"OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH" Thoughts from today's Bible Readings - Jan 26th

        Today's Psalm 46 fills us with a sense of awe; one cannot avoid concluding it is a prophecy that has its ultimate application to the climax of the era in which we live - an age when God is ignored and is believed by most not to exist. We are living in a time when people are saying, as Peter put it in his final letter in warning about the last days, "all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." [ch. 3 v.4] – a time when "they deliberately" ignore the records of God's actions in the past, discounting them as fiction,.

            Let us memorise this Psalm as our prayer for this year.  It is the year when, the final '2 blood moons' (after 2 last year), for more than the next 100 years (according to NASA) will occur in succeeding years first at Easter (the Passover), and then during the Feast of Tabernacles.  Remarkably they occurred like this for the first time in about 500 years in 1949/50 as Israel was reborn and repelled all efforts to destroy it!  Then again in 1967/68 when the 6 day war occurred and they again took control of the Holy City.

             A ‘blood moon’ is when the shadow of the earth momentarily blots out the reflected light of the moon and, what is called, a lunar eclipse occurs and the ‘shadow’ of the moon reflects as a dull red.  We ponder the prophecy the LORD gave to Joel,  “The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. “ [ch. 2 v.31]

            Back to our Psalm!  It tells us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,   though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble ... The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.   The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. " [v.1-3,6,7]

            Those blessed of the LORD  to live in and through that time will be told, " Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. " [v.8]   Then the wonderful news, "He makes wars cease to the end of the earth" [v.9]  This vision concludes by telling us, " 'Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!'  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Imagine how urgently we are going to seek shelter in that fortress as, in some sense “the earth gives way”!  Our LORD and Saviour will truly be, more than ever “our refuge and strength” at that time.

              And the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew we also read, concludes with the words of our Lord, "behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Let us believe, with all our heart, the word that God has caused to be written and preserved.

PSALM 23 Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”                                                                                                                                                
            What is really so special about Psalms 23?  There are several popular hymns based on its words.  These must not be just words to us.  God’s words need to ‘live’ in our heart – not just go in one ear and out the other, as the saying is, which can happen so easily in today’s non-stop world. Thankfully today is a Sunday and for most there should be more time to pause and to meditate. 
            The Psalms’ words’ encourage peace of mind – and this can be a rare blessing for many today!  “The LORD is my shepherd!”  Have you ever thought that Jesus would have seen his Father as his shepherd and what these words would have meant to him? See John 16 v.32 and ponder Isaiah 60 v.6-9 and how our Lord knew the scriptures, they came alive in his mind!   And in ours?  
            The LORD shepherded David throughout his life, he “put away” his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah even before he asked, because he knew the overall condition of his heart.  However, David’s life went through more turmoil after that; but ponder the kind of Psalms this event caused David to write!  Then reflect on the value of those Psalms to many individuals ever since!   Truly, in God’s foreknowledge “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" [Romans 8 v.28]  Some of these things at first seem bad!  Have you had that experience?
            Good sheep are ever listening for their shepherd’s call.  If their motive is right they will never be in dire need, there will be “still waters” - and when life gets difficult the shepherd will make his presence felt and open the way forward..
            Of course the need for restoration indicates some difficult or even desperate situation when the sheep might, for the moment, cry out, “My God why have you forsaken me?”  We read this in Psalm 22 v.1 which surely indicates David had some moment of desperation himself – before his greater son used those words before giving his climaxing cry, “It is finished” [John 19 v.30]
            “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake”  [v.3] Notice it is “for his name’s sake”- it is because we bear his name, we belong to him;  that happened when we took on his name in baptism – but it might be that you haven’t done that yet?  When we have done that we can say,  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me” [v.4]
            There are few if any who have not experienced “valleys” at some stage – but it is the valleys that help us to appreciate the high hills and the vision they give to us.  Life that is lived on a flat plain provides no vision.
            What are the “rod and staff” that comfort us?  They are symbols, we suggest, of strength and support and the control (when needed) exercised by the shepherd.  How marvellous is the vision of the last verse, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” 

"KEEP ME ... HIDE ME ..." Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings - Jan 7th

"KEEP ME ... HIDE ME IN ..."

            How inspiring are the Psalms of David.  We perceive that the more troublesome the circumstances that surround him, the closer he comes to God. In today's Psalm (17) we read his prayer, "Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,  from men by your hand, O LORD, from men of the world whose portion is in this life." [v.13,14] He is able to say, at this stage of his life, "You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.   ...  by the word of your lips ...  My steps have held fast to your paths ..." [v.3-5]
            "The word of your lips" is of course, God's word; God’s words gave David the strength to hold fast to godly ways: but do we use his word today as earnestly as David did then?   David wrote, "I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God" [v.6]  David established an intimacy in his relationship with his God.  What an example this is for us - and we have the wondrous further blessing of a mediator and Saviour!
           David next prays, " Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,  from the wicked ..." [v.8,9]  How urgently may we be making such a prayer as our world grows even more wicked, although it is already really bad in some countries?  Later this month we will read our Lord's anguished prayer for the people of Jerusalem, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" [Matt 23 v.37]
            May our steps hold fast to God's paths that we may be “willing” as God’s judgements falls on our world, as they fell on Jerusalem long ago. May we, especially at that time, say to our Saviour as David said to God in this Psalm, "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence ..." [v.8,9]
            David then says, " Arise, O LORD!”  - and we read again his word,  “Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, from men by your hand, O LORD, from men of the world whose portion is in this life." [v,13,14]  Our "portion" is in the life to come.  The same Hebrew word occurred in the previous Psalm, which the A V translated as "inheritance".  May our Lord "keep" and "hide" us in safety - especially spiritually - until we receive our inheritance.

"A SPIRIT OF GRACE AND PLEAS FOR MERCY" Bible Readings Thoughts for Oct. 23rd

"A SPIRIT OF GRACE AND PLEAS FOR MERCY"

             Zechariah’s remarkable prophecy (12 v.10) is quoted in today’s reading in John Ch. 19. John is completing his intimate account of the final hours of Jesus. The dying commission that was given to John by Jesus was to look after his mother.  John and Jesus’ mother stood near the cross.  John “the disciple whom he loved … took her to his own home” [v.26,27].  As to the others “they all left him and fled” [Mark 14 v.50], apart from Peter – and we know well the tragedy of his denial.

            Let’s consider the two Old Testament prophecies that John quotes as being fulfilled at this time.  The first is that “not one of his bones will be broken.”  This is an unexpected application of the Divine command to Moses that they were not to break the bones of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12 v.46, reaffirmed in Numbers 9 v.12).  Should we conclude that the purpose of the Passover had been fulfilled after the sacrifice of Jesus?  Maybe not, the religious Jews still celebrate the Passover today.  We believe the final awakening of its meaning for natural Israelites will happen and that could be very soon. 

            We note the other prophecy that John refers to in this chapter; “they will look on him whom they have pierced” [Zech.12 v.10]. This prediction of their looking “on him” surely applies to when Jesus returns. The complete prophecy is, “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn …”  

            At Christ’s return, those who caused him to be pierced will need to be there. At the resurrection some of these will receive the “spirit of grace” as they make “pleas for mercy”!    We serve a merciful God,  but tragically there will be anguish for some, for Jesus had warned, “when once the Master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock … you will begin to say, We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.  But he will say … Depart from me … there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out” [Luke 13 v.25-28].   

            Today God’s Word and its wondrous Gospel is there for the entire world to read!  Will some say, ‘We had a Bible in our home and we did read it sometimes’, as they seek that “spirit of grace” and make their “pleas for mercy” - for not only natural Jews will be involved on that day – but all who claim a relationship to him – and all he sees – as being accountable for judgement!  In John 12  we read, “The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” – especially those who “do not receive my words” [v.48]    Today it is the word that has been written!  What will Christ see – as to your real reaction to that word? Are we whole-heartedly receiving it – as we see many did - in the book of Acts?  As the hymn puts it – ‘We make the answer now’

"THE EYES OF THE LORD" Todays Bible Readings Thoughts - Oct, 22nd

“THE EYES OF THE LORD”

            Today in 2nd Chronicles we read the climax of the life of king Asa – and it has vital lessons for us.  He had been a good king – for 35 years – but then he began to trust in his own ways of thinking – and not seek the LORD’s guidance when enemies came against him.  The northern kingdom of Israel provokes a war against him [16 v.1] and he contacts the king of Syria for help instead of the LORD. Hanani the seer is sent by the LORD to rebuke him saying,  "Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you.   Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, he gave them into your hand." [16 v. 7,8]
            The next verse is one we should memorise and reflect on day by day, it should be a foundation principle in our awareness of God." the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." 

 There was one fully  blameless heart - resulting in a blameless life, that of our Lord. His intensely personal prayer we read today in John 17 includes the significant point (for us) that he is "not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours." [v.9].  Later he prays  " "I do not ask for these only (the disciples), but also for those who will believe in me through their word ..." [v.20]

            We believe because we have accepted the word the disciples spread and recorded.   The time is coming when the disciples - and all who have believed through their word" (the Lord says in this special prayer as his arrest is immanent)  that they “may be with me where I am to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world." [v.24]   
            That verse takes us forward to the Kingdom era - it also challenges us to appreciate that timelessness is with God "declaring the end from the beginning" [Isa. 46 v.10  cf. Rev. 21 v.6] This further illustrates the truth that "the eyes of the LORD" constantly scan "throughout the whole earth"  We are reminded of Paul's words to the Athenians, that the one real God "is actually not far from each one of us, for 'In him we live and move and have our being' " [Acts 17 v.27,28]
            May we embrace this 'vision' of the awesome reality of the unseen, and be able to sense "the eyes of the Lord" watching over us and rely on him and his Son to the end of our days - or until his Son, our Saviour appears - and that maybe very soon.

"DO YOU NOW BELIEVE?" Bible readings Thoughts for Oct. 21st

“DO YOU NOW BELIEVE?”

            We follow on from yesterday’s thoughts and the final climax of the conversation Jesus had with his disciples in the hours before his arrest – and his encouragement to them to “believe in God.” Today we have 2 of the most challenging chapters (15 & 16) in John’s Gospel. Jesus teaches them, in increasingly straight forward language, but even then, they only grasp part of what he is saying; even when they say, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!  Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God." [ch.16 v.29,30]
            They are feeling positive now - after being perplexed by his words "saying, 'What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about." [v.18]  He tells them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy." [v.20]
            Can we see some parallels with our world today?  Many in our world seek a 'froth and bubble' kind of joy, passing pleasures that need constant 'chasing.'  It should be of real concern to us if we feel attracted to this to any degree at all - for we are in danger of going out into the night as Judas did.
            However, in response to their claim to “believe” – Jesus asks, “Do you now believe?”  The disciples then, in a physical sense went out into the night, but Jesus was with them – but he tells them, "also  you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.' [v.22]
            The "night" is coming on our world - and it maybe soon - even very soon - how essential that we possess and develop to the full that 'inner joy' that, as Paul told the Corinthians, we are able to "let light shine out of darkness," and, as a result, it "has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." [2nd. Ch 4 v.6]   This is not normal “knowledge” at all!

So our thoughts today is for each of us to most seriously ask ourselves, "Do I now believe?" Do I have a genuine conviction of mind that is ‘alive’ in my thinking?   Our minds go back to the words of Jesus just before he told his disciples, 'Lazarus is dead" – when he said, "if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." [11 v.10]  We only really believe, in the sense Jesus is talking about, when the light is in us.  In these last days, we are going to need that "light" more than ever.

"BELIEVE IN GOD" Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings - Oct 20th

“BELIEVE IN GOD”

            In what circumstances did Jesus say, “Believe in God”?  What is it to believe in something?   When we or someone says. “I believe” there can obviously be varying intensities of meaning depending on the circumstances!  If someone rushes in and says, “I believe the house is on fire” everyone who hears immediately acts to verify its truth and to then take whatever action they can without delay.

            In our John readings we have the final message of Jesus before his arrest, a personal message to strengthen the disciples spiritually after Judas the betrayer has left.  Ch. 14 starts, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”  They will need the deepest convictions of belief in their minds when, in a very short space of time he is arrested and they are overwhelmed with anxieties, only one of them was faithful to Jesus up until the end. When we come to ch. 19 where the frightful crucifixion scene is described our eyes light on v. 25-27, “… standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby … he said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”  

            In times of total stress acts of supporting one another will be essential.  Are not such times now more plainly on the horizon of our  world than ever!  The way we cope will show – to ourselves whether we really “believe in God.”  The hearts of the disciples were “troubled” – but after the resurrection they acted with heart-felt belief.  What dramas do we read about in Acts!  These excite and challenge us!  Ch. 4 tells us how the disciples were arrested for “proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection of the dead …  but many of those who heard the word believed …”  [v.2 - 4]  With what conviction the disciples believed now – and showed that conviction of belief by their actions.  

            Recall that after Jesus told the disciples to “believe in God” – he then said “Let not your hearts be troubled”  Surely he is saying that to believers now.  Notice how he says this again later in the chapter – it is so important.  Verse 27 – memorise it. “Peace I leave with you: my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid”  Heartfelt prayer and meditation on God’s word provide the foundation for possessing his “peace.”

"I DID NOT COME TO JUDGE" Bible Reading Thoughts for Oct. 19th

“I DID NOT COME TO JUDGE”                                                                                                  

John’s Gospel begins [1 v.4-9] by saying Jesus is “the true light which enlightens everyone” and John the Baptist was “bearing witness to that light”   It is not too difficult to understand that. 

Now, in today’s reading [Ch.12] as our Lord’s ministry is reaching its climax, he speaks some more about light and darkness; “I have come into the world as light” he says, “so that whoever believes in me may not walk in darkness” [v.46].  The light had been shining with increasing brilliance through his words and works, climaxing in yesterday’s account of the resurrection of Lazarus.

Yet, such is the tragedy of blindness of this nature and the extremes this can provoke in their actions, we now read of some who are even more determined to get rid of Jesus. He is a threat to their prestige and authority. [11 v.47-48] In today’s chapter those with this spirit of mind even “made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were believing …” [v.11]  Their blindness, despite the brilliance of the “light” had become extreme.

There is no half way position in God’s eyes, either you believe or you don’t!  Those who genuinely believe live and act in ways which make this obvious. God expects this.  Some of those choosing darkness certainly did something to show this – and persuaded others to support them and to cry, “Crucify him.”

What did Jesus mean when he said,, “I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world” [v.47] Because Jesus did not come as a condemning judge,  those persuaded to support those in darkness and cry ‘Crucify him’ -  were later able to repent [Acts 2 v.37-38], it is the outstanding example of Divine grace!  

Notice the very significant words with which this chapter finishes; “the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day”   The basis of the judgement “on the last day”  will be the reaction each has made to “the word that I have spoken” and “which enlightens everyone.”   We ignore “the word” to our own destruction, as those who stay “blind” will discover to their utter dismay “on the last day.” 

"666 TALENTS OF GOLD" Bible Readings Thoughts for Oct 18th

“666 TALENTS OF GOLD”

            We read 3 remarkable chapters today, all had different but meaningful lessons.  Ezekiel has a vision of the future Temple in action and the holiness of those who enter and minister there.  John records the heart-warming but challenging account of the raising of Lazarus after being dead for 4 days – and such is the stubbornness and blindness of human nature that the news of this makes the religious leaders even more determined to put him to death. And in 2nd Chronicles (ch.9) we read of the visit of the Queen of Sheba to see the glory surrounding Solomon and to hear his wisdom.
            The Queen brings him many presents. She sees him surrounded by golden objects and gives him even more! The record says that “the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold”   [v.13. It has always intrigued us that this is the only place the number 666 occurs apart from in Revelation where it is “the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.” [13 v18] and “that no one can buy or sell unless he has … the number of his name.” [v.17]
            This has caused many speculative interpretations over the years but the simple fact from the divine perspective is, as Jesus bluntly put it, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." [Matt 6:24]  There are just two options in life, there is no middle path, money gives power; the Pharisees were "lovers of money" [Luke 16 v.14] The great majority in our world love money and the 'blessings' (?) in can bring to their lives.  Solomon was, in the end [1 Kings 11], destroyed by the blessings it brought after beginning so well.
            Jesus taught the principle "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." [Luke 12 v.48] Whether we have been given or acquired much or little, let us make sure we effectively serve our Lord with the talents we have.

"...AND FIND PASTURE" Bible Readings Thoughts for Oct. 17th

“… AND FIND PASTURE” 

            Today John carefully details for us the teaching of Jesus about the shepherd and the sheep.  How rewarding it is to meditate on his words.  Jesus is both “the good shepherd” and “the door” by which the sheep enter.  He says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and go in and out and find pasture.” [10 v.9]  His teaching is simple, yet profound at the same time; “I know my own and my own know me.” [v.14]

How does this happen?  Do our minds properly grasp what he next says?   “Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father …” For us to know in this sense is to be aware of the need to develop a relationship that leads to an increasingly intimate understanding of divine thoughts and ways.

            Jesus says the sheep “follow him, because they know his voice.” [v.4]  John and others were inspired [see ch 14 v.25,26] to remember and write down what they heard and their writings have been preserved for us, it is the place where we can “find pasture” today in a world that surrounds us with virulent harmful weeds that corrupt our minds if we give these weeds opportunity to take root and grow.  We must make sure we “find pasture” every day that will nourish our thinking and build up our spiritual wisdom.
            In finding pasture let us also find “rest.”  We live in days like Jeremiah who lamented, “I am weary … and I find no rest” and the LORD says, “I am bringing disaster upon all flesh …. But I will give you your life …” [45 v. 3,5]  We may feel like Jeremiah, if not now, then soon – so we need to treasure in our minds the words of our Lord, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [Matt 11 v.29] Let us make sure we do that today – and every day – “and find pasture” of the very best kind.  

"THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE" Bible Reading Thoughts for Oct. 16th

"THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE"                                                                                                                  

            Today’s long chapter (8) in John’s Gospel is most challenging.  Jesus said, “Whoever is of God knows the words of God, the reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God” [v.47].  But of course they were hearing what he said, the point was that they could not make sense of his words. They could not “hear” what he meant because their minds were so fixed in their own way of thinking.  The same problem exists today!

            There were some listening who wanted to believe and understand what Jesus     was talking about and to them he says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” [v.32]  This confuses them!  Free from what?  As descendants of Abraham, they say, we are not “enslaved to anyone, how is it that you say, ‘you will become free?’ ” [v.33]

            Jesus then makes the point, “everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin … if the Son sets you free. You will be free indeed.” [v.36]   Most of his listeners fail to get the point – and in the end the essential point is whether they are “of God” – or not. If they are “of God” they will listen and seek to understand the words of God.  It maybe that some or many of his listeners would later hear Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost being among those who “were cut to the heart” [Acts 2 v.37] and were ready to receive the truth and be made free.

            Their freedom was accomplished the day they accepted “the truth” – and ‘saw’ his meaning and were baptised!  They had heard Peter quote from the Psalms, “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence” [v.28]  What will it be like to be in the divine presence? We sought to “see” this yesterday!  Remember Solomon’s attempts at a vision of the eternal and eternity!

There are the two paths – of life – or of death.  All begin by walking on the path of death, but all have the opportunity to be set free from that path by seeing “the truth” that is revealed in God’s word, first through the men of God, the prophets of old – and later by Jesus and the apostles.  And today? Well, all can read God’s word and search out what Jesus really meant and then decide whether to walk on the path of life with the wonder of eternal life in the kingdom awaiting them. .

"THE HIGHEST HEAVEN CANNOT CONTAIN YOU" Bible Reading Thoughts for Oct. 15th

“THE HIGHEST HEAVEN CANNOT CONTAIN YOU”

            Solomon's prayer in dedicating the completed Temple is detailed in today's 6th chapter of 2nd Chronicles.  What particularly caught our attention was that Solomon, after he "spread out his hands toward heaven”, and said, “O LORD, God of Israel ... keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart" [v.13,14] and the  need for "sons to pay close attention to their way" [v.16] that Solomon then attempted a wider vision and asks, "But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!"[v.18]
            Can we in any way share Solomon's perception of the immeasurable greatness of God? - Our perception of the Creator grows as a result of man's increasing discoveries and awareness of both the endlessness of space - and the infinite smallness of things that can now be 'seen' with instruments that have been invented.  There are now no limits it seems to the way "knowledge shall increase" at "the time of the end" as Daniel was told and we will shortly read in the 4th verse of his 12^th chapter..
            The Temple that Jesus went into "and began teaching", that we read about today in John ch. 6 was the one built by Herod, centuries after Solomon's was destroyed by the Babylonians. The "disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple" [Matt 24 v.1,2] but Jesus shocked them by saying it would all be "thrown down." For about 1945 years there has been no Temple in Jerusalem - the area sits vacant - apart from the Moslem 'Dome of the Rock' - above what the Jews significantly call 'the wailing wall'.
            In Ezekiel (ch. 40-48) we are reading the detail of the vision he was given of a future and ultimate city-temple.  The vision ends with the statement, "And the name of the city from that time on shall be, the LORD is there."

 When "the highest heaven cannot contain" the Creator of all there is, can a city in the ultimate future do so?  Next month the book of Revelation will challenge our thinking and our ability to "imagine' an ultimate time when "the dwelling place of God is with man." [21 v.3]

            Finally, let us consider what should “dwell” here and now!  Paul told the Ephesians to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” [3 v.16] and told the Colossians to let “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” [3 v,16] May that be happening with all who read these words.

"THIS IS THE WORK OF GOD" Bible Readings Thoughts for Oct. 14th

“THIS IS THE WORK OF GOD”

            How fascinating – in the sense of being utterly meaningful to the spiritual mind is the teaching of Jesus that John records in today’s 6th chapter of his gospel.  Jesus made a tremendous impact in feeding the multitude in the wilderness and this caused more and more to seek him.  We can imagine the way stories would spread. They finally found him on the other side of the lake; we can envisage how quickly a crowd gathered and what they were hoping to experience.
            Jesus says to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves... " [v.26]   He then makes a vital point, "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life ..."  Is it clear to us what he means?  Of this food he says, "which the Son of Man will give to you." What "food" is this?
            They are not really listening, as we would say today, their minds are on the wrong wavelength: they ask, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?"[v.28]  They want to be able to do such miracles, and multiplying food themselves was probably on top of their agenda!   We see a modern equivalent with claims of healings, etc.; we have attended such - and found them most unconvincing, as do all those who have really soaked their minds in God's word.
            The next thing Jesus says is very significant.  He talks about "the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you." But his words are not what they want to hear: do we only listen to or read what we want to know about?  Jesus then tells them, ""This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." [v.28] Ponder those words.  We must ask ourselves a simple, yet vital question.  What is it to believe in something, someone?

Jesus obviously.   means total belief - no reservations.  

            We show whether we really believe something by what we then do - what our minds then focus upon.  We are convinced that God then responds to such a committed focus of mind and a wondrous pathway of life opens up before such - those who really believe.   We use the word "focus" - when we were young cameras did not have an 'automatic' focus - you had to very carefully adjust the lens to get a perfect picture.  It is the same with the 'focus' of our minds what they properly "look" at!         

Finally but most challenging of all, we  read and meditated deeply on v.40 "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."  Let us all do "the work of God" with all our hearts.

"... HAS ETERNAL LIFE" Bible Reading Thoughts for Oct. 13th

“… HAS ETERNAL LIFE”

            Our readings are now moving into the heart of the Gospel of John and we ponder deeply the profound sayings of our Lord that John was caused to remember and write down. Jesus speaks in the ‘present tense’ because, in a sense, there is no passage of time with him and his Father.  We saw this in the first chapter, Jesus “the word” that “was in the beginning with God” [1 v.2] That “word (of promise) became flesh” and now we ponder deeply on the words which John brought to his remembrance [see ch. 16 v.4] and wrote down – for us!  How much do we value them?
            The more we read and then meditate and carefully fit the pieces together, as with a very large jigsaw, the clearer the meaning of the more profound parts become in our minds.  God has created words for the world which are a lifelong study for those who truly seek him.  Jesus tells them, ”For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.” [5 v.21]  What and when is this “life” the Son gives?   Verse 24 challenges our understanding, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life”    We may at first be inclined to think he means the time of the resurrection, but the next verse tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live”
            Paul’s words, telling the Ephesians “you were dead in trespasses and sins” [2 v.1], aid us in slotting this piece of the jigsaw into place.  It is the spiritually dead who hear and who live – so everyone has the need to hear – and then respond!  Jesus taught this lesson to Nicodemus, we saw this in John 3 v.3-12.  A spiritual rebirth is essential, not just being “born of water” [v.5], Jesus told him.

 Today’s chapter reveals how God sees the overall picture: following genuine rebirth, names are entered in “the book of life” and as long as they remain there, then he or she “has eternal life” from God’s way of seeing the situation.  But names can be blotted out of “the book of life”(see Rev 3 v.5], as happened to Judas Iscariot.

            We read on in today’s chapter (v.25-29) and see the wondrous picture of the resurrection!, How close are we now to that time when,  “all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life …”  May we all “hear his voice” – but we need to “hear” it now and, in our lives today, show that we have heard it.

"DIRECT THEIR HEARTS TOWARD ..." Bible Reading Thoughts for Oct. 12th

“DIRECT THEIR HEARTS TOWARD …”                                                                                      

           

            We tend to give only passing attention to our Chronicles reading because our other readings in Ezekiel 38 and John 4 provoke so much thought.  But in Chronicles we have the climax at the end of David’s life.  Consider the scene: he had made great provision for building the Temple, others had followed his example and “the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord” [1 Chron.29 v.9].

            Now consider carefully how David offers the final public prayer of his life. “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and the earth is yours.  Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.  And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” [v.11-13]

            We should take special note of the sudden change of thought in the prayer!  David’s mind, his vision of life and all that life really is, causes him to say, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly?  For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.  For we are strangers before you and sojourners as all our fathers were.  Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.” [v.14,15] Put his thoughts alongside his 17^th Psalm, especially noting his last verse.

            David was totally honest and faced the true reality of the human position.  Next he becomes very personal about his relationship with God. “I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness.  In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you … direct their hearts toward you.” [v.17,18] 

May we, in our prayers, plead with our Lord to direct the hearts of our brethren and sisters more and more toward him.  As the storm clouds of God’s anger with our ever more evil world increase – may our prayers grow even more urgent – bearing in mind the last 2 verses of the momentous 38^th chapter we read today in Ezekiel.: “With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgement … So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations.  Then they will know that I am the LORD.”  

"UNLESS ONE IS BORN OF ... Thoughts from the Bible readings for today Oct 11th

"UNLESS ONE IS BORN OF …"                                                                           

            Nicodemus was the Jewish teacher, not an ordinary teacher and he came to Jesus by night for a private audience. The conversation that took place, we read in today’s ch, 3 in John’s gospel, challenges our thinking and understanding.  Jesus said, “…unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”  We need to understand this within the context of the unfolding words of Jesus.  Many Christians like to say they are “born again,”  but what did Jesus mean?

            Nicodemus admitted. “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” [John 3 v.2]  His words lead Jesus to respond, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” [v.3].  This rebirth, we believe, involves the action of God in responding to what he sees in the heart of the one seeking to be re-born.   We recall God’s words through Isaiah, “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him (or her) who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” [57 v.15]  See also ch. 66 v.2

            Thus there is a ‘rebirth’ in the heart of one who is genuinely “born again” because of divine action from above. A relationship is established, that is ongoing from the time the person themselves in ‘born of water.’  Jesus makes the comment, “Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true” [3 v.33.] This reaction to Jesus’ teaching is the evidence that one is also born of the spirit and has a real personal relationship with God..  The opposite to this is, “He who is of the earth, belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way” [v.31].  There is no middle path! 

We must ask ourselves – in what way do we speak? Is God’s word daily ‘feeding’ our minds?  This is the ‘food’ that alone can create evidence that we have been truly born of both water and of the spirit.  Those who have not taken and digested this ‘food’ - “cannot see the kingdom of God?” [v3]  Surely the kingdom is now near – what a final heart-wrenching experience it will be for those who fail to “see” it.  May that not happen to you or me.

"THE WORD BECAME FLESH" Biblre Readings Thoughts for Oct. 10th

“THE WORD BECAME FLESH”

            Today we began reading the Gospel of John, the most remarkable and thought challenging of the four gospels.  John portrays in far more detail the picture of the person of our Lord and His Father’s purpose in him.  On the day of Pentecost, Peter told the crowd that Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God”  [Acts 2 v.23]

John begins his gospel by telling us of this foreknowledge.  Before our Lord was born, he was "the word". How are we to understand "In the beginning was the Word"?  The LORD caused Isaiah to write [55 v.10,12], "as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,  so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."  So the word “word” is personified – God planning to provide spiritual food through His Son – a parallel to causing natural food to grow.

            We understand Jesus as "the word" that was in the mind of God from the beginning.  God spoke - and events followed.  When Jesus was born, as we read today, "the Word became flesh."   The Greek word for 'word' is logos, it has the foundation meaning of a 'spoken word' and is sometimes translated as "sayings" in the Gospels, especially in the A. V. [see Matt. 7 v.24,26,28] Take special note when you come to it in John 4 v.37,39. Recall how in Genesis 1 we read, “And God said” again and again.
            The translators confuse us by using the pronoun 'he' for 'the word' in John's opening verses. It is most helpful to read from v. 2 that "The word was in the beginning ... All things were made through a word ... in the word was life and the life was the light of men ..."  In ch. 3 we will read, “the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."[ v.19-21]
            Jesus often uses phraseology that has a symbolic meaning, as is obvious in the foregoing.  What is also obvious today – is that people love darkness more than ever – and God’s Bible has become a forgotten book. We must do the opposite and love God’s word more than ever; may his word become flesh in us more and more - so our Lord will recognise us when he returns – and how soon will that be?.  

"THE PEACE OF GOD" Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings - Oct. 9th

“THE PEACE OF GOD”

            “The peace of God” is of a totally different character to human concepts of peace.  Paul tells the Philippians, “do not be anxious about anything.”  Feeling anxious gets in the way of the kind of “peace” God alone can give.  Instead, Paul tells us to “rejoice in the Lord always ... by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God ...  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   [4 v.4-7]

 Let us be particularly conscious of the need for “thanksgiving” for all our blessings.  Moses’ challenge to the nation of Israel was to remember the blessings of the LORD and how he had “led” them through the wilderness. [Deut. 8 v.2] We are travelling through the wilderness of this world.  Does it seem like a wilderness?  It does if we are really spiritually minded.

            Paul’s wonderful words should be absorbed into our minds - and then we will have the essential strength to do, as Paul told the Philippians, to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." [2 v,12]  But how can that give us the kind of peace Paul is writing about?  We take special note of his next words, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." [v.13]  We gain an ever greater sense of "peace" the more we sense "we are God's fellow workers" and have become part of "God's building," [1 Cor. 3 v.9]
            The wonderful experience then will be, as Paul told the Ephesians and we read 3 days ago, we will have " the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." [6 v.13]
            Returning to our chapter in Philippians, let us read and memorise verses 8,9, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

"... THEY MAY DWELL SECURELY" Bible Readings Thoughts for today - Oct. 8th

“… THEY MAY DWELL SECURELY” 

            Today we read how “the word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel – ch. 34 ) with prophecies for him about the near and far destiny of his nation – Israel.  First, it is a condemnation of the leaders, the “shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves” [v.2].  How often, in these days too, does that continue to happen with those who claim to be in the service of God – and of Christ!   
            God tells Ezekiel, “My sheep were scattered over the face of the earth …” [v.6]  God sees all time as one – and “declares the end from the beginning” [Isa. 46 v.10; Rev. 21 v.6]  And so the scattering of God’s flock over all the earth has happened, but then, “says the Lord GOD (to Ezekiel) "...so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.   And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land..." [v.12,13]
            We have seen this miraculous regathering since the Holy Land was delivered from the control of the Turks in 1917. From v.25 we read God's declaration, "I will make with them a covenant ... so that they may dwell securely ... And I will make them and the places around my hill (Mt Zion?) a blessing ... and they shall be secure in their land."  This is in the process of happening.  The next statement is, "And they shall know that I am the LORD."  Does this need the return of the Lord, and their recognition of him?  That seems almost certain.
            In the New Testament the 1st chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians has words that are wonderfully appropriate for us today "It is my prayer" he writes,  "that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,  so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."[v.9-11]  May that be our prayer for all our fellow believers as we wait together "for the day of Christ" and watch the unfolding events in and around the Holy Land, seeing more and more clearly their significance in the light of what God revealed to prophets such as Ezekiel. 

"COME AND HEAR WHAT THE WORD IS..." Bible Readings Thoughts for Oct. 7th

“COME AND HEAR WHAT THE WORD IS …”

            We have a conscience challenging chapter (33) in Ezekiel today.  We learn that the prophet has been in captivity among the other Jews for 12 years and 10 months when the hopes of those there are finally extinguished, by news coming from “a fugitive from Jerusalem (who) came “and said, ‘The city has been struck down.’” [v.21] 
           The LORD then makes Ezekiel aware of the reaction of the people to the messages he has been giving them, “…  your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, 'Come, and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.'   And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain.    And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it.”[v.30-32]

Clearly the LORD knew all their hearts, as he does now – and we can see strong comparisons – and warnings for ourselves.  Are our “hearts set” more on this world and the “gain” we can get?  It does not necessarily mean money!  But we must each ask ourselves – examine our hearts – what are the things that fill our time – what things mainly occupy our minds.  How much do we have in mind the words of our Lord, “do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." [Matt 6 v.31-33]  What wondrous things will then be added in the kingdom!

Is there any point in witnessing today?  Ezekiel may have thought that!  After being told by the Lord, “I will make … her proud might … come to an end” the Lord then makes a significant point to him, “Then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” [v.28,33]  What will they “know” of you and I? A significant point for us to bear in mind are the powerful words of Paul we read today as he brought his letter to the Ephesians to a climax, “… take up the whole armour of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm … praying at all times”  [6 v.13] Let us read and hear what God’s word reveals - with our hearts absorbing its message so that we gain essential strength and so “stand firm” in these final godless days.