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The Life Of Christ # 107 Mary and Martha by John Martin

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 25th (2 Chronicles 21, 22, Daniel 3, Acts 1)

In 2 Chronicles 21 Jehoram succeeds his father Jehoshaphat and rules for 8 inglorious and evil years. Judah's king commences his reign by killing all his brothers. It was said of this king of Judah that he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel - this is because his wife was Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Edom revolts and sets up their own ruler. A letter comes from the prophet Elijah and strongly rebukes Jehoram and prophesies of the disease which would kill Jehoram - a disgusting sort of dysentery that causes his bowels to fall out after two years of suffering. During this time the Philistines and Arabians invade Judah and ransack the king's house. In 2 Chronicles 22 we read that the people of Judah make Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram, king at the age of 22. Ahaziah is evil like his great grandfather Omri and was no doubt controlled and directed by his mother, Athaliah. King Joram, of Israel, makes war with the Syrians and is seriously wounded. Ahaziah goes to visit his uncle in Jezreel; where he is met and slain by Jehu; whom God had appointed to destroy all of Ahab's offspring. Ahaziah is buried out of respect for Jehoshaphat. Athaliah now takes control of the throne of Judah. Athaliah likewise destroys all the seed Royal in Judah with the exception of Joash, who was hidden in the temple for six years by his faithful aunt Jehoshabeath and her husband the high priest, Jehoiadah. Daniel 3 speaks of Nebuchadnezzar's defiance of the vision presented to him. On the plain of Dura, just outside Babylon, the Chaldean king sets up an image made entirely of gold. The height of this image is about 35 metres and its breadth 3.5 metres - these dimensions suggest it was probably placed on a plinth. All the dignitaries from every province which king Nebuchadnezzar ruled were assembled and commanded to bow down and worship when the orchestra plays. The penalty for disobeying would be to be cast into a fiery furnace. Daniel's 3 friends disobey the king. These three friends were not prepared to submit to the command of a mere mortal man when there was a greater principle at stake - "we ought to obey God rather than man" (Acts 5 verse29). These faithful servants of Yahweh are given a second opportunity to comply. They politely refuse and are cast into the furnace, which was so hot that it kills the officers who cast them into the furnace. The three faithful men walk around in the furnace. The king sees withthem a fourth individual - the angel of God. When they emerge from the furnace they were not even singed, nor could the smell of fire be detected. Nebuchadnezzar is astounded and commands that all of his realm the worship the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - read aloud verses 28-30 Pause and Ponder. (Daniel must not have been present in Babylon at this time). Acts is Luke's second account - compare Luke 1 verses 1-4 with Acts 1 verses 1-3. 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 109:8 (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.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 24th (2 Chronicles 20, Daniel 2, John 20, 21)

2 Chronicles 20 records Jehoshaphat's outstanding leadership of his people and the prayer he offers when confronted by the great horde from Ammon, Moab and Edom. Jehoshaphat invokes the sentiments expressed in Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple. And Judah's king receives assurance from Yahweh that Moses had been given when he was pursued by the might of Egypt, as they left for the Promised Land - see Exodus 14:13, "Stand still and see the salvation of Yahweh". Jehoshaphat responds with humble worship. As the princes of Judah praise the Almighty, God sets up an ambush for the enemy host, who panic and destroy one another. The spoil was so great that Judah took three days in gathering it. Then the grateful kingdom of Judah assemble in the valley of Berachah - meaning 'blessing' - to thank Yahweh for the victory. Jehoshaphat had ruled for 25 years and brought strength and stability to Judah. One final flaw at the end of his reign was the failed union with Ahaziah over the building of ships at Ezion-Geber (Eilat). God ends that disaster by destroying their combined navy. Daniel 2 occurs in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar BC 605 - this is the fourth year of Jehoiakim king of Judah. It is the year when the king of Judah burns the Bible. Our Sovereign's response is to reveal His purpose to a Gentile potentate. Daniel 2 is the skeleton and basis of biblical prophecy. Nebuchadnezzar dreams a disturbing dream and seeks from his wise men both the content of the dream and its interpretation. These wise men are exposed as frauds and the king orders their destruction. Daniel intercedes with the chief executioner and asks for an audience with king Nebuchadnezzar to explain the meaning of the dream. Daniel and his friends ask God to aid Daniel and bless them by revealing the dream to Daniel. The prophet tells his monarch, just as Joseph had assured Pharaoh (in Genesis 41), that dreams and their interpretations belong with the God of Israel. And that the Almighty chooses those through whom He will reveal His purposes. The dream is told in verses 31-34 and its interpretation is given from verses 37-45. The key to this prophecy is in verse 35 where we are told that the elements of the image are broken into pieces TOGETHER. The dream and its meaning outlines a succession of world empires, portrayed in the form of a terrifying warrior. The prophecy is from the time of Nebuchadnezzar to our time. The unveiling of the message speaks of the epoch when the kingdom of God is to be set up on earth displacing all previous empires. Babylon's Empire lasted till BC 535. - the head of gold. This Empire was replaced by the Medo-Persian Empire till BC 334 - the chest and arms of silver. The next dominating power was the Grecian Empire which lasted until BC 56 - the belly and thighs of bronze. The last world Empire was Roman and it continued till AD 1453 the iron legs. Notice the diminishing density of the parts of the image from the head to the feet. This image is unstable as it is top heavy. Since that date a divided state of the nations symbolised by the iron and clay feet (principally socialism and democratic powers). Verse 45 is the key to what the Almighty reveals to Nebuchadnezzar - "In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which will never be destroyed" (see also Revelation 11 verse 15). The Omnipotent's agency will be His Son - the uncut stone power. The work is God's, not man's (Psalm 118 verses 22-26). Let us reflect on John Thomas' words in the 1847 author's preface of "Epis Israel", "The future movements of Russia are notable signs of the times. When Russia makes its grand move for the setting up of its image empire .. the stealthy advent of the King of Israel will be on the eve of becoming a reality.." Gog will be the head which will attempt to hold together the image in its final and failed invasion of Israel.This is what we are witnessing in its progressive unfolding today. Daniel is promoted in Nebuchadnezzar's administration. 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 i.e. the paradise, or garden of God - will be restored). Our Lord tells her not to hinder i.e. 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.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 23rd (2 Chronicles 18, 19, Daniel 1, John 19)

In 2 Chronicles 18 we have one of the great mistakes Jehoshaphat made in joining Ahab, king of Israel, in battle at Ramoth-Gilead - against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat's son Ahaziah was married to Athaliah the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Both Jehoshaphat and Ahab sit in the gate of Samaria listening to Jezebel's Baal worshipping prophets promise victory against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat asks for a prophet of Yahweh to be heard. The prophet Michaiah sarcastically tells Ahab to go to war and prosper. The story is curious as it reveals how Ahab would be enticed to die. Ahab commands the arrest of Micaiah and orders he be fed bread and water until Ahab returns in peace. Micaiah says if that happens I am not Yahweh's prophet. Ahab disguises himself in battle so that the Syrians pursue Jehoshaphat instead. But there was no escape for the evil and doomed Ahab. A chance arrow strikes the king of Israel in the joint between his breastplate and fatally wounds him. Ahab props himself up in his chariot until the evening when he dies. Ahab's chariot is washed in the place where Jezebel had slain Naboth. Just as Elijah had prophesied the dogs there licked up Ahab's blood. In chapter 19 Jehoshaphat is chastised by the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, for associating with the ungodly. Jehoshaphat set his heart to seek God and establishes judges and officers to rule in the land of Judah for God. Jehoshaphat greatly loved his God but unfortunately he was not always wise in following faithful counsel. Jehoshaphat showed a weakness for forming friendships that were detrimental to his relationship with Yahweh his God. Daniel was one of the first wave of captives taken from Jerusalem to Babylon in 607 BC (the fourth and final wave being in BC 587). This young prince is perhaps about 17 years old. The cream of Judah's aristocracy is taken to Shinar - the land of the enemy's tooth - to be educated in all the wisdom of the Chaldeans. Nebuchadnezzar's god was Nabu the god of wisdom. Daniel's prophecy speaks of the struggle between the world's wisdom and that of the Almighty. The book pits the Kingdom of Men against the Kingdom of God. Daniel and three fellow princes have their names, food and clothing all changed to become integrated into the Chaldean ways. These young princes are earmarked for high distinction, but they meekly resist the indoctrinating process and are blessed and supported by their Sovereign. Daniel continues to prosper from this time until the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persians in BC 537 and beyond. John 19 tells of Jesus' crucifixion. The crucifixion followed the Lord's brutal treatment at the hands of Pilate's soldiers including the thrusting of a crown of thorns upon his head and the putting of a purple robe on him to mock our Master. How apt is it that in his dying he would remove the curse brought by Adam upon the earth; and his crucifying would be like the ram caught by his horns in Genesis 22. When Pilate hears the Jewish leaders' claim that Jesus is the Son of God Pilate's fear intensifies and he seeks for Jesus' release. Jesus makes it crystal clear to Pilate that Pilate is without power against Jesus and the greater sin lay with the Jewish rulers. These envious men clamour even more that Pilate must cooperate with their designs. If not Caesar would hear of it. Pilate caves in under pressure and allows Jesus to be led away for crucifixion. "We have no king but Caesar", they cry and forty years later their 'king' - Caesar - came and destroyed Jerusalem because of their blood guiltiness. The crucifixion occurs in the place of the skull - Golgotha (the location where David buried Goliath's skull, as we are told in 1 Samuel 17). Our Lord is crucified between two thieves - most likely these were Barabbas' men. In the three languages operating in Judea at the time - Aramaic, Greek and Latin - is inscribed over his cross i.e. stake "Jesus ofNazareth, king of the Jews". The Jews protest Pilate's writing: but Pilate, no doubt, glories in this small victory over the Jews and his inscription remains. The soldiers divide his clothes between them and they cast lots for his vesture in fulfilment of Psalm 22:18. The beloved women in his life eventually come near to the stake to see his death. And at this time Jesus commits his mother into the care of his beloved Apostle, John. Our Master dies with his final words being a citation from Psalm 31:5 - the quotation possibly being completed when Jesus emerges from his tomb three days later. Jesus' side is pierced by a Roman spear and out comes blood and water indicating that he has died from a broken heart. Unlike the thieves crucified with Christ not a bone of him is broken - he is 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 seem to be true when Jesus comes into his kingdom. Jesus' body is secured from Pilate by Joseph of Arimathea. Our Lord's body is placed by Joseph and Nicodemus in a new and unused garden tomb owned by the rich man, Joseph in fulfilment of Isiah 53:9.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 22nd (2 Chronicles 16, 17, Ezekiel 48, John 17, 18)

2 Chronicles 16 told of Asa's final years, which are characterised by some serious failures to rely on Yahweh. Firstly, when Baasha king of Israel began acting aggressively to Judah, he hired the Syrians to attack the northern kingdom. He had failed to heed that the LORD had granted victory against the Ethiopian horde. The great lesson that Hanani the seer told Asa was, "The eyes of Yahweh run to and fro throughput the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him" (verse 9 ESV). From now on he would have wars. He became enraged with the prophet and placed him in stocks in prison. His anger was also vented against others of God's people. The irony of Asa, whose name means 'physician', is that when he became diseased in his feet, Asa did not seek healing from the great Physician, but died in suffering. Nonetheless, Judah were saddened by the death of the great reformer. Chapter 17 says Judah were blessed when Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, ascended the throne and he, too, walked "in the early ways of David his father". The kingdom was established by Jehoshaphat and the surrounding lands made no war against him, but paid him tribute. Ezekiel 48 dealt with the allotments to the tribes both north and south of the temple precinct and the allocation of its territory. Note that the northern border of the territory of the kingdom of God under the reconstituted and restored Israel is the Euphrates river; the southern border is the Nile; the western border is the Mediterranean Sea; and the eastern border the Gulf of Arabia - the entire land through which Abraham walked upon and was promised (see also Psalm 72). The city that will be constructed to service the House of Prayer for all nations will be of a square construction and have a perimeter of about 64.5 kilometres and will be called Yahweh Shammah - or Yahweh is there. 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 ofGethsemane. 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 verses 12-16). Pilate declared him to be innocent of the charge; but the rulers clamoured for his death and the acquittal of Barabbas.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 20th (2 Chronicles 12, 13, Ezekiel 46, John 13, 14)

2 Chronicles 12 saw Rehoboam become lifted up and forsake Yahweh. As a consequence, Shishak of Egypt was sent in judgment against him. But because the king and princes humbled themselves they were not destroyed. But unfortunately, his Ammonite mother led him in evil ways. In chapter 13 we read of Abijah's reign in Judah. In the third year of his rule, he went out to battle with a mighty army against Jeroboam; whose idolatry he scorned. He warned Jeroboam to desist as they were certain to fail. Half a million Israelites were slaughtered. Jeroboam never recovered and was relentlessly pursued by Abijah. Ezekiel 46 deals with the entering of the prince through the eastern gate - verses 1-8 - the entering and leaving of worshippers to the LORD's House - verses 9-10 - and the appointed feasts - verses 11-15. Verses 16-18 speak of the land grants given by Messiah the Prince i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 19-24 describe the size and functions of the massive corner kitchens which were approximately 145 metres in height. These are likely for food preparation for the millions of worshippers who will constantly flow into Yahweh's Sanctuary: "The House of prayer for all nations". 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 thatwill 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 arein the Father's control. So, they left the upper room for further instruction.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 19th (2 Chronicles 10, 11, Ezekiel 45, John 12)

In 2 Chronicles 10 we have the folly of an indulged and entitled young man - Rehoboam. The burden of administration had become massive under Solomon and the people asked for relief when Solomon's son came to the throne. The older counsellors recommend following the request, but his peers say tell the people that it will only become tougher. Foolishly Rehoboam takes his peers' advice and the result is a division of the kingdom with 10 tribes siding with their spokesman - Jeroboam. When Rehoboam sends his treasurer - Hadoram - he is stoned and Rehoboam flees in his chariot. Chapter 11 tells of Rehoboam securing his kingdom and being joined by the Benjamites and Levites. Like his father, Solomon, Rehoboam multiplies wives, which the king was forbidden to do by the Law of Moses Deuteronomy 17.Ezekiel 45 outlines the massive portion assigned to the Prince Messiah i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ. The chapter speaks of the need to deal righteously in measurement. This is also prominent feature in the Law of Moses. The Prince is to provide the daily burnt sacrifices and sundry offerings. Additionally, Messiah is to supply the offerings for the three main feasts i.e. Passover, Weeks and Tabernacles. In John 12 Mary anoints Jesus' feet with precious ointment and because of that the odour fills the house. This alleged 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 verse 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 # 106 The Good Samaritan by John Martin

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 18th (2 Chronicles 9, Ezekiel 44, John 11)

2 Chronicles 9 tells of the visit of the Queen of Sheba - a rich and influential spice kingdom near the Horn of Africa. That Queen came to prove Solomon with hard questions and was astounded by his answers. The monarch from Sheba had been reluctant to believe what she had heard in her own country, but confesses that what she has seen and heard exceeded her expectations. That magnificent queen gifts spices and wealth to Solomon and makes a league with him. The chapter tells us of Solomon's control of the commerce of the entire region. Solomon dies after a 40-year glorious reign (though stained by his idolatrous unions in marriage which are not mentioned by the chronicler). Ezekiel 44 deals with the gate for the Prince - Messiah and instructions regarding the mortal Levitical priests. Verses 1-3 speak of the eastern gate of the outer square buildings of the Sanctuary being reserved for the use of the Prince i.e. Messiah - the Lord Jesus Christ. Only immortals can accompany Jesus the King of Glory in the eastern wing of the Temple. Verses 4-8 speak of the glory that Messiah brings and takes us to the North Gate where mortals may enter and receive the ministrations of the faithful mortal Levitical priests. Verses 9-14 tell us of the mortal worshipers who come to this House of Prayer for all nations: Isaiah 56:6-7. Zechariah 14 also gives more details of the worshipers coming to Jerusalem: Zechariah 14 verse 9, 16-21. Verses 15-27 contain the regulations for those Levitical priests. Verses 28-31 contain echoes from the Law of Moses and remind us that those priests will have no lands allocated to them since Yahweh is their portion. Those priests will receive an allocation of the fruits, vegetables and other foods of the Land.While beyond Jordan Jesus is informed that his friend Lazarus is gravely ill and the messengers request that Jesus come immediately. But verse 4 says that our Lord's response is to declare that this sickness of Lazarus is not unto death; but that Jesus might be glorified. After two days delay our Lord goes to his friends. Christ tells his disciples not to stumble; but to walk in the light, as long as the Light i.e. our Lord is with them. Jesus now plainly says that Lazarus is dead. This information probably raising more questions for his disciples than answers. When our Lord arrives note Martha's unshakable conviction that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and anyone believing in him would be raised up at the Last Day. Mary, however, had had her confidence in her Lord undermined by the Jewish rulers - called throughout John's account "the Jews". This caused Jesus to weep. The whole scenario was an out-working of the prophecy of Jeremiah 13 verses :15-17, which verses are cited three times by our Lord in John 11:4-10. To show that Lazarus is one of the Lord's sheep when our Lord's voice of command is spoken with authority Lazarus came forth alive. Lazarus walked out in his grave clothes indicating that this was not the resurrection of the last day that Martha had spoken of. How infuriating to the authorities that Jesus had raised Lazarus. Did they respond to this miracle in belief - no? They immediately sought the death of Lazarus death and schemed Jesus' own destruction. Caiaphas takes the lead in these matters. The Lord had predicted these events in his parable in Luke 16.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 17th (2 Chronicles 8; Ezekiel 43; John 9, 10)

2 Chronicles 8 told of Solomon's accomplishments in the administration of his realm. Verses 1-2 tell us that 20 years were spent in the building of Solomon's own house and the Temple of the LORD. Verses 3-10 describe king Solomon's industriousness in providing for his kingdom. Verse 11 states that king Solomon built a separate palace for Pharaoh's daughter who seems to have been the love of his life and the wife spoken of in Psalm 45 and in the Song of Solomon. Verses 12-15 says that at the beginning of his rule Solomon was active in promoting the worship of Yahweh his God. Verse 16 returns to king Solomon's greatest accomplishment in the building of the Almighty's House. Verses 17-18 tell of the great golden wealth that came annually to Solomon. In Ezekiel 43 we have the climax of the prophecy with the King of Glory coming to his temple through the East Gate from whence it had left in chapter 10 verse 4. Also read Psalm 24 which was originally composed by David as it spoke of the glorious arrival of the ark in Jerusalem: see also Psalm 132 and 1 Chronicles 16. It is likely that this Psalm may be sung to celebrate the arrival of the King of Glory via the eastern gate as the temple is inaugurated. This eastern gate of the Sanctuary is reserved for the Messiah. We also have the arrangements for the altar, as there will be animal sacrifices in the kingdom. Animal sacrifices in the Kingdom, pointing backwards to Christ just as those under the Law of Moses had pointed forwards to him. In John 9 we have the 6th sign in the healing of the blind man. The discussion in this chapter is similar to the pattern established in chapter 5. Both the blind man and his parents are persecuted by the rulers for accepting Jesus. The formerly blind man gives a remarkable and compelling testimony that Jesus must be from God. The religious leaders spitefully cast out the man who has dumbfounded them with scriptural logic. Our Lord later finds this man in the temple so as to complete his restoration. These events most likely happened at the feast of the Dedication. John 10 is the magnificent account of Jesus being the door and the Good Shepherd. Christ had come that believers might have life and have it more abundantly verses 10-11. Our Lord by laying down his life for his sheep secured for believers that wonderful hope of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Once again the theme of chapter 10 contain echoes from and are an elaboration of chapter 5 i.e. that his sheep will recognise his voice. In the purpose of bringing salvation to believers he and his Father are one i.e. united - but our Lord's power is derived from his Father. The Jews reacted to our Lord's words and by claiming that he was speaking blasphemy. Jesus proves from Psalm 82 that the judges of Israel were called "god" as they spoke God's Word. The chapterfinishes with Jesus going across the Jordan for some months - in Perea - where he remains until the events of chapter 11 would bring him back.
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