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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 12th (1 Chronicles 29, Ezekiel 38, John 4)

1 Chronicles 29 outlines the extensive offerings for the temple, that David in gratefulness to God had prepared. And like the Tabernacle those offerings had had come from willing hearts - verse 9 compare Exodus 25:2. David then prays for the Assembly and asks that whatever those assembled had done would be acceptable to the Almighty. Note the similarity between David's prayer and the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6. Also take notice of the deep spirit of humility in which it was offered. Solomon was anointedking for the second time and we need to consider the import of verse 23 "He sat as king upon the throne of Yahweh over Israel". Thus began the kingdom of God on earth in its first constitution. David dies and is buried and let us consider the Apostle Paul's comments on David's faithful service in Acts 13 verses 36-37. Ezekiel 38 speaks of an invasion of the recently regathered and reconstituted nation of Israel (verses 7-8). The chapter speaks of a northern confederacy headed by one termed Gogue - meaning 'roof', or 'one at the top'. Looking at a map of Eurasia we need no imagination to be able to see the nation being spoken about. The leader of this nation is called in the Hebrew tongue prince of Ros, Meshech and Tubal - the ancient names for Russia, Moscow and Tobolski as many lexicographers tell us. In a book by a notable Russian historian (George Vernadsky - he says Ezekiel 38 is the first historical reference to Russia. Note the alliances mentioned and much of this has already transpired. This Eurasian confederacy is opposed by Israel and Arabian countries (verse 13). The principal aggressor comes from the "uttermost parts of the north" (verse 16 RSV). Moscow is directly north of Jerusalem. Verses 17-23 indicate that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY will come to the aid of His beleaguered people and there will be a great earthquake (see Zechariah 14 and Joel 3 verses 16-21). It will be occasioned by the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ standing on the Mount of Olives. This was promised by the two angels at Jesus' ascension to heaven: Acts 1:1-11 compare with Luke's other record in Luke 24 verses 50-52. John 4 deals with the incident between Jesus and the woman of Samaria in which he offers her "living water". There follows a discussion between Jesus and the woman about the site of acceptable worship - Jerusalem, or Gerazim. Jesus firstly tells her that salvation is from the Jews. Acceptance by God is dependent on two factors sincerity and truth - these have always been the focus at Shechem, and with Joseph and his brothers in Egypt (Joshua 14 verses 14-15; Judges 9 verses 14-15). The woman accepts Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and she then has an incredible impact on helping the Samaritans to receive Jesus also. Philip would about 7 years later reap the gathering harvest now being sown. That harvest is spoken about in Acts 8. From verse 46 to the end of John chapter 4 our Lord Jesus heals the son of an official from Capernaum - this being the second of the signs recorded by John and resulting in the official and his household believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. That Nobleman is thought by some to be Herod's keeper of the larder Chuza
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The Life Of Christ # 105 I am the door of the sheep by John Martin

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 11th (1 Chronicles 28; Ezekiel 37; John 2, 3)

1 Chronicles 28 speaks of David's charge to Israel and to Solomon. The very important word in both these charges is "IF". Provided they faithfully adhered to the covenant they would be blessed by Yahweh. Ezekiel 37 is one of the greatest prophecies of the resurrection of Israel, from a people subjected to genocide during the Holocaust, to a nation reborn on May 14, 1948. Ezekiel the prophet saw a vision of a valley full of dried human bones, the bones of national Israel. The imagery is graphic and startling. Think as you read it and reflect. Consider the words of verses 13-14(see Romans 11:15-32). They have been revived, but are not yet restored to the people of their Sovereign. This will occur when the Lord Jesus Christ comes and is accepted by them. At that time, they will be reborn and grafted back into fellowship and covenant again. Unfortunately, much suffering will precede that time as chapter 38 tells. Indeed, how near we are to that time. Note the chapter requires a monarchy over them with our Lord as the "King of the Jews". In John 2 we have the first of the signs of the account. When Yahweh brought Israel out of Egypt, at the time of the Exodus, their departure was accompanied by miracles, wonders (Hebrew 'Pala' - cp the angel Palmoni - the wonderful numberer) and signs. That Hebrew word is the equivalent of "signs' in the record of John. It took place at Cana, in Galilee. Jesus was there, together with his mother and his disciples of chapter 1. It was perhaps the wedding of a relative. The sign was the turning of water into the highest quality wine. The result was verse 11 - his disciples believing in him and the manifestation of his glory. Between verses 13-22 Jesus cleansed the temple for the first time - doing so again at the end of his ministry. He fulfilled the words of Psalm 69 and gave them the sign of his resurrection after 3 days in the grave. There are many signs in John's record of his visits to Jerusalem which are omitted by the other three accounts. At the end of John 2 we are told Jesus would not commit himself to them (since he knew humans - likely in three ways: 1) what Scripture revealed; 2) experience; 3) the ability to read minds). We need to try to understand the zeal that motivated our Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 3 told of the first encounter between our Lord and Nicodemus, the holder of the second rank in the Sanhedrin ('the teacher'). John records the first of the 3 incidents - ch3; ch7; and ch19. Each is a step in coming to know the Christ (ch3 the man who came by night; ch7 he who first came by night; and ch19 an open disciple, who brought the spices to prepare Jesus' body). The talk centred in the imperative of being born "from above" - firstly by a mind developed by the Word of God 1 Peter 1:22-25 and then by immersion, or burial, in water. The 3rd chapter of John tells us that Jesus is the only man to go to heaven (v13) and salvation comes through belief in a crucified Messiah (v14 cp Numbers 21:4-9). Even John the Baptist acknowledging that Jesus would increase but that he (John) would decrease. B The best-known words of the Bible are found in John 3:16 - but read aloud and ponder verses 16-21. From verses 22 to the chapter's end, we are told of the incomparable greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 10th (1 Chronicles 27, Ezekiel 36, John 1)

1 Chronicles 27 deals with the military divisions and the leaders, or princes of the tribes. To us the chapter may seem irrelevant, even somewhat trivial, but this is not so. The role of the gatekeepers in Temple worship is fundamental: it includes the admission of only those who are sincere in their worship and also valuing truth: John 4 verses 21-24. Hence in Psalm 84:10, a psalm written by gatekeepers (the sons of Korah) we read: "I would rather be a gatekeeper of the House of God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness". The writer said earlier in the same verse: "a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere". It seems that the pattern of David's administration is a pattern for that which will exist in Messiah's kingdom. Ezekiel chapter 36 is a prophecy towards the mountains of Israel. The mountains of Israel is an expression, which dominates these prophecies of the restoration. It is against "the mountains of Israel" that Gogue will come in Ezekiel 38. The nations who have reproached Israel, says chapter 36, will experience the wrath of Yahweh the God of Israel. By contrast, the mountains of Israel, would thrive flourish and grow. 1948 saw the commencement of that process with the state of Israel being proclaimed on May 14th. Israel's reproach will soon be ended and they once again shall be the people of the LORD. The Almighty has done this not because they have been a deserving nation. On the contrary it is in vindication of that name - which they have disgraced and profaned among the nations, where they were scattered. It is because He is the faithful GOD who keeps the covenant He made with Abraham. The time is soon coming when He will remove their stony heart and give them a vibrant fleshy heart. His spirit will be within them and they will be His people and He will be their God. They will be the paradise of the LORD- Eden restored. The gospel record of John was most likely the last of the four written. Nor is it a summary of the ministry of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are many more references to people discovering that Jesus was the Christ. Its theme is stated in chapter 20:31 "These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life through his name." It records 8 signs, which are emphatic proofs of the stated theme. Chapter 1 is deliberately a parallel to Genesis 1. For just as Genesis 1 described the natural creation, which came into being through the Word of God in six days. Two groups of three repeated - LIGHT, WATER, LIFE; days 1-3 are paralleled and duplicated in days 4-6.; so too with the new spiritual creation in Christ. Jesus is declared to have come to his own (by ellipsis- people <the Jews>) and failed to be accepted. This was not the case among believers. What a lofty theme. Jesus was the Word of God in the flesh i.e. one of us in nature and passions; and yet without sin totally revealing the Father's character to humanity. Read aloud verses 14-17 - Pause and Ponder. John was the disciple who rested on Jesus' bosom during the Last Supper and surely he writes with a measure of understanding his comments in chapter 1:18. The record of Jesus' baptism followed with John theBaptist's announcement of verse 29 "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." From verses 35-42 we have the earliest call of the first four of Jesus' disciples (later to become his Apostles) Andrew and John, Peter and James. From verses 43-51 we have the call of Philip and Nathanael. The latter convinced by our Lord's ability to reveal what Nathanael was thinking that Jesus must be the Son of God and the King of Israel. Twice in the chapter we are told that these men had found the Messiah i.e. the Christ - first by Andrew (v41) and then Nathanael (v49). But the reality was he had found them and extended to them the authority to become 'the sons of God' (verses 12-13).

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 8th (1 Chronicles 24, 25, Ezekiel 34, Philippians 1, 2)

1 Chronicles 24 deals with the division of the 24 orders of priests arranged by Samuel and David. Chapter 25 deals with the orders of the singers and musicians for the temple choirs. Why were the musicians and singers so arranged? It is because divine worship is sacred and not haphazard. It is related to the "worshiping of Yahweh in the beauty of holiness" Psalm 96:8. There were 24 appointed divisions of the singers and this surely takes us to the 24 elders who praised the LORD's appointed king Messiah i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation 4 verse 8-11; 5 verses 8-14. Heman and Jeduthan were the chief arrangers of the choirs and the musicians. Asaph was the one who oversaw the process and who also wrote several magnificent Psalms. Asaph's legacy to the nation lasted 450 years. Ezekiel 34 tells of the disgraceful behaviour of the cruel and greedy shepherds of Israel. The primary sin of those shepherds was selfishness: they looked after themselves and not God's flock. It was true in the days of the prophet. Even more true at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yahweh would not tolerate the treatment of His sheep by these corrupt and profligate leaders. God would care for them. Israel's Sovereign will provide for them and seek out pasture for His people. And by His Son the Almighty would restore and feed them. The Lord Jesus Christ in John 10 is the Good Shepherd; in 1 Peter 5 he is the Chief Shepherd; and in Hebrews 13 he is the Great Shepherd. According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provides the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi., where his preaching awaits "hearts opened by God" in Lydia and the Philippian jailor and others. Philippians is called Paul's letter of joy and its theme is, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle describes his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city. Philippi was a colony which was heavily Roman in every way. Paul tells the believers in Christ in that city of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all 'brethren' were happy - there was a group of false believers (known as Judaizers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed, would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that by continuing to live he would be of greater benefit to the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ's mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every faithful saint. As God's Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone yet he suffered as a servant in his death on the cross. Christ is now exalted at the Father's right hand and having his Father's name the of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45): compare with Revelation 14 verses 1-5. Believers bear the responsibility of shining as lights to this twisted world. The Apostle shows that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrate Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. The two faithful and indefatigable labourers own lives were put behind them in the course of their own efforts to advance the gospel.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 7th (1 Chronicles 23, Ezekiel 33, Ephesians 5, 6)

1 Chronicles chapter 23 deals with the order of the Levites and their offerings. The Levites were drawn from the three principal families of Gershom, Kohath and Merari. Verses 30-32 tell us of their responsibility for the praising and giving of thanks to Yahweh. Additionally, those Levites were responsible for maintaining the furnishings of the Temple. From Ezekiel chapters 33-39 we have what are termed "prophecies of the restoration", and those prophecies have reference from 1948 onwards. Chapter 33 has a universal application to every age, as it outlines the responsibilities of a watchman. We are all to be watchmen insofar as we must provide a warning whenever we see danger nearing. If we do not provide any warning we bare the guilt of the loss of life that has occurred. How pertinent were the words in the prophet's own time with the Babylonian invasions (of which there were four). At a personal level believers owe it to one another to warn of peril. Chapters 4-6 of Ephesians focus more on practical matters, whereas the first three looked at teaching. From verses 1-21 there is a call to imitate our Heavenly Father, and like Christ Jesus to walk in love. From chapter 5 verses 22-33 husbands and wives are instructed - once again the love of Christ is our example. Paul shows that, like our Lord, husbands must sacrifice themselves for the salvation of their wives and themselves. Genesis 2 provides us with a parable about Christ and his bride - the ecclesia. The 6th chapter moves to the product of marriage - children. The Apostle tells his hearers that among the Ten Commandments the 5th is the first one to attract a promise. "Honour your father and mother; that your days may be long on the earth". Additionally, fathers need to understand that children must be encouraged, rather than constantly criticised. The Apostle follows with instructions about proper behaviour between masters and servants. We all have Christ as our Master and so service must be from the heart and not only when the boss is looking. In the Roman world at this time two thirds of all people were slaves. The chapter concludes with the need to put on the whole armour of God (the panoply). Note that all of the weapons are defensive with the exception of the sword of the spirit, which is the Word (the Greek word means 'the spoken word') of God. Our Bibles are useless unless they are in our minds and on our tongues. In his final greetings Paul states his love for all the believers who love our Lord sincerely.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 6th (1 Chronicles 22, Ezekiel 32, Ephesians 3, 4)

1 Chronicles 22 commences with David's preparation for the building of the temple. Since David had been forbidden from building he could have left the task to Solomon. But no, he shows a wonderful spirit in totally throwing his energies into preparing for building the temple. David then charges his son with the responsibility of the task. Yahweh tells of Solomon's part in the building of that magnificent house. God outlines that Solomon would be a son of the promise, which was restated. But Solomon could not fulfill all the terms of the covenant since Solomon came to the throne while David is still living. Also, God's mercy departed from Solomon who in his later life strays from the ways of His God. Additionally, Solomon was not literally the Father's son. Brother Islip Collyer in his magnificent book - "Conviction and Conduct" on page 142 wrote of David's wonderful spirit as follows: "that David's plan to build the temple was inspired by pure zeal for Divine things and not with an idea of self-aggrandisement; for despite hisfrustrated intention he still thanked God for the mercies promised and started with zeal on such work as was permitted". Chapter 32 of Ezekiel contains a lament on Egypt, who is likened to a dragon (crocodile) lying in the Nile. The annual blessing that came from the deposit of rich alluvial sediment, due to rains falling in central Africa, would cease. This has happened ever since the completion of the Aswan high dam. The construction of that dam has been disastrous. Disease has increased and there has been a massive reduction of agriculture and fishing. These disasters have resulted in the once mighty Egyptian empire becoming a minor nation. Like many of the other nations Egypt would be brought low. Egypt is thus another testimony to the fact that: "the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men" Daniel 4:17. In Ephesians 3 the Apostle Paul outlines the 'mystery' (the Greek word simply means 'secret') that God always intended for the Gentiles to be included in the blessings of the gospel. From verses 14-22 we read of the Apostle's prayer for the believers' spiritual strength and growth. Notice that the love of God surpasses understanding and includes four dimensions - length, breadth, depth and height. This indicates that the love of the Father cannot be measured. Chapter 4 contains a plea for unity among the body of believers. In the truth there is a sevenfold unity (verses 4-6). This is essentially because God, our Father is one. Those verses cite several Old Testament Scriptures supporting this purpose - Psalm 68; Deuteronomy 30. The result is that the distribution of gifts is defined by the function they fulfil in promoting and producing a united body. Each believer has been called to a new life described in verses 17-32. Carefully read verses 20-24 which tell us how faithful believers in Christ live by modelling their lives on his. Also contemplate the need to replace old evil habits with positive beneficial behaviours as verses 25-32 teach us. The last three verses say that any failure to act in a way that reveals that we arethe children of the Almighty will grieve our loving Heavenly Father. The only way to overcome sin is by"replacement therapy".

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 5th (1 Chronicles 20, 21, Ezekiel 31, Ephesians 1, 2)

1 Chronicles 20 continues the story with the capture of Rabbah, the Ammonite capital, in the following spring. The crown of the Ammonite king, weighing about 35 kilograms was taken to David and placed on his head. David put the Ammonites to hard work to pay tribute to Israel. The chapter concludes with the destruction of four of the Philistine giants, all of whom are related to Goliath and all are slain by David's warriors. Chapter 21 of 1 Chronicles finds David and all Israel in an exalted state of pride. David orders a census of the strength of the army. Joab pleaded with him not to do this; since victory was through Yahweh's saving arm and was independent of the size of the army. The king's word prevails and the census is taken but excludes Benjamin and Levi - as Joab had sway there. The record indicates that on this occasion Joab was correct and David was wrong. The prophet Gad was sent to David to tell him to choose between 3 punishments. David leaves the choice to God and for three days plague ravages the land. Eventually the plague is stayed at Jerusalem when David purchases the future site of the temple and offers sacrifices to the LORD. David, who had been Israel's shepherd, intercedes on behalf of his suffering sheep. What a lesson for all! Ezekiel chapter 31 contains many similarities to chapter 28. Just as the prince of Tyre had been a cedar in the garden of Eden, so too is Pharaoh of Egypt described in the same terms. He would be judged and brought low by Judah's Sovereign God. Pharaoh, Egypt, the Nile river and the crocodile - also known as the dragon- would be humbled by the Lord GOD Almighty. Nebuchadnezzar would be God's instrument in the overthrowing of the wicked kingdom of Judah. The Apostle Paul eventually came to Ephesus on his third missionary journey, after more than one unsuccessful attempts to visit Asian cities on the second journey. Western Turkey was in those days known as "Asia". The LORD was waiting for the best time for the preaching of the gospel. Acts 19 records the events at Ephesus. The Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed in that city and it became Paul's base of operations throughout the then known region of Asia. Chapter 1 contains greetings and the faithful in Ephesus being described as having, in status, been elevated to heavenly places in Christ Jesus. From verses 15-22 the Apostle offers prayer and thanksgiving on the believers' behalf. Paul outlines in verses 19-22 the great place Christ occupies to all believers. The Apostle tells the Ephesians that in the Lord Jesus Christ the Almighty's power was seen in producing a righteous man who could then be raised from the dead. As an aside which may be of some interest for those studying this chapter: all four Greek words for 'power' are used in those verses. Chapter 2 deals with the enlightenment of believers and their salvation by grace - on the basis of their faith. Believers salvation has nothing to do with their merits. However, a life of gratitude is necessitated from believers. In verses 11-18 Paul outlines the faithful's changed status from hopeless nobodies to sanctified believers in Christ Jesus. The chapter concludes with the growth of the body of believers into a holy temple. A dwelling place for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Slowly read aloud verses 17-22 and consider the foundation God has given us and that each of us determine to be a part of the LORD's holy edifice.

The Life Of Christ # 104 The Good Shepherd by John Martin

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 4th (1 Chronicles 18, 19; Ezekiel 30; Galatians 5, 6)

1 Chronicles 18 gives a catalogue of David's victories over his enemies- this is a parallel of 2 Samuel 8 and a continuation of the enacted parable. Psalm 110 establishes that when Messiah commences his reign it will be in the midst of his enemies. Verses 14-17 tell of his administration. The 19th chapter of 1 Chronicles spoke of a war being occasioned by diplomacy gone wrong. The Ammonites thought David's emissaries were spies and treated them disgracefully. The result was a war in which Israel was hard pressed by the combined Ammonite/Syrian army; but which eventually ended in a rout of David's foes. May we so live that we may be with Messiah to help establish his everlasting kingdom. Ezekiel chapter 30 continues the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar on Egypt, of its wealth and wisdom. The centres of the gods throughout the extent of the land were degraded and humiliated. The principal officers of Egypt would be scattered among the surrounding nations. Thanks be that our Sovereign has brought us out of the darkness of idolatry to serve the Living and True God. In chapter 5 of Galatians Paul calls upon believers to stand fast in the liberty that was theirs in Christ. Read verse 6 aloud - pause and ponder. The only effective position was to live by a life of faith, energised by love, which purified the believer's walk. The faithful had started their course well, but had been hindered by false brethren - called Judaizers. The Law, says the Apostle, can be summarised in one word, LOVE. We, as believers, need to make sure that we keep in step as one, moving forward in an unbroken phalanx. The fruit of the spirit is outlined in verses 22-23 and contrasts with the WORKS of the flesh in verses 19-21 (these are all natural to us and the doing of these habitually will exclude from the kingdom of God). In chapter 6 we are told of the need to help one another carry a load weighing heavily on a brother, or sister. Additionally, we need to endure our own load and carry it with courage. To help another in their time of need meekness and understanding will be necessary. Endurance is required to reap the harvest the Almighty has graciously given us. We must help all, but first priority is for believers. The letter closes with final blessings and warnings - Paul bore in his body the 'stigmata' (evidence of crucifixion). So do not be dismissive of his dire warning. But for those who walk faithfully in the glorious liberty of those in Christ there will be peace. Let us so walk that by God's grace we will walk with the Son of the Father during the kingdom and with our God after that forever.