Monthly Archives: June 2017

Isaiah 55

— by on

Isaiah 55 is such an inspirational chapter, consisting of an invitation and a promise, both of which are directed to us. “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!” Everyone who seeks the water of life is invited to participate in this paradox of buying sustenance without money, the opportunity is not limited to Jews. We are encouraged not to spend our efforts on “that which does not satisfy”, but instead focus our attention on God. “Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live”.

The prophecy indicates there is a limited period of availability, “seek the Lord while he may be found”, but during this period God will show mercy, “let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Seek God initially, and return when we lose our way.

There is a promise, both to the veracity of God’s forgiveness, and a future improved from the current situation. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven… so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth”. God’s word was not given in vain, it will accomplish His purpose of bringing “many sons to glory”. Finally, the chapter concludes with a scene of the future. “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace… instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress… and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

1 Samuel 10

— by on

In 1 Samuel 10 we read the odd story of Saul being anointed king. Saul was in the land of Zuph, looking for his father’s donkeys. Having gone to the city where Samuel was, to enquire about the donkeys, Samuel anoints Saul and gives him a prophecy about both his father’s donkeys and the events that Saul would experience for the rest of the day.

The prophecy is very specific, “Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine… After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim … as soon as you come to the city … Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.”

God seems to have influenced Saul, “When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day.” Samuel’s strange and highly specific prophecy comes to pass, and Saul prophesied to the extent that “it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”” God also affected the hearts of those who travelled with Saul, “Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched.”

This touching of Saul’s heart wasn’t a permanent thing; he later reverts to his own ways. But it shows to us the power of God’s word, that it can affect our hearts as well. Let’s listen to His word, as Saul listened to Samuel, and be influenced for good.

1 Samuel 1

— by on

In 1 Samuel 1 we read the powerful story of Hannah, her struggles and her faith. Hannah demonstrates the power of prayer, and the effectiveness of placing our trust in God to do what is best. Surely she had prayed to God about a child many times before, but this time she offers her future child to God, as a Nazarite all his life. Samuel’s calling was given even before he was conceived.

Hannah is so convinced that God will answer her prayer this time, that after her encounter with Eli, she “went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” Hannah had taken the time to pray such an emotional plea before eating. She had placed her relationship with God first, and having done all she can, she continues with life. I find Hannah’s attitude really powerful; she had absolute confidence that God would answer her prayer, in contrast to many of our prayers where we don’t really expect that God will answer.

Chapter 1 concludes with Hannah keeping her word and bringing Samuel to the temple, just as God had kept His word and given Hannah a son. She tells Eli, “As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” The same is true for us. Our calling was given even before we were born, and as long as we live, we are given to God.

2 John and 3 John

— by on

2nd and 3rd John are personal letters, written to specific people containing similar ideas to 1st John. There is an emphasis on “walking in the truth”, as well as a reminder of the new commandment of love, which is actually a commandment “we have had from the beginning”.

Paul rejoiced greatly when he heard that the elect lady and her children continued to walk in the truth, and he uses the same language about Gaius. Paul writes, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth”, a feeling that reflects Jesus’ own sentiments. “In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.”

The mystery of the gospel has been revealed to us, and like Paul and Jesus we can rejoice in this, encouraging each other to continue walking in a way that demonstrates the crucial commandment of love.

1 Peter 2

— by on

Peter encourages us to desire God’s word like it is essential for our very existence, as a newborn baby desires the milk that keeps it alive. That desire will allow us to “grow up into salvation”.

He describes us as being part of a living house, growing together to fit in alignment with our chief corner stone, Christ. The mystery of the gospel had been a stumbling block to those obsessed by the traditions of the law, but those who align themselves with the corner stone “are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation… God’s people”.

Despite belonging to God, we are told to submit to the authorities He has placed in our life, whether it be a government or a master. Suffering wrongfully is no less than Christ experienced, for “he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”

1 Peter 1

— by on

Readers of 1 Peter are often reminded of Christ’s example, of future inheritance, and to trust in God. In chapter 1, Peter addresses the dispersed believers, reminding them of the living hope through the gospel message, and an incorruptible inheritance awaiting those who place their trust in God. They could rejoice, knowing that the various trials they endured would last “for a little while” in comparison to the eternity of the future. Though they could not currently see Christ, “you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Peter reminds us to be ready for action, and set our “hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Just as God is holy, so we are called to be holy, having been ransomed by the blood of Christ. We’re also called to action, to “love one another earnestly from a pure heart”, influenced by “the living and abiding word of God”.

James 5

— by on

James 5 describes the benefits of patience, and uses the example of Job’s steadfastness to demonstrate the point. Just like a farmer has to wait for his crop to grow, relying on God for rain at the appropriate time, so we have to wait for our salvation, relying on God to provide for our needs. While we are patiently waiting, James tells us not to grumble against each other. Just as Job refused to curse God for the circumstances he endured, so we need to endure suffering, knowing that God is “compassionate and merciful”.

James also describes the benefits of prayer, using the example of Elijah. The prayers that James mention are all focused on others, the sick, the suffering, and the sins of others. James concludes with the wonderful reminder that “whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

While we are patiently waiting for the Lord’s return, our focus should be on helping each other remain faithful, and not giving up on people when they are lost.

James 3-4

— by on

James 3-4 continues the overall theme of practical advice for living a faithful life, and especially how we interact with each other. He lists the dangers of the tongue, boasting of great things, “setting on fire the entire course of life … no human being can tame the tongue”.

We also find the wisdom from above contrasted with earthly wisdom. “Jealousy and selfish ambition” is the outcome of natural wisdom, “but the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere”.

The focus on earthly wisdom had caused “quarrels and … fights among” the ecclesia, so James offers advice on this issue too.  “Submit yourselves therefore to God… Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you”. 

In all of these ideas, James is setting our focus on God rather than ourselves. This is a challenge for all of us, but let’s follow James’ advice to “humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you”.

Judges 4-5

— by on

In Judges 4 and 5 we find the story of Deborah and Barak, and also the heroic actions of Jael. Women prophets were rare, only 10 to be found in the Bible and only 5 mentioned by name. Their stories are all important, highlighting that leadership and Godly examples are not limited to males; the role of a Christian woman is not a passive one.

In Judges 4 we read that “Deborah, a prophetess… was judging Israel at that time”. No similar statement is made of Barak. It was Deborah that guided Israel, leading them in crying to God as Israel were oppressed 20 years by the armies of Jabin, king of Canaan. It was Deborah that berates Barak into leading Israel into battle, and surely it was Deborah’s faithful example that incited Jael to take the opportunity to kill Sisera. As a result of their work, Israel had rest 40 years.

What a great example for all of us, to take action and respond to our calling, leading by example, taking every opportunity to serve God.

Hebrews 12

— by on

Hebrews 12 continues to contrast the Law and salvation through Christ. God treats us as His children, which means He disciplines us for our benefit, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives… for our good, that we may share his holiness”. Paul says that we should be encouraged by it, although at the time it “seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

The inheritance we’ve been offered is not one of fear, unlike the “blazing fire and … tempest and the sound of a trumpet” that accompanied Israel’s receiving of the Law. Even Moses said “I tremble with fear” at that sight.

We have “come to … the city of the living God … to innumerable angels in festal gathering … and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant”. Paul concludes this idea by saying “let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe”.