"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.