Week of 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
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Podcast Download: Week of 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
Sunday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
First posted 11/22/03;
Podcast: Sunday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
Hagai
1:1-2:9 - Neglecting God’s House;
(or) Jeremiah 44:15-30 - Oracle Against Jewish Refugees in Egypt;
Acts 18:24-19:7 - Baptism with the Holy Spirit;
Luke 10:25-37 - The Good Samaritan;
(or) Jeremiah 44:15-30 - Oracle Against Jewish Refugees in Egypt;
Acts 18:24-19:7 - Baptism with the Holy Spirit;
Luke 10:25-37 - The Good Samaritan;
Haggai
Summary:
On the first
day of the sixth month of the second year of the reign of Darius,
King of Persia (mid-August to mid- September, 520 BC *) the Word
of the Lord came through Hagai the prophet to Zerubabal, governor
of Judah, and Joshua, the High Priest. The Lord rebuked the people
for putting the construction of their own houses ahead of the
rebuilding of the house of the Lord.
The Lord
told them that because they have put their own interests first,
the Lord declined to prosper them. Therefore they labored hard for
few returns. Then Zerubabal, Joshua, and the people repented and
obeyed the voice of the Lord (v.12-13), and they began the
rebuilding of the house of the Lord. On the twenty-first day of
that month they came and began work on the house of the Lord.
Jeremiah
Summary:
The Jewish
refugees, who had fled to Egypt after their rescue by Johanan from
the Judean rebellion of Ishmael, returned to the worship of the
queen of heaven (Ishtar, goddess of the star of Venus). They
rejected Jeremiah’s oracle. They claimed that when they had
worshiped the queen of heaven in Judah they had had plenty and
prospered, but that when they stopped, they had suffered sword and
famine (v.17-18). Jeremiah contested that claim, contending that
it was because of their idolatry that the Babylonian conquest had
been allowed to happen (v.23).
Then
Jeremiah declared the Word of the Lord that the Lord's name would
not be invoked by any Judean in the land of Egypt and that all but
a few, who escaped and managed to return to Judah, would be
destroyed (v.27-28). The Lord declared that he was going to give
Pharaoh Hoprah, king of Egypt, into the hand of his enemies, as
the Lord had given Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of
Nebuchadrezzar (Nebuchadnezzar) king of Babylon (v.30).
Acts
Summary:
A Jew named
Apollos came to Ephesus and began to teach the Gospel of Jesus,
although he had only received the baptism of John the Baptizer (of
water for the repentance of sins; see Matthew 3:11). When
Priscilla and Aquila heard him they took him aside and explained
the way of God more accurately to him. When Apollos wanted to go
on to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and sent a letter of
recommendation with him, and when he arrived he was useful in
building up new believers and confuting (refuting conclusively)
the Jews by showing from the scriptures that Jesus was the
Messiah.
While
Apollos was at Corinth, Paul came to Ephesus and he found twelve
disciples who had known only the baptism of John the Baptizer. He
asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they first
believed, and they said that they had not; they hadn’t even heard
that there was a Holy Spirit. So Paul baptized them in the name of
the Lord Jesus, and when Paul laid his hands on them they were
filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Luke
Summary:
A lawyer
asked Jesus what one must do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus
asked him what the Law said. The lawyer replied that one must love
God with all his heart and his neighbor as oneself. Jesus said
that he had answered correctly; if he did that he would live. But
the lawyer wanted to justify himself (show himself righteous
before God), so he asked Jesus to define who a neighbor was.
In response
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan: A man was attacked
by thieves and left for dead. A priest and a Levite both passed by
without giving aid, but a Samaritan had compassion and stopped and
helped the victim. Jesus asked the lawyer which of the three had
shown himself to be the neighbor of the victim. The lawyer replied
that he supposed it was the one who had had compassion, and Jesus
said “Go and do likewise” (v.37b).
Commentary:
The
Babylonian exiles had been allowed to return to Judah to rebuild
the Temple, according to the Lord’s promise (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14),
but instead of working on the Temple they were working first to
build their own houses. That might seem like good sense from a
worldly perspective, but Israel had had a long relationship with
the Lord and should have learned from experience that the Lord
would provide for them if they would put him first. When they were
confronted with the Word of God, they accepted it, even though it
wasn’t pleasant to hear; they repented and then they began to
obey.
In contrast,
the Judean refugees in Egypt, who had had the same long experience
of relationship with God, rejected the Word of God and overtly
defied God’s Word. Further, they completely misunderstood the
reason for the Babylonian disaster, and denied any personal
responsibility for it.
Apollos was
a believer and teacher about Jesus, although he had not been
filled with the Holy Spirit (what I call being “born again;” see
John 3:3). He had only received the baptism of John the Baptizer
for repentance. However, he was open to being further instructed.
When Pricilla and Aquila offered to further enlighten him, he was
willing to receive correction; to acknowledge that he hadn’t known
everything. Likewise, the twelve disciples of John who Paul
encountered in Ephesus were also open to further instruction.
It is
important to note that the infilling with the Holy Spirit is not
something like wishing on a star, or like when you blow out
birthday candles. It’s not a matter of getting it if you wish hard
enough and believe that you have it; it’s a relationship with the
living spirit of a person, the risen Jesus, which we can
experience. Otherwise it would make no sense to ask someone if
they have received the Holy Spirit and expect to get a yes or no
answer (Acts 19:2).
The lawyer
who asked Jesus what one must do to inherit eternal life, was
seeking to show himself righteous before God by his own works. He
was looking for a definition of the word “neighbor” so that he
could meet the letter of the law, while avoiding its spirit. Since
he was a lawyer, Jesus asked him to respond from his understanding
of the law, and the lawyer’s answer was technically correct, but
the lawyer didn’t want to be obligated to fulfill the whole
requirement of the law.
The parable
shows that “neighbor” is not defined by who is our neighbor, but
by who we choose to be neighbor to. It also shows that the priest
and the Levite in the parable regarded themselves as righteous
because they kept the letter of the law, and they regarded
Samaritans as unrighteous (since Samaria had undergone ethnic and
spiritual contamination because of the fall of the Northern
Kingdom of Israel). The priest and Levite had used the Law to
avoid doing God’s will, while the Samaritan had done God’s will
and had met the requirement of the Law.
The Lord has
given us free choice. He has made his Word known. The Law was
given as a “custodian” until the coming of Jesus, the Messiah
(Galatians 3:23-26). Salvation is by grace (God’s free gift;
unmerited favor) through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of
the law lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Jesus is
God’s only provision for our salvation (John 14:6). There is
salvation in no one else (Acts 4:12). All will be accountable
before the Lord on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46). Those
who have trusted in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and have kept
his words will spend eternal life in Heaven with him. Those who
have rejected Jesus and God’s Word will spend eternity dying in
the Hell of fire with Satan and his demons.
Are we
willing to hear God’s Word, to repent and obey, or do we refuse to
hear, and defiantly disobey? Are we willing to learn from God’s
Word through his disciples, or do we believe what we want, and
refuse to consider anything else? Are we individually, and as a
nation, neglecting God's house because of our preoccupation with
building our own houses, careers, and estates? Do we receive God’s
gracious free gift of salvation through trusting in Jesus as our
Lord and Savior, or will we insist on trying to demonstrate our
own righteousness to God by our good works?
Is Jesus
your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple
(John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have
you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly
believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and
teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)?
Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John
5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*The Oxford
Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May
and Bruce M. Metzger, Hagai 1.1-15a n., p.1145, New York, Oxford
University Press, 1962.
Monday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
To be used only if there is a 25 Pentecost Sunday - Otherwise skip to 27 Pentecost.
First posted 10/30/05;
Podcast: Monday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
Zechariah
1:7-17 - The vision of Zechariah;
Jeremiah 45:1-5 - Oracle for Baruch;
Revelation 1:4-20 - Alpha and Omega;
Matthew 12:43-50 - Return of the Unclean Spirit;
Jeremiah 45:1-5 - Oracle for Baruch;
Revelation 1:4-20 - Alpha and Omega;
Matthew 12:43-50 - Return of the Unclean Spirit;
Zechariah
Summary:
In
mid-January to mid-February of 519 B.C.* the Word of the Lord came
to Zechariah, a prophet of priestly decent, in a series of night
visions. Zechariah saw a man riding on a red horse, standing among
myrtle trees in a glen, with red, sorrel and white horses behind.
Zechariah asked the angel who was interpreting the vision for an
explanation. The angel of the Lord, standing among the trees, said
that the horses represented those sent by God to patrol the earth.
They had patrolled the earth and the earth remained at rest. The
angel of the Lord interceded for God’s mercy upon Jerusalem and
Judah, in exile in Babylon for seventy years. The Lord replied
graciously and comfortingly to the Angel.
The Angel told Zechariah to proclaim God’s Word. The Lord cares for the wellbeing of Jerusalem and Zion (the Holy City; Jerusalem). The Lord is angry with the heathen nations who are comfortable. The Lord was slightly angry, but they added to it. The Lord declared that he had returned to his love of Jerusalem with compassion. God’s house will be rebuilt, and the measuring line of God’s judgment will be stretched over Jerusalem. Zechariah was commanded to prophesy that God would again bless Jerusalem with overflowing prosperity; the Lord will again comfort Zion and Jerusalem will again be God’s chosen.
The Angel told Zechariah to proclaim God’s Word. The Lord cares for the wellbeing of Jerusalem and Zion (the Holy City; Jerusalem). The Lord is angry with the heathen nations who are comfortable. The Lord was slightly angry, but they added to it. The Lord declared that he had returned to his love of Jerusalem with compassion. God’s house will be rebuilt, and the measuring line of God’s judgment will be stretched over Jerusalem. Zechariah was commanded to prophesy that God would again bless Jerusalem with overflowing prosperity; the Lord will again comfort Zion and Jerusalem will again be God’s chosen.
Jeremiah
Summary:
Baruch, the scribe who recorded Jeremiah’s oracles, was told by Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim (king of the southern Kingdom of Judah; about 605 B.C.**), God’s Word concerning Baruch. Baruch had mourned in pain and sorrow, and the Lord replied that Lord was breaking down what the Lord had built; was plucking up what the Lord had planted. God told Baruch not to seek great things for himself, but God promised that in the midst of God’s punishment of all humans, he would preserve Baruch’s life wherever he went.
Baruch, the scribe who recorded Jeremiah’s oracles, was told by Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim (king of the southern Kingdom of Judah; about 605 B.C.**), God’s Word concerning Baruch. Baruch had mourned in pain and sorrow, and the Lord replied that Lord was breaking down what the Lord had built; was plucking up what the Lord had planted. God told Baruch not to seek great things for himself, but God promised that in the midst of God’s punishment of all humans, he would preserve Baruch’s life wherever he went.
Revelation
Summary:
This
revelation to John is from God through Jesus Christ by his “angel”
(Spirit; i.e., the Holy Spirit; Romans 8:9), revealing what will
take place in the future. John testified to the Word of God, the
testimony of Christ and to all that John saw. Those who hear,
proclaim and keep (obey) the words of this book will be blessed;
“for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).
John was
writing to the seven (symbolic of completeness) churches in Asia.
Grace and peace from God (“who is, who was, and is to come;”
Revelation 1:4b), and from the seven spirits (the fullness of the
Holy Spirit) and from “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the
first-born of the dead, and ruler of kings on earth” (Revelation
1:5; note the reference to the Trinity).
“To him (Jesus) who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, everyone who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:5b-7).
God is (Exodus 3:14); God is Alpha and Omega (first and last letter of the Greek alphabet; thus, the beginning and end of all things), who is, was, and is to come, the Almighty.
John, our brother in Jesus, who shares in tribulation, blessing, and patient endurance, was exiled on Patmos (a tiny island in the Aegean Sea) for proclaiming the Gospel and testifying of Jesus. He was filled with the Holy Spirit on the Lord’s Day (Sunday; the day of Christ’s resurrection), when he heard a loud voice behind him telling him to record, in a book, the visions he was about to see, so they could be sent to the seven churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
John turned around to see the one whose voice he had heard, and he “saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands, one like a “son of man” (Mark 2:10; Daniel 7:13-14), clothed in a long robe, with a golden girdle around his breast” (Revelation 1:12b-13). His head and hair were white as wool or snow. His eyes were like blazing fire; his feet were burnished bronze refined by fire. His voice was like the roar of many waters. He held seven stars in his hand and from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. His face was as bright as the sun.
John fell on his face before him, but Jesus touched John and said, “I am the first and the last, and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:17-18; he is the risen Christ). Christ told John to write down the vision, what is, and what will take place hereafter. The seven stars are the angels (the fullness of the Holy Spirit) of the seven churches; the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
“To him (Jesus) who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, everyone who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:5b-7).
God is (Exodus 3:14); God is Alpha and Omega (first and last letter of the Greek alphabet; thus, the beginning and end of all things), who is, was, and is to come, the Almighty.
John, our brother in Jesus, who shares in tribulation, blessing, and patient endurance, was exiled on Patmos (a tiny island in the Aegean Sea) for proclaiming the Gospel and testifying of Jesus. He was filled with the Holy Spirit on the Lord’s Day (Sunday; the day of Christ’s resurrection), when he heard a loud voice behind him telling him to record, in a book, the visions he was about to see, so they could be sent to the seven churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
John turned around to see the one whose voice he had heard, and he “saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands, one like a “son of man” (Mark 2:10; Daniel 7:13-14), clothed in a long robe, with a golden girdle around his breast” (Revelation 1:12b-13). His head and hair were white as wool or snow. His eyes were like blazing fire; his feet were burnished bronze refined by fire. His voice was like the roar of many waters. He held seven stars in his hand and from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. His face was as bright as the sun.
John fell on his face before him, but Jesus touched John and said, “I am the first and the last, and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:17-18; he is the risen Christ). Christ told John to write down the vision, what is, and what will take place hereafter. The seven stars are the angels (the fullness of the Holy Spirit) of the seven churches; the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Mathew
Summary:
Jesus said that when a person has been healed of a demon, the demon finds himself in a barren wilderness with no place to rest. So the demon will attempt to return to that person, who is like a house which has been emptied, cleaned and repaired. Then the demon will invite seven demons more wicked than himself, and they will enter and dwell there, and the person’s last situation will be worse than before.
While Jesus was saying this, his mother and brothers came, asking to speak with Jesus. Jesus told the person who had given him their message, that his mother and brothers were those who are Jesus’ disciples. All those who trust and obey God’s will are Jesus’ true mother, sisters and brothers.
Jesus said that when a person has been healed of a demon, the demon finds himself in a barren wilderness with no place to rest. So the demon will attempt to return to that person, who is like a house which has been emptied, cleaned and repaired. Then the demon will invite seven demons more wicked than himself, and they will enter and dwell there, and the person’s last situation will be worse than before.
While Jesus was saying this, his mother and brothers came, asking to speak with Jesus. Jesus told the person who had given him their message, that his mother and brothers were those who are Jesus’ disciples. All those who trust and obey God’s will are Jesus’ true mother, sisters and brothers.
Commentary:
The Lord cares for the well-being of his people and his holy city on earth (the Church is the “New Israel” and the “New Jerusalem).” The Lord disciplines his people because he loves them. The Lord declared that “the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem” (Zechariah 1:16d). He has compassion on his people and will restore, bless and comfort them.
The Lord is angry with heathen nations who are “comfortable,” and they have provoked his anger. In the midst of God’s punishment of the wicked, God is able and faithful to preserve his faithful servants, like Baruch.
The Book of Revelation is the Word of God revealed through Jesus Christ to John (probably the Apostle). The promise that those who hear, proclaim, and keep (apply and do) the words of the book (Revelation 1:3) and the warning not to add to or take anything from the words of this book (Revelation 22:18-19), apply not only to Revelation but also to the entire Bible.
Jesus Christ and scripture promise that Jesus is coming again, on the Day of Judgment. He will come with the clouds (Revelation 1:7), as he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). Every eye will see him; those living and those who are dead (in both the physical and spiritual sense). Each of us has “pierced” him, because we have all sinned (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), and have made his death on the Cross necessary for our forgiveness, salvation and restoration from eternal condemnation to eternal life and fellowship with God in his eternal kingdom in heaven (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Jesus is the “measuring line” against which everyone who has ever lived will be judged.
God is; and God is the beginning and end of all things. This Creation was begun by him, and will end by him. God is eternal and almighty. John’s vision of the “son of man” is of the risen, ascended, glorified Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God, whose attributes are described symbolically. He shares the attributes of God (Colossians 2:8-9): Jesus is the first and last. He was attendant at Creation (John 1:1-3; 14); he was the first to rise from physical death to eternal life, and will preside over the final judgment. (Matthew 25:31-46). He also shares the attributes of humanity: he died physically and lives eternally.
The Lord cares for the well-being of his people and his holy city on earth (the Church is the “New Israel” and the “New Jerusalem).” The Lord disciplines his people because he loves them. The Lord declared that “the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem” (Zechariah 1:16d). He has compassion on his people and will restore, bless and comfort them.
The Lord is angry with heathen nations who are “comfortable,” and they have provoked his anger. In the midst of God’s punishment of the wicked, God is able and faithful to preserve his faithful servants, like Baruch.
The Book of Revelation is the Word of God revealed through Jesus Christ to John (probably the Apostle). The promise that those who hear, proclaim, and keep (apply and do) the words of the book (Revelation 1:3) and the warning not to add to or take anything from the words of this book (Revelation 22:18-19), apply not only to Revelation but also to the entire Bible.
Jesus Christ and scripture promise that Jesus is coming again, on the Day of Judgment. He will come with the clouds (Revelation 1:7), as he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). Every eye will see him; those living and those who are dead (in both the physical and spiritual sense). Each of us has “pierced” him, because we have all sinned (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), and have made his death on the Cross necessary for our forgiveness, salvation and restoration from eternal condemnation to eternal life and fellowship with God in his eternal kingdom in heaven (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Jesus is the “measuring line” against which everyone who has ever lived will be judged.
God is; and God is the beginning and end of all things. This Creation was begun by him, and will end by him. God is eternal and almighty. John’s vision of the “son of man” is of the risen, ascended, glorified Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God, whose attributes are described symbolically. He shares the attributes of God (Colossians 2:8-9): Jesus is the first and last. He was attendant at Creation (John 1:1-3; 14); he was the first to rise from physical death to eternal life, and will preside over the final judgment. (Matthew 25:31-46). He also shares the attributes of humanity: he died physically and lives eternally.
His face,
head and hair reveal his righteousness. He stands securely, having
passed the testing of “fire” (his earthly ministry and death on
the Cross). He is clothed in royalty; his eyes are penetrating and
see our innermost secret thoughts and motives. He speaks the Word
of God, which is living and active (has creative force; Hebrews
4:12 RSV). He holds his (true) Church in his hand. He holds the
keys to eternal life and eternal death.
Jesus warns us that he can heal us spiritually, but we must then fill our souls with his Spirit through obedient trust in him, as his disciples, and persevere in following him; otherwise, in the end, our spiritual condition will be worse than before. Only Jesus gives his indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17).
Jesus warns us that he can heal us spiritually, but we must then fill our souls with his Spirit through obedient trust in him, as his disciples, and persevere in following him; otherwise, in the end, our spiritual condition will be worse than before. Only Jesus gives his indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17).
The Holy
Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has
eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b,
11, 15-16). Jesus warns that it is not those who call themselves
“Christians,” or claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ who will be
saved and receive eternal life, but those who keep (know and do)
God’s Word (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*The
Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert
G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Zechariah 1:7n, p. 1148, New York,
Oxford University Press, 1962.
**ibid, Jeremiah 462-12n, p. 973
**ibid, Jeremiah 462-12n, p. 973
Tuesday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
To be used only if there is a 25 Pentecost Sunday - Otherwise skip to 27 Pentecost.
First posted 10/31/05;
Podcast: Tuesday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
Ezra 5:1-17 - Judah Answers the Persian Governor;
Lamentations 1:1-5 (6-9) 10-12 - Jerusalem Mourns as a Widow;
Revelation 4:1-11 - Vision of God on his Throne;
Matthew 13:1-9 - Parable of the Sower;
Ezra Summary:
Haggai and Zechariah were prophets to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, their Lord. Zerubbabel (descendant of David: 1 Chronicles 3:16-19; Mt 1:12-13; Luke 3:27; appointed governor of Judah by Cyrus, king of Persia: Haggai 1:1; 2:21) and Jeshua (Joshua; the priest) were the civil and spiritual leaders, respectively, of Judah, who led the rebuilding of the temple, the house of God, with the help of the prophets.
The Persian governor of the province, “Beyond the River” (including the land of Syria and Israel), and other Persian provincial officials, challenged Judah’s resumption of rebuilding (a Persian King had decreed that the rebuilding was to be stopped; Ezra 4:4-5). God’s favor was upon the leaders of the Jews rebuilding the temple, and the Persian officials waited for a reply to their letter, from King Darius, before ordering the rebuilding to cease.
The Persian governor reported to King Darius of Persia about the rebuilding of the temple, and told the king that he had asked who had authorized them to resume building and had recorded the names of the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders had told the Persian governor that they were servants of the God of heaven and earth, rebuilding the house which Solomon, the great king of Israel had built long ago. It had been destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar (Nebuchadnezzar), king of Babylon (Chaldea), who exiled the people of Judah to Babylon, because Judah’s predecessors had angered God.
But in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, who conquered Babylon, Cyrus decreed that the house of God (in Jerusalem) should be rebuilt. Cyrus returned, to Sheshbazzar (probably the Babylonian name of Zerubbabal; Ezra 1:11), the sacred vessels of gold and silver, which Nebuchadrezzar had carried off to Babylon, with instructions to place them within the rebuilt temple. The foundation was laid, and since then it had been under construction, and was not yet finished. The Persian official suggested that the King of Persia search the royal archives in Babylon to see if a decree had been issued by Cyrus authorizing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
Haggai and Zechariah were prophets to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, their Lord. Zerubbabel (descendant of David: 1 Chronicles 3:16-19; Mt 1:12-13; Luke 3:27; appointed governor of Judah by Cyrus, king of Persia: Haggai 1:1; 2:21) and Jeshua (Joshua; the priest) were the civil and spiritual leaders, respectively, of Judah, who led the rebuilding of the temple, the house of God, with the help of the prophets.
The Persian governor of the province, “Beyond the River” (including the land of Syria and Israel), and other Persian provincial officials, challenged Judah’s resumption of rebuilding (a Persian King had decreed that the rebuilding was to be stopped; Ezra 4:4-5). God’s favor was upon the leaders of the Jews rebuilding the temple, and the Persian officials waited for a reply to their letter, from King Darius, before ordering the rebuilding to cease.
The Persian governor reported to King Darius of Persia about the rebuilding of the temple, and told the king that he had asked who had authorized them to resume building and had recorded the names of the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders had told the Persian governor that they were servants of the God of heaven and earth, rebuilding the house which Solomon, the great king of Israel had built long ago. It had been destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar (Nebuchadnezzar), king of Babylon (Chaldea), who exiled the people of Judah to Babylon, because Judah’s predecessors had angered God.
But in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, who conquered Babylon, Cyrus decreed that the house of God (in Jerusalem) should be rebuilt. Cyrus returned, to Sheshbazzar (probably the Babylonian name of Zerubbabal; Ezra 1:11), the sacred vessels of gold and silver, which Nebuchadrezzar had carried off to Babylon, with instructions to place them within the rebuilt temple. The foundation was laid, and since then it had been under construction, and was not yet finished. The Persian official suggested that the King of Persia search the royal archives in Babylon to see if a decree had been issued by Cyrus authorizing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
Lamentations Summary:
During Judah's exile in Babylon, the poet describes Jerusalem as a widow. The city is bereft of her people. The city that was once a princess has become a vassal. All those who once loved her are gone and she has none to comfort her. Her friends have betrayed her and become her enemies. Judah has gone into affliction and hard servitude in exile. She dwells among the nations (Gentiles), but finds no resting place. In the midst of distress her pursuers have overtaken her.
The roads to Zion (the Holy City; Jerusalem) mourn because there are no longer pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the appointed feasts. Her gates are unused, “her priests groan, her maidens have been dragged away, and [Jerusalem] suffers bitterly” (Lamentations 1:4). Her enemies rule over her and prosper, because the Lord has punished her for her multitude of sins. Her children have been carried off by the enemy.
During Judah's exile in Babylon, the poet describes Jerusalem as a widow. The city is bereft of her people. The city that was once a princess has become a vassal. All those who once loved her are gone and she has none to comfort her. Her friends have betrayed her and become her enemies. Judah has gone into affliction and hard servitude in exile. She dwells among the nations (Gentiles), but finds no resting place. In the midst of distress her pursuers have overtaken her.
The roads to Zion (the Holy City; Jerusalem) mourn because there are no longer pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the appointed feasts. Her gates are unused, “her priests groan, her maidens have been dragged away, and [Jerusalem] suffers bitterly” (Lamentations 1:4). Her enemies rule over her and prosper, because the Lord has punished her for her multitude of sins. Her children have been carried off by the enemy.
The majesty of Jerusalem has
departed. Her princes have no safe pasture and in weakness have
fled before their pursuer. “Jerusalem remembers the days of her
affliction and bitterness” (Lamentations 1:7a); her treasures of
old have fallen into the enemy’s hand. She has no one to help her,
and her enemy gloats at her downfall.
Jerusalem became filthy from her grievous sin. Those who had honored her have come to despise her; they have seen her nakedness, and she is ashamed. She was sinful and gave no thought to the consequences. That was the reason her fall was so terrible and she had no one to comfort her. The enemy has laid his hands on all her precious things; heathens, who God had forbidden to enter his congregation, have invaded her sanctuary.
Her people moan with hunger as they search for bread; they trade their treasures for food to restore their strength. Notice, onlookers, the sorrow brought upon Jerusalem by the Lord on the day of his fierce wrath.
Jerusalem became filthy from her grievous sin. Those who had honored her have come to despise her; they have seen her nakedness, and she is ashamed. She was sinful and gave no thought to the consequences. That was the reason her fall was so terrible and she had no one to comfort her. The enemy has laid his hands on all her precious things; heathens, who God had forbidden to enter his congregation, have invaded her sanctuary.
Her people moan with hunger as they search for bread; they trade their treasures for food to restore their strength. Notice, onlookers, the sorrow brought upon Jerusalem by the Lord on the day of his fierce wrath.
Revelation Summary:
John, the Apostle, in exile on Patmos (a tiny island in the Aegean Sea), had a series of visions which he was told to record for the Church, in a book. A door had opened into heaven so John could see this vision, of God on his throne in heavenly glory. The voice of the ascended and glorified Christ (Revelation 1:12-16) invited John to come and see what would take place in the future. John was carried in the Holy Spirit to the throne room of heaven (Revelation 4:1-2; compare Acts 8:39-40).
The glory of the scene is described in symbols of precious stones. The throne of God was surrounded by twenty-four elders: the twelve Old Testament Patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the Twelve apostles of Jesus’ inner circle. They wore white garments and golden crowns. Lightning and thunder and voices issued from the throne. Seven (symbolizing completeness) torches of fire burned in front of the throne, and in front of the throne was a sea of glass like fine crystal.
John, the Apostle, in exile on Patmos (a tiny island in the Aegean Sea), had a series of visions which he was told to record for the Church, in a book. A door had opened into heaven so John could see this vision, of God on his throne in heavenly glory. The voice of the ascended and glorified Christ (Revelation 1:12-16) invited John to come and see what would take place in the future. John was carried in the Holy Spirit to the throne room of heaven (Revelation 4:1-2; compare Acts 8:39-40).
The glory of the scene is described in symbols of precious stones. The throne of God was surrounded by twenty-four elders: the twelve Old Testament Patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the Twelve apostles of Jesus’ inner circle. They wore white garments and golden crowns. Lightning and thunder and voices issued from the throne. Seven (symbolizing completeness) torches of fire burned in front of the throne, and in front of the throne was a sea of glass like fine crystal.
Around the throne on all sides
are four living creatures, full of eyes all around: the first like
a lion, the second like an ox, the third like a man, the fourth
like an eagle. Each creature has six wings, eyes all around and
within, and day and night they continually praise God, singing
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and
is to come" (Revelation 4:8)!
And as the living creatures
continually praise God, the twenty-four elders continually fall
down and worship him who is seated on the throne, who lives
forever. And they cast their crowns before the throne, singing,
“Worthy art thou, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and
power, for thou didst create all things, and by thy will they
existed and were created” (Revelation 4:11).
Matthew Summary:
Jesus was teaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by crowds so eager to hear that he was in danger of being forced into the water, so he got into a boat a little offshore and taught the crowd on the beach. Jesus taught many things in parables (fictional stories of everyday life experiences, to teach spiritual truth).
Jesus was teaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by crowds so eager to hear that he was in danger of being forced into the water, so he got into a boat a little offshore and taught the crowd on the beach. Jesus taught many things in parables (fictional stories of everyday life experiences, to teach spiritual truth).
In the parable of the sower, a
man went out to sow seed. As he sowed, some seeds fell on a path
and birds came along and devoured them. Some fell on rocky ground
where there was no soil. They sprouted at once, but since they had
no depth of soil to retain moisture, they withered in the heat of
the sun. Other seeds fell among thorns. The seeds sprouted, but
were choked out by the thorns. But other seeds fell on good soil,
and thrived, producing a harvest many times greater than the
amount of seed that was sown. If you are able and willing to hear
spiritual truth, pay attention!
Commentary:
There will always be conflict between worldly government and the spiritual sovereignty of God, as long as this present creation exists. The civil authorities tried to enforce their rule upon the leaders of Judah, but God’s favor was upon Judah, and the Lord prevailed. What a great answer, inspired by the Spirit of the Lord, the leaders of Judah gave to the Persian officials (Esra 5:5; 17)!
There will always be conflict between worldly government and the spiritual sovereignty of God, as long as this present creation exists. The civil authorities tried to enforce their rule upon the leaders of Judah, but God’s favor was upon Judah, and the Lord prevailed. What a great answer, inspired by the Spirit of the Lord, the leaders of Judah gave to the Persian officials (Esra 5:5; 17)!
When we are obedient to God’s
will we don’t need to fear any civil authority or worldly power.
But watch out, if we ignore the warnings of God’s Word and his
prophets! If we refuse to hear and obey, he will remove his
providence from us and we will experience his condemnation and
wrath!
John, the apostle, experienced civil disfavor, because of his proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but civil opposition could not prevent him from obeying and accomplishing the Lord’s purpose. He was exiled to a tiny island, but his revelation could not be suppressed, because, ultimately, it is not worldly favor but God’s favor which counts!
Imagine crowds of people so eager to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ that his disciples might be in danger of being trampled or pushed into the sea! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the “seed” which produces forgiveness of sins, salvation from eternal death, and restoration to fellowship and eternal life with the Lord in the eternal kingdom of God in heaven (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). What kind of soil will we choose to be?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
John, the apostle, experienced civil disfavor, because of his proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but civil opposition could not prevent him from obeying and accomplishing the Lord’s purpose. He was exiled to a tiny island, but his revelation could not be suppressed, because, ultimately, it is not worldly favor but God’s favor which counts!
Imagine crowds of people so eager to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ that his disciples might be in danger of being trampled or pushed into the sea! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the “seed” which produces forgiveness of sins, salvation from eternal death, and restoration to fellowship and eternal life with the Lord in the eternal kingdom of God in heaven (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). What kind of soil will we choose to be?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Wednesday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
To be used only if there is a 25 Pentecost Sunday - Otherwise skip to 27 Pentecost.
First posted 11/01/05;
Podcast: Wednesday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
Ezra 6:1-22
- The Temple Completed;
Lamentations 2:8-15 - False Prophets;
Revelation 5:1-10 - The Lamb of God;
Matthew 13:10-17 - Teaching in Parables;
Lamentations 2:8-15 - False Prophets;
Revelation 5:1-10 - The Lamb of God;
Matthew 13:10-17 - Teaching in Parables;
Ezra Summary:
Persian provincial officials opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. They wrote to King Darius to search the royal archive in Babylon to see whether there was an official decree permitting the rebuilding. The document verifying the decree was found, authorizing the rebuilding, and also authorizing payment from the Persian royal treasury. It also recorded the return of the sacred vessels of gold and silver, taken from the temple by Nebuchadrezzar (Nebuchadnezzar).
King Darius replied to the provincial officials that they were not to interfere with the rebuilding. They were to allow Zerubbabal, the Jew appointed governor of the Jews in Judah by Cyrus, king of Babylon, to proceed with the rebuilding.
Persian provincial officials opposed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. They wrote to King Darius to search the royal archive in Babylon to see whether there was an official decree permitting the rebuilding. The document verifying the decree was found, authorizing the rebuilding, and also authorizing payment from the Persian royal treasury. It also recorded the return of the sacred vessels of gold and silver, taken from the temple by Nebuchadrezzar (Nebuchadnezzar).
King Darius replied to the provincial officials that they were not to interfere with the rebuilding. They were to allow Zerubbabal, the Jew appointed governor of the Jews in Judah by Cyrus, king of Babylon, to proceed with the rebuilding.
The Persian provincial
officials were ordered by Darius to pay for the construction costs
from the taxes from the Persian province of “Beyond the River”
(including Syria and Israel, which included Judah). They were also
to supply whatever animals and materials were needed for
sacrifices on a daily basis, so that pleasing sacrifices could be
made, with intercession to God for the life of King Darius and his
sons.
Darius decreed that anyone who
violated these orders was to be impaled on a beam pulled from his
house, and his house made a dunghill (the ultimate insult). Darius
prayed that God would punish anyone who violated Darius’ decree or
attempted to destroy the temple of God in Jerusalem.
The Persian provincial governors did what Darius had ordered, and the temple was completed in April-May 516 B. C.,* according to God’s will through the decrees of Cyrus and Darius of Persia. All the returned exiles celebrated the dedication of the temple with joy. The sacrifice at the dedication included seven hundred animals, and a sin offering of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel. The temple had to be dedicated before the priests and Levites could be divided into "courses" (twenty-four divisions of each, assigned to serve for a week at a time).
In the first month (May-June 516 B.C.) the returned exiles celebrated the feast of Passover and the feast of unleavened bread (a seven day festival following the Passover feast on the evening of the fourteenth day). The celebration included “every one who had joined them and separated himself from the pollutions of the peoples of the land to worship the Lord, the God of Israel” (Ezra 6:21b). They celebrated with great joy for the Lord’s blessings, and because the Lord had caused the Persian government (now ruling Assyria, and the land of Israel) to aid Judah in rebuilding the temple.
The Persian provincial governors did what Darius had ordered, and the temple was completed in April-May 516 B. C.,* according to God’s will through the decrees of Cyrus and Darius of Persia. All the returned exiles celebrated the dedication of the temple with joy. The sacrifice at the dedication included seven hundred animals, and a sin offering of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel. The temple had to be dedicated before the priests and Levites could be divided into "courses" (twenty-four divisions of each, assigned to serve for a week at a time).
In the first month (May-June 516 B.C.) the returned exiles celebrated the feast of Passover and the feast of unleavened bread (a seven day festival following the Passover feast on the evening of the fourteenth day). The celebration included “every one who had joined them and separated himself from the pollutions of the peoples of the land to worship the Lord, the God of Israel” (Ezra 6:21b). They celebrated with great joy for the Lord’s blessings, and because the Lord had caused the Persian government (now ruling Assyria, and the land of Israel) to aid Judah in rebuilding the temple.
Lamentations Summary:
The poet described fallen Jerusalem figuratively: The Lord was determined to destroy the wall of Jerusalem. God measured the wall with his “plumb line” and did not restrain his judgment against his “daughter,” Zion (Jerusalem; God’s people; Israel). All her defenses have been torn down. Her king and leaders were in exile among the Gentiles. The law (of Moses) was no more (was not being observed; the temple and priests had been destroyed). Her prophets received no vision from the Lord.
The elders sat on the ground in sackcloth and poured dust over their heads (in ritual mourning) and the maidens bowed down to the ground. The poet was weary from weeping; his soul was troubled and his heart was empty, because of the destruction of Jerusalem, the “daughter” of Israel. Infants and children fainted and died from hunger in the streets of the city.
The poet was at a loss for a comparison to the destruction of Jerusalem with which he could comfort her. The ruin of Jerusalem, the “virgin daughter,” was greater than vastness of the ocean. Who can restore her?
“Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles false and misleading” (Lamentations 2:14). All (Gentiles; Israel’s neighbors) who pass by gloat at the destruction of Jerusalem and say, “is this the city which was called the perfection of beauty and the joy of all the earth” (Lamentations 2:15c)?
The poet described fallen Jerusalem figuratively: The Lord was determined to destroy the wall of Jerusalem. God measured the wall with his “plumb line” and did not restrain his judgment against his “daughter,” Zion (Jerusalem; God’s people; Israel). All her defenses have been torn down. Her king and leaders were in exile among the Gentiles. The law (of Moses) was no more (was not being observed; the temple and priests had been destroyed). Her prophets received no vision from the Lord.
The elders sat on the ground in sackcloth and poured dust over their heads (in ritual mourning) and the maidens bowed down to the ground. The poet was weary from weeping; his soul was troubled and his heart was empty, because of the destruction of Jerusalem, the “daughter” of Israel. Infants and children fainted and died from hunger in the streets of the city.
The poet was at a loss for a comparison to the destruction of Jerusalem with which he could comfort her. The ruin of Jerusalem, the “virgin daughter,” was greater than vastness of the ocean. Who can restore her?
“Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles false and misleading” (Lamentations 2:14). All (Gentiles; Israel’s neighbors) who pass by gloat at the destruction of Jerusalem and say, “is this the city which was called the perfection of beauty and the joy of all the earth” (Lamentations 2:15c)?
Revelation Summary:
John, the Apostle, had a vision of God on his throne. God was holding a scroll sealed with seven seals (seven indicates completeness). An angel asked, in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals” (Revelation 5:2). John wept because there seemed to be no one in heaven or earth who was worthy to open the scroll, but one of the elders comforted and assured John that Jesus Christ was found worthy to open the scroll. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9-10) and the Root of David (Isaiah 11:1-2).
Between the throne and the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6b-8) surrounding the throne, John saw a Lamb (Jesus Christ; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29, 36; 1 Peter 1:19), who had been slain (on the Cross, as a sacrifice for our sins). The Lamb’s appearance is symbolic of his attributes; seven horns represent complete power; the seven eyes represent complete knowledge and symbolize the fullness of the Holy Spirit sent into the world through Jesus. The scroll represents God’s unalterable eternal purpose, sealed from human knowledge until revealed through Jesus Christ.
John, the Apostle, had a vision of God on his throne. God was holding a scroll sealed with seven seals (seven indicates completeness). An angel asked, in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals” (Revelation 5:2). John wept because there seemed to be no one in heaven or earth who was worthy to open the scroll, but one of the elders comforted and assured John that Jesus Christ was found worthy to open the scroll. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9-10) and the Root of David (Isaiah 11:1-2).
Between the throne and the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6b-8) surrounding the throne, John saw a Lamb (Jesus Christ; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29, 36; 1 Peter 1:19), who had been slain (on the Cross, as a sacrifice for our sins). The Lamb’s appearance is symbolic of his attributes; seven horns represent complete power; the seven eyes represent complete knowledge and symbolize the fullness of the Holy Spirit sent into the world through Jesus. The scroll represents God’s unalterable eternal purpose, sealed from human knowledge until revealed through Jesus Christ.
The Lamb took the sealed
scroll from God’s hand, and as he did, the four living creatures
and the twenty-four elders bowed down before the Lamb, each
holding a harp, and a bowl of incense representing the prayers of
the saints (believers in Christ). “They sang a new song, saying
‘Worthy art thou to take the scroll and open its seals, for thou
wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom [people] for God from
every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and hast made them a
kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth”
(Revelation 5:9-10).
Matthew Summary:
Jesus had told a parable (a
fictional story of a common life experience, to illustrate a
spiritual truth) of a sower (Matthew 13:3-9). Afterwards, his
disciples asked him why he taught in parables. Jesus told his
disciples that they had been given the ability to know the secrets
of the kingdom of heaven, but the others (uncommitted “seekers”)
had not. Jesus said that those who have (faith) will be given more
and have abundance, but those who do not have (faith) even what
they have will be taken away.
Jesus said that he taught in parables because they allow his hearers to see without forcing them to perceive and to hear without forcing them to understand. They fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah (6:9-10): “You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn for me to heal them.”
But Jesus declared that the ears and eyes of his disciples are blessed because they do perceive and understand. Jesus reminded them that many prophets and righteous people longed to see and hear what his disciples were experiencing (the fulfillment of the coming of the Messiah) but did not.
Jesus said that he taught in parables because they allow his hearers to see without forcing them to perceive and to hear without forcing them to understand. They fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah (6:9-10): “You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn for me to heal them.”
But Jesus declared that the ears and eyes of his disciples are blessed because they do perceive and understand. Jesus reminded them that many prophets and righteous people longed to see and hear what his disciples were experiencing (the fulfillment of the coming of the Messiah) but did not.
Commentary:
When the local civil authorities tried to prevent Judah from building the Lord’s house, the Lord gave his faithful civil and spiritual leaders an inspired answer (Ezra 5:11-16) and supernaturally motivated the Persians to make decisions which allowed God’s will to be accomplished. God’s will is done whether we cooperate with it or not.
When the local civil authorities tried to prevent Judah from building the Lord’s house, the Lord gave his faithful civil and spiritual leaders an inspired answer (Ezra 5:11-16) and supernaturally motivated the Persians to make decisions which allowed God’s will to be accomplished. God’s will is done whether we cooperate with it or not.
The Lord is the King of kings.
When Judah resisted and disobeyed the Lord, he withdrew his favor
from them and they were exiled in Babylon for seventy years, where
they learned to trust and obey the Lord.
As the Lord withdraws his favor from the disobedient, he can also bestow his favor on those who trust and obey him. The Lord allowed the temple to be destroyed and its sacred vessels and his people to be carried off, but he is also able to restore them beyond human imagination, for those who learn to trust and obey him. The sacred vessels were returned, and the Persians paid for the rebuilding of the temple!
Judah had received many warnings of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry, from scripture, the prophets of the Lord, and the example of the fall of the northern Kingdom of Israel. They had an opportunity to repent, right up to the time Nebuchadrezzar’s forces besieged Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:20), but they refused to return to obedient trust in the Lord.
As the Lord withdraws his favor from the disobedient, he can also bestow his favor on those who trust and obey him. The Lord allowed the temple to be destroyed and its sacred vessels and his people to be carried off, but he is also able to restore them beyond human imagination, for those who learn to trust and obey him. The sacred vessels were returned, and the Persians paid for the rebuilding of the temple!
Judah had received many warnings of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry, from scripture, the prophets of the Lord, and the example of the fall of the northern Kingdom of Israel. They had an opportunity to repent, right up to the time Nebuchadrezzar’s forces besieged Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:20), but they refused to return to obedient trust in the Lord.
Judah had chosen to listen to
false prophets who told them false and deceptive visions and
oracles; who told them what they wanted to hear instead of what
they needed to hear. What they needed to hear would have exposed
their sinfulness and would have allowed them to repent and be
restored to God’s favor.
Zerubbabal was the “Moses,” and Jeshua was his “Aaron,” the priest and spiritual leader, who led the renewed remnant of Israel, Judah, into the Promised Land and rebuilt Jerusalem, the “City of God,” and the Lord’s house, and restored Judah to the true worship of God.
Jesus is our ultimate “Moses” and “Aaron.” He is both our leader who guides us through the wilderness of this present life, and our high priest, who intercedes for our forgiveness, the restoration of our fortunes, and eternal life in the Promised Land of God’s kingdom in heaven. Who can restore us? Only Jesus Christ, only as we are willing to repent of our sinfulness and turn to him in obedient trust (See God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).
John had a vision of God on his heavenly throne with the ascended and glorified Jesus. Only Jesus is worthy to open the scroll, to reveal and fulfill God’s eternal purpose. God’s eternal purpose has always been to create an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey him.
Zerubbabal was the “Moses,” and Jeshua was his “Aaron,” the priest and spiritual leader, who led the renewed remnant of Israel, Judah, into the Promised Land and rebuilt Jerusalem, the “City of God,” and the Lord’s house, and restored Judah to the true worship of God.
Jesus is our ultimate “Moses” and “Aaron.” He is both our leader who guides us through the wilderness of this present life, and our high priest, who intercedes for our forgiveness, the restoration of our fortunes, and eternal life in the Promised Land of God’s kingdom in heaven. Who can restore us? Only Jesus Christ, only as we are willing to repent of our sinfulness and turn to him in obedient trust (See God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).
John had a vision of God on his heavenly throne with the ascended and glorified Jesus. Only Jesus is worthy to open the scroll, to reveal and fulfill God’s eternal purpose. God’s eternal purpose has always been to create an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey him.
This life is our only
opportunity to seek and find a personal relationship with God
(Acts 17:26-27), which is only possible through faith (obedient
trust) in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Christ was attendant at
Creation and he has been designed into Creation (John 1:1-3).
Jesus is the fulfillment and embodiment of God’s Word (John 1:14).
Jesus has been given all authority on heaven and earth (Matthew
28:18).
Jesus’ word is the Word of God (John 14:23-24). Jesus’ word has creative power. Wind and sea obey him (Mark 4:41); the dead obey him and are raised to life (John 11:43-44; John 5:28-29); demons acknowledge and obey him (Matthew 8:29-32). Jesus could command us to believe, trust and obey him, but that is not God’s eternal purpose.
Jesus referred to himself as the Son of man, a title which is true, and which allows each individual to decide for himself who Jesus is, with a hint from Daniel (Daniel 7:13). Jesus taught in parables for a similar reason. Those who encounter Jesus and believe that he is the Christ (Messiah; both words mean “anointed” in Greek and Hebrew, respectively; God’s promised Savior and eternal King) will become his disciples who trust him and obey his commandments. Jesus Christ is the plumb-line by which everyone who has ever lived will be measured, and the Bible is the witness to Jesus Christ.
Only Jesus (John 1:32-34) gives the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14: 15-17). The indwelling Holy Spirit opens the minds of Jesus’ disciples to understand the scriptures (the Bible; Luke 24:45). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). Those who respond to Jesus with the simple “yes,” the “mustard seed” of faith, will be spiritually healed and nurtured to spiritual maturity. But those who are unwilling to trust in Jesus will lose everything, and will spend eternity in Hell with all evil.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Jesus’ word is the Word of God (John 14:23-24). Jesus’ word has creative power. Wind and sea obey him (Mark 4:41); the dead obey him and are raised to life (John 11:43-44; John 5:28-29); demons acknowledge and obey him (Matthew 8:29-32). Jesus could command us to believe, trust and obey him, but that is not God’s eternal purpose.
Jesus referred to himself as the Son of man, a title which is true, and which allows each individual to decide for himself who Jesus is, with a hint from Daniel (Daniel 7:13). Jesus taught in parables for a similar reason. Those who encounter Jesus and believe that he is the Christ (Messiah; both words mean “anointed” in Greek and Hebrew, respectively; God’s promised Savior and eternal King) will become his disciples who trust him and obey his commandments. Jesus Christ is the plumb-line by which everyone who has ever lived will be measured, and the Bible is the witness to Jesus Christ.
Only Jesus (John 1:32-34) gives the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14: 15-17). The indwelling Holy Spirit opens the minds of Jesus’ disciples to understand the scriptures (the Bible; Luke 24:45). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). Those who respond to Jesus with the simple “yes,” the “mustard seed” of faith, will be spiritually healed and nurtured to spiritual maturity. But those who are unwilling to trust in Jesus will lose everything, and will spend eternity in Hell with all evil.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*The
Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert
G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Ezra 6:15n, p. 580, New York, Oxford
University Press, 1962.
Thursday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
To be used only if there is a 25 Pentecost Sunday - Otherwise skip to 27 Pentecost.
First posted 11/02/05;
Podcast: Thursday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
Nehemiah 1:1-11
- Nehemiah’s Prayer for Jerusalem;
Lamentations 2:16-22 - Zion’s Agony;
Revelation 5:11-6:11 - Praise to Creator and Redeemer;
Matthew 13:18-23 - Parable of the Sower Explained;
Lamentations 2:16-22 - Zion’s Agony;
Revelation 5:11-6:11 - Praise to Creator and Redeemer;
Matthew 13:18-23 - Parable of the Sower Explained;
Nehemiah Summary:
Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah, a Jew, was serving as cupbearer of King Artaxerxes I of Persia, at his winter palace in Susa (in present-day southwestern Iran). In November-December, in 445-444 B.C.* Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani came to him at Susa, and Nehemiah asked how the returned exiles were doing in Jerusalem. His brother told him that the wall of Jerusalem had been knocked down and the city gate had been destroyed by fire.
Nehemiah was upset by the news, and wept and mourned for days, fasting and praying to the Lord God. Nehemiah prayed, acknowledging that God is faithful in keeping his Word and steadfast in his love to those who love and obey God.
Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah, a Jew, was serving as cupbearer of King Artaxerxes I of Persia, at his winter palace in Susa (in present-day southwestern Iran). In November-December, in 445-444 B.C.* Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani came to him at Susa, and Nehemiah asked how the returned exiles were doing in Jerusalem. His brother told him that the wall of Jerusalem had been knocked down and the city gate had been destroyed by fire.
Nehemiah was upset by the news, and wept and mourned for days, fasting and praying to the Lord God. Nehemiah prayed, acknowledging that God is faithful in keeping his Word and steadfast in his love to those who love and obey God.
Nehemiah interceded for the
people of Israel, confessing the sins of the people and of
himself. He acknowledged their disobedience of God’s Word. He
asked the Lord to remember his promise that if his people were
scattered to the farthest corners of earth because of disobedience
of God’s Word, God would restore them to the Promised Land, if
they return to worship, trust and obey the Lord (Nehemiah 1:9;
compare Deuteronomy 30:1-5). Nehemiah acknowledged that the people
of Israel were redeemed (from slavery and exile; previously in
Egypt and later in Babylon), by God’s almighty power. Nehemiah
asked the Lord to heed the prayers of Nehemiah and those who
“delight to fear” God’s name (Nehemiah 1:11 RSV).
Lamentations Summary:
The poet described, figuratively, Zion’s (Jerusalem; Israel) suffering from the Babylonian defeat, and subsequent destruction and exile. Her enemies rejoiced and thought that they had destroyed her; they thought they had obtained and were seeing their purpose accomplished.
It is the Lord who has accomplished the Lord’s purpose. The Lord has fulfilled his threat to punish Israel’s disobedience (1 Kings 9:6-9). Israel is urged to mourn long and hard (in repentance) and implore God’s mercy, for the children who faint with hunger. Should starving mothers become desperate enough to cannibalize their own children? “Should priest and prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord” (Lamentation 2:20d)?
Young and old, men and women, have been slain in the streets, slain by the sword in the day of God’s wrath. The Lord has invited Israel’s worst fears to attend her as to a party. On the day of God’s wrath none escaped or survived. Her precious children were destroyed by the enemy.
The poet described, figuratively, Zion’s (Jerusalem; Israel) suffering from the Babylonian defeat, and subsequent destruction and exile. Her enemies rejoiced and thought that they had destroyed her; they thought they had obtained and were seeing their purpose accomplished.
It is the Lord who has accomplished the Lord’s purpose. The Lord has fulfilled his threat to punish Israel’s disobedience (1 Kings 9:6-9). Israel is urged to mourn long and hard (in repentance) and implore God’s mercy, for the children who faint with hunger. Should starving mothers become desperate enough to cannibalize their own children? “Should priest and prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord” (Lamentation 2:20d)?
Young and old, men and women, have been slain in the streets, slain by the sword in the day of God’s wrath. The Lord has invited Israel’s worst fears to attend her as to a party. On the day of God’s wrath none escaped or survived. Her precious children were destroyed by the enemy.
Revelation Summary:
John, the Apostle, had a vision (from God through Jesus Christ; Revelation 1:1) of God on his throne. Surrounding the throne, the living creatures, and the elders (Revelation 4:1-8), a vast number of angels, tens of thousands, beyond counting, declared, “Worthy is the Lamb (Jesus Christ) who was slain (on the Cross, as a sacrifice for our sin) to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing (note sevenfold praise; seven represents completeness). Every creature in heaven, on earth and sea, and under the earth praised and glorified God and Jesus equally; the elders said, “Amen,” and the twenty-four elders bowed and worshiped (God the Father and the Son).
John, the Apostle, had a vision (from God through Jesus Christ; Revelation 1:1) of God on his throne. Surrounding the throne, the living creatures, and the elders (Revelation 4:1-8), a vast number of angels, tens of thousands, beyond counting, declared, “Worthy is the Lamb (Jesus Christ) who was slain (on the Cross, as a sacrifice for our sin) to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing (note sevenfold praise; seven represents completeness). Every creature in heaven, on earth and sea, and under the earth praised and glorified God and Jesus equally; the elders said, “Amen,” and the twenty-four elders bowed and worshiped (God the Father and the Son).
Matthew Summary:
Jesus taught in parables (fictional stories of common life experiences, to teach spiritual truth), so that people were free to accept or reject his teaching. He had told the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), and later in private he explained the parable to his disciples.
Jesus taught in parables (fictional stories of common life experiences, to teach spiritual truth), so that people were free to accept or reject his teaching. He had told the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), and later in private he explained the parable to his disciples.
Whenever one hears the word of
the kingdom (the Gospel of the kingdom of God) and doesn’t
understand it, Satan comes and takes it away, as represented by
the seed which fell on the path. Rocky ground represents those who
hear the Gospel enthusiastically but don’t begin to apply it, and
then when trouble comes, they fall away because the seed has not
put down roots. The thorny ground represents those who allow the
Gospel to be choked out by the cares, pleasures and material
possessions of this life. Good soil represents those who hear and
understand the Gospel (and apply it in daily life). In them the
Gospel will grow to spiritual maturity and produce spiritual fruit
many times greater than the original seed.
Commentary:
Nehemiah is an intercessor on behalf of God’s people. All of us have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). We all need an intercessor for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal condemnation and eternal death. Jesus is the only intercessor (Hebrews 7:23-24). Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose to create an eternal kingdom of his people who choose to trust and obey him.
We are all born into the “Egypt” of slavery to sin and death (eternal death is the penalty for sin; Romans 6:23). God’s Word contains both promises and “threats” (“carrot” and “stick”). God always keeps his Word. God warns that those who refuse to trust and obey him will be exiled to the eternal Babylon of Hell, but during this lifetime, no matter how spiritually distant from him we’ve become, if we truly repent and turn to him in obedient trust he will restore us and bring us to the “Promised Land” of his eternal kingdom in heaven. Jesus is God’s only plan for our forgiveness, salvation from eternal destruction, and restoration to fellowship with God and eternal life in his kingdom (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).
The people of Judah had many warnings, from scripture (the Bible), from prophets, and from the example of the fall of the northern Kingdom of Israel. They could have repented and been spared exile in Babylon up to the moment when Nebuchadrezzar’s (Nebuchadnezzar’s) army besieged Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:19-20), but they refused to listen, repent and worship, trust and obey the Lord. So the Lord fulfilled his threat to punish their disobedience. The people learned to trust and obey the Lord during their exile, and the Lord fulfilled his promise to renew and restore them to the Promised Land.
In a sense we are all in exile in “Babylon,” and the purpose of that exile is to learn to know, trust and obey the Lord, through Jesus Christ, by his indwelling Holy Spirit, so that we can be led into the eternal Promised Land of God’s kingdom in heaven. Unless we are willing to hear the full Gospel, both the promises and warnings, unless we are willing to be confronted by our sinfulness, we cannot repent and be forgiven and restored. Those who have a healthy fear, awe and respect for God’s power and authority experience the blessings which come from obedient trust in the Lord and will delight in doing God’s will.
The grief and agony of fallen Jerusalem is the eternal destiny of those who refuse to heed God’s Word through the Bible and his prophets. The joy and celebration in the presence of the Lord in heaven is the eternal destiny of those who are willing to acknowledge and repent of their sinfulness, to trust and obey Jesus Christ and to allow the Lord to use this lifetime to disciple us and to guide and empower us to complete his mission of forgiveness and salvation from eternal exile in Hell.
We have heard the full Gospel, both the promises and the warnings. Each of us must individually choose whether to receive and apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives or to reject and disregard it. What kind of “soil” will we prove to be?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Nehemiah is an intercessor on behalf of God’s people. All of us have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). We all need an intercessor for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal condemnation and eternal death. Jesus is the only intercessor (Hebrews 7:23-24). Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose to create an eternal kingdom of his people who choose to trust and obey him.
We are all born into the “Egypt” of slavery to sin and death (eternal death is the penalty for sin; Romans 6:23). God’s Word contains both promises and “threats” (“carrot” and “stick”). God always keeps his Word. God warns that those who refuse to trust and obey him will be exiled to the eternal Babylon of Hell, but during this lifetime, no matter how spiritually distant from him we’ve become, if we truly repent and turn to him in obedient trust he will restore us and bring us to the “Promised Land” of his eternal kingdom in heaven. Jesus is God’s only plan for our forgiveness, salvation from eternal destruction, and restoration to fellowship with God and eternal life in his kingdom (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).
The people of Judah had many warnings, from scripture (the Bible), from prophets, and from the example of the fall of the northern Kingdom of Israel. They could have repented and been spared exile in Babylon up to the moment when Nebuchadrezzar’s (Nebuchadnezzar’s) army besieged Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:19-20), but they refused to listen, repent and worship, trust and obey the Lord. So the Lord fulfilled his threat to punish their disobedience. The people learned to trust and obey the Lord during their exile, and the Lord fulfilled his promise to renew and restore them to the Promised Land.
In a sense we are all in exile in “Babylon,” and the purpose of that exile is to learn to know, trust and obey the Lord, through Jesus Christ, by his indwelling Holy Spirit, so that we can be led into the eternal Promised Land of God’s kingdom in heaven. Unless we are willing to hear the full Gospel, both the promises and warnings, unless we are willing to be confronted by our sinfulness, we cannot repent and be forgiven and restored. Those who have a healthy fear, awe and respect for God’s power and authority experience the blessings which come from obedient trust in the Lord and will delight in doing God’s will.
The grief and agony of fallen Jerusalem is the eternal destiny of those who refuse to heed God’s Word through the Bible and his prophets. The joy and celebration in the presence of the Lord in heaven is the eternal destiny of those who are willing to acknowledge and repent of their sinfulness, to trust and obey Jesus Christ and to allow the Lord to use this lifetime to disciple us and to guide and empower us to complete his mission of forgiveness and salvation from eternal exile in Hell.
We have heard the full Gospel, both the promises and the warnings. Each of us must individually choose whether to receive and apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives or to reject and disregard it. What kind of “soil” will we prove to be?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
* The
Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert
G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Nehemiah 2:1-20n, p. 586, New York,
Oxford University Press, 1962.
Friday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
To be used only if there is a 25 Pentecost Sunday - Otherwise skip to 27 Pentecost.
First posted 11/03/05;
Podcast: Friday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
Nehemiah 2:1-20
- Inspecting Walls;
Lamentations 4:1-22 - The Horrors of Siege;
Revelation 6:12-7:4 - Sealing the Lord’s Servants;
Matthew 13:24-30 - Weeds among Wheat;
Lamentations 4:1-22 - The Horrors of Siege;
Revelation 6:12-7:4 - Sealing the Lord’s Servants;
Matthew 13:24-30 - Weeds among Wheat;
Nehemiah Summary:
In the first month of the Jewish year of 445-444 B.C.,* Nehemiah was the cupbearer (“wine steward”) of King Artaxerxes I of Persia at Susa (in present-day southwestern Iran), the king’s winter residence. Nehemiah had been visited by his brother who told him that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down and the city gates burned. When Nehemiah went to serve the king, the king noticed that Nehemiah was sad and asked him what had caused his sadness. Nehemiah was quite afraid, but told the king that the walls and gates of city where his ancestors were entombed had been destroyed.
The king asked Nehemiah what he wanted to do. Nehemiah prayed for the Lord’s guidance, before asking the king for leave to go and rebuild the walls and gates. The king asked how long Nehemiah would be gone and when he would return, and then gave him permission.
In the first month of the Jewish year of 445-444 B.C.,* Nehemiah was the cupbearer (“wine steward”) of King Artaxerxes I of Persia at Susa (in present-day southwestern Iran), the king’s winter residence. Nehemiah had been visited by his brother who told him that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down and the city gates burned. When Nehemiah went to serve the king, the king noticed that Nehemiah was sad and asked him what had caused his sadness. Nehemiah was quite afraid, but told the king that the walls and gates of city where his ancestors were entombed had been destroyed.
The king asked Nehemiah what he wanted to do. Nehemiah prayed for the Lord’s guidance, before asking the king for leave to go and rebuild the walls and gates. The king asked how long Nehemiah would be gone and when he would return, and then gave him permission.
Nehemiah asked for letters
from the king to the Persian provincial officials to allow
Nehemiah to pass through the Persian province of “Beyond the
River” (which included Syria and Israel) to Judah, and also for
the keeper of the king’s forest, so that Nehemiah could obtain the
lumber he needed to build a house to live in and to repair the
gates. The king gave Nehemiah what he asked for because the Lord’s
favor was upon Nehemiah.
Nehemiah was accompanied by officers and cavalry of the Persian army. Sanballat, the Persian governor of Samaria and other Persian provincial officials were very displeased that Nehemiah had come to help the people of Israel. Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, and after three days, he and a few men went out secretly at night to inspect the walls and gates, so that no one would know what he intended to do. Then he asked the Jewish leaders and people to help him rebuild the walls and gates, so that they would no longer have reason to be disgraced among their neighbors. Nehemiah told them how the Lord had been with him to have favor with the Persian king and to bring Nehemiah to Jerusalem, and the people were encouraged and inspired to join Nehemiah in the rebuilding.
When Sanballat and the other Persian officials saw the rebuilding they accused the Jews of rebellion against the Persian king. Nehemiah replied that God was with the Jews to rebuild and would prosper their work, but Gentiles (non-Jews; the Persians) had no right to property and no legal authority over the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah was accompanied by officers and cavalry of the Persian army. Sanballat, the Persian governor of Samaria and other Persian provincial officials were very displeased that Nehemiah had come to help the people of Israel. Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, and after three days, he and a few men went out secretly at night to inspect the walls and gates, so that no one would know what he intended to do. Then he asked the Jewish leaders and people to help him rebuild the walls and gates, so that they would no longer have reason to be disgraced among their neighbors. Nehemiah told them how the Lord had been with him to have favor with the Persian king and to bring Nehemiah to Jerusalem, and the people were encouraged and inspired to join Nehemiah in the rebuilding.
When Sanballat and the other Persian officials saw the rebuilding they accused the Jews of rebellion against the Persian king. Nehemiah replied that God was with the Jews to rebuild and would prosper their work, but Gentiles (non-Jews; the Persians) had no right to property and no legal authority over the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Lamentations Summary:
The poet figuratively described the horrors of the siege of Jerusalem. The things Israel treasured had been scattered and had lost their value like gold that has lost its luster. The people of Zion (Jerusalem; Israel), who were more precious to God than their weight in gold, have become as common and disposable as clay pots.
Even the most vicious predators nurse their young, but compassionate Jewish mothers were no longer able to care for their children. “The tongue of the nursling cleaves (sticks) to the roof of its mouth for thirst; the children beg for food, but no one gives to them” (Lamentations 4:4). Those who were once rich and powerful starve to death in the streets and dwell on ash heaps. Jerusalem’s punishment seems greater than the destruction of Sodom, because Sodom’s destruction was instantaneous, in contrast to the prolonged suffering of Jerusalem.
Once-beautiful people were now filthy and emaciated. Those who died by sword were more fortunate than victims of starvation who wasted away slowly. Loving parents had become desperate enough to boil and eat their own children.
Zion had felt the full wrath of God, which destroyed its foundations. Worldly kings and people hadn’t believed that any enemy could enter the gates of Jerusalem. This had happened because of the sins of her priests and prophets, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst.
“They wandered, blind, through the streets, so defiled with blood that none could touch their garments” (Lamentations 4:14). They had become unclean and outcasts. It was by the Lord that they were scattered, and no favor was shown to the civil and religious leaders.
The poet figuratively described the horrors of the siege of Jerusalem. The things Israel treasured had been scattered and had lost their value like gold that has lost its luster. The people of Zion (Jerusalem; Israel), who were more precious to God than their weight in gold, have become as common and disposable as clay pots.
Even the most vicious predators nurse their young, but compassionate Jewish mothers were no longer able to care for their children. “The tongue of the nursling cleaves (sticks) to the roof of its mouth for thirst; the children beg for food, but no one gives to them” (Lamentations 4:4). Those who were once rich and powerful starve to death in the streets and dwell on ash heaps. Jerusalem’s punishment seems greater than the destruction of Sodom, because Sodom’s destruction was instantaneous, in contrast to the prolonged suffering of Jerusalem.
Once-beautiful people were now filthy and emaciated. Those who died by sword were more fortunate than victims of starvation who wasted away slowly. Loving parents had become desperate enough to boil and eat their own children.
Zion had felt the full wrath of God, which destroyed its foundations. Worldly kings and people hadn’t believed that any enemy could enter the gates of Jerusalem. This had happened because of the sins of her priests and prophets, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst.
“They wandered, blind, through the streets, so defiled with blood that none could touch their garments” (Lamentations 4:14). They had become unclean and outcasts. It was by the Lord that they were scattered, and no favor was shown to the civil and religious leaders.
Judah watched in vain for help
from a worldly nation (Egypt). Judah was stalked by her demise;
her pursuers came upon her like vultures; they plotted to ambush
her. “The breath of our nostrils, the Lord’s anointed, was taken
in their pits (the enemy’s trap), he whom we said, ‘Under his
shadow we shall live among the nations’” (Lamentations 4:20).
Uz and Edom (Israel’s enemies to the north and south) were rejoicing at Judah’s punishment, but they will face the same judgment. Zion’s punishment will end; she will return from exile, but God’s punishment of Edom’s sins lies ahead.
Uz and Edom (Israel’s enemies to the north and south) were rejoicing at Judah’s punishment, but they will face the same judgment. Zion’s punishment will end; she will return from exile, but God’s punishment of Edom’s sins lies ahead.
Revelation Summary:
John, the Apostle, had a vision of God on his throne in heaven. Jesus is the only one worthy to open the scroll of God’s eternal purpose, which is sealed with seven seals. At the opening of the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake which was part of celestial cataclysm. The sun became dark, the moon became blood-red, and the stars fell from the sky (Revelation 6:12b-13; compare Matthew 24:29). The sky vanished as if rolled up like a scroll.
People of every station in life, including the rich and powerful, will be terrified and will seek to hide and escape the coming judgment of God. People will be calling for mountains and rocks to fall on them to hide them (compare Luke 23:29-31) from the judgment and wrath of God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ. Who will be able to stand against their great wrath?
Four angels were stationed at the corners of the earth to restrain the four winds. Another angel ascended from the place of the sunrise with the seal of God. The four angels had authority and power to harm the earth and sea, but were restrained until the servants of God had been marked with God’s seal upon their foreheads. The number of those who were sealed was a hundred and forty-four thousand (a symbol of completeness; no one is missing; multiples of twelve for the twelve tribes of Israel).
John, the Apostle, had a vision of God on his throne in heaven. Jesus is the only one worthy to open the scroll of God’s eternal purpose, which is sealed with seven seals. At the opening of the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake which was part of celestial cataclysm. The sun became dark, the moon became blood-red, and the stars fell from the sky (Revelation 6:12b-13; compare Matthew 24:29). The sky vanished as if rolled up like a scroll.
People of every station in life, including the rich and powerful, will be terrified and will seek to hide and escape the coming judgment of God. People will be calling for mountains and rocks to fall on them to hide them (compare Luke 23:29-31) from the judgment and wrath of God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ. Who will be able to stand against their great wrath?
Four angels were stationed at the corners of the earth to restrain the four winds. Another angel ascended from the place of the sunrise with the seal of God. The four angels had authority and power to harm the earth and sea, but were restrained until the servants of God had been marked with God’s seal upon their foreheads. The number of those who were sealed was a hundred and forty-four thousand (a symbol of completeness; no one is missing; multiples of twelve for the twelve tribes of Israel).
Matthew Summary:
Jesus taught in parables (fictional examples of common life experiences, to convey spiritual truth), so that people were free to accept or reject his teaching. Jesus compared God’s kingdom to a wheat field. A landowner sowed good seed, but his enemy came and sowed weed seeds among the wheat while the landowner was sleeping. So when the wheat came up and matured, the weeds came up among them.
Jesus taught in parables (fictional examples of common life experiences, to convey spiritual truth), so that people were free to accept or reject his teaching. Jesus compared God’s kingdom to a wheat field. A landowner sowed good seed, but his enemy came and sowed weed seeds among the wheat while the landowner was sleeping. So when the wheat came up and matured, the weeds came up among them.
The servants asked why there
were weeds among the wheat, and the landowner replied that an
enemy had done it. The servants asked if their master wanted them
to pull the weeds, but he told them to let both grow together;
otherwise the wheat would be damaged by pulling the weeds. At the
harvest the landowner would tell the reapers to gather the weeds
first and bind and burn them, but the wheat would be brought into
the barn.
Commentary:
Nehemiah had a good job as the king’s cupbearer, but he cared enough for God’s people and God’s city on earth to risk the worldly king’s displeasure. Nehemiah prayed for the Lord’s guidance and providence, before speaking to the king. The Lord’s favor was upon Nehemiah, and the king was supernaturally motivated by the Lord to do what Nehemiah asked.
Nehemiah believed that the rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem was God’s will and trusted that the Lord would bless and prosper that endeavor, despite opposition from the Persian provincial officials. They tried to intimidate Nehemiah, and accused him of rebellion, but Nehemiah trusted in the Lord to protect and prosper the rebuilding.
The fall of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon was a great tragedy that could have been avoided. Judah had been warned by scripture (the Bible), prophets, and the example of the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel, about the consequences of disobedience of God’s Word, but refused to repent and be saved, right up to Nebuchadrezzar’s (Nebuchadnezzar’s) siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:19-20).
Nehemiah had a good job as the king’s cupbearer, but he cared enough for God’s people and God’s city on earth to risk the worldly king’s displeasure. Nehemiah prayed for the Lord’s guidance and providence, before speaking to the king. The Lord’s favor was upon Nehemiah, and the king was supernaturally motivated by the Lord to do what Nehemiah asked.
Nehemiah believed that the rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem was God’s will and trusted that the Lord would bless and prosper that endeavor, despite opposition from the Persian provincial officials. They tried to intimidate Nehemiah, and accused him of rebellion, but Nehemiah trusted in the Lord to protect and prosper the rebuilding.
The fall of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon was a great tragedy that could have been avoided. Judah had been warned by scripture (the Bible), prophets, and the example of the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel, about the consequences of disobedience of God’s Word, but refused to repent and be saved, right up to Nebuchadrezzar’s (Nebuchadnezzar’s) siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:19-20).
Judah trusted in salvation
from worldly allies (Egypt) instead of trusting and obeying God.
God punished Judah’s disobedience and idolatry, but still
preserved a remnant of Israel so that God’s eternal purpose, to
establish an eternal kingdom of his people who would voluntarily
chose to trust and obey him through Jesus Christ, could be
fulfilled.
Seventy years’ exile in Babylon was virtually a life sentence for those who were adults at the beginning of the exile, but God brought a renewed trusting and obedient people back to the Promised Land. God’s discipline, like that of a good parent, is designed to cause us to grow to be God’s obedient and trusting people as he intended; he disciplines us for our eternal benefit. The punishment wasn’t pleasant, but those who endured and cooperated with the Lord were healed and renewed.
God’s discipline starts with the people of God, but it will end with the enemies of God and of God’s people (1 Peter 4:17-18). Worldly people may rejoice and laugh at Christians who are being persecuted and disciplined now, but the Lord will heal them and ultimately restore them to his eternal kingdom. But the day of God’s Judgment and wrath upon the unbelievers is coming, and for them there will be no end of punishment, and no hope of healing and restoration. Unbelievers are like Judah before the exile, refusing to heed the scripture, God’s prophets, and the example of God’s dealings with Israel, but for them there will be no healing and restoration, apart from obedient trust in Jesus Christ.
This world is God’s “wheat field.” The good seed is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who trust and obey Jesus are the wheat. Satan has sown weeds in God’s field, but God is allowing them to grow along with the wheat so that the harvest of wheat is not damaged. That is why it seems that the wicked prosper in this world. But the spiritual harvest is coming.
Seventy years’ exile in Babylon was virtually a life sentence for those who were adults at the beginning of the exile, but God brought a renewed trusting and obedient people back to the Promised Land. God’s discipline, like that of a good parent, is designed to cause us to grow to be God’s obedient and trusting people as he intended; he disciplines us for our eternal benefit. The punishment wasn’t pleasant, but those who endured and cooperated with the Lord were healed and renewed.
God’s discipline starts with the people of God, but it will end with the enemies of God and of God’s people (1 Peter 4:17-18). Worldly people may rejoice and laugh at Christians who are being persecuted and disciplined now, but the Lord will heal them and ultimately restore them to his eternal kingdom. But the day of God’s Judgment and wrath upon the unbelievers is coming, and for them there will be no end of punishment, and no hope of healing and restoration. Unbelievers are like Judah before the exile, refusing to heed the scripture, God’s prophets, and the example of God’s dealings with Israel, but for them there will be no healing and restoration, apart from obedient trust in Jesus Christ.
This world is God’s “wheat field.” The good seed is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who trust and obey Jesus are the wheat. Satan has sown weeds in God’s field, but God is allowing them to grow along with the wheat so that the harvest of wheat is not damaged. That is why it seems that the wicked prosper in this world. But the spiritual harvest is coming.
In the Day of Judgment, those
who have not trusted and obeyed Jesus will be gathered, bound, and
thrown to eternal destruction in the fire of Hell (John 5:28-29; 2
Thessalonians 1:5-10). Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus
will be gathered into the “barn” of God’s eternal heavenly kingdom
(Matthew 25:31-46).
John’s vision is of the Day of Judgment. It will be like the fall of Jerusalem for those who have not trusted and obeyed Jesus. But the destruction will not begin until all God’s people are sealed with the seal of God, which is the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The judgment won’t be carried out until the full number of believers has been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8).
Only God knows when the Day of Judgment will be. Today is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2); today is the only day we can be certain to receive forgiveness and eternal life through obedient trust in Jesus Christ (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Are we trusting and obeying Jesus? Are we concerned that the “walls and gates” of the Church, the City of God on earth, are “broken?” Are we concerned that the Church is despised and ridiculed by the secular world because of our neglect? Are we doing anything to help assure that the full number of believers is born-again?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
John’s vision is of the Day of Judgment. It will be like the fall of Jerusalem for those who have not trusted and obeyed Jesus. But the destruction will not begin until all God’s people are sealed with the seal of God, which is the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The judgment won’t be carried out until the full number of believers has been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8).
Only God knows when the Day of Judgment will be. Today is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2); today is the only day we can be certain to receive forgiveness and eternal life through obedient trust in Jesus Christ (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Are we trusting and obeying Jesus? Are we concerned that the “walls and gates” of the Church, the City of God on earth, are “broken?” Are we concerned that the Church is despised and ridiculed by the secular world because of our neglect? Are we doing anything to help assure that the full number of believers is born-again?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*The
Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert
G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Nehemiah 2:1-20n, p. 586, New York,
Oxford University Press, 1962.
Saturday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
To be used only if there is a 25 Pentecost Sunday - Otherwise skip to 27 Pentecost.
First posted 11/04/05;
Podcast: Saturday 24 Pentecost - Odd (Variable)
Nehemiah 4:1-23 -
Opposition to Rebuilding;
Lamentations 5:1-22 - Prayer for Restoration;
Revelation 7 :( 4-8) 9-17 - The Redeemed;
Matthew 13:31-35 - Parables of the Kingdom;
Lamentations 5:1-22 - Prayer for Restoration;
Revelation 7 :( 4-8) 9-17 - The Redeemed;
Matthew 13:31-35 - Parables of the Kingdom;
Nehemiah Summary:
Sanballat, the Persian provincial governor at Samaria, was enraged that the Jews were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He ridiculed and taunted the efforts of the Jews among his peers and the army of Samaria. Nehemiah prayed that the Lord would turn the enemies’ taunts back upon themselves, and that they might be captured and plundered as they had done to Israel.
The rebuilding progressed and the breaches in the wall had been filled to about half the final height. When Sanballat heard of their progress, he plotted with his allies among the neighboring rivals of Israel to attack Jerusalem and stop the work. The Jews prayed to the Lord, and set a guard to warn them day and night. The workers were getting discouraged and exhausted, and there were reports about the alliance and plots of the opposition.
Nehemiah stationed armed men at each low spot in the walls, and he encouraged them by reminding them that the Lord would fight for them. When Sanballat and his allies heard that the Jews knew of their plot and that God had frustrated the plans of the opposition, the Jews went back to work, but the people were divided in two groups. Half continued working on the walls but with weapons at hand and the other half were fully armed to defend the work.
Sanballat, the Persian provincial governor at Samaria, was enraged that the Jews were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He ridiculed and taunted the efforts of the Jews among his peers and the army of Samaria. Nehemiah prayed that the Lord would turn the enemies’ taunts back upon themselves, and that they might be captured and plundered as they had done to Israel.
The rebuilding progressed and the breaches in the wall had been filled to about half the final height. When Sanballat heard of their progress, he plotted with his allies among the neighboring rivals of Israel to attack Jerusalem and stop the work. The Jews prayed to the Lord, and set a guard to warn them day and night. The workers were getting discouraged and exhausted, and there were reports about the alliance and plots of the opposition.
Nehemiah stationed armed men at each low spot in the walls, and he encouraged them by reminding them that the Lord would fight for them. When Sanballat and his allies heard that the Jews knew of their plot and that God had frustrated the plans of the opposition, the Jews went back to work, but the people were divided in two groups. Half continued working on the walls but with weapons at hand and the other half were fully armed to defend the work.
Because the groups were widely
separated along the wall, Nehemiah told them he would have a
trumpeter signal from the point of any attack so that the rest
could rally to that position. The work continued from dawn to
dusk, and the laborers and guards slept at their positions at the
wall, to protect the city at night as well as by day.
Lamentations Summary:
The poet described the
suffering of Judah under their domination by Babylon. Judah was
disgraced. Their inheritance (in the land) and their homes had
been taken by aliens. The people had become like orphans and
widows. They were forced to pay foreigners for everything they
needed which had formerly belonged to them. They were forced to
labor long and hard for foreign masters. They had to make
alliances with Egypt and Assyria just to obtain enough food.
The sins of Judah’s fathers had caused the suffering. Now the fathers were dead, but their children were bearing the penalty. Foreign slaves were their masters. Jews had to risk their lives just to obtain food. Women and girls were being raped; Jewish leaders and elders were being treated with disrespect and abuse. Young people were forced into hard labor. All the social activities that make life enjoyable had ceased. They were no longer led by the Lord’s anointed king; they were cut off from worship and God’s presence. They acknowledge and mourn their sin.
The poet acknowledged that God’s throne is eternal, and pleaded that the Lord not forget, forsake or reject his people forever. He prayed that the Lord would restore and renew his people to their former blessedness.
The sins of Judah’s fathers had caused the suffering. Now the fathers were dead, but their children were bearing the penalty. Foreign slaves were their masters. Jews had to risk their lives just to obtain food. Women and girls were being raped; Jewish leaders and elders were being treated with disrespect and abuse. Young people were forced into hard labor. All the social activities that make life enjoyable had ceased. They were no longer led by the Lord’s anointed king; they were cut off from worship and God’s presence. They acknowledge and mourn their sin.
The poet acknowledged that God’s throne is eternal, and pleaded that the Lord not forget, forsake or reject his people forever. He prayed that the Lord would restore and renew his people to their former blessedness.
Revelation Summary:
John, the Apostle, had a vision of the prelude of the Day of Judgment. Four angels were standing by, ready to pour out God’s wrath, but waiting until the full number of the redeemed had been sealed with the seal of God. The full number was expressed symbolically as twelve thousand times twelve (for the twelve tribes of Israel).
Then John saw a great multitude beyond counting, from every nation, race and language, standing before the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus). They wore white robes and carried palm branches, and declared in loud voices that salvation belongs to God and to the Lamb. All the angels around the throne bowed before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen (sevenfold praise; seven symbolizes completeness; perfection; Revelation 7:12).
One of the elders (Revelation 4:4) asked John who the people of the multitude were who were wearing white robes, and John deferred to the elder to tell him. The elder told John that they were redeemed from the great tribulation (Matthew 24:3-28). Their robes are white because they have been “washed” in the blood of the Lamb. They are in God’s presence and serve him day and night, and God “shelters them with his presence” (Revelation 7:15c RSV; compare Psalm 91). They will no longer be hungry or thirsty; they will be protected from exposure to weather or the forces of nature. “The Lamb… will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of living water” (Revelation 7:17; compare John 7:38-39), and God will remove every sorrow.
John, the Apostle, had a vision of the prelude of the Day of Judgment. Four angels were standing by, ready to pour out God’s wrath, but waiting until the full number of the redeemed had been sealed with the seal of God. The full number was expressed symbolically as twelve thousand times twelve (for the twelve tribes of Israel).
Then John saw a great multitude beyond counting, from every nation, race and language, standing before the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus). They wore white robes and carried palm branches, and declared in loud voices that salvation belongs to God and to the Lamb. All the angels around the throne bowed before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen (sevenfold praise; seven symbolizes completeness; perfection; Revelation 7:12).
One of the elders (Revelation 4:4) asked John who the people of the multitude were who were wearing white robes, and John deferred to the elder to tell him. The elder told John that they were redeemed from the great tribulation (Matthew 24:3-28). Their robes are white because they have been “washed” in the blood of the Lamb. They are in God’s presence and serve him day and night, and God “shelters them with his presence” (Revelation 7:15c RSV; compare Psalm 91). They will no longer be hungry or thirsty; they will be protected from exposure to weather or the forces of nature. “The Lamb… will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of living water” (Revelation 7:17; compare John 7:38-39), and God will remove every sorrow.
Matthew Summary:
Jesus taught crowds with parables (fictional examples of common life experiences, conveying spiritual truth), so that they were free to accept or reject Jesus’ teachings. Jesus described the kingdom of heaven as a “mustard seed.” A mustard seed is tiny, but when it has grown to maturity it is a large plant big enough to provide shelter and a place for nesting for birds.
The kingdom of heaven is also like yeast. When a baker adds yeast to dough and works it in, one cannot see its presence but soon the whole loaf will be affected by the yeast.
Jesus taught with parables, fulfilling the words of Asaph, the prophet and author of Psalm 78:2 about the Messiah (Christ), who would teach in parables, and reveal the mysteries of God which had previously been unknown to mankind.
Jesus taught crowds with parables (fictional examples of common life experiences, conveying spiritual truth), so that they were free to accept or reject Jesus’ teachings. Jesus described the kingdom of heaven as a “mustard seed.” A mustard seed is tiny, but when it has grown to maturity it is a large plant big enough to provide shelter and a place for nesting for birds.
The kingdom of heaven is also like yeast. When a baker adds yeast to dough and works it in, one cannot see its presence but soon the whole loaf will be affected by the yeast.
Jesus taught with parables, fulfilling the words of Asaph, the prophet and author of Psalm 78:2 about the Messiah (Christ), who would teach in parables, and reveal the mysteries of God which had previously been unknown to mankind.
Commentary:
The Church is the “New Jerusalem,” the city of God on earth, and Christians are the “New Israel,” the people of God. The Church is in a situation similar to Judah at the time of Nehemiah. The walls and gates have been broken and need to be repaired. The people of God need to be armed and guarded to be able to carry on the work of repairing and rebuilding.
The Church is the “New Jerusalem,” the city of God on earth, and Christians are the “New Israel,” the people of God. The Church is in a situation similar to Judah at the time of Nehemiah. The walls and gates have been broken and need to be repaired. The people of God need to be armed and guarded to be able to carry on the work of repairing and rebuilding.
The weapon is the Word of God,
and the protection is the Holy Spirit as we obediently trust in
Jesus. Christians must be discipled by “born-again” (John 3:3,
5-8) disciples so that they also can be “born-again,” guided and
empowered by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the
Lord who fights the spiritual battle for us, as we trust and obey
him.
We need to be aware of the plots against us by Satan and his allies, but must not let fear of opposition keep us from doing the work of building up and strengthening the kingdom of heaven which God wants us to do. We mustn’t become tired or frustrated by the size of the task, or the “rubble” we must deal with around it. We must be willing to sacrifice some personal comfort to accomplish our task.
To some extent the Church (and also America) today is suffering from the sins of our fathers. The difference between believers and unbelievers is that there is hope for the people of God who are redeemed in Jesus Christ. The Lord is able and more than willing to bring us back from exile in Babylon, renewed and restored. Christians are in “Babylon” now, learning to trust and obey Jesus so that he can renew and restore us to the presence of God in the “Promised Land” of the eternal kingdom of heaven. Unbelievers will eternally perish in the “Babylon” of Hell.
John’s vision is of the redeemed who have been restored to the eternal kingdom of heaven by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross through faith (obedient trust) in him. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). One can know with certainty for oneself whether or not one has received the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2). Born-again Christians will be redeemed from the great tribulation (Matthew 24:3-28).
The “mustard seed” is our “yes” to Jesus as our Lord and Savior! When we make that commitment, the Lord will cause that tiny seed of faith to grow, through trust and obedience, to spiritual maturity, and to an eternal shelter in the presence of the Lord. The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the yeast which causes us to grow into the people God intended us to become. Born-again Christians are to be the yeast which influences those around us, without calling attention to ourselves.
Jesus is the revelation of God’s eternal plan, which has always been to create a kingdom of people who will voluntarily choose to trust and obey him. Jesus is God’s only plan for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal destruction (Acts 4:12; see God’s Plan of Salvation; sidebar, top right, home); the only way to reconciliation and fellowship with God (John 14:6). This life is our only opportunity to seek and come to a personal fellowship with God (Acts 17:26-27) and to enter eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
We need to be aware of the plots against us by Satan and his allies, but must not let fear of opposition keep us from doing the work of building up and strengthening the kingdom of heaven which God wants us to do. We mustn’t become tired or frustrated by the size of the task, or the “rubble” we must deal with around it. We must be willing to sacrifice some personal comfort to accomplish our task.
To some extent the Church (and also America) today is suffering from the sins of our fathers. The difference between believers and unbelievers is that there is hope for the people of God who are redeemed in Jesus Christ. The Lord is able and more than willing to bring us back from exile in Babylon, renewed and restored. Christians are in “Babylon” now, learning to trust and obey Jesus so that he can renew and restore us to the presence of God in the “Promised Land” of the eternal kingdom of heaven. Unbelievers will eternally perish in the “Babylon” of Hell.
John’s vision is of the redeemed who have been restored to the eternal kingdom of heaven by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross through faith (obedient trust) in him. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). One can know with certainty for oneself whether or not one has received the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2). Born-again Christians will be redeemed from the great tribulation (Matthew 24:3-28).
The “mustard seed” is our “yes” to Jesus as our Lord and Savior! When we make that commitment, the Lord will cause that tiny seed of faith to grow, through trust and obedience, to spiritual maturity, and to an eternal shelter in the presence of the Lord. The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the yeast which causes us to grow into the people God intended us to become. Born-again Christians are to be the yeast which influences those around us, without calling attention to ourselves.
Jesus is the revelation of God’s eternal plan, which has always been to create a kingdom of people who will voluntarily choose to trust and obey him. Jesus is God’s only plan for our forgiveness and salvation from eternal destruction (Acts 4:12; see God’s Plan of Salvation; sidebar, top right, home); the only way to reconciliation and fellowship with God (John 14:6). This life is our only opportunity to seek and come to a personal fellowship with God (Acts 17:26-27) and to enter eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
