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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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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 16th (2 Chronicles 7, Ezekiel 42, John 8)

In 2 Chronicles 7 Yahweh answers Solomon by fire to accompany the huge number of sacrifices. Verses 1-3 tells us that when the priests saw this miraculous event that they responded by praising Yahweh forHis lovingkindness. Verses 4-6 says that there was an incredible number of animals slain as the priests blew their trumpets at the dedication of the House. Verse 7 says that additional to the offerings mentioned before there were peace offerings, burnt offerings and grain offerings made. Verses 8-10 speaks of the great assembly being gathered from the ends of the Land. Verses 11-18 say the Almightyappears to Solomon the second time and speaks of His sincere response to Solomon's loving and dedicated prayer. His ears would always be open and He would respond with loving kindness. Solomonurges his people that whenever they are in trouble they need to beseech their Almighty and loving Sovereign as He will be responsive to their pleas from His House - verse 15. Verses 19-22 indicate thatthe blessings on Solomon and his people are conditional and dependent on their obedience. Note therecurring use of the word IF in these verses.Ezekiel 42 describes the temple's chambers i.e. small rooms. These chambers occupy the entire length of the outer square buildings. These rooms may be for the instruction and meeting the needs of the worshippers who will come in their millions. They measure 500 reeds in length for each side (north, south, east and west) - that is of six cubits (being the Royal cubit of two feet in length - making each side of the House about 1.8288 kilometres long. The perimeter of the Temple would therefore be about 7.31 kilometres. Some versions of John 8 omit the earlier verses of this chapter. There can be little doubt that they should be included in the record. A woman was brought to the Lord caught in the very act of adultery. Where was the man also caught in the act? It was a set up designed to trap Jesus. The Law of Moses made it very clear that adultery was punishable by stoning. As the Lord's enemies persist in goading Jesus he says: "Let the one without sin cast the first stone". Then Jesus stoops down and writes in the dust - most likely our Lord wrote their names in fulfilment of Jeremiah 17 verse 13. One by one the Lord's foes leave beginning at the eldest. Finally, the woman is left alone with Christ and although he does not condemn her she is charged to go and sin no more. This obviously meant an abandonment of her current manner of life. A discussion follows as to Jesus being the light of the world - one of the many Messianic titles John uses. This leads on to a discussion regarding origins - our Lord was from God but his adversaries were murderous liars and were in no way children of Abraham. Only the truth could set them free. Finally, Jesus astounds his foes with a claim that he is the entire focus of God's purpose. Abraham understood this and rejoiced in that knowledge.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 15th (2 Chronicles 5, 6, Ezekiel 41, John 7)

2 Chronicles 5 describes the ark being brought to Zion and its resting place in the Most Holy Place. The final picture of immortality the cherubim - represents the unity of believers with their Lord.; as it was made out of the same piece of gold and perpetually recognising his sacrifice and glory. The choir praises the "chesed" i.e. the lovingkindness of Yahweh. Chapter 6 describes Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the house. Note the humility of Solomon as he offers his prayer and the repetition of the phrase - "Hear in heaven, Your dwelling place". No physical house can contain our magnificent Sovereign. The whole ceremony is blessed by God. Note the pertinence of the words that we must extend the LORD's tender mercies i.e. loving kindnesses to others as we surely recognise our need of Yahweh's mercy. Punishment would be brought to Israel for their disobedience to their Sovereign to bring the nation back to God. Once again there is an allusion to Psalm 132. Ezekiel 41 tells us of the inner temple and the folding double leaved doors. Verses 1-26 describe the entrance rooms to the inner circle of buildings which constitute the Most Holy Place. Readers are encouraged to consider the writings of Henry Sulley - an architect from Nottingham - on Ezekiel chapters 40-48 in his book titled "The Temple of Ezekiel's Prophecy". Palm trees and cherubic figures are to befound in the vestibules of the Most Holy Place. Ezekiel's enthusiasm was heightened by the coming visionof the future house of prayer for all nations. May our contemplation of this glorious day likewise enlivenour hope and desire to likewise be there.John 7 records an unannounced visit of Jesus to Jerusalem at the Feast of Booths i.e. Tabernacles. There was a division among the people, as to whether our Lord was a good man, or a deceiver of the people. Jesus arrives in the middle of the feast. Many were convinced that he was the Christ. Although officers from the Sanhedrin were sent to arrest Jesus they could not do so because his time had not yet come. Jesus prophesied to them of his ascent to heaven and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Some said that this was the prophet like Moses. Others rejected this idea just because our Lord was from Galilee. Jesus just like Jonah, also from Gath-Hepher in Galilee told his audience to consider the sign of the prophet Jonah. We have seen in our earlier studies that the sign had many levels of significance and spoke primarily both of Jesus' resurrection and witnessing.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 14th (2 Chronicles 3, 4, Ezekiel 40, John 6)

In 2 Chronicles 3 we are told of the building of the temple. This building commenced in the 2nd month of the fourth year of Solomon's reign. We know that the Temple was completed and dedicated in 1,004 BC. It was constructed on the site of Ornan's threshing floor. Verses 1-7 describe the precious materials used in its construction. Verses 8-9 tells us the dimensions and quantity of gold used for the Most Holy Place. Verses 10-14 speak of the construction of the golden cherubim of the Most Holy. Verses 15-17 outline the fabrication of the two bronze pillars at the entrance of the temple - Boaz (the strong one) and Yachin (God will establish). These pillars are typical of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 4 records the furnishings of the temple. It is worth noting that modern metallurgy does not have the skills to make the brazen sea that was made 3,000 years ago. Verses 1-6 describe the making of the brazen sea in the courtyard that speaks of cleansing by the water of God's Word as we first approach Him. Verses 7-10 inform us of the 10 golden Lampstands that illuminate the Holy Place. In verse 7 we see that these Lampstands represent our Lord Jesus Christ and his saints Jew and Gentile which will provide the gospel's light to the world: Zechariah 4:10-14. As our Lord Jesus walked among his people he was continually enlightening them. To. Us now it symbolises our Lord Jesus Christ as the light to our path as we walk towards God's kingdom: Psalm 119:105. Verses 11-18 enumerate sundry furnishings and provide further details of the appearance and manufacture of the bronze sea. Verses 19-22 conclude the description of the Temple. The golden table of shewbread - literally "the bread of the faces" - speaks of Yahweh's provision on a constant basis for His people in provision of fellowship with Him until the seventh day when the bread is changed - telling of the immortalisation of the saints of God. In Ezekiel 40 we have the prophet being given a vision of the coming temple. It had a structure like a city. This Temple is of immense proportions for it is to be a House of Prayer for all nations in Messiah's Kingdom. From verses 5-16 we are given a description of the most important gate - the east gate. It is through this gate that the Lord Jesus Christ enters the temple. Then follow descriptions of the outer court, the north and south gates, the inner court and the chambers (or rooms) of the priests. Lastly we are given a description of the vestibule of the temple. John 6 recorded signs 4 and 5 - the feeding of the 5,000 and our Lord's walking on the troubled sea. The feeding of the 5,000 took place in spring - a time of abundant green grass. It was Passover time (12 months before Jesus' crucifixion) and just after the death of John the Baptist. Jesus, in testing Philip, asks where can Jesus and his Apostles purchase sufficient bread in the wilderness for this crowd; for our Lord already knew what he was going to do. From the personal lunch of a lad - five loaves and two fish Jesus feeds 5,000 and collects 12 baskets full of fragments. Having full bellies, the multitude wants to forcibly make Jesus their king. Our Lord rapidly disperses the crowd and sends the disciples away by boat. Jesus goes into a mountain to pray. The Lord comes to the disciples walking on the water. No sooner had he joined them than they arrive at Capernaum - the city of comfort. This is a parable illustrating our vain toiling on the troubled sea of nations as we await the return of our Master. As soon as Jesus returns we will receive the peace he brings and the comforts of the kingdom age. At the synagogue in Capernaum a discussion takes place as Jesus tells them that he is the 'bread of life' - in contrast to the wilderness manna eaten by their fathers. The Son of God has been sealed in his thinking by his Father; and what they need to do was believe. Their being saved is through what the Father has done through His Son and all they can do is to accept this by believing on His Son. Isaiah 55 is a key link to this chapter and it focused on resurrection - "the sure mercies, i.e. 'chesed' of David". Note the emphasis in John 6 and how many times Jesus refers to resurrection - verses 39, 44. Verse 45 quotes from Isaiah 54 verse 13. All who believe thefaithful message of the gospel are "taught of God". Jesus found that many would-be disciples leave him being unable to cope with the challenging ideas our Lord Jesus presents. Peter's encouraging and supportive words for his Lord particularly and for every potential disciple when says in verses 68-69, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and come to know, that you are the Holy One of God". ESV Jesus though encouraged reminds Peter and the other Apostles of the rocky road ahead when he refers them to the challenges that are to come from Judas Iscariot: see verses 70-71. Let none of us trust in ourselves for the heart of mankind is "diabolos' - treacherous.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 13th (2 Chronicles 1, 2, Ezekiel 39, John 5)

In chapter 1 of 2 Chronicles Solomon worshipped at Gibeon and later that evening when Yahweh appeared to him, he was told to ask from God whatever he desired. Solomon's response was to ask wisdom to rule the people of the LORD in a wise way (this showed that Solomon had a degree of wisdom in making such a request). In addition to wisdom Solomon was granted great wealth. In chapter 2 Solomon prepares for the building of the temple and commences his rule in great humility. Solomon's start to his reign was remarkable. The king had, perhaps, the greatest potential of any of Israel's monarchs. The king's heart was towards his divine Sovereign but was sadly later misdirected by his marrying of foreign wives who took the king away from God. Chapter 39 of Ezekiel tells of the devastation wrought on Gogue and his hosts. They will fall in their multitudes and be carrion to the birds of prey - those birds who will feed on the slaughtered symbolise many other nations. Gog (Gogue) and his multitude will be given a place of graves east of Jerusalem - and this mausoleum will be called Hamon-Gog. It will take seven months to bury the dead. When Yahweh magnifies Himself in this great victory Israel and all nations will recognise the power that resides in that Great and Holy Name. Our Sovereign will exalt and restore His people Israel to be the head of the nations and will place His spirit within them. John 5 gives the third sign recorded in his account in the healing of the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda (meaning "the house of mercy"). It would seem that the Jews had a superstition about this place - just as surrounds the mythology of Lourdes. Some translations add, 'it was said that an angel ..'. The man was about 38 years old and a symbol of Israel, who for 38 years were powerless and perishing in wilderness. The miracle occurs on the Sabbath day and so this is a continuation of the Jews seek to contentions with our Lord about the Sabbath day. In verses 19-47 Jesus witnesses to his sonship,authority and truth. There was no equality between our Lord and his Father - Jesus' power was derived from his Father and without God Christ could do nothing. But the authority of the Word of Jesus, as he says, extended to raising the dead. The morally dead who listened would be enlightened and enlivened by the saving words of the gospel. This would mean that having now 'heard' the voice of the Son of God; they would be brought to life as they will be called forth to resurrection when Jesus returns to earth. The chapter concludes with Christ outlining the "witnesses" that incontrovertibly prove he was from God. This chapter demonstrates both the spiritual conception i.e. "new birth" in verses 24-27 and physical resurrection which precedes birth to spirit nature verses 28-29.
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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).