Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 14th (2 Chronicles 3, 4, Ezekiel 40, John 6)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In 2 Chronicles 3 we are told of the building of the temple. This building commenced in the 2nd month of the fourth year of Solomon's reign. We know that the Temple was completed and dedicated in 1,004 BC. It was constructed on the site of Ornan's threshing floor. Verses 1-7 describe the precious materials used in its construction. Verses 8-9 tells us the dimensions and quantity of gold used for the Most Holy Place. Verses 10-14 speak of the construction of the golden cherubim of the Most Holy. Verses 15-17 outline the fabrication of the two bronze pillars at the entrance of the temple - Boaz (the strong one) and Yachin (God will establish). These pillars are typical of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 4 records the furnishings of the temple. It is worth noting that modern metallurgy does not have the skills to make the brazen sea that was made 3,000 years ago. Verses 1-6 describe the making of the brazen sea in the courtyard that speaks of cleansing by the water of God's Word as we first approach Him. Verses 7-10 inform us of the 10 golden Lampstands that illuminate the Holy Place. In verse 7 we see that these Lampstands represent our Lord Jesus Christ and his saints Jew and Gentile which will provide the gospel's light to the world: Zechariah 4:10-14. As our Lord Jesus walked among his people he was continually enlightening them. To. Us now it symbolises our Lord Jesus Christ as the light to our path as we walk towards God's kingdom: Psalm 119:105. Verses 11-18 enumerate sundry furnishings and provide further details of the appearance and manufacture of the bronze sea. Verses 19-22 conclude the description of the Temple. The golden table of shewbread - literally "the bread of the faces" - speaks of Yahweh's provision on a constant basis for His people in provision of fellowship with Him until the seventh day when the bread is changed - telling of the immortalisation of the saints of God. In Ezekiel 40 we have the prophet being given a vision of the coming temple. It had a structure like a city. This Temple is of immense proportions for it is to be a House of Prayer for all nations in Messiah's Kingdom. From verses 5-16 we are given a description of the most important gate - the east gate. It is through this gate that the Lord Jesus Christ enters the temple. Then follow descriptions of the outer court, the north and south gates, the inner court and the chambers (or rooms) of the priests. Lastly we are given a description of the vestibule of the temple. John 6 recorded signs 4 and 5 - the feeding of the 5,000 and our Lord's walking on the troubled sea. The feeding of the 5,000 took place in spring - a time of abundant green grass. It was Passover time (12 months before Jesus' crucifixion) and just after the death of John the Baptist. Jesus, in testing Philip, asks where can Jesus and his Apostles purchase sufficient bread in the wilderness for this crowd; for our Lord already knew what he was going to do. From the personal lunch of a lad - five loaves and two fish Jesus feeds 5,000 and collects 12 baskets full of fragments. Having full bellies, the multitude wants to forcibly make Jesus their king. Our Lord rapidly disperses the crowd and sends the disciples away by boat. Jesus goes into a mountain to pray. The Lord comes to the disciples walking on the water. No sooner had he joined them than they arrive at Capernaum - the city of comfort. This is a parable illustrating our vain toiling on the troubled sea of nations as we await the return of our Master. As soon as Jesus returns we will receive the peace he brings and the comforts of the kingdom age. At the synagogue in Capernaum a discussion takes place as Jesus tells them that he is the 'bread of life' - in contrast to the wilderness manna eaten by their fathers. The Son of God has been sealed in his thinking by his Father; and what they need to do was believe. Their being saved is through what the Father has done through His Son and all they can do is to accept this by believing on His Son. Isaiah 55 is a key link to this chapter and it focused on resurrection - "the sure mercies, i.e. 'chesed' of David". Note the emphasis in John 6 and how many times Jesus refers to resurrection - verses 39, 44. Verse 45 quotes from Isaiah 54 verse 13. All who believe the faithful message of the gospel are "taught of God". Jesus found that many would-be disciples leave him being unable to cope with the challenging ideas our Lord Jesus presents. Peter's encouraging and supportive words for his Lord particularly and for every potential disciple when says in verses 68-69, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and come to know, that you are the Holy One of God". ESV Jesus though encouraged reminds Peter and the other Apostles of the rocky road ahead when he refers them to the challenges that are to come from Judas Iscariot: see verses 70-71. Let none of us trust in ourselves for the heart of mankind is "diabolos' - treacherous. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-bible-readings-october-14th-2-chronicles-3-4-ezekiel-40-john-6/?feed_id=102681&_unique_id=68eb8a102e89f