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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.

Thoughts on the readings for June 4th (Joshua 22, Isaiah 28, Hebrews 11)

Joshua 22 speaks of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh returning to their inheritance east of the River Jordan following their active armed service west of the river. Verses 1-9 tell of these tribes receiving their allotments before the other ten tribes fought for their territory after crossing into the Promised Land. Verse 4 explains how the LORD had now given rest to the tribes of Israel now occupying the Canaanite lands. The three tribes were given thanks and sent home to their own lands. Verses 10-34 describe how easily a misunderstanding between brothers can occur. Not wanting the children of the three tribes east of the Jordan – Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh – to have their children growing up in the belief that they have nothing in common with the children of the tribes on the western side of the river Jordan; an altar was built near the common border of both groups. The purpose of the altar was to direct the minds of those tribes on the east to the need for united worship of Israel’s God within the Promised Land. Without asking why the altar was constructed Phinehas summons the army of the western tribes to go up to fight against their eastern brethren. It was a case of being over zealous and of a failure to ask before acting. However, eventually enquiry was made – this should have happened before the army was mustered. The purpose of the altar was explained by their eastern brothers. When this was understood war was averted and all went home (presumably wiser for the experience). The altar was allowed to remain and was named “Witness” for the reason explained in verse 34.
Isaiah 28 is an indictment against the drunks in the fat valleys of Ephraim. Verses 2-4 speak of the Almighty’s judgments on these proud men. Verses 5-6 say that these judgments will vindicate the just. Verses 7-9 describe the disgusting scene of these drunkards. Verse 10 is a drunken ditty that speaks of the vile attitude with which these drunkards held the Word of God in contempt. The Word of the LORD was to these many tiresome – precept after precept and line upon line – it was a monotonous and repetitive and burdensome requirement. For this attitude Israel’s Sovereign would bring against the nation the Assyrians whose language was like a stuttering speech to the Israelites says verses 11-13. However the message of the prophecy is encapsulated in verse 16; that the Almighty would lay in Zion a precious cornerstone which would be the foundation for saving faithful believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. This basis was established by the sinless life of Jesus and the final pouring out of his life as a sacrifice on the stake on which he was crucified. God would judge the contemptuous Israelites who made a covenant with death. Yahweh would sweep away the lies that were the basis of the lives of those evil doers. There would be no means of escaping for the wicked. Verse 20 is an interesting metaphor describing the guilty’s inability to become comfortable. This would be because these wrongdoers had set themselves against God. Verses 23-29 use a series of word pictures which explain that the proper process must be used in harvesting (a symbol of judgment). And the right tool must be chosen for the correct job. The Omnipotent Creator knew exactly what He was doing and would use the best method to judge the wicked and a specially raised up Son to save the faithful.
Chapter 11 of Hebrews is about “by faith”: what can be accomplished; chapter 12“with hope” :patiently enduring; chapter 13 “in love” the abiding overarching necessity for believers – these 3 (compare1 Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 5:5-6)). The writer completed the book on the great and lofty themes of God’s Word. All good translations convey the sense of Hebrews 11 verses 1-3, that faith tells us that the framing, or adjusting, of this world’s ages has been done with our Lord Jesus Christ in mind. Faith is the reality, substance, of the things being hoped for. Without faith, hope and love we would find ourselves living in a meaningless world. The chapter could also be called “Faith’s family”. From verses 4-7 the writer takes us to the roots of this family and looks at what was done by faith before the flood. Abel commences the list, and his name means “futility” – that is the human position apart from God (but with God all things are possible). Abel offered what God asked ie what God wanted. It cost Abel his life (as it had, and would still, cost the lives of the faithful readers of this book should they stand firm for their faith). But faith gave Abel an abiding and eternal life guaranteed by God. Similarly Enoch’s life was threatened by Lamech, whose power could not match that of our Almighty Sovereign. Verse 6 should be read slowly and pondered, “Without faith it is not possible to please God; for the ones who come to Him must wholeheartedly believe two things – God is; and, He becomes a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. Noah was warned of God about a coming flood, when as yet it had not even rained on earth. The readers were likewise being threatened to be overwhelmed by an impending and tumultuous unstoppable Roman tide, and if they were without God’s provided ark (Christ) they could not survive. By faith Noah built the ark to save his family; commencing this labour 20 years before having any family. Consider Abraham and Sarah (Vv8-12). They, says the prophet Isaiah, were the human founding source of faith’s family (51:1-2). Both of them left a life of luxury to faithfully follow He who had promised them a land and city with foundations (verses 9-16; cp also Hebrews 6:13-20). The writer shows that all the Father’s family died in faith awaiting their future reward at Christ’s coming. The book’s readers, likewise, had in Jerusalem no continuing city; but were seeking the one which their God was building; and by faith they would constitute that city (Psalm 87). It was by faith (verses 17-19) that Abraham was able to offer, as a sacrifice, the heir of the promises. Abraham was fully and firmly convinced that Isaac would be resurrected. The members of the patriarchal family demonstrated their faith, often in small and simple ways – faith is frequently shown in the little things (verses 20-22). Moses’ faith was evident when God used Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt. Faith gave Moses the capacity to endure suffering. Moses looked, not on what seemed to be, but believed what the Omnipotent had promised (so must the readers’ faith sustain them in their trials). Faith brought Israel through the Red Sea (and it sustained would see them rewarded in the Promised Land). The writer says time was insufficient to keep naming the members of faith’s family (verses 32-38); but consider the power of faith to sustain enduring trust in God to live faithfully in a godless world. And all of these together with us will receive the reward of the faithful when our Lord Jesus Christ comes to set up his kingdom on earth (verse 39).

Thoughts on the readings for June 3rd (Joshua 20, 21, Isaiah 26, 27, Hebrews 10)

Joshua 20 speaks of the cities of refuge where the person who had accidentally killed another person is provided asylum until guilt, or innocence is determined. The process of determining innocence, or guilt, is outlined in verses 4-6. Verses 7-8 name the six cities of refuge, three on the western side of Jordan in Canaan and three east of Jordan. The three Western cities are Kedesh, Shechem and Hebron. The three cities to the east are Bezer, Ramoth and Golan. Although not officially a city of refuge Jerusalem was another. Verse 9 restates the purpose of these cities. In the days of Solomon when he gave charge to Shimei we find Solomon treating Jerusalem as a city when Solomon told Shimei that leaving that city would mean Shimei’s life would be forfeited.Joshua 21 describes the 48 cities of the Levites who were distributed throughout the land to provide access for every Israelite to the teaching of God. The cities are named and their locations given. These cities were surrounded by fields to assist in the support of the Levites..Verses 43-45 tell us that these cities were established after the Word of the LORD had been fulfilled, after Israel possessed the Promised Land and God’s people had entered their rest. This rest is symbolic of the kingdom rest when all will truly have rest from the effects of sin. The writer to the Hebrews speaks of this in Hebrews 4 verses 9-11. Read slowly, pause and ponder.
Picking up our train of thought from yesterday: why did God allow Isaiah these visions of hope such as those in chapters 2, 6, 25-27, 40 etc? We are told the reason in1 Peter 1 verses 7-12 read carefully and contemplate. The prophet is given a glimpse of the peace and faithfulness that will be evident when Messiah’s kingdom comes.Chapters 26-27 speak of redemption and the singing of the song of redemption in the land of Judah when Christ’s kingdom is established in the land. Chapter 26 speaks of the song and of those who will sing it from experience and with understanding. The song is told to us in verses 1-19. The place of the singing of the song is Jerusalem. In the history of this city, whose name means “vision of peace”, 27 major wars have been waged. Note from the song’s beginning the focus is on salvation and peace. Verse 1 says that the strength of the city’s defence – its walls and bulwarks – were in trusting of Yahweh Elohim of Israel. Verse 2 explains the requirements of a citizen who can dwell there – righteousness and truth – Psalms 15 and 24 elaborate. The result of trusting in the LORD will be perfect peace: Hebrew Shalom Shalom – peace peace ie absolute peace. For Israel’s Omnipotent Sovereign is,verse 4, “the Rock of Ages” – the source of immovable and eternal security. Verses 5-6 tell us God’s mighty acts at both the international and personal level. In verses 7-9 tell of the prophet’s own yearnings for this time. Verses 10-11 tell of the anguish of the righteous for the contempt the wicked have for the Almighty. Verse 12 confesses Isaiah’s confidence that the righteous will not act in that way. Verses 13-19 contrast the fate of the ignorant and wicked with that of the understanding and faithful. The wicked will perish the righteous will be preserved. The wicked will sleep perpetually – Jeremiah 51:39, 57; but the righteous will be raised from the dead and live forever- Isaiah 26:19: clearly teaching resurrection. Verses 20-23 are a call for the righteous to hide while the LORD protects them until the time of judgment passes.Isaiah 27 describes Israel’s redemption from all oppression and the Almighty’s hand being upon her foes to punish them for their evils. The enemies of Israel are poetically portrayed as a crocodile in verse 1. In verses 2-5 the Jewish nation is described as Yahweh’s vineyard. The same metaphor is used by the Lord Jesus Christ in several parables. Verses 6-11 speak of the attitude of restored Israel following God’s disciplining of them. Verse 12-13 describe the nation of Israel’s deliverance from the two great superpowers of that time: Egypt and Assyria.
In Hebrews 10 the writer continues the theme of Christ’s “better” offerings. Verses 1-18 show that by a single offering, effective for all time, our Lord brought to end all sacrifices under the law of Moses. The writer reminded the readers that the law was but a shadow, whose sacrifices (v4) could never take away sin. So verses 5-7 quote Psalm 40, which says that, the will of the Son of God was to do what the Father desired ( the Hebrew of verse 8 can be translated in one of two ways, “I will to do Thy will”, or alternatively, “I desire to do Thy desire” – see Matthew 26:39). The writer has quoted from the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) which differs slightly from the Hebrew text. The Hebrew of Psalm 40 says that Messiah is the knob that allows the scroll to be unravelled (see Revelation 5:1-8). The Greek LXX translation, on the other hand implies that, if you try to remove Christ from the Old Testament you have no book (Bible). This message was crucial to the writer’s readers who were being threatened by the circumstances in which the believers in Jerusalem found themselves. Therefore through the doing of God’s will by our Lord Jesus Christ, they, as well as we have been cleansed once for all time. Whereas the priests under the law stood, Christ our High Priest sits at His Father’s right hand. Christ Jesus is awaiting the time when he will be sent to establish his kingdom on earth, as Psalm 110 prophesied. Jeremiah 31 likewise indicated the same message. Verses 19-39 teach us that with a confident hope we can approach our Heavenly Father. All this has only been made possible because of our Lord Jesus Christ’s perfect life, offering and resurrection. Those watchwords of resolution are again used, “Let us …”. The word “faith” (AV is the Greek “elpis”, or “hope”). Again v24, “Let us” assemble together as often as we are able to encourage one another in the confident expectation of our Master’s return. Verses 26-31 tell us that failure to do this may lead to continuing in sin, which is equivalent to a total rejection of what was achieved in the offering of himself by our Lord Jesus Christ. These verses are about deliberate public renunciation of the truth associated with the rejection of assembling with the brothers and sisters of Christ. Verses 32-39 is a reminder to the readers of what sufferings they had endured when they had become believers in Christ. That suffering had provided them with a “better” and abiding hope. Not in any way a vain hope if they now continued to endure with patience. For the Scripture had said, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (verses 37-38 ESV quoting from Habakkuk 2 verses 4-5). The concluding verses take us back to Hebrews 1. The writer to the Hebrews constantly affirms that the Hebrew believers would not shrink away from the hope that they had embraced in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thoughts on the readings for June 2nd (Joshua 19, Isaiah 25, Hebrews 8, 9)

Joshua 19 tells of the inheritances of Simeon, Zebulon, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Dan; as well as Joshua’s personal allocation. Simeon was the second eldest of Israel’s sons so this allotment was to be the next chosen by lot. Verses 1-9 describe the territories and cities given to Simeon. These portions are in the Negev – the southern part of Canaan. Verses 10-16 outline Zebulon’s allotted lands and the twelve cities in that portion. Verses 17-23 describe Issachar’s allocation and the sixteen cities within this allotment. Verses 24-31 tell of Asher’s portion in the north of the land like Zebulon’s allotment and also of Naphtali. Those two tribes were the subjects of enlightenment by the gospel message, spoken of in Isaiah 9 and preached by our Lord Jesus Christ during his ministry, which was chiefly in Galilee. The city of Cabul, mentioned in verse 27, was given by king Solomon to Hiram, king of Tyre. Hiram saw them as a disagreeable present. Verses 32-39 speak of Naphtali’s inheritance with its nineteen cities. Verses 40-48 tell of Dan’s lands. In the numbering of the sealed disciples from each tribe (Revelation 7) we find that Dan is omitted. Possibly as Dan became a source of idolatry and apostacy within the Promised Land.Verses 49-51 reveal Joshua’s inheritance in the hill country of Ephraim, which Joshua had requested from Moses and was granted by Yahweh’s command.
Isaiah 25 is a remarkable chapter in which God promises to swallow death in victory. It is like the interspersed empowering visions that we find throughout the book of Revelation. The purpose of this chapter, found often in the scriptures is to give the faithful believers a vision of the great promise of the Almighty to His children that He is fully in control and no matter how disconcerting the raging of the nations are in their troubled sea God will give His children peace and assurance (compare Isaiah 26:1-4).Isaiah 25:1-2 explain that his Sovereign’s acts cause the prophet to praise his God. Verses 3-5 say that the LORD’s protection of the poor and His defence of His people when facing destruction from the powerful oppressors brings them to extol Him. Verses 6-9 tell us that in that time of distress; in that place of insecurity and apparent hopelessness; there is no need to fear. Yahweh will because of His faithfulness without fail deliver His people. Their greatest enemy – death – will not swallow them. Rather will our Omnipotent Sovereign swallow death itself in victory – 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. How motivated are we to strive indefatigably to serve our God with all our might, all strength, all our heart and with every fibre of our being? Hosea gives a similar message: Hosea 13:14. Both these passages are united in the great message by the Apostle in the teachings he has given to us in1 Corinthians 15. Slowly read aloud Isaiah 25:9 and pause and ponder its power for you. The chapter finishes with the mighty acts of the LORD exercised on behalf of His children.
Hebrews 8 tells of Jesus the High Priest administering a “better” covenant. What majestic language the writer uses to start this chapter. Jesus is seated at His Father’s right hand – called “the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (V1 ESV). Our Lord Jesus serves in the true tent pitched by God, and not man (he was, by miraculous begettal “the Son of God”). The Tabernacle was typical and the man gifted by God for the fabricating of that tent was Aholiab (meaning in Hebrew “from the Father’s tent”) Christ as our heavenly High Priest has both offered sacrifices and given great gifts. The Exodus record twice tells us that Moses was to make the Tabernacle after the pattern which was shown to him in the Mount. The covenant Christ mediates has been founded on “better” promises. The writer cites Jeremiah 31:31-34 in verses 8-12 of chapter 8. The concluding verses take us back to chapter 1, which cited Psalm 102:25-26 indicating that Messiah would end the Mosaic covenant (the “heavens” being there mentioned). Verses 1-10 of chapter 9 speak of the earthly (typical) sanctuary – the Tabernacle. This was set up for Israel’s worship, in a holy place where the comers thereto could have their minds centred on divine matters. The writer firstly describes the Holy Place in v2. From verses 3-5 we are taken beyond the veil into the Holy of Holies ie Most Holy Place. Some, wrongly believe, that the writer has here made a mistake in placing the incense altar in the Most Holy: thus for one day each year the incense altar was the Most Holy Place. On the Day of Atonement (the only day in which the High Priest was allowed into the Most Holy) incense had to fill the Most Holy before the High Priest was allowed to enter – “lest he (the High Priest) die”. And every other day the sweet incense of prayer permeated the Holy of Holies (Revelation 8:3-4). Whilst the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, were operating they had a status; but, when Jesus died and the veil separating the Holy and Most Holy Place was rent from top to bottom, it could not function any longer. Those former structures being only the shadow and not the reality, are no longer needed. Christ, the believer’s High Priest, is there, in heaven for us. From verses 11-28, of chapter 9, the writer explains how we have redemption through what was achieved in Jesus’ offering of himself on the tree (cross). One offering for all time of himself has opened the way for salvation. The offering of bulls and calves provided ritual forgiveness, on the condition that the person making the offering understood what God was teaching (the law was a teacher to bring worshippers to an understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice – Galatians 3:23-26). But the Law of Moses could never cleanse the conscience of the offerer – since it was the sin of each person that was atoned for, and by the slaying of an animal – incapable of sinning (as it didn’t have a nature which prompts sin) our conscience is cleansed. So by our identification with Jesus’ offering, as one of us (and representing us in every respect; as the earlier chapters of the book explain – particularly chapters 2, 4 and 5).; we have been given a clear conscience. But the understanding of what Jesus has done on our behalf powerfully motivates us to forsake and turn from our sins to right ways. The old covenant was ratified by the death of animals; but the covenant in Christ, is brought into force by the death and RESURRECTION of our Lord. Verse 22 of chapter 9 states an eternal principle, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (ESV). And so Christ’s “better” sacrifice has brought us nearer to God. All this by one perfect offering. Verses 27-28 tell us that having dealt with the problem of sin in his first advent, our Lord Jesus will destroy it for ever at his second coming. For Christ no longer is burdened by a nature biased towards sin, but in a sinless immortal body he will do the eradicate sin for every believer (see 1 Corinthians 15:13-28). Read aloud, pause and ponder.

Thoughts on the readings for June 1st (Joshua 18, Isaiah 24, Hebrews 6, 7).

Joshua 18-19 tell of the inheritances of the other seven tribes and of Joshua’s own in the Land promised to the nation’s fathers of faith. With Israel assembled at Shiloh with the Tabernacle of the congregation spies were sent out to report on the rest of the land to be allotted. Having surveyed the land and providing a detailed written description the land was apportioned into 7 allotments. On the return of the spies lots were cast to see what each tribe was to receive. Verses 11-28 tell us of Benjamin’s inheritance: the lands and their cities. Notice that Jerusalem is included in Benjamin’s allotted territory. Jerusalem is also listed as belonging to Judah. How can it belong to two tribes? It was a border city and so belonged to both tribes. Benjamin’s allocation logically follows the two sons of Joseph since Benjamin was Joseph’s brother.
Isaiah 24 describes the ravages to come on the earth, and at the time of the great earthquake which will happen when Jesus returns to the earth. Verse 1 speaks of the depopulation that this event will bring. Verses 2-3 tells that all classes of people are equally affected. Verses 4-6 outlines some of sins of the world which have brought these judgments. Verses 7-13 describe the bitterness felt by the survivors of this calamity. Verses 14-20 say that many of the remaining peoples will speak of the righteousness of the Almighty’s judgment. Verses 21-23 speak of the new regime reigning in Jerusalem over the entire earth who will displace all the other rulers.
Hebrews 5verses 12-6 and 20 continues the theme begun in chapter 5 – a warning against apostacy. The first 8 verses deal with a pressing danger to those, who were once enlightened by the Spirit Word, and had shared in the Holy Spirit gifts of the first century, of “falling away” (Greek word for apostacy and having a number value of 666). This proves that the possession of a spiritual gift was not a guarantee of a place in the kingdom. The writer expresses his hope that the majority of the letter’s readers will not succumb to this challenge. From verse 13 to the end of chapter the writer outlines the certainty of God’s promises. All His promises are unfailing and are not capable of any shortfall in what He has promised. Yahweh’s promise to Abraham is vouchsafed by an oath based on God’s own existence. And so with Chrst having been raised and exalted to His Father’s presence our hope is securely anchored in Christ. This hope takes us beyond mortality and being with Christ will be realised at Jesus’ return to earth to set up the kingdom promised to Abraham (see Romans 4 verse 13; Genesis 13 verses 14-15). From chapters 7-10 the writer speaks of the “better priesthood”, which has been brought into existence by our Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 7 introduces us to “one made like unto the Son of God”, by the terms the Scripture uses and the manner in which they are introduced to the reader of the sacred inspired text. Twice only do we find Melchizedek, the king-priest of Jerusalem mentioned in the Old Testament – Genesis 14 and Psalm 110. These verses were written about a thousand years apart. And together with an enacted parable from 2 Samuel chapters 6-8 allow us to see how this man prefigures the Lord Jesus Christ and his priesthood. Like Abraham’s promises Christ’s priesthood (typically seen in Melchizedek) is founded upon an oath. Since Melchizedek’s priesthood preceded and also prophetically succeeds the Aaronic priesthood the Scripture foreshadows a change of law administered by an eternal priesthood of King-priests. Christ’s sacrifice suffices in the forgiveness of sins once for all time. And our Lord Jesus will return to the earth free from a body which is weak and sin prone to rule in glorious immortality.

The Life Of Christ - #86 The Healing of the Epileptic Child by John Martin

The Life Of Christ - #  86 The Healing of the Epileptic Child by John Martin