"SHOW US THE WAY WE SHOULD GO" Bible Readings Thoughts for August 21st

“SHOW US THE WAY WE SHOULD GO”

            The people of Judah who remain in the land, are confused and bewildered, after the Babylonians take the king and the important people to Babylon as captives.  They are leaderless after Gedaliah, the leading official whom the Babylonians appointed, is murdered. They approach Jeremiah for guidance, after all he had for years brought messages from God warning of the disaster that had now come on Jerusalem.

            We read today how they said to him, “pray to the LORD your God for us … because we are left but few … that the LORD your God may show us the way we should go and the thing we should do” [ch. 42 v,2,3]  The people see God as Jeremiah’s God, not theirs.  

Jeremiah corrects them as he replies, “I have heard you.  Behold, I will pray to the LORD your God according to your request, and whatever the LORD answers you I will tell you.  I will keep nothing back …” [v.4] They respond appropriately and end up saying, “ … may it be well with us when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.” [v.6]

Ten days later (v.7) Jeremiah is able to tell them that the LORD says there will be blessings “If you remain in the land” [v.9,10]  But they had already fixed in their hearts an intention to go to the presumed security of Egypt.  This illustrates the waywardness of human nature, the lack of most of a real consciousness of God’s will and guidance.

In the centuries since the advent of Christ, how many go to the Bible looking for evidence of what to believe? Rather, they go looking for evidence to support what they want to believe,  such as believing that faithful followers of Christ go to heaven when they die.  In this effort they distort the meaning of one or two texts, ignoring their context, so as to believe as they desire. John clearly states in his gospel that ”No one has ascended to heaven” [ch.3 v.13] except Jesus.  What did Paul expect?  In his last letter we read, “ … there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me but to all …” [2 Tim 4 v.8] 

A parallel tragedy is that many are told and believe that all they need to do is to publicly confess that Jesus is their LORD and they will be saved, but we read today in Mark ch, 16 that “whoever believes and is baptised will be saved” [v.16].  Baptism is going down and being buried into the water and coming up again as a symbol of believing Christ died and then rose – and you need to belong to him.   Jesus insisted that John the Baptist should baptise him, telling John, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness” [Matt. 3 v.15], setting us the example.   So it is then, as we carefully read God’s word, it will “show us the way we should go.”

Jer 42 we have the people (remnant) asking Jeremiah to pray for them because they feared the Babylonians. Even though they were still in Israel, they had already started to journey and prepare for going back to Egypt (Jer 41:17). This fear was driven by the fact they had killed the one (Gedaliah) provided by God who has hearkened unto Gods words.

May our request be as theirs "that Yahweh thy (our) God may tell us the way wherein we should walk,-- and the thing that we should do".

We (who are a remnant) can sometimes be in the same position, disregarding Gods word and his provision in our lives, and have started to progress back towards Egypt (this worlds ways).

In whatever circumstance and however we feel, may we always be "...fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; CONTINUING INSTANT (lit = constant/earnest) IN PRAYER" (Ro 12:11-12)

But we must not be as these in Jeremiah who rejected the answer they received through prayer ch43, because of pride (Jer 43:2)

Bible Reading Thoughts for August 20th

“THOSE WHO PASSED BY

Mark’s account of the crucifixion includes the comment that “those who passed by (the cross) derided him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross” [15 v.19,20]  Matthew’s account includes the added comment,” and we will believe …”

            Imagine the scene! Imagine the blindness of their minds at all he had done, wonders that climaxed with the raising of Lazarus after 4 days in the tomb.  At least one saying of Jesus had stuck in the their mind, his response to them when they asked, “What sign do you show us …” and his strange but thought challenging answer, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” [John 2 v.18,19]  Only later did the disciples understand.

            There are those today who go to the Bible to misquote it, ignoring all the verses that say the opposite to what they want to believe.  They talk of the soul being immortal, but we read, “the soul who sins shall die” [Ezek 18 v.4]   They also talk of Jesus being co-equal with God and, in one sense, that is true: in John 17 v.20-23 we read how Jesus prays that believers, his genuine followers, “may all be one, just as you Father are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me … that they may become perfectly one …”

            And so did the disciples became – never again did they argue as to who was to be the greatest.  May all genuine disciples of today make real progress in becoming “one” in this sense, and then, as Jesus prays, such believers “may be with me where I am, to see my glory …” [v.24] - and surely this is when he returns to earth.

            May none of us be like “those who passed by” – they “mocked him” saying if he came “down from the cross” they would “believe.” [v.32] He is now at the “door” and will very soon open the door – and then the mockers will “see and believe” – but it will be too late, he will shut the door on them – see Luke 13 v.25.  May we have the perception of “the Centurion, who stood facing him (and) saw that in this way he breathed his last (and) said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God.’” [v.39]   We are not told what difference it made to this Centurion, but Roman historians tell us that there were hundreds of Christians in Rome in A D 64 (34 years later) and that Nero made them take the blame for the fire that destroyed much Rome; the Gospels show there were several Centurions who were not among “those who passed by.”   May we, as much as possible, be like those early believers, “who believed (and) were of one heart and soul” [Acts 4 v.32]
Jer 42 we have the people (remnant) asking Jeremiah to pray for them because they feared the Babylonians. Even though they were still in Israel, they had already started to journey and prepare for going back to Egypt (Jer 41:17). This fear was driven by the fact they had killed the one (Gedaliah) provided by God who has hearkened unto Gods words.

May our request be as theirs "that Yahweh thy (our) God may tell us the way wherein we should walk,-- and the thing that we should do".

We (who are a remnant) can sometimes be in the same position, disregarding Gods word and his provision in our lives, and have started to progress back towards Egypt (this worlds ways).

In whatever circumstance and however we feel, may we always be "...fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; CONTINUING INSTANT (lit = constant/earnest) IN PRAYER" (Ro 12:11-12)

But we must not be as these in Jeremiah who rejected the answer they received through prayer ch43, because of pride (Jer 43:2)

TFTD - 19 August 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

19 August 2014

1 Kings 14
Jeremiah 40
Mark 14

"AND YOU WILL SEE" 
Today we read the 72 verses of Mark 14; it is a heart moving account, especially if read slowly and thoughtfully in a way that engages our heart and not just our mind. It is a fairly detailed record of the day before the arrest of Jesus and then of his arrest and how this shattered the faith of his disciples. Their faith was based on sight, they were to learn that true faith is having "the eyes of your heart enlightening, that you may know …" [Ephesians 1:18]

What is our faith based on? Are we ready for a real test of our faith as this world falls apart? In some parts of the world real tests are taking place now. Let us make every effort to build up our faith so that when we sense his return is really imminent - and all around us is in increasing chaos - we firmly endure - until our faith is turned to sight. Meditate on the scene when Jesus stood before the High Priest, and a mixture of witnesses made accusation against him because "the whole counsel were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none … Many bore false witness against him."  [Mark 14:55-56] It was the middle of the night, we are in awe as we imagine the intense emotions!

The High Priest then asked Jesus, "Have you no answer to make? … but he remained silent … Again the High Priest asked him, "Are you the Christ (the Messiah) …? Then Jesus responded, 'I am, and you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.'"  [Mark 14:60-62].

From Jesus word's in Luke 13:28, "there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out"  it is clear that his accusers will be raised to life to witness his return and glory. What agony of horror, what utter dismay will fill their hearts! Imagine it?

A more important question will be our feelings when we are privileged to see this. Surely his coming is near, those younger in heart can surely say to each other "and you will see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom and …" And what? We will see each other there too! What feelings will be ours? We make sure of the answer now.
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- DC


Thought for the Day

19 August 2014

"Most of the aspects of our life in the Truth can be assessed by some standards, but there is one commodity we can never have too much of. That is the love and fellowship that binds us together as a family."

- Howard Walker
Evening Meditations (1973)

TFTD - 18 August 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

18 August 2014

1 Kings 13
Jeremiah 39
Mark 13

"WHAT WONDERFUL BUILDINGS" 
By the standards of 2,000 years ago Jerusalem's Temple was outstanding, "what wonderful buildings"  the disciples said to Jesus as they "came out of the Temple"  [Mark 13:1]. How shocked they must have been at his reply, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [Mark 13:2] And so they were - 40 years later!

Similarly, the Temple and city of Jeremiah's day were destroyed and we read today in his 39th chapter of how all that the LORD had caused him to prophesy against the city took place and the king and all his officials are in great distress and most of them are killed.

Mark's chapter records the pronouncements of doom Jesus made against Jerusalem itself, these have some parallels with events that Jeremiah experienced. However, in responding to his disciples anxious requests for further explanations Jesus described far more than the destruction of these "wonderful buildings."

"This must take place,"  he said, "but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be earthquakes in various places …"  [Mark 13:7-8] He made a most significant point when he added, Mark 13:10, "and this gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations"  - and only now has this happened - we understand d that at least the gospels have now been translated into every known language. Surely we can say "What wonderful"  foreknowledge the Bible reveals! Jesus told them, "… false prophets will arise … to lead astray if possible the elect"  [Mark 13:22]. Jeremiah also had to contend with false prophets [Jeremiah 29:24-32]

"But be on your guard  Jesus said to the disciples, I have told you all things beforehand"  [Mark 13:23] If we are truly his disciples, we will realize that among the "all things"  are events that apply to our generation, for Jerusalem is no longer "trampled underfoot"  and so "the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." [Luke 21:24] Finally, our Mark chapter ends, "Therefore stay awake ­ for you do not know when the Master of the house will come ..." [Mark 13:35-37] A message for you and I.
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- DC


Thought for the Day

18 August 2014

"The offer to all of a share in the good things God has provided is extended in God’s book. The conditions of  faith and obedience (first in baptism and then in living for Christ) are right and divinely appropriate, and put man into the right relationship to his God, and are the gateway to many present divine blessings."

- John Carter
God's Way

TFTD - 17 August 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

17 August 2014

1 Kings 12
Jeremiah 38
Mark 12

"HE ABANDONED THE COUNSEL …"

Those in authority, for example, Government Ministers, are surrounded by advisors who debate situations and counsel those in power on the best policies to follow. Tragically there have been some examples of human wisdom, or lack of it, that have been quite tragic. We have an example in our 1 Kings reading today; a new king seeks advice on what policy he should follow, but really he has made up his mind and so seeks advisors to give him an answer that appeals to him.

This king is Solomon's son Rehoboam. He first "took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father" [1 Kings 12:6]. Their advice was to lighten the heavy tax burdens Solomon had put on the people - as they had requested and all will be well. But next we read, "He abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him…"  [1 Kings 12:8]. Their advice was the opposite! "And the king answered the people harshly …" [1 Kings 12:13]. We wonder if they had too much confidence in the promises made to David, thinking, surely his grandson can dictate what the people should do?

Rehoboam was 41 when he ascended to the throne - and should have been mature. He surely knew the promises God had made to his grandfather, and, we suspect, had a false expectation as to how they would work themselves out in his generation. He did not humble himself before God to learn and do his will.

God knew his heart; he knew the disaster that would soon befall him. Rehoboam went boldly up to the northern tribes, but soon, he "hurried to mount his chariot and flee to Jerusalem."  [1 Kings 12:18]. We can see the lessons that this incident provides for us. Where do we go to seek counsel? We know the answer! But we must not make the mistake of so many, in searching Scripture looking for the kind of answer we want in relation to some issue, so that we can seem to "confirm" our belief in something we want to believe. It is this desire that has led to so many churches coming into existence.

Let us meditate on the example of Paul and his words to the elders at Ephesus. "I do not count my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God ... I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God."  [Acts 20:24,27]. We need the "whole counsel of God"  - that is why we need to read - and reflect on what we read - from God's word every day, each year reading all the words that he has caused to be recorded and preserved - the lessons from Jeremiah being particularly relevant - as is tomorrow's chapter in Mark about the return of Christ "after that tribulation".
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- DC


Thought for the Day

17 August 2014

"May we so live and work now that when the trumpet shall sound for us, we may not be ashamed in his presence. "And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11:15)."

- D.N. Wood
The Silver Trumpets (1953)

TFTD - 16 August 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

16 August 2014

1 Kings 11
Jeremiah 37
Mark 11

"WHENEVER YOU STAND PRAYING FORGIVE"

Today, we picked up a key point Jesus made about effective prayer; he had triumphantly entered Jerusalem with crowds of supporters around him "shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!"  [Mark 11:9-10]. Were many who cried this thinking the kingdom was about to be established? Were they disillusioned by a false expectation? Has that happened, in smaller measure, to the older ones among us as we look back over recent decades?

How fickle human nature proved to be! A few days later "the chief priests stirred up the crowd … and they cried out again, 'Crucify him'  and so Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas" [Mark 15:11-15]. In today's chapter the point which particularly attracted our attention was when Jesus said, "... Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses"  [Mark 11:25]. This is a vital principle to always have in mind in our relationship with Jesus our Saviour and his Father who is our Father. It must be in the forefront of our minds when we are seeking a specific answer to prayer.

Our thoughts go with Jesus, going forward a few days and the circumstances in which he prayed, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do" [Luke 23:34]. He was hanging there in agony on the cross, he watched them casting lots for his garments, and the scripture which predicted this would come into his mind. [Psalm 22:18]

How many of those watching his agony - and some must have heard his words, were among those "cut to the heart" when Peter addressed the crowd of thousands on the day of Pentecost 7 weeks later and told them, "'Let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.' Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart"  [Acts 2:36-37]. Peter, together with rest of the disciples, now referred to as apostles, counselled them to "Repent and be baptised" And "those who received his word were baptised". 
And us, after we have read and "received" his word? Do we read without receiving it?

We must receive it in both our head and our heart.
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- DC


Thought for the Day

16 August 2014

"Now the Book of God is peculiar in this - it narrates the past, the present, and the future all in one volume. We learn from the accuracy of its details in relation to the past and the present, to put unbounded confidence in its declarations concerning the future. In ascertaining, therefore, the ultimate design of Eternal Wisdom in the creation of all things, we turn to the end of the Bible to see what God has said shall be as the consummation of what has gone before; for what He has said shall be the permanent order of creation, must be the end He originally designed before ever the foundations of the earth were laid."

- John Thomas
The Father’s House

TFTD - 15 August 2014 - Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings

15 August 2014

1 Kings 10
Jeremiah 36
Mark 10

"HOW DIFFICULT IT WILL BE …"

We read in Mark 10 today how a man ran up and knelt before Jesus asking, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  A very meaningful conversation followed. Jesus said, "you know the commandments" and mentioned the main ones and the man responds, "Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth"  [Mark 10:17-20].  Jesus reacts, "looking at him, loved him and said to him, 'You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'" What an invitation! But what a challenge and, sadly, the man is "disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." [Mark 10:22]

We then read that the disciples were amazed  because he said, "How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"  [Mark 10:23]. And yet, as we read in today's chapter in 1 Kings about the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon to hear his wisdom and see the wonders of his kingdom where so much gold was available and used so that "silver was not counted as anything"  [1 Kings 10:21]. The Queen said, "I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. Behold the half was not told me …"  [1 Kings 10:6-7]

Yet tomorrow's chapter is very disappointing after all this use of wealth Solomon's relationship with his God falters and "his heart was not wholly true to the LORD"  [1 Kings 11:4] and he starts to worship other gods. Like the young man who came to Jesus "his great possessions"  undermined, and in the case of the young man, destroyed his opportunity to have the wonder of "treasure in heaven." We cannot know what role, if any, Solomon will have in the kingdom.

The world today is described as "a global village" - and many of us have "great possessions"  in a world-wide context: we should have in mind what Paul said in writing to Timothy, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils." [1 Timothy 6:10] Yes, it puts down mind poisoning roots! In God's eyes, this is surely the case when those who have more than the money needed for essentials, spend the surplus on abundant possessions, pleasure and leisure, attitudes that take root in our minds and lead us further and further away from God - and our "treasure in heaven" ceases to exist and there is no reward for Jesus to bring with him for us (see Revelation 22:12) when he returns.
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- DC


Thought for the Day

15 August 2014

"When that call comes, whenever and however it does, it is just possible that our eternal destiny may well depend upon our instant reaction. To be apprehensive; to desire a little more time to prepare; to say in effect to the angel, 'Wait a little, please': the parables teach that there is a danger to those so minded, finding themselves knocking on a closed door. On the other hand, the reaction could and should be: "This is what I have been waiting for ever since I came to know Christ: at last he is here! This is the reality of Christ as opposed to the vanity of this world!" Such would indeed be "servants waiting for their Lord."

"Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching; verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them” (Luke 12:37)."

- C.E. Hinde
Thy Kingdom Come (1988)