2 Chronicles 14

What is this passage all about?

In the early years of Asa's reign, Judah experienced peace and rest from God; later God struck down Cushite invaders.

What can I learn from this passage?

Three times in this passage, the word peace is used, twice rest is used. These words describe the situation in Judah in the first 10 years of the reign of King Asa (v1). The peace and rest were gifts from the LORD (vv6,7). These gifts may have been from God's grace, but they may also have been in response to Asa and Judah's obedience. "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. ... He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to obey his laws and commands." (v2,4.) Asa knew and acknowledged that the source of the peace in Judah was God's protection. He told the people (v7b), " 'The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.' So they built and prospered."

Asa did not expect that they would continue indefinitely in the LORD's favour and protection, despite continuing in their obedience to Him. He organised the Judeans to build up and fortify their towns (v7a) and to equip and maintain an army of 300,000 brave fighting men (v8), three-quarters the size of Abijah's army which, under God, routed Jeroboam (2Ch13).

After ten years of peace (v1), Zerah from Cush (Ethiopia) challenged Asa with a vast army of chariots (v9). Asa and the army of Judah went out to meet them (v10). Asa showed that he knew Who would be in charge of the battle's outcome. "Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, 'LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.' " (v11.) As He had with the battle of Abijah's army against Israel, God ensured that Judah won the battle (vv12-13). "The LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah. The Cushites fled... they were crushed before the LORD and his forces." This time, the men of Judah were also able to take plunder (vv13-15).

I am particularly drawn to the use of possessive pronouns in this passage. God was not just the God of Asa's fathers, he was "the LORD his God" (vv2, 11); He was the God of Judah, "the LORD our God" (vv7, 11 twice). Furthermore, the army was not just Asa's, it was God's: "Asa and his army... the LORD and his forces" (v13). These possessive pronouns do not signify ownership, in the traditional manner. Rather, they indicate belonging and relationship.

How can I apply this to my own life?

Firstly, I need to continue to seek God. I know that Romans 3:11 says "there is no one who... seeks God." But this text is written with regard to unbelievers, as a descrip[tion of our situation outside of God's grace, and does not relate to Christians, within whom the Holy Spirit resides. As a Christian, I can and should follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit on my conscience and heart and seek God wholeheartedly.

I need to remember that I belong to God, and thank Him for choosing me and predestining me to be one of his adopted children (Ehesians . Ephesians 2:8-9 ascribes my relationship with God to His grace. Thank you God for choosing me!

1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13-14:1

What is this passage all about?
The reign of Abijah (aka Abijam), king of Judah, is recorded, in particular his war with Jeroboam, king of Israel.

What can I learn from it?
According to 1 Ki 15:3, Abijah's "heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God", another contrast to the people who had deserted Israel for Judah in the reign of Abijah's father Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:16). I think this could describe every single Christian at some time of their walk with Jesus. I know it could describe me, particularly in the times when I have not been consistent in reading, studying and meditating upon His word in the Bible, and have let my prayer life drift off into oblivion.
Yet Abijah is celebrated in 2 Ch 13 for his righteous rebuke of Jeroboam, and the routing of Jeroboam's army at God's hand (v15) because they relied on the LORD (v18). When Jeroboam came against Abijah in Ephraim with 800,000 men, Abijah's army was half the size.Yet Abijah didn't cower and take his men home. Instead, he stood up on a mountain and defied Israel. He reminded them that it was God who had annointed David's line for kingship over all Israel (v5) and it was Jeroboam who had rebelled when Rehoboam was young and not yet strong (v6-7), and he told them they were continuing to resist the kingdom of the LORD (v8a). Abijah recognised the size of their army and the presence of their idols (v8b), but (and this is my favourite bit) in a stinging rebuke Abijah tells them that their priests are worthless (v9), and the true priests who serve the LORD who are with the side of Judah (v10-11)). " 'Didn't you drive out the priests of the LORD...? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams may become a priest of what are not gods. As for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them.' " Abijah describes the diligence of the priests of Aaron's line (again, emphasising God's annointed rather than man's appointed) in worshipping God (v11b-12a): " 'We are observing the requirements of the LORD our God. But you have forsaken him. God is with us; he is our leader.' " Next, Abijah describes to them what he and his army will do, and how God will give them the victory (v12). Despite Jeroboam's attempt to surround and ambush Abijah's troops (v13), "God routed Jeroboam" (v14-18) and Judah inflicted losses of 500,000 on Israel (v17 - more than the number in Abijah's entire army). The passage explains how an army half the size of its enemy could work such a mighty defeat (v18): "the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers."

How can I apply this to my own life?
A good pattern for anyone who hopes for victory in spiritual matters is to rely on the LORD, just as Abijah and the men of Judah did in this instance. What are the spiritual battles in my life at present? I think it is mostly to continue to spend time reading the Bible yet not neglect any of the responsibilities He has given me.
There is no point knowing more of Him and His will if I am avoiding obeying that same will. It was important for Abijah to know the truth about God's choices that he had made in the history of Israel. But it was equally important for Abijah to go out and rebuke Israel and fight the battle. It would have been no good if Abijah had just stayed in Jerusalem and thought to himself, "Well, I'm on God's side, it'll all be okay." Abijah also had to actively defend God's honour. In this same way, I need to seek to bring glory to God through what I do and not just what I think or say.

2 Chronicles 11:5 - 12:16

What is this passage all about?
The Levites and other devout Israelites move from Israel to Jerusalem so they may offer sacrifices. After a time, Rehoboam and his nation abandon the law and God judges them with invasion by Egypt.

What can I learn from it?
There are two contrasting pictures is this passage, which adds to the minor details of Rehoboam's reign which are in 1 Kings. The first tells of devotion to God. The priests and their families (the Levites) left the land that they own in Israel because Jeroboam had made idols and appointed his own priests to serve for his pagan religious practices. The Levites, knowing God's call for them to serve Him at His holy temple in Jerusalem, gave up their worldly possessions in order to fulfil this responsibility. Other people from all over the northern kingdom of Israel, faced with Jeroboam's rebellion against God, left Israel and their tribal lands within it and moved to Jerusalem where they could worship the LORD correctly. These people are described in the passage (11:16a) as "Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD, the God of Israel." What a lovely appelation! This meant that the people of Judah, although they were called by the name of that tribe, included also people from every other tribe of Israel, especially large numbers of Benjaminites and Levites. They were the first "remnant" that God kept for himself.
However, after Rehoboam had fortified the cities of Judah, the king and his people became complacent and (12:1) "abandoned the law of the LORD." I don't think this has quite the same connotations as with Jeroboam's complete rebellion against God, although the LORD does say through his prophet Shemaiah (12:5) that, " 'You have abandoned me.' " As a consequence, God enabled Shishak of Egypt to capture many cities in Judah (12:2-3) and plunder the temple in Jerusalem, taking much of the wealth of Solomon (12:9). It was the reaction of the leaders of Judah, in humbling themselves before God and admitting that what happened was God's justice (12:6), that led to God relenting and protecting them from further destruction (12:7). God limited his punishment to allowing Shishak to rule over them for some (unspecified) time. This was in order that they might learn to appreciate the blessings of God's rulership (12:8). " 'They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands.' " Succeeding generations must have wished that they learnt the lesson better!
I've done a quick scan from my concordance of the instances where the word continue is used, and these are some reminders to me of the need to make and effort to continue in the faith that God has given me, by His grace:
2 Chronicles 6: 14
Romans 11:22
Philippians 2:12
Colossians 1:23
1 Timothy 2:15
2 Timothy 3:14
1 John 2 :28
2 John 1:9

How can I apply this to my own life?
The crucial thing is to remain in Him, to maintain my strong faith in Jesus. I need to be like the Israelites and set my heart on seeking the LORD. I must not abandon Him. I need to work at building my faith, setting my foundation on the Lord Jesus Christ, so that I may continue in my faith. This means effort and determination. Continuing to find time for Bible study, despite the business of everyday life. Praying as and when the Holy Spirit guides me rather than shrugging of the itch to pray that I get particularly when I receive conviction over some sin. Eagerly seeking opportuinities to learn more of God. Meditating upon His nature and worshipping Him in spirit and truth. Thanking Him rather than taking credit when He blesses me. Keeping Him #1 in all that I do.

1 Kings 14

What is this passage all about?

Jeroboam's son gets sick and Jeroboam's wife is informed by the prophet Abigah that this is the beginning of God's judgement on Jeroboam's idolatry. Under Rehoboam, Judah also falls into sin and Jerusalem is attacked by Shishak, king of Egypt.

What can I learn from it?

As I was reading in the Westminster Shorter Catechism yesterday, God is just. This means that he does not leave evil unpunished. Nahum 1:2,3 says, "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengence and is filled with wrath. ... The LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished." Often we do not see God's punishment coming quickly enough to satisfy our worldy ideas of justice, but the Bible makes clear that God will jusdge all people of all times for all their sin. Hebrews 9:27-28a says, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people..." Some people, like Jeroboam and also King David, live while their beloved children die. Others suffer judgement upon themselves, like Jonah who suffered near drowning before calling on God. But both of these situations are only temporal manifestations of the judgement of God, which will only be fulfilled at Jesus second coming. Revelation 10:6b-7 quotes an angel, " 'There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.' " Revelation 11:15-18 speaks of this time:

"The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:

'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,

and he will reign forever and ever.'

And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshipped God, saying:

'We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,

the One who is and who was,

because you have taken your great power

and have begun to reign.

The nations are angry;

and your wrath has come.

The time has come for judging the dead,

and for rewarding your servants the prophets

and your saints and those who reverence your name,

both small and great -

and for destroying those who destroy the earth.' "

How can I apply this to my own life?

Take hold of the promise of 1 John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Repentance before God, accompanied by faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on my behalf, shall yield forgivenness. "1 John 2:1b-2a: "If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins..."

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus so that I might be made righteous in Your eyes!

Shorter Catechism Q4

What is God?
God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.


I have been taught that the superlative attribute of God, the attribute of attributes, is His holiness. Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8 attest to this when they describe heavenly creatures repeating the description three times to give emphasis: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty." God's character is described best through the use of the word holy which shows that He is perfect and excellent.
God's being or existence is most completely described, IMO, with the word eternal or everlasting. God made himself known to Moses and through him to the Israelites with the name Yahweh, "I am." Exodus 3:14-15 records, "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' ' God also said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers - the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob - has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.' " God is. He was and He will be. This is His divine nature. Revelation 1:8 quotes God again: " 'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the LORD God, 'Who is, and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.' " God is the Beginning and the End, but has (in himself) no beginning or end. The substance of God is infinite and without limitation and this extends to His existence from everlasting to everlasting.

God is eternal and holy; always perfect. Truly he deserves our worship and praise.

1 Kings 13

What is this passage all about?
A prophet from Judah cries out against the Jeroboam's altar at Bethel. Later, the prophet is deceived into disobeying God and is killed.

What can I learn from it?
There are two parts to this chapter. The first concerns the man of God from Judah and King Jeroboam. When the man of God prophesied against the altar at Bethel (vv2-3), King Jeroboam attempted to have him seized but the king's hand shriveled up and he was unable to use it (v4). The prophecy saw some initial fulfilment (v5 - it is completely fulfilled much later, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:15-20). At the king's request, the man of God prayed for healing and the king's hand was restored (v6). God made it clear to King Jeroboam that his sin in inducing the people of Israel to worship idols rather than the one true God would be judged, but the king continued in his sin regardless (v33-34), concerned only for his own health.
The second part of the chapter concerns the man of God from Judah and an old prophet living in Bethel whom he met on his way back, and what happened after that. The man of God had been told not to eat bread or drink water here (v8; that is, in Israel? or in Bethel? Bethel is at the extreme southern border of Israel, Shechem is north of that and Dan further north). When invited to eat with the king, that man of God said (v9), "I was commanded by the word of the LORD: 'You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.' " When an old prophet also asked the man of God to eat, again the man of God replied (v17), "I have been told by the word of the LORD: 'You must not bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.' " At this point, the old prophet claimed he had had his own divine revelation (v18): "the old prophet answered, 'I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.' ' (But he was lying to him.)" So the man of God ate and drank in the old prophet's house (v19). He was tricked into following the old prophet's description of God's instructions, rather than obeying what God had clearly told him directly.
After this, the old prophet condemned the man of God in the true words of the LORD (v21, 22b): " 'You have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you. ... Therefore your body will not be buried in the tomb of your fathers.' " What the old prophet had said came true. The man of God was killed by a lion on his way home (vv23-25). Hearing of his death, the old prophet said (v26), " 'It is the man of God who defied the word of the LORD. The LORD has given him over to the lion, which has mauled him and killed him, as the word of the LORD warned him.' " This was a serious judgement upon the man of God's failure to obey God's command. The old prophet retrieved the body and had it buried there at Bethel (vv27-32). When King Josiah destroyed the altar at Bethel many generations later, he left this tomb, containing the bones of both these prophets, undisturbed (2 Kings 23:18).

How can I apply this to my own life?
I need to value what God has taught me directly through His inerrant word in the Holy Scriptures above what other people (Christian or not) may say about Him or His will for me. Some people will deliberately lie, as did the old prophet of Bethel, perhaps in an attempt to test my committment to God, perhaps just out of sheer perversity. Others will be mistaken in what they pass on to me because they have themselves listened to false teaching rather than searching out the truth in the Bible. I think of this as the problem of the lowest common denominator, where "good" people come to believe and act according to what the least knowledgeable and wise person among them says and does. 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells me, "Do not be misled, 'Bad company corrupts good character.' " This was the situation which Paul attempted to prevent when he told Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2), "the things which you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." and (2 Timothy 3:16) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." This is not to say I should ignore my minister's sermons, or the doctrinal truths which are taught in catechisms, or the advice of godly Christian brothers and sisters. However, it does mean that I should test what they say against what the Bible says, and let the Bible have the final word.

1 Kings 12

What is this passage all about?
The greater part of Israel, led by Jereboam, rebel against Rehoboam (Solomon's son) and the house of David; this is God's doing.

What can I learn from it?
This chapter (esp vv 15-20) provides me with the knowledge of the beginnings of the divided kingdom. In the north, with his capital at Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, King Jeroboam (son of Nebat, an Ephraimite who had been one of Solomon's officials as per 1 Kings 11:26) ruled over Israel. "So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day." (v19.) In the south, with his capital at Jerusalem (where the temple and palace were), King Rehoboam (son of Solomon, line of David as per 1 Kings 11:43) reigned over Judah and any such Israelites who lived in the towns of Judah, including some of the tribe of Benjamin (v23). "Only the tribe of Juday remained loyal to the house of David." (v20.)
When Jeroboam and Israel rebelled, Rehoboam set out to make war against them but God sent a prophet to stop the army. " 'This is what the LORD says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.' " This verse (v24), along with v15, "So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the LORD," (which explained Rehoboam's choice to answer the people harshly) show that even though it was people who were consulting, talking, listening and ignoring, it was God who had formed the plan of events and was seeing it carried through to completion.
There is an immediate contrast with this scene and the first events of the new nation of Israel. King Jeroboam of Israel, faced with the possibility of losing his subjects to King Rehoboam when they journeyed to Jerusalem for temple worship, sought advice also (v28) and decided to build two idols. He lied to his subjects, " 'Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.' " (v28) and enticed them to worship the golden calves in Bethel and Dan, rather than the One True God at His holy temple in Jerusalem. King Jeroboam compounded his sin by building shrines on high places and appointing priests who were not Levites (v31), as well as instituting a religious festival at a time of his own choosing (v33). King Jeroboam thus set the pattern for the nation of Israel's rebellion, not just against the annointed kingship of the family line of David (as they chose another king), but also against God (as they worshipped idols). This is a classic example of sin - it isn't just rebellion against God's choices and will, it is rebellion against God himself.

How can I apply this to my own life?
The first section teaches me that it is better to listen to the wisdom of the elders than to listen to the advice of my own peers, but that God's will prevails even when we listen to bad advice!
On a more serious note, this passage seems to indicate that how we worship makes a difference, along with the obvious Who we worship. God is pleased when we worship Him according to the true knowledge that He has given us - giving Him glory for Who He really is. It wasn't golden calves that brought Israel up out of Egypt, it was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman (John 4:22-24), " 'You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth.' " I must worship the God I know, who has revealed Himself to me through His Son Jesus, not some conveniently made up idol of "I like to think God is like..." Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman continued (John 4:25-26): "The woman said, 'I know that Messiah' (called Christ) 'is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.' Then Jesus declared, 'I who speak to you am he.' " Only Jesus Christ makes truth-based, spirit-filled worship of God the Father possible.

Reading Plan

No Bible Study today. Instead I've been planning my way through the history and prophetic writings of Israel and Judah after the time of Solomon. I chose this section of my Bible to read through this year because there's the least underlining, notes and highlighting in this section (I am one of those people who write all over their Bibles) and that means I either haven't read some of this stuff before or at least not studied it thoroughly. This is what I am planning to read through in the rest of this year, as (History & Prophecy):

1 Kings 12 - 2 Kings 14
Amos
Hosea
2 Kings 15-16
Isaiah 1-35
2 Kings 17
Micah
Isaiah 36-39
2 Kings 18-20
Isaiah 40-66
2 Kings 21:1-9
Zephaniah
2 Kings 21:10-26
Jeremiah
2 Kings 22 - 23:28
[Nahum]
Habakkuk
2 Kings 23:29 - 24:20
Daniel 1-4
Ezekiel 1 - 33:20
2 Kings 25
Lamentations
Ezekiel 33:21 - 48
Obadiah
Daniel 5-6

Daniel 7-12
Ezra 1-6
Haggai
Zechariah
Ezra 7-10
Nehemiah
Malachi
Esther

I studied Ezekiel and Isaiah last year so I might skip them when I come to them, I'll see how I go. Also, for a break along the way, I might read some more of the NT epistles.

Nahum chiasm

A

Nahum 3

What is this passage all about?

Nahum prophesies of the fate of the Ninevites after the city's fall.

What can I learn from it?

The elements of this chapter that really make their mark on me are Nahum's explanation of Nineveh's sin which led to God's wrath. The destruction is (v4) "all because of the wanton lust of a harlot, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft." I am not sure whether this refers to the sin of an individual, because the following verses seem to be using personification to describe what was to happen to the entire city (esp v7), rather than describing what was to happen to a particular person (as might be indicated by v5). Back in 1:11, there was a reference to an individual, "From you, O Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the LORD and counsels wickedness." (In my possible extended chiastic structure - see below - 3:4 and 1:11 are paralells of eachother). If these sins are those of an individual, then the are most likely to be interpreted exactly as they read (ie prostitution, sorcery, witchcraft, drawing people into thesticky web of the cult of the individual). However if 3:4 refers more generally to Nineveh's entire population, the sins might be interpreted more metaphorically (ie general paganism and its common manifestations).

There is another description in this chapter of the actions of the people of Nineveh. Its merchants and guards are described like locusts (v15b-17), stripping the land and then flying away (esp v16b). Could the greed of Nineveh have been one element of it's sin which brought God's judgement?

Finally, Nahum reflects upon the response of other nations to Nineveh's fall (v19b): "Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?" Another of Nineveh's sins has been clearly described here: the endless cruelty of Nineveh over other people and nations.

On first read through I could not see anything that might expand the chiastic structure that I found yesterday, but on taking a closer look I think there are some paralells between chapters 1&3, so the chiasm might extend out through the entire book. I'll attempt to post my ideas on this structure seperately when my brain is functioning better and I have time.

How can I apply this to my own life?

The list of Nineveh's sins is thus:

1. Prostitution

2. Sorcery and witchcraft

3. Cultic practices which draw people in (and away from God)

4. Greed

5. Cruelty

If I'm honest with myself, I have been guilty of some of these sins in the past, and one or two I am still guilty of today. In particular the last two. I really don't want to think of myself as being just the same as Nineveh, but ...

Nahum 2

What is this passage all about?
Nahum warms Nineveh that the LORD Almighty is against the city so it will be attacked and fall; all its people will be carried off.

What can I learn from it?
The core of this passage is the detailed description of a city under seige, which is overthrown and its inhabitants are taken away. Nahum's prophecy provides a vivid but tragic picture of Ninevah's fall. After first giving a brief warning of coming attack (v1), and a short rationale (v2), Nahum gave his description of Ninevah's hectic preparations for defence, right down to the colours of the defending army (v3-5). Nahum tersely explained how the city's defences would be breached (the picked troops stumble v5, "the river gates are thrown open" v6a), Nahum went on to describe the havoc that would ensue (v6b-10), as Ninevah's people would be taken away "Ninevah is like a pool, and its water is draining away..." (v8) and the city was to be "pillaged, plundered, stripped!" (v10). Finally, there is something of a taunt to Ninevah (v11-12), "Where now is the lions' den...?"
Wait on a minute! I think there is one of those chiastic structure thingos in this passage. (Jeff's Former Prophets lecturer had him looking for them all the time in 1&2 Samuel last semester.) A chiastic structure is a rhetorical device typical of Hebrew poetry or prose, which takes the form of a reflection and serves to direct the reader's attention to the centre of the structure. Here is my breakdown:

A - 1:15a Messenger brings good news of peace to Judah

B - 1:15b Promise of security for Judah

C - 2:1 An attacker advances on Nineveh

D - 2:2 The LORD will restore Judah, though once they were laid waste

E - 2:3a Nineveh's army prepares for battle

F - 2:3b Nineveh's glorious chariots muster

G - 2:4a Ninevah's chariots storm through streets

H – 2:4b The chariots dart like lightning

I - 2:5a Nineveh's picked troops are summoned

J - 2:5bThe picked troops stumble

K -2:5c Nineveh's troops dash to the wall

K' - 2:6a The river gates are thrown open [ie invaders enter]

J' - 2:6b The palace collapses

I' - 2:7 It is decreed that the city be exiled

H’ – The slave girls moan like doves

G' - 2:8 Nineveh's people leave the city

F' - 2:9 Nineveh's marvellous wealth is to be plundered

E' - 2:10 Nineveh is pillaged and the people fail

D' - 2:11-12 The "lions' den" of Nineveh will be no more, though once they killed many

C' - 2:13a The LORD Almighty declares Himself to be the attacker

B' - 2:13b Promise of destruction for Nineveh

A' - 2:13c Voices of Nineveh's messengers will no longer be heard

I am absolutely blown away. This is amazing! When I first realised there was a possible pair with the two mentions of messengers, I thought there might be a chiasm. The closer I looked at this passage, the more intricate the rhetorical device was revealed to be! There is a definite development of the reflected statements, which I have represented with the different letter pairs. At the centre of the chiasm, there is a sort of double reflective effect which I have tried to show with my indenting. Now I am wondering if I looked further out (ie before 1:15 and in chapter 3) I would find more of this structure, or if what I have found just happens to come in the middle of this book. I'll have to look for that tomorrow.

So what does all this emphasis draw me to? The central point (K/K') seems to be the actual event of the unsuccessful defence of Nineveh's wall. There are two mini centres (I and I') which emphasise the different leaders' instructions. The ends of the chiasm (as far out as I have examined so today) declare that it is the LORD Almighty who is in control of all these events. Thus the main lesson that I am finding seems to be along the line of the proverb "man proposes, God disposes". Regardless of who says what about an event, it is God who is in control of the outcome.

How does this apply to my own life?
The minute detail of the chiastic structure of this passage, combined with the vividness of the description it contains, both remind me of the fact that God is involved with the details of my own life, and not just the major crises. Now I know this application doesn't necessarily derive from the main point that I considered above but it is certainly intimately related to it. The LORD Almighty is not a god who is removed from everyday life. He has His hand deep into the nitty gritty of my life. I need to remember that every day, especially when I am tempted to tell myself "this is just a little out of God's will and He won't really notice or care," or "this decision is not important enough for me to share with God, so I won't bother," or "this pain in my life is not big enough for me to concern God about, so I won't take the time to ask for His help." Each of these statements is wrong-headed, and I do need to take my actions, my decisions and my worries to Him, whether they be big or small.

Nahum 1

What is this passage about?

The prophet Nahum records an oracle (prophecy) concerning the coming destruction of Ninevah and resulting freedom of the nation of Judah.

What can I learn from it?

Putting this book in context, accodring to Old Testament Survey by (Lasor, Hubbard & Bush), this book was written between 663BC (the fall of Thebes, cf Nahum 3:8-10) and 612BC (the fall of Ninevah), possibly circa 615BC (when the armies of Babylon and Mede formed a coalition to attack Ninevah, which was a great city in Assyria.) Thus Nahum's prophecy occured well after the time of Jonah.

A complete dichotomy is presented in these verses. Firstly and primarily, they show that God "takes vengence on his foes" (v2). God is described (v2-6) as jealous, an avenger, filled with wrath, (yet slow to anger); he does not leave the guilty unpunished. He is great in power: in control of the whirlwind and the storm, the sea and rivers, mountains, hills and rocks. Secondly, and as a counterpoint (v7), God "cares for those who trust in him." He is good, a refuge (safe haven).

These two co-existing parts of God's nature are, in this chapter, prophesied to evidence themselves in the end of Nineveh (v8) which is coming. Nineveh has been the source of an evil plot against the LORD, (v11) and Nahum describes them as God's foes (v8) who are vile (v14). Nahum warns that these wrongdoers will be punished by God, despite their earthly strength in numbers and in their political alliances (v12). As a consequence of the passing away of the Assyrian empire (epitomised in the cutting off of Ninevah), God shall release His people the Jews from their slavery (v13). God is going to demonstrate His loving care for His chosen people by giving them peace (v15) and enabling them to once again celebrate their religious festivals and fulfil their vows to Him (v16).

How does this apply to my life?

At first glance, an oracle written to warn long-ago Ninevites of their coming destruction at the hands of the rising nation of Bablyon has very little to offer someone like me, who lives in Australia two and a half thousand years later. But as with all of God's word, there is something in it that is profitable for me, because (as I considered from the Westminster Shorter Catechism's third question yesterday), this prophecy can teach me something of who God is. His nature is eternally unchanging, and the God who meted out justice upon the Ninevites will also, one day, judge me for my sins. God is a just judge, who will punish all who deserve punishment (and that's everybody, including me). He hates my sin. That is why Proverbs 9:10 teaches that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." I'm so sorry, my LORD. I kneel humbled at your feet.

Likewise, I can take comfort that the same God who rescued the Jews so that they might worship Him according to His commands has also made provision for my rescue. Once again a whispering promise of the gospel is heard through the Old Testament! While God used an army to provide religious freedom to the Jews at the time of this prophecy, today He has provided for me to have a free relationship with Him through the atoning death and victorious resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You God!

Shorter Catechism Q3

What do the scriptures principally teach?
The scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Okay, so I already knew this one. It's good to think that I have either worked out the right doctrine through my own study of God's word or that I have sat under some good teaching (church sermons, BSF, small group Bible studies, night lectures at theol college...) which has taught me the great truths of the Christian faith articulately enough that they have been included within my own understanding of the faith (which, I'll freely admit, still has a lot of room to grow).
The Bible includes a whole lot of different genres of writing, by a number of authors who lived over a period of several thousand years and wrote with different immediate audiences in mind. Despite this apparent diversity in content, it is pretty clear to anyone who has attempted to summarise the Bible's message into one sentence (as I recall being asked to do 5 or so years ago in a small group Bible study) that the Bible is all about who God is (aka theology, or knowledge of God; the sound basis of our faith and belief) and also about how we should live in light of who God is (aka Christian duty, morality, righteousness, holy living, good works which God has prepared for us as per Ephesians 2:10 & 2 Timothy 3:17, working out one's salvation with fear and trembling as per Philippians 2:12).
Both of these elements are necessary for us as Christians. It is not enough to know intellectually who God is, we must act rightly in response to this knowledge. James wrote (James 2:19, 22-23), "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder. ... You see that [Abraham's] faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend." Jesus used a parable of two sons to explain this inescapable duality (Matthew 21:28-32). It is not enough to recognise God's authority with words, one must also act in accordance with what He commands with His authority.
Likewise, morally upright behaviour that is not done in full knowledge of God and submission to Him is insufficient, in that it does not further the chief end of man in glorifying God and enjoying Him. This was the attitude of the Pharisees who became so caught up in obeying their interpretations of God's commands that they forgot who they were meant to be obeying and refused to recognise God's Messiah when He came. Jesus criticised these people in his parable of the tenants (which follows the former parable, in Matthew 21:33-45). In this parable, those who follow the law without recognising the lawgiver are told clearly (Matthew 21:43) that "the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit."
Obviously there are bits of the Bible that do not add to this core message of doctrine and duty; that's why this question asks about what the Scriptures principally teach. There are more and less informative parts of the Bible, and some parts of the Bible are actually more important than others, in line with how they increase one's understanding of either of these two topics. However no part of the Bible is unfruitful or without its purpose. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16.
We read the Bible so that we might know God and learn to do His will.

The Highs and Lows of Faith part 2

Preacher:
Jeff Jackson (Ministry Intern, and my husband)

Passage:
Psalm 128

Message:
Jeff spoke about the Christian response to blessings in our lives. Firstly, he explained the probable historical background to this psalm, of the Jews returning from exile and looking forward to once more living under the blessing of God in their Promised Land. He explained that the Jews were looking forward to living a life of freedom instead of slavery, a life where they were able to raise their children within the Jewish faith without interference from foreign rulers.
Jeff showed us that a right attitude enables us to perceive that the good things in our lives come from God, even when a worldly perspective would tell us that they were simply the reward of hard work or good luck. All good things are a gift from God. In the agrarian society of post-exile Israel, eating the fruit of their labour (v2) was a blessing from God because they had been given their freedom from slavery in exile by God and their farm land was given to them by God. Likewise, the simile of the fruitful vine and olive shoots (v3) show the recognition of current blessings of being able to raise one's own family and the promise of future blessings as children are raised within the Jewish faith and are brought up to maturity in the family where they too, can be a channel for God's blessings to parents and even grandparents. Today, we need to look for God's hand of providence in blessing us. We need to acknowledge that it is God who is the source of the good things in our life, even if our own efforts have contributed towards the end. The success of any venture is up to God to provide.
In all this, it is essential to realise that it is "all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways" (v1, cf v4) who are blessed. We are blessed in and through our Christian faith, rather than apart from it. God blesses us because He is our Father and He loves us and desires our good. In recognising this aspect, we should come to value our responsibility to bring up our children in our Christian faith. We need to bring our children up in the Lord in order that they might be the blessing to us that is promised within the simile of olive shoots in this passage. We seek His blessings through our obedience to His word, our conformity to the path that He has called us to walk.
Finally, the proper response is thankfulness. Not just gratitude (ie, happy recognition that we are, indeed, blessed) but an actual response towards God to give Him glory for what He has done in our lives. As with the 10 lepers that Jesus healed (Luke 17:11-19), we can respond to God's loving kindness towards us in two ways. We can run off and enjoy the blessings that God has given to us, or we can turn to Him and thank Him for them, even as we enjoy them. The latter, is, obviously, the better choice!

Comment:
I love this psalm. I especially appreciate its reminder that I can be the source of blessing to my husband through being like a "fruitful vine" in his house. As I seek to serve my husband as his "suitable helper", I am acting as a channel for God's grace to flow into the life of the man I love. This is a very precious opportunity.

I also needed this reminder to be thankful for what God has given me, the tangible blessings in my life rather than the spiritual. God has given me a wonderful husband who also loves Him, four children who are also growing to know and love the Lord, a home that abundantly meets our needs, friends and family who are a source of encouragement and support to us, the opportunity for Jeff to study theology full time for three years and for me also to study part time along with him, a fantastic church family who love to serve us and are grateful for our ministry to them... my list could go on. Thank You God for these many blessings you have poured out on my life as I have sought to walk in Your ways. You are my Heavenly Father and I know that all I have comes from Your hand. Amen.

Jonah 4

What is this passage all about?

Jonah complains to God of his compassion in forgiving the Ninevites and God responds with an object lesson on the love of God.

What can I learn from it?

Jonah had a really bad attitude. Again. I guess he did the right thing with it this time, though, because he prayed to God about it, and listened when God taught him about His reasons. Which, by the way, there was absolutely no compulsion on God to do - consider what God had to say to Job in a similar situation (Job 40:1, 8-9ff): "The LORD said to Job: 'Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!' ... 'Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his?' " In the case of Jonah, God took a different tack. He showed Jonah how He felt about the Ninevites.

Jonah knew that God was "a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity." (v2) But Jonah didn't really understand the grace, compassion, patience and love of God. When God caused the vine to first grow up over Jonah, sheltering him from the fierce heat, and then to wither, exposing him to the elements, He showed Jonah how much we people can come to care for things which are ephemeral and fairly meaningless in the scheme of things. Jonah (who, it must be admitted, had been through a fairly rough time lately) felt so badly about the withering of the plant that he just wanted to give it all up and die (v8, cf v3). But God gave Jonah a wake up call (v10a, 11). " 'You have been concerned about this vine. ... But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned for that great city?' " As much as Jonah was concerned over the vine, his feelings paled into insignificance when compared to the love and concern that God had (and still has) for each and every one of the people of the earth, even those who know nothing of spiritual matters. That's why God sent his Son Jesus to earth to die for the eternal salvation of each of us sinners. John 3:16 (my kids' memory verse for this week) says, "For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." It is also why the church needs to send out more evangelists to preach the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. As Paul declared in his letter to the Romans (10:14-15), "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' "

How can I apply this to my own life?

The first verse of this chapter sounds so familiar: "But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry." There are so many times when what I want or think is best goes against what God has told me He wants. Why can't we keep our house and just not go to Theol college? Why can't we stay in Darwin where I have friends and not move to Perth where I don't know anyone? These are some of the questions I got frustrated about with God a few years ago. Yet it is now really obvious to me how much God has shown His love for me when we did His will in these matters, selling up and moving to Perth so Jeff could attend Theological college. We rent an amazingly cheap and convenient four bedroom house with a huge back yard, and truly, it's only the days over 40 degrees when I miss our swimming pool! I'm learning to trust God with His gift of shelter to me, because His provision so far has been absolutely bounteous. And as for friends, God has given me some of the biggest blessings in my life through several women I have met here in Perth, women who love God and seek to know Him more, and are great witnesses to me. I should be thanking God more often, methinks! And I also need to look for opportunities to share my testimony of God's grace and goodness with others.
Lately, I've been feeling this same emotion of annoyance at God again though, because one of my friends (who is pregnant) has been diagnosed with leukaemia. Of this, I need to repent. Yet already it seems God has been comforting her and making things with medication etc so much easier than she had first feared. I need to continue to pray for her, and to show her God's love in my care and concern for her. I need to remember God's loving concern, and trust Him.

Jonah 3

What is this passage all about?

Jonah finally proclaims God's message in Ninevah; the Ninevites repent and God has compassion for them.

What can I learn from it?

There is such a contrast between 1:3, "But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish..." and 3:3, "Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh..." At last, after the ordeal of sea storm and his time inside the fish, not to mention the whole being vomited up by a fish experience, Jonah was prepared to obey. So Jonah went to Nineveh and began to announce God's message that God would overturn the city in forty days. I guess Jonah didn't really feel he had any other choice but to preach God's word (if I was in his position, I wouldn't be trying to run away again), but at least he got on with it at last. Talk about a reluctant prophet!

In contrast, the people of Ninevah responded immediately to the word of God. Straight away, they declared their repentance with the typical public forms of fasting and mourning (v5): "The Ninevites believed God. The declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth." Even the king of Ninevah, when he heard the news, saw the need for repentance and made sure everyone got involved. He told the people (v8b-9), "...Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." The king saw the need for the public signs of repentance to be accompanied by both prayers for mercy and also by a change of behaviour. The king knew - or at least hoped - that there was a possibility of God forgiving them if they really did turn from the evil that He hated.

I am so happy when I read the last verse of this chapter (v10): "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened." Hooray! I can look back at this instance of God showing His loving kindness to the Ninevites (first through His grace in sending a prophet to warn them, then in His mercy in forgiving them their sins) and be reminded of the same situation in my own life. The people of Ninevah weren't God's chosen people, they weren't Israelites, but they still had to answer to Him, just as I do. When they chose to respond with repentance and an acknowledgement of His authority over them (in accepting the words of His prophet), He forgave them. 1 John 1:9 and 2:1b-2 say, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ... if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defence - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

How does this apply to my own life?

Just like the Ninevites, I need to stop behaving badly, and turn to God, who has authority over my life, in repentance, asking for mercy. I can do this in the sure knowledge that Jesus is interceding on my behalf, and I have forgivenness through His death on the cross.

Jonah 2

What ius this passage all about?

Jonah recalls what happened, how he felt, what he did and how God saved him when he was thrown overboard from the ship.

What can I learn from it?

This prayer or poem or however it should best be described is pretty clear about how Jonah saw his predicament (eg v5) but Jonah wass also clear on who he felt was to blame, and it wasn't the sailors who threw him overboard. Jonah states (v3), "You hurled me into the deep... all your waves and breakers swept over me." It was certainly a desperate situation for a man who probably couldn't swim. I'm not surprised that it was only when Jonah felt himself about to die that he remembered his God to whom he could call out for help (v7). Jonah didn't stop praying once he was (relatively) safe inside the great fish that God has provided, either (v1). God answered Jonah's prayer for salvation and his promises of sacrifice (demonstrating repentance) and thanksgiving: "And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." (v10) This last verse doesn't indicate a God who was only punishing Jonah as long as he was recalcitrant. Rather, God did what He had planned to do to get Jonah to obey Him. God's will is always greater than our self-will.

Jonah states three times that it was God who saved him from a watery grave: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry." (v2) and, "To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God." (v6) A fourth time, Jonah proclaims, "Salvation comes from the LORD." (v9) God is mighty to save, and He does protect us and strengthen us in trials which serve to build us up in Christ-likeness.

How does this apply to my own life?

When I am in trouble, whether it is a result of my own sin or for some other reason, I need to turn to God who is able to save me. God is not in the business of making frivolous wishes come true, but He is the only source of eternal salvation. Ultimately, I need to remember that my life is in His hands and He loves me and desires the best for me. God needs to mold me into the person

Jonah 1

What is this passage all about?

Jonah flees on a ship from the Lord to avoid doing His will, and the Lord brings a storm such that Jonah is blamed by the sailors and thrown into the sea.

What can I learn from it?

I think the principal message of this chapter is that God is sovereign. There are quite a few details in this chapter - it isn't as light on the facts as some children's Bible story books would have it. In all the minutae, God is demonstrated to be in control. It was God who spoke His word which sent Jonah running in the first place (v1). "The the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up." (v4) Thus God is shown as being in control over the wind and the waves (cf Mark 4:35-41.) The sailors are frightened (it must have been a very big storm) but they attempt to deal with it their way: through prayers to their own pagan gods and lightening the ships load so it will sit higher in the water (v5) and God doesn't respond. Curiously, Jonah is asleep (v5). Perhaps he was exhausted by the emotion involved in rebelling against God? The captain, knowing there is a foreigner on board, wakes Jonah and entreats him to call upon his God also (as obviously the other gods aren't willing or able to control the storm) (v6). The sailors attempt to determine who has angered the gods by casting lots, and, because God is in control over this tiny detail also, the lot falls to Jonah (v7). The sailors, knowing that their pagan gods could not protect them from the wrath of Jonah's God, ask him who he is and who his God is who is punishing him (v8) and Jonah tells them, plainly, " 'I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.' " (v9) The sailors are terrified at the description of this God, and ask what Jonah has done that he needs to run from Him (v10). All this talking about Who is reponsible isn't stopping the storm, so the sailors ask Jonah what they should do (v11). I don't think Jonah was thinking of suicide, but he seems pretty resigned to the fact that God is in control out at sea as well as he was in the land of Israel, and he tells the sailors to throw him overboard (v12). In all this conversation, there is an awareness on both sides that it is Jonah's God who is in control, and that Jonah's God is interested and involved in Jonah's choices and actions. God is portrayed in this passage as not only mighty, but also intimately involved with His people.

The sailors think Jonah's proposed solution is not very nice, so they attempt to row to land, presumably to put Jonah ashore. But that's not part of God's plan, and he thwarts their attempts (v13). So the sailors, for the first time, call out to the one true God for mercy for their actions (v14), "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased." And they thrown Jonah overboard. At once the sea grows calm (v15). The men respond to the knowledge that God is able to stop what He has started with reverent fear, and they make a sacrifice and promises to him (v16). I am reminded of Hosea 6:6, which says, "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings." God has used Jonah's refusal to obey for His own glory. Although it is obviously not the best choice, it is clear that God will be glorified in all that He does, regardless of our responses.

So it is in the last verse. God, once again, demosntrates that He is in control. "But the LORD provided..." (v17) I used to get hung up over whether it was a really big fish, or a whale, but recently I realised that the Israelites, not being a sea-going nation, probably wouldn't have had the vocabulary to distinuish between them anyway. The important thing is not what genus and species the sea-going animal was, it's that God sent it to take Jonah where He wanted him to be.

How does this apply to me?

Firstly, I need to worship God in recognition of His sovereignty (rule over all things). For example, when I sing "My comfort, my shelter" (I'm teaching the kids "Shout to the Lord" at the moment in Circle Time) I am singing of God's goodness in providing for me which is enabled because He is powerful and mighty, in control of all.

Secondly, I need to be remember this when I pray. I should be confident. Sure, as I was reminded in Sunday's sermon, sometimes God chooses not to rescue me from tribulations, but I do need to remember always that I am praying to God who can do all things.

2 Timothy 4

What is this passage all about?

Paul charges Timothy to preach the word because Paul's ministry is almost over.

What can I learn from it?

It appears that Paul is, in some respects, handing over the mantle of his office in this letter. He isvery direct in his charge to Timothy in verse 2, and his reasons for it, in v3 and v6. Paul is concerned that it is not enough that he has evangelised many among several different continents. It is vital that the message be upheld and continue to spread. Paul knows that, as in the nation of Israel people turned from their worship of the One True God, so now people will prefer to hear easier, more congenial doctrines than the sound doctrine of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, which is a free gift from God.

Paul is also very aware that his time on earth is nearing its end. He returns to the same imagery of an athlete running a race that he mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:5 (exhorting Timothy) as well as Galatians 2:2 and Philippians 3:12-14 (referring to himself) and Galatians 5:7 (referring to other Christians). Hebrews 12:1-3 also uses this metaphor. Having written in other letters of his progress in the race towards the goal of knowing Christ, being made perfect, and taking hold of the righteousness that Jesus has already won for him, Paul is confident that he has done what he can and looks eagerly towards the crown of righteousness that is in store for him.

Paul reflects on God's provision to him at the time of his first trial when it was the Lord, rather than people, who stood at his side. This can be an encouragement to all Christians who face persecution and particularly those whose persectution means that they are left alone without the support of their fellow Christians. Even at these times, we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is always with us and will give us strength to endure trials and even to continue to speak about the gospel in the face of this oppression. I think particularly of the church in China, with regard to this, and also of my friend David who is in the Sudan, preaching the gospel of salvation through Christ's blood to people there so that they might have the hope of something that will last eternally, rather than just as long as the present relative peace from civil war.

Paul also desires to see Timothy one last time, and asks several times (vv9,21) that he would come quickly. I am reminded that Paul was a person, not just a character in a tale. That is, in this passage I can see evidence of Paul's humanness. It is okay to feel the need for family and friends at times! God has given us the precious encouragement of fellow Christians, and it is a wonderful blessing.

How does this apply to my own life?

I need to keep praying for David as he faces the dangers of the Sudan.

I should let myself be encouraged by my fellow Christian, and seek to be an encouragement to them also - good to keep in mind as I

2 Timothy 3

What is this passage all about?

Paul again warns Timothy of the dangers of men who oppose the truth, particularly that they may lead weak-willed women astray, and contrasts this with the reliability of the Scriptures.

What can I learn from it?

People who oppose the truth will try to convince others that their way is correct, and many will fall for it. Paul's comments in vv6-7 indicate that women will be particularly susceptible to any such false teaching. Going back as far as Eve this has been the case, and as I consider the messages portrayed in many women's magazines (for example) today, I know this is still the case.

One of my favourite passages in included in this chapter. I guess for a lot of people this is also a familiar and favourite verse. Actually, I have used this verse as the basis for the name of our homeschool, Equip Academy, because I have wanted to keep God's purposes at the heart of our teaching. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 says, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

How can I apply this to my own life?

I read through Paul's list at the beginning of chapter 3 and all I can think of is to ask God to keep me from being like that - and to open my eyes if I am that way right now.

Am I weak-willed? Am I easily swayed? Am I always seeking a new path rather than acknowledging the true path? I know this last one would have described me a few years back, before I met Jeff and began a deep relationship with God through Jesus' blood. I don't thinkg any of them apply to me now, but this is by God's grace, as He has given me the opportunity to learn more from His word. I need to remember what Paul has said of the Scriptures in vv 15-17, and continue to seek to be thoroughly equipped by Him, rather than thoroughly deceived by the world's false teachers.

Shorter Catechism Q2

What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
The word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Sometimes the descriptor "Word of God" is used to describe Jesus Christ (eg, John 1:1ff), but that is not the case in this catechism answer. In this case, the word of God is the written expression of God's message to the all people which He has given us in the Scriptures, aka the Holy Bible, both its New and Old Testaments. According to the Exposition that I am reading, the word "Testament" is a way of referring to the covenants (promises) of God that are at the core of the Biblical narrative.
In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul exhorted Timothy to entrust Paul's apostolic teachings to those who would be reliable in their witnessing to others. One way this happened was through the collected canon of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3 also has something to say on the scriptures, but that's my Bible passage for Monday so I'll consider it then. In 1 John 1:3-4, the disciple John writes "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete." As I saw with the first catechism question, the end point of a relationship with God, based upon the direction ("rule") of the Bible, is joy in Him.
Peter's second letter also touches on the topic of the apostolic authority and authorship of the canon of Scripture. 2 Peter 1:12-16, 19-21 says, "So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think that it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Chris, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ...
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Thus the three apostles (Paul, John and Peter) who wrote the majority of the doctrinal epistles found in the New Testaments all concur as to the authoratitive nature of their accounts of Jesus Christ and the truth of the gospel based upon His atoning death.
The Westminster Larger Confession adds this reasoning, in its answer to its fourth question: "The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God, by their majesty and purity; by the consent of all the parts, and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God; by their light and power to convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation: but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very Word of God."

The Highs and Lows of Faith part 1

Preacher:

Jeff Jackson (Ministry Intern, and my husband)

Passage:

Psalm 13

Message:

Jeff talked about the reality of unanswered prayer - how sometimes, as for David when he prayed desperately for the life of Bathsheba's first son, God doesn't release us from a terrible situation. Sometimes we really are suffering horrendously and at other times it just seems like we are on the brink of death and God is not responding to our prayers. Often as Christians we can feel guilty about such reactions, feeling bad about feeling bad. We pray for a bad situation to end, and it doesn't. We have to stay in the horrible job, we cannot fix a broken relationship, we stay sick. Psalm 13 gives us evidence that it's natural to feel frustrated by situations like this.

But we shouldn't remain in this state of desperation forever. We need to remind ourselves of God's great love for us, His previous goodness to us and most of all of His gift of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. When we celebrate the baptism of a fellow Christian, we are reminded of this gift of salvation that has been given to us, regardless of our earthly circumstances, and we can rejoice. We are also often reminded of God's goodness to us when we meet together as a congregation each Sunday and hear what God has done in the lives of His people through the week.

Comment:

We had five baptisms today, so our sermon was much shorter than it usually is. Jeff had to condense his talk into about 10mins, so he didn't go into much depth. However, this sermon followed hard on the heals of my reading 2 Timothy 1, with its encouragement to be unashamed of the gospel even though it is for the gospel's sake that Paul was suffering in chains. Together, these two passages remind me that God is sovereign despite what we see in the short term of our present situation. God is good, and He has our eternal good in mind when He permits our suffering. As Paul wrote in Romans 8:28-30, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

2 Timothy 2

What is this passage all about?

Paul exhorts Timothy to avoid quarrelling about words and rather to teach the true gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul has taught him and many others.

What can I learn from this?

Three times in this passage (vv14,16,23) Paul warns against getting involved in arguments with people who have distorted the gospel. This warning should echo as forcefully to Christians today. There are many people (just like Hymaneus and Philetus, v17) who present their own gospels, which have some things in common with that of the true gospel of Christianity, but which, when considered in their entirety, are completely false. Often these people present themselves to the world as Christians, but they are not. They give Christianity a bad name by making claims on its behalf which they have no right to make, and living lives that are not consistent with the true gospel. Paul's method of dealing with these people prevents them from polluting the doctrines of the church. After repeating the basics of the true gospel in v8ff, Paul tells Timothy in v14, "Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God of quarrelling about words; it is of no value and only ruins those who listen." This is sound advice for us today. Don't expect to convert a person who holds a distorted doctrine unless you are a preacher (see vv24-15, where Paul tells Timothy how he is to go about this.) Don't even get involved with them in wars of words. This will only cause you to question your own understanding of the truth, and perhaps fall into error yourself.

Rather, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8.) It is much better to listen to your own minister and read your own Bible. (Make sure that you attend a church with a high view of the Bible and its veracity.) If a Christian desires deeper teaching than is available within their own local church, they should consider the advice of their own minister in what Bible or Theological college to study at, one which follows the advice of Paul (v2), "the things you have heard me say in the presence of many withnesses entrust to reliable me n

How does this apply to my own life?

I need to avoid contentious behaviour! Paticularly where people are espousing liberal interpretations of the Bible, I need to avoid arguments and walk away. It is better for me to (1) pray for these people, that they might come to know the truth of the gospel from a godly teacher; (2) avoid exposing myself to faulty reasoning founded on unsound premises; and (3) spend the time growing in the truth, instead.

2 Timothy 1

What is this passage all about?
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul encourages him to be unashamed of the gospel and of Paul, who is incarcerated for the sake of the gospel in Rome.

What can I learn from this?
Being a mother, of course I love verse 5, which says, "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." It is a great encouragement to me that the sincere faith of a parent may be passed on from one generation to the next. Of course, this doesn't occur automatically, rather it comes through God's responses to the intercessory prayers and teaching of the parents (cf 2 Timothy 3:14-15).
Paul's focus in this passage is on encouraging Timothy, who, Paul knows, has been deeply saddened by what has happened to Paul (in v4 Paul remembers Timothy's tears.) Paul wants Timothy to be unashamed of the gospel and to live in the power of God that comes through that same gospel. Paul writes in verses 7-9a, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace." This statement seems quite radical in its view of suffering as being undergone on the behalf of the gospel. Not only that, but the suffering is undergone with strength through the power of God - to uplift one's spirit from timidity (cowering meekness) to love and self-discipline (self-control).
Paul's reasoning behind this is that, whatever the deeds of men in fighting against the gospel of Jesus Christ and His apostles who share that gospel, this teaching is "sound," a "good deposit" within believers. It is worthwile undergoing many pains because Jesus Christ is trustworthy and we have a sure hope of eternal life through Him.

How can I apply this to my own life?
This is one of those passages to store up and remember so that, in times of trials, I may return to it and be encouraged. Paul wrote this in the last period of his imprisonment in Rome, I think this letter is though to be his last (extant). Yet Paul displays a faith in God that is seeing him through his trials. I pray that, if the time comes that I may experience bitter persecution in my faith, I may follow the example of Paul and be encouraged, like Timothy, to hold firm to the faith that I have received

1 Timothy 6

What is this passage all about?

Paul instructs Timothy regarding respect for masters, a right attitude to money, and fighting the good fight of the faith in light of the glory of God.

What can I learn from it?

Despite having written in his last chapter that the church elders are worth double honour because the worker deserves his wages, (5:17-18), Paul recognised that some people will desire to become leaders and teachers with a financial motive in their heart, rather than a godly motive (v5). Paul has some good advice in this chapter as to the right attitude to money. "But godliness with contentment is great gain... But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (vv6&8) Paul indicates that it is the contentment that we feel with what we have that is the real benefit, rather than having much. This is a classic lesson seen in the gift giving bonanza that we often indulge in over Christmas. Material things will never satisfy us. Being realistic, nothing will satisfy our thirsting natures at this present time, because until Christ's return we all still live in a world that is marred by the effects of sin. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whover drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14) Satisfaction that doesn't wear off is only available from one source: the holy and eternal God.

Paul continues his discussion of money matters with a warning of the dangers associated with a desire to be rich. I am sure verse 10a is well known even to non-Christians: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Paul describes the desire to be rich as a trap and a source of temptation to sin. It does seem easy to make bad choices if we have making money as an important goal.

Finally on this topic Paul recommends a course of action if one finds themselves to be rich. They are to "put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share." (vv17-18)

How can I apply this to my own life?

Even though, in our marriage, Jeff and I have consciously made efforts to choose paths that value other things over the acquisition of money, I have had to guard my thoughts well, because it is easy to become greedy and jealous of what others have - even when I only see pictures in sale catalogues or magazines. As we collect our new TV in the next few days, I'll have to watch this even more, being careful about what I see, with advertisements but also just with what programs we choose to watch.

At present, we qualify for various welfare payments from our generous government - and thus have an income measureably below what is considered "good" in this country - and yet it is clear to me that our family is wealthy in many things, having no lack for the food or clothing that Paul mentions in verse 8. Opportunities to be generous and willing to share what I have abound, I just need to keep my eyes - and mind - open.

1 Timothy 5

What is this passage all about?

Paul explains to Timothy how the church can help widows and how it should relate to its elders.

What can I learn from it?

1 Timothy seems to be a letter of lists. In this chapter Paul gives a list of the marks of a good woman, one who, in her old age and without a husband to support her, is worthy of the support and aid of the church. She "has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds." (vv9b-10.) This is a list of godly priorities to aspire to!

Paul also lists profitable occupations for younger widows, in order that they are not caught up in idleness that, in turn, gives opportunity for sin. Paul writes (v14) "I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander." This is another list which speaks of the broad responsibilities that God has appointed as good deeds for a married woman to work at.

How can I apply this to my own life?

There are elements of this passage which deal specifically with widows. Now I am not a widow, but I may someday be in this position, so it is important that I understand what Paul says. These two lists give me a guideline from which I can order and prioritise my daily activities, and helps me to answer those questions I mentioned before, "Do I have the freedom to do this? Is this the best use of my time?" In particular, I need to focus my energies on

1. being a faithful wife to my husband in all matters

2. bringing up my children

3. managing my home

4. showing hospitality

5. serving my fellow believers

6. ministering to those in trouble; and

7.

1 Timothy 4

What is this passage all about?

Paul exhorts Timothy in his leadership and teaching that he may avoid ascetic doctrines that ignore the goodness of God's creation, and that Timothy shall be diligent in his tasks.

What can I learn from it?

Paul warns Timothy of the dangers of those who would teach asceticism, a lifestyle of denial. Paul amkes a distinction between this life which avoids those thisngs which are good gifts from God (such as marriage and good food) and the life where one determinedly seeks holiness. A Christian's life is not about keeping ourselves shut off from the world, it is about showing the glory of God in the world. This takes effort. To encourage Timothy, Paul usews phrases such as "train yourself" (v7), "we labour and strive" (v10), "devote yourself" (v13), "Be diligent" and "give yourself wholly" (v15).

One of my favourite verses from this passage relates to Timothy's age. Obviously he is not a child, but he is one of the second generation of Christians, those who have been brought up to know the Christian faith. He is not an apostle (a flollower of Jesus who stayed with Him throughout his earthly ministry) but he was annointed with a gift for teaching ministry through a prophecy and the laying on of hands (v14). Paul tells Timothy (in v12), "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

How can I apply this to my own life?

As a parent, I should be encouraging my children, just as Paul encourages Timothy, his son in the faith, to live lives that are an example to other believers. Not because they are children of a minister-to-be (God-willing!), but because they are children of the Most High God. I should be modelling to them this life of godly speech, life, love, faith and purity; and I should teach them to also.

1 Timothy 3

What is this passage all about?

Paul advises Timothy of the personal pre-requisites for leadership within the church, so that people may conduct themselves in a manner which accords with the incarnation of the Son of God.

What can I learn from it?

I find it interesting that "able to teach" is way down at seventh on the list of characteristics for overseers. In terms of job descriptions, it seems to me from the obvious application of v5, that overseers were charged with taking care of the church - pastoral care and management, and from this snippet of v2, probably also teaching. Deacons, it seems from vv10&13, are especially involved in service to the church.

Wives of deacons (or deaconesses, according to the v11 footnote) "are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworhy in everything." This brings to mind Phoebe, of whom Paul wrote to the Romans (16:1-2) "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant [footnote: deaconess] of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me." Of course there are other women mentioned as having served well (I listed some in my reflections on 1 Timothy 2,) but Phoebe seems to shine as an example. Paul's commendation demonstrates just how deep his respect for Phoebe was, for her great help to him and other believers.

How can I apply this to my own life?

There are two ways this passage specifically applies to me. Firstly, I need to ask myelf whether there is anything I can do better to assist my husband (who is training to be an "overseer"), in training our children to obey their father, and in managing our household well under his leadership. I think in this area my most serious weakness is distractibility, or lack of consistency. I need to be continually asking myself before I plunge into things, "Do I have the freedom to do this? Is this the best use of my time for our family?"

Second, I must consider whether I am, as Jeff's wife, worthy of respect, not one who seeks to harm others with my words (rather to build them up), temperate (calm in spirit) and trustworthy in everything (even the small things)? From this list I really need to work on temperance. I need to keep a lid on my temper and limit my expectations so that I don't fall into the trap of over-reacting when something upsets my plans. I also need to change my approach to some things when I see it's not working, otherwise I am wasting my time and energy. It's no use, for example, calling one of my kid's names for a second, third or fourth time, in an ever louder voice. If they didn't respond the first time, I need to go and get them and bring them to where I need them to be.

Shorter Catechism Q1

What is the chief end of man?
Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.

To glorify God is to make the glory of God known to others. How does one do this? 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Jesus said of Himself in prayer to God the Father, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4) Thus it seems that a Christian brings glory to God through their deeds, which, when they accord with God's will, make God manifest in the world. We show the holiness, wisdom, goodness, power, righteousness, justice, love, grace, mercy and perfection of God when we act in ways that display these characteristics.

Given that God has all these characteristics, how can we not enjoy Him? Being God's chosen and beloved child is the source of the most satisfying delight that one can ever know. The desire does not outweigh the satisfaction of acquisition, as with so many earthly pleasures. Rather, this joy is truly great: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.' " (Luke 2:10-11) This joy is as real today as it was over 2000 years ago when the shepherds first heard the angel's words. It is the joy of a relationship with the Creator, who made me and loves me.

So this is my purpose in life: to make know the magnificence of God to others through my actions and hence to delight in a full and satisfying relationship with Him.

One Humanity in Christ

Preacher:

Toby Keva (Ministry of the Word Candidate)

Passage:

Ephesians 3:1-13

Message:

Today Toby spoke to our congregation on the mystery that is now known through Christ, that through the gospel, people of all nations, cultures and races may share together in the promise of forgivenness through Christ Jesus, as Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:6.

Toby reminded us of the great deeds of Christians who lived their lives in the light of this equality, such as William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. He also spoke of the sins of Christians who ignored this message and have perpetuated hatred rather than share the gospel in love to all.

Toby explained that God does not want us all to be the same, rather we should delight in our differences and learn from eachother, becoming one in Christ, though we are many. This needs to make a difference in our everyday lives, and we have a wonderful opportunity to do this in our congregation where we come together with people of many backgrounds to celebrate and share the gospel of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2

What is this passage all about?

Paul gives directions to Timothy regarding communal prayer in light of the gospel, and the necessity of female modesty and submission in light of the sin of Eve.

What can I learn from this?

Several things jump out at me from this passage. The first is Paul's instruction (v1-2ff) for prayer (etc) on behalf of everyone especially rulers and those with authority. Paul's reasons for this prayer include that people may live godly and holy lives, which please God. I have heard people say that we get the government we deserve, because of the choices we make in this democracy. In conrast, it seems to me that here Paul (who lived under the Roman emperors Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius Caligula, Claudius and Nero - the one who burned Rome and blamed the Christians, and is presumed to have eventually exectued Paul) writes that we get the government we pray for.

Again, Paul returns to the topic of the gospel, when he explains that "... there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men..." (2:5-6). It is pretty clear that Paul would have nothing to do with the nonsense of many ways to God that we hear so much of today. Paul taught that there was one way to a relationship with God - through the mediation of Jesus Christ.

After dealing with prayer, Paul considers women in the church. I know that some commentators consider the "woman" from v11&12 to be a certain particular woman who was outspoken and disruptive in the Ephesus church, and I don't have my Greek scholar husband here to ask for his opinion. It seems clear from Paul's other mentions of Christian women (eg Lydia, Phoebe, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis, to name but a few) that Paul was very grateful for the active service of women in the kingdom, so it is not like Paul objected to that. Indeed, those great travellers Pricilla and Aquila were in Ephesus when Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:19, cf Acts 18:19). From other references (Romans 16:3-5a; 1 Corinthians 16:19, and particularly Acts 18:1-3,18-28) it is clear that Pricilla was involved with her husband Aquila in hosting a church in their Ephesus home and explaining the word of God there (Acts 18:26). So it seems very strange to me that Paul might be intending that all women should be silent (as some argue), or even all women in Ephesus, because right in that very city Priscilla was teaching adequately with her husband - and Paul refers to Priscilla positively so many times in his letters (and never negatively) - that it seems clear he cannot be referring to her as the particular woman in these verses. Yet, unlike in 1:20 (where Paul is not reluctant in his condemnation of Hymanaeus and Alexander,) Paul does not mention the name of the woman here. And it is not just because she is a woman, because in Philippians 4:2 Paul corrects the women Euodia and Syntyche openly. So I am not sure why Paul was circumspect here, but I do have to conclude that he was giving directions with regard to an individual woman who is not to be allowed to teach publicly in the church, and that these particular directions do not necessarily hold for all Christian women. (I know this neglects 1 Corinthians 11:5ff and 14:33-35, but I can't deal with them here right now.) Two things is clear: the purpose of this dictum is wrong behaviour arising from false teaching in the church; and Paul desires that learning in the churches shall combat error.

Verse 15 also caught my eye: "But women [footnote: she] will be saved [footnote: restored] through childbearing - if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety." This verse intrigues me, and so I've just checked out what the Tyndale New Testament Commentary The Pastoral Epistles by Donald Guthrie has to say on this verse. Guthrie lists several suggestions for understanding this verse. Guthrie's selection for the most plausible is that the Greek "she" may refer to Eve (given the context of vv13-14), and the "child-bearing" reference relate to the bearing of the Messiah by a woman (with an allusion to Genesis 3:15-16.) This explains the reference to salvation. The plural "they" is, in this analysis, taken to indicate Eve and her successors, Chrisitan women.

How can I apply this to my own life?

Pray for leaders of government, both in power (Kevin Rudd, Alan Carpenter and in opposition (Brendan Nelson, Paul Omodei), with an view towards political situations where there is opportunity for Australian's to act

Listen, pay attention, concentrate: to the sermon in church and other times when I am taught publicly, so that I may continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.