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Thoughts on the Bible Readings for January 12th (Genesis 22, 23; Psalms 26, 27, 28; Matthew 14)

Genesis 22 is one of the most monumental in the life of the father of the “father bof the faithful”, Abraham. We are amazed by the number of high points in this great man’s journey in faith; but there is none greater than in this 22nd chapter (cited by Paul in Hebrews 11:17-19; which tells us that the incident speaks of resurrection – and typically of the beloved, only begotten son of promise; our Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham is afforded a great privilege in this incident in being able to understand to a small extent how the Father felt when He gave His only begotten Son, because “God so loved the world” (John 3:16-19). The chapter in Genesis emphasises the oneness that existed between Father and Son (verses 3, 5, 7-9, 16-17, 19) emblematic of the unity of purpose in our redemption that was between our Sovereign and His incomparable Son. The chapter indicated that this was a trial, or testing of Abraham; because of the preciousness of a faith that has overcome. Abraham could have rationalised the Almighty does not mean what He has asked of men, since the fulfilment of the promise is to be through Isaac. Or alternatively, he said I don’t know why God has asked me to offer my son; but I trust Him, Who cannot fail those whose trust is in Him. But the trauma and the wrestling with his thoughts, all night long that is why Abraham, with steely resolve, rose early in the morning. This expression in the Bible speaks of determination – sometimes for good, as here and, in Yahweh’s sending of the prophets to aid His people; or, for evil as in the episode of the golden calf. Everything was prepared beforehand in readiness by Abraham, who was most likely numbed by the daunting task ahead of him. Though he knew not how it would be, yet Abraham was confident that both he and Isaac would come back to the place where they left their companions (Hebrews telling us Abraham’s expectation was that Isaac would be raised from the dead). Note that the journey to the place of sacrifice was of 3 days; representing the 3 year ministry that would see our Lord undertake, with His Father’s help, to Calvary. It also no doubt relates to the death of Isaac and is symbolic of Jesus being in the grave for three days. We see the cooperation between father and son. Isaac was totally compliant with his father’s will; which as a man of about 30 years of age (and a father who was 130 years old); it was because the son understood the need that the father’s will be done – we can hear God’s Son in Gethsemane, “Not as I will, but Thy will be done”. The place of Isaac’s “offering” has two names in this chapter: 1) Moriah (meaning Yahweh will provide); and, 2) Yahweh Yireh (meaning Yahweh will be seen – teaching us that in the redemptive act symbolised by Abraham requiring Isaac’s submission to the Father’s will. As Abraham raised the knife to slay his son he was stopped by the voice of the angel preventing the sacrifice, as verses 11-12 tell us. Though Abraham was allowed to spare his only beloved son, Yahweh did not spare His own Sonslowly read aloud Romans 8:31-39. Reflect deeply on what these words are teaching us about the love of our Sovereign and His Son towards us. God has already vastly exceeded any gift He has given believers. The greatest work has already been done in providing a basis for our forgiveness and the extension of divine grace. We may be assured that if the Father has given His Son then, what remains to bring us into His Kingdom is comparatively incidental). Yahweh now sealed an on oath on His own existence that Abraham’s promise is immutable(Hebrews 6:13-20). Abraham’s seed would “possess the gate of his enemies”; indicating, firstly, Christ’s victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:12-28); and, secondly, the subjugation of all nations to his rule in the coming kingdom. The chapter concludes with details of children being born to Nahor, Abraham’s brother, in Haran. Chapter 23 of Genesis tells of Sarah’s death and burial in the cave of Machpelah (meaning enfolded – the burial place of 3 generations of the faithful patriarchal family – Sarah and Abraham; Isaac and Rebekah; Jacob and Leah) in Beersheba (“the well of the covenant”). The irony being that Abraham, who by promise owned the land of Israel, had to buy a burial place for his wife (see Acts 7:4-5).
Psalm 26 tells us David’s love for his God. The Psalmist delights in every opportunity to extol the virtues of his Sovereign. David also tells of his detesting of the ways of the wicked. Psalm 27 speaks of the LORD being the light (revealer of what is right and honourable) and salvation (the process of saving and bringing to His kingdom of the faithful believers). The writer tells of the Almighty’s capacity to defend the upright. He speaks of his Creator’s pull on the writer’s heart to seek fellowship with his God. And the Psalm concludes with a love and loyalty to his God which exceeds that of any human bond. David encourages himself in the assurance that his God will not see him abandoned into the hand of his foes. Wait he says on Yahweh; you will never be disappointed by taking this course. Psalm 28 says that, “Yahweh is the strength and shield” of the psalmist. The thoughts are similar to God’s consoling promise to Abraham at the start of Genesis 15. The confidence of knowing God is always with, and surrounding His children with His all powerful arms. Yahweh will repay both the wicked and the righteous according to their works (Romans 2:5-11). The response that such understanding generates in God’s people is outlined in verses 6-9. Slowly read aloud; and pause and ponder.
In chapter 14 of Matthew Herod is struck with terror on hearing of the miracles of Jesus. Herod Antipas, a convert of the Sadducees (and therefore a non believer in the resurrection of the dead) was convinced that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Our Lord is told of John’s brutal decapitation and in response responds by seeking solitude to reflect. This is interrupted by a multitude seeking him out and he compassionately responds to their need of a shepherd to teach them. He feeds 5,000 of them and heals  many. John 6 tells us that their desire was to take him by force and make him their king. Jesus summarily dispersed the crowd and went into a mountain to pray. He sent the Apostles by boat to the other side of the lake. When the storm arose he came to them walking on the water. Peter alone showed the faith and courage to briefly do likewise. He was rescued by his Master. Finally upon reaching the other side of the lake Jesus healed many at Gennesaret.

The Life Of Christ # 66 .The Stilling of the storm. (Matt 8: 11-27) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 66 .The Stilling of the storm. (Matt 8: 11-27) by John Martin

Thoughts on the Bible Readings for January 11th (Genesis 20, 21; Psalms 23, 24, 25; Matthew 13)

Genesis chapter 20 tells us that Abraham again made the same error in failing to trust God; whilst sojourning among the Philistines. Abraham is chastened by the Almighty and severely rebuked by Abimelech, the Philistine king; who in this incident showed greater integrity than did Abraham. Similarly to the Egyptian episode Abraham leaves the Philistine territory enriched and with much substance and a treaty between himself and the Philistines. Genesis 21 begins with a reminder that Isaac, meaning "laughter", was the Promised seed whose birth would bring great joy - as the type of the "seed of the woman", the Son of miraculous birth, the Son of God(Luke 1:68-80; 2:10-14). Yahweh has fulfilled His promised Word to Abraham and Sarah. And so as a token of the covenant between the Lord GOD and His people Isaac was circumcised at 8 days old. At the time of Isaac's weaning - possibly as old as 7 years of age - Abraham made a great feast for his son, Isaac. Ishmael mocked Isaac and most likely made derogatory comments about Isaac's supposed father (Abimelech king of the Philistines; cp the accusations made against our Lord and the ignominy the Lord's foes said of his begettal; John 8:33-42). This time the bondwoman and Ishmael were finally banished. Ishmael was a wild and uncontrollable man. Abraham started digging wells, which led to conflict with the Philistines - water being so vital a resource. Eventually Abraham made a covenant of peace with the Philistines. Note the prominence of the number seven; 7 being the number of the covenant.The 23rd Psalm is possibly the best known Psalm in the entire book of 150. It is known as the Shepherd Psalm. Many whole books have been written about this Psalm, in which David relates his experiences as a shepherd and applies the principles to his God's care for him now; and His guidance to bring us to His Kingdom. With Yahweh as our Shepherd we lack for nothing. Psalm 80 is another Psalm about Israel's great Shepherd and in providing food for His people it speaks of the provision of His Wonderful Son (John 10 teaches of the care of the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep). David was, like Moses, a wonderful shepherd the LORD raised up to guide and pasture with spiritual food (Psalm 78:70-72). Isaiah 40 is another Scripture which tells of our Lord Jesus Christ's care for his flock (Isaiah 40:9-11). The two implements of the shepherd in guiding and protecting his sheep are his Rod and his staff. The life of Jacob tells of the privations the shepherd faced on a daily basis. And the possibility of dying whilst protecting his flock was an ever pressing concern (see David's comments to Saul in1 Samuel 17:34-37). So David says, "though he walk through the valley of the shadow of death" his God was his companion. He had throughout his life received the goodness and mercy of Yahweh (cp Exodus 34:6-7; and the lesson for us Romans 11:22-23). And ultimately the psalmist would find a place in his Sovereign's house in the kingdom of God on earth. Psalm 24 is a Psalm that will be sung by two choirs - the one asking and the other answering -  at the Lord Jesus Christ's crowning in his temple soon to be built in Jerusalem - "He is the King of Glory" as Handel commemorated in the oratorio Messiah (see also Psalm 2; andRevelation 19:15-16). Verses 3-6, like Psalm 15, describe the character and qualities of the citizens of Zion, who will be the companions of the King. The words of Psalm 24 will reverberate around the new Jerusalem as Christ Jesus enters his city. Psalm 25 is a plea to be taught and led in the ways of Yahweh. May this Psalm reflect the cry from our heart. But, for this to happen we must be meek, that is "teachable",. Read aloud verses 8-10,14 and meditate on what these words teach us. When we have learnt this way, as Moses had, we will be able to cope with our obstacles and opponents (see Psalm 103:7).Matthew 13 is the greatest chapter of parables in all Scripture, containing in all seven parables. Four are centred on "seed" and the other three about understanding, valuing, and teaching others of, and encouraging them to seek and prepare themselves for the Kingdom of God. The parable of the Sower is said by our Lord to be the greatest of, and key to, all parables. The parable of the Sower, called by many the parable of the soils - for in each case the seed sown is identical; the characteristic of the soil is tested and determined on the basis of the individual response to the Word of God - and the parable of the 'tares', or weeds are the only two explained. That Jesus would use the parable as the foundation of his teaching method, and the reasons for this, were prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10 and Psalm 78:1-4. Matthew quotes both Isaiah 6 and Psalm 78; and tells us that the predicted response was forthcoming, verses 14-17 for the citation from Isaiah and verses 34-35 for the Psalm. All these parables were spoken in Galilee, by the sea; and they too invariably led to his rejection among his own folk at Nazareth.

Bible readings for January 9th (Genesis 17, 18; Psalms 19, 20, 21; Matthew 11)

Bible readings for January January 9th (Genesis 17, 18; Psalms 19, 20, 21; Matthew 11)
When Abraham was 99 years old an angel representing the Almighty visited Abram and Sarai and gave the covenant of circumcision and told them that their names were to be changed. Abram's name was changed to Abraham; and Sarai's to Sarah. Abram meant "lofty father" and Abraham was "father of a multitude" - emblematic of the promise of Genesis 12:3; ie of all nations in the world. The divine name of Yahweh is 4 letters in the Hebrew YHWH (called the Tetragrammaton). So both Abraham and Sarah become "heirs together in the grace of life" (1 Peter 2:7); by the addition of the 5th letter in the Hebrew alphabet, signifying "grace". It was when human worth and generative capability was repudiated that God could now work through Abraham and Sarah to produce the "promised seed"; the heir of the promises. The chapter concludes with the circumcision of Abraham and every male in his household. Abraham was, as we said, 99 and Ishmael 13 (the age at which Islamic boys are circumcised). Chapter 18 says Abraham and Sarah were visited by 3 men, who are in fact angels - unbeknown to Abraham and Sarah (prompting Paul's comments in Hebrews 13:2). Eastern hospitality was shown and the angels prophesy Isaac's birth which means "laughter". He was so named because Sarah initially refused belief; but, later in faith tells us that she conceived when she believed - Hebrews 11:11. After this Abraham walked with the angels towards the place of impending judgment - Sodom. They tell Abraham of their intentions, because of Abraham's faithfulness - slowly read aloud the words of verses 17-19; and pause and ponder. How wonderful that the LORD so knows each us. But has he foreseen diligence and faithfulness in our dealings with our families? Abraham enters into negotiations with the name bearing angel to spare Sodom, where his nephew Lot and his family lived. Abraham finally stopped pleading for the city to be spared should there be 10 righteous people in the city. He must have been confident of this given the vast numbers of Lot's "ecclesia" in Genesis 13.Psalm 19 is a magnificent example of Hebrew poetry; which speaks of the wonders of the Almighty's creative hand evident in the stars; and our sun in particular. Hayden's Creation Hymn draws thoughts from this Psalm - "the unwearied sun from day to day  doth His Creator's power display ...". Surely when we gaze upon the night sky, as Abram was asked to do in Genesis 15, we are caused to wonder at the awesome power on display (Genesis 1 says he just scattered the stars from His hand). On day 4 the sun was appointed to rule the day - emblematic of the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4; Matthew 13:43).  Verse 3 tells us that the universal message is that there must be an Omnipotent Creator (Romans 1:20); and they  = Sun, moon and star - symbolically proclaim the gospel message (Romans10:18). In the Psalm David says, that the sun is like a strong man running a race; it is also like a bridegroom  - the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3). The Psalm finishes by exhorting the reader to contemplate the sweetness and preciousness of God's Word; and its saving power.Psalm 20 continues the theme of trusting in Yahweh's saving strength. This might is in no horse; no battle weapon; no man. But it has been consistently and dependably exercised by God in the cause of delivering the faithful.Psalm 21 is a Messianic Psalm in which the LORD's strength and salvation is evident in his chosen king - the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no salvation in any other name (Acts 4:12). Matthew 11 shows the sorely tested John the Baptist in Herod's prison seeking reassurance of the Messiahship of Jesus Christ. Disciples return to John with the evidence that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and the fulfilment of Isaiah 42 and 61. Our Lord then testified of John's greatness, being second only to Messiah and a prophet on an unwavering mission. His abstemious and aloof behaviour was as appropriate and necessary among society as was Jesus' preparedness to involve himself among those he was saving. Next follows a denunciation of those unrepentant cities  for closing their eyes to the evidence of Messiah's work. Finally an appeal to each and everyone of us to join with Jesus, who will carry us into his glorious kingdom if we join him in bearing his yoke, which is described as easy (the Greek word being "Chrestos" ie kindly, or imparting benefit to the bearer). Pause, read aloud verses 28-30 and meditate.
Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team and produced by Christa delphian video .org

The Life Of Christ # 65 'I will open my mouth in Parables' (Matt 13: 31- 58) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 65 'I will open my mouth in Parables' (Matt 13: 31- 58) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 64 'The parable of the wheat and tares' (Matt 13: 24- 43) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 64 'The parable of the wheat and tares' (Matt 13: 24- 43) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 63 'The parable of the sower' (Matt 13: 1-23) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 63 'The parable of the sower' (Matt 13: 1-23) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 62 'I will open my mouth in a parable' (Isaiah 6) by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 62 'I will open my mouth in a parable' (Isaiah 6) by John Martin

The 70 Week Prophecy - Daniel 9 Explained!

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: The seventy-week prophecy referenced in Daniel chapter 9 and found in the book of Jeremiah is explained. The focus is on the last week of the 70-week prophecy. It involves the importance of Christ's ministry, His Death and Resurrection, and a few years beyond. This period of time was when the Christian Gospel was founded and started to spread. # Summary The video discusses the 70 70-week prophecy from Daniel 9, highlighting Daniel's life, his prayers, and the significance of God's promises regarding Israel's return from Babylonian captivity. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin and God's righteousness, and how the prophecy points to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The timeline of the prophecy is explored, including key dates and events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, illustrating God's control over history and the fulfilment of biblical prophecies.
# Highlights - 📖 **Daniel's Background**: Daniel was taken captive as a teenager during Babylon's conquest of Judah and became a prophet who revealed God's plans for the future.
- 🙏 **Prayer and Confession**: In Daniel 9, Daniel prays for Israel, acknowledging the nation's sins and God's righteousness, demonstrating the importance of repentance.
- ⏳ **The 70 Weeks Prophecy**: The prophecy outlines six key purposes related to sin and righteousness, indicating a significant timeline culminating in the coming of the Messiah.
- ✨ **Messiah's Arrival**: The prophecy specifies that from the command to rebuild Jerusalem to the coming of the Messiah spans 483 years, leading to Jesus' ministry and sacrifice.
- 🏛️ **Destruction of Jerusalem**: The prophecy foretells the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, linking it to the rejection of Jesus and the end of sacrificial offerings. # Keywords #Daniel9 #BiblicalProphecy #Messiah ******************************************************************************
This audio was produced by the ChristadelphianVideo.org project, arranged and supported by Christadelphians worldwide.
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The Life Of Christ # 61 'Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit' (Matt 12:22-37 by John Martin

The Life Of Christ # 61 'Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit' (Matt 12:22-37 by John Martin