"THE HOUSE OF ESAU STUBBLE" Bible Reading Thoughts for Nov. 30th

"THE HOUSE OF ESAU STUBBLE"

     Esau was the twin brother of Jacob; when Jacob was given the name Israel, Esau began to be called Edom (Gen. 25 v.30) Remarkably both Jacob and Esau had 12 sons – see Genesis 36 v.9 – 43, Esau’s spread out, certainly as far as the Euphrates (v,37)

      Our reading of the prophecy of Obadiah today reminded us of this remarkable situation – and parallel - in the picture Obadiah was given of the future.  We could wish the prophecy was more explicit, but that is actually the case with all prophecy. What we are told challenges our thinking.  In v.8 we read, “Will I not on that day, declares the LORD, destroy the wise men out of Edom?  What day?  Why?  “Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob” [v.10]

     Is this the answer as to why?  “For the day of the LORD is near upon all nations.  As you have done, it shall be done to you …” [v.15], Edom is told.    For the LORD, for whom time is different, everything is “near.”   

     Verses 17,18 reveal “…. In Mount Zion shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions (again) The house of Jacob shall be a fire… and the house of Esau stubble …”   The return of the exiles is indicated. “The exiles of the host of the people of Israel shall possess the land …” [v.20]

     The final verse of the prophecy tells us, “Saviours shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s.”    And when the kingdom is the LORD’s God’s plan and purpose will have brought into being one of its’ major objectives.   The king of the kingdom will be Jesus Christ. 

     Will you be there?   Two verses out of many interesting ones in today’s chapters in Hebrews jump out at us.  “Take care brothers, lest there be in any of you and evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.  But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today.’ That none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” [3 v. 12,13]  Are you being “hardened”?  There are lots of factors causing hardening today, but our reading and meditation - in our hearts - on God’s word every day provides the cure.

Today's thought “Who sing idle songs” (November 28)

“Who sing idle songs”

(November 28)

Do you sing songs? What kind of songs? When? Our world is full of songs, especially ones you listen to; this generation can walk around with leads plugged into their ears; we hear that a few have died, or at least been badly injured for life, because they have tried to cross roads and been oblivious of the traffic!

Our reading in Amos prompted these thoughts. Today’s chapter (6) starts, “Woe to those who are at ease … those who feel secure …” It is these “who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp” (verse 5). God gives Amos a message about how he sees the situation – and the future that is coming – the parallels with today are obvious.

“Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches … who drink bowls of wine …” (verses 4,6). Like today, they set out to enjoy life, ignoring God and living only for the present. Yesterday in chapter 5 we read of God’s reaction, “Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen” (verse 23). In contrast the next verse sets out God’s desire, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an overflowing stream”.

We know that it will need the return of our Lord Jesus for that to happen in our world: but, in those days, the people of Israel had no inclination to think about the future and God through Amos told them, “O you who put far away the day of disaster …” (6:3). But the day of disaster came! And it will also come to this world.

God through Amos said, “For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins” (5:12). That is true for us also, but we have the Lord Jesus and the wonder of his grace – and he challenges us to work on purifying ourselves – remember yesterday’s thoughts?

Tomorrow we start reading Hebrews, glancing ahead to chapter 4 our concluding thoughts are – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword … discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart …” (verse 12). What do we read? How do we read? What kind of songs do we listen to and sing? God knows! What kind of person are we becoming – or have become! If the answer is not good, there is still time to fill our lamps with oil and stop walking in darkness.

Today's thought “Nothing is pure” (November 27)

We do not know as much about Titus as we do about Timothy, but Paul left him in Crete to help the many converts there. Paul writes to him, “to Titus, my true child … in the common faith” (1:4). Of course the faith was only “common” in the sense that it was becoming common to believe the message. But that brings its own problems, as some want to join a common enterprise for less than good reasons and real conviction.

Titus had been left in Crete (verse 5) “so that you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town” and these elders must be “above reproach” and have “one wife … and his children are believers” (verse 6). Those he appoints should be “hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined … (they) must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that (they) may be able to give instruction on sound doctrine and also rebuke those who contradict it” (verses 8,9).

Then, as now, true believers shine as lights in a dark world. We recall what Paul wrote to those in Corinth, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). But do our hearts react to this light in the right way? Sadly not, we need to be constantly aware of the true nature and wonder of that divine light. At Crete some were not, Paul was aware some were “upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach” (verse 11).

Paul makes the point, “to the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving,nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works” (verses 15,16).

Our actions must match the things we profess. We show to God by how we live, by what we do with our time, also by what we read and watch, whether what we profess is really genuine. God sees all! (Remember Balaam’s admission when forced to acknowledge the true God! – read Numbers 24:2,4.)

We are not expected to be perfect, but we are in training for perfection! In this training period we are covered by the wonder of His grace. Notice how Paul expresses this. “Forthe grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives …” (2:11,12). Our Lord is the ultimate example, he “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous …” (2:14).

Do you feel in your heart that you are in the process of becoming pure?

"IF YOU KEEP SILENT" Bible Reading Thoughts for 28/11/13

 We are reading the dramatic story of Esther and how she became the Queen of King Ahasuerus.   Haman comes on the scene and wins the King’s favour, but Esther’s uncle, Mordecai declines to honour him by bowing down as he passes.  A proud man, Haman decides to destroy, not only Mordecai but also all the Jews and he sends out an edict in the King’s name, for this to happen in month of Adar – chosen by lot (3 v.7).  But this is 11 months away!

     Mordecai now stands at “the king’s gate” [4 v.2] dressed in sackcloth.  Esther, within the Palace is not aware of the first of these events.  As a Jew, should she speak up?  She has not had an audience with the king for 30 days (v.11) – this only happens when the king calls you: it would cost you your life if you came before the king uninvited, unless he held out the golden scepter. 

     Mordecai sends a message to her, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews,  For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place … who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” [v.13-15] .    

     Mordecai is conscious of the over-riding hand of God in affairs, causing “all things to work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” – as Paul told the Romans (8 v.28)  The “good” is the good of God’s purpose in the all-seeing perspective of the Creator who sees “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46 v,10).

     Paul is making a parallel point in his letter to Philemon that we also read today. This was about Philemon’s runaway slave Onesimus who had now become a believer.  Paul comments, “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever; no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a beloved brother.” [v.15,16]

     Let us not “keep silent” in testifying to the truth when challenging situations arise!  If we really believe we are in the service of God because we now, spiritually, belong to his son, having taken on his name, we will become more and more conscious that God has the oversight of our lives and so “all things” are working “together for good”. We need to have the ‘vision’ Mordecai wanted Esther to have. . 

"HOLD FIRM TO THE TRUSTWORTHY WORD" Bible Reading Thoughts for Nov. 27th

“HOLD FIRM TO THE TRUSTWORTHY WORD”

     What things really matter?  Today we read the 3 short chapters that make up the whole of Paul’s powerful letter to Titus who is described as “my true child in a common faith.” [v.4]  There is one “faith” which should be “common” to everyone; but the many parts of Christendom shows that is now far from the case.

.   The Apostle says, “I left you in Crete that you might put what remained into order” [1 v.5]  His first step is to “appoint elders in every town”   They must be married men of such a calibre that “his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.” [v.6]  Obviously they are experienced older men.

     There follows a list of the qualities such elders must possess; “lovers of good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke them who contradict it.” [v.9]

     Sadly in Crete “there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party” [v.10]   - that is, those with a Jewish heritage, they are “teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” [v.11]

     Just as sadly, the effort to make money, sometimes a lot of money, out of practicing religion has been seen in every generation.  Paul stresses that Christ “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works”. Titus is told, “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority.” [2 v.14,15]

     Now that God’s word is so freely available everyone should regularly feed their minds on it.  It is “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives …” [2 v.12]

    May it be that you are making – indeed – have made – great progress in your “training” and are holding firm to God’s trustworthy word.”    

"The warning “the time is coming” is put ..."

The warning “the time is coming” is put very frankly in 2 Timothy 4, a time when “people will not endure sound teaching … and turn away from listening to the truth …” (verses 3-4). How clear it is that that happened – as an unbiased study of the history of Christianity reveals. Finally, Paul is aware he is about to die, but how wonderfully he spells out his conviction of his future life in verses 7,8, a reward he will be given “on that day” (verse 8). Can we have the same hope “laid up” for us as for Paul? We must not let these perilous times discourage us.

"...AND HAVE FIRMLY BELIEVED" Bible Readings thoughts for 26/11/13

“ … AND HAVE FIRMLY BELIEVED”

     Today we completed reading Paul’s letters to Timothy whom he calls “my true child in the faith [1 Tim.1 v.2]  Paul writes in a most passionate way.  It is a very intimate letter revealing the bond of service to Christ that had grown up between them. He tells him, “You however (in contrast to some others) have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions …” [3 v.10,11]

     He then makes the point  - which has been true in various degrees in all ages – but is not true in countries such as ours, well not in recent decades.  Paul states, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  [v.12], but what he then adds is true today – everywhere!   “ … evil people … will go from bad to worse.” [v.13]

     The words that come next jump out as a message especially for us.  “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed.”   There must be no doubt in our minds about the foundations of our faith.  It must be based, as Timothy’s was, on our being thoroughly “acquainted with the sacred writings (the Old Testament)  which are able you make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” [v.15]  Of course the New Testament was in the process of being written – and that now adds an extra plank to the foundation of our faith. Peter acknowledges the ``wisdom God gave to Paul in his writings (2 Peter 3 v.15)

      We are not saved through knowledge, but through the wisdom and belief that our knowing the word of God imparts.  The Scripture, says Paul, has been “breathed out (i.e. inspired) by God”   It is “profitable” in many ways, “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” [v.16]

      The result of doing this is so that the man and woman “of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” [v.17]  Are you becoming so equipped?  If you “have firmly believed” you will realize that knowing God and his word, is not just to acquire head knowledge, but to become competent in using every day, at least in some small way, in a “good work” of some kind – for we are “known” by our works, just as much as by our words – together they become a witness to others of the reality of our faith.  

Today's thought “Persist in this” (November 22 2013)

“Persist in this”

(November 22)

Paul’s letters to Timothy are very personal in parts and contain much sound advice, especially for those in a position of responsibility among believers. True believers always need to look to the future: solving problems effectively is not achieved through emergency stop gap measures; the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15) is an example of how things should be done.

God revealed to Paul that “the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods …” (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Timothy had many things to try to correct at Ephesus and also needed to anticipate problems the spirit’s guidance foretold.

Problems like these were evident among believers down through the centuries and some are evident today. The reference to some forbidding marriage brought to mind the unnatural and unscriptural practice of the Catholic Church in requiring its priests to be celibate. It is evident that their alleged first Pope, Peter, was married (Matthew 8:14)! In today’s very ‘open’ world it is increasingly hard to keep anything hidden from public view, and it is now clear what celibacy has led to in some cases. Paul and Barnabas did not marry (1 Corinthians 9:5,6) but this was their personal decision in giving their all in the service of Christ.

Timothy is advised to “train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (verses 7,8). This implies that the degree of godliness we attain now will be reflected in responsibilities in the life to come as some of Jesus’ parables indicate (Luke 19:17-19). A psalmist wrote, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God …” (84:10).

Timothy is to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity … devote yourself to the public reading of scripture …” (verses 12,13). None would have had their own Bibles so public reading was very important. Paul emphasizes: “Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and the teaching. Persist in this …” (verses 15,16).

In the “race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1) let us “persist in this” – for the race is not over until the finishing line is reached – and how tragic it will be to “have run in vain” (Philippians 2:16).

Today's thought “Love that issues from a pure heart”

The word “love” is in common usage these days, but the way it is used and the meaning given to it, is so different to its use in the Bible! Paul has “urged (Timothy) … remain at Ephesus that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). Paul advises him of the “stewardship from God that is by faith” adding “the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and asincere faith” (verses 4,5).

Those three phrases are the vital components our lives must possess and use if we really desire to live our lives in the service of our Lord Jesus and the Father with the anticipation of an utterly wondrous future in God’s kingdom.

The ‘oil’ that makes the ‘engine’ of our minds function in the way God approves must operate from a “pure heart” – do we understand what kind of heart this is? Is this impossible for normal humans? We notice the Greek word here is quite often translated as ‘clean’. Jesus told his disciples, “You are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:3,4). It is the word of God, rightly and humbly used, which cleanses our hearts to make and keep them pure.

We recall David’s impassioned Psalm after his grievous sins; “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (51:10). A clean heart is the foundation for a “good conscience” and a faith that is “sincere”. Paul tells Timothy that some at Ephesus “by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion …” (verse 6).

We live in a world of much “vain discussion” which lacks the essential foundation of “love that issues from a pure heart”. One of the subjects some discuss and debate is the role of women and this was a factor at Ephesus. But notice how Paul advises Timothy to teach them, “Let the women learn quietly and with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man” (2:11,12). When Paul wrote his Epistle to them he emphasized this point – see Ephesians 5:22-24.

Paul hopes to come to Ephesus, but says, “I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God …” (3:14,15). All who are part of this church (the assemblies of true believers) will be very conscious of Paul’s words and therefore readily work at developing and maintaining the “love that issues from a pure heart”.

Today's thought “Those who are perishing because …”

“Those who are perishing because …”

(November 19)

We are challenged by the way Paul uses the word “truth” three times in 2 Thessalonians 2. He also uses it eleven times in his letters to Timothy, which we are just about to read. There is not much “truth” spoken today. No one admits anything they say is a lie, but it is a challenging question to ask ourselves ‘Can we really make a positive statement about something which is neither a “lie” nor “the truth”?

The tactic of deliberately giving a misleading impression is all too common; some refer to such as ‘half-truths’! Let’s consider some of the points Paul makes. He writes of “those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (verse 10). So ‘truth’ is not just something to be spoken – there is a certain “truth” which is something to be loved – and those who do not do this – perish!

What is the specific “sense” of the “truth” Paul is referring to here? It is the truth about God and the truth about his ways and the beliefs he is looking for humans to accept and – as a result – then to live their lives in a way that shows they willingly – indeed joyfully – accept this truth as the only meaningful way to live their lives.

We are then challenged to understand the character of God when the next two verses tell us “therefore God shall send them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (verses 11,12).

Some pull a curtain across their minds as to the character of God; to simply say ‘God is love’ is an oversimplification. Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness cannot serve God acceptably. God knows our hearts; we can intellectually know – and say we understand what is true – but do we love that which is true? We may believe God is soon going to make his power known in a very dramatic way! Do we “see” in our hearts that God is being “righteous” in doing this – that God is doing the right thing – because the world deserves this!

Verse 13 says we are chosen by God “to be saved through sanctification (holiness) by the Spirit and belief in the truth”. In contrast, when Jesus returns he will “inflict vengeance on all those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel …” (1:8). But, oh the wonder and joy for those who do (1:9-12)! And you?

Today's thought “Those who are perishing because …” (November 19)

“Those who are perishing because …”

(November 19)

We are challenged by the way Paul uses the word “truth” three times in 2 Thessalonians 2. He also uses it eleven times in his letters to Timothy, which we are just about to read. There is not much “truth” spoken today. No one admits anything they say is a lie, but it is a challenging question to ask ourselves ‘Can we really make a positive statement about something which is neither a “lie” nor “the truth”?

The tactic of deliberately giving a misleading impression is all too common; some refer to such as ‘half-truths’! Let’s consider some of the points Paul makes. He writes of “those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (verse 10). So ‘truth’ is not just something to be spoken – there is a certain “truth” which is something to be loved – and those who do not do this – perish!

What is the specific “sense” of the “truth” Paul is referring to here? It is the truth about God and the truth about his ways and the beliefs he is looking for humans to accept and – as a result – then to live their lives in a way that shows they willingly – indeed joyfully – accept this truth as the only meaningful way to live their lives.

We are then challenged to understand the character of God when the next two verses tell us “therefore God shall send them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (verses 11,12).

Some pull a curtain across their minds as to the character of God; to simply say ‘God is love’ is an oversimplification. Those who have pleasure in unrighteousness cannot serve God acceptably. God knows our hearts; we can intellectually know – and say we understand what is true – but do we love that which is true? We may believe God is soon going to make his power known in a very dramatic way! Do we “see” in our hearts that God is being “righteous” in doing this – that God is doing the right thing – because the world deserves this!

Verse 13 says we are chosen by God “to be saved through sanctification (holiness) by the Spirit and belief in the truth”. In contrast, when Jesus returns he will “inflict vengeance on all those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel …” (1:8). But, oh the wonder and joy for those who do (1:9-12)! And you?

Today's thought “… but to please God”

“… but to please God”

(November 16)

A simple – and maybe obvious point – attracted our attention as we read the first 2 chapters of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. What motivates us to do things? What motivated Paul? Today, it can be: to make money, to create an opportunity for enjoyment; some excitement – and other things which centre on ourselves.

Paul makes a simple, yet vital point when he writes, “we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God” (2:4).

Let us be conscious, as Paul was – and states in his next words – that we, “… please God who tests our hearts”. So man, especially those who have no consciousness of the all-seeing eyes of God and his angels, speak and act with different motives. Paul observes this in the verses which follow; we note the contrast between his motives and theirs. He says, “for we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with pretext for greed – God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others …” (verses 5,6). The extreme opposite of this is seen in those seeking political positions of high office.

Prayerful reading and meditation of God’s word is the antidote for any inclination to do this, notice how Paul was pleased with the believers at Thessalonica over this, writing, “we also thank God constantly … that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God , which is at work in you believers” (2:13).

May that be happening among us, but it will only happen when we constantly read and reflect and act upon what we are reading so that the thoughts, God has inspired, become part of our way of thinking. We do this “to please God” and, as a result, it becomes true of us also that “the word of God” is “at work in you believers”

“… but turned aside after gain”

(June 27)

1 Samuel 8 starts by telling us “when Samuel became old …” and the next few chapters tell us of all the drama that happened in his old age. The first problem was that Samuel’s sons whom he had made judges “did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice” (verse 3).

There is no record of Samuel’s wife. How important it is for a wife to support her husband in the spiritual training of their children especially one as busy as Samuel for “he judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah. And he judged Israel in all these places. Then he would return to Ramah, for his home was there, and there also he judged Israel …” (7:15-17).

We live in a world where few if any of those in authority have any real Bible based principles, everyone is “after gain” in some way to some degree. Those who seek to serve the Almighty and his Son must be after a different kind of “gain” – treasure that they can lay up in heaven (see Luke 12:21,33,34)!

When Jesus returns those who have done this will be “judges” – reigning with him in his kingdom. Maybe Samuel’s role as a judge is an example – but they will have divine power, which the Apostles experienced as a foretaste of “the powers of the age to come” (Hebrews 6:4).

In those days the whole world will be taught righteousness and what a wonderful word picture we read today in Isaiah of this time! “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says in Zion, ‘Your God reigns’ … The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” (52:7,10).

To talk of beautiful feet is a poetic expression of the joys of doing the Lord’s work. What a challenge it is to “walk” in that way now. As a final passage look at Hebrews 13, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he (Jesus) has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (verses 5,6). Let us confidently say that!

Today's thought “… but to please God”

“… but to please God”

(November 16)

A simple – and maybe obvious point – attracted our attention as we read the first 2 chapters of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. What motivates us to do things? What motivated Paul? Today, it can be: to make money, to create an opportunity for enjoyment; some excitement – and other things which centre on ourselves.

Paul makes a simple, yet vital point when he writes, “we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God” (2:4).

Let us be conscious, as Paul was – and states in his next words – that we, “… please God who tests our hearts”. So man, especially those who have no consciousness of the all-seeing eyes of God and his angels, speak and act with different motives. Paul observes this in the verses which follow; we note the contrast between his motives and theirs. He says, “for we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with pretext for greed – God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others …” (verses 5,6). The extreme opposite of this is seen in those seeking political positions of high office.

Prayerful reading and meditation of God’s word is the antidote for any inclination to do this, notice how Paul was pleased with the believers at Thessalonica over this, writing, “we also thank God constantly … that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God , which is at work in you believers” (2:13).

May that be happening among us, but it will only happen when we constantly read and reflect and act upon what we are reading so that the thoughts, God has inspired, become part of our way of thinking. We do this “to please God” and, as a result, it becomes true of us also that “the word of God” is “at work in you believers”.

Resources | Today's thought - based on the daily readings

Resources | Today's thought - based on the daily readings

“… but to please God”

(November 16)

A simple – and maybe obvious point – attracted our attention as we read the first 2 chapters of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. What motivates us to do things? What motivated Paul? Today, it can be: to make money, to create an opportunity for enjoyment; some excitement – and other things which centre on ourselves.

Paul makes a simple, yet vital point when he writes, “we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God” (2:4).

Let us be conscious, as Paul was – and states in his next words – that we, “… please God who tests our hearts”. So man, especially those who have no consciousness of the all-seeing eyes of God and his angels, speak and act with different motives. Paul observes this in the verses which follow; we note the contrast between his motives and theirs. He says, “for we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with pretext for greed – God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others …” (verses 5,6). The extreme opposite of this is seen in those seeking political positions of high office.

Prayerful reading and meditation of God’s word is the antidote for any inclination to do this, notice how Paul was pleased with the believers at Thessalonica over this, writing, “we also thank God constantly … that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God , which is at work in you believers” (2:13).

May that be happening among us, but it will only happen when we constantly read and reflect and act upon what we are reading so that the thoughts, God has inspired, become part of our way of thinking. We do this “to please God” and, as a result, it becomes true of us also that “the word of God” is “at work in you believers”.

Today's thought

“I was ashamed to ask”

(November 12)

Today’s reading in Ezra (chapter 8) does not look at first very interesting with all its detail about those returning from captivity in Babylon. It appears that Ezra himself wrote this chapter and the next. He led a company of Levites who were returning to Jerusalem and they had with them a great quantity of gold and silver, as detailed in chapter 7; this was the what Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the Temple about 100 years before.

The Persian King is motivated to send it back to the Temple that had now been reconstructed. It is just possible that this King was the son of Queen Esther of whom we are going to read in a couple of weeks’ time. Ahasuerus is mentioned chapter 4:6 and Daniel refers to a king of this name in Daniel 9:1: a connection would explain the action of this king Artaxerxes (see chapter 7:21).

These Levites are carrying a cargo of enormous value, the 20 gold bowls (verse 27) alone contained 250 ounces of gold! What a target for robbers what a challenge of faith for Ezra and his fellow Levites.

Ezra proclaims a fast (verse 21). before they set out “that we might humble ourselves”. He then said, “For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, ‘The hand of our God is for good on all those who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all those who forsake him’”.

Scripture shows that sometimes God leads us through the valleys for our ‘long term’ good – that we grow and gain the full assurance of faith: these are times of testing to teach us to even more earnestly commit our lives to God. If we are ‘soldiers for Christ’ there are journeys to be undertaken and tests to be endured; we will read examples of such in Paul’s letters from tomorrow as we have just finished reading in Acts. As we grow spiritually stronger we must not be ashamed of professing our faith.

When Ezra reaches Jerusalem he says, “The hand of our God was on us and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way” (verse 31). As we complete the journey of our own lives may we say the same – or when it is evident that our Lord is returning and the ‘virgins’ are going forth with their lamps and are seeing “the power of his wrath … against all those who forsake him” (verse 22).

http://www.thechristadelphian.com/thought_for_the_day.htm