Job 17
Job is broken and ready to die. He calls all his 'friends' mockers. Judging from the phrase in verse 4, "Therefore You will not exalt," this next string of verses is Job talking to God. In verse 3 Job asks God to make a pledge to Job that, in verse 5, his mockers children would languish if his friends were somehow gaining from their friend's trial. In the next few verses, it seems that Job is again loathing his existence, but he seems to begin to see that he will be stronger through the end of these trials. He says in verse 9 that the righteous (and it seems that he considers himself righteous) will grow stronger.
In the next verse he claims again to not find a wise man among his friends. Job then contemplates making death and hell his home.
Job 18
Job's friend Bildad calls out Job and asks why is it that he is regarded as stupid? Then Bildad continues the same chorus as the rest of friends, "Job you are wicked, and here is why it is bad to be wicked, so you should turn from your ways." So clearly Bildad has gotten it yet. He still thinks that Bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people. What they all miss is that there is no one good, not even one. If we all got what we deserved, we would not exist. Praise the Lord for his mercy!
Some verses to consider:
John 6:45 - Christ says that the people who come to know God are taught by God.
Jeremiah 31:31-34 - An old testament prophecy that says the same.
Hebrews 8:7-12 - A new testament reiteration of both of these.
What does it mean to NOT be taught by man, but to be taught by God?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Job 15-16
Job 15
Eliphaz tells again of Job's windy talk and useless complaining. He says that by doing this Job ignores reverence and meditation before God. Job is condemn by his friend as guilty. His friend reiterates what has already been said, "Do you limit wisdom to yourself?" We find out that old men are his in this counsel (v10). Eliphaz is calling out Job, saying that Job has allowed himself to be turned from God through all of his trouble, reiterating that no man is pure and righteous before the Lord.
Eliphaz begins a story about an evil man who knows of his evil and cowers before God (his main sin against the Lord being arrogance; v25). The evil man, through this arrogance, attacks God. Eliphaz says that this man will not prosper. His livelihood will fail, and his house will be consumed with fire (seemingly acts of God, so maybe he's saying that God will pour out his wrath on this evil fellow).
Job 16
Job fires back with what seems to be a broken record or maybe the trendy thing to say during this day, "Is there no limit to windy words?" Job chides his friends for not being more understanding (understanding of what?; I would think understanding of the possibility that God may bring hardship of the righteous and the unrighteous; Matthew 5:45). Job's friends did not exactly build him up as Ephesians 4:29 says to do, and Job tells them this. He tells them that their company has shriveled him up, exhausted him, and torn him down.
It seems strange, though, still to me that Job is blaming God for all of this. Satan truly is the one who touched him though God allowed this. How about the fact that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Job deserves death for his sin, but he has not received it. However he does desire death to this torture, as he claims this life to be; perhaps God still has plans for him.
Job does have a good understanding that man needs an advocate with the Lord. He seems to be the only one who understands this. Praise the Lord that our advocate is Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25). Even the spirit of God, who lives inside those who believe, makes intercession for us to the Father! (Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:26).
Eliphaz tells again of Job's windy talk and useless complaining. He says that by doing this Job ignores reverence and meditation before God. Job is condemn by his friend as guilty. His friend reiterates what has already been said, "Do you limit wisdom to yourself?" We find out that old men are his in this counsel (v10). Eliphaz is calling out Job, saying that Job has allowed himself to be turned from God through all of his trouble, reiterating that no man is pure and righteous before the Lord.
Eliphaz begins a story about an evil man who knows of his evil and cowers before God (his main sin against the Lord being arrogance; v25). The evil man, through this arrogance, attacks God. Eliphaz says that this man will not prosper. His livelihood will fail, and his house will be consumed with fire (seemingly acts of God, so maybe he's saying that God will pour out his wrath on this evil fellow).
Job 16
Job fires back with what seems to be a broken record or maybe the trendy thing to say during this day, "Is there no limit to windy words?" Job chides his friends for not being more understanding (understanding of what?; I would think understanding of the possibility that God may bring hardship of the righteous and the unrighteous; Matthew 5:45). Job's friends did not exactly build him up as Ephesians 4:29 says to do, and Job tells them this. He tells them that their company has shriveled him up, exhausted him, and torn him down.
It seems strange, though, still to me that Job is blaming God for all of this. Satan truly is the one who touched him though God allowed this. How about the fact that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Job deserves death for his sin, but he has not received it. However he does desire death to this torture, as he claims this life to be; perhaps God still has plans for him.
Job does have a good understanding that man needs an advocate with the Lord. He seems to be the only one who understands this. Praise the Lord that our advocate is Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25). Even the spirit of God, who lives inside those who believe, makes intercession for us to the Father! (Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:26).
Monday, November 22, 2010
Job 13-14
Job 13
Again, Job tells his friends that he is not inferior to them and that he would rather speak to God as if to argue his case. He calls them worthless physicians who tell lies. "Their wisdom should be there silence," he says (v5; proverbs 17:28). He asks, "Will you contend unjustly for God?" God judges the intentions of the mind and heart, and Job understands this when he asks his accusers if they would deceive God as one a man (v9; 1 Chronicles 28:9)?
Job hopes in God (v15), but his accusers don't get this. When Job asks to speak one on one with the almighty, his friends say this is not good. Job longs for a one on one relationship with God, but his accusers say that God is distant and cannot be spoken to one on one. Job acknowledges in verse 16 that a godless man may not come before God, but he is righteous and there should be allowed in his presence (v16).
Job begins his request to God saying that if he is to speak to God, God must do two things first, remove his hand from Job and when Job speaks, he must answer or he must call on Job, and Job will answer (v20-v22). Job asks God why he is bringing such turmoil upon him, a man who is like the chaff or a leaf in the wind, whose life is short and who is decaying as they speak (v25-ch14v1).
Job 14
Job continues saying that God should remove this judgment and just allow him to die as a man who is destined to die anyways (v2-v6). He goes on to say that there is hope for a tree because it can grow back after being cut down but not for man, who dies and then rests in the grave (v7-v12). Job asks God to hide him in hell from his wrath; still he says that he will wait until God returns to bring his life change (v13-v14). Job tells of how God withers man as stone and rock, destroying man's hope over time throughout his years on earth and finally overpowers him so that his sons achievements and failures are not even known to him (v16-22).
Depressing, Job, very depressing. It is not so with the believer in Christ. We have a hope in eternal salvation and a promise that we will die (Hebrews 9:27-28). Our bodies decay, but we will be given new bodies by the one who was raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). To all those who hear the truth of the gospel and believe will be given the Spirit, dwelling inside of there bodies as a promise for this eternal salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). You are a temple to God because of this, so no longer say I can or can't do this or that because you have God to contend FOR you (1 Corinthians 6:19). Rather you should say, when reading God's word, "Yes. I will. This is only what I ought to do" (Luke 17:10).
Again, Job tells his friends that he is not inferior to them and that he would rather speak to God as if to argue his case. He calls them worthless physicians who tell lies. "Their wisdom should be there silence," he says (v5; proverbs 17:28). He asks, "Will you contend unjustly for God?" God judges the intentions of the mind and heart, and Job understands this when he asks his accusers if they would deceive God as one a man (v9; 1 Chronicles 28:9)?
Job hopes in God (v15), but his accusers don't get this. When Job asks to speak one on one with the almighty, his friends say this is not good. Job longs for a one on one relationship with God, but his accusers say that God is distant and cannot be spoken to one on one. Job acknowledges in verse 16 that a godless man may not come before God, but he is righteous and there should be allowed in his presence (v16).
Job begins his request to God saying that if he is to speak to God, God must do two things first, remove his hand from Job and when Job speaks, he must answer or he must call on Job, and Job will answer (v20-v22). Job asks God why he is bringing such turmoil upon him, a man who is like the chaff or a leaf in the wind, whose life is short and who is decaying as they speak (v25-ch14v1).
Job 14
Job continues saying that God should remove this judgment and just allow him to die as a man who is destined to die anyways (v2-v6). He goes on to say that there is hope for a tree because it can grow back after being cut down but not for man, who dies and then rests in the grave (v7-v12). Job asks God to hide him in hell from his wrath; still he says that he will wait until God returns to bring his life change (v13-v14). Job tells of how God withers man as stone and rock, destroying man's hope over time throughout his years on earth and finally overpowers him so that his sons achievements and failures are not even known to him (v16-22).
Depressing, Job, very depressing. It is not so with the believer in Christ. We have a hope in eternal salvation and a promise that we will die (Hebrews 9:27-28). Our bodies decay, but we will be given new bodies by the one who was raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). To all those who hear the truth of the gospel and believe will be given the Spirit, dwelling inside of there bodies as a promise for this eternal salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). You are a temple to God because of this, so no longer say I can or can't do this or that because you have God to contend FOR you (1 Corinthians 6:19). Rather you should say, when reading God's word, "Yes. I will. This is only what I ought to do" (Luke 17:10).
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Job 11-12
Job 11
Zophar, one of Job's friends answers Job's monologue from chapters nine and ten. He basically says that Job talks too much and that someone should rebuke Job for the Lord (v2-3). Zophar tells Job that he must quit hiding his sin before the Lord (but we know from chapter one that Job is not walking in sin). Zophar states that God is unfathomable that Job cannot know everything of God. He even goes as far to call Job an idiot (v12).
Zophar urges Job to put whatever sin is in him far from him. In verse 20, Zophar calls job wicked and in the previous verses he tells Job of all the good things that God would do for him if only he would depart from sin.
Job12
Job sarcastically says, "If you die, so wisdom will die with you!" He stands for what he knows saying that he also has intelligence and reiterates that he is just and righteous before God (v3-4). Job says that even the animals all around him know that God has caused this calamity to come upon him. Job tells of the power of God in all aspects of life: God can tear down and imprison; He can hold back the rain and release it at his word; All people good and bad belong to him; He humbles the wise; He allows kings freedom and he binds their hands; He reveals truth, light in the darkness; He enlarges nations and destroys them. Job says their is no light for these people.
However, we have the word of God, sharper than any two-edged sword and able to discern the intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). It is the light that we are able to walk by (Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:6-7); and we do grope for it, though it is quite near (Acts 17:27).
Zophar, one of Job's friends answers Job's monologue from chapters nine and ten. He basically says that Job talks too much and that someone should rebuke Job for the Lord (v2-3). Zophar tells Job that he must quit hiding his sin before the Lord (but we know from chapter one that Job is not walking in sin). Zophar states that God is unfathomable that Job cannot know everything of God. He even goes as far to call Job an idiot (v12).
Zophar urges Job to put whatever sin is in him far from him. In verse 20, Zophar calls job wicked and in the previous verses he tells Job of all the good things that God would do for him if only he would depart from sin.
Job12
Job sarcastically says, "If you die, so wisdom will die with you!" He stands for what he knows saying that he also has intelligence and reiterates that he is just and righteous before God (v3-4). Job says that even the animals all around him know that God has caused this calamity to come upon him. Job tells of the power of God in all aspects of life: God can tear down and imprison; He can hold back the rain and release it at his word; All people good and bad belong to him; He humbles the wise; He allows kings freedom and he binds their hands; He reveals truth, light in the darkness; He enlarges nations and destroys them. Job says their is no light for these people.
However, we have the word of God, sharper than any two-edged sword and able to discern the intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). It is the light that we are able to walk by (Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:6-7); and we do grope for it, though it is quite near (Acts 17:27).
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Job 9-10
Job 9
Job concedes that Bildad is right in saying that God will come to his defense still, but Job seems to backslide in his own mind and asks some questions that just really don't have any solid answers (at least in this time. At the first revelation of Christ, he is able to answer these questions):
"How can a man be in the right before God?"
"Who could argue their point against him?"
"Who could stand against his strength and power?"
Job tells us of God's might, his strength to move mountains, his ability to give and take away the light of the stars, to remove the ocean's waves, to use the most dreaded creatures on earth (Rahab, a monster of the sea). Job gets it! He understands who he is and who God is: "For though I were right, I could not answer; I would have to implore the mercy of my judge" (v15). To believe the truth about Christ, we have to know this, that God is everything and we are nothing. We require Christ! Without Christ we cannot stand before God. His mercy must be shown or else we perish before his judgment!
Job reminds us that God controls the weather (v17), and for Job, God has allowed Satan to inflict disaster upon him. Job continues to describe that though he is righteous, his righteousness does not stand up to God's, and though he is guiltless, he is guilty before God.
Job declares I am guiltless, yet I am bruised by God. In verse 24, he asks, "If not God, then who?"
It seems that Job comes to a realization that his life is short and that he does not want to spend it in anger (v25-27). Through v31, Job understands that he could do all sorts of physical things to cleanse himself, but God would still declare him guilty. In verse 33, he realizes that their is no arbitrator between him and God, no one to see both sides and plead both sides' cases to the opposing side (Praise the Lord that we do have such an arbitrator! namely Jesus Christ [Heb 4:14]).
Job 10
Job is bitter against his life, and he will speak plainly through his bitterness. He calls to God, backwardly telling God that he is wrong in rejecting the work of his hands (v3). Job says that this is what a mortal man would do, seek out for sin in Job, but God is neither mortal nor is blinded from Jobs actions (he knows all about Job, that he is a righteous man).
In verses 8-12, Job describes how God has created him, vividly. He tells God that his lovingkindness is there but to Job it is hidden within God. Job does no longer see this kindness, but he sees the anger that is unjustly burning against him (v17).
Out of the womb, Job has been created, and if for nothing else, I think Job is saying, he has been brought out for some purpose; for why would he not have been killed immediately at birth since that is what he desires now.
Seek God and contend with him to keep his promises, written in his word!
Job concedes that Bildad is right in saying that God will come to his defense still, but Job seems to backslide in his own mind and asks some questions that just really don't have any solid answers (at least in this time. At the first revelation of Christ, he is able to answer these questions):
"How can a man be in the right before God?"
"Who could argue their point against him?"
"Who could stand against his strength and power?"
Job tells us of God's might, his strength to move mountains, his ability to give and take away the light of the stars, to remove the ocean's waves, to use the most dreaded creatures on earth (Rahab, a monster of the sea). Job gets it! He understands who he is and who God is: "For though I were right, I could not answer; I would have to implore the mercy of my judge" (v15). To believe the truth about Christ, we have to know this, that God is everything and we are nothing. We require Christ! Without Christ we cannot stand before God. His mercy must be shown or else we perish before his judgment!
Job reminds us that God controls the weather (v17), and for Job, God has allowed Satan to inflict disaster upon him. Job continues to describe that though he is righteous, his righteousness does not stand up to God's, and though he is guiltless, he is guilty before God.
Job declares I am guiltless, yet I am bruised by God. In verse 24, he asks, "If not God, then who?"
It seems that Job comes to a realization that his life is short and that he does not want to spend it in anger (v25-27). Through v31, Job understands that he could do all sorts of physical things to cleanse himself, but God would still declare him guilty. In verse 33, he realizes that their is no arbitrator between him and God, no one to see both sides and plead both sides' cases to the opposing side (Praise the Lord that we do have such an arbitrator! namely Jesus Christ [Heb 4:14]).
Job 10
Job is bitter against his life, and he will speak plainly through his bitterness. He calls to God, backwardly telling God that he is wrong in rejecting the work of his hands (v3). Job says that this is what a mortal man would do, seek out for sin in Job, but God is neither mortal nor is blinded from Jobs actions (he knows all about Job, that he is a righteous man).
In verses 8-12, Job describes how God has created him, vividly. He tells God that his lovingkindness is there but to Job it is hidden within God. Job does no longer see this kindness, but he sees the anger that is unjustly burning against him (v17).
Out of the womb, Job has been created, and if for nothing else, I think Job is saying, he has been brought out for some purpose; for why would he not have been killed immediately at birth since that is what he desires now.
Seek God and contend with him to keep his promises, written in his word!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Job 7-8
Job 7
Job makes a a claim that lines right up with is understanding of life as it is: vane. He says, "Are not man's days as a hired man who eagerly waits for his wages?" (v2). He is given days of vanity and nights of trouble (v3). In verse 5, Job gives some gruesome details about his sickness and says, in verse 7, that he is doomed to die without hope.
Job begins considering his life and death in the next section. He is in a place such as the writer of Ecclesiastes describes, "better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living take it to heart" (Ecc 7:2). He is mourning! He is speaking his real emotions; he's not hiding from anyone, especially God. He's real with his friends, chastising them for considering Job's bed and couch a comfort (v13). Job knows that these material things will not truly comfort his soul. He would choose death, his only comfort for that period of his life. (Aside: so why doesn't Job kill himself like so many choose as an out? He knows that life is vain; he knows that life is futile and very painful for him specifically at the moment, but he knows that life is God's to give and to take, not his.)
"What have I done to you oh watcher of men?" Job is seriously opening up one on one with God. "Why do you not pardon my transgression?" Job knows God pardons transgressions.
Job 8
"If you would seek God..." Oh how we do not seek God today!
Bildad tries to get Job to seek out past generations and their counsel (v8). "Will they not teach you and tell you, and bring forth words from their minds?"
Bildad then encourages Job to endure, comparing him to a plant that grows the quickest, cannot deny the soil from which it came, yet withers the quickest of any plant. He says not to forget the Lord in your time of despair! (v11-13). He says some really good things for us to remember about our trust in God:
"Don't let your confidence in God be fragile like a spider web!"
"Don't trust in your house for it will not stand!"
"Don't spread your roots over rocky soil and be pulled so easily!" *
Bildad also says that God will not reject a man of integrity (which could also be translated as blameless or complete), but it seems to me that the Lord has not so far in the story come to the defense of such a man, which is the picture we get of Job in the first chapter. Bildad says in the last two verses that God will come to your defense yet and that he has not forgotten his servant Job.
* This quote reminds me of the parable of the seeds that Christ uses to explain how the word of God is spread among people. The seed sown on the rocky soil has a big problem in that that type of person never truly believes God's word because they fall away under persecution. (read Luke 8)
Job makes a a claim that lines right up with is understanding of life as it is: vane. He says, "Are not man's days as a hired man who eagerly waits for his wages?" (v2). He is given days of vanity and nights of trouble (v3). In verse 5, Job gives some gruesome details about his sickness and says, in verse 7, that he is doomed to die without hope.
Job begins considering his life and death in the next section. He is in a place such as the writer of Ecclesiastes describes, "better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living take it to heart" (Ecc 7:2). He is mourning! He is speaking his real emotions; he's not hiding from anyone, especially God. He's real with his friends, chastising them for considering Job's bed and couch a comfort (v13). Job knows that these material things will not truly comfort his soul. He would choose death, his only comfort for that period of his life. (Aside: so why doesn't Job kill himself like so many choose as an out? He knows that life is vain; he knows that life is futile and very painful for him specifically at the moment, but he knows that life is God's to give and to take, not his.)
"What have I done to you oh watcher of men?" Job is seriously opening up one on one with God. "Why do you not pardon my transgression?" Job knows God pardons transgressions.
Job 8
"If you would seek God..." Oh how we do not seek God today!
Bildad tries to get Job to seek out past generations and their counsel (v8). "Will they not teach you and tell you, and bring forth words from their minds?"
Bildad then encourages Job to endure, comparing him to a plant that grows the quickest, cannot deny the soil from which it came, yet withers the quickest of any plant. He says not to forget the Lord in your time of despair! (v11-13). He says some really good things for us to remember about our trust in God:
"Don't let your confidence in God be fragile like a spider web!"
"Don't trust in your house for it will not stand!"
"Don't spread your roots over rocky soil and be pulled so easily!" *
Bildad also says that God will not reject a man of integrity (which could also be translated as blameless or complete), but it seems to me that the Lord has not so far in the story come to the defense of such a man, which is the picture we get of Job in the first chapter. Bildad says in the last two verses that God will come to your defense yet and that he has not forgotten his servant Job.
* This quote reminds me of the parable of the seeds that Christ uses to explain how the word of God is spread among people. The seed sown on the rocky soil has a big problem in that that type of person never truly believes God's word because they fall away under persecution. (read Luke 8)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Job 3-6
Job 3
With Job's friends gathered around, Job curses the day of his birth. He curses everything about the day and night of his birth, the miracle of him even surviving birth, and his mother's body for giving him life.
He asks, "Why is light given to him who suffers, and life to the bitter of soul?" (v20); and if you haven't gotten by now, the chapter is finished by Job stating that he is not at ease (well, duh, we can see that by your lament).
Job 4
So Eliphaz takes a shot at answering Job. Apparently Job has been impatient according to Eliphaz's opening line, but Eliphaz does go about talking to Job in a gentle way at first. He builds him up, recounting Job his accomplishments. Eliphaz says, "it [God's Hand] touches you, and you become impatient" (v5).
Well, Eliphaz, I would have to say it more than touched him. At the very least you would have to concede that it in fact touched his whole family; but you do make a good point that those who sow trouble, harvest it, and you rightly ask, "Can mankind be just before God?" (v8 & v17).
Basically, Eliphaz is saying, 'Job, there may be some sin in your life that is causing this.'
Job 5
Eliphaz encourages Job to 'seek God.' He says to be of this mind: "Happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty" (v17). He finishes his speech by encouraging Job to trust in God and God will stand for him. Again, Eliphaz thinks Job has sinned against the Lord.
Job 6
Job is still stuck on desiring death from God. He believes God is tormenting him, saying, "The Almighty's [poisonous] arrows are within me," but he desires death not the torment of the arrows. He then calls out Eliphaz for blaming him for sinning, asking Eliphaz to show him where he is wrong.
It's hard to tell so far if Job is really in tuned with his sin, in the fact that he has not sin, or if he is prideful in not wanting to admit that he may have sin in his life. Either way, it is apparent that he is taking a stand on the fact that this plague on him is not for sin in his life, but it is God who is afflicting him. Bold, Job; very bold.
With Job's friends gathered around, Job curses the day of his birth. He curses everything about the day and night of his birth, the miracle of him even surviving birth, and his mother's body for giving him life.
He asks, "Why is light given to him who suffers, and life to the bitter of soul?" (v20); and if you haven't gotten by now, the chapter is finished by Job stating that he is not at ease (well, duh, we can see that by your lament).
Job 4
So Eliphaz takes a shot at answering Job. Apparently Job has been impatient according to Eliphaz's opening line, but Eliphaz does go about talking to Job in a gentle way at first. He builds him up, recounting Job his accomplishments. Eliphaz says, "it [God's Hand] touches you, and you become impatient" (v5).
Well, Eliphaz, I would have to say it more than touched him. At the very least you would have to concede that it in fact touched his whole family; but you do make a good point that those who sow trouble, harvest it, and you rightly ask, "Can mankind be just before God?" (v8 & v17).
Basically, Eliphaz is saying, 'Job, there may be some sin in your life that is causing this.'
Job 5
Eliphaz encourages Job to 'seek God.' He says to be of this mind: "Happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty" (v17). He finishes his speech by encouraging Job to trust in God and God will stand for him. Again, Eliphaz thinks Job has sinned against the Lord.
Job 6
Job is still stuck on desiring death from God. He believes God is tormenting him, saying, "The Almighty's [poisonous] arrows are within me," but he desires death not the torment of the arrows. He then calls out Eliphaz for blaming him for sinning, asking Eliphaz to show him where he is wrong.
It's hard to tell so far if Job is really in tuned with his sin, in the fact that he has not sin, or if he is prideful in not wanting to admit that he may have sin in his life. Either way, it is apparent that he is taking a stand on the fact that this plague on him is not for sin in his life, but it is God who is afflicting him. Bold, Job; very bold.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Job 1-2
Job 1
Here's Job: blameless before God, rich beyond measure, a huge family, children who love and take care of each other. Job would make burnt offerings for the sins of his sons that they may have committed (super pious). He knew that his sons could sin in their hearts without his knowledge, so he made remittance for even that possibility.
The Lord has a meeting with his sons and Satan (weird combo I think). Satan asks for God's permission to test Job and see if he will curse God. God gives him permission.
Job's herds are destroyed and his children are killed in an act of God. Job's response: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."
Job 2
The Lord has another meeting of his sons and Satan; and still Satan is not impressed. In fact it seems now that Satan is just desiring destruction, but I am not God, so it is hard for me to determine others' intentions. Satan asks to test Job again. God agrees.
Job is covered in boils head to toe. His wife chimes in, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" Job responds, "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"
His friends gather around Job and mourn with him.
Praise God that Satan has to ask of him in order to work! That means God is in control no matter the situation. Also note that God throws Satan in the lake of Fire at the end of time in Revelation 20:10.
To the one who says God does not allow bad things to happen to good people, I submit 2 thoughts: (1) Job; (2) Romans 3:10-11, Genesis 8:21, & Jeremiah 17:9.
Here's Job: blameless before God, rich beyond measure, a huge family, children who love and take care of each other. Job would make burnt offerings for the sins of his sons that they may have committed (super pious). He knew that his sons could sin in their hearts without his knowledge, so he made remittance for even that possibility.
The Lord has a meeting with his sons and Satan (weird combo I think). Satan asks for God's permission to test Job and see if he will curse God. God gives him permission.
Job's herds are destroyed and his children are killed in an act of God. Job's response: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."
Job 2
The Lord has another meeting of his sons and Satan; and still Satan is not impressed. In fact it seems now that Satan is just desiring destruction, but I am not God, so it is hard for me to determine others' intentions. Satan asks to test Job again. God agrees.
Job is covered in boils head to toe. His wife chimes in, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" Job responds, "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"
His friends gather around Job and mourn with him.
Praise God that Satan has to ask of him in order to work! That means God is in control no matter the situation. Also note that God throws Satan in the lake of Fire at the end of time in Revelation 20:10.
To the one who says God does not allow bad things to happen to good people, I submit 2 thoughts: (1) Job; (2) Romans 3:10-11, Genesis 8:21, & Jeremiah 17:9.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Esther 8-10
Est 8
Mordecai is given the king's signet ring and put over the house of Haman. Esther then begs the king for a lettering reversing Haman's letter, declaring the an assault on the Jews. The king tells Esther to write the letter in the king's name and sign it with the king's ring.
So the king brought out the scribes and they took down Mordecai's dictation in every language in the kingdom (which was a lot considering that the kingdom spread from India to Africa). The king's edict gave Jews the permission to rise up against any army that may attack them. Mordecai then left with honor from the king and all the Jews in Susa celebrated this great turn of events.
Est 9
In a turn of events, on the day the Jews were to be executed, and by the king's authority, Jews gathered in the city squares to harm any one who would stand against them. In Susa alone Jews killed 500 men.
After this report came to the king, the king asked Esther what else she would have him do. She asked for a second day of vengeance on Israel's enemies and also for Haman's ten sons to be hanged. I don't know if this was the Lord's vengeance or Esther's greed, but I do know this:
"Rejoice, O nations, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And will render vengeance on His adversaries, And will atone for His land and His people" (Deu 32:43).
&
"O LORD, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of the earth, Render recompense to the proud. How long shall the wicked, O LORD, How long shall the wicked exult? They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly; All who do wickedness vaunt themselves" (Psa 94:1-4).
Overall the Jews killed over 75,000 people. Mordecai wrote to his people that they should rejoice for they had rid themselves of their enemies. Mordecai and Esther established that day a day of celebration and called it Purim, which is still celebrated in Jewish circles today.
Est 10
Mordecai was second to only the king from here on out.
Mordecai is given the king's signet ring and put over the house of Haman. Esther then begs the king for a lettering reversing Haman's letter, declaring the an assault on the Jews. The king tells Esther to write the letter in the king's name and sign it with the king's ring.
So the king brought out the scribes and they took down Mordecai's dictation in every language in the kingdom (which was a lot considering that the kingdom spread from India to Africa). The king's edict gave Jews the permission to rise up against any army that may attack them. Mordecai then left with honor from the king and all the Jews in Susa celebrated this great turn of events.
Est 9
In a turn of events, on the day the Jews were to be executed, and by the king's authority, Jews gathered in the city squares to harm any one who would stand against them. In Susa alone Jews killed 500 men.
After this report came to the king, the king asked Esther what else she would have him do. She asked for a second day of vengeance on Israel's enemies and also for Haman's ten sons to be hanged. I don't know if this was the Lord's vengeance or Esther's greed, but I do know this:
"Rejoice, O nations, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And will render vengeance on His adversaries, And will atone for His land and His people" (Deu 32:43).
&
"O LORD, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of the earth, Render recompense to the proud. How long shall the wicked, O LORD, How long shall the wicked exult? They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly; All who do wickedness vaunt themselves" (Psa 94:1-4).
Overall the Jews killed over 75,000 people. Mordecai wrote to his people that they should rejoice for they had rid themselves of their enemies. Mordecai and Esther established that day a day of celebration and called it Purim, which is still celebrated in Jewish circles today.
Est 10
Mordecai was second to only the king from here on out.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Esther 5 -7
Est 5
So Esther goes before the King in her Royal Robes; the queen finds favor in the King's sight (Praise the Lord!) and is asked for her request. For some reason or another, Esther requests the king's attendance at a banquet she is hosting. When the king is full, Esther then requests for him to come to another banquet the next day. This is a strange set of circumstances, and I urge you that if you do read anything into why Esther was doing this, not to preach on it or to teach others, because as far as I can tell, there is no light on why she did this in the scriptures. We can all definitely agree that Esther took some time in getting it out that she wanted the king to protect her people from Haman.
Now between the first banquet and the second banquet, the writer of Esther tells of a few events that happened the next day:
Haman left the temple for home and noticed Mordecai's defiance of his command for all to bow to him, but he "controlled" himself and kept on his journey. At home, Haman brags to his friends and wife about all the respect he has earned in the King's court, but he confesses that this success does not satisfy him when he compares it against Mordecai's indignation. His wife and friends advise Haman to hang Mordecai, and Haman puts into motion his plan to do so.
Est 6
So the first line of this chapter is hilarious: "During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king." Maybe it's just me, but that's funny.
The king is reminded in his hearing that Mordecai saved his life and asks if any dignity had been given Mordecai. Finding none, the king asks Haman, who just walked in, his opinion on honoring someone for serving the king. Haman, being the prideful man that has been described thus far in this book, thinks the king is speaking of him and lays out an elaborate parading of the individual being honored. The king thinks Haman's idea to be good and tells Haman to do it for Mordecai (which you can imagine that Haman is furious).
So Haman is the one to parade Mordecai around the king's court, and when finished, he runs home, crying, to his wife and friends (this is not a man that I will hold up as a good example to my children). Haman then leaves for the banquet, which Esther prepared (the second).
Est 7
After the king drank, he asked Esther what she wanted; she then outed Haman's plot against her family, which enraged the king! Before the words even left the king's mouth, Haman was hanged on the very gallows he planned to hang Mordecai on.
Some good verses to consider:
"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate" (proverbs 8:13)
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom" (proverbs 11:2).
"A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor" (proverbs 29:23).
Haman's pride and arrogance were his destruction.
"LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD" (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17)
So Esther goes before the King in her Royal Robes; the queen finds favor in the King's sight (Praise the Lord!) and is asked for her request. For some reason or another, Esther requests the king's attendance at a banquet she is hosting. When the king is full, Esther then requests for him to come to another banquet the next day. This is a strange set of circumstances, and I urge you that if you do read anything into why Esther was doing this, not to preach on it or to teach others, because as far as I can tell, there is no light on why she did this in the scriptures. We can all definitely agree that Esther took some time in getting it out that she wanted the king to protect her people from Haman.
Now between the first banquet and the second banquet, the writer of Esther tells of a few events that happened the next day:
Haman left the temple for home and noticed Mordecai's defiance of his command for all to bow to him, but he "controlled" himself and kept on his journey. At home, Haman brags to his friends and wife about all the respect he has earned in the King's court, but he confesses that this success does not satisfy him when he compares it against Mordecai's indignation. His wife and friends advise Haman to hang Mordecai, and Haman puts into motion his plan to do so.
Est 6
So the first line of this chapter is hilarious: "During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king." Maybe it's just me, but that's funny.
The king is reminded in his hearing that Mordecai saved his life and asks if any dignity had been given Mordecai. Finding none, the king asks Haman, who just walked in, his opinion on honoring someone for serving the king. Haman, being the prideful man that has been described thus far in this book, thinks the king is speaking of him and lays out an elaborate parading of the individual being honored. The king thinks Haman's idea to be good and tells Haman to do it for Mordecai (which you can imagine that Haman is furious).
So Haman is the one to parade Mordecai around the king's court, and when finished, he runs home, crying, to his wife and friends (this is not a man that I will hold up as a good example to my children). Haman then leaves for the banquet, which Esther prepared (the second).
Est 7
After the king drank, he asked Esther what she wanted; she then outed Haman's plot against her family, which enraged the king! Before the words even left the king's mouth, Haman was hanged on the very gallows he planned to hang Mordecai on.
Some good verses to consider:
"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate" (proverbs 8:13)
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom" (proverbs 11:2).
"A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor" (proverbs 29:23).
Haman's pride and arrogance were his destruction.
"LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD" (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Esther 3 & 4
Est 3
King Ahasuerus promotes Haman and now requires that the princes of the province and all people should pay homage to Haman, bowing down before him. Mordecai does not do this, saying that he will bow to no other than God, so Haman throws a hissy fit and seeks to destroy all the Jews in the region.
I sometimes want people to bow to me also, but not in such a physical way; but when I do something good for someone else, I want them to thank me and I think I deserve thanks, but that is a lie from the devil. Christ says that once we are done doing the work of the Lord, we should look at ourselves and say "we are unworthy slaves, we have only done what we ought to have done" (Luke 17:10). If you look a few verses ahead of that to verse 5, you'll see that Christ is expounding upon 'increasing [the disciples] faith.' If the we all just got that, we would see that walking by faith is merely doing what the Lord has told us to do. That's huge!
So Haman convinces the king to decree that all Jews are to be destroyed and is able to use the king's funds to do so. He sends out the decree to all the provinces that tells the princes of each to kill and destroy all the Jews. This dude was worse than Hitler.
Est 4
The Jews mourned this decree with loud wailing and fasting, dressed in sackcloth and on ashes. It strikes me that their inner turmoil caused by an outer event is so visibly strong in how they act. If our belief in God were as such, then as James 2:14-26 expounds, our lives would be filled with outer expressions of our inner belief!
Esther gets wind of this edict and mourns as well. She finds out from Mordecai how and why this happened and is urged by Mordecai to go before the King and plead the Jews case. Esther did not like this idea, because it could possibly mean her execution (if you were not summoned by the king and you came before his presence, their was a strong likelyhood that he would have you killed). Then Mordecai writes back some encouraging words and perhaps the most famous words from this book, "And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this" (v14)? Esther, persuaded to go before the king, tells Mordecai that her life is of little consequence compared to his great request.
Praise the Lord for the faith that Mordecai shows and the willingness to submit that Esther presents! These are two great examples of people who loved the Lord.
King Ahasuerus promotes Haman and now requires that the princes of the province and all people should pay homage to Haman, bowing down before him. Mordecai does not do this, saying that he will bow to no other than God, so Haman throws a hissy fit and seeks to destroy all the Jews in the region.
I sometimes want people to bow to me also, but not in such a physical way; but when I do something good for someone else, I want them to thank me and I think I deserve thanks, but that is a lie from the devil. Christ says that once we are done doing the work of the Lord, we should look at ourselves and say "we are unworthy slaves, we have only done what we ought to have done" (Luke 17:10). If you look a few verses ahead of that to verse 5, you'll see that Christ is expounding upon 'increasing [the disciples] faith.' If the we all just got that, we would see that walking by faith is merely doing what the Lord has told us to do. That's huge!
So Haman convinces the king to decree that all Jews are to be destroyed and is able to use the king's funds to do so. He sends out the decree to all the provinces that tells the princes of each to kill and destroy all the Jews. This dude was worse than Hitler.
Est 4
The Jews mourned this decree with loud wailing and fasting, dressed in sackcloth and on ashes. It strikes me that their inner turmoil caused by an outer event is so visibly strong in how they act. If our belief in God were as such, then as James 2:14-26 expounds, our lives would be filled with outer expressions of our inner belief!
Esther gets wind of this edict and mourns as well. She finds out from Mordecai how and why this happened and is urged by Mordecai to go before the King and plead the Jews case. Esther did not like this idea, because it could possibly mean her execution (if you were not summoned by the king and you came before his presence, their was a strong likelyhood that he would have you killed). Then Mordecai writes back some encouraging words and perhaps the most famous words from this book, "And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this" (v14)? Esther, persuaded to go before the king, tells Mordecai that her life is of little consequence compared to his great request.
Praise the Lord for the faith that Mordecai shows and the willingness to submit that Esther presents! These are two great examples of people who loved the Lord.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Esther 1 & 2
Est 1
The story of Esther begins with the story of King Ahasuerus. King Ahasuerus was a man of great wealth, and rightly so judging from the size of his kingdom. Alexander the Great's kingdom was the same size (though Alexander died in his final conquests) and he is supposedly the most famous person next to Jesus the world over. King Ahasuerus through a large festival type of party and on the third day, when he was 'merry with wine' asked for his prized bride to present herself before all of the princes gathered to show her beauty. In one of the earliest acts of feminism (but not the earliest mine you), Queen Vashti his wife would not present herself before the king and princes.
Due to this single act of disobedience, the king's eunuchs convinced the king to sign an edict, removing Queen Vashti from her royal place, saying that if all the women in this province started mimicking Queen Vashti's actions, the princes of the provinces would be put out. The king signed the edict.
Est 2
The first verse of this chapter says that 'the king's anger subsided and he remembered Vashti.' I think this means he longed for her, wanted her back perhaps because the next thing written is about the eunuchs searching for a wife for the King (I think to fill the void that the king felt).
The story of Esther enters into the second paragraph of this chapter. We learn that Mordecai is raising her because of the absence of her mother and father and that she is beautiful.
Esther is summoned with all the women of the province to a harem where they will undergo a year of cosmetics and beautification and then will see the king in the early hours of the day to find out if they will become his concubine or the Queen (v14).
After all of this took place, Esther was chosen as Queen, and with Mordecai's help, one of her first acts as queen was to stop a plot to kill the king. The king chronicled this act by Esther and Mordecai.
Practical advice thus far: Love your wives. They will be disobedient but remember, you also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending your life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).
The story of Esther begins with the story of King Ahasuerus. King Ahasuerus was a man of great wealth, and rightly so judging from the size of his kingdom. Alexander the Great's kingdom was the same size (though Alexander died in his final conquests) and he is supposedly the most famous person next to Jesus the world over. King Ahasuerus through a large festival type of party and on the third day, when he was 'merry with wine' asked for his prized bride to present herself before all of the princes gathered to show her beauty. In one of the earliest acts of feminism (but not the earliest mine you), Queen Vashti his wife would not present herself before the king and princes.
Due to this single act of disobedience, the king's eunuchs convinced the king to sign an edict, removing Queen Vashti from her royal place, saying that if all the women in this province started mimicking Queen Vashti's actions, the princes of the provinces would be put out. The king signed the edict.
Est 2
The first verse of this chapter says that 'the king's anger subsided and he remembered Vashti.' I think this means he longed for her, wanted her back perhaps because the next thing written is about the eunuchs searching for a wife for the King (I think to fill the void that the king felt).
The story of Esther enters into the second paragraph of this chapter. We learn that Mordecai is raising her because of the absence of her mother and father and that she is beautiful.
Esther is summoned with all the women of the province to a harem where they will undergo a year of cosmetics and beautification and then will see the king in the early hours of the day to find out if they will become his concubine or the Queen (v14).
After all of this took place, Esther was chosen as Queen, and with Mordecai's help, one of her first acts as queen was to stop a plot to kill the king. The king chronicled this act by Esther and Mordecai.
Practical advice thus far: Love your wives. They will be disobedient but remember, you also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending your life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Nehemiah 13
Neh 13
While reading aloud the book of the Law, Israel came across a passage in Deuteronomy, 23:3. They heard in the reading that no Ammonite was to be among their assembly. This is a good example where someone heard God's word and then 'did' God's word (But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves - James 1:22). So Israel sent away the foriegners among the assembly.
Eliashib the priest made a room for his relative, Tobiah, in the temple. Nehemiah was absent from Jerusalem at this time, and it seems that there was no one to stop Eliashib from doing this. Nehemiah returned and threw Tobiah out.
Also, when Nehemiah returned, he found that the Levites and singers had not been given the tithes required of Israel and left for their fields to make a living. Nehemiah restored them to their places in the temple and then calls on the Lord to remember his deeds and good works. At this point, Israel does not have a savior for sin and must count on their good deeds to get them to heaven. Thank the Lord that Christ died for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God without being required to perform good works (Colossians 1:22 & Ephesians 2:9).
Nehemiah goes on to call out all kinds of sin on the Israelites, like working on the sabbath and marriage to foreign women. Nehemiah could have said the same as the psalmists in Psalm 119:60-61 for himself that he did not delay of forget the law of the Lord.
While reading aloud the book of the Law, Israel came across a passage in Deuteronomy, 23:3. They heard in the reading that no Ammonite was to be among their assembly. This is a good example where someone heard God's word and then 'did' God's word (But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves - James 1:22). So Israel sent away the foriegners among the assembly.
Eliashib the priest made a room for his relative, Tobiah, in the temple. Nehemiah was absent from Jerusalem at this time, and it seems that there was no one to stop Eliashib from doing this. Nehemiah returned and threw Tobiah out.
Also, when Nehemiah returned, he found that the Levites and singers had not been given the tithes required of Israel and left for their fields to make a living. Nehemiah restored them to their places in the temple and then calls on the Lord to remember his deeds and good works. At this point, Israel does not have a savior for sin and must count on their good deeds to get them to heaven. Thank the Lord that Christ died for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God without being required to perform good works (Colossians 1:22 & Ephesians 2:9).
Nehemiah goes on to call out all kinds of sin on the Israelites, like working on the sabbath and marriage to foreign women. Nehemiah could have said the same as the psalmists in Psalm 119:60-61 for himself that he did not delay of forget the law of the Lord.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Nehemiah 11 & 12
Neh 11
In the first few verses, we find out that the leaders of Israel lived in Jerusalem, and then Israel drew lots to get other people in the city. I am struck that it is not something that everyman desires to live in Jerusalem (of course it has not gained it's significance that it has today), but still it seems to be a holy and important city. I think that the Israelites valued their homes and families over a city and this is why, but that is just a thought. The rest of Israel lived throughout Judah in their inheritance (v20).
There were song leaders and singer appointed to the house of God. Song is important, judging from it's prevalence in scripture and Paul's encouragement in Colossians 3:16 to admonish one another with these songs.
Neh 12
This first part of this chapter is a list of priests who returned and, the next, a list of the heads of the Levites.
The Israelites dedicated the newly built wall in a large ceremony with singing. There is a very specific description of this ceremony, of where people stood and who was involved.
Israel gave portions to the singers.
I'm not sure about all this and what it means, but I do understand this verse in James 3:1 that says teachers will incur a stricter judgment; and if I think about Mark 9:42 and the seriousness of what is taught, I am not quick to expound on these verses unless the spirit gives me light. I pray that you would as well consider the serious judgment that awaits those who teach.
In the first few verses, we find out that the leaders of Israel lived in Jerusalem, and then Israel drew lots to get other people in the city. I am struck that it is not something that everyman desires to live in Jerusalem (of course it has not gained it's significance that it has today), but still it seems to be a holy and important city. I think that the Israelites valued their homes and families over a city and this is why, but that is just a thought. The rest of Israel lived throughout Judah in their inheritance (v20).
There were song leaders and singer appointed to the house of God. Song is important, judging from it's prevalence in scripture and Paul's encouragement in Colossians 3:16 to admonish one another with these songs.
Neh 12
This first part of this chapter is a list of priests who returned and, the next, a list of the heads of the Levites.
The Israelites dedicated the newly built wall in a large ceremony with singing. There is a very specific description of this ceremony, of where people stood and who was involved.
Israel gave portions to the singers.
I'm not sure about all this and what it means, but I do understand this verse in James 3:1 that says teachers will incur a stricter judgment; and if I think about Mark 9:42 and the seriousness of what is taught, I am not quick to expound on these verses unless the spirit gives me light. I pray that you would as well consider the serious judgment that awaits those who teach.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Neh 9 & 10
Reminder: this is NOT a commentary. It is a journal in which others can find encouragement. Be a Berean (Acts 17:11)!
Neh 9
Israel assembled, fasting with sackcloth, and they CONFESSED the sins of their fathers! Why must they confess the sins of their fathers? I don't really know, but I am reminded of this passage in Deuteronomy: "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me" (5:9). Perhaps, in the reading of the law, the Israelites saw this verse and took it to heart.
Eight Levites then began to recount the history of Israel in verse. It is a great summary of what has happened to the people of Israel to this point. God chose Abram; He heard their cry in Egypt; God gave his ordinance at Mount Sinai; He provided for Israel in wilderness; Even after Israel turned to idols, God did not forget them; God multiplied the people in a new land of inheritance; He did not forget them even in Babylon. Now the Israelites have given their covenant to the Lord to keep his statutes.
Neh 10
We have a list of signers of this covenant. The first point made after this list is that These people have taken on a curse or in hebrew, ''alah ' (v29). This word could also mean oath, but if you cross-reference it with the 21st verse in Numbers 5, you can see that there is a distinction made between oath and curse (the word for curse being ''alah ' and the word for oath being 'shĕbuw`ah'). I remember Galations 3:13, that the law is a curse because we cannot keep it. That is why Christ had to die for us!, to save us from the curse! (Remember also Paul's exhortation in Romans 7).
The Israelites also made a covenant to a certain amount of offerings and tithes. They also promised to provide wood for sacrifices in turn.
Neh 9
Israel assembled, fasting with sackcloth, and they CONFESSED the sins of their fathers! Why must they confess the sins of their fathers? I don't really know, but I am reminded of this passage in Deuteronomy: "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me" (5:9). Perhaps, in the reading of the law, the Israelites saw this verse and took it to heart.
Eight Levites then began to recount the history of Israel in verse. It is a great summary of what has happened to the people of Israel to this point. God chose Abram; He heard their cry in Egypt; God gave his ordinance at Mount Sinai; He provided for Israel in wilderness; Even after Israel turned to idols, God did not forget them; God multiplied the people in a new land of inheritance; He did not forget them even in Babylon. Now the Israelites have given their covenant to the Lord to keep his statutes.
Neh 10
We have a list of signers of this covenant. The first point made after this list is that These people have taken on a curse or in hebrew, ''alah ' (v29). This word could also mean oath, but if you cross-reference it with the 21st verse in Numbers 5, you can see that there is a distinction made between oath and curse (the word for curse being ''alah ' and the word for oath being 'shĕbuw`ah'). I remember Galations 3:13, that the law is a curse because we cannot keep it. That is why Christ had to die for us!, to save us from the curse! (Remember also Paul's exhortation in Romans 7).
The Israelites also made a covenant to a certain amount of offerings and tithes. They also promised to provide wood for sacrifices in turn.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Nehemiah 5,6,7 & 8
Neh 5
Ok... so 3 categories: [1] those who did not have enough to fulfill their needs, [2] those who, also did not have enough to fulfill their needs, but borrowed money to do so, [3] and those who borrowed money to pay the king's tax. In verse 5, I think Nehemiah's talking about other Jewish brothers when he says 'others.' I get that also from the fact that Nehemiah condemns the Jews for usury, or the adding of interest to borrowed money. Nehemiah called it for what it was, Jews selling Jews and every man who heard was condemned and became quiet (v8).
Thank the Lord that they all repented after hearing this from Nehemiah. They gave back to those who were in debt what they had previously owned and promised not to commit this sin again. A lesson for us all for sure, but Christ calls us even higher than this. He says "to give to whoever asks" (Luke 6:30). The early church understood this, giving all they had and making sure no one in the church is in need. How could I celebrate a new TV or car and my brother be in debt? How could I enjoy lavish dinners and new clothes and my brother have trouble providing for his family? To him who is given much, much will be required: I have been given the greatest gift of all, eternity with the God of heaven (Ephesians 2:1-9); how could I not freely give (Matthew 10:8).
Nehemiah understood this, giving over 150 Jews and officials food everyday (v17). In fact he set a bold example by not requiring the government's rations, but Nehemiah trusted in God to provide for him (yes I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes the bible's like that).
Neh 6
Israel's enemies were not excited, as you could imagine, about the completion of the wall at Jerusalem. They accused Israel of rebellion, but Nehemiah denied it and prayed to God that he would strengthen his hands (v9). Nehemiah's enemies even threatened to come kill him, but it did not deter Nehemiah nor the work on the wall. When the wall was completed, all of their enemies confessed that God was at work in the Jews and in Nehemiah.
Neh 7
Nehemiah placed a faithful and God-fearing man in charge of protecting Jerusalem. He then assembled many people to find out their place in the book of genealogy.
Neh 8
All the people gathered at the water gate to hear Ezra read the Law. Men and women and all who could understand were there. Two things stand out to me in this beginning paragraph: (1) they worshiped God face down, kneeling (v6), and (2) Ezra translated the word into plain words so that the people could understand (v8). I believe the true worship of God can only be face down when we realize who he is, a just, good, and faithful God, and who we are, sinners, filthy, and undeserving of the grace of Life. Isaiah knew this when given a vision of the Lord (Isaiah 6:5).
When the law was read, every man was condemned and they were weeping over their sin. Ezra and Nehemiah told them to celebrate with feasting. They then celebrated the festival of booths and read from the book of the law everyday.
Lord, I pray that you would help help me to meditate on your word all of the day.
Ok... so 3 categories: [1] those who did not have enough to fulfill their needs, [2] those who, also did not have enough to fulfill their needs, but borrowed money to do so, [3] and those who borrowed money to pay the king's tax. In verse 5, I think Nehemiah's talking about other Jewish brothers when he says 'others.' I get that also from the fact that Nehemiah condemns the Jews for usury, or the adding of interest to borrowed money. Nehemiah called it for what it was, Jews selling Jews and every man who heard was condemned and became quiet (v8).
Thank the Lord that they all repented after hearing this from Nehemiah. They gave back to those who were in debt what they had previously owned and promised not to commit this sin again. A lesson for us all for sure, but Christ calls us even higher than this. He says "to give to whoever asks" (Luke 6:30). The early church understood this, giving all they had and making sure no one in the church is in need. How could I celebrate a new TV or car and my brother be in debt? How could I enjoy lavish dinners and new clothes and my brother have trouble providing for his family? To him who is given much, much will be required: I have been given the greatest gift of all, eternity with the God of heaven (Ephesians 2:1-9); how could I not freely give (Matthew 10:8).
Nehemiah understood this, giving over 150 Jews and officials food everyday (v17). In fact he set a bold example by not requiring the government's rations, but Nehemiah trusted in God to provide for him (yes I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes the bible's like that).
Neh 6
Israel's enemies were not excited, as you could imagine, about the completion of the wall at Jerusalem. They accused Israel of rebellion, but Nehemiah denied it and prayed to God that he would strengthen his hands (v9). Nehemiah's enemies even threatened to come kill him, but it did not deter Nehemiah nor the work on the wall. When the wall was completed, all of their enemies confessed that God was at work in the Jews and in Nehemiah.
Neh 7
Nehemiah placed a faithful and God-fearing man in charge of protecting Jerusalem. He then assembled many people to find out their place in the book of genealogy.
Neh 8
All the people gathered at the water gate to hear Ezra read the Law. Men and women and all who could understand were there. Two things stand out to me in this beginning paragraph: (1) they worshiped God face down, kneeling (v6), and (2) Ezra translated the word into plain words so that the people could understand (v8). I believe the true worship of God can only be face down when we realize who he is, a just, good, and faithful God, and who we are, sinners, filthy, and undeserving of the grace of Life. Isaiah knew this when given a vision of the Lord (Isaiah 6:5).
When the law was read, every man was condemned and they were weeping over their sin. Ezra and Nehemiah told them to celebrate with feasting. They then celebrated the festival of booths and read from the book of the law everyday.
Lord, I pray that you would help help me to meditate on your word all of the day.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Nehemiah 3 & 4
Neh 3
There is a lot of construction in this chapter, something I deal with every day. Many gates were constructed and before they were constructed, they were consecrated. There was one group that 'zealously' repaired the gate and section they were working on (v20). All this attention to detail in fortifying Jerusalem makes me consider how I have fortified my heart from outside attack. I am admonished by 1 Corinthians 10:12 to "take heed that I do not fall," to protect myself from temptation. The Psalmist in Chapter 119:11 reminds me that one way of doing this is to store up God's word in my heart. Also Ephesians 6:16 says to take up the shield of faith, which I see, from Romans 10:17, comes from hearing the words of Christ. Also this to say that the need for the fortification of a city, in the time of Nehemiah is apparent. The need to fortify my heart is not so readily seen. We should all remember what Solomon says about this: "He who rules his spirit [is better] than he who captures a city" (Proverbs 16:32).
Neh 4
This scene begins with insults from Israel's enemies. They are making fun of Jerusalem's wall! But Nehemiah prays to God and praises the remnant for the amount of work they have done in so little of a time. The enemies of Israel insulted Jerusalem so much that many of the remnant were worried about attack. Nehemiah encouraged them to consider the greatness of God and his awesome power (v14). We should all remember this when our worries arise (Matthew 6:25-34).
The Israelites were so tuff that they worked with one hand and stood guard with the other hand (v17). They never removed their weapon throughout all of the construction they were doing (v23).
I pray that the Lord's peace would rest on all of you, that we would all better understand what the word says in Matthew 6, that worry is never an option, but that God is in control. I pray also that we would all work as hard as the Israelites in the Lord's service. Praise the Lord who created the earth and moon, stars and sky, the Lord who breathed life into Adam and knits us together in our mother's wombs. He has so graciously given us life and breath and everything else though we deserve death for our sin!
There is a lot of construction in this chapter, something I deal with every day. Many gates were constructed and before they were constructed, they were consecrated. There was one group that 'zealously' repaired the gate and section they were working on (v20). All this attention to detail in fortifying Jerusalem makes me consider how I have fortified my heart from outside attack. I am admonished by 1 Corinthians 10:12 to "take heed that I do not fall," to protect myself from temptation. The Psalmist in Chapter 119:11 reminds me that one way of doing this is to store up God's word in my heart. Also Ephesians 6:16 says to take up the shield of faith, which I see, from Romans 10:17, comes from hearing the words of Christ. Also this to say that the need for the fortification of a city, in the time of Nehemiah is apparent. The need to fortify my heart is not so readily seen. We should all remember what Solomon says about this: "He who rules his spirit [is better] than he who captures a city" (Proverbs 16:32).
Neh 4
This scene begins with insults from Israel's enemies. They are making fun of Jerusalem's wall! But Nehemiah prays to God and praises the remnant for the amount of work they have done in so little of a time. The enemies of Israel insulted Jerusalem so much that many of the remnant were worried about attack. Nehemiah encouraged them to consider the greatness of God and his awesome power (v14). We should all remember this when our worries arise (Matthew 6:25-34).
The Israelites were so tuff that they worked with one hand and stood guard with the other hand (v17). They never removed their weapon throughout all of the construction they were doing (v23).
I pray that the Lord's peace would rest on all of you, that we would all better understand what the word says in Matthew 6, that worry is never an option, but that God is in control. I pray also that we would all work as hard as the Israelites in the Lord's service. Praise the Lord who created the earth and moon, stars and sky, the Lord who breathed life into Adam and knits us together in our mother's wombs. He has so graciously given us life and breath and everything else though we deserve death for our sin!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Nehemiah 1 & 2
Neh 1
Enters Nehemiah, somewhere within the same story as Ezra. Nehemiah hears that the remnant that Ezra led out of Babylon has return to Jerusalem. He weeps because of their distress and reproach, and he weeps for the walls and the gate of Jerusalem. Take note that the first thing he does after hearing of this great distress and loss is fast and pray to God, confessing that it is not only those remnant who are responsible for this but even him as well (v7). Also worthy of note is Nehemiah's concession that the Lord "preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep his commandments" (v5).
Neh 2
The Lord uses King Artaxerxes to answer Nehemiah's prayer. The exchange between Nehemiah and the King is interesting in the fact that the King asks Nehemiah a question (at this point it seems that the King will be the deliverer of the story), but Nehemiah prays first before responding. His continuance in prayer is a good example of prayer without ceasing from 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Nehemiah gets permission from the king and makes his way to Jerusalem. Just before building the wall in Jerusalem, the word says that "they put their hands to good" (v18). I love that! We can put our hands to good and we can put our hands to something else (I imagine the other to be evil), but there is a distinction as to what is good for our hands to be put.
Lord, I pray that my hands may be diligent today and put to good. I know one good thing for me to do is to pray to you, so I pray that you would work it in me to always pray to you. I love you Lord!
Enters Nehemiah, somewhere within the same story as Ezra. Nehemiah hears that the remnant that Ezra led out of Babylon has return to Jerusalem. He weeps because of their distress and reproach, and he weeps for the walls and the gate of Jerusalem. Take note that the first thing he does after hearing of this great distress and loss is fast and pray to God, confessing that it is not only those remnant who are responsible for this but even him as well (v7). Also worthy of note is Nehemiah's concession that the Lord "preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep his commandments" (v5).
Neh 2
The Lord uses King Artaxerxes to answer Nehemiah's prayer. The exchange between Nehemiah and the King is interesting in the fact that the King asks Nehemiah a question (at this point it seems that the King will be the deliverer of the story), but Nehemiah prays first before responding. His continuance in prayer is a good example of prayer without ceasing from 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Nehemiah gets permission from the king and makes his way to Jerusalem. Just before building the wall in Jerusalem, the word says that "they put their hands to good" (v18). I love that! We can put our hands to good and we can put our hands to something else (I imagine the other to be evil), but there is a distinction as to what is good for our hands to be put.
Lord, I pray that my hands may be diligent today and put to good. I know one good thing for me to do is to pray to you, so I pray that you would work it in me to always pray to you. I love you Lord!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Ezra 8, 9, & 10
Ezra 8
Ezra gathered all those to travel with him to Israel thanks to Artaxerxes' decree. Once gathered, Ezra realizes that there are no Levites to make the trip! Ezra seemed to know people in high places, so he was able to gather together a few Levites after making a request.
Ezra then proclaimed a fast to humble themselves before the Lord and ask for safe travel. Ezra says he did this because he could not ask the King for protection from the enemy on the way due Ezra's boasting in the Lord. The Lord heard Ezra's entreaty and gave them safe passage.
Ezra and those with him made offerings to the Lord. They left for Jerusalem and arrived safely. Those who traveled offered burnt offering in Jerusalem.
Ezra 9
Princes approached Ezra to tell him of the unfaithfulness of the Israelites in marrying themselves to other nations. Ezra was clearly distraught by this notion so much that he tore his clothes and didn't change them until evening. He just sat down, appalled. I'm not really sure what this is about because I have looked back and I can't find any precedent where God says not to marry outside of Israel. Can anyone help?
Ezra continues and humbles himself before the Lord, condemning these marriages. He admits that none can stand before God because of their iniquities in verse 15.
Ezra 10
Ezra gathers the remnant and confesses before them, charging them with the task of 'putting away' these who have joined with those outside of Israel. Ezra goes through this investigation of men concerning their marriages, and then, he lists them.
I get the concept that marriage to an unbeliever is not desirable (2 Corinthians 6:14), and I guess I can see that principle in this story; but I have no old testament reference to the fact that the Israelites were told not to do this.
Lord, I pray for understanding and guidance in the truth.
Ezra gathered all those to travel with him to Israel thanks to Artaxerxes' decree. Once gathered, Ezra realizes that there are no Levites to make the trip! Ezra seemed to know people in high places, so he was able to gather together a few Levites after making a request.
Ezra then proclaimed a fast to humble themselves before the Lord and ask for safe travel. Ezra says he did this because he could not ask the King for protection from the enemy on the way due Ezra's boasting in the Lord. The Lord heard Ezra's entreaty and gave them safe passage.
Ezra and those with him made offerings to the Lord. They left for Jerusalem and arrived safely. Those who traveled offered burnt offering in Jerusalem.
Ezra 9
Princes approached Ezra to tell him of the unfaithfulness of the Israelites in marrying themselves to other nations. Ezra was clearly distraught by this notion so much that he tore his clothes and didn't change them until evening. He just sat down, appalled. I'm not really sure what this is about because I have looked back and I can't find any precedent where God says not to marry outside of Israel. Can anyone help?
Ezra continues and humbles himself before the Lord, condemning these marriages. He admits that none can stand before God because of their iniquities in verse 15.
Ezra 10
Ezra gathers the remnant and confesses before them, charging them with the task of 'putting away' these who have joined with those outside of Israel. Ezra goes through this investigation of men concerning their marriages, and then, he lists them.
I get the concept that marriage to an unbeliever is not desirable (2 Corinthians 6:14), and I guess I can see that principle in this story; but I have no old testament reference to the fact that the Israelites were told not to do this.
Lord, I pray for understanding and guidance in the truth.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Ezra 5, 6, & 7
Ezra 5
Haggai and Zechariah show up on the scene and start rebuilding the temple. Darius is now king of Persia and Tattenai the governor of the Israelite province. Tat comes to Hag and Zec and questions their building permissions. Shrewdly, Hag and Zec tell Tat to write to Darius and look back into the history of Persia and the Jews and see if they can find a decree announcing the rebuilding of the temple (they don't mention that later that decree was revoked due to the Israelite's rebellious nature). Israel's opponents obviously do not orally keep stories from generation to generation, or they would know the reasons why the rebuilding of the temple was stopped; so they write to Darius and ask him to search the archives for this so called decree.
Ezra 6
Darius calls a search and finds the decree! (but not any of the other history apparently). He even discovers that the decree also calls for Persia to pay for the rebuilding of the temple.
This reminds of another place in scripture where we are called to be shrewd, Luke 16:1-9. Jesus tells a story about a manger who uses his noggin to make himself money. Then Jesus praises the manager for his shrewdness and says that we ought to win people over with our wealth so that when it fails, those people will invite us into their eternal dwellings, which I take as meaning they will invite us into their innermost being, their souls (they will keep our counsel and consider us friends and perhaps hear what we say about our Lord Christ and follow him).
Haggai and Zechariah lived to serve God and they were actively using their minds to serve him.
Israel then celebrated passover. I imagine these were good times for them, unlike any seen before the establishment of kings in Israel, when each man served God one on one and not through a government or anything else. The Lord was clearly working in their lives so much so that he even turns the heart of the king of Assyria towards Israel (v22).
Ezra 7
"Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" (v10). It appears to me that Ezra was respected by Artaxerxes for being a man who could read, write, teach his people. Art gives an abundance of money to Ezra and anyone who travels with him to Jerusalem. He even commands all the treasurers in the Israelite province to give Ezra whatever he needs. Art gives power to Ezra to appoint judges and magistrates; he even gives Israel the ability to judge others in the province according to their law.
It is amazing to me how much our time is not God's time. Back in chapter 4 the temple work of stopped and it was a full generation at least before the temple work was resumed. To me, that seems too long. If I can't see it in my generation, then I don't see how God is working at all, but I was reminded by a friend that it is clear the God's time is not our time. If we serve the Lord and live for him in our every breath, then his will is done in our lives. I pray that we would all be able to rest in the fact that God is accomplishing his will, but I also pray that we would heed his command to take up our cross DAILY and follow him (luke 9:23).
Haggai and Zechariah show up on the scene and start rebuilding the temple. Darius is now king of Persia and Tattenai the governor of the Israelite province. Tat comes to Hag and Zec and questions their building permissions. Shrewdly, Hag and Zec tell Tat to write to Darius and look back into the history of Persia and the Jews and see if they can find a decree announcing the rebuilding of the temple (they don't mention that later that decree was revoked due to the Israelite's rebellious nature). Israel's opponents obviously do not orally keep stories from generation to generation, or they would know the reasons why the rebuilding of the temple was stopped; so they write to Darius and ask him to search the archives for this so called decree.
Ezra 6
Darius calls a search and finds the decree! (but not any of the other history apparently). He even discovers that the decree also calls for Persia to pay for the rebuilding of the temple.
This reminds of another place in scripture where we are called to be shrewd, Luke 16:1-9. Jesus tells a story about a manger who uses his noggin to make himself money. Then Jesus praises the manager for his shrewdness and says that we ought to win people over with our wealth so that when it fails, those people will invite us into their eternal dwellings, which I take as meaning they will invite us into their innermost being, their souls (they will keep our counsel and consider us friends and perhaps hear what we say about our Lord Christ and follow him).
Haggai and Zechariah lived to serve God and they were actively using their minds to serve him.
Israel then celebrated passover. I imagine these were good times for them, unlike any seen before the establishment of kings in Israel, when each man served God one on one and not through a government or anything else. The Lord was clearly working in their lives so much so that he even turns the heart of the king of Assyria towards Israel (v22).
Ezra 7
"Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" (v10). It appears to me that Ezra was respected by Artaxerxes for being a man who could read, write, teach his people. Art gives an abundance of money to Ezra and anyone who travels with him to Jerusalem. He even commands all the treasurers in the Israelite province to give Ezra whatever he needs. Art gives power to Ezra to appoint judges and magistrates; he even gives Israel the ability to judge others in the province according to their law.
It is amazing to me how much our time is not God's time. Back in chapter 4 the temple work of stopped and it was a full generation at least before the temple work was resumed. To me, that seems too long. If I can't see it in my generation, then I don't see how God is working at all, but I was reminded by a friend that it is clear the God's time is not our time. If we serve the Lord and live for him in our every breath, then his will is done in our lives. I pray that we would all be able to rest in the fact that God is accomplishing his will, but I also pray that we would heed his command to take up our cross DAILY and follow him (luke 9:23).
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Ezra 3 & 4
Ezra 3
I love the first sentence together: "the people gathered together as ONE man to Jerusalem." They were of one accord; one mind; one spirit! Paul admonishes us in Philippians 2:2 to be of one spirit and then describes what this looks like in a few words:
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
I imagine the Israelites doing this in their gathering in Jerusalem. Why are there so many divisions among Christians when this is clearly written in every Christians bible?
The people built the altar of the Lord. This is a good example of people coming together, intent on one purpose, working together and striving together. They also celebrated together the festival of booths and other sacrifices.
The people of the Lord also laid the foundation for the newly restored temple. It was a bittersweet time because those who could remember the old temple were gripped with sadness and those who did not rejoiced in having a temple to the Lord.
Ezra 4
Enemies of Judah and Benjamin approached Zerubbabel about helping them build the temple (I imagine some equivalent to today might be if a newly born Christian, being the temple of God [1 Corinthians 6:19], built there bodily temple by reading the Koran instead of the Bible). Z rightly determined this to be evil and rejected the offer. The people of the land, the enemies who were rejected, thought it unfair and wrote a letter to the king of Persia complaining of the Israelite construction. They were able to convinced the king to halt construction.
I don't know where God was in all this. The text doesn't give us any insight into what he thought. I bet, though, that he was involved in all of this somehow.
Praise the Lord that his people, whom he sustains, were still in service to him. I pray that his people today would awake, like Paul says in Ephesians 5:14, and begin to walk as wise, not as unwise people, that they would make the most of the days for they are evil, and that they would understand what the will of the Lord is from his word which is unfailing and more sure than any other sign, miracle, or spoken word! (Ephesians 5:15-17, 1 Peter 1:25, 2 Peter 1:19).
I love the first sentence together: "the people gathered together as ONE man to Jerusalem." They were of one accord; one mind; one spirit! Paul admonishes us in Philippians 2:2 to be of one spirit and then describes what this looks like in a few words:
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
I imagine the Israelites doing this in their gathering in Jerusalem. Why are there so many divisions among Christians when this is clearly written in every Christians bible?
The people built the altar of the Lord. This is a good example of people coming together, intent on one purpose, working together and striving together. They also celebrated together the festival of booths and other sacrifices.
The people of the Lord also laid the foundation for the newly restored temple. It was a bittersweet time because those who could remember the old temple were gripped with sadness and those who did not rejoiced in having a temple to the Lord.
Ezra 4
Enemies of Judah and Benjamin approached Zerubbabel about helping them build the temple (I imagine some equivalent to today might be if a newly born Christian, being the temple of God [1 Corinthians 6:19], built there bodily temple by reading the Koran instead of the Bible). Z rightly determined this to be evil and rejected the offer. The people of the land, the enemies who were rejected, thought it unfair and wrote a letter to the king of Persia complaining of the Israelite construction. They were able to convinced the king to halt construction.
I don't know where God was in all this. The text doesn't give us any insight into what he thought. I bet, though, that he was involved in all of this somehow.
Praise the Lord that his people, whom he sustains, were still in service to him. I pray that his people today would awake, like Paul says in Ephesians 5:14, and begin to walk as wise, not as unwise people, that they would make the most of the days for they are evil, and that they would understand what the will of the Lord is from his word which is unfailing and more sure than any other sign, miracle, or spoken word! (Ephesians 5:15-17, 1 Peter 1:25, 2 Peter 1:19).
Monday, September 27, 2010
Ezra 1&2
Ezra 1
Alright, so it seems like Ezra picks up where 2 Chronicles leaves off. In fact, the first two paragraphs tell the same story as the last paragraph in 2 Chronicles, so I guess this also means, Ezra is another book on history like 2 Chronicles.
Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the Jews back to Israel to serve the God. I've heard tale that this is what Cyrus did with everyone he conquered in an effort to appease his subjects. Nevertheless, it seems that the Lord intended for the Jews to now return to the promise land.
The Jews were sent back with all that they had brought and all that had been taken from them according to Cyrus's accounting. Those that had their spirit stirred by God to rebuild the temple left to do so with offerings from others who did not go (v5-6). This is a good picture of how today's body of Christ should act when sending others out on mission (they should give them money so that they will not be in need on their mission).
Ezra 2
Man this chapter is boring. It is a list of those returning to the promise land. However, I would still encourage you to read because every word in this bible in inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Truthfully the only profit I see in this text is a practice in diligence in reading (there may be others, but you need to read it to find out for yourself!). Worthy of note is that some priests could not be found and were therefore considered unclean because of the absence (v61-63).
Consider Deuteronomy 17:18-20. If this command was given to the king of Israel, leader of the Jews, and each of us, who believe in Christ, are considered leaders of someone (women of younger women, tts 2:3-5; men of disciples; etc.), then should we not also follow this command to reach the given results?
Alright, so it seems like Ezra picks up where 2 Chronicles leaves off. In fact, the first two paragraphs tell the same story as the last paragraph in 2 Chronicles, so I guess this also means, Ezra is another book on history like 2 Chronicles.
Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the Jews back to Israel to serve the God. I've heard tale that this is what Cyrus did with everyone he conquered in an effort to appease his subjects. Nevertheless, it seems that the Lord intended for the Jews to now return to the promise land.
The Jews were sent back with all that they had brought and all that had been taken from them according to Cyrus's accounting. Those that had their spirit stirred by God to rebuild the temple left to do so with offerings from others who did not go (v5-6). This is a good picture of how today's body of Christ should act when sending others out on mission (they should give them money so that they will not be in need on their mission).
Ezra 2
Man this chapter is boring. It is a list of those returning to the promise land. However, I would still encourage you to read because every word in this bible in inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Truthfully the only profit I see in this text is a practice in diligence in reading (there may be others, but you need to read it to find out for yourself!). Worthy of note is that some priests could not be found and were therefore considered unclean because of the absence (v61-63).
Consider Deuteronomy 17:18-20. If this command was given to the king of Israel, leader of the Jews, and each of us, who believe in Christ, are considered leaders of someone (women of younger women, tts 2:3-5; men of disciples; etc.), then should we not also follow this command to reach the given results?
Friday, September 24, 2010
2 Chronicles 35 & 36
2 Chr 35
Josiah celebrates the passover, a passover celebration that has not been seen since the days of David and Solomon. He gathers all the peoples of Judah and Israel and places the ark of the covenant in the temple so that it is no longer carried. Fun note: for the passover feast, the priest boiled pots because the Lord commanded it (v13; the Lord has been cleaning up germs since the beginning). Josiah was 26 we this happened.
Neco, king of Egypt came to make war at Carchemish, and Josiah came out to meet him; but Neco did not come to make war against Judah. The text doesn't seem to give a reason why Josiah did this, but he decided to make war against Egypt anyways. He was shot with arrows and died in Jerusalem.
2 Chr 36
Joahaz became king, and for the first time since I can remember, there is no mention of whether he did right or wrong in the sight of the Lord (this could be because he only reigned for 3 months). Joahaz was kidnapped and taken to Egypt. Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the Lord; was taken to Babylon; his son became king; and then he was taken to Babylon with stuff from the house of the Lord. Zedekiah became king and did evil in the sight of the Lord. God continually showed patience and grace by sending Zedekiah and Judah messengers, but the people mocked them. God sent the king of the Chaldeans, who showed no mercy and destroyed Judah. The people were taken into captivity into Babylon until Persia conquered Babylon.
Thank the Lord for his continual work and mercy in our lives just as in the life of Judah!
Josiah celebrates the passover, a passover celebration that has not been seen since the days of David and Solomon. He gathers all the peoples of Judah and Israel and places the ark of the covenant in the temple so that it is no longer carried. Fun note: for the passover feast, the priest boiled pots because the Lord commanded it (v13; the Lord has been cleaning up germs since the beginning). Josiah was 26 we this happened.
Neco, king of Egypt came to make war at Carchemish, and Josiah came out to meet him; but Neco did not come to make war against Judah. The text doesn't seem to give a reason why Josiah did this, but he decided to make war against Egypt anyways. He was shot with arrows and died in Jerusalem.
2 Chr 36
Joahaz became king, and for the first time since I can remember, there is no mention of whether he did right or wrong in the sight of the Lord (this could be because he only reigned for 3 months). Joahaz was kidnapped and taken to Egypt. Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the Lord; was taken to Babylon; his son became king; and then he was taken to Babylon with stuff from the house of the Lord. Zedekiah became king and did evil in the sight of the Lord. God continually showed patience and grace by sending Zedekiah and Judah messengers, but the people mocked them. God sent the king of the Chaldeans, who showed no mercy and destroyed Judah. The people were taken into captivity into Babylon until Persia conquered Babylon.
Thank the Lord for his continual work and mercy in our lives just as in the life of Judah!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
2 Chronicles 33 & 34
2 Chr 33
Alright, so I don't know what happened between Hezekiah and his son, Manasseh, but Manasseh did not follow the Lord or even his father, Hezekiah. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, building back the high places, building other abominations, even practicing witchcraft. Israel became more evil than the nations that God drove out of the land of their possession (v9).
The Lord sent Assyria against Manasseh. By sight, if I were living at that time, it would seem that Hezekiah, a good king, and Manasseh, his evil son were to befall the same fate because Manasseh prayed and was delivered from the Assyrians just as Hezekiah. Just goes to show you that our God hears a humble heart (v12) no matter your past. From this point on, it seems that Manasseh had a conversion to serve the Lord and follow him.
Manasseh's son, Amon, suffers an even worse fate than his father for doing evil in the sight of the Lord.
2 Chr 34
Josiah, at 8, now becomes the new king. His does good and sets his heart to seek the Lord. He tears down the altars, Manasseh built and purged the temple. He then repairs the temple, and in the process finds money and the book of Law, both of which he purposes to serve the Lord. Hilkiah, the temple's priest, brings this to the attention of the King, and Josiah is so distraught by the idea that God's law has not been kept, that he tears his clothes, saying
"for great is the wrath of the LORD which is poured out on us because our fathers have not observed the word of the LORD, to do according to all that is written in this book" (v21).
Josiah spoke to Huldah, the prophetess, and she laid all that god had planned for Josiah out. After hearing this prophecy from her, Josiah gathered all of Judah together to read from the word. He set his heart to keep God's commandments, and throughout Josiah's lifetime, the people did not turn from following the Lord.
Praise the Lord for examples like Josiah, who sought the Lord and followed his word! I pray that all might come to follow this word that is more sure than even a spoken word from God (2 pet 1:19).
Alright, so I don't know what happened between Hezekiah and his son, Manasseh, but Manasseh did not follow the Lord or even his father, Hezekiah. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, building back the high places, building other abominations, even practicing witchcraft. Israel became more evil than the nations that God drove out of the land of their possession (v9).
The Lord sent Assyria against Manasseh. By sight, if I were living at that time, it would seem that Hezekiah, a good king, and Manasseh, his evil son were to befall the same fate because Manasseh prayed and was delivered from the Assyrians just as Hezekiah. Just goes to show you that our God hears a humble heart (v12) no matter your past. From this point on, it seems that Manasseh had a conversion to serve the Lord and follow him.
Manasseh's son, Amon, suffers an even worse fate than his father for doing evil in the sight of the Lord.
2 Chr 34
Josiah, at 8, now becomes the new king. His does good and sets his heart to seek the Lord. He tears down the altars, Manasseh built and purged the temple. He then repairs the temple, and in the process finds money and the book of Law, both of which he purposes to serve the Lord. Hilkiah, the temple's priest, brings this to the attention of the King, and Josiah is so distraught by the idea that God's law has not been kept, that he tears his clothes, saying
"for great is the wrath of the LORD which is poured out on us because our fathers have not observed the word of the LORD, to do according to all that is written in this book" (v21).
Josiah spoke to Huldah, the prophetess, and she laid all that god had planned for Josiah out. After hearing this prophecy from her, Josiah gathered all of Judah together to read from the word. He set his heart to keep God's commandments, and throughout Josiah's lifetime, the people did not turn from following the Lord.
Praise the Lord for examples like Josiah, who sought the Lord and followed his word! I pray that all might come to follow this word that is more sure than even a spoken word from God (2 pet 1:19).
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
2 Chronicles 31 & 32
2 Chr 31
After cleaning the temple, sacrificing to the Lord, and celebrating passover, Hezekiah and Israel now take the time to tear down the high places and other idols that have for so long been ignored by other kings. Many tithe to the newly reformed Levites, so much so, that there was much leftover. The writer of this book takes meticulous measures to inform the reader about who was appointed where and what was exactly being reformed.
2 Chr 32
Now Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invaded Judah, and Hezekiah's first move was to cut of water from the Assyrian army. Hezekiah appointed military leaders and fortified walls, but all the time he was admonishing in the Lord, saying, "the one with us is greater than the one with him" (v7).
Sennacherib and his army pillaged the rest of Judah and mocked Hezekiah and YHWH, tempting the populace to turn against Hezekiah for his lack of protection to them. Hezekiah's response to all this was not to react or take revenge but to pray to God for his deliverance. God delivered them!
In verse 24, Hezekiah does show us his human condition (sinner). He becomes proud and does not receive the Lord's counsel; but his response to the Lord's chastening is a humble heart and not a proud heart.
Hezekiah's whole story here draws a striking parallel to God's plan for our lives. As Hezekiah's first steps to follow the Lord were to clean out the temple and then sacrifice to the Lord, so are we called to obey the Lord (cleaning out our own temple - see 1 cor 6:19) and then purpose ourselves to sacrifice to the Lord (1 sam 15:22). It is a common theme that even Christ carries through in Matt 5:23-24 saying, I think, to love your brother first and then approach the altar of the Lord.
Then, just as Hezekiah focused inwardly and then purposed himself to a life of sacrifice, he looked outwardly to the pagan altars. After these things occurred, Hezekiah was then tested by invasion. I believe there are all kinds of parallels to a Christian's walk that can be drawn here, but you should look into it yourself and not take my word for it; but read God's word everyday and find if the these things are so.
After cleaning the temple, sacrificing to the Lord, and celebrating passover, Hezekiah and Israel now take the time to tear down the high places and other idols that have for so long been ignored by other kings. Many tithe to the newly reformed Levites, so much so, that there was much leftover. The writer of this book takes meticulous measures to inform the reader about who was appointed where and what was exactly being reformed.
2 Chr 32
Now Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invaded Judah, and Hezekiah's first move was to cut of water from the Assyrian army. Hezekiah appointed military leaders and fortified walls, but all the time he was admonishing in the Lord, saying, "the one with us is greater than the one with him" (v7).
Sennacherib and his army pillaged the rest of Judah and mocked Hezekiah and YHWH, tempting the populace to turn against Hezekiah for his lack of protection to them. Hezekiah's response to all this was not to react or take revenge but to pray to God for his deliverance. God delivered them!
In verse 24, Hezekiah does show us his human condition (sinner). He becomes proud and does not receive the Lord's counsel; but his response to the Lord's chastening is a humble heart and not a proud heart.
Hezekiah's whole story here draws a striking parallel to God's plan for our lives. As Hezekiah's first steps to follow the Lord were to clean out the temple and then sacrifice to the Lord, so are we called to obey the Lord (cleaning out our own temple - see 1 cor 6:19) and then purpose ourselves to sacrifice to the Lord (1 sam 15:22). It is a common theme that even Christ carries through in Matt 5:23-24 saying, I think, to love your brother first and then approach the altar of the Lord.
Then, just as Hezekiah focused inwardly and then purposed himself to a life of sacrifice, he looked outwardly to the pagan altars. After these things occurred, Hezekiah was then tested by invasion. I believe there are all kinds of parallels to a Christian's walk that can be drawn here, but you should look into it yourself and not take my word for it; but read God's word everyday and find if the these things are so.
Monday, September 20, 2010
2 Chronicles 29&30
2 Chr 29
Hezekiah, Ahaz's son, seemingly blows into to town with all kinds of reforms that, I, the reader have been wanting to see since King David and Solomon. Hezekiah calls on the Levites to clean the temple, so they go in room by room and clean the temple, destroying every unclean thing in the valley of Kidron. It took them sixteen days to clean the temple. As soon as the temple was cleanse, then Hezekiah saw it fit to burn sacrifices to the Lord from it.
A good thought for us is that sometimes, the Lord would have us clean up our own lives before we press ourselves into service for him, but in cleaning our lives, know that we are in service to God. Take that for what it is, an opinion from me, the blogger, and not as the unadulterated truth of the word of God, but you should seek out these things to see if they are true and live by the faith which God gives you (Acts 17:11 & Romans 14:22)
2 Chr 30
Hezekiah saw that it would be good to gather all the faithful in Israel and Judah to Jerusalem for a celebration of the Passover. They did not celebrate the feast at the correct time because the Levitical priest had not consecrated themselves in time, but they still planned to celebrate it. Also, when the assembly gathered, not everyone washed correctly, according to the law, but Hezekiah prayed for God's forgiveness of this detail. It says in verse 20 of chapter 30 that the Lord heard his prayer and healed the people.
It seems to me that the heart of Hezekiah and of the assembly was to seek God even if it was not able to follow the Law exactly; And the Lord was please with this! They even gave in so much of an abundance that there were not enough priests to skin the offerings (ch29 v34, 2 corinthians 9:7).
I pray that the Lord would give us this attitude as the Body of Christ. That we would seek the Lord, no matter if we know how to do it right or not. I pray that we would also desire to know the Lord in such a way that we would want to seek him in his manner of doing things, that by reading his word and being doers of the word, not merely hearers, we would walk in faith. Thank you Lord for that faith which you have given us!
Hezekiah, Ahaz's son, seemingly blows into to town with all kinds of reforms that, I, the reader have been wanting to see since King David and Solomon. Hezekiah calls on the Levites to clean the temple, so they go in room by room and clean the temple, destroying every unclean thing in the valley of Kidron. It took them sixteen days to clean the temple. As soon as the temple was cleanse, then Hezekiah saw it fit to burn sacrifices to the Lord from it.
A good thought for us is that sometimes, the Lord would have us clean up our own lives before we press ourselves into service for him, but in cleaning our lives, know that we are in service to God. Take that for what it is, an opinion from me, the blogger, and not as the unadulterated truth of the word of God, but you should seek out these things to see if they are true and live by the faith which God gives you (Acts 17:11 & Romans 14:22)
2 Chr 30
Hezekiah saw that it would be good to gather all the faithful in Israel and Judah to Jerusalem for a celebration of the Passover. They did not celebrate the feast at the correct time because the Levitical priest had not consecrated themselves in time, but they still planned to celebrate it. Also, when the assembly gathered, not everyone washed correctly, according to the law, but Hezekiah prayed for God's forgiveness of this detail. It says in verse 20 of chapter 30 that the Lord heard his prayer and healed the people.
It seems to me that the heart of Hezekiah and of the assembly was to seek God even if it was not able to follow the Law exactly; And the Lord was please with this! They even gave in so much of an abundance that there were not enough priests to skin the offerings (ch29 v34, 2 corinthians 9:7).
I pray that the Lord would give us this attitude as the Body of Christ. That we would seek the Lord, no matter if we know how to do it right or not. I pray that we would also desire to know the Lord in such a way that we would want to seek him in his manner of doing things, that by reading his word and being doers of the word, not merely hearers, we would walk in faith. Thank you Lord for that faith which you have given us!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
2 Chronicles 27&28
2 Chr 27
Jotham succeeds Uzziah. The word says that he did right in sight of the Lord, after his father Uzziah, which I can remember not doing that right because of his pride. Jotham built some armaments and won some battles against the Ammonites. He succeeded in all this because he ordered his ways before the Lord (v6).
2 Chr 28
Now Ahaz succeeded Jotham, and he is the first king in a short stretch in Judah to NOT do right in the sight of the Lord. He served the Baals and made idols for himself in the temple. You really hate to see this happen. I mean, you know God is going to judge this dude, and he does. God uses the King of Aram and the King of Israel to inflict heavy casualties on the army of Judah, like 120,000+. Ahaz lost a son in this and his second in command. Then Israel took away 200,000 others of Judah as slaves.
Israel, in all of this, half followed the Lord. They struck down Judah, but then God sends a prophet to let them know that taking their brethren captive as slaves is evil; so Israel actually does the right thing, and clothes, feeds, and even anoints those captives and takes them to Jericho.
Ahaz then seeks help from Assyria, but even, after giving them a bribe from the temple of the Lord, Assyria still comes and attacks Judah instead of helping. Then Ahaz sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, thinking that they will help him and builds more altars to burn incense on throughout Judah.
It's crazy to me to see how one generation of Judah could follow the Lord and then another just totally disregard him. I pray that the Lord would give me the wisdom to guide the next generation towards him and not away, through my actions and my words!
Jotham succeeds Uzziah. The word says that he did right in sight of the Lord, after his father Uzziah, which I can remember not doing that right because of his pride. Jotham built some armaments and won some battles against the Ammonites. He succeeded in all this because he ordered his ways before the Lord (v6).
2 Chr 28
Now Ahaz succeeded Jotham, and he is the first king in a short stretch in Judah to NOT do right in the sight of the Lord. He served the Baals and made idols for himself in the temple. You really hate to see this happen. I mean, you know God is going to judge this dude, and he does. God uses the King of Aram and the King of Israel to inflict heavy casualties on the army of Judah, like 120,000+. Ahaz lost a son in this and his second in command. Then Israel took away 200,000 others of Judah as slaves.
Israel, in all of this, half followed the Lord. They struck down Judah, but then God sends a prophet to let them know that taking their brethren captive as slaves is evil; so Israel actually does the right thing, and clothes, feeds, and even anoints those captives and takes them to Jericho.
Ahaz then seeks help from Assyria, but even, after giving them a bribe from the temple of the Lord, Assyria still comes and attacks Judah instead of helping. Then Ahaz sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, thinking that they will help him and builds more altars to burn incense on throughout Judah.
It's crazy to me to see how one generation of Judah could follow the Lord and then another just totally disregard him. I pray that the Lord would give me the wisdom to guide the next generation towards him and not away, through my actions and my words!
Friday, September 17, 2010
2 Chronicles 25&26
2 Chr 25
Amaziah does right in the sight of the Lord. He follows the book of the Law (v4). Amaziah has a kind of turning point where, I think, he begins to understand the greatness of God and little better and even walks by faith in this. He hires a huge Edomite army for 100 talents of silver, but a prophet comes to him and says, "The Lord is not with these people" (v7). He asks Amaziah to not go to battle with them, even though Amaziah would not have much of an army without these Edomites. Amaziah is then worried about the money he gave for the army, but the prophet says simply, "The Lord has much more to give you than this" (v9). So Amaziah does this, and I think begins to understand the God has a cattle on a thousand hills, as the Psalmists says in Psalm 50:10. God owns everything; why would he not freely give to those who are his (Matthew 6:25-34).
However, Amaziah did have his downfall. He actually took the god's of the people, whom the one true God conquered for Amaziah, and started worshiping them. That's crazy to me, but it makes me wonder about the why I sometimes fear death. Hebrews says that Christ has conquered death so that he might set us free from the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15). Just like Amaziah, I find myself at times fearing death even though God has already conquered it. In such ways I am serving an idol, I believe.
Ok... so now it gets a little confusing. Another Joash, from Israel this time, is God's utensil for passing judgment on Amaziah. I know, I know, Joash of Judah died in the last chapter, so i believe this is another Joash because the first is already dead. Amaziah is warned not to come against Joash, but Amaziah does not listen, possibly because his heart is hardened by God (see v20 & Romans 9:18).
2 Chr 26
Now enters Uzziah, who was a pretty amazing guy, but who's story is cut short because of his pride (God hates a proud look, Proverbs 6:17). Uzziah builds the kingdom into this great battle armament, but because of his pride he contracts leprosy in the temple. He lives with this disease until his death.
Lord, I pray that you would show me your greatness like you have shown Amaziah. Thank for the faith that you have given me so far and I pray that I can walk by this faith.
Amaziah does right in the sight of the Lord. He follows the book of the Law (v4). Amaziah has a kind of turning point where, I think, he begins to understand the greatness of God and little better and even walks by faith in this. He hires a huge Edomite army for 100 talents of silver, but a prophet comes to him and says, "The Lord is not with these people" (v7). He asks Amaziah to not go to battle with them, even though Amaziah would not have much of an army without these Edomites. Amaziah is then worried about the money he gave for the army, but the prophet says simply, "The Lord has much more to give you than this" (v9). So Amaziah does this, and I think begins to understand the God has a cattle on a thousand hills, as the Psalmists says in Psalm 50:10. God owns everything; why would he not freely give to those who are his (Matthew 6:25-34).
However, Amaziah did have his downfall. He actually took the god's of the people, whom the one true God conquered for Amaziah, and started worshiping them. That's crazy to me, but it makes me wonder about the why I sometimes fear death. Hebrews says that Christ has conquered death so that he might set us free from the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15). Just like Amaziah, I find myself at times fearing death even though God has already conquered it. In such ways I am serving an idol, I believe.
Ok... so now it gets a little confusing. Another Joash, from Israel this time, is God's utensil for passing judgment on Amaziah. I know, I know, Joash of Judah died in the last chapter, so i believe this is another Joash because the first is already dead. Amaziah is warned not to come against Joash, but Amaziah does not listen, possibly because his heart is hardened by God (see v20 & Romans 9:18).
2 Chr 26
Now enters Uzziah, who was a pretty amazing guy, but who's story is cut short because of his pride (God hates a proud look, Proverbs 6:17). Uzziah builds the kingdom into this great battle armament, but because of his pride he contracts leprosy in the temple. He lives with this disease until his death.
Lord, I pray that you would show me your greatness like you have shown Amaziah. Thank for the faith that you have given me so far and I pray that I can walk by this faith.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
2 Chronicles 23&24
Chr23
Big bad Jehoiada, chief priest, decides after 7 years to take back the kingdom for the Lord. He devises this plan to take over the Lord's temple, and guess what!, it works. Athaliah, comes to the temple, screaming treason, but is grabbed up by Jehoiada's loyal followers. Jehoiada then proceeds to tear down the house of Baal, and the kingdom seems to be in relative peace.
Chr 24
Joash, the little guy saved back in chapter 22, is now 7, and he becomes king. The word says that he did what was right in sight of the Lord as long as Jehoiada was alive. Joash proceeds to order the temple repaired, but has some trouble from the Levites in doing so. Finally he is able to raise money for the repairs and repairs the temple.
Jehoiada dies and no sooner than he is put in the ground, Joash and the people of Israel turn away from the Lord. They start to serve the Asherim and other idols. Jehoiada's son, Zechariah, speaks out against this movement and tells them that God will judge them for these actions. Joash and the people kill Zechariah. Because of this action, God sends the Arameans to conquer Judah and Jerusalem. Joash dies and the chapter ends.
What I see in all this: There are certain people who follow the Lord and others who follow people. Joash followed Jehoiada, while Jehoiada followed the Lord. This is shown by how quickly Joash turns from the Lord when Jehoiada dies. I am reminded of two scriptures:
1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
If you believe in the truth of Jesus Christ, you are given the holy spirit, and by him you have no need to be taught by any other person.
Romans 14:22
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Your faith in God is only between God and you.
I pray that the Lord would continually remind me of this truth and that I would desire to seek him in his word each day.
Chr 24
Joash, the little guy saved back in chapter 22, is now 7, and he becomes king. The word says that he did what was right in sight of the Lord as long as Jehoiada was alive. Joash proceeds to order the temple repaired, but has some trouble from the Levites in doing so. Finally he is able to raise money for the repairs and repairs the temple.
Jehoiada dies and no sooner than he is put in the ground, Joash and the people of Israel turn away from the Lord. They start to serve the Asherim and other idols. Jehoiada's son, Zechariah, speaks out against this movement and tells them that God will judge them for these actions. Joash and the people kill Zechariah. Because of this action, God sends the Arameans to conquer Judah and Jerusalem. Joash dies and the chapter ends.
What I see in all this: There are certain people who follow the Lord and others who follow people. Joash followed Jehoiada, while Jehoiada followed the Lord. This is shown by how quickly Joash turns from the Lord when Jehoiada dies. I am reminded of two scriptures:
1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
If you believe in the truth of Jesus Christ, you are given the holy spirit, and by him you have no need to be taught by any other person.
Romans 14:22
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Your faith in God is only between God and you.
I pray that the Lord would continually remind me of this truth and that I would desire to seek him in his word each day.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
2 Chronicles 21&22
I have been having trouble for the past while retaining what I read in the morning. I seriously desire to meditate on what I am reading in the morning all day like Joshua:
Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
So I am trying better to retain what I've read by writing down here on my blog. Hopefully some of you will find it interesting. Please comment on whatever you feel would encourage me (as in Hebrews 3:13).
2 Chronicles 21
After two generations of good kings who sought the Lord and did good in the sight of the Lord, now arises Jehoram who did evil in the sight of the Lord (21:6). This dude was so far from the family tree that he actually murdered all his brothers. People revolted around him and others were led astray by the high country pagans. It seems to me that Jehoram had no clue how to rule. God speaks to him through Elijah and basically says he's gonna die in the midst of a great calamity.
I don't see this side of God today, or my eyes are just not open to it; but God actually punishes people on earth, even before they die, for their miss deeds. That makes total sense to me. Like I said, I don't know if he still does this, but I do know that every day I am alive, God has shown me patience in not killing me in my sleep (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Just for good measure, the chronicler writes that God was faithful in punishing Jehoram to exactly what he said he would do.
2 Chronicles 22
Ahaziah succeeded Jehoram. He was a wicked king, holding his mother's counsel, who taught him to do wicked things (22:3). He also allied Judah with Israel, which was not a good thing at the time because Israel walked wickedly as well.
Jehu, a man anointed by God to execute judgment on Israel and Judah, killed Ahaziah. Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, then pulled a power move. She killed all of the royal children so that she rule over Judah, but one child, Joash the son of Ahaziah, was saved unknown to Athaliah (22:11).
One lesson I am reminded of through all this is summed up best in psalm 1:
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!"
I pray that my delight is in the Law of the Lord and in seeking his face above all else!
Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
So I am trying better to retain what I've read by writing down here on my blog. Hopefully some of you will find it interesting. Please comment on whatever you feel would encourage me (as in Hebrews 3:13).
2 Chronicles 21
After two generations of good kings who sought the Lord and did good in the sight of the Lord, now arises Jehoram who did evil in the sight of the Lord (21:6). This dude was so far from the family tree that he actually murdered all his brothers. People revolted around him and others were led astray by the high country pagans. It seems to me that Jehoram had no clue how to rule. God speaks to him through Elijah and basically says he's gonna die in the midst of a great calamity.
I don't see this side of God today, or my eyes are just not open to it; but God actually punishes people on earth, even before they die, for their miss deeds. That makes total sense to me. Like I said, I don't know if he still does this, but I do know that every day I am alive, God has shown me patience in not killing me in my sleep (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Just for good measure, the chronicler writes that God was faithful in punishing Jehoram to exactly what he said he would do.
2 Chronicles 22
Ahaziah succeeded Jehoram. He was a wicked king, holding his mother's counsel, who taught him to do wicked things (22:3). He also allied Judah with Israel, which was not a good thing at the time because Israel walked wickedly as well.
Jehu, a man anointed by God to execute judgment on Israel and Judah, killed Ahaziah. Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, then pulled a power move. She killed all of the royal children so that she rule over Judah, but one child, Joash the son of Ahaziah, was saved unknown to Athaliah (22:11).
One lesson I am reminded of through all this is summed up best in psalm 1:
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!"
I pray that my delight is in the Law of the Lord and in seeking his face above all else!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
pmpurser.us
Check out the online gospel track I put together at pmpurser.us. Click on the link to http://crescentcay.com/shdwst/index.htm and then click the upper left icon, wait to load, and then click it again. This track was fun going over and a good way to remind myself of the Love God has for us.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Family Life
I have been meditating on several verses lately that have to with Family life. A couple weeks ago a friend of mine shared Matt 25:13-30.
At first I thought nothing of it, but as the days passed by, I began to notice this dissatisfaction with where I was in life. Life is busy. I want my focus to be on teaching and leading my family, but constantly, I am taken away to find work to provide for these. I am working on the apartment for Rachel or taking the dogs for a walk. My devotions are to these external menial tasks (which need to be done), but I am either not finding time to spend time in the morning with Piper or I am finding time to spend with my wife in word; but I consistently say the wrong thing or am not caring enough, and so our time in the word is not spent in the word, but rather spent discussing how I am not doing it right.
Clearly, I need to spend more time with my family, and Praise the Lord! He has revealed that to me through verses like Proverbs 16:8 - "Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice." - which shows me that my satisfaction should be found in God's righteousness and not in the many things that I acquire to my person if they do come with righteousness.
The above verses in Matthew, the parable of talents, shows me that I have been given some things from the Lord (i.e. children - psalm 127:3 & a wife - proverbs 19:14). These, I will be called to give an answer for at the returning of our Lord, and I DO NOT want to be called "you evil and lazy slave" at his returning. I want to give everything I can to my children and my wife. I want to show Christ to them. Ephesians 5 says that I should love my wife as Christ loved the church, giving himself for her. I want to be this to my wife.
In closing, I want to offer encouragement to you men who have wives. Don't give up speaking the word to your wife, no matter how hateful she is towards you. Seek gentleness (2 timothy 2:24-25) and respect her as a fellow heir and the weaker vessel (1 peter 3:7). Show her the gospel through your actions!
Shalom
13 “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work270 and gained five more. 17 In the same way, the one who had two gained two more. 18 But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money in it. 19 After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled his accounts with them. 20 The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, ‘Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 The one with the two talents also came and said, ‘Sir, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more.’ 23 His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered, ‘Evil and lazy slave! So you knew that I harvest where I didn’t sow and gather where I didn’t scatter? 27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest! 28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten. 29 For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’”
At first I thought nothing of it, but as the days passed by, I began to notice this dissatisfaction with where I was in life. Life is busy. I want my focus to be on teaching and leading my family, but constantly, I am taken away to find work to provide for these. I am working on the apartment for Rachel or taking the dogs for a walk. My devotions are to these external menial tasks (which need to be done), but I am either not finding time to spend time in the morning with Piper or I am finding time to spend with my wife in word; but I consistently say the wrong thing or am not caring enough, and so our time in the word is not spent in the word, but rather spent discussing how I am not doing it right.
Clearly, I need to spend more time with my family, and Praise the Lord! He has revealed that to me through verses like Proverbs 16:8 - "Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice." - which shows me that my satisfaction should be found in God's righteousness and not in the many things that I acquire to my person if they do come with righteousness.
The above verses in Matthew, the parable of talents, shows me that I have been given some things from the Lord (i.e. children - psalm 127:3 & a wife - proverbs 19:14). These, I will be called to give an answer for at the returning of our Lord, and I DO NOT want to be called "you evil and lazy slave" at his returning. I want to give everything I can to my children and my wife. I want to show Christ to them. Ephesians 5 says that I should love my wife as Christ loved the church, giving himself for her. I want to be this to my wife.
In closing, I want to offer encouragement to you men who have wives. Don't give up speaking the word to your wife, no matter how hateful she is towards you. Seek gentleness (2 timothy 2:24-25) and respect her as a fellow heir and the weaker vessel (1 peter 3:7). Show her the gospel through your actions!
Shalom
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Power of God
I am somewhat nostalgic right now. I just got on Facebook for the first time in a while and saw all kinds of new events taking place in my old friends' lives. It seems that life is moving quicker and quicker and it's hard to keep up, I guess. I thank the Lord that it is moving though. Praise God for taking me from that which I was and turning me into that which I am becoming. I pray continually that the Lord would bring new revelations to me that may renew my mind in Him (rom 12:2).
I long and am burdened for others to know him, but my flesh is not strong enough change anything. It's only by God's spirit, the Holy Spirit, that others can be changed. I've been meditating on 1 Thessalonians 5:19. If I consider the power of the spirit to come by the word of God (Eph 6:17), then to quench the spirit in some instances may just be me trying to speak words of wisdom (not coming from the word, 1 cor 1:18-29) as opposed to encouraging others with the word of God, which is truth (john 17:17).
My encouragement to myself and you today is to NOT quench the spirit! It's the power of God (rom 1:16, 1 cor 2:5).
I long and am burdened for others to know him, but my flesh is not strong enough change anything. It's only by God's spirit, the Holy Spirit, that others can be changed. I've been meditating on 1 Thessalonians 5:19. If I consider the power of the spirit to come by the word of God (Eph 6:17), then to quench the spirit in some instances may just be me trying to speak words of wisdom (not coming from the word, 1 cor 1:18-29) as opposed to encouraging others with the word of God, which is truth (john 17:17).
My encouragement to myself and you today is to NOT quench the spirit! It's the power of God (rom 1:16, 1 cor 2:5).
Friday, May 14, 2010
Hebrews 6:1
Faith towards God: If I'm not to lay another foundation of Faith towards God, then I guess I should know what that means.
Romans 14:23: Whatever is not from Faith is sin. To me this means that there is a way to do things by faith and some other way of doing things.
Romans 10:17: If I know that I can acquire faith through hearing the words of Christ, then I should be reading!
Romans 9:31-32: Faith is not acquired by doing good works, but rather good works come as a result of faith.
John 15:3: I believe that (and you should check this for yourself [1 john 4:1]) the cleansing, Christ is referring to here is that which makes us righteous (Romans 4:5).
All this to say, that if I start doing something because it sounds good or it comes from a credible source, but I don't look to the God and his teaching; then I am not doing it by faith and I am in sin. I must be taught by God (1 Thessalonians 4:9 & John 14:26) and from his word in order to be subject to God (Romans 10:2-3).
One more encouragement: Hebrews 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." My concept of who my leaders are should come from the word. A study of the word subject, subjection, submit, submission, etc. would be a good start in figuring this out.
I pray these words are sweet to your ears, and that the Lord gives you understanding and perception!
Romans 14:23: Whatever is not from Faith is sin. To me this means that there is a way to do things by faith and some other way of doing things.
Romans 10:17: If I know that I can acquire faith through hearing the words of Christ, then I should be reading!
Romans 9:31-32: Faith is not acquired by doing good works, but rather good works come as a result of faith.
John 15:3: I believe that (and you should check this for yourself [1 john 4:1]) the cleansing, Christ is referring to here is that which makes us righteous (Romans 4:5).
All this to say, that if I start doing something because it sounds good or it comes from a credible source, but I don't look to the God and his teaching; then I am not doing it by faith and I am in sin. I must be taught by God (1 Thessalonians 4:9 & John 14:26) and from his word in order to be subject to God (Romans 10:2-3).
One more encouragement: Hebrews 13:17 "Obey
I pray these words are sweet to your ears, and that the Lord gives you understanding and perception!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Joy (that's from the Lord)
Paul said that the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit in Romans 14:17.
How do we have Joy in the Holy Spirit?
Well... here's how I have been seeing it, not holistically what should be seen about this issue, but just what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me:
Jesus says, "The holy spirit will guide you into all truth (John 16:13)."
Also, "Sanctify them in truth, your word is truth," he prays in the garden (John 17:17).
I say it has something to do with the word of God.
Well, looking to the word, I see many ways that God gives joy:
Shalom
How do we have Joy in the Holy Spirit?
Well... here's how I have been seeing it, not holistically what should be seen about this issue, but just what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me:
Jesus says, "The holy spirit will guide you into all truth (John 16:13)."
Also, "Sanctify them in truth, your word is truth," he prays in the garden (John 17:17).
I say it has something to do with the word of God.
Well, looking to the word, I see many ways that God gives joy:
- through others who are walking by faith and not by sight, by the spirit and not by the flesh (phil 2:2, phil 2:17-18, 1the 2:19-20, 2tim 1:3-5, Philemon 1:7, 1 joh 1:3-4, 3 joh 1:4, luk 15:7-10, 2 cor 2:3, 2cor 7:4)
- through testing our faith (jam 1:2-3, jer 17:--7-8, acts 5:41)
- through the knowledge of our salvation, and here, you must determine for yourself if you believe God's word or if you just know a lot about it (1 pet 1:8-9, Joh 16:-20-22, zeph 3:14-17, isa 35:4-10)
- through 'pleasing' God (1 joh 1:4, 1 joh 2:28, 1 the 4:1)
- through being in God's presence (psa 16:11, luk 24:52, joh 3:29)
Shalom
Monday, February 15, 2010
On the cutting edge of... 30 AD
Luke 16:1-17
1Now He was also saying to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and this manager was reported to him as (A)squandering his possessions. 2"And he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.' 3"The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4'I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the management people will welcome me into their homes.' 5"And he summoned each one of his master's debtors, and he began saying to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6"And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7"Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8"And his master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of (B)this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the (C)sons of light. 9"And I say to you, (D)make friends for yourselves by means of the [a](E)wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, (F)they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. 10"(G)He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. 11"Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous (H)wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? 12"And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? 13"(I)No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and (J)wealth." 14Now the Pharisees, who were (K)lovers of money, were listening to all these things and (L)were scoffing at Him. 15And He said to them, "You are those who (M)justify yourselves in the sight of men, but (N)God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. 16"(O)The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time (P)the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17"(Q)But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail.
Not saying that this applies or does not apply to money, but if you look at it with the idea that Jesus is speaking of money as "unrighteous wealth," (and I believe that this is what he speaks of when he says unrighteous wealth) then what is most apparent to me is that the 'wealth' is unrighteous. Fair enough? At the same time, Jesus says, "Make friends for yourselves by the wealth of unrighteousness." I do not believe that this at all means that we take part in the "unfruitful deeds of darkness" (eph 5:11) or sin against God to make friends, but I do see that there is a calling to use that which is worthless (ie money in this instance) for that which is precious (Jer 15:19).
It is also good to remember that within this context, Jesus directly addresses how we choose to justify our actions to others.
1Now He was also saying to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and this manager was reported to him as (A)squandering his possessions. 2"And he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.' 3"The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4'I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the management people will welcome me into their homes.' 5"And he summoned each one of his master's debtors, and he began saying to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6"And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7"Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8"And his master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of (B)this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the (C)sons of light. 9"And I say to you, (D)make friends for yourselves by means of the [a](E)wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, (F)they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. 10"(G)He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. 11"Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous (H)wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? 12"And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? 13"(I)No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and (J)wealth." 14Now the Pharisees, who were (K)lovers of money, were listening to all these things and (L)were scoffing at Him. 15And He said to them, "You are those who (M)justify yourselves in the sight of men, but (N)God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. 16"(O)The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time (P)the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17"(Q)But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail.
Not saying that this applies or does not apply to money, but if you look at it with the idea that Jesus is speaking of money as "unrighteous wealth," (and I believe that this is what he speaks of when he says unrighteous wealth) then what is most apparent to me is that the 'wealth' is unrighteous. Fair enough? At the same time, Jesus says, "Make friends for yourselves by the wealth of unrighteousness." I do not believe that this at all means that we take part in the "unfruitful deeds of darkness" (eph 5:11) or sin against God to make friends, but I do see that there is a calling to use that which is worthless (ie money in this instance) for that which is precious (Jer 15:19).
It is also good to remember that within this context, Jesus directly addresses how we choose to justify our actions to others.
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