Christadelphians Talk

Thoughts on the readings for April 18th (Deuteronomy 1, Proverbs 28, John 11)

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 ie 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 any one 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 verses 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.

Thoughts on the readings for April 17th Numbers 3, Proverbs 27, John 9, 10

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 is a repeat and elaboration of chapter 5 ie that his sheep will recognise his voice. In the purpose of bringing salvation to believers he and his Father are one ie 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 chapter finishes with Jesus going across the Jordan for some months – in Perea – where he remains until the events of chapter 11 would bring him back.

Thoughts on the readings for April 16th (Numbers 35,Proverbs 26, John 8)

Some versions of John 8 omits the earlier verses. 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? It was a set up designed to trap Jesus. The Law of Moses made it very clear that adultery was punishable by stoning. As they persist in goading Jesus he said, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone”. And he stoops down and writes on the earth- most likely he wrote their names in fulfilment of Jeremiah 17 verse 13. One by one they left beginning at the eldest. Finally, the woman was left alone with the Lord and although he condemned her not, she was told to go and sin no more. A discussion follows about Jesus being the light of the world- one of the many Messianic titles that John used. This led on to a discussion regarding origins – our Lord was from God they were murderous liars and in no way children of Abraham. Only truth could set them free. Finally Jesus astounds them with a claim for him to be the entire focus of God’s purpose. Abraham understood this and rejoiced in that knowledge.

Thoughts on the readings for April 15th (Numbers 34, Proverbs 25, John 7)

John 7 records an unannounced visit of Jesus to Jerusalem at the Feast of Booths ie 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, but chiefly spoke of Jesus’ resurrection.

Thoughts on the readings for April 14th (Numbers 33, Proverbs 24, John 6)

Numbers 33 tells of Israel’s journeys through the wilderness from the day they left Egypt until they pitched camp at the edge of the river across from Jericho, at Abel Beth-Shittim. It outlines the significant events, including wonderful miraculous displays by the Almighty; as well as several troubling happenings when the nation failed to show trust in the Living God. As the writer to the Hebrews said, “We cannot now speak particularly”. Nevertheless I would urge your reflections on the importance of these stops. They were ‘watersheds’ in Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. Slowly read these verses aloud and think upon the messages for you. The chapter concludes with a charge to drive out the Canaanites from the Promised Land and the receipt of their inheritance through the casting of lots.
Proverbs 24 verses 1-32 concludes the 30 proverbs recorded in chapters 22-24. Verses 1-2 tells of the folly of envy. The rich and powerful frequently bring troubles. Verses 3-7 outline the blessings that come from wise thinking and wise actions. The metaphor of the house built by wisdom and the bounties which fill its rooms. By way of contrast verses 8-9 speak of the curses brought by the scorner. Verses 10-12 tell of the need for diligence and perseverance in order to achieve success. Verses 13-14 tells of seeking divine wisdom in contrast to being wise in one’s own conceits. Verses 15-16 shows that the evil plot the downfall of the just; but the righteous cannot be overthrown because Yahweh upholds them. Verses 17-20 speaks of keeping things in perspective. This means seeking the good of everyone – even one’s foes. Remember the righteous have a future. This is not the way for the evil who will be eradicated from the earth. Verses 21-22 says that the framing of one’s life is based on a reverence for the Almighty. Verses 23-34 give further sayings of the wise. Verses 23-26 outlines the need for honesty in dealing with others; and the need for nothing to be done by partiality. Verses 27-29 speak of truthfulness and fair dealing with others. Verses 30-34 tells of the results of slothfulness and how the lazy are reduced to poverty.
John 6 records 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, ie chesed, to 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 the faithful 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 brings great comfort to our Lord and encouragement for every potential disciple by saying 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

The Life Of Christ # 79 The healing of the deaf man at Decapolis (Mark 7:31-end) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 79 The healing of the deaf man at Decapolis (Mark 7:31-end) by John Martin

Thoughts on the readings for April 12th (Numbers 31, Proverbs 22, John 4)

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 of God is dependent on two factors sincerity and truth – these have always been the focus at Shechem (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 down. 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 resuting in the official and that Nobleman – thought by some to be Herod’s keeper of the larder Chuza – and his entire household becoming believers in our Lord.

Thoughts on the readings for April 11th (Numbers 29, 30, Proverbs 21, John 2, 3)

In John 2 we have the first of the 8 signs John records. 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 the word used for “signs” in the record of John. The first of these signs took place at Cana, in Galilee. Jesus was there, together with his mother and his disciples, most likely those he had called in chapter 1. It was perhaps the wedding of a relative. The sign was turning water into the highest quality wine. The result was verse 11 – his disciples believing in Jesus and the manifestation of his glory. Between verses 13-22 Jesus cleanses 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, which he said would be after 3 days in the grave. There are 8 recorded signs in John’s record and many accounts of Jesus’ visits to Jerusalem. The other gospels omit all these visits. At the end of John 2 we are told Jesus would not commit himself to anyone since he knew what humans are like – Jesus’ understanding was possibly due 3 reasons: 1) what Scripture revealed; 2) Jesus’ own experience; 3) his ability to read people’s minds). Chapter 3 speaks of the first encounter between our Lord and Nicodemus, the holder of the second rank in the Sanhedrin (‘the teacher’). John chapter 3 tells us of Nicodemus’ first visit to Jesus; who in John’s gospel records 3 visits – in ch3; in ch7; and again in ch19. Each is a step in bringing Nicodemus 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 of chapter 3 centres 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). The best known words of the Bible are found in John 3:16 – but read these words 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.

Thoughts on the readings for April 10th (Numbers 28, Proverbs 20, John 1)

Numbers 28 and 29 record the offerings of the LORD. Chapter 28 verses 1-8 speak of the daily offerings. Lambs were offered every morning and every evening accompanied by grain and and drink offerings. These were the continual burnt offerings of the LORD. Israel’s Sovereign smelled a sweet aroma as the smoke from the sacrifice ascended to Him.Verses 9-10 speak of the Sabbath offerings, which were identical to the morning and evening sacrifices and were offered additionally to the continuing burnt offerings of each morning and evening.Verses 11-15 tell of the monthly offerings of the new moon at the start of each month, which commenced with each new moon. These were a multiplication of animal offerings of bulls and lambs; and grain and drink offerings. A goat was offered for a sin offering as well as the burnt offerings. Verses 16-25 describe the Passover offerings. The Passover was called Yahweh’s Passover and celebrated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. The offerings were made on the 14th day of the first month and the slain lambs were eaten on the 15th day of that month – Abib.Verses 26-31 outline the offerings for the Feast of Weeks, which was commemorated 7 weeks, ie 50 days after the Passover. This Feast coincided with the giving to Israel of the Ten Commandments. It is called the Feast of Pentecost in the New Testament and spoke of the going forth of the Word of the LORD that was accompanied by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every part of the nation’s worship was designed to teach them what was being called for every day in each of their lives in the eyes of their Sovereign.
Proverbs 20 is about wise judgment brought about by heeding the counsel of the Almighty. Verses 1-11 speak of avoiding destructive influences and hearkening to our Sovereign’s enlightened advice. The behaviour of wise people keeps them from strife; not so the fools who create difficulties in their own lives and those lives of everybody who encounters them. These maxims are true for the king and commoner alike. The wise, verse 5, will not be deceived by fool. Controlling our actions by walking with integrity will confer blessings on the families of those who walk uprightly (v7). God weighs in His balance the lives of all who deal justly, or unjustly, with others (v10). The standards of fairness are seen in children who have been trained in the ways of the LORD.Verses 12-23 teach us that He who has made every part of us discerns and weighs our every action. Verse 23 repeats the message of verse 10. And although the examples of these verses differ from those at the start of the chapter the lessons are the same. Don’t try to deceive, because those who cheat destroy themselves and all who they encounter. Verses 24-30 outline how the LORD directs the path of the wise. Yahweh our God discerns our every thought and act (v27). Stedfast faithfulness will preserve the king’s throne (v28). And through discipline wisdom is learnt and lived (v30).
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 ie 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 the Baptist’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 ie the Christ – first by Andrew (v41) and then Nathanael (v49). But the reality was he had found them and extended to them the authority to become ‘the sons of God’ (verses 12-13).

Thoughts on the readings for April 9th Numbers 27, Proverbs 19, Philippians 3-4

Numbers 27Among the final duties of Moses was dealing with a family anomaly and the appointmentand preparation of Joshua to assume his role. This chapter addresses these two things.V.1-11 – In the orders for the division of the land, just given (Num. 26), no provision hadbeen made for females, in case of failure of male issue. The five daughters of Zelophehad,therefore, considered themselves as destitute, having neither father nor brother, and feelingthemselves entirely overlooked agreed to refer the case to Moses and the rulers, whether itwere not equitable that they should inherit their father’s portion. This led to the enactment ofan additional law to the civil code of Israel, which satisfactorily ascertained and amply secured the right of succession in cases of inheritance. This law, which is as reasonable as it is just, stands thus:1. On the demise of the father, the estate descends to the sons.2. If there be no son, the daughters succeed.3. If there be no daughter, the brothers of the deceased inherit.4. If there be no brethren, or paternal uncles, the estate goes to the grand uncles, orbrothers of his father.5. If there be no grand uncles, then the nearest of kin succeeds to the inheritance.The daughters of Zelophehad appear again in Num. 36:1-12.V.12-23 – Moses was allowed one view of the land promised to Abraham before his death.This raised the issue of who would replace him as leader of the nation. His question isanswered by Yahweh in the appointment of Joshua.Proverbs 19Prov. 19:1 – “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that isperverse in his lips, and is a fool.” Poverty and integrity do not always go hand inhand. In fact, sometimes poverty produces a perversity that blames God for its condition;V.3 – “The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth againstYahweh.” The rich have friends (V.6), but nobody wants to know the poor man (V.4,7),except “the king’s son” – V.17; Ps. 72:12-14.Having begun with “integrity” in V.1, there is an emphasis in this chapter on the scourge offalse witnesses – V.5,9,28. Nothing is more harmful than the peddling of lies and rumors.Philippians 3 Phil. 3:2 – “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision”(katatomē – cutting off; mutilation = circumcision). Paul warns against Judaisers whoworked surreptitiously to undermine his influence. That the term ‘dog’ could be used of themindicates how unruly and vicious their behavior was. The term dog also is used to denote aperson that is shameless, impudent, malignant, snarling, dissatisfied, and contentious, andis evidently so employed here. Paul acknowledges that he had acted like them in the past,but had been rescued from it by Christ’s intervention (V.3-9).His rescue had been a ‘resurrection’ to a new life in Christ (V.10), but one that broughtsufferings and persecution such as he had dealt out to believers. He looked for a better“resurrection” – the word in V.11 is exanastasis – a rising from death (but to be given eternallife), hence, the prefix. Anastasis is about raising the dead to mortal life. Paul knows that histotal commitment to Christ after his conversion in ‘repayment’ for his persecuting past willlead to eternal life (1 Cor. 9:16-18; 15:8-10).V.12-17 – But Paul is careful not to wallow in the past as there was much to do, and therewere many handicaps, not the least of these human nature to which some had capitulated(V.18-19). In a series of engaging sentences well translated by Weymouth, Paul set forthhis goals – V.12-14 – “I do not say that I have already won the race or have alreadyreached perfection. But I am pressing on, striving to lay hold of the prize for whichalso Christ has laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not imagine that I have yet laid holdof it. But this one thing I do–forgetting everything which is past and stretchingforward to what lies in front of me, with my eyes fixed on the goal I push on tosecure the prize of God’s heavenward call in Christ Jesus.”
V.20 – “For our conversation (politeuma – citizenship) is in heaven,” hence, followers ofChrist do not participate in politics on earth in any form.V.21 – “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto hisglorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue allthings unto himself.” This is the “prize” of V.14. While there is nothing good in humannature, the KJV translation is deficient. A number of reliable translations have transform“the body of our humiliation.” Human nature routinely humiliates us by disease,regressive malfunction, transgression and an endless bias towards evil, and of course,ultimately death. We seek to receive the now “glorious body” of our Lord from him.