Christadelphians Talk

The Life Of Christ # 77 God's principles and the traditions of men (Mark 7:1-7) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ #  77 God's principles and the traditions of men (Mark 7:1-7)  by John Martin

Thoughts on the readings for March 29th (Numbers 11, Proverbs 7, Luke 21)

Luke 21 is the record of the Olivet prophecy given after 6pm on Abib 12th from the mount east of Jerusalem. The significance of the prophecy deals with events that would occur within forty years of its delivery; as well as matters relating to our days (end times) when the Kingdom of God will be once more set up on earth. The chapter began with a declaration of the widow who gave God all. Jesus foretells of the destruction of the magnificent temple, whose building had begun with Herod the Great; and to that point in time had still not been finished. When the temple was destroyed it would be totally overturned leaving not one stone on another – except for the older foundations which acted as a retaining wall for Herod to build on. Jesus says that there would be wars and rumours of wars but the disciples must wait until the end time of the Lord’s prophecy. Persecution would be the disciples’ lot, but they would be aided in their testimony before the authorities. Families would be divided over their support for Christ’s teaching. Despite Jerusalem being surrounded by armies at AD70 there would be five opportunities for the disciples to flee to safety – the first of these was at the defeat of the Roman Tribune Cestius Gallus in AD66 (the others are mentioned in Robert Roberts book ‘The Ways of Providence’). There would be the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, which spoke of the fall of the city to the Roman Emperor Titus. In regards to the final outcome of the prophecy, which relates to the time when the Kingdom of God will be set up on earth; we have the parable of the fig tree (national Israel’s symbol), whose statehood began in 1948 and many of us have seen the fig tree blossom and flourish with the reoccupation of Jerusalem, Israel’s eternal and undivided capital, in 1967. Be ready our Lord’s return and his kingdom is indeed near.

Thoughts on the readings for March 28th (Numbers 10, Proverbs 6, Luke 20)

Numbers 10 describes the purpose of the silver trumpet. It was blown as an alarm when it was time to break camp. The order for marching is told. A different sound was made to call the nation to an assembly. Sometimes the assembling of the tribes was to muster them for war. Also at the joyous festival in the seventh month the trumpet was sounded. The trumpet blast accompanied the offerings that signaled the start of the month, at the new moons. Verses 11 to 36 tell of Israel’s departure from Mount Sinai. The packing up the Tabernacle, its furnishings and the marching order of Israel is outlined. Notice inverses 33 to 36 the ark of the covenant had the role of leading the nation. These verses and the original context are quoted in Psalm 68:1; indeed the entire Psalm draws on the Sinai experiences. When it came to rest there the nation also rested. Our Lord Jesus Christ leads us toward the rest in the Promised Land – the Kingdom of God.

Thoughts on the readings for March 27th (Numbers 8, 9, Proverbs 5, Luke 19)

Luke 19 records the story of tiny Zacchaeus who had climbed a mulberry tree to catch sight of Jesus, who would pass by among the crowd. The Lord, who was always able to read people’s minds, stopped underneath the tree where the tax gatherer was. Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today I must dine at your house”. In a statement of true repentance Zacchaeus indicates how there would be a recompense to any person defrauded by him (using the language of the trespass offering). This statement by Zacchaeus could indicate that he was already trying to tread the path of the just. Zacchaeus hastily prepared a great feast and invites Jesus to dine with him. The chapter tells of Jesus speaking the parable of the ten Minas. This parable was given because because of the disciples’ false expectation that the kingdom of God would immediately appear. The parable was based on the well known historical circumstances surrounding the life of Herod Antipas. The parable is based on the utilisation of abilities which have been distributed by the Lord. The parable tells of the enemies of the kingdom being slaughtered before the king. The chapter next describes the Lord Jesus triumphant entry to Jerusalem on a donkey, which had never been ridden. The crowds acclaimed our Lord as they waved palm branches and recited the words of Psalm 118 and Zechariah 9. The chapter says that Jesus paused as he came over the brow of the hill and caught sight of the city. He wept over it with great tenderness. He explains his love and desire for that city. But like the leprous house the stones of that city would be torn down one by one. Jesus laments that the next time his people would see him would be at a time of Jewish conversion and repentance. At that time the nation of Israel would declare, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh”. This time will bring blessing for the whole world – at last.

Thoughts on the readings for January 26th (Genesis 42, 43 Psalms 46, 47, 48, Matthew 28)

Matthew 28 tells that just after 6pm on the Sabbath Jesus was raised from the dead in a dramatic and terror induced experience for the guards who witnessed the angel’s powerful demonstration. This provided incontrovertible evidence of the event by impartial witnesses who were in the pay of our Lord’s enemies. The risen and glorious Lord Jesus Christ went to meet with them in Galilee, as he had arranged before his death, to give them further infallible proofs of his resurrection and to give them the great commission to carry the Gospel message into all the earth. What comfort is there in his concluding words, “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Thoughts on the readings for March 25th (Numbers 6, Proverbs 3, Luke 17)

Luke 17 commences with a woe upon any who would be a cause of serious stumbling to Jesus’ disciples. This follows Jesus’ comments in verses 1-6 on the need for forgiveness which brought the response from the twelve: “”Lord to increase their faith”. Yet that faith, like the mustard and mulberry seeds, may be tiny but immensely powerful. We are told that when we have done all, we are still unprofitable slaves. We have but done what was our duty. Jesus cleansed ten lepers, yet only one returned with thanksgiving – and he a Samaritan (presumably the other nine were Jews). When questioned about the kingdom Jesus pointed out that the rulers were looking for outward, observable signs; but they had failed to recognise the most visible and evident sign of all – Jesus the King in their midst. He told them to be ready to go to the kingdom and not be caught up with preoccupation with food and drink and multiple marriages – as in the time of Noah. The same warnings applied to Lot’s time with the additional problems of involvement with the absorbing commerce of that time. Some will be ready and waiting. Sadly, others will not. Let us be among the ready, rather than have the eagles strip our bones. There was in this prophecy overtones of the coming judgment of AD70 by the Roman eagle.

Thoughts on the readings for March 24th (Numbers 5, Proverbs 2, Luke 16)

Proverbs 2 tells of the value in a life of wisdom. The opening verse speaks of a faithful father’s advice to his son. As Solomon is the author he would be recollecting David’s advice to him. Verses 1-22 present wisdom as a precious treasure and a safeguard against choosing bad company, or acting against the commandments of the LORD. Wisdom will not be gained without wholehearted effort. But the effort expended will be richly compensated. God will grant wisdom to the diligent seekers. These seekers will develop characteristics that will be pleasing to their Father. The other side of the coin describes the avoidance of traps that we lay for ourselves when we trust in ourselves. We will shun the wicked woman whose heart is set upon capturing and destroying the upright. She is the other woman in Proverbs. The evil, lurking woman is described in detail in chapter 5.Verses 20 to 22 tell us that those who choose to walk in wisdom’s way will inherit the eternal kingdom of Christ on earth. At the same time of the inheritance of the unfaithful – the wicked – will, verse 22, be rooted from the earth. Those thoughts are the same as those found in Psalm 37.

Thoughts on the readings for March 23rd (Numbers 4, Proverbs , Luke 15)

Luke 15 records the three parables of the lost – sheep, coin and son. “All we like sheep have gone astray” (Isaiah 53) but hopefully we have been recovered by our chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5. However, how poor it was that the coin was lost in the house of believers. Was it lost because of an oversight, or, even worse, because of a lack of care due to the preoccupation of those self interested occupants of the ecclesial house? God only knows! But like in the parable of the lost sheep there is great joy in heaven and on earth in the recovery of the coin. Finally we are told the parable of the Prodigal (or wasteful) son. The wasteful son through hardship brought on by his own lack of understanding of the great benefits that come to all who are blessed to be in our Father’s house; as well as the Prodigal son’s own greed. In his hardship that son has time to reflect on the love of the father (Father) and to find opportunity to return to the household. The father was anxiously waiting for any news of his son’s return and runs to meet his lost son and receives him with great feasting and rejoicing. The elder son symbolises the self righteous Pharisees who could feel no joy when those who they contemptuously call sinners joyfully embrace the father’s graciousness. Let us read aloud verses 31 and 32. Then pause, ponder and make sure we love our gracious Father and rejoice when His children return to the fold.

The Life Of Christ # 76 Thou hast the words of eternal life ( John 6:48-71) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 76 Thou hast the words of eternal life ( John 6:48-71)  by John Martin

Thoughts on the readings for March 22nd (Numbers 3, Psalms 148, 149, 150,Luke 13, 14)

Numbers 3 briefly tells us of the genealogy of Aaron, the High Priest, and of his 4 sons (two of whom Nadab and Abihu, were slain by Yahweh on the opening day of the Tabernacle) – the priests – the other 2 sons being Eleazar and Ithamar. Verses 5-39 outlines the duties of the Levites. As a result of their faithfulness, in the tragedy of the idolatry associated with the golden calf, the Levites became the ministers who acted for the LORD and in service of the Tabernacle. The Levites answered Yahweh’s call: “Who is on My side?” There were 3 sons born to Levi, who was Jacob’s 3rd son. Levi’s sons were Gershom, Kohath and Merari. These were responsible for the carrying of the Tabernacle and its furniture. The special items of furniture were carried by the Kohathites. The numbers of adult males for the 3 clans is stated in the record. Verses 40 to 51 speaks of the redemption of the firstborn males of the Levites and of their cattle. The valuation for the male Levites was 5 shekels of silver per person.
Psalm 148 completes the Deuteronomy Psalms. The writer, in verses 1 to 12, calls upon every created being to praise Yahweh. Even the inanimate natural created objects to praise the Almighty Creator. Verses 13 and 14 tell us that the greatest praise is due to the LORD because of the redemptive work of our God in raising up “a horn of salvation” for His people Israel and for His saints (the faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ). Note how these words are quoted by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, in Luke 1 verses 68 and 69.Psalms 149 and 150 are the conclusion to the Psalms; just as Psalms 1 and 2 were the introduction. The Book of Psalms is brought to a crescendo in these two Psalms(149 and 150).Psalms 149 and 2 are companion Psalms which carry the same essential message – the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ will be established by the power of the Almighty. None can prevent the kingdom from coming; and the Almighty’s wisdom is to be found among those who submit to the divine authority: all resistance will be totally crushed. So the two Psalms bookend the Book of the Psalms. Psalm 149 calls upon the righteous to be glad and rejoice in their king. The humble will extol the triumph of their God. Together with their praises is a readiness to avenge all wickedness in high places (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).Psalm 150 is a song that was accompanied by a massive orchestra composed of all manner of instruments. It calls upon everything with breath to praise the Name of Yahweh. Every verse of the song commences with Hallelujah, meaning praise Yah; and the Psalm concludes with Hallelujah. Let everyone of us praise God with our lips; but more importantly let us glorify Him by the way we live.
In Luke 13 the enemies of the Lord maliciously attack him by drawing his attention to the Galileans, who Pilate had slaughtered as they were sacrificing in Jerusalem. Jesus tells his audience of Judeans of a recent event where a wall in Siloam – Jerusalem’s backyard – fell on many Judeans. Did it happen because they were bad sinners? No, on both counts – but both tragedies provided opportunities for reflection and repentance. This is followed in chapter 13 by the parable of the barren fig tree which represents Israel’s failure to bring forth fruit to God. Jesus next, on the Sabbath day heals a woman with an unclean spirit. The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven come next in the record. Then the record speaks of the parable of the narrow door, through which every disciple must strive to enter. Our Lord Jesus Christ laments over Jerusalem – to be torn down stone by stone as the leprous house. He will be welcomed in the Kingdom, when they would say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 118 verse 26). Chapter 14 of Luke begins with Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath day. That man had clearly been planted as a test for Jesus. Would he heal on the Sabbath day? The Lord was invited to speak at a dinner for Pharisees and Jesus gives advice in the parable of the wedding feast. Then came another parable about the great banquet to which each invited class found excuses not to attend. These people who were called by the gospel to come to the wedding feast of the Son of God all adjudged themselves unworthy of eternal life in the kingdom. As a result of their rejection we have graciously been offered a place. Two parables follow which tell us that as disciples of Jesus we must about count the cost of discipleship and wholeheartedly pursue that goal. Every disciple of our Lord must accept the peace that our Sovereign offers to us through the emissaries of the gospel and then make peace with Him: Ephesians 2 verses 11 to 22. The chapter concludes with the need for zest and salt among our Master’s disciples. Salt speaks of sincerity in Christ’s disciples as we are told in 1 Corinthians 5 verses 6 to 8.