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Thoughts on the Bible Readings ( 1 Kings 2, Jeremiah 29, Mark 3) for Aug 8th

David's final instructions for Solomon are found in 1 Kings 2.  Note his emphasis was on sustaining Israel's currently high spiritual state and on Solomon's responsibility to ensure God's people walk before Him in faithfulness with all their heart, and soul. After that Solomon, as a wise ruler, needs watch the known troublemakers of his realm. So David died, at 70 years old, having guided the nation for 40 years. Adonijah, David's son, had an obvious agenda that was easily recognised by Solomon. Adonijah must be carefully watched. Adonijah tried, unsuccessfully, to use Bathsheba's influence over her son; so Solomon sent Benaiah to kill Adonijah. Solomon next put restrictions on Abiathar and Shimei, requiring them to remain within the gates of their virtual city of refuge.  Both failed to comply and so were slain. Abiathar's death fulfilled the judgment of Eli's house spoken of in 1 Samuel 3 verses 12-14.
In Jeremiah 29 we have Jeremiah's words to the exiles in Babylon and for those rebels remaining in Jerusalem to settle in Babylon , where they are to be taken, for the 70 years of their captivity. Judah should have listened to and obeyed the Word of Yahweh who had proven the prophetic authority given to Jeremiah. The actions of the vile figs of Judah were to yet again resist the Word of the Almighty. The false prophets of verse 21 would meet a fate similar to the two roasted in the fire by Nebuchadnezzar. Another false prophet, Shemaiah, is denounced in verses 24-32 for his rebellion against his Sovereign and was guaranteed an obscure death, not seeing the favour to be shown to the return of the exiles after the seventy years captivity. 
Mark 3 describes the Sabbath healing of a man's withered hand. This was most likely a ploy to trap and discredit Jesus. But it failed miserably. Jesus is followed by crowds who were affected by the miracles. Our Lord Jesus, after a night of prayer with his Father, selects 12 special disciples, who were called Apostles because of the commission given them. Note in verse 14 that part of their calling was for Jesus' need for companionship. We all need friends - companionship. Verses 20-21 tell us that when our Lord comes back to Capernaum his family sought to curtail his behaviour which was upsetting the Jewish leaders. Did his family believe him to be unbalanced? A debate over the authenticity of Jesus' miracles ensues as his enemies attribute the miracles to Beelzebul (the lord of the dung heap). The Master shows how illogical this was and indicated that these rulers were speaking blasphemy against God's Holy Spirit power. The chapter concludes with a further attempt by his own family to get him to desist from upsetting the religious authorities. Jesus educates his natural family by stating that his true family were to be found among those who understood and supported Jesus in his Father's work.More here https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 1, Jeremiah 28, Mark 2) for Aug 7th

1 Kings 1 shows the circumstances that brought Solomon to the throne while David was yet alive. This proves that the promise of 2 Samuel 7 centred on another, who we know as the Lord Jesus Christ. It was brought about by the attempted usurpation of the throne by yet another of David's sons, Adonijah. Nathan the prophet together with Bathsheba, David's wife and Solomon's mother, recover the situation. Solomon is crowned king and the conspirators - Adonijah, Abiathar and Joab - abjectly slink away in defeat. Adonijah went into the Tabernacle to grab hold of the horns of the altar, thus seeking asylum. Adonijah is brought before Solomon and pays homage to king Solomon who shows him mercy.
It was in that notable year - the fourth of Zedekiah and the first of Nebuchadnezzar - that the events recorded in Jeremiah 28 occurred. This time in the fifth month of that eventful year the  false prophet Hananiah; meaning "Yah is gracious" had not spoken truly in claiming to be the LORD's prophet and had told lies so he was doomed to die a false prophet. Jeremiah is commanded by God to make and wear a wooden yoke and to take the message for Judah to submit to Nebuchadnezzar. Hananiah prophesies that the Babylonian king's power would be broken within 2 years and those who were currently exiled in Babylon would return. Jeremiah said that he wished it could be so. Then Jeremiah issued a prophecy which proved which of the two  - Jeremiah or Hananiah - was Yahweh's prophet. Hananiah would die that same year for the rebellion taught against God. This happened within 2 months.
Mark's second chapter records Jesus as being home in Capernaum (city of consolation - ie of the Gospel message). It was in all likelihood the synagogue near Peter's home. The miracle of healing the paralytic man, who is carried by his four persistent friends was a marvellous example of the determination and faith of these five men. In healing the paralysed man Jesus declared that by the faith of this man he had been made whole. Jesus shows his power, not only over diseases, but even over sin and death. In associating with tax collectors, and being criticised for so doing, our Lord describes his mission as to those who recognise their illness. Christ answers an enquiry about fasting and says that his disciples need not fast while they enjoyed the Bridegroom's company. Jesus tells a parable about new and old cloth. The parable reveals that the Jewish leaders were stayed in their ways and couldn't coexist with Christ's so called new and radical teachings. Finally our Lord defends his disciples who were accused of having violated the  Sabbath. Jesus shows that their needs stood above the need to "keep" the Sabbath (citing 1 Samuel 21 as the precedent) and that further to that, Jesus is 'Lord of (or over) the Sabbath'.More here https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 24, Jeremiah 27, Mark 1) for Aug 6th

The record of 24th chapter of 2 Samuel closes the book on what had begun at a low point in David's life - his falling into a a sin whose consequences reverberated throughout his life - but by which he learned other extraordinary lessons. As a result David was able to teach us of grace, faith and wisdom. These would help to provide a foundation for his son Solomon to commence a reign of immense possibilities. David, at this time, was overcome with pride by the power of his kingdom, and it would seem, so was the entire nation. God used David's pride as an occasion to humble all who were lifted up in their arrogance. Interestingly Yahweh provoked David- the parallel record of 1 Chronicles 21 tells that satan did this. Although the KJV wrongfully translated this common noun without any definite article. It means that God was in opposition to Israel - at this time He (God) was their adversary. Joab was right in seeking to dissuade David from finding out what was the strength of his army. But without success, Joab pleads with David to refrain from his intended disastrous course. But the army captain shows his displeasure for his monarch by thwarting the census among those tribes where he had influence. The power of the true Sovereign was being disdained by David and so the king was told to choose from 3 punishments. When given a choice of 3 punishments David, now belatedly and contritely pleads with the Almighty that the king's people's were innocent. So David allows God to make the choice. For three days the land is plagued and ravaged by the angel's scourge - ie plague - until David courageously intervenes at the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusiite. This place was to become the site for Solomon's temple. Although the events described literally occurred we are presented with an enacted parable of Jerusalem's redemption. Araunah a Gentile, called Ornan in the Chronicles account, means "the strong one". So, typically, Israel are redeemed from the hand of those who were too strong for them. This happens in Jebus meaning "trodden down". The parable is explained in Luke 21:24.
In Jeremiah 27 the prophet enacts a parable. The LORD instructs Jeremiah to make a wooden yoke and wear it as a testimony to the king and other leaders within Judah. Emissaries were sent out to the surrounding nations instructing them to submit to the power of Nebuchadnezzar. This, says the prophet, is because the Lord God Almighty has invested the Babylonian ruler with the authority to destroy nations and rule the peoples of that entire region. Jeremiah makes an appeal to both king Zedekiah and his subjects, who are told to submit to the king of Babylon in order that they might live. Alternatively Judah can choose to rebel and perish . Make your choice and accept the consequences Judah is told.
In Mark 1 we have the beginning of the Gospel of the Son of God. There is no introduction, nor genealogy, for Jesus is depicted as Yahweh's servant. Jesus' ministry commences at his baptism when Jesus is about 30 years old. Mark next records our Lord's forty days of temptation in the wilderness. Mark alone tells us that the wild beasts were with him in the wilderness. Mark uses the expression "Immediately" many times in the first chapter and is a key word in Mark's record. The events described follow "immediately" after our Lord's testing. At the start of Jesus' ministry he calls his first Apostles. The chapter then tells us about the healing of a man with an unclean spirit. We are next told that there was a vast number of unrecorded miracles. That is followed by a preaching campaign in Galilee and the healing of a leper, whose plight deeply and personally touched our Lord and evoked from him his great compassion. This leper was sent to the priest as a testimony that the Son of God had come, and would do what the Law could not.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings 2 Samuel 23; Jeremiah 26; Romans 15, 16) for Aug 5th

What a magnificent chapter we have in the 23rd chapter of 2nd Samuel. It records the final words of David in thanksgiving and acknowledgment of the blessings of Yahweh. In verse 2 we are told that he was raised on high - indeed so, from shepherd boy to king; from a frail and failing individual to the recipient of great and precious promises; and, one who was to be the forebear of Messiah, whom he portrayed in type when he sat in the presence of the Almighty (2 Samuel 7). He wrote of the Messiah, "the sweet theme of Israel's Psalms". It was the God and Rock of Israel who spoke through David, "The One who rules over men (ie Messiah) must be just, ruling in awe of God". David acknowledged that he and his descendants failed to live up to these words - but the Christ, who would be crucified (v7) would and he would (v6) deal with wickedness in all its forms. The balance of the chapter fittingly deals with David's mighty men and their exploits. David as Mighty Warrior king - the El Gibbor: Isaiah 9:6-7 - who would vanquish sin and death (see Isaiah 9 verses 6-7). He and his saints make war in righteousness against the enemies of their Almighty Father: Revelation 19 verses11-16. 
 
In Jeremiah 26 we are told of the death threats made against Jeremiah and his deliverance from those who sought his life. Jeremiah is commanded to stand in the courts of the Temple and call upon all the citizens of Judah to amend their ways and avert the planned judgments. The prophet is told that the nation will fail to heed those warnings. Yahweh invites Judah to consider the lessons of history: the Almighty had destroyed the centre of His worship at Shiloh because of the nation's wickedness. Verses 7-9 tell us that the leaders surround Jeremiah and threaten to kill him. Verses 10-11 tell us that officers came from the king's house to the Temple to investigate the charges against the prophet. In verses 10-15 Jeremiah defends himself against the charges levelled and repeats Yahweh's plea for Judah to amend her ways. The prophet warns these rulers that the LORD will hold them accountable for the way they treat him. Verses 16-19 tell of the division of thought that the rulers had concerning Jeremiah. The reasonable rulers considered Micah's influence on king Hezekiah, spoken of in Micah 3 verses9-12, to eagerly pursue mighty reforms in order to save Jerusalem from its eventual doom in AD 135 when the Roman Emperor Hadrian commanded the ploughing Jerusalem's fields and sowing them with salt. Verses 20-22 speak of the king and his warriors intent to put the prophet to death. However Urijah the priest protected the prophet. The king hunted down Uriah capturing the priest in Egypt and slaying him. The chapter concludes with Jeremiah's hopes contains the hopes and the pleas he made to the vacillating monarch, Zedekiah. The prophet had sought to persuade the king and his officials to ceasing to be recalcitrant rulers. Had Jeremiah achieved that he may have been able to avert a similar destruction to that had been brought upon Shiloh, where once the Almighty's name dwelt and for a time had been reverenced. The chapter concludes with Shaphan the scribe's protection of Jeremiah from the people who wanted him dead. 
In Romans 15 verses 4-6 we are told the purpose of the Scriptures - What ever has been written has been recorded for us to learn endurance and comfort. Particularly note that we are told that it was firstly recorded for the purpose of the Christ. Verses 8-13 should be read slowly and aloud to understand that all Scripture has been written to instruct us in the ways of patience and in a faithful walk before our God. Verses 14-21 speaks of God's will to save the Gentiles and for them to become obedient to the gospel on the basis of their faith. It allowed him to serve all who would be the recipients of salvation starting with God's Chosen People (verse 😎 and flowing through to the Gentiles (verses 9-12); to whom Paul was the minister of revelation. The Apostle outlines future travel plans, God willing; and the LORD's purpose for the God of peace to bring His children peace. The Apostle prays that the God of peace may protect them. Chapter 16 verses 1-16 contains a list of faithful saints and fellow helpers in the furtherance of the gospel. How important it is to do whatever we can in advancing God's saving message to a perishing world. How great is our frequent need of friends to stand by us and encourage us to patiently continue in well doing. The letter concludes with a promise from the Almighty to crush the perpetual persecutors of the saints (Rome - the great Satan) in verse 20. The purpose of the letter concludes in a wonderful prayer of praise whereby God is extolled and the intent of the letter and Paul's great commission to preach among the Gentiles the justification by faith that all may become obedient to the Gospel of God.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 22; Jeremiah 25; Romans 13, 14) for August 4th

In the 22nd chapter of 2nd Samuel we have David's song of deliverance. How similar it is to that of Moses' song in Deuteronomy 32. The focus is on Yahweh's steadfast love; His capacity to, and willingness to, always deliver His faithful servants. Another important theme is God's enduring and Rock-like persistent protection and power exercised consistently on the behalf of His children. The Almighty Father and our Sovereign's will shall be accomplished in the earth, unhindered.
Jeremiah 25 clearly tells us that the fourth year of Jehoiakim was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar. We are told later in Jeremiah's writings that this was the year when the king of Judah burned the Bible that the Omnipotent revealed His purpose to the potentate, Nebuchadnezzar, who presided over the kingdom of men. How important it is for us to appreciate that the fulfilling of God's purpose is not dependent upon our faithfulness. If we fail God will choose another. When king Zedekiah rejected the Almighty the Omnipotent Sovereign selected to reveal His Will to a Gentile monarch: Nebuchadnezzar. When Israel failed Yahweh in His mercy offered salvation to the Gentiles. He can just as easily reject us for failing to honour God: Romans 11 verses 11-36. Those verses also establish that once the fulness of the Gentiles is reached Israel will again be regrafted into their own olive tree. Details of the Almighty's kingdom plan were revealed to Babylon's mighty ruler in Daniel 2. The 25th chapter of Jeremiah records the punishment to be inflicted on guilty Judah as Yahweh's indignation was poured out.
Chapter 13 of Romans developed the extension of peaceful living by explaining the purpose and practices needed in an orderly society. This chapter teaches the disciple of Christ that he/she is subject to the rulers and magistrate God had appointed. Deterrents and disciplinary measures are essential for the preservation of peace. Paul tells the disciple how to recognise our place and demeanour in such a God ordained ordered society. We will conform to society's laws unless they are in conflict with God's principles: Acts 5 verses 27-29. 
Chapter 14 turns its focus from living peacefully in a broad society ordered by divine discipline to the disciple's need to fix his mind on walking in harmony and fellowship with his fellow disciples. We must avoid judging our fellow believers, and rather recognising that it is to our Lord Jesus Christ; and he alone to whom we must give account We will either stand, or fall for our own doings and not to worry too much about what anyone else does. Peripheral matters must never become a focus or basis for comparing ourselves with others. The Apostle Paul lays down the important principle designed to keep matters of conscience in perspective, that "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace, and joy in a spirit of holiness" verse 17.
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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 20, 21; Jeremiah 24; Romans 12) for Aug 3rd

In the 20th chapter of 2 Samuel we have further trouble for David from yet another rebellious Benjamite, Sheba the son of Bichri. David assembles the mighty men under Amasa to deal with the matter. Amasa is treacherously slain by Joab, who was displeased with his displacement by the new captain. Temporary disquiet at Joab's brutal betrayal is soon overcome and Sheba pursued. Much blood shedding is averted by a wise woman who arranged Sheba's assassination. This unnamed woman arranged for the rebel's head to be thrown from the wall to Joab who in response calls off the siege. 
Chapter 21 records the outbreak of a deadly famine that Yahweh had brought upon the land because of Saul's wrongful slaying of the Gibeonites. Saul's acts had yet once again been occasioned by his misplaced zeal and wrongful perception. David is told by Almighty God to recompense the Gibeonites and carried out the charge. The remaining Gibeonites would not accept any recompense by way of sacrifice. Those Gibeonites required David to hand over seven of Saul's "sons", ie offspring, to the Gibeonites who hung them on trees indicating that they were cursed by God. Saul's faithful concubine Rizpah is commended for her diligence and loyalty by driving away the vultures from the bodies day and night. David is saved by his mighty men during campaigns against the Philistines. Four of Goliath's sons were slain by David's warriors. When the weary warrior that David had become was himself struck down and believed to have been slain by Ishbi-Benob Abishai, David's nephew, saved and sustained him. David's men recognising that he was more important in his capacity to instruct his people in the ways of godliness, and in matters of states, rather than in the arts of war, forbid him from again going out to battle, "that the light of Israel not be extinguished". 
Jeremiah's 24th chapter explains the parable about the good figs and the bad figs. It was again about perceptions - those in Jerusalem saw themselves as the preserved ie good figs and those who had been carried away to Babylon as the punished, or bad figs. The reverse was, in fact, the reality. Judah's preservation relied on the restoration of the good figs and on the return of those exiles now in Babylon to Judah their homeland. 
Chapters 1-8 of Romans developed the Gospel of God; 9-11 explained the Gospel and Israel. Now from chapter 12 through to 16 we are shown how to live the Gospel in our daily life. Chapter 12 begins the practical advice with the acknowledgment that daily service and living a sacrificial life is both rational and reasonable. In verse 2-8 Christ's servants must understand how to contribute to ecclesial life in humility and with eagerness and zeal, participating for the building up of a glorious bride. Each of us is exhorted to know our role in God's ecclesial house and to exercise it. Verses 9-20 identify qualities of the transformed way of living for all true all true disciples. What sound advice concludes the chapter on avoiding vengeance and living peacefully with others. The final words of the chapter should be one of our mottoes for daily life: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good".
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The Life Of Christ #95 Continued Speculation About Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles | John Martin

A @Christadelphians Video: **Video Description:** Delve into the **wonderful** and **thought-provoking** events surrounding Jesus during the Feast of Tabernacles in this detailed Bible talk by John Martin. Discover the growing tension, public debate, and divine revelations as Christ’s identity becomes the center of speculation. 📖 **Bible Verses Explored:** ✝️ **John 7:25-36** – Public questioning of Jesus’ identity ✝️ **John 7:37-44** – Jesus’ proclamation of living water ✝️ **John 7:45-53** – The Pharisees’ resistance & Nicodemus’ defense 🔍 **Detailed Timestamps (68-Minute Breakdown):** 00:00 – Introduction** – Setting the stage at the Feast of Tabernacles 05:18 – John 7:25-31** – "Could this be the Messiah?" Public speculation begins 15:42 – John 7:32-36** – Religious leaders plot to arrest Jesus 24:05 – John 7:37-39** – Jesus’ bold declaration: "Rivers of living water" 35:50 – John 7:40-44** – Division among the crowd: Prophet or Christ? 47:20 – John 7:45-52** – Pharisees confront the guards & Nicodemus speaks up 58:30 – John 7:53** – Transition & lingering questions 63:15 – Conclusion** – Reflecting on Jesus’ impact during the feast 📚 **Categories:** Bible Study, New Testament, Gospel of John, Life of Christ, Jewish Festivals 💡 **Why Watch?** ✔️ Understand the historical and theological significance of Jesus’ teachings ✔️ Explore the varied reactions—from belief to hostility—toward Christ ✔️ Gain fresh insights into this pivotal moment in Scripture 🔔 **Receive notifications** for more enriching Bible studies—subscribe and click the bell! 📌 **Tags:** The Life of Christ, John Martin, Feast of Tabernacles, Bible study, Gospel of John, New Testament, Jesus teachings, Christian sermon, Biblical feast, Jewish festivals #BibleStudy #Jesus #GospelOfJohn #FeastOfTabernacles #ChristianTeaching

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 19; Jeremiah 23; Romans 10, 11)August 2nd

Joab, in chapter 19 of 2nd Samuel, rescued the situation that had developed with David morosely lamenting Absalom's death and his people and warriors slipping silently away. Joab brought order to what could have turned out to be a total disaster. The king understood the need for healing and being seen to be once more in control. Now that Absalom is dead and the rebellion totally overturned David forgives his recent enemies. Mephibosheth is restored to favour, although somewhat dismissively by the king. Barzillai is rewarded for his kindness and loyalty to the king. Because of his aged condition Barzillai's favour was given to his favourite servant Chimham. A full reconciliation is achieved within the nation.
Jeremiah was the prophet in the court of the treacherous and vacillating monarch, Zedekiah - whose name meant "the righteousness of Yah". Note how in verse 4 of Jeremiah 23 the prophet indirectly denounced the king. The same denunciation was made in more scathing words by the prophet Ezekiel, who was beyond the retaliatory reach of Zedekiah in Babylonian exile many hundreds of kilometres away (Ezekiel 21:25-27). From verses 9-22 the lying prophets and their effects on the nation are lamented and denounced.  Judah had acted as though her Sovereign was distant and uninterested in what His people were doing. This was the furthest thing from the truth and therefore Yahweh must discipline them.
In the 10th chapter of Romans Paul tells us what faith is and how it originates and affects the children of the Almighty. Sadly natural Israel had failed to understand what God's righteousness was and had sought, impossibly to establish their own based on a meritorious system of law keeping. In verses 5-13 the argument is developed from the time of Moses, and based on the words of Deuteronomy 30 that salvation is beyond human effort, but rather dependent upon God's firstly raising up (or producing a sinless saviour) and consequently, able to resurrect him from the dead. Our part is to accept and believe it. The chapter concludes with the fact that this is incredibly good news for us, who would be totally lost without this. Faith, he concludes is based on hearing the Word of God.Chapter 11 of Romans is about national Israel, God's Chosen People, and the Gospel. Some points made include the following:-  1)  the Lord God of Israel has never abandoned His people; 2) God has always raised up a remnant among  them, to be saved by grace; 3) it has always been been Yahweh's purpose to save the faithful from all nations; 4) the inclusion of the Gentiles was intended to provoke natural Jews to return to their roots and the Father's original purpose for them; 5) Israel's restoration represents a national resurrection and is a token of the nearness of Christ's Kingdom which will be presaged by the resurrection of the dead; 6) the Scriptures abundantly attest this including the words of Joel 3 verses 16-17, 7) And this plan was always our Sovereign's purpose and He never changes from His determined will; 8) we must be in awe and marvel at the riches and wisdom of the Almighty. The great Apostle Paul marvels at the wisdom and foresight of the Almighty. Nothing has happened in His plan to save faithful Jews and Gentiles that the Father had not foreseen. We look forward to the day when the Deliverer will come to Zion and turn away ungodliness from Jacob, and so save Israel, a nation far degraded from its calling as illustrated in the current Jeremiah readings. Read verses 33-36 aloud and praise our Omnipotent Sovereign for His love and merciful kindness.e saved could on one basis alone - by faith in the foundation stone the Father set in Zion (Isaiah 28 verse 16) His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.More here https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 18; Jeremiah 22; Romans 9) for Aug 1st

HI welcome to Christadelpian video.org The writer of 2 Samuel 18 records the battle which saw the inglorious end of Absalom, who sat on his Royal donkey, as he led his host to their destruction. David's forces were aided in their victory by nature as the record states: the wood devoured more that day than the sword. Joab, with relish, seized the chance to slay Absalom contrary to his king's specific orders. Joab gloried over David in the cruel way he communicated the crushing of Absalom and his host to David. No doubt this was also an endeavour not only to crush David, but also an attempt to get back at his uncle who had so often thwarted Joab. David  was devastated and sat in the gate to publicly lament Absalom's demise. The nation was perplexed as this act seemed to show contempt for those who had just saved their king. Joab's only redeeming act in this record is to remonstrate with David to prevent the disaster from developing,
Jeremiah 22:2-4 commences with conditions which had to be met if the nation was to remain in God's land. Then follow the consequences for failure in verses 5-10. This is followed by warnings against Josiah's sons - verses 11-12 against Jehoahaz, who is also known as Shallum; verses 13-19 against Jehoiakim, who is also known as Eliakim; verses 24-30 against Jehoiachin, who is also known as Jeconiah and also as Coniah. It was Jehoiakim who was directed to the lesson of his father, that to know Yahweh was to act like Yahweh. Jehoiachin was told that his occupation of Judah's throne was dependent on his acting as a Godfearing and just king. Pause and contemplate the personal lessons from verses 15-16 in particular. From verses 17-22 we read of the contrary current culture seen in Jeconiah's life, which mirrored Judah's self centred behaviour, and was denounced by the nation's Sovereign. A particular contempt was to be pronounced against Coniah, an appellation for Jeconiah, whereby our Sovereign detached any connection with that contemptible king by truncating Jeconiah's name by a symbolic gesture in the partial removing of God's name of Yah - Je - a portion of it still remained in the "iah". God's name can never be erased: Isaiah 56:4-5; Acts 8:31-38. Jeconiah was to be removed from the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ by the Almighty.
In Romans 9 Paul explains his frustration at his nation's failure to grasp the glory God was offering his people. The Apostle shows from Scripture that this failure was foretold and follows a persistent pattern of behaviour demonstrated by Israel. Nonetheless the Almighty's sovereign selection would stand upon the principles of the Divine grace and mercy, not because of any effort or merit on the part of any individual within the Chosen People. The Scriptures stand true and the restoration of the former people of God's choosing would be by His actions through which anyone to be saved could on one basis alone - by faith in the foundation stone the Father set in Zion (Isaiah 28 verse 16) His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.More here https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 16; Jeremiah 20 and Romans 5, 6) for july 30th

2 Samuel 16 verses 1-4 describe the betrayal of Mephibosheth by Ziba the manager of Mephibosheth's estate. Ziba met the fleeing David and slandered his master by lying about Mephibosheth's words claiming that Mephibosheth had said that he would be advanced by Absalom. Ziba came bearing gifts hoping to ingratiate himself to David so that should the king survive the attempted usurpation he would promote Ziba. The food, wine and fruit were of great value to the needy king.Ziba's appeared to be a no lose strategy. Should Absalom's usurpation work it would totally destroy Mephibosheth's position and, possibly, securing Zibah's advancement. In the unlikely event of David being victorious he had already secured the current king's favour.Verses 5-14 tell of another betrayal by the Benjaminite Shimei as he stood at a distance and following David threw stones, dust and curses at the king because of the bloodshed experienced by Saul's household at the hands of David and his warriors. The hot-headed Abishai asked permission from David to separate Shimei's head from his body. David forbade that action saying that he deserved the blasphemy of this Benjaminite. Shimei's treachery was minor alongside Absalom's insurrection. After passing through the Kidron valley David refreshed himself. In verses 15-19 Absalom enters Jerusalem and there is met by Hushai who feigns friendship with Absalom who seems surprised by this. Hushai says he will be grateful to serve Absalom. Absalom's Achilles' heel is his pride which Hushai will continue to exploit so that Absalom's rebellion will fail. Hushai is the providential answer to David's prayers. We also see the value of true friendship. True friends stand by each other regardless of the danger, or cost. In verses 20-23 Ahithophel David's former counsellor, but now his arch enemy, gives his counsel as to how Absalom must act to drive an irrecoverable chasm between David and Absalom. This action involves a public defiling of the king's concubines. This was the right only of a king. It meant that the people of Israel would be forced to choose sides in the upcoming war. Ahithophel's advice was perfect to achieve the desired outcome.
In Jeremiah's 20th chapter we see the outrageous abuse of Jeremiah, at the hand of Pashur. This false prophet put Jeremiah in the stocks and arranged to have him severely beaten. But, our Sovereign doesn't take lightly the affliction of His beloved children, and will recompense the evil upon the heads of the perpetrators. Pashur is given the appellation: "Terror on every side", as a prophecy of the terror the false prophet not only brought to others, but would incessantly experience in the remainder of his miserable life. Pashur would be repaid when he would experience terror as Pashur and his family were dragged to Babylon. At terrible times lying prophets appear to prosper. We see many of these prophets in chapter 23 and another prominent example of one of these in chapter 28.  In verses 7-12 Jeremiah laments his terrible treatment that has been caused by his faithfulness to the LORD God Almighty. The prophet claims that this was not how God should reward them that speak for their God. In his extremity Jeremiah says that his Sovereign has deceived him. The prophet says that because of his suffering he tried to keep silent. However he could not because the Word of the LORD was like a fire in his bones. Do we share the prophet's zeal for the message of his God? O that we do! Verses 10-12 tell us that Jeremiah felt betrayed by his friends but the prophet knew that his Omnipotent Sovereign would never abandon his faithful servant. Yahweh would recompense Jeremiah's foes. In verses 14-18 Jeremiah, feeling extremely depressed like Job, pleads with Yahweh to end the prophet's own monumental miseries.
Romans 5 enumerates the blessings of justification by faith and the process in life through which we go to bring us to a state of being at peace with God. Carefully read verses 1-5 to better understand what the Almighty does to develop character in His children. The Apostle points out that the saving initiative comes from, and also commences with, our Father. Slowly read aloud verses 6-11 and marvel at the loving kindness of our Sovereign. Paul next elaborates the problem produced by our Adamic heritage - not our fault, but our misfortune - and contrasts this with the boundless blessings and benefits for those who transferred their allegiances to our Lord Jesus Christ, the one man by whom many have been made righteous.Romans chapter 6 outlines the process by which we identify with the salvation wrought in Jesus. Baptism (burial in water) joins us symbolically to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus. We no longer remain the servants of sin, but rather became slaves of God, serving righteousness. In verses 12-22 the Apostle speaks of our transferring of our allegiance from king sin, who we have tirelessly slaved for until we joined Christ through belief and baptism, to God and His Son the Christ in whom we have been liberated from past slavery. We now are in a position to receive the gracious gift of God, rather than rightfully being rewarded by our deserts. Meditate on the meaning of verse 23 - we earn death, but God graciously gives eternal life.