only destroyed himself but, also, many Israelites at the border of the Promised Land. These events are outlined in Numbers chapters 22-25. Example 4 related to the Samaritan opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and is outlined in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Samaritans falsely claimed a religious affinity with the God of Israel and they contended with chosen people. The 5th example is that of powerful and blasphemous Lamech in his attempt to eradicate Enoch. Genesis 4 shows us that only 7 generations from Adam wicked and godless men were opposing the way of God. Note in the AV that "ungodly" is used 7 times. Contrast Psalm 1, which in the Hebrew Bible is attributed to Enoch. Read aloud slowly. Pause and ponder. Verses 12-13 are a series of metaphors which expose the uselessness and dangers of all false teachers. The chapter concludes with a call to stand steadfast for the faith. The events overtaking the ecclesias had been prophesied by the Apostles. Scripture was being fulfilled before their eyes. Their part was to continue to faithfully follow their Lord Jesus Christ. So too must we. Any who become defiled by the influence of the false teachers are like a stick in the fire that needs to be swiftly plucked from the fire and extinguished. Let's pause and slowly read aloud and ponder the closing doxology of verses 24-25, "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." ESV
Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow