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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (Judges 13, Isaiah 37, 1 Peter 3, 4, 5) for June 13th

Forty years of oppression from the Philistines followed Israel’s sin. Manoah, of the tribe of Dan had a barren wife. She, although unnamed, is the central character of the story of chapter 13. She has an unknown visitor who is later discovered to be an angel: Hebrews 13 verse 2. The angel told the barren woman that she is to have a son. She and her unborn son were both to be Nazarites from this day. The requirements for Nazarites are listed in verses 4-5 (see also Numbers 6). The angel also describes Samson’s mission, for so the son would be called (Judges 13 verse 24). Samson’s mission was “to begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines” (verse 5). This task was completed by David several generations later. In verses 6-7 Manoah’s wife relates to her husband the stranger’s visit and his message to her. Verse 8 tells us that Manoah and his wife realise that their visitor was a man of God. Samson’s father prays for God to again send the man. Verse 9 says that the angel was sent again to the woman. Why does Manoah seem to be bypassed? Perhaps it’s symbolic of the virgin birth in the bypassing of Joseph’s line and we can compare this with the angel Gabriel appearing to the virgin Mary. Samson’s mother runs to fetch her husband. Verses 12-14 tell of the angel’s repeating to Manoah the earlier message to his wife. In verse 15 Manoah offers hospitality to the angel. The angel replies in verse 16 by saying that he will not eat the food, but that it should be offered to the LORD. Manoah asks the angel’s name. The angel says that his name is “wonderful” (Hebrew – ‘pele’ and is used of the miracles performed when Israel was delivered from Egypt). A kindred word is used inverse 19 which describes the angel’s stretching out his staff, resulting in fire consuming the offering and the angel ascending to God in the smoke from the offering. Was this the same angel who had delivered Israel from Egypt by inflicting the 10 wonders, or plagues? Finally, realising that their visitor was an angel, Manoah mistakenly believes that doom will overtake them; until the sense and reason of his wife prevails. She logically says to her husband that if their Sovereign was going to destroy them why would He send an angel with a glorious message of deliverance. The last verses describe the birth of Samson, whose name means “brilliant sunshine”, whose personality appears to be like his name. As Samson grows up in the camp of Dan – the location of the remnants of the tribe that endeavoured to faithfully occupy their inheritance when the majority of their tribe migrated to the Phoenician coast described in Judges 17 and 18. In the camp of Dan Samson’s spirit is stirred by Yahweh’s spirit in order to bring this Judge to afflict the Philistines.
In our Isaiah chapter, 37, Hezekiah recognises the extremity of the nation’s apparent impending fate and his own imminent demise due to an extreme failure of health. King Hezekiah does the only logical thing – he leaves it to God by making it a matter of faithfulness and prayer. We notice in verse 4 that Hezekiah’s servants acknowledge that despite the seeming hopelessness of their situation, “the Living God” who the Assyrians have reproached may arise in judgment to vindicate and glorify His name. Likewise the king himself reiterated the same incontrovertible truth verse 17. King Hezekiah, ignores the threat of the overwhelming numbers of the mighty army camped outside Jerusalem’s walls and the king’s own impending death, prays to Judah’s Omnipotent Creator. Hezekiah humbly prays for the Almighty to arise and deliver His people and erase the words of reproach that had blasphemously been said against Yahweh their God. Hezekiah sends the three nobles, named in chapter 36, with the king’s answer to Rabshakeh’s demand to surrender. He tells the Assyrian general in verses 22-29 how the daughter of Zion disdains the futility of the Assyrian rants. The prophet Isaiah is sent to Hezekiah with the LORD’s response and sign that He would save His people. Verses 33-35 says that Judah needed to do nothing except to “stand still and see the salvation of Yahweh”.Verses 36-38 tell of the angel of the LORD smiting 185,000 Assyrians in a single night. These verses tell us of the Assyrian king’s shameful retreat to Nineveh only to be assassinated by two of his sons. The Apostle Paul May very well had Isaiah 37 in mind when he wrote the words of 1 Timothy 4 verses 9-10.
The first 7 verses of 1 Peter 3 outline the principles governing the relationship between wives and husbands. This relationship exists to assist one another to graciously receive an inheritance in the kingdom. Mutual submission – the one to the other is key to a balanced spiritual marriage (compare Ephesians 5 verses 22-33). Outward adornment is to be sparse – the true focus is to be on modesty and a heart centred on our Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham and Sarah provide the model for all time (compare Isaiah 51 verses 1-5). The faithful example of a spouse may in time win her unbelieving husband to Christ’s way. The Word of God and prayer are the cement for a successful marriage. And husbands must not lord it over their wives, but rather be prepared, as Christ showed us, to sacrifice themselves for their wives. Verses 8-22 speak of suffering for righteousness’ sake. Listen to and contemplate the words of verse 8, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (ESV). We do not repay evil with evil, but rather by blessing. Verses 10-12 are a protracted quote from Psalm 34 (one of the most frequently quoted Psalms in the New Testament). This is because the course of life is advised for a believer to follow. Once again prayer is stressed as a guiding force. Christ’s disciples’ lives are to be exemplary in manifesting the holiness of their Father’s calling (Leviticus 19verse 13). In suffering for righteousness’ sake faithful believers pattern themselves on Christ their head. These disciples become one with our Lord Jesus through belief and baptism; and their identification is a response to a conscience desiring to be reconciled to God. The same attitude was shown by Noah, as he likewise believed the LORD when he built the ark and proclaimed the Almighty’s power to save those who trust in the salvation God provides. Our Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth bringing us the longed for deliverance in his coming kingdom. The fourth chapter in commencing with the word ‘for’ shows us that it is a linked to the behaviour at the end of chapter 3. The first 11 verses tell us that we are stewards of God’s grace. In knowing the extent to which Christ Jesus suffered for the upholding of the righteousness of his Father we too cannot continue in sin as the heedless world does. Without the gospel we are dead, as dead as this wicked world is now. But we have been made alive in Christ. Let our sober minds never forget this. Believers must strive on the behalf of others and with the love of God, outworked in Christ, to extend our Father’s graciousness to any and all. Faithful speech must not be self-focussed, but we need speak with God’s Words. From verses 12-19 Peter explains that the believer’s lot is one of suffering for Christ’s sake. The sufferings that the faithful of the diaspora were experiencing was not in any way unexpected – it was because they are living as had their Master and would not be deflected from patterning themselves on him. Like what was seen with our Lord glory and exaltation would follow rejection and persecution. The Scriptures have always shown this to the path of the righteous – see Ezekiel 8 verse 18 to 9 verse 12. Chapter 5 of 1 Peter pursues the theme of humility and of our suffering preceding exaltation and glory. The focus, as always rightly remains upon our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the chief shepherd, as he had taught Peter both by word and example (compare John 21). Peter embraced and accepted that responsibility with fervour. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the good shepherd (John 10). He is also the chief shepherd(1 Peter 5). And Jesus is the great shepherd (Hebrews 13). Our responsibility, like Peter’s (who learned it first from his Lord), is to feed God’s flock (Psalm 23verse 100). This is done out of a love that reciprocates that of the Father and His Son, not out of compulsion and certainly not for any pay. Those who like their Master clothe themselves with true humility (John 15 and Philippians 2verse 1-11), shall in God’s good time be honoured and exalted. Verses 13-14 end the letter with final greetings.

The Life Of Christ - #88 A lesson in Child like Humility by John Martin

The Life Of Christ - #  88 A lesson in Child like Humility by John Martin

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (Judges 10, 11, Isaiah 36, 1 Peter 2) for June 12th

Peter in his second chapter exhorts his listeners to crave God's word just as newborns cry incessantly for their mother's milk. He encourages us to become' living stones' founded upon the Lord Jesus Christ, the only true foundation laid in Zion (Isaiah 28:16). We must be built up into a holy temple in the Lord. We, like the hearers of the first century, must submit to authority and demonstrate through holy lives that we are of the same faithfulness as our shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. We shall faithfully adhere to our Father's requirements as we await the time of blessed release, which will come with the coming of our Saviour: Christ our Lord. Peter continues the theme that closed chapter 1 ie human flesh is temporary and worthless and the hope of eternal life is that the Word of God can develop within us a character that our Father will choose to perpetuate. Verses 1-10 describe the building of an edifice to the Almighty God from stones He has chosen and enlivened by His satisfying Word which when consumed produces an intense thirst and desire. The foundation stone on which the house is built is our Lord Jesus Christ - Paul elaborates on this same theme in1 Corinthians 3verses 10-17 (note the similar introduction of Paul to Peter's thoughts ie compare the beginning verses of 1 Corinthians 3 and 1 Peter 2) and Ephesians 2verses 19-22. Peter shows that the Father's purpose in making faith in His Son our Lord Jesus Christ was always the LORD's plane by citing Isaiah 8 verses 14-18; and Isaiah 28:16. Our Lord Jesus Christ also quoted these words to prove that believe in him would be the basis of salvation, whereas rejecting Jesus as God's appointed means of saving can only lead to certain and total destruction. In verses 9-10 the Apostle Peter expresses his confidence that his readers have been chosen to show the praise of their Father. In verses 11-12 the Apostle urges his readers to live lives consistent with their profession of faith. From verse 13 to the end of chapter 2 Peter expresses God's requirement for believers to endure persecution for Christ's sake following his example of submission to rulers who cruelly took his life. The argument in verses 13-14 is that the authorities are in power because the Almighty has allowed this - compare Romans 13verses 1-7. Peter's readers would find submission difficult as Rome was persecuting believers. In verses 17-20 the Apostle says that exemplary and faithful obedience even in the face of testing circumstances would demonstrate that believers were truly God's children. History tells us that such behaviour led to the acceptance of the truth by many of the pagans of that era. God will reward faithfulness which showed believers knew and understood the example that the Lord Jesus Christ had shown them in the laying down of his life for his saints - verses 21-25. Peter quotes Isaiah 53 which illustrates that our Lord was silent in his suffering that he might bring us to God. Now our Lord Jesus is overseeing and shepherding us as we walk in trust towards our Father's kingdom.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings Judges 7, 8, Isaiah 34, James 5 for June 10th

In Judges 7 we are told that Gideon and his host of 32,000 camped by the well Harod, meaning ‘trembling’. No doubt Gideon’s army were given sight of the vast host of the enemy warriors whose encampment spread as far as the eye could see. 22,000 of Gideon’s troop left due to their fear as the Law of Moses recommended. A test was now used to sift those God would choose to bring victory – those who lapped the water from their hands like dogs. Now with a mere 300 remaining Yahweh could bring the victory – Gideon’s troop was outnumbered by a mere 450 to one and in their weakness God’s might would triumph. Had the original army of 32,000 been given the victory Israel would have vaunted themselves and claimed that they had prevailed because of their own military prowess. Gideon is given yet another sign. Gideon and his servant, whose name means “a green ear of grain”, creep into the multitudinous camp of voracious locusts. It is possible, is it not that every Midianite warrior dreamed an identical dream, whose telling was sufficient proof to Gideon of God’s guaranteed victory. The Midianites saw themselves as being destroyed. The dream was of a cake of barley bread, symbolising Gideon and his humble origins, rolling into the Midianite camp and overturning a tent. Two of the Midianite host say that there is no doubt that Yahweh would deliver Midianite into the hand of Gideon. Like Abraham’s victory in Genesis 14 over the northern confederacy Gideon divided his force into 3 companies and surprised and alarmed the confused enemy, so that they self-destructed. The lesson is powerfully explained in 2 Corinthians 4verses 1-7.In Judges 8 we have ultimate and complete victory together with the severe punishment of those who did not join in God’s warfare. We also have the great tragedy of Gideon’s yearning to be their king despite his rightful acknowledgment that God alone was their true ruler.
Isaiah 34 outlines the LORD’s sword devouring Edom, “red” as representing all nations, and gathering the outcasts to possess for ever His land in the blessed and soon to be established Kingdom (verses 16-17). Isaiah 34 verse 10 describes “unquenchable fire” ie a Biblical figure of total destruction.
James 5 concludes this letter from the half brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 1-6 contain a warning to the rich. We remember that in chapter 2 the poor were showing favour to their rich oppressors but, as chapter 5 tells us, the time of reckoning had arrived. The soldiers of Rome, who had encircled Jerusalem in 70 AD, had heard that the rich had swallowed their gems in an attempt to escape with some of their wealth. So when the fleeing rich (identified by their fatter flesh) fled they were opened up to see what wealth they had swallowed. Accumulated wealth in any form other than faithful and charitable works of love is useless, worthless and may in fact witness against us having been faithful servants of Christ. Verse 4 is a reference to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:13; see also Jeremiah 22verse 13; Malachi 3 verse 5). The field day labourers were having their wages held back overnight by the wealthy land owners, which God detested. The powerful would find opposition from Yahweh Tz’vaoth – He whose omnipotent power is with the host of heaven. The time to account for their self indulgent apathy had come. They, verse 6, had condemned and murdered the righteous Lord Jesus Christ; who as he taught them had not resisted. James also according to history was clubbed to death by the Jews, who called him “James the just”. Verses 7-12 speak of patience in suffering. Verse 7 is certainly the key to daily living. The farmer must patiently await for God to give him a crop. Grumble not and judge not, for our Judge is at the door (Acts 17 verse 31). The prophets and especially Job suffered long under trial. Let this console all believers in patiently enduring suffering whilst praying earnestly for the kingdom for which we long. We must always be true to our word – an oath adds no validity (Matthew 6verses 36-37). Verses 13-19 deal with the prayer of faith. These verses contain five prayers. How significant it is that that this letter stresses the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. “Prayer”, said brother Harry Tennant, “is not the spare wheel in the boot of the car – for use when an emergency arises – it is the steering wheel that directs our life”. There were in the first century believers who had been afflicted with sickness as a consequence of their wayward behaviour. Repentance and prayer were the key to their recovery. If we have a friend who is a close confidant that can keep the matter undisclosed, they may be able to help us through a trauma (see Galatians 6 verses 1-3). Consider the example of persistence in prayer until resolving the pressing problem that was demonstrated in Elijah’s life (1 Kings 18 verses 41-46). God has given each one of us the responsibility to help one another to the kingdom.

Thoughts on the bible Readings (Judges 6, Isaiah 33, James 3, 4) for June 9th

The cycle of sin and suffering begins Judges 6. The book reveals the complete and repeated cycle of sin, suffering, supplication from the oppressed and salvation from the LORD in response to His children’s cries.Verses 7-10 tell us that a prophet was sent to remind them of why they were in this plight. Gideon, a truly humble servant of God, was the ideal instrument for God’s deliverance. He is described in glowing words – “mighty man of valour” – used in the Old Testament of him and Boaz alone. Next the angel, whose name was “miraculous” did miraculously (Hebrew word used on the signs given during Israel’s deliverance from Egypt). This angel reveals himself to Gideon, who must next make a stand against the idolatry that was centred in his own father’s house. The altar of Baal is overthrown at night and the sacred bull slain and sacrificed thereon. In the morning Baal’s worshippers clamour for Gideon’s execution only to be told that if Baal truly was a god he would exact his own vengeance. Gideon then summons Israel to battle and is provided with two further signs that God will deliver the Midianites into his hand.

Thoughts on the Bible reading (Judges 4 and 5, Isaiah 32, James 2) for June 8th

In these chapters we meet two heroines through whom God delivered His people- Deborah and Jael. Deborah means bee and she brought sweetness for Israel and a destructive sting for Sisera and his host. She inspired Barak, whose name means lightning, to attack from the heights of Mount Tabor – a position from which escape was impossible with 10,000 men who trusted in God to deliver them. Barak was hesitant in allowing himself to rise to the heights of faith unless strongly encouraged by a mother in Israel, a prophetess of immense faith. Many a brother reluctantly takes on a task only because a wonderful woman stands up to support him. Barak placed his life and the 10,000 courageous men of Naphtali to place themselves at Yahweh’s disposal. Let us too, despite our shortcomings, make ourselves available to do our Sovereign’s will. When we do we will like Barak find strength in our time of need and the evidence of the Almighty energetically working in concert with His children. Despite our weaknesses the LORD uses His instruments to do His work. Sisera fled, only for the mighty general to fall victim to a courageous and faithful woman. Sisera fell victim to an insignificant tent peg. The praise and thanksgiving to God is celebrated in Deborah’s song. Deborah describes the desperate and vulnerable state in which Israel found themselves. But the situation was changed by women and men who overcame by their faith and helped the Almighty to deliver His people. The prophetess also calls upon the LORD to judge those who apathetically fled the fight. Let us never underestimate the power of faithful women to inspire courageous activity in the ecclesia of the Living God.
Isaiah 32 is yet another encouraging vision which lifts the mind of the troubled believer from the disturbances of the present and encourages us all to hang on until the Lord’s coming. When our Lord Jesus reigns as the righteous king from Zion and his princes execute justice in the earth the faithful will flourish. Verses 2-8 tell of the responses of the downtrodden and the contempt in which the vile and oppressors will be held. Verses 9-14 warn of the LORD’s judgements on the proud and complacent women of Zion. These judgments will bring the contemptuous low and prepare the faithful remnant for the blessings Messiah will bring.Verses 15-20 describe Yahweh’s spirit being poured upon His people.The Promised Land will abound with fruit. The extremities of the kingdom will experience righteousness and justice. Verses 17 ESV reads: “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever”. Note that there can be no peace without righteousness. When the Lord Jesus was born the angels sang: “Glory to God in the highest and earth peace to men of good will”. The principle is explained inJames 3:13-18. Read these verses slowly aloud and pause and ponder there meaning for you. And so the final three verses of Isaiah 32 give us a vision to cheer us and encourage us to strive to be with our Lord in his glorious kingdom.
James 2 was a hotly debated chapter at the time of the Reformation. Martin Luther totally misunderstood the message of James 2 and declared the letter of James to be, “A straw letter”. Luther was wrong. James argues that atonement is not based on faith alone; but upon a faith that actively works, being energised by love to purify our hearts (Galatians 5:1-6). Paul and James do not present conflicting arguments, but they are in fact complementary – John Thomas, a Christadelphian writer wrote in ‘Elpis Israel’ (published in 1850), “Abraham the sinner was justified by faith, but Abraham the saint was justified by his works”. Ephesians 2:4-10 expresses the truth that works are the response of the LORD’s children performed in gratitude to God’s grace. Verses 1-13 of James 2 deal with the sin of partiality. This is a sin to which we are all prone. We are all equal in God’s eyes. James says the prominent, the posers, the powerful are shown preference. How evil is this! The Bible stresses the need to look after the poor and the vulnerable. Chapter 1 ended on this note. How magnificent and majestic are the words of verse 5 – read slowly, pause and ponder. We must modify our attitudes and behaviours if we are to be the children of our Father. James declared that the very ones to whom you are partial are your persecutors and oppressors. God’s royal law is the law of Love. It is Royal as it reigns supreme above all other laws. It cannot be measured, nor can it be legislated. And yet it will be the basis of our being judged by our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming (compare Romans 13:8-10). Mercy is received when mercy is the basis of our dealings with others. From verses 14-26 the writer establishes, from the Scriptures, the uselessness of a faith without without works. James gives the example of sensitivity to spiritual needs, yet a total insensitivity to life’s essentials – how incongruous, and yet this so often happens. Faith cannot be demonstrated in a vacuum. Even demented people can show a fearful, but pointless faith (belief). The evidence of faith is seen in action (the writer to the Hebrews showed this in the 11th chapter). Abraham and Rahab are the evidence of James’ argument. Faith without works is as useful as a corpse without breath.

The Life Of Christ - #87 Paying the Temple Tax by John Martin

The Life Of Christ - #  87 Paying the Temple Tax by John Martin

Thoughts on the readings for June 7th (Judges 2, 3, Isaiah 31, James 1)

The first chapter of Judges starts with a message reminding Israel of their failure to keep the covenant they had made with God. An angel was sent to Bochim (meaning ‘weeping’) to provoke this penitent response among God’s people. Verses 6-10 tell us that whilst Joshua was alive and those who had been faithfully encouraged by him Israel remained faithful to God. Then the balance of the chapter unveils the cycle Israel experienced. Their sin led to suffering, in which they again turned to God and He raised up saviours (judges). The first 3 judges – Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar have the manner of their deliverance outlined in chapter 3. Whilst the trials we experience are different and may be more due to our own foolishness; and the suffering that we experience may not have been brought by God, yet He has allowed it to happen; do we learn from these mistakes to turn back to our gracious God. One thing they all shared was that in their weakness they were strengthened by God for His deliverance.

Thoughts on the readings for June 6th (Judges 1; Isaiah 30;Hebrews 13)

The remarks in Joshua 16:10 and 17:8 tell us of Israel’s failure to follow Yahweh’s command to destroy the Canaanites. Judges begins with mighty conquests accomplished by faith. The total time in which the Judges ruled in the land was 450 years (Acts 13:20) – these Judges were not consecutive, but overlapped during their rule. They often ruled in different parts of the Promised Land. If we total the years for every judge we get 450 years – thus show Paul’s comments to be inspired. It was rightly Judah, the lion of God, which led the campaign. The first battle was at Bezek, near Jerusalem where the king of Jerusalem (Adoni-Bezek) ruled. This city had deteriorated since the great King-Priest, Melchizedek ruled as God’s representative into a parody by a miscreant who called himself “the Lord of righteousness”. He had subjugated 70 kings who represented in his mind all nations. Next we have the faithful exploits in destroying 2 of the giants of that land and the taking of the fortress city of Hebron. This is followed by Caleb’s younger brother Othniel and his family overthrowing the strongholds of the Negev. But the reversals start to occur from v20 onwards with a waning faith and a ‘failure through compromise’ one of the three great themes of this book. The other two being ‘God’s strength is made perfect in (human) weakness’ – 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; Hebrews 11:32-34 – and ‘in those days there was no king in Israel and everyone did that which was right in their own eyes’ (Judges 17:6; 21:25).
Isaiah 30-31 are woes about those who placed their confidence in Egypt to aid them against their foes. Judah should have placed her confidence in the Living God who alone could deliver them from the calamity that they were now facing. Verses 1-5 of chapter 30 state this. These verses also state that Egypt was a weak and confused kingdom. Verses 6-7 describe Egypt as a land which deified animals and to rely on Egypt for help would prove useless – for when it came to supporting Judah they would prove themselves to be best at sitting still. The rebellion of Judah would be written in a book as a witness against the nation. Verses 10-11 tell us that Judah only wanted to hear lies from the false prophets; rather than heed the word of the Almighty. Verses 12-14 tell us that the consequence of turning aside from their Sovereign would be that the nation was to be smashed to smithereens like a clay pot. Verse 15 is a plea for Judah to forsake their failing to believe their God. Verses 16-17 tells us that they will be left no path to escape, but the curse of Deuteronomy will be seen in their judgment. Verses 18-26 explains that because Yahweh is gracious He will pour many blessings upon His humble and repentant people. The nation will finally, in that Age, accept their Messiah and he will teach them the ways of righteousness. Verses 27-28 speaks in graphic images of the LORD’s fiery judgements. Verses 29-33 speak of the Almighty’s destructive fire on the Assyrian oppressor. Let us in humility faithfully serve our God that we may receive His grace and not His refusal to accept us as His children.
Hebrews 13 begins, “Let brotherly love (Greek “philadelphus” the love among brothers) continue”. And this is the message of the first nineteen verses. There are many ways to show brotherly love and in verse 2 the writer shows that hospitality is one of the ways. Everyone is a stranger until you get to know them; and who knows whether the unknown person to whom you show kindness might even be an angel. In Genesis 18:3 strangers came to Abraham’s tent bringing great blessings. Verse 3 focuses on supporting the afflicted and counsels believers to encourage the afflicted through visiting and exhorting. This helping of strangers has often been done by Christadelphians resulting in people becoming believers. Even if that was not the outcome of your actions you will still be blessed in your care being shown to another. Verse 4 tells of the honourable and elevated state of marriage among believers; and states that sexual relationships outside marriage are totally unacceptable to God. Verse 5 tells of the dangers of coveting and explains that knowing God is the best way to counter this. It is important to be content (see 1 Timothy 6:5-10) with all that you have. The literal Greek of this verse Hebrews 13:5) is – “I will never, no not ever, leave you, nor forsake you”. How incredibly encouraging are these thoughts – so that whatever is before us can overcome in the confidence of knowing that God is with you. One person and God is always an overwhelming majority (see 2 Kings 6:16). Always (v7) show respect for those who guide you to understand the Word and counsel from God’s Word. Imitate their faith, for it is sustained by an unchanging Lord Jesus Christ (v8). We must be led by grace (v9). We ought not be focused on the present – this includes foods, which are all too important a part of today’s transient world. Verse 10 we are constrained to live lives sacrificing everything upon our altar, Christ, who gave all to bring us to God. The Law of Moses taught the same in its code of offerings. The Law was leading us to Christ; as the writer was through the spirit reminding and encouraging the believers (compare Galatians 3:23-26). As a consequence of his doing this our Lord was crucified and we must take up our stake and follow him. Believers are citizens of the coming Zion and not of the then present Jerusalem, which was awaiting destruction. Our sacrifice is of praise – an attitude of gratitude (v15). The readers are encouraged to show submission to their guides in the Word, because it is not for their own benefit that they give their counsel. Those leaders, too, will be called to give account for their words. Pray for the writer, indeed for all who labour in the Word, that all will magnify our Sovereign and His incomparable Son. Verses 20-21 give us the closing benediction. ESV “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Pause and ponder. Final greetings follow and finish with a request for God’s grace to be with them.
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Thoughts on the readings for June 5th (Joshua 23, 24, Isaiah 29, Hebrews 12)

Joshua 23 is Joshua’s final charge to Israel’s leaders. As the leader’s life nears its end Joshua summons the nation’s leaders to pass on the baton of responsibility to these men. Joshua draws their attention to the mighty acts of Israel’s Omnipotent Sovereign on behalf of His people. Joshua reminds them of the need to complete the subduing of the Canaanites. He counsels the tribal leaders to give diligent attention to Yahweh’s Word. In verses 6-9 the charge he gives them is a reflection of the words of his God, and of Moses’ counsel, to himself. Verses 10-13 Joshua reminds them of the words of the covenant from the book of Deuteronomy. Verse 14 he tells the leaders of his impending death. He tells them of the results of failure to obey God.Chapter 24 speaks of Joshua’s gathering of the nation to Shechem to counsel the entire nation to cleave unto their God and to serve Him faithfully all the days of their life. In verses 2-13 the nation is told their history from the time of Abraham’s calling; their sojourn in the Land of Promise; their afflictions in Egypt; the mighty hand of the LORD in their miraculous deliverance from Egypt; the providential care of their Father in the wilderness; and, the incredible and miraculous aid provided to them in the conquest of the Promised Land. Verses 14-28 record Joshua’s appeal to his people to serve Yahweh in sincerity (spirit) and truth – compare Jesus’ own instructions on this John 4:23-24. Joshua declares his wholehearted commitment that was evident throughout his entire life that he and his household would serve Yahweh. Interestingly enough we have no record of Joshua having any descendants and in this he was like his Lord Jesus Christ – Hebrews 2:10-13. He challenges the nation to make the same commitment. In verses 16-18 the people respond by acknowledging the LORD’s faithfulness and their determination to follow Joshua’s example. Joshua says that even though they have promised to serve God they would fail to carry out their obligations. Joshua tells the nation what the consequences of departure from the covenant would mean. The nation would be chastened by their Father for failing to keep their promises. Yahweh is a Jealous God who demands of His children a fulsome love and service. The words of the covenant were written in the Book of the Law of God and placed near a large memorial stone and set under a terebinth tree. Joshua told the nation that the written words were a witness against the nation. The assembly was dismissed and sent to their homes. Verses 29-33 record faithful Joshua’s death and burial at 110 in his allotted inheritance. They also tell us of Joseph’s bones (a faithful forbear of Joshua) finally being laid to rest. These two men of faith rest in the wonderful hope of resurrection to receive their eternal inheritance in the Promised Land. The book closes by telling us that the just Phinehas would endeavour to guide Israel in the way of the LORD.
Isaiah 29 is about the siege of Jerusalem and the outcomes that would achieve. The chapter commences with a woe on Ariel – another name for Jerusalem – David’s capital city. The name Ariel means “the lion of God”. It was called this for two reasons: 1) when Israel would roar forth to battle against the enemies of the LORD see Joel 3:16 and 2) it was the site of the Temple and of the altar where flesh was devoured. But as verses 2-7 explain the situation would be reversed when a multitude of nations would be gathered to destroy Jerusalem. This prophecy focuses on the future, for although other nations accompanied the Assyrians in their siege in the days of Hezekiah, its ultimate fulfilment is at the end time of Armageddon – see Ezekiel 38, Joel 3, Zechariah 14 and Revelation 16. Verse 8 outlines poetic pictures of the way the events seemed to those who found themselves besieged – it was like a dream that provided no satisfaction. Verses 9-10 speak derisively to the proud leaders of the nation. The nation would be staggering like a drunken man whose head was spinning due to the rapidity of problem upon problem with seemingly no way of solving their dilemmas. Verses 11-14 speak of the ways in which the nation’s leaders refused to accept any responsibility for their situation. Verse 13 tells us that there was no true worship of their Sovereign – they merely gave lip service to the Almighty’s call for their love and living of His Truth. There was a failure of leadership to accept responsibility for guiding the people in the Word of God, which alone could have averted their current peril and would fortify them in their time of trouble. Verses 15-16 pronounce a further woe upon those who had inverted the divine order. Verses 17-21 tell of the time to come which will follow the humbling of God’s people. All pretence will be gone and consequently the time of blessings will come. Verses 22-24 tell us of the reconciliation of the Almighty Father with His children.
The 12th chapter of Hebrews is about patience in hope. The first two verses in some ways belong to the previous chapter. The “cloud” of witnesses refers to the faithful mentioned in chapter 11, plus us (hopefully – 11:39-40). A cloud is formed by the action of the sun, which draws vapour from the masses of water in the sea and other places. Twice in v1 of chapter 12 do we hear those watchwords of resolution – “Let us …”. We commence the race for eternal life when we are baptised into our Lord Jesus Christ. In this race we follow our Lord who is our “archegos” ie the author, or founder of faith. Jesus has run the course and has entered into eternal life. Having finished the course he is running towards us and bringing the finishing tape with him. None of us will attain to life through our efforts. The writer of Hebrews speaks of the “sin that so easily besets” – the Greek expression is talking of “the sin that sits comfortably” with us ie the sin that we do not want to give up because we see it as not being of great importance. Yet the writer says that sin is impeding our path to the kingdom. But God has done in His Son what we cannot complete. What the Father asks of His children is that they believe, and follow and run with patience and endurance this race. Verses 3-17 is a lesson to be understood by all of the Father’s children ie to patiently endure. If ever any of us should feel that the struggling against sin is too difficult – then think again. Consider the Lord’s endurance cost him his life and even though he benefits from his sacrifice Jesus died to take away our sins. Then take heart and lift up the hanging hands and the feeble knees and press on. The Proverbs addresses these issue and through His Word the Father makes His appeal to each of us. The writer says that the fact we are suffering is proof that our Father is developing character in His children. The Father’s aim is to have us live as His children ie in holiness that He might live with us perpetually in His kingdom. Present suffering is unpleasant, but we need to be longsighted and realise the eventual benefit of present trials. The writer says that the faithful are not like Esau who only lived in and for the present. Verses 18-29 reminds us that whatever can be shaken is temporary and transient. By contrast the kingdom prepared by the Father for His family is future. It is the centre of our hope. It is not momentary it is eternal. Verses 18-24 contrasts the terror experienced by Israel at Sinai with the uplifting sevenfold blessings that belong to Zion’s children, freeborn of Jerusalem in Christ Jesus our Lord (see Galatians 4:21-31). I encourage each of you to explore those blessings in verses 22-24. The writer appeals to the listeners to heed the heavenly voice so as not to perish as those who are enslaved by Law and legalism. Verses 26-29 describe the benefits of the faithful, those enduring in hope, in receiving an unshakable, immovable and eternal kingdom. And so the writer directs our minds to the words of Haggai 2:6-9.