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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 28, Jeremiah 4, Matthew 15) for July 14th

1 Samuel 28 is the lowest point in Saul's life. In chapter 10 we see a promising beginning for a humble young man who God caused to be surrounded by a band of spiritually talented men. From there he slid lower and lower in the failure of removing all of the Amalekites and then to the slaughter of the Gibeonites. Yahweh refused to answer Saul and so in his extremity with a massive Philistine army having invaded the land he turns to a witch, or a medium, as some translations say.
Saul travelled at night accompanied by members of his army to Endor to hear of his fate from a woman whose life was in danger from her king who had removed from Israel "all those with familiar spirits". The first interchange of words between Saul and the woman illustrates how these types of people are able to delude others and gain their confidence. A very tall man in the company of other men comes to her home not far from the site of the coming battle. This man assures her, that even though the king has determined to destroy mediums, he can guarantee her safety. He then asks her to stir up the spirit of Samuel. The woman says "You have deceived me - you're Saul". Who else could it be? She delivers a disturbing message to the king. Did she summon Samuel from the dead? Certainly not!
Why would God allow this when he had refused to answer Saul? Also there is no communication with the unconscious dead. Notice that Saul asks her what she has seen. And her answers are vague, and many in Israel would have described Samuel in this way. She also relates information that many in Israel knew very well. The woman tells Saul that he and his sons would die in battle tomorrow. Anyone could see that this was the most likely outcome for an unequal battle. Finally the woman implores Saul and his men to eat before departing for the battle.
In Jeremiah 4 verse 1-2 the LORD asks Israel to return to Him and promises that if they do this the Gentiles will embrace their God: Isaiah 65:16-19. Verses 3-4 says that repentance is a matter of a heart that has been touched by God and has nothing to do with outward appearances. And without anyone truly seeking the Almighty our God will bring justice to every hypocrite. Verses 5-8 reveal that the day of settling for the nation would come in His bringing judgment from the Babylonians in the north. The Babylonians are depicted as a ravenous lion ready to sweep upon the prey - Judah. Verses 9-13 speak of how Judah's hearts will tremble from the king down to the commoner. Verses 14-18 tell the nation to change its ways, since their doings have caused this coming doom. Verses 19-31 give a word picture of the destruction that the Babylonians have brought upon guilty Judah. Jeremiah is anguished by his contemplation of this scene of devastation. The prophet likens the pain of Judah to a woman in hard  labour.
Matthew 15 describes the lengths to which Jewish traditions could be taken to subvert Divine precepts and the Word of the LORD. The 5th commandment, described as the first with promise (Ephesians 6 verses 1-3), was bypassed by a legal ruse known as Corban. It allowed the wealthy to avoid all responsibility to their parents by declaring with an oath that an individual's entire wealth belonged to God. Whilst ,at the same time, ensuring that the wealthy enjoyed unfettered access to everything "promised" to the Temple. Just like the times of Jeremiah the chosen people gave mere lip service to their Creator and substituted this for this is what the truth demanded by our Sovereign demands from all disciples.
The record tells of a discussion about the true source of defilement of people - that is their own fleshly minds  - and not any external thing. These matters reveal Pharisaism as an example of the blind leadership of the blind. The faith of the Canaanite woman, whose daughter Jesus healed, was astonishing to our Lord. This incredible incident is like the faith of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8. This woman's belief and accepting of the power of Jesus to heal and his authority caused our Lord Jesus to marvel.
This faithful woman acknowledged that privileges rightly rested upon the covenant people of Israel. She also requested that Jesus graciously give her crumbs that fell from the chosen people's table by heading her daughter. The chapter tells us that Jesus performed many miracles for the Gentiles. This caused many of them to ascribe praise to the God of Israel. The chapter concludes by telling us that our Lord Jesus fed 4,000 gentiles. This was despite his own Apostles' reticence to show any compassion to those people who were after all Gentile dogs. Our Lord never shared such prejudices. Christ was always expansive in his love of all and freely distributed the gospel's bounties.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 26, 27; Jeremiah 3; Matthew I4) for July 13th

In 1 Samuel 26 we learn of Saul continuing to seek David in order to slaughter him because of Saul's being consumed by jealousy - which as Proverbs says is "as rotten bones" Proverbs 14 verse 30 - but the fact remains that Yahweh continues to providentially preserve David. In the Wilderness of Ziph Saul set up camp and God causes a deep sleep to fall on Saul's entire camp. David and his nephew Abishai stealthily make their way into the camp and carry away Saul's spear and other personal and identifiable items as evidence that David has yet again spared his monarch's life. When Saul's army is at a safe distance David calls after Saul and reprimands Abner for failing to protect his king. David shows genuine humility and requests how he might be reconciled to his master. Saul momentarily shows remorse for his actions and swore to leave David in peace. A young man is sent from Saul's host to retrieve the king's personal weaponry. In despair David is certain that the truce with Saul is temporary and so he determines to go to the land of the Philistines believing that Saul will cease to pursue him. What a wrong, though understandable, decision. This desperate act would lead to a chain of lies and bloodshed that could have been avoided had David continued to trust in the Almighty who had always proved to be his shield. In chapter 27 David and his men find themselves once again in the midst of Gath. How foolish it is for David to return to this Philistine city from which he has recently escaped with his life being miraculously saved by his gracious God. Here he has to survive, this time, by his wits and his lies. This is clearly a low point spiritually in David's life and yet again will it be miraculously spared by the Almighty - see chapters 29 and 30. David promises to serve Achish king of Gath and fight against his own people - Israel - in exchange for Achish providing a city as a base for David and his men to launch raids against his own nation. David is given the city of Ziklag. When David raids the nearby cities of Israel's enemies he is forced to leave no one alive lest the Philistine king receives word about David's deception. He also lies to Achish about the location of his raids. The chapter concludes by telling us that through this David became one of Achish's "trusted' servants. How ironic that a servant of the LORD becomes trusted by dishonesty and a failure to value the ways of his Sovereign. Let us ponder the lesson for us. 
In Jeremiah 3:1-2 tell of the lewd behaviour of Judah. In verses 3-5 we are told that God had withheld the blessings as a result of the nation's lascivious behaviour. Verses 6-9 outline some of the horrific behaviours of Judah. Verses 10-13 are the Almighty's pleading with the nation to consider how they had wronged their Sovereign and call upon them to turn to Him wholeheartedly. If they do that then their Husband and Maker will restore their position to see Jerusalem as the capital city of Messiah's kingdom: Isaiah 2 verses 1-4; Zechariah 1 verse 9, 16, 20-21. Those blessings will see Jesus Messiah and his saints shepherding - ie feeding the nation with the nourishing and enriching Word of the LORD. Yet despite such a glorious future God's people were now behaving as a treacherous wife. Ezekiel 16 verses 22-58 tell us how Judah had failed to learn the lessons of how the Almighty had disciplined Samaria and Israel. In verses 21-25 the nation's Omnipotent Creator pleads with His people to return to Him in faithfulness.
In chapter 14 verses 1-12 of Matthew Herod is struck with terror on hearing of the miracles of Jesus. Herod Antipas, a convert of the Sadducees (and therefore a non believer in the resurrection of the dead) was convinced that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Our Lord is told of John's brutal decapitation and in response seeks solitude to reflect. Verses 13-22 tell us that Jesus is interrupted by a multitude seeking him out and his compassionate response to their need of a shepherd to teach them: compare Numbers 27 verse 17. Jesus feeds 5,000 of them and heals  many. John 6 tells us that their desire was to take him by force and make him their king. Jesus summarily dispersed the crowd and went into a mountain to pray. Verses 24-33 speak of Jesus sending the Apostles by boat to the other side of the lake. After praying on the mountain our Lord saw the Apostles toiling in rowing on a storm tossed sea and failing to make any progress. The Lord came to them through the storm, walking on the water. Peter alone showed the faith and courage to briefly do likewise. Though Peter's faith faltered he alone had the courage to walk on the Sea of Galilee at the request of his master. O that such trust in our master and such confidence was ours that Peter then displayed! Peter was rescued by his Master. Their port of destination was Capernaum - meaning the city of consolation. This speaks of our destination and finding comfort when our Lord, the Father's Son and our hope and consolation, has come. Verses 34-36 tell us that Jesus on reaching the other side of the lake Jesus healed many at Gennesaret.

The Life of Christ #92: The Unforgiving Creditor | Revealing Jesus’ Teaching on Mercy & Judgment.

A @Christadelphians Video: ### **Video Description:** Join John Martin in this **thought-provoking** Bible talk as he unpacks Jesus’ parable of **"The Unforgiving Creditor"** (Matthew 18:21-35). Discover the **wonderful** depth of God’s mercy, the danger of withholding forgiveness, and how this teaching applies to our lives today. 📖 **Key Bible Verses Covered:** 🔹 **Matthew 18:21-35** – The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant 🔹 **Luke 17:3-4** – Rebuke and Forgiveness 🔹 **Colossians 3:13** – Bearing with One Another 🔹 **Ephesians 4:32** – Forgiving as God Forgave You ### **📌 Complete Chapters / Timestamps (60-Minute Breakdown):** 00:00 – **Introduction:** The Context of Forgiveness in Jesus’ Teaching 05:18 – **Peter’s Question:** “How Often Must I Forgive?” 12:45 – **The Parable Begins:** A King Settles Accounts 20:30 – **The Servant’s Plea:** Mercy vs. Justice 28:15 – **The Shocking Twist:** The Unforgiving Servant’s Actions 36:50 – **Jesus’ Warning:** The Consequences of Unforgiveness 45:20 – **Real-Life Applications:** How to Forgive Like Christ 52:10 – **Q&A Reflections:** Common Struggles with Forgiveness 57:40 – **Conclusion:** Living a Life Marked by Mercy 💡 **Why Watch?** ✔️ Gain **clarity** on one of Jesus’ most challenging parables ✔️ Learn **practical steps** to cultivate forgiveness ✔️ Reflect on **God’s mercy** and our call to extend it 🔔 **Receive notifications** for more **insightful** Bible teachings—**subscribe & click the bell!** 📚 **Category:** Religion & Spirituality ### **Tags:** The Life of Christ, John Martin Bible Talk, Unforgiving Creditor, Parables of Jesus, Forgiveness Sermon, Matthew 18 Explained, Christian Teaching, Bible Study on Mercy, New Testament Lessons, Spiritual Growth 📜 **Related Searches:** Why Forgiveness Matters, How to Let Go of Resentment, Bible Lessons on Mercy, Jesus’ Hardest Teachings, Overcoming Unforgiveness ✨ **Engage with Us:** What stood out to you in this parable? Comment below! **Like & share** to spread this message of grace.**

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 25; Jeremiah 2; Matthew 13) for July 12th

1 Samuel 25 verse1 records the death of Samuel. Samuel's death marked the end of the era of the judges, who collectively had ruled for 450 years: Acts 13 verse 20. Samuel had an incredible influence upon Israel during the transition from the judges to the monarchy. The chapter tells the story of David and Abigail. During these fugitive years David and his band of warriors had protected the shearers and shepherds of Nabal in the wilderness of Maon and had asked for nothing in return. David during these troubled years found himself in great need and he sent messengers to Nabal asking for food. Nabal was an exceptionally wealthy man who lived in the lush countryside of Carmel. The messengers respectfully told Nabal of what David's band had done for Nabal. Nabal's arrogance was seen as he spoke savagely to David's men. Nabal also derided David and sent the messengers away empty and angry. When David heard his messengers' words he determined to immediately exact revenge on arrogant and foolish Nabal. This would have happened had not Abigail - Nabal's wife - swiftly acted after hearing from Nabal's servants the shameful way that David's messengers had been treated. In her wisdom she gathered provisions and hoped to avert bloodshed by placating David's anger and reminding David that his God has always providentially provided for David. Abigail assured David that his Sovereign will bring him to the throne and David needs to refrain himself from avenging himself: Romans 12 verses 17-21. Slowly read these words aloud and ponder the lesson for the way faithful disciples must live. David agrees with Abigail to leave matters in the Almighty's hands. Abigail is praised by David for her wisdom and foresight. Nabal held a grand self indulgent feast fit for a king that night. In the morning Abigail tells Nabal that his folly nearly proved fatal - the Hebrew name "Nabal" means fool - that he almost lost his life due to his foolishness. When he heard this the LORD instantly struck Nabal, possibly with a massive stroke-like sickness.Ten days later Nabal died and David thanked Yahweh for dealing with that wicked man. It is highly likely that the parable of our Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 12 veres 13-21 of the rich "fool" is based on the life of Nabal. Now read these verses in Luke 12 and the advice for how disciples must now live in the following verses 22-34 from the same chapter. David recognises what an asset Abigail, with her wise counsel, would be as his wife. So David invites her to join him in his life as a fugitive in the wilderness. Abigail chose to accept David's proposal and forsake the luxurious life that she might have been expected had she stayed as a wealthy widow. Of course this is conjecture; but it would seem that David was playing the part of the "goel", or redeemer, in preserving Abigail's heritage. The chapter in Samuel curiously ends by telling us of David taking another wife and of Saul giving David's wife, Michal, to another nobleman.
Jeremiah 2 verses 1-3 speak of the first love that the fathers of Israel and are classic expressions that relate to the nation's redemption out of Egypt - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - had for Yahweh in their sojourns before the LORD brought them into the Promised Land. Verses 4-8 speak of the decline of the nation after leaving Israel until the time of Jeremiah. They had left the love and worship of the one true God and Israel had embraced self seeking and idolatry. Verses 9-13 reveal that Israel's behaviour was worse than that of the surrounding nations. And their actions show a failing in their thinking. They had laboured to hew from the rock cisterns that could not hold water. And far worse than that they had forsaken Yahweh their Sovereign who was a fountain of waters of life forever springing from their one true Rock. How reminiscent this was of the rock that provided Israel with water during their wilderness wanderings for almost 38 years. The lessons for today's disciples are outlined by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10 verses 4-5 - read and consider. Verses 14-19 denounce Israel for failing to serve the Almighty and trusting in nations whose gods failed in saving those peoples. The super powers of the prophet's era - Egypt and Assyria - are those noted. In verses 20-25 the LORD declares what He has done for His people. Yet in spite of this Israel sought the baals and was like a wild donkey ready to mate. The nation Is denounced in verses 26-28 for the folly of embracing idols and claiming that those idols are her parents. Verses 29-32 call upon Israel to understand the LORD's chastening of her that she might once again turn to her Maker and Husband. Remember the glorious gifts with which her Sovereign had adorned her. Verses 33-37 speak of her scorn for her Omnipotent Creator. The nation had the blood of the innocent on her hands and this left God to proclaim she must suffer the discipline of being overthrown and left in her sufferings, to learn to seek their God.
Matthew 13 is the greatest chapter of parables in all Scripture, containing in all seven parables. Four are centred on "seed" and the other three about understanding, valuing, and teaching others of, and encouraging them to seek and prepare themselves for the Kingdom of God. The parable of the Sower is said by our Lord to be the greatest of, and key to, all parables. The parable of the Sower, called by many the parable of the soils - for in each case the seed sown is identical; the characteristic of the soil is tested and determined on the basis of the individual response to the Word of God - and this parable, together with that of the 'tares', or weeds are the only two explained. That Jesus would use the parable as the foundation of his teaching method, and the reasons for this, were prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10 and Psalm 78 verses 1-4. Matthew quotes both Isaiah 6 and Psalm 78; and tells us that the predicted response was forthcoming, verses 14-17 for the citation from Isaiah and verses 34-35 for the Psalm. All these parables were spoken in Galilee, by the sea; and they too invariably led to his rejection among his own folk at Nazareth. One of the high points of the chapter are the verses 45-46 where the disciple discovers that in understanding the gospel the pearl of immeasurable price has been found. What are we prepared to sacrifice for this great treasure? Hopefully everything!

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 24; Jeremiah 1; Matthew 12) for July 11th

1Samuel 24 verse 7 tells of David and his men hiding in the wilderness of En Gedi - which means "the eye of the fountain",, or "the eye of the wild goat" - where Saul was pursuing him. Saul went into a cave to release himself. David's men urge him to slay Saul as it seemed to them that God had delivered David's enemy into his hand. David tells his men that he cannot innocently lift his hand against the LORD's anointed. David stealthily enters the cave and cuts off the corner of Saul's robe. After this he was ashamed that he had done this. Verses 8-15 speak of David calling after the king from a safe distance and relating to Saul what has happened. David says that there is no way that he would have killed Saul and the proof was in David's hand. He claims that Saul was pursuing an insignificant flea. David claims that Yahweh will vindicate his righteous behaviour. Verses 16-22 reveals Saul's pathetic response to David's plea and an acknowledgment of David's faithfulness and a declaration that God will continue to bless David for this reason. Saul says that he is sure that the Almighty will bring David to the throne. King Saul asks David not to retaliate against his family when David reigns. David swears an oath to Saul to that effect.
We are in the first chapter of Jeremiah introduced to one of Yahweh's long suffering prophets. Jeremiah commenced his prophecy in the year BC 628 as a young man related to king Josiah who was nearing the end of his short reign. Jeremiah continued his ministry beyond BC 588 when Jerusalem fell to Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah was the son of Hilkiah the priest (in all likelihood the High Priest) and therefore cousin to king Josiah. His ministry within Judah lasted from the end of Josiah's reign (occasioned by his untimely death in battle with Pharaoh Necho) until the dissolution of the kingdom under the faithless and  vacillating Zedekiah. Jeremiah played a central role in the unparalleled reforms of Josiah and was himself devastated by the premature removal of the king he loved. He was foreknown of God and chosen before his birth to be a prophet to plead with God's people to reform and also to the surrounding nations - a task which, as youth, he found daunting. Nevertheless he was strengthened to perform this in the face of persistent and hostile opposition.
In Matthew 12 we have two incidents, both deliberately performed on the Sabbath day,  illustrating that Jesus was indeed the Lord of the Sabbath, in contrast to the Sabbath having authority over our Lord Jesus. The first of these confrontations between the Pharisees and Jesus' disciples was whether the disciples had the right to pluck and eat the ears of grain ( Jesus cites the precedent in David's eating of the shewbread, which our readings from two days ago highlighted). The second incident was the healing of the man with the withered hand. In all likelihood the Pharisees had planted this man at the front of the synagogue in Capernaum as a challenge to our Lord. Would he heal on the Sabbath day, or not? This healing proved that our Lord Jesus Christ was Yahweh's chosen Servant of Isaiah 42. These incidents are followed by grievous charges being leveled against Jesus of doing miracles by the power of Beelzebul - the lord of the dung heap - the prince of the demons. Jesus claims that this charge amounted to blasphemy against God's power which was being flagrantly denied despite incontestable evidence that Jesus was from God. Then follows the lesson of the fruits. Our Lord Jesus declares that the type of tree we are is shown by the fruits - ie actions of our lives - Jesus kindly words, actions and healings proved that he was the Son of God. And their hatred, words and enmity towards our Lord illustrates that they were acting from minds that were carnal in every respect. Our Lord would advance further incontestable proof of his Sonship with a prophecy of his resurrection from the dead as the sign of Jonah - the prophet from Galilee (see John 7:50-52). The chapter concludes with the parable of the unclean spirit seeking a lodging place. It leaves its abode and starts to look for another house. But finding no place it returned to its original home and found it to be swept clean. The spirit then found another 7 vile creatures to return and take possession of the original house. This spoke of John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus Christ purging the house of Israel. Only for the foul priests and Pharisees uniting to kill our Lord Jesus Christ: Matthew 23 verses :19-39. Lastly the chapter records that Jesus' own family sought to 'rescue' him from the trouble he had seemingly caused. His family were not impressed with his head on confrontations with the nation's religious leaders. Perhaps they believed he needed rest and time to reflect on a better course of action and not antagonise Israel's leaders. Jesus tells his family that he is doing the work of his God and that those who choose to listen to his Father's Word are his true family.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 23; Isaiah 66; Matthew 11) for July 10th

After relocating from his hiding place David and his men go to Keilah a fortified town where they had a right to believe that they would be safe. This is because on following instructions from God to go to Keilah and David having rescued the inhabitants of Keilah from the Philistines David rightly expected loyalty from them. In verses 6-14 Saul hears of David's "foolishness" and brings his army to Keilah. David consults God's advice and is told to flee from Keilah as the ungrateful townsfolk would hand him over to Saul. David and his men fled to the wilderness of Ziph where Saul daily sought him; but the LORD protected him. Verses 15-18 tell us that yet again Jonathan is able to find David and encourage him to continue to trust Yahweh who will bring David to the throne. Another covenant is made between the two great friends. Verses 19-29 tell of the Ziphites' treachery in betraying David by telling Saul where David was hiding. When Saul had completely surrounded David and his men a message came to Saul telling him that the Philistines had attacked Israel and Saul must come to protect his people. Yet again we see how the Almighty's providence saved David. Let us put our trust in our Sovereign who will always use His power to preserve His people for His kingdom. Psalms 17 and 54 were most likely written to thank God for His deliverance.
Isaiah 66 verses1-2 tell of the greatness of our Omnipotent Creator and His requirement for His children to show Him the reverence that is due to Him. His Word is powerful and the faithful must tremble before God's Word. Interestingly the sect of the Quakers used Isaiah 66 verse 2 as the foundation clause of their beliefs. The sense of the Hebrew of verse 2 that Yahweh is actively seeking worshippers who are similar to Himself: compare Isaiah 57 verse 15. Our God, despite His Majestic Grandeur, is of a humble disposition and can only be worshipped by humble people: James 4 verses 7-10; 1 Peter 5 verses 5-7. Verses 3-4 describe God's detesting of the nation's hypocrisy and formalism in Israel's worship. Verse 5 tells the faithful to patiently endure despite what they had suffered for their choosing God's ways. Verse 6 says that God will vindicate His people and repay their enemies. Verses 7-14 speak of the LORD's blessings on His people at the time of His Son's kingdom. God's first people Israel will become the focus of the worship of the Almighty during the kingdom: Isaiah 2 verses 1-5; Jeremiah 3 verses 16-17; Zechariah chapters 8, 13 and 14. The reborn nation will be centred in Mount Zion. This nation will spring into existence from the time of their acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah: Romans 11 verses 15-36; Galatians 4 verses 21-31. This will be a time of great joy and gladness. Verses 15-23 speak of the final glories of the Creator being brought to fulfilment in the earth. The commencing of this process is a time of severe judgment against the world and its abominations. Verses 18-20 describe some nations receiving more favourable treatment during this time than others and those who have shown favour to Israel will receive mercy from the LORD according to His promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. After Armageddon these nations will assist in the bringing of Jewish people to their homeland. And from among the returning Jews our God will make some of them mortal priests in the Land. Slowly read verses 22-23 aloud and let your mind contemplate the glory of that time when all flesh shall worship Yahweh in the glory of holiness. Verses 24 concludes the prophecy with the total eradication of the wicked. 
Matthew 11:1-6 tells us that John the Baptist sent some of his disciples to Jesus from his prison at Machaerus to Jesus asking whether our Lord was the Messiah. Some have seen this as John wavering under an intense trial. I doubt this as John knew from the time of Jesus' baptism that Jesus was Messiah: John 1:29. It would seem that John knew that he had run his race and finished his course. More than likely he was sending his disciples to transfer their allegiance to Christ. Verses 7-19 give our Lord's response to, firstly John's disciples, but more so to the bulk of the wondering crowd who were fickle in their views about John. Jesus tells the crowd that John was resolute - John was not a reed shaken by the wind. Our Lord tells them that John followed his divinely appointed mission without being affected by the refinements of the great people of his time. He was Yahweh's messenger who was the forerunner of the Messiah - the messenger of the covenant: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:67-80. There was no greater man born of a human mother than John the Baptist - excepting Jesus himself. Since Jesus' mission in proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, men and women are exerting themselves to put the kingdom first. John was the last representative of the era of the Law and the Prophets that prophesied of Messiah. Jesus was the beginning of the era of grace and truth: John 1:1-18. Verses 16-19 speak of the crowd's fickleness. They were like the children in the marketplace who when their friends said "we want to play funerals" their friends replied "no we want to play weddings". God in his wisdom had sent them John the Baptist and lastly His beloved Son. The bulk of the crown responded to neither man's beseeching of them. Was Jesus work independent of John's work without avail and unwise? No! Both Jesus and John the Baptist were needed and their missions were complementary to the work of each other. Verses 20-24 record our Lord's denouncing of the unrepentant cities of Galilee - Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida - they had witnessed many miracles and heard the wonderful message of Jesus the Son of God; and yet had failed to repent. Jesus says that Tyre and Sidon would have turned to God had those cities been presented with the works done among the Galilean peoples. Those cities were shown much but showed little response. Their inhabitants will be judged accordingly. Likewise, says our Lord Jesus, that Sodom would have responded better than these two cities in Galilee did. So they will be held responsible for their rejection of the Son of God. In verses 25-27 Jesus offers a prayer of thanksgiving to his Father for revealing His will to the lowly and humble people and hiding it from the self important and proud people who think themselves to be somebodies. In verses 28-30 Jesus appeals to his listeners to yoke themselves together with him. Jesus speaks to all who are burdened in words that remind us of Isaiah 55:1-4. Each of us need the Lord Jesus to help us to bare the load each of us must carry: see also Galatians 6:1-10. When our Lord bares our burden our burden becomes lighter. Like his Father our Lord Jesus is kind and humble and in that understanding we can find rest. In verse 30 his yoke is described as "easy" and the Greek word means 'kindly'. It tells us that in joining with Christ there will be great benefits and kindness experienced. Let us learn this and walk in harmony with our Lord Jesus towards his kingdom. For at that time he will finally bring us into his rest: see Hebrews chapters 3 and 4.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 21, 22; Isaiah 65; Matthew 10) for July 9th

The incidents in these two chapters reveal David at a low point in his life. They reveal his despair and exasperation which were to cost the lives of those associated with David. David has fled from Saul in fear of his life and the lives of the men who are with him. David's first thoughts are of food and a weapon to protect himself. He goes to Nob to the high priest - Ahimelech - seeking sustenance and a sword. David's trust should have been in his God. In Yahweh he would have found provision - as Israel had for 40 years in the wilderness - and he would have found protection. The high priest was fearful at David's arrival. So many throughout Israel knew of Saul's envy of David. To help David will be extremely dangerous. Yet Ahimelech also knew that Yahweh was with David. David commences on a course of deception that will be his pattern for years. Once you start lying it will become a habit that will be hard to break. David requests the shewbread which had just been changed that Sabbath day: Luke 6 verses 1-4. Verse 7 of 1 Samuel 21 notes, almost as an aside, that Doeg was there and that he was a chief cattle herder of king Saul. Doeg was a vile and violent Edomite as chapter 22 records. Verse 8-9 tell us that Ahimelech gave Goliath's sword to David. David received it with great anticipation not knowing the grief that the possession of this sword would cause him. Verses 10-15 speak of David's folly in fleeing to Gath with the sword of the giant champion - Goliath of Gath. David's fame proceeds him and his folly exposes him to great danger. David is brought into the presence of Achish king of Gath to explain what he is doing in Gath. In terror David feigned madness but also silently prayed intensely for his God's rescuing of him. Other accounts tell us that David was imprisoned in Gath, but later inexplicably released. The reason David was released is told us in Psalm 34 - recording his prayer in his extremity and from that what he would teach to his band of men: Psalm 34 verses 1-22. Slowly read these words aloud and contemplate the lessons for each of us. That Psalm, due to the vital lessons it teaches, is one of the most frequently quoted Psalms in the New Testament.: eg 1 Peter 3 verses :8-17. 1 Samuel 22 speaks of the snowballing consequences of lying. Verses 1-5 tell us that David fled from Gath to the cave of Adullam where he first sought to educate his followers in the need for truth and trusting in the Almighty. Next he arranged for the rescuing of his mother and father who were sent to Moab and remain there whilst David was a fugitive. Many people who felt oppressed by Saul's ways fled and came to David for leadership, protection and security. David would do this for them and more as he would guide theme in the way of Yahweh their Sovereign. The prophet Gad urged David to flee from Adullam. Verses 6-8 tell of Saul appealing to the Benjaminites, his own tribe, to betray David. Saul says that he will enrich his tribesmen and that David would not do this. The Benjaminites are reluctant despite being offered a bribe to betray David. Verses 9-10 describe Doeg's enthusiasm to tell Saul of Ahimelech's support of David. Verses 11-19 tell of the high priest being interrogated by Saul; his being sentenced to death for supposed treachery. We are told of the reluctance of Saul's soldiers to slay the priests and Doeg's single handed slaying of 85 priests at Nob. In addition Doeg slew the women, children and livestock of the town. Verses 20-23 speak of Abiathar's escape and his relating the incident to David, who offers him asylum.
Isaiah 65 verses 1-7 tells us of God's lament at the unholiness of His people who refuse to obey His voice. Israel commit every imaginable abomination despite the LORD's continual pleadings with them. They were like an irritating smoke in God's nostrils. Yahweh cannot be ignored without consequences. The Almighty will punish them for their contempt towards Him. Verses 8-10 present a contrast with the attitude of the majority. The remnants of the LORD's people - His servants - will experience abundance of blessings from Him. Even the curse that Achan brought upon the nation of Israel when he took from the devoted things of Jericho will be reversed. The valley where he was buried will become an oasis for sheep and as the prophecy of Hosea says - 2 verses 15 - will become "a door of hope" (Hebrew' Peta Tikva' the words of Israel's national anthem composed in 1882). There is always hope for those who wholeheartedly turn to the LORD: Joel 2 verses13-14. Verses 11-12 describe the punishments that Yahweh would bring upon His people. Verses 13-16 also contrast God's obedient servants with His disobedient nation. When Yahweh blesses His servants those rebels will experience want. Our Omnipotent Creator promises that the time will come when those who are blessed acknowledge that their blessings come from the "God of Truth" - Hebrew' Eduth here translated as "Amen". Verses 17-25 talk of the blessings of the kingdom age under the rule of Jesus Christ the Messiah. Verses 17-19 are quoted in 2 Peter 3 verses 11-13. Peter says we are looking for God to fulfill His promise to the faithful. The new heavens and earth speak of the administration of Christ's kingdom. Note how Revelation 21 verses1-5 speaks of a change of government and although this vision is of the time after the millennium the figure still stands that the heavens relate to rulership and the earth to those peoples who are subject to the heavens: see also Deuteronomy 32 verses1; Isaiah 1 verses 2,10. Verses 20-25 describe the longevity which will prevail during the millennium - 1,000 year - reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mortality still exist, but life will be prolonged so that one dying at one hundred years of age will be considered to be but a child. However the persistent sinner dying at 100 years will still be considered to be cursed. There will be a  harmonious relationship between animals commencing in Mount Zion and eventually throughout the entire world: Isaiah 9 verses 1-7; 11 verses 6-9. This is also symbolic of the peace between the nations of the earth. But this is only possible under the government of our Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 65 verse 25 reminds us that the curse from Adam and Eve's disobedience in Eden has been rolled back when we are told that the serpent - snake - will still eat dust. The blessings apply to productive farming and long occupancy of houses because the wicked have been restrained. How this contrasts greatly with what we see in our world in this troubled age.
Matthew 10 verses 1-4 tell of our Lord Jesus' selection of his 12 Apostles. Their mission is described and their names given. In verses 5-15 they are sent forth with a commission to preach solely to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel". Mark 16:15-16 tell us that the Lord's ambassadors after his resurrection were to be sent into all the nations of the known world. The Apostles' message was to repent because the kingdom was at hand. Accompanying miracles were to be done to demonstrate that the work was from God. A failure to respond to the preaching was to be met with a curse upon those refusing the invitation from the Almighty through His Son and His Son's emissaries. Verses 16-25 tell us that those carrying the good news - ie the gospel - could expect to receive persecution just as Jesus their Master was experiencing. In verses 26-33 Jesus says to those Apostles that they must preach without any fear of human authorities as they could only take away their life until God would resurrect His faithful witnesses. Jesus' witnesses must not put their light under a bushel: Matthew 5 verses 14-16. The same remains true today. Although we are respectful of human government our allegiance is to our Sovereign Omnipotent Creator: 1 Peter 4:1-11. Verses 34-39 teach us that in our witness for Christ we will often find that this proclamation will bring division within families. We must not be overzealous in pushing our message upon anybody including our family; and we need to be kind in the way we present our views to them. We need individually to pick up our stake and deny ourselves in following our Lord Jesus Christ. In so doing we will in the kingdom receive the blessings of the faithful. Verses 40-42 tell of the blessings for showing kindness now - even in the smallest of ways.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 20; Isaiah 64; Matthew 9) for July 8th

It's amazing that Saul with spies everywhere could not find David in the wilderness yet Jonathan on his own could find him. No! It's not amazing as God was protecting David and assisting Jonathan in finding him. And preventing Saul from finding David. The discussion between David and Jonathan indicates that David had only been absent from Saul's regal table for a matter of days, or at most weeks. They make a plan to explain David's absence and to find out how Saul will react to this news. Together Jonathan and David devise a scheme to communicate Saul's mood without exposing David to danger. The two friends make a covenant twice sworn because of their mutual love. Jonathan will pretend to shoot at a target outside of the city and will either tell David by sign that it will be safe to come back to the palace, or for David to flee swiftly. Saul says nothing to reveal his mood on David's first absence believing David to be ceremonially unclean. But in an uncontrollable rage Saul throws a javelin to kill his son Jonathan. Saul claims that David and Jonathan have conspired against him and that Jonathan's mother is to be blamed for Jonathan's weakness. Jonathan left Saul's feast in a rage and he the next morning warns David to flee with haste. 
Isaiah 64 verses 1-4 is a call from the prophet for a theophany - God revealing, or manifesting, Himself - to His people. The language recalls the time in Exodus 20 when God came down on Mount Sinai in might and power and gave His people a "fiery Law": Habbakuk 3 verses 1-16. The earth trembles at His majestic and awesome presence.  The purpose of manifesting His power is that His people will respond with respect and trust for their Sovereign. Verse 4 tells of the LORD's love for His people and the wonders He has in store for them: 1 Corinthians 2 verses 6-16 explains Yahweh's purpose for His children. It is to fill the earth with His glory revealed in His glorious children. Verse 5-7 is a lament that speaks of our best efforts to please the Almighty. These are pitiful and unbecoming no matter how hard we try. However when we graciously accept His forgiveness and mercy and trust in His righteousness we become children who delight our God. Verses 9-12 is a prayer for our Omnipotent Sovereign to reverse our desolation and bring peace and glory to Zion when He delivers us.
Matthew 9 verses1-8 speak of our Lord Jesus Christ healing a paralytic man. Note our Lord's love, compassion and authority all shown in this miracle. Jesus demonstrates the link between sin and sickness. Adam's sin brought suffering, sickness and death. Jesus' life and offering brought deliverance from these: Jesus Christ is the Lord of life. And his life caused men and women to glorify God. In verses 9-13 Jesus called Matthew, ie Levi, to follow him. Many murmured that Jesus would ask a tax collector to become one of his disciple. Our Lord responds by quoting the words of Hosea 6:6 to explain why he ministers to the needy and not the self righteous. In verses 14-17 Jesus responds to a question about fasting by saying that his disciples were not fasting while the bridegroom was with them. The disciples of our Lord were like supple wineskins who were able to grow with his teaching rather than being stifled by adherence to mere tradition. Verses 18-26 speak of Jesus' restoration to life of Jairus' daughter. Jairus was the ruler of the Capernaum synagogue. This miracle again proves that Jesus is "the Lord of life". Just prior to restoring life to Jairus' daughter Jesus heals the woman with the issue of blood. The unnamed woman could not be cured by any of Israel's doctors. Our Lord did what the Law and its rigid followers were incapable of doing. In verses 27-31 Jesus heals two blind men. What he requires of them is faith that he can heal: not only physical disease but more importantly sin. In verses 32-34 our Lord cures a deaf man. This is a reminder of Messiah's kingdom rule: Isaiah 35 verses 1-10. Read slowly aloud and pause and ponder. Verses 35-38 tell of our Lord's mission and motive. Why did he heal? Because God had anointed him to do so: Isaiah 61:1-4; and because he came to open the blind eyes: Isaiah 9:1-7. What moved him to so act - zeal for His God and compassion for God's children: Matthew 9 verses36; Numbers 27 verses17. The great volume of work moved our Lord Jesus to say Jesus: Pray for God to send more labourers into His plentiful harvest.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 19; Isaiah 63; Matthew 8) for July 7th

1Samuel 19 speaks of king Saul's plotting to kill David. When Jonathan hears of this he refuses to believe that his father, Saul, would do this to faithful David. Jonathan is able to temporarily dissuade his father from carrying through Saul's intent to destroy David. Jonathan brings about a period of respite between Saul and his son-in-law. Verses 8-10 speak of another battle between Israel and the Philistines. Saul again moved with envy cast his javelin to slay David. David escapes and flees from Saul's presence. Verses 11-17 describe David as a fugitive in his own house, where Saul believes David has been trapped. David and Michal plan David's escaping from the city and her placing pillows of goats' hair in David's bed and covering them to pretend that David is sick in his bed. Saul commands his soldiers to bring David to him in his bed that Saul might slay David. Michal lies to her father saying that David threatened to kill her. David flees to Samuel in Ramah. Both Samuel and David anticipate Saul's wrath and take refuge in Naioth. Saul hears of this and comes with his army to destroy David. Saul had sent two armed contingents before coming himself. But each of these groups including the king himself were prevented from apprehending David by God's spirit coming on them and causing them to prophesy. It became a perplexing proverb: "Is Saul also among the prophets?" 
Isaiah 63 is about the day of Yahweh's vengeance and the remembrance of His mercy. Verses 1-6 speak of a period of time after the Lord Jesus Christ's return to earth. This period is described in Revelation 10 as the March of the rainbowed angel. The time is after the invasion of Israel by the northern confederacy. Jesus and his saints will go into the ancient region of Edom to subdue and convert the Arab peoples into accepting Israeli Jews fleeing from the foe that has conquered their land and is systematically imprisoning Jews. Our Lord Jesus has his clothing of a red colour being stained with the blood of his enemies. He makes war in righteousness with his foes. The figure of warfare here and in Joel 3:13 is likened to the crushing of grapes in a winepress. Verse 4 tells us that the vengeance of our God is for a day, but His mercy and redemption is for a year. His wrath is limited but His grace and mercy is abundant: Exodus 34 verses :5-7; Psalm 103 verses 1-19; James 3 verses 12-13. Verse 5 tells us that our Lord Jesus only the Saviour empowered by His Father. And so our Lord is righteous in the exercise of his judgment. Verses 7-14 tell of Yahweh's remembrance of His mercy to His people Israel. Verses 7-9 recount the evidence of the Almighty's exercising His redeeming mercy when He delivered His people from Egypt. Verses 10-14 say that despite His love they constantly rebelled throughout their wilderness wanderings. Despite the grief that this caused their Father. Yet despite this He brought them through the Red Sea and into the Land promised to their faithful patriarchal fathers and through this gained renown and a famous Name: Yahweh. Verses 15-19 is a prayer of the prophet for Israel's Sovereign to again show mercy to His people. His stedfast love and compassion will compel the LORD to deliver His children. Israel had been disciplined for their waywardness but will be won over by the love of their Father and will be brought home from exile to be Yahweh's people.
 
In Matthew 8 verses 1-4 Jesus cures a leper. This chapter shows Jesus' authority in both word and deed. The leper knew Jesus had the power to heal. The only question was: "Would Jesus heal him?" Our Lord cured the leper and sent him to the priests to testify that Jesus could do what the Law couldn't do: Romans 8 verses1-6. Verses 5-13 speak of the faith of a Roman centurion. He asked the Lord Jesus Christ to heal his servant. The Roman asked  Jesus to simply speak the word and the servant was to be healed. Verse 5 says that the centurion, being a man commanded by Rome, saw Jesus as the empowered servant of God - Jesus' Father through whom salvation comes - and with divine power and authority to heal. Our Lord Jesus said that this type of faith exceeds that of the nation who claimed to be God's children. Jesus declares in verses 10-13 that such faith showed that man to be a true son of Abraham. The Lord's words are reminiscent of the promise that God made to Abraham in Genesis 13 verses 14-16. By contrast the lack of faith of the chosen people would see them excluded from gaining the benefits of the Abrahamic promise. Verses 14-17 describe many miracles fulfilling the words of Isaiah 53 verses 3-4. Verses 18-22 tell disciples that the cost of following the Lord Jesus Christ is to forsake all other pursuits now and start that following of Jesus immediately. Verses 23-27 tell of Jesus' authority over the elements of nature in calming a storm. The cures he performs show him to be the Son of God who can save life. Verses 28-34 describe the curing of two demented men. We need to have our minds healed from the madness that is endemic in human nature and only our Lord and his Father can do that. We will be partially cured now as we heed the words of life and completely cured when by God's grace we are given an immortal body incapable of sinning.Thoughts on the Bible Readings

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 18; Isaiah 62; Matthew 7) for July 6th

1 Samuel 18 speaks of David's deep friendship with Jonathan - Saul's son - his appointment to high office in Saul's army; and of David's marriage to Michal - Saul's younger daughter. Verses 1-5 tell of the strong bond that was forged between Jonathan and David following the victory of faith which had allowed David to slay Goliath the giant of Gath. The two friends - David and Jonathan - were one in their attitude towards their God.  Let's highly prize and value true friendships as these can assist us in walking faithfully towards the kingdom of God. Jonathan made a covenant with David and gave to David his bow - which was Jonathan's prized weapon of choice - and the royal robe which he wore. Saul retained David as one of his army captains. Verses 6-9 describe Saul's envy of David who was praised by the Israeli women above Saul their king. David was under Saul's watchful and critical eye. Saul believed that David was seeking to usurp him. Verses 10-16 describe a foul mood overtaking Saul and his unsuccessful attempt to kill David with the king's javelin. The LORD's protection surrounded David. David's behaviour caused Saul to be in awe of David. In verses 17-31 Saul, knowing of the love of David for Saul's younger daughter Michal, seeks to have David slain in battle by the Philistines by asking a dowry from David of two hundred foreskins of the  Philistines. What treachery to use a ruse of vengeance against God's enemies as an excuse to eliminate the king's rival. Likewise how wonderful it is when our lives bare testimony to our being the children of our Heavenly Father. 
 
Isaiah 62 describes Zion's coming salvation. Verses 1-5 speak of the prophet's prayer for his beloved Jerusalem. It is a prayer for her destiny to be delivered by her faithful and Almighty Sovereign. Jerusalem will be a city of truth and righteousness as Zechariah 8 verses14-23 speaks. The terms used in verses 4-5 describing the fruitfulness of the land are used of Hezekiah and his wife Hephzibah. In verses 6-7 the prophet asks all the faithful to copy their faithful king who despite settling watchmen on Jerusalem's walls he continues to pray and trust in the Almighty and counsels his people to do likewise. Verses 8-9 tell of his confidence in the LORD to deliver and exalt His people during the glorious reign of His Son in the near future. Verses 10-12 describe the time when Yahweh elevates Zion to the capital of the world: Isaiah 2:1-5; Jeremiah 3 verses 16-17. The people of the LORD will be blessed and all nations will come to Jerusalem to worship in sincerity and truth.
 
The judgment mentioned in Matthew 7 verses 1-5 refers to critical fault finding in others as opposed to the need to show discernment . We must judge righteous judgment: we are commanded to do so. Verse 6 tells disciples to not share the precious knowledge of God with mockers who will never change. Verses 7-11 tells us that the askers will receive; the seekers will find; and to the knockers doors will be opened. This is because our Heavenly Father is faithful to His promises and will only give good gifts to His children. In verse 12 our Lord highlights the golden rule - do to others what you would wish them to do for you. Verses 13-14 tell us to strive to please God. Diligence must characterise the disciple's life. Without diligence we will easily lose our way. Verses 15-20 teach us what type of tree we are; for the fruits of our lives will be seen in the fruits of our behaviour. Verses 21-23 are sobering thoughts which teach us that is not what we say that will save us - but rather how we live. Our Lord only knows those who understand him and love and live as he lived: There was a popular song many years ago called: "To know him (Jesus) is to love him". Our Lord Jesus knows those who love him and he reciprocates that love to them. Matthew 25 verses 34-36. Read aloud and pause and ponder. Verses 24-27 tell of two builders - one wise, the other foolish - each one chose a different foundation on which to build. The wise man undertook the long and laborious task of digging deep and founding his house on the rock: Matthew 16 verses 13-20; 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. The foolish builder lazily chose the quick and easy way of building on sand. When the waters and tempests and afflictions of trials tested the stability of the structures, the houses, house on the rock stood firm, but the house on the sand was swept away. The Lord Jesus Christ says that wisdom lies in listening to his words and acting on them. Only doers of the Word and not simply forgetful hearers are founded upon the rock: James 1:19-27. Verses 28-29 speak of Jesus' authority in his speech in contrast to the scribes who quoted each other rather than speak with a "Thus says the Word of God".