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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.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 15; Jeremiah 19 and Romans 3, 4) for July 29th.

2 Samuel 15 speaks of the ever increasing effects of David's sin. Absalom having been brought home from his exile in Geshur now vigorously sets out to undermine his father David. Absalom is prepared to take his time by claiming that if he was a judge in the Land the citizens would have their cause fairly judged. This vain son of David pompously rides in a chariot with fifty heralds running in front of the chariot. Sadly, Absalom would send people who came for settlement of their case home, claiming that king David had not appointed anyone to give judgment. Absalom also gave those who came for judgment the kiss of favour and so stole the hearts of Israel from their ruler. David must have had some idea of what his son was doing but he was experiencing a paralysis of power - possibly as a result of his stricken conscience over his sin with Bathsheba and against David's faithful servant Uriah. In verses 7-12 Absalom decided that the time to culminate his conspiracy had come. With the king's permission he asks to go to Hebron to fulfill a vow. Absalom assembles a company of men who have a grudge against their king as well as many others who come in their innocence and are tricked into Absalom's conspiracy. Verses 13-18 says that when David heard the news he fled Jerusalem to prevent bloodshed. David left behind ten of his concubines to keep his household together. David left the city with his warriors coming also. Hushai, David's beloved counsellor, meets king David and he is asked to provide David with information about Absalom's intentions and also to endeavour to defeat the wise counsel that Ahithophel would give Absalom. This request from David came after David would not allow Hushai to accompany the king's forces. In verses 24-29 the priests - Zadok and Abiathar - are told to return to Jerusalem with the ark. If it is God's will, says David, I will return here and worship Yahweh. David with weeping ascended the Mount of Olives just as our Lord Jesus would do a thousand years later as he - our Lord - would go to the Garden of Gethsemane. It was now that David found out that Ahithophel was among those that conspired and it was at this time that David committed his cause to the LORD. And it was now that he asked his counsellor and the two priests to spy for him. 
In Jeremiah 19 the prophet is told to buy an earthen ware flask and to gather some of the elders of Jerusalem and take them with him to the Potsherd Gate overlooking the valley of Hinnom and to then tell them of Yahweh's intention to smash Jerusalem like the vessel that the prophet would soon smash before them. He was to say to the elders that the reverberations of the Almighty's destruction of His people would cause the ears tingle of all who heard of this judgment on Jerusalem. Verses 4-5 speak of the abominations of Judah which had aroused the LORD's anger and brought His retribution. Their vile behaviour was almost unspeakable. Verses 6-9 describe the detestation that was to be seen when Judah's Sovereign arose in judgment. In verse 10 the prophet was then commanded to smash the earthen flask before the rulers who represented the nation. So vast would be the carnage brought by Babylon that the valley of Hinnom would be renamed as the valley of slaughter. The horrors of the siege would cause Judah to eat their own children just as Moses had prophesied in Deuteronomy 28 verses 53-57. This happened later when Rome besieged Jerusalem in 70 AD. The carcasses of the slain would be so extensive that Tophet - the site where Judah had burned their children in the fire as reverence to Molech the idol that demanded human sacrifices. It was fitting for that detestable place to be defiled. Jeremiah is told to return from Tophet to the Temple courts and once again tell Judah that the prophesied judgments were imminent because of Judah's wrongdoings.
Romans 3 turns attention to the Jewish people who were agreeing with every word Paul had uttered of the depravity among the Gentiles. They, too, were without excuse as they had the Word of God in their midst and yet were just as corrupt. From verses 9-20 Paul advances seven Scriptures supporting this. Then from verses 21-31 he proves that there is only one righteousness, and that on the basis of belief. What is required is a submission to the only way of declaring us to be right with God. This includes a confession that human beings are rightly related to death as we are incurably sinful. Additionally we confess that our Potentate only is righteous and, that He strengthened His Son to accomplish what was humanly impossible. On the basis of the acceptance of these truths and our identification with the Lord Jesus Christ in whom they have been outworked forgiveness of sins is provided. 
Chapter 4 illustrates that through the lives of David and Abraham there is absolutely nothing we can do to be saved by works ie our own merits. God's condition for forgiveness involves our acceptance of this truth and confession of our failures if we are  to receive the blessings of forgiveness and become the inheritors of the promised Kingdom that will be,  as verse 13 indicated, international. What is recorded was not for the sakes of those in the recorded Scriptures, but indeed for our sakes.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 14; Jeremiah 18 and Romans 1, 2) for July 28th

2 Samuel 14 speaks of how Joab was able to make a plan for Absalom to brought home from his exile in Geshur. Joab sought to restore himself to David knowing that the king's heart was longing for Absalom's return. So Joab approached a wise woman from Tekoa to pretend to be a mourner who sought the king's judgment on a vexing problem. Having pretended to David that her two sons had fought and one of them had died and the magistrate of her region was insisting that the murderer be slain. The woman said that if this happens she will be childless. King David promised her protection from retribution. How true were the wise woman's words: "We all are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered again"? Then after the king had promised to protect her son she confronted the king with the inconsistency of his determination. Why do you not act in the same way and protect your son - Absalom? David discerned that the exercise had been planned with the woman by Joab. The king agrees to let Absalom's banishment end. She also praises David's wisdom and discernment and says May God be with the king. Verses 21-24 tells us that David sent for Joab to arrange Absalom's homecoming. When Absalom returned home the king had no communication with him and effectively put Absalom in home detention. This continued for two years. Verses 25-27 speak of Absalom's natural beauty and his pride. These verses say that Absalom had a magnificent head of hair that he had cut once a year. Absalom had three sons and one daughter - Tamar. His daughter was the one who had been defiled by her uncle Amnon. Those events and Amnon's murder at the hands of Absalom are referred to in chapter 13. Absalom could not tolerate being excluded from the king's court so he sought for Joab to come and arrange for his acceptance by his father. Because Joab didn't respond to Absalom's summoning him Absalom had his own servants set Joab's fields on fire. The irate army captain came to Absalom and facilitated Absalom's restoration to David's favour. But Absalom had now made a bitter enemy who in time to come would exact his revenge on David's son. 
In Jeremiah 18 we are told one of the greatest lessons as to how the Almighty makes people and teaches us that He alone has the right to choose and the right to reject. We the clay in the Master Potter's hands cannot question His choices or His right to exercise His will. Jeremiah 18:1-4 tells us that the prophet is told by God to go to the house of the Potter. Here he watches the Potter skilfully and laboriously shape a vessel only to smash it and start again to reform it. In verses 5-11 the prophet is told that what he has seen reflects God's prerogatives and choices with nations and individuals. He may do as He wills and no one has the right to question Him. And for the nation of Judah they are to be smashed by the Babylonians. Verse 12 tells of the rebelliousness of the nation which was of course the source of their calamities. Verses 13-17 show that Judah's behaviours are contrary to what is learned from nature. And so the LORD would scatter them out of His Land. Verse 18 reveals that the leaders set out to slander Jeremiah. Verses 19-23 say that their Sovereign will recompense them for the evil done to His faithful prophet in addition to their treachery against Yahweh. The Apostle Paul in Romans 9 where he speaks of the doctrine of Divine election ie selection, talks of the lessons from Jeremiah 18 - that the Almighty chooses for reasons we may not know, and, that we can never, since we are but the clay, question why, or what, He chooses: Romans 9:6-33. Read these carefully and meditate on the lessons for you. Additional thoughts can be found in 2 Timothy 2 verses 19-21. Let us diligently follow the LORD's ways, His predetermined acceptable pattern of life.
In the book of Romans we have one of the three most masterful treatments as to how God saves: often called either "the atonement"; or "reconciling" (the others being Galatians and Hebrews). This book says it tells us about  Jesus the Christ who was declared to be the Son of God by the power of his resurrection: Romans 1 verse 4. Note the frequent use of "Christ" in the first eight verses. One of the great themes of the book are 'the obedience of faith', ie that obedience will be the fruit that springs from a vibrant faith - verse 5. This idea is reiterated at the end of the book: chapter 16:25-27. The first chapter introduces us to "the gospel of God" ie the joyful message that it is the desire of the Almighty Creator to help us through our belief, or faith, to become His children and the inheritors of the Kingdom. Paul's thesis is explained in verses 16-17 - namely that the gospel is God's power to save all who believe; since the OT declared in Habakkuk 2 verse ;4, "the just shall live by faith". Romans 1 verses 18-32 speak of God's wrath on unrighteousness, particularly in this chapter in the Gentile world. And this theme is developed further in chapter two where Paul shows that the Gentile world is both guilty and without any excuse. Romans 1 verses 18-25 reveal that our Omnipotent Creator has provided indisputable evidence of His power. So that wilfully ignorant sinners stand condemned by their reprobate behaviour. By failing to accept the evidence that the Almighty puts before the world of His creative power and Godhead they are self condemned and have degenerated just as their concept of their own origins is also corrupt. Professing themselves to be wise showed that they were, in fact, fools. We find that base beliefs lead to base behaviours. The Apostle Paul speaks of the abominable ways that have been declared acceptable to contemporary society. If God says a thing is wrong it remains wrong regardless of what the majority of society may believe. Consider the catalogue of evil behaviours follow from an acceptance of a corrupting lifestyle. In Romans 2 verses 1-5 Paul tells us that those who fail to stand, whether Jew or Gentile, for their Sovereign's truth are without excuse. The Apostle says that these individuals are building up a store of wrath in the day of judgment. Verses 6-11 explain that since God is just so will His judgment be. Either we by our beliefs and way of life are seeking immortality ie eternal life; or we are going to receive retribution and rejection. In chapter three the Apostle will turn his attention to the Jews who are gloating over Paul's attack on the Gentiles. But before he does that he will condemn Jewish hypocrisy and declare that Jews who boast in the Law are condemned by their Law because of their actions which are contrary to the spirit of the Law. And even some of the Gentiles who know not God's Law are better in their behaviour than those who claim to be the children of God.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 13; Jeremiah 17 and Matthew 28) for July 27th.

In 2 Samuel 13 we see further consequences of the sword coming to David's house. Verses 1-22 speak of Amnon's intense desire for his half sister Tamar. His cunning friend Jonadab helped Amnon plan the defiling of Tamar. A strategy was devised for Amnon to feign sickness and to request of David his father to ask Tamar to look after her half brother by cooking Amnon food. Amnon tricks Tamar into preparing the food in his bedroom. Then Amnon demanded that all his servants leave his presence while he forces his unwanted pent up desires on Tamar. Tamar pleads with Amnon not to follow through with his demands but to ask David for permission to marry her. The king's son refuses and carries through with his vile act. Then Amnon, loathes her and thrusts her from his company and commands that the door be locked after discarding her. Hear the disdain in Amnon's voice as he refers to his sister as "this woman". Tamar tore her beautiful royal robes and cried putting ashes on her head. Absalom, Tamar's brother, conceals his vehement anger and tells his sister to go home and keep quiet. David was greatly angered by Amnon's crime. But rather than deal with the problem David simply avoids talking to Amnon. Absalom on the other hand plans his revenge. Verses 23-33 tell us that these matters continue unchanged for two years until Absalom arranges with a celebration at the end of shearing to which he insists all the king's sons be present. Absalom commands his servants to slay Amnon. The ensuing chaos sees the remaining king's sons excepting Amnon and Absalom flee to their father. The first report speaks of all the king's sons being slain. Then Jonadab clarifies by saying to David that Amnon alone has died and that Absalom had probably planned this after Tamar's defiling. Verses 34-39 tell of the king's sons coming as Jonadab had predicted. Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather Talmai king of Geshur. David mourns the death of Amnon until eventually being reconciled to the loss and then David longed to be reunited with Absalom. 
In Jeremiah 17 verses 1-4 the Almighty tells the prophet that Judah's sin was graven with an iron pen. The figure suggests that the nation's ways were fixed like an adamant stone, but the LORD was able to record and punish their iniquities. The word picture is also used when Job describes his desire that his belief in the resurrection be inscribed with an iron pen: Job 19 verses 23-27. Verses 5-8 tell of Jeremiah's meditation on Psalm 1. If the person who trusts in the LORD is comparable to a flourishing tree planted by a river then the converse is equally true. "Cursed is the person who trusts in flesh", ie themselves. That individual is parched and starved of all vitality. Such a person is dried up and wretched and can be compared with a heath in the desert. When contemplating the Scriptures we should see what we are being taught - both positive and negative. Jeremiah here shows us how to read the Scriptures. Verses 9-10 speak of the deceitfulness of our own hearts and so to trust our own judgment is folly. The word for deceitful means "gravely, or desperately, sick". This is why we can be thankful that God is the One who tests our hearts. Verse 11 gives an example from nature of the partridge and explains how this bird's folly is like a person believing that their riches can save them. And so verses 12-13 reveal that our only hope is to trust in our Almighty Sovereign. Verses 14-18 tell of the prophet's prayer for Yahweh to support Jeremiah in the day of disaster and appropriately repaying the prophet's adversaries. The LORD commands Judah in verses 19-27 to keep the Sabbath holy - that is to forsake the nation's contempt for God's laws. To obey the voice of their Omnipotent Creator would result in the throne continuing with the kings of Judah. God in His foreknowledge had foreseen that the nation would fail to comply and so the LORD said what would happen if they failed to hearken to the voice of the LORD. Verses 24-27 therefore describe the future blessings that will come when the faithful Messiah - our Lord Jesus Christ - reigns from Jerusalem in his coming kingdom. 
Matthew 28 verse 1 tells that just before 6pm on the Sabbath Jesus was raised from the dead. Remember that the Jewish day began at 6pm - the evening and the morning. Christ's raising was dramatic and induced terror for the guards who witnessed the angel's powerful demonstration. Our Father ensured the sealing and guarding of the tomb to provide incontrovertible proof of our Lord's resurrection by ensuring impartial, nay hostile, witnesses who were in the pay of our Lord's enemies. Verses 11-15 speak of the authorities bribing the guards to spread the rumour that Jesus' disciples had stolen his body. The story was self evidently false for if this was true the guards would have been executed. The risen and glorious Lord Jesus Christ went to meet with his disciples in Galilee, as he had arranged before his death. The women who came to the empty tomb were instructed to tell the Apostles to go to  Galilee to meet their Master. Again further infallible proofs of his resurrection were given: Acts 1 verses 1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15 verses 1-12. In verses 16-29 our Lord Jesus gave his Apostles the great commission to carry the Gospel message into all the earth. What comfort is there in his concluding words, "Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

The Life Of Christ #94 – Steadfastly Towards Jerusalem | John Martin

A @Christadelphians Video: **Video Description:** 📖 **Revealing Bible Talk:** Join John Martin in this wonderful and thought-provoking study as we explore Christ’s unwavering determination to journey toward Jerusalem, fulfilling His divine mission. Discover profound lessons from Luke’s Gospel on commitment, sacrifice, and faith. 🔔 **Receive notifications** for more inspiring Bible studies by subscribing and clicking the bell icon! 📜 **Bible Verses Covered:** ✝️ Luke 9:51-56 ✝️ Luke 13:31-35 ✝️ John 11:7-16 ✝️ Matthew 20:17-19 ⏳ **Video Chapters (66-minute Study):** 00:00 - Introduction 05:12 - Christ’s Resolve to Go to Jerusalem 15:28 - Opposition from the Samaritans (Luke 9:51-56) 25:45 - Herod’s Threat & Jesus’ Response (Luke 13:31-35) 35:10 - The Courage to Face Danger (John 11:7-16) 45:22 - Predictions of Suffering & Resurrection (Matthew 20:17-19) 55:40 - Lessons on Discipleship & Following Christ 63:15 - Final Reflections & Conclusion 📌 **Tags:** The Life Of Christ, John Martin, Bible study, Luke Gospel, Jesus journey to Jerusalem, Christian teaching, New Testament, Bible verses, faith lessons, steadfast faith, Bible commentary, in-depth Bible analysis 🙏 **Thank you for watching!** Like, share, and comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts on this study. #BibleStudy #JesusChrist #FaithJourney #ChristianTeaching

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 12, Jeremiah 16 and Matthew 27) for July 26th

2 Samuel 12 is about the LORD's restoration of David from his low ebb of wilful sin against his Heavenly Father to the time of David's resuming full and free fellowship with God. The prophet Nathan is sent to king David with a parable that was designed to wake the king from his state of selfishness and stir him into a recognition of what he had done. Only true repentance could restore him and the lesson learnt becomes an impetus for each of us to turn to the LORD to find healing. Nathan tells a parable about a wealthy arrogant and self centred man who takes from the poor man a precious ewe lamb, that was like a daughter to that man. How typical it is for some wealthy individuals to believe that the destitute exist for them to be exploited. This, however, was not characteristic of David. And so David was enraged at the lack of pity which the rich man had shown. Sin was the traveller who came to David and who caused David to behave uncharacteristically. The king commanded the death of the rich man and compensation of four times the loss be paid to the poor man. This was of course what the Law had demanded for a trespass offering. This offering spoke of restitution for deceit in relation to the holy things. Nathan dramatically says to David: You are the man. David fully understands his guilt, deception and lack of pity. David is condemned by his own mouth and is worthy to die. No offering could cover his sin. All he could do was to throw himself upon the mercy of the Almighty. The prophet says that the sword would not depart from David's house. David was to pay with the loss of four sons - the child that was born of his adultery with Bathsheba, Absalom, Amnon and Adonijah. As king David had done with Uriah's wife Bathsheba, so would David's son  - Absalom - do with the wives of his father David - but openly before all Israel. Nathan tells the king that Yahweh has put away David's transgression. Our sins will be forgiven if we repent and turn our hearts to our Sovereign. That doesn't mean that there will not be consequences flowing from our wrongs. Verses 16-23 tells us that the child born to Bathsheba became sick and died. David entreated his Maker to allow the child to live. The king was full of contrition and afflicted himself with fasting and not allowing music in his presence. When his son died David's servants were frightened to tell him lest he do something regrettable. But David rose up and washed putting on fresh clothes. They asked him why? He said he had hoped that God would show mercy to the child, but now the child had died entreating was pointless. David would, when he died, join his son in the unconscious sleep of death. Consolation was given to David and Bathsheba in the birth of another son who was born in a manner that pleased their Heavenly Father. Verse 26 records that Yahweh loved this child who was given the epithet - Jedidiah meaning "loved of Yah" and that child was later named Solomon meaning "peaceful". After being forgiven David wrote Psalms 32 and 51 to celebrate the mercy and loving kindness of the LORD God Almighty and to teach others about turning to their loving Father in the time of their need - see also Paul's comments in Romans 4 verses 5-8. 2 Samuel 12 finishes by describing the fall of Rabbah to Joab and the army and Joab's summoning David to be there as the city fell. It also describes David being crowned with the crown of the king of Rabbah and the great treasure taken. The Ammonites were then put to rigorous work by David. 
Jeremiah 16 verses 1-4 tell of the LORD commanding Jeremiah not to marry because of the nearing judgments of God on Judah. The nation would be destroyed through famine, warfare and diseases leaving their carcasses as unburied dung on the ground. Verses 5-9 speak of the vast extent of the destruction. There would be no time to mourn the dead because of the uproar and chaos that rapidly spread over Judah. Normal life would be suspended as the exiles were dragged away with hooks through their bodies. In verses 10-13 the nation would bemoan their condition and protest that they did not deserve such treatment. Verses 14-21 foretell their restoration by their Almighty Sovereign. At that time Yahweh would be known for His deliverance of His people from the northern captivity rather than when He had earlier gained a Name for delivering His nation from Egypt. Verses 16-18 reveal that prior to this time of restoring GOD would save them from life threatening destruction. Modern Israel came through great pogroms and near extinction during the Nazi holocaust. The Nazis were the "hunters" whereas the Zionists - such as Theodore Hertzl - were the "fishers" who sought to entice Jewish people to return to their ancestral homeland - Israel: see Ezekiel 37-38, Deuteronomy 28 verses 64-68. Verses 19-21 say that eventually Israel would acknowledge their sins and idolatry and finally return to the true and living God. In that day Israel will know their God by experience and not just theoretically: Ezekiel 37:28; 38 verse 23, Joel 3 verses 14-21; Romans 11 verses 13-24.
Matthew 27 starts with Judas hanging himself when he saw that Jesus would not take his kingdom then, but would wrongfully suffer and submit to death. Then follow six sham trials - three before Jewish authorities and three before Roman officials. The marvel of our Lord's submission, his care and compassion for others is evident in the brief record of his crucifixion. Our Lord Jesus was totally in control of his mind despite being brutally scourged by the Romans - scourging was called the intermediate death for many a man died under the flaying of his flesh. Pilate may have hoped that the Jews would have pity on Jesus when he said: "Behold the man". But sadly  they did not. Then our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. On the stake he spoke seven wonderful sayings - each of these from the holy Scriptures. Note our Lord Jesus' incredible submission to his wrongful treatment and contemplate the lessons that Peter draws for us in 1 Peter 2 verses18-25. That Jesus had mastery over himself as well as triumphing over his foes the Apostle Paul tells us: Colossians 2 verses 11-15. Jesus was buried in the unused tomb of Joseph of Aramithea, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah 53 verse 9. A guard  of four temple soldiers was placed at the mouth of his tomb. This would contribute to the incontrovertible evidence that would accompany our Lord Jesus' resurrection.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings 2 Samuel 11, Jeremiah 15 and Matthew 26) for July25th

2 Samuel 11 verses1 tells us that David had affectively abandoned his kingly duties. In this restless state David falls into sin as he beholds an attractive woman - Bathsheba - washing herself. King David commands her presence in his royal chambers. Sin came as a traveller to David as the prophet Nathan explains in chapter 12. Bathsheba was a woman married to David's faithful warrior. This adulterous liaison between David and Bathsheba resulted in her being with child. Uriah was given leave from the war against the Ammonites. David was trying to hide what he had done. The king tried to have his faithful servant visit Bathsheba, Uriah's wife, so that Uriah might believe that the child to be born would be his. Uriah refused to do this while the army of Israel was camped in difficult circumstances in the open fields. David tries having Uriah to take a large draft of alcohol in the hope that Uriah would then go to his wife. When this failed David sank to a new low by writing a letter to Joab arranging for Uriah to be slain in the battle. Uriah carried his own death warrant to his army captain Joab. David's despicable action also meant that once again the king was abandoning his moral compass and effectively transferring an immense amount of power to Joab. When Uriah's assassination was reported to David, the king said somewhat disingenuously that this happens in warfare and Joab needs to intensify his efforts to capture the city. The chapter finishes by saying that Bathsheba mourns her husband's death before David took her as his wife. The chapter shows a spiralling decline in the life of king David. His actions are compounded by adultery, deceit and murder. Despite the gravity of what David has done we will see that principally it is against Yahweh that king David has sinned. The telling words that close the chapter: "But the thing David had done displeased Yahweh" - suggests to us that serious matters will follow.
Jeremiah 14 verses 1-6 provide a word picture of the great drought that the LORD had brought to Judah. We notice that when Judah came to its cisterns they were empty. The physical state of the Land mirrored their spiritual condition: Jeremiah 2 verses 13. The animals' throats were parched. All suffer when God's people sin. In verse 7 Jeremiah acknowledges the waywardness of his nation. Verses 8-9 declare that the only hope of their Sovereign's children is to repent and cast themselves on His mercy. Verse 10 expresses Judah's reluctance to rely on God. And so in verses 11-12 the prophet is commanded by his Maker to not pray for Judah. Verses 13-18 speak of the lying prophets mouthing the words Judah wants to hear. For that reason the leaders and the people deserve the judgments of Yahweh. In verses 19-22 Jeremiah asks God if He has utterly rejected the nation. The prophet personally pleads to his Omnipotent Creator to humble Judah and bring them to repentance that the LORD may once again have pity on His children. If this happens and Judah forsakes the baals then Jeremiah is confident that Judah can be restored.
Matthew 26 begins with ongoing plots from the High Priest to destroy our Lord Jesus Christ. Next, comes the anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, with the precious ointment- which became the catalyst for greedy Judas to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Following this is the record of the Lord's Supper being kept in what thereafter would be a memorial of his sacrifice by sharing bread and wine. Luke says that Jesus had prepared to eat this memorial supper with his Apostles with an intense and fervent desire: Luke 22 verses 15-16. Preparations had been made in secret so that nothing, or nobody, could thwart this vital time to steel and fortify his disciples for the trials that would soon confront them. Our Lord then prophesied of his betrayal by Peter, which in turn was a citation of the words of Zechariah 13 foretelling this.
After these events came Jesus' intense personal struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane; where three  times he prayed and was strengthened having subjected his own will to that of his Father's. It was here that our Lord's greatest trial and his greatest triumph occurred. In his great agony Jesus sweat as it were great drops of blood. Having completely subjected his own will to that of His Father the victory on the stake was ensured. The Apostle Paul comments on this in Hebrews 5:7-8. The temptation of our Lord Jesus was sharp and intense and real. Despite being tried to the limit Jesus was perfectly obedient. He has become the captain of our salvation and is able to succour us in our trials. Our Lord's betrayal came next. Here, one of the twelve named Judas Iscariot, led the heavily armed band of thugs sent from the temple to arrest the meekest man to have ever walked upon the earth. How tragic that Judas betrayed his Master with a kiss. There was a short ensuing resistance led courageously by Peter, who was rebuked by Jesus. The Master miraculously heals Malchus and passively surrenders himself to be led away to the High Priest's palace awaiting the sentence of death by a process that was illegal in every detail. Note the adjuration of the High Priest in verse 63 was contrary to divine law. Jesus answered citing Daniel 7 verses 13-14 in verse 64, which indicated that the High Priest was knowingly defying God and would incur coming judgment as a result. Peter's pathetic threefold denial and intense remorse close the record.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 10, Jeremiah 14 and Matthew 25) for July 24th

2 Samuel 10 verses 1-5 tell of David's kindness being spurned by Hanun who becomes king after the death of his father. David from a genuine attempt to promote harmony between Israel and Ammon sends ambassadors to comfort Hanun following his father's death. Hanun's advisors suspect that the mission of Israel's emissaries is to spy out the strength of Ammon. And so the ambassadors are shamefully treated by the Ammonites. David gives those ambassadors time at Jericho to regrow their beards before they return home. Verses 6-8 says that Hanun belatedly saw his mistake and is certain that retribution will come to Ammon and so he prepares for war by hiring a massive Syrian army. Verses 9-14 tell of the battle from Israel's tactics in the face of a huge confederacy arraigned against Israel. Joab and Abishai discuss the battle plan for the pincer strategy that has been devised against Israel. They will fight in different divisions, but near enough to each other to give support if the battle progresses badly for either Joab or Abishai. Verse 12 is the faithful rallying call for the Israeli warriors. Verses 15-19 describe the defeat of the mighty enemy host and their extensive losses after David and the remainder of Israel's army enter the fray.
Jeremiah 14 verses 1-6 speaks of famine, the sword and the pestilence being brought to the land of Judah. The word pictures show us the great suffering incurred by man and beast. The land becomes desolate and the dwelling place of wild beasts. Verses 7-9 contains a plea for the LORD is in His tender loving kindness to show mercy to His people. In verses 11-12 the prophet is commanded not to pray on behalf of his hypocritical nation. In verses 13-18 we have a description of the desolation. These verses tell us that the lying prophets have Judah had said that the nation would experience peace and not judgement. But the Almighty has a principle that says: there can be no peace to the wicked - Isaiah 57 verse 21. There must be righteousness before there can be peace: James 3 verses 13-18. Judah's prophets and priests had sadly choked the knowledge of their Sovereign from the Land. Verses 19-22 speaks of Jeremiah questioning God's dealings with His children. The prophet says that they acknowledge their wrongdoing. He claims that the nation has been humbled and that none of the false gods can deliver Judah.
Matthew 25 commenced with the parable of the ten virgins. Five were WISE and five were foolish. It illustrates the wisdom of being always prepared. Procrastination invariably catches up with those who are prone to it. That all ten virgins slept tells us that at the time of the end comparatively few of our Lord Jesus Christ's followers will be ready. Then follows the parable of the talents, and the keynote of the parable is faithfulness. We each have been given abilities and responsibilities that differ. What is important is that we fully utilise what we have been given; according to the principle to whom much is given, much is expected. Interestingly it was the one talent individual who totally misjudged our Lord Jesus Christ believing that he/she was not good enough for the Kingdom. What an entirely wrong perception for we are all only saved by grace and are no way worthy (of course there will be vast numbers of multi-talented individuals who have failed also). We must understand the gracious gift that is the good pleasure of our Heavenly Father to give His children the Kingdom. Perception is important and we must judge matters according to God's Word. The final judgment will be on the basis of our understanding of our Omnipotent Creator and his inestimable Son and so living. It is love-based rather than mere academic head knowledge. Read verses 34-46 aloud and consider if our actions measure up. Compare also Jeremiah's comments on what Josiah demonstrated in the knowing of his God in chapter 22 verses 15-16 of that prophecy.