Christadelphians Talk

The Life Of Christ - #81 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. by John Martin

The Life Of Christ - #  81 Beware of the lwaven of the Pharisees. by John Martin

Thoughts on the readings for April 26th (Deuteronomy 12, Ecclesiastes 5, Acts 2)

Deuteronomy 12 tells of the place to worship that Yahweh their God would choose when Israel were settled in the Promised Land. Verse 5 tells of the place - so do verses 7, 11, 14, 18, 21 and 26. It is impossible to miss the emphasis. That place was Jerusalem. David had worked that out by pondering the story of Melchizedek and as a consequence after the slaying of Goliath, as 1 Samuel 17 tells, he carries the head of Goliath to Jerusalem and buried that skull there. Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered there and slew the great enemy of us all upon the tree at Golgotha.Verses 1-28 describe acceptable worship in this place and speak of the rules around sacrifice and the disposal of the blood.These verses counsel Israel to exercise diligence and care in the observance of their Sovereign's commandments. Verses 29-32 stress by way of warning the importance of avoiding the evils of idolatry.
Ecclesiastes 5 addresses two linked themes- the need to reverence the Almighty, found in verses 1-7; and, the futility of wealth and honour, seen in verses 8-20. As the reader, to focus on these messages of the first two verses and so here is the message, "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few." (ESV). These words agree with James 1 were he tells us to be "swift to hear ... slow to speak", verse 19. We lack wisdom and so we come desiring to learn from God's Word. When we babble on we reveal our foolishness.  Verses 4-7 tell us to take care in what we promise to do for the Almighty. Verses 8-9 inform us that no wicked deed is unnoticed. Rulers who oppress will themselves be held to account by their Sovereign. Verses 10-12 describe the curse of covetousness. The diligence of a common labourer induces sweet sleep. This contrasts with the restless mind of the covetous as verses 13-17 tell. The conclusion of the chapter is to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. God gives this gift to all who disentangle themselves from the complications of self seeking.
Acts 2 speaks of the day that commenced Pentecost - literally 50 days after the waiving of the sheaf of the first fruits on the third day after the Passover. Pentecost is known by the Jews as 'The Feast of Weeks' (the day following the marking off of seven weeks from Passover). Multitudes from every known country in the Roman world had been in Jerusalem for Passover (Edersheim suggests that there may have been three and a half million people present at that time). It was the perfect day to start witnessing for Christ. The phenomenon of the pouring out and resting of the Holy Spirit, in the form of a mighty rushing wind and resting on the Apostles in the form of cloven tongues of fir, was witnessed by many. The Apostles then began to speak in the dialects of the visitors to Jerusalem - at least 15 are named - as a sign to the assembled multitude that what the multitude were witnessing was from God. Verses 6, 8 and 11 indicate that the miraculous event was that of hearing. The crowds thought that the Apostles were drunk. Peter says that this could not be the case, but rather the phenomenon was a fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32. Read aloud those verses from Joel - pause and ponder. Peter preaches Christ as approved among them by God in the witness of miracles and a sinless and raised Saviour in the evidence of the empty tomb. Jesus is indeed the LORD's Holy One. A repentant response was needed from the conscience smitten crowd and this is evident in their plea of verse 37. Peter instructs those seeking a covering for sins to repent and be baptised ie be fully immersed in water and they would receive the promise of the spirit ie salvation (consider Joel 2:32). Three thousand respond and join the community of believers who constantly met in fellowship and unity. The ecclesia's expectations are outlined in verses 42-47.

Thoughts on the readings for April 25th (Deuteronomy 10, 11, Ecclesiastes 4, Acts 1)

Deuteronomy 10 tells of Moses need to cut two stone tables to replace those that Moses smashed at the foot of Mount Sinai when he saw what Israel was doing before the golden calf which the nation had made. Moses relates the details of that incident and the blessings that came upon the tribe of Levi because of that tribe’s faithfulness to the ways of the Almighty. They earned the position of the priests of the LORD taking the place of the firstborn son of each family. Moses speaks of his intercession for his nation in the Mountain over 40 nights. Verses 12-22 tell of Moses asking the people to circumcise their hearts. Read verses 12-16 and meditate on its relevance to us.Verses 17-22 outline the greatness of Israel’s Sovereign and His mighty acts in delivering His people – Israel. Chapter 11 follows as a logical consequence to Yahweh’s redeeming power exercised on behalf of His people. They MUST serve Him with a grateful and loving heart. Verses 3-6 tell of some of these prominent miracles witnessed by Israel. In taking possession of this land Israel was told that it was was a land blessed by the Lord their God. Verses 13-17 says that the nation needs to heed the warning for the need to be faithful to the laws of the Almighty. Idolatry was to be hated by the Israelites.Verses 18-22 tell of the responsibility to teach the statutes of the LORD diligently to their children in order to ensure their continued occupation of the Promised Land. Verses 23-25 describe the extent and territories of the land. Verses 26-32 is an appeal to the nation to choose the pathway to receiving the blessings of their God as they stood ready to enter the land.
Ecclesiastes 4 speaks of the problems of oppression and of solitude. There seems to be no solution to the suffering brought upon the innocents by powerful tyrants, who have no regard for any other human being. For those who suffer endless suffering it would seem that it would have been better for them if they had never been born. What a vexatious problem that is the lot of all too many people in this world. Verses 5-6 counsels contentment as the foil to greed and oppression. Verses 7-8 speak of the person who has no companion and is in an every way in a pitiful situation. A solitary individual without a companion has no offspring. He toils endlessly to what point. So verses 9-12 tell of the benefits of a companion. Two are better than one in just about every imaginable circumstance. The threefold cord speaks of when the support comes not only from a friend, but also from the Almighty. We must avoid living as an isolated individual. No person is an island. Seek true and faithful friends; but above all make the LORD our lifelong companion. Verses 13-16 tell of an example of a foolish king who fails to apply divine wisdom to living. What a futile existence is that.
Acts is Luke’s second account – compare Acts 1 verse 1-3 with Luke 1 verse 1-4. Luke 24 closes with Jesus’ ascension compare that to account the Acts 1 account which commences with the same event. Luke’s first record closes with Jesus praying as he is taken to heaven as does Acts 1. For 40 days Jesus spoke with his disciples of the kingdom of God on earth, as the reconstituted kingdom of Israel. The only question the Apostles had was “Is the time for the kingdom now?” The time, as verse 7 indicates, is known only by Jesus’ Father. By AD 96 when the book of Revelation is written Jesus then knew this time. But based on Jesus’ commission for them to preach to the entire world it would obviously be some time distant. And following the words of the angels in recorded in verses 9-11 that kingdom would not come until our Lord’s return to earth. From verses 12 to 26 a replacement is appointed for Judas, whose behaviour was the subject of prophecy – Psalm 109 verse 8 (in fact it is instructive to read the entire Psalm as it will provide us with an insight as to what motivated Judas). That successor is named as Matthias.

Thoughts on the readings for April 24th (Deuteronomy 8, 9, Ecclesiastes 3, John 20, 21)

In John 20 we find Jesus risen from the dead, as discovered by the women who arrived early at his tomb. The women tell the Apostles, who remain sceptical. Peter and John ran to the sepulchre and find it empty (the younger John outrunning the older Peter). John stands at the sepulchre’s entrance, taking in what he observes. But the ever impetuous and baffled Peter goes in. John sees evidence of the Lord’s resurrection in the way the grave clothes were laying. Jesus’ first appearance following his resurrection is to Mary Magdalene, who mistakes him for the gardener (an apt error as he is the one through whom Eden ie the paradise, or garden of God – will be restored). Our Lord tells her not to hinder ie delay him since he has not yet ascended to his Father. Read aloud verse 17 – pause and ponder. Jesus was not God – he was a grand, incomparable and glorious man (read Psalm 45: and Hebrews 2). Later that night Jesus appears to his Apostles and gives them the Holy Spirit. “Doubting” Thomas is not with them and refuses to believe their report without physically putting his fingers into the wounds in Jesus’ hands and side. Eight days later our Lord provides Thomas with that proof. Verses 30-31 state the objective of the narrative written. Slowly read those verses aloud and ponder their words. Chapter 21 contains the eighth sign John outlines in the catching of the 153 great fish. It occurs in Galilee and the chapter also deals with our Lord’s resolution with Peter over Peter’s threefold denial of his Master. The miracle reflects the time of the Apostle’s call to follow the Lord. The 153 fish certainly represent those who are saved in the gospel net. The gematria of the Hebrew expression “the sons of God” is 153 and may be the intended message. Peter is three times asked by his Lord as to whether he has a love for Jesus. Christ asks Peter whether his love for his Master exceeds that of the other Apostles. The first two times Jesus uses the Greek word ” agape” and Peter responds with Greek word “phileo” – meaning to have affection, or to be a friend. Peter is grieved when on the third occasion Jesus asks whether Peter has a ‘strong affection’ (phileo) for Jesus. An exchange occurs between Jesus and John as our Lord prophesies the manner of Peter’s death. John concludes his record by stating how vast were the Lord’s acts and that what was recorded was but a small sample.

Thoughts on the readings for April 23 Deuteronomy 6-7, Ecclesiastes 2, John 19

John 19 told of Jesus’ crucifixion. It followed brutal treatment at the hands of Pilate’s soldiers including thrusting a crown of thorns upon his head and putting a purple robe on him in mockery. How apt that in his dying he would remove the curse brought by Adam upon the earth; and would be like the ram caught by his horns in Genesis 22. When Pilate heard their claim that Jesus was the Son of God his fear intensified and he sought the Lord’s release. Jesus made it crystal clear to Pilate that Pilate was without power against Jesus and the great sin lay with the Jewish rulers. They clamoured even more that Pilate should cooperate with their designs. If not Caesar would hear of it. Pilate caved in under pressure and allowed Jesus to be led away to be crucified. “We have no king but Caesar”, they cried; and forty years later their king came and destroyed Jerusalem because of their blood guiltiness. The crucifixion occurred in the place of the skull – Golgotha (the location where David buried Goliath’s skull, as told in 1 Samuel 17). He was crucified between two thieves- no doubt these were Barabbas’ men. In the three languages operating in Judea at the Aramaic, Greek and Latin was inscribed on his cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews”. The Jews protested Pilate’s writing; but he, no doubt, gloried in this small victory over them. The soldiers divided his clothes between them and they cast lots for his vesture in fulfilment of Psalm 22:18. The beloved women in his life eventually came near to see his death; and at this time he committed his mother into the care of his beloved Apostle John. He died with his final words being a citation of Psalm 31:5 the quotation being completed when he emerged from the tomb after three days. His side was pierced by a Roman spear and out came blood and water indicating he had died of a broken heart. Unlike the thieves not a bone of him was broken – he was the Passover Lamb of Exodus 12 and the subject of the prophecy in Psalm 34:20-22. And the Scripture in Revelation 1:7 will be true at his coming kingdom. Jesus’ body was secured from Pilate by Joseph of Arimathea. Jesus’ body was placed by Joseph and Nicodemas in a new and unused garden tomb owned by the rich man Joseph.

Thoughts on the readings for April 22nd (Deuteronomy 5, Ecclesiastes 1, John 17, 18)

Deuteronomy 5 is a restatement of the Ten Commandments first recorded in Exodus 20. In verses 1-6 Moses recounts the events and circumstances which led to the proclaiming of the Ten Commandments. The LORD had verse 6 gone to extraordinary lengths to redeem His people and bring them to Mount Sinai. The prologue is frequently given –I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of Egypt…”. This brought great responsibility and obligation to the Israelites. What our Sovereign has done for us also places us with a debt that we cannot pay to our Almighty Saviour. Verses 7-21 tell us the commandments. It is a more detailed account than that of Exodus 20. Some of the amplifications of this account are the expansion of the terms concerning the Sabbath. This was of course Yahweh’s placing upon His people a national unbreakable observance of remembrance whilst Israel was bound to the Law of their God. Interestingly each of these commandments is reinforced in the New Testament except the fourth, which is about the Sabbath. Believers in Christ are to treat every day as holy and as an opportunity for service – see Romans 14 verses 5-10; Hebrews 4 verses 4-9;Colossians 2 verses 16-17. Deuteronomy 5:22-25 outline the aftermath of the proclamation. How intense and terrifying was that occasion. What an immense privilege Israel had in hearing “The voice of the Living God” as verse 26 says. Verses 28-33 tell Moses’ response and the spirit that was instilled in him. He prays that the LORD’s people might capture that same desire and that they would be motivated to serve the Living God from their hearts as they were to take possession of and dwell in the LORD’s land. Moses’ prayer was that Israel would wholeheartedly embrace the duty to cultivate the same spirit in their children. If this happened they would have inherited the Promised Land forever. Let us learn the power of our Almighty Sovereign’s Word to save.
Ecclesiastes is another of Solomon’s writings. It is grouped in the Hebrew Bible as one of the wisdom books. Solomon describes himself in chapter 12:9-11 as the Preacher – he is described as the assembler, collector, or gatherer of wise sayings – Hebrew “Koheleth”. Read these verses first in order to understand Solomon’s purpose in writing this book. Verses 1-11 are the author’s introduction to his book, where several of his major themes are stated. Verses 2 is one of these, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity”. Human existence is futile declares Solomon. This of course is true if God is not at the centre of our life. The counter to his first proposal is found in Solomon’s conclusion in chapter 12 verses 9-14. Reflect for a moment on this before going any further. The Preacher reflects on the toil and endless cycles of nature which seemingly continue without accomplishing anything. He says that this is a metaphor for human existence. In verse 8 he compares those natural cycles with human activity. Verses 9-11describes the constant seeking for something new that will bring enduring satisfaction. From verses 12-18 Solomon laments the seeming futility of wisdom. As king in Jerusalem Solomon has the unique opportunity to try every possible experience. Despite this he declares in verse 4 that his experience taught him that these too were futile – “a mere striving after the wind”. Catch the wind in your hand. Then open your hand and see what you have captured – nothing! Solomon repeats this thought in verse 17. Without our Sovereign our existence is pointless and the more we find out the more we realise the truth of this. Ecclesiastes will teach us this and will convince us to develop a meaningful relationship with our loving Heavenly Father.
John 17 outlines Jesus’ wonderful prayer for unity with himself and his Father. Having struggled to subject his will to the Father in Gethsemane and being strengthened by an angel to do that, the victory had been won, and all that remained were the trials, scourging and crucifixion which our Master would endure. So the prayer began with an acknowledgment of the coming glory – verse 4 the glory that the Father had planned for the Son before creation. Then followed a plea for men to know the Father and the servant Son sent into the world to reveal the Father’s character; and in that “knowing” would come life eternal. The prayer was to preserve the believers in that truth and so save them. None would be lost save Judas, the ‘son of destruction’. Eventually everyone sanctified by the truth would be united with the Father in the same way His Son was. John chapter 18 records the betrayal and arrest of the Lord in the garden of Gethsemane. Judas arrived with a heavily armed contingent of temple thugs; who when they asked the Lord, who they sought, they fell to the ground illustrating that where he was they could not come (John 7:36). He gave himself voluntarily into their hands after miraculously restoring the severed ear of Malchus- the high priest’s servant and rebuking Peter who had mistakenly tried to protect his Lord. Jesus faced Annas and Caiaphas in trial. Peter’s first denial followed. Then Jesus is placed under oath by the high priest, who contrary to the law commanded our Master to be struck and was rightly rebuked by Jesus. Peter’s second denial followed. The rulers attempted to force from Pilate, the Roman Governor, during the night, the death sentence – another illegality – on the unproven charge of treason. Pilate questioned Jesus and it was clear that our Lord had total mastery of the situation and it was Pontius Pilate who quailed in the presence of the Son of God. Jesus bore witness to the Truth that he came into the world to be “King of the Jews” (see 1 Timothy 6:12-16). Pilate declared him to be innocent of the charge; but the rulers clamoured for his death and the acquittal of Barabbas.

Thoughts on the readings for April 21st (Deuteronomy 4, Proverbs 31, John 15, 16)

Deuteronomy 4 commences with Moses commanding obedience from Israel. Verses 1-14 speak of the people being told that the Word of the LORD was to observed without adding to it, nor subtracting from it. This was because Yahweh their God demanded exclusive worship; He would tolerate no rivals. The demands for obedience were reasonable since He had rescued His people and shown them mighty miracles in the process. He had given them an incomparable Law, at which the surrounding nations could only marvel. Israel needs to diligently observe all the LORD’s laws and ensure that these laws were ingrained into their children’s minds. The Ten Commandments were delivered to them accompanied by an impressive display of the might and majesty of their Sovereign. So these commandments were morally imperative for Israel to keep when they came into the Promised Land. Verses 15-31 says that idolatry in any form was forbidden. They were not to fashion, or carve, the likeness of any living creature lest it become an idol. The consequences of idol worship would bring punishment upon the nation. If they forsook the idols then Yahweh would show them His love and mercy, which are essential qualities of His character – read verse 31 aloud slowly and contemplate what it teaches you. Verses 32-40 teach that there is no other God than our Almighty Father. And so worship of Him is demanded to the exclusion of all others – idols, covetousness and self (Colossians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:2). Verses 41-43 describe the assigning of 3 additional cities of refuge east of the River Jordan.
Proverbs 31 concludes the book with section 7 – the words of king Lemuel, which his mother taught him. Once again Lemuel, although exceptionally wise, is not Solomon David’s son – whose wisdom was taught to him firstly by his natural father David; and later, and more importantly by his Heavenly Father. Another sad contrast between Lemuel and Solomon is Lemuel’s writing about a virtuous woman, who may have been his soulmate; whereas even though Solomon had a thousand wives (including his concubines) he seemingly failed to find a true companion – Ecclesiastes 7 verses 28. Verses 1-9 are balanced contrastingly with verses 10-31 the virtues of the wise, diligent and faithful wife. Lemuel’s counsel is an “oracle” ie wise counsel that harmonises with God’s Word. It is recorded here in holy writ as it is endorsed as inspired advice. The name Lemuel means “Godward, or God is Bright”. The author’s intention is to focus his reader’s minds on their Sovereign, “who dwells in unapproachable light” as we are told in 1 Timothy 6 verses 14-16. Verses 3-7 counsel us against immorality and drunkenness. Verses 8-9 are Lemuel’s third admonition to his readers. Only open your mouth to confer a benefit to others – see Ephesians 4 verses 29; James 3 verses 1-10.Proverbs 31 verses 10-31 give a description of the perfect lifelong companion – the virtuous woman. The 22 verses of this segment correspond to the twenty two letters of the Hebrew alphabet (although they are not in the form of an acrostic). Verses 10-15 tell of the preciousness and value of a virtuous wife. These verses also describe her outstanding character and diligence in all that she does. Verses 16-21 speak of the wisdom of her decisions, her motivations and her skills exercised for her family; and her benevolence to the poor; and her wisdom. Verses 22-27 outline the high reputation of this magnificent woman. These verses speak of her astute and appropriate clothing for her family. They tell us of her confidence in the decisions she makes. This conference comes from a moral compass that has been guided by God’s Word. And so her speech is soft, kind, giving guidance and direction to all who hear her wisdom. Of course she corresponds to the appeal of the woman wisdom throughout the book. Unlike so many modern mothers of today this mother has loving maternal instincts. Verses 28-29 tell us of the awe and appreciation that her family feels for her. Verses 30-31 reveal the source of her virtue – she is a woman who reverently fears her God. And so we are returning to the beginning of the book – Proverbs 1:7. This woman is a fruitful spouse who typifies the Bride of Christ. We are, through belief and baptism into Christ, that bride. Let our life be virtuous and praiseworthy that when our Lord and Master comes he will joyfully invite us to join him in his kingdom – see Revelation 22:17-21.
Chapter 15 of John told us that as Jesus and his disciples moved from the upper room and past the temple; they saw the magnificent portrayal of the vine – that great symbol of Israel. Our Lord told them that he was the True Vine (see Psalm 80). His disciples were the branches and only by associating with him could they bare fruit. The bringing forth of fruit is a tedious and painful process; but ultimately one of great joy. His “agape” love for them was as a friend, who was about to lay down his life for them. The world would hate them just as it hated their Lord. Those believing their Master’s Word would likewise believe theirs. In the 16th chapter he told that those that were soon to kill his disciples would believe that they were doing God service. He told them of the of the work of the Holy Spirit – one of its primary roles to give the Apostles an infallible recall of all the Words and life of their Lord. The sorrow that they were to soon experience with the death and loss of their Lord would be turned to great joy in the fulfilment of all the Almighty had promised. Great rejoicing would be associated with the birth by resurrection of the Son of the new creation of our Sovereign God. Let all believers take heart that our Master has overcome the world. He likewise encourages all believers to do the same in Revelation 2 and 3.

Thoughts on the readings for April 20th (Deuteronomy 3, Proverbs 30, John 13, 14)

Deuteronomy 3 tells of two momentous events prior to Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. The first of these was the victory over the other great king on the eastern side of the River Jordan – the defeat of the giant king of Bashan, Og. Although we can tell how tall Og was the Scripture tells us that his bed was approximately 4.15 metres long, ie 13 foot 6 inches for those of my age. That makes him considerably taller than the Philistine giant Goliath, who was between 3 metres and 3.2 metres depending on the length of the cubit. So Israel conquers Og and his people and took possession of their territory in Bashan, which was a part of Gilead. The record tells us that Reuben and Gad occupied this land and its cities – which includes the region of Jair, one of the famous deliverers in the time of the Judges. The extent of the territory is described. The soldiers of the Reubenites and the Gadites were commanded to pass over and aid their brothers from the other 10 tribes in the conquest of the land to the west of the Jordan River. The event with the greatest impact on the nation was the LORD’s forbidding Moses from entering into the Promised Land. Verses 23-29 describe why his Sovereign forbad Moses’ entry. They tell of Moses’ plea to God and also Yahweh’s graciously allowing of Moses to see the land he had longed for; and for which he had carried and encouraged Israel for forty years; to guide them and ready them for their future inheritance. Moses will, of course, have an inheritance in the Land in the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Proverbs 30 we have the sixth section of the book. He was not Solomon who was the son of David. Agur says that he was the son of Jakeh. The Hebrew word for Agur means “the Gatherer”, ie one who collected wise sayings. There are 13 wise sayings, or proverbs, recorded in chapter 30. We cannot speculate on the identity of Agur; but we are told that in his era there were several other wise men – perhaps Agur was among those. When the book of Proverbs was finalised in the days of Ezra a selection of 13 of Agur’s proverbs were included. Chapter 30 centre around the theme of humility. Verses 1-4 tell of the grandeur and impossibility of searching out the depths of God’s Word. It is of the utmost importance that we understand and appreciate the significance of these first four verses. Agur speaks of the vital nature of divine revelation. The thoughts align with Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 30 verses 11-16; which the Apostle Paul explains in Romans 10:6-17. The words of verse 4 focus upon our Almighty God, Yahweh, and His incomparable Son our Lord Jesus Christ and they were the subject of David’s closing prayer recorded in Psalm 72 verses 17-20. Verses 5-6 are equally important as the Scriptures tell us that the LORD has magnified His Word above His Name. Every Word from God is pure. And it strengthens and protects those who honour it through seeking to understand our Sovereign’s Word and exhibit it daily in their lives. Be careful in the wise and proper explanation of that Word. Do not seek to add to it, nor take away from its saving truth – see Revelation 1 verse 3; 22 verses 18-19. Verses 7-9 provide the formula for a contented andGod-centred life. Satisfaction with sufficient and the abhorring of covetousness. The Apostle Paul offers the same counsel in1 Timothy 6:6-10. Verse 10 tells us to be fair and gracious in our speech – cp Ephesians 4 verses 25, 29. By way of contrast verses 11-14 focus on a proud and selfish generation through the poem Agur gives. These words in concert with the foregoing provide us with the opportunity for self examination. Verses 15-17 are another poem telling of the insatiable appetite of a leech; of a barren women; of a parched earth; and of the grave. By finishing with Sheol (the pit, the grave) we are being warned that a failure to heed God’s Word and to obey Him will see us hopelessly and forever entombed there. Verses 18-20 tell us about four marvellous and baffling things; and a contrasting fifth imponderable is added in harmony with the two women of the book – wisdom and folly – the Godly companion and the self interested and destructive harlot. The four marvels are how does an eagle fly; how does a snake slither across a rock; how does move without a trace through the sea; and love, who can explain that. Verses 20-23 speak in a sonnet of four disturbing and unbearable behaviours – an oppressive slave when he rises to become a ruler; a fool who is happy with himself/herself; an unloved woman in a disastrous marriage; and a maidservant who steals her master’s affection from his wife (compare Hagar and Sarah). Verses 24-28 tell of four tiny, yet powerful creatures, which are proactive and accomplish great things by acting together – the ants; the rock badgers; the locusts; and the house lizards. Verses 29-31 a poem extolling the grandeur of four created beasts – the majestic lion; the strutting cock, or rooster; the male goat; and a powerful king leading his army. Verses 32-33 the closing advice to control your anger and avoid the otherwise disastrous consequences.
In John 13 we have Jesus’ demonstration to his disciples of love, when he girds himself with a towel in the form of a servant (Philippians 2) and washes their feet. When Jesus came to Peter he was told you’re not going to wash my feet. He was told unless I wash your feet you can have no part with me. Peter’s response was, “Wash all of me”. Jesus said that the believers need only their feet be washed. Jesus had given the great example of loving service; and that from the one who was their Lord and Master. We must follow that exemplary service. Our Lord spoke of his betrayal and after given the sop – a sign of friendship – to Judas the betrayer left intent on completing the deliverance of his Lord into the hands of Christ’s enemies. When Judas left Jesus’ response was, “Just now was the Son of Man glorified”. He told the disciples of a new commandment, which was not entirely new, but certainly it was to the extent our Lord demonstrated in the laying down of his life revealed ‘agape’ to an extent never been seen before. Peter’s threefold denial was prophesied. In chapter 14 we are told that Jesus is, “the way, the truth and the life” and that no one can come to the Father but through the Lord. Philip said, “Show us the Father and that will be enough. Jesus response was “Haven’t you been with me long enough to have seen the Father’s character revealed?” Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as their Comforter, when he was to be taken from them. They would be left with peace – not the absence of strife, but the understanding that all things are in the Father’s control. So they left the upper room for further instruction.

Thoughts on the readings for April 19th (Deuteronomy 2, Proverbs 29, John 12)

Deuteronomy 2 speaks of the last days of the wilderness wanderings. Israel had reached the territory of Edom – the name assigned to the land of Esau, the elder of twins, the younger brother being Israel (or Jacob). There was hatred between the brothers throughout their lives and their descendants continued the hostility as the prophecies of Obadiah and Malachi reveal. Edom massed their army and came out to fight against their brothers. This happened even though Israel only requested safe passage and stated that they would pay for all food and water as they journeyed. So verse 8 records that Israel turns north to the land of Moab. Once again the nation of Israel was told not to pick a fight with the Moabites as their land had been given them by God. The Moabites had gained their territory by dispossessing the giants that had previously occupied that land. So 38 years after first arriving at that location Israeli crossed the brook Zered. A journey that should have taken 17 days, had the nation been faithful, had now occupied 38 years. The remainder of Deuteronomy 2 speaks of the LORD being with His people and giving them the victory over Sihon the king of the Amorites, who was himself a giant have descended from the Rephaim – those people in the Promised Land that had instilled fear into the 10 faithless spies; and as a result of that the entire nation became terrified and would not enter the land. Israel had requested the right to traverse through Sihon’s territory under the same terms that Israel had offered to Edom and Moab. Sihon mustered his army against Israel and was humiliated by the defeat that God brought upon those people. So Israel took possession of the land of Gilead.
Proverbs 29 deals with faithful work, as opposed to those who are careless and shoddy in what they do. The chapter begins with the need for humility and the results that this brings. It contrasts with those who scoff at the ways of the LORD and the problems that arise from such folly. The fool rushes heedlessly into foolish and destructive ways. The wise ruler heeds divine instruction and ensures its application within his realm. Discipline is essential for success in life; and when we grow older parental discipline needs to be replaced by self control and heeding the wisdom of our Father’s Word. Verse 18 informs us that without the guidance of the Almighty a nation becomes unrestrained in its behaviour. The literal Hebrew words for this is identical to the lascivious behaviour of Israel in the incident of the golden calf – literally “a people is made naked”. Our Sovereign has revealed to His children, through His Word, what is now happening in our world and the future He will bring. Surely this understanding will moderate the behaviour of His children as they live in an unheeding world. Let us learn to live justly in this present evil age – see Titus 2 verses 11-14.
In John 12 Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with precious ointment and because of that the odour fills the house. This waste of precious ointment becomes the catalyst for Judas going to the high priest and seeking opportunity to betray the Lord. Judas was the treasurer and a thief. There follows a plot to kill Lazarus and the chapter describes Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Philip brings some Greeks to see Jesus – this greatly encourages our Lord. Christ speaks of his being lifted up to glorify God in his crucifixion. Isaiah prophesied that in chapter 6 and this was to be the great stumbling block for the Jews to believe that Messiah could be crucified: 1 Corinthians 1:23. Our Lord had come into the world to save believers, whom he would raise up at the Last Day. 
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The Life Of Christ # 80 Feeding the 4,000 in decapolis ( Mark 8:1-9) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 80 Feeding the 4,000 in decapolis ( Mark 8:1-9) by John Martin