[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 16 told of Asa's final years, which are characterised by some serious failures to rely on Yahweh. Firstly, when Baasha king of Israel began acting aggressively to Judah, he hired the Syrians to attack the northern kingdom. He had failed to heed that the LORD had granted victory against the Ethiopian horde. The great lesson that Hanani the seer told Asa was, "The eyes of Yahweh run to and fro throughput the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him" (verse 9 ESV). From now on he would have wars. He became enraged with the prophet and placed him in stocks in prison. His anger was also vented against others of God's people. The irony of Asa, whose name means 'physician', is that when he became diseased in his feet, Asa did not seek healing from the great Physician, but died in suffering. Nonetheless, Judah were saddened by the death of the great reformer. Chapter 17 says Judah were blessed when Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, ascended the throne and he, too, walked "in the early ways of David his father". The kingdom was established by Jehoshaphat and the surrounding lands made no war against him, but paid him tribute. Ezekiel 48 dealt with the allotments to the tribes both north and south of the temple precinct and the allocation of its territory. Note that the northern border of the territory of the kingdom of God under the reconstituted and restored Israel is the Euphrates river; the southern border is the Nile; the western border is the Mediterranean Sea; and the eastern border the Gulf of Arabia - the entire land through which Abraham walked upon and was promised (see also Psalm 72). The city that will be constructed to service the House of Prayer for all nations will be of a square construction and have a perimeter of about 64.5 kilometres and will be called Yahweh Shammah - or Yahweh is there. John 17 outlines Jesus' wonderful prayer for unity with himself and his Father. Having struggled to subject his will to the Father in Gethsemane and being strengthened by an angel to do that, the victory had been won, and all that remained were the trials, scourging and crucifixion which our Master would endure. So, the prayer began with an acknowledgment of the coming glory - verse 4 the glory that the Father had planned for the Son before creation. Then followed a plea for men to know the Father and the servant Son sent into the world to reveal the Father's character; and in that "knowing" would come life eternal. The prayer was to preserve the believers in that truth and so save them. None would be lost save Judas, the 'son of destruction'. Eventually everyone sanctified by the truth would be united with the Father in the same way His Son was. John chapter 18 records the betrayal and arrest of the Lord in the garden of
Gethsemane. Judas arrived with a heavily armed contingent of temple thugs, who when they asked the Lord, who they sought, they fell to the ground illustrating that where he was they could not come (John 7:36). He gave himself voluntarily into their hands after miraculously restoring the severed ear of Malchus- the high priest's servant and rebuking Peter who had mistakenly tried to protect his Lord. Jesus faced Annas and Caiaphas in trial. Peter's first denial followed. Then Jesus is placed under oath by the high priest, who contrary to the law commanded our Master to be struck and was rightly rebuked by Jesus. Peter's second denial followed. The rulers attempted to force from Pilate, the Roman Governor, during the night, the death sentence - another illegality - on the unproven charge of treason. Pilate questioned Jesus and it was clear that our Lord had total mastery of the situation and it was Pontius Pilate who quailed in the presence of the Son of God. Jesus bore witness to the Truth that he came into the world to be "King of the Jews" (see 1 Timothy 6 verses 12-16). Pilate declared him to be innocent of the charge; but the rulers clamoured for his death and the acquittal of Barabbas.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="none"]2 Chronicles 24 tells us that Joash was 7 years old when he begins to reign and that he rules for 40 years. Jehoiadah chose two wives for Joash and the king then produces sons and daughters. Joash decides to repair the temple and urges the unresponsive Levites to collect funds in the cities of Judah. The Levites had been impoverished by the ravages of Athaliah. A chest is made and the redemption tax of the Law of Moses is reinstated. The tax was collected in a specially made and dedicated chest. When the chest was full it was emptied and craftsmen who were employed to repair the temple and refurnish its utensils were paid from this box. No account was required of the tradesmen who dealt faithfully. At 130 years of age the faithful Jehoiadah dies and is buried and honoured in Jerusalem. Tragically, after the high priest's death the princes abandon their God and again turn to serve idols. Jehoiadah's son Zechariah condemns this evil and was stoned in the Temple court by Joash's command (this may be the incident referred to by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 23 verses 34-36). At the end of the year the Syrian army comes against Judah and at that time Joash's servants slay him as recompense for the evil done to Zechariah. The people of Judah replaced Joash with Amaziah Joash's son. Daniel 5 occurs in BC537 - the night Babylon fell to the Medo-Persians, Babylon is ruled by Belshazzar the son of Nabonidus who is on an expedition and is absent from his city. Babylon is suffering under the dissolute rule of Belshazzar. The Babylonians believed their city to be impregnable. However, the mode of its capture and the name of the victorious general were all told in the prophecy of Isaiah 44 verses 26-45:2 - read aloud, pause and ponder. Belshazzar, Babylon's deputy ruler in the absence of his father Nabonidus seeks to desecrate the vessels that had been taken from Yahweh's temple in Jerusalem. Whilst in the process of a drunken feast honouring the Chaldean gods a mysterious hand comes and writes upon the wall. The hand covers the writing. Belshazzar becomes incontinent due to fear. When the king's wise men cannot read the writing the queen mother asks for Daniel, who was known as Belteshazzar. Daniel castigates king Belshazzar and spells out the lessons that the Almighty had taught to Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar's grandfather. The hand is removed and Daniel reads the Aramaic text and interprets the writing: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin" ESV Read the meaning of those words in verses 26-28. The Aramaic gematria (assigning numerical values to letters and words) of the expression above is 2,520. Interestingly this is the time period which had been prophesied to Nebuchadnezzar for the kingdom of men in Daniel 4:16, 23-25. Daniel is promoted as promised by Belshazzar and king Belshazzar slain by the Persians. The Babylonian Empire was overthrown by Cyrus in the year BC 537 as Isaiah the prophet had prophesied in chapter 45 verses 1-6. In Acts 3 we have the healing of the crippled man, who was lame from birth and more than 40 years old (4:22). This healing has many parallels with the testy of the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5. The crippled man represents Israel and their inability to walk before their God. Peter commands the lame man to fix his gaze on them, which he does expecting alms. The crippled man receives far greater -he receives healing and discipleship. And walking, and leaping, and praising God he enters the templewith Peter and John. Remarkable words of witness follow with the testimony of Peter that there is noother name given under heaven by which salvation can come than our Lord Jesus Christ. Buddhism, Hinduism and all other isms cannot save. Our Lord was the stone rejected by men, but chosen and precious to God (Psalm 118:22). Peter outlines in verses 19-26 what they must do. The rulers sendofficers in chapter 4 to arrest Peter and John. Note that the number of disciples had now reached 5,000. They were examined by the Counsel and commanded to refrain from preaching Christ Jesus. TheApostles' response is that: "We cannot cease from doing what the Almighty has commanded us". Peter and John are threatened and released. Upon joining their fellow believers, the two Apostles together withtheir assembled brothers praise the LORD and in prayer speak of what had just happened as being a fulfilment of Psalm 2. Their Sovereign's response to their prayer is a shaking of the house they were in. God is further demonstrating His power in support of their testimony. This was given as yet another
endorsement by their God of His guarantee to support his ecclesia's faithful testimony. The spirit of unity and community is spoken of in verses 32-37. Oh, for such a spirit among believers today!
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 29 says that Hezekiah was 25 when he began to rule and reigned for 29 years. Hezekiah walks in the ways of David (his spiritual father). Hezekiah was Judah's greatest ever king - read the testimony in 2 Kings 18 verse 5. This king cleanses the temple from the filth of his father, Ahaz. The Levites had to assist the priests with the task. Note the power of the words of verse 17 - the dedicated work began on the first day of his first month. They prepare for the Passover massive sacrifices and the offerings began as the music of praise and worship began. Seventy bulls were offered representing the 70 nations (Deuteronomy 32:8). Despite the suddenness of what the king did the people rejoiced and supported the Feast.
Daniel 9 tells of the prophet's sadness when he realises that the exiles would be in Babylon for 70 years as spoken by Jeremiah in chapter 25. From verses 3-19 Daniel in his prayer confesses his sin and that of the nation expressing that they deserve what had befallen them. From the time he commences praying the angel Gabriel is sent to the beloved prophet to give him understanding of what is termed "the 70 weeks prophecy". That prophecy concerns the work of the Lord Jesus Christ - Messiah the Prince to bring in a "righteousness of the ages". The work is completed between AD30 with the crucifixion and the 70 weeks ending in AD32 with the stoning of Stephen. Each of the segments mentioned can be precisely dated from the archaeological records which exist. Because of the great sin of the nation in crucifying the Lord of glory and refusing the short period provided for repentance Rome would come and destroy Jerusalem. The year was AD33 when we read in Acts 9 of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul is seeking to destroy the believers in Christ who dwelt in Damascus. Saul presses on as the fierce Syrian sun burns brightly in the sky. Saul is blinded by a light stronger than the sun and he is stirred by a voice that he may well have known, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" The Syriac Pashito, whose phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" is added to the English KJV. Saul's response is, "Who are you Lord?" With his eyes blinded and his mind in total turmoil and his entire world view turned upside down (as would be said of him in Acts 17:6) he is led by the hand into the city to await instructions. For three days Saul neither ate nor drank. Ananias is told to go to Saul to lay hands on him to recover Saul's sight. Ananias is further told of Saul's mission which Almighty God has marked out for him. Saul is a chosen vessel to take Christ's message before kings. Ananias goes to the street which ironically named "Straight". Ramsay says in his book that it was the most crooked street in all Damascus. Ananias courageously lays his hands on Saul and restores his sight and imparts to Saul the Holy Spirit. Saul preaches Jesus in the Damascene synagogues to the astonishment of all. From there Saul goes to Jerusalem and seeks association with the believers, who shun him believing that Saul is using a ruse to get among them. Respite from persecution is granted to the ecclesias. Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda slightly inland from Joppa; then at Joppa he is shown the clothes that Dorcas had made for the widows and orphans before her decease. Peter raises her to life to continue her work and from there Peter he goes to the house of Simon the tanner. We might pose a question: Did Peter go to the house of a tanner to prepare himself to accept that ceremonial uncleanness was no longer relevant as we will see in our reading tomorrow from Acts 10?
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 28 tells of Ahaz' evil reign. That wicked king sacrifices his firstborn son to Molech and disfigures his younger son, Hezekiah, by passing him through the fire. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, kills
120,000 men of Judah and takes 200,000 captives to Samaria. The prophet Oded remonstrates with Israel and demands that the captives be fed, clothed, placed on asses and sent home to Jerusalem. The account is the basis of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 9. Because of the idolatry of Ahaz, the Philistines ransack Judah. Ahaz pays tribute to the Syrian king. That wicked king of Judah copies the Syrian altar in Damascus and worships the Syrian gods. Altars are made in every corner of Jerusalem. When Ahaz dies his son Hezekiah comes to the throne. Ahaz is not buried among the kings of Judah The events of Daniel 8 occur in the third year of Belshazzar. Daniel sees two beasts battling for ascendancy - the Persian Ram and the Grecian He goat. The Golden Fleece of the ram is legendary in Persian folklore. The goat is Alexander, who was known to the Greeks as 'the goat'. Philip of Macedon had united the Greek tribes. Alexander seeking revenge for the Persian ravages of two centuries earlier and urged on by his tutor (Aristotle) defeats a massive Persian army of over two million men at the Battle of Granicus in BC334. With the Persians in retreat, he smashes a similar sized army at the Battle of Isus. Verses 13-14 prophesy of a period of 2,300 day/years until the liberation of Jerusalem during the six-day war of June 1967. From verses 15-27 we have the vision interpreted and Persia and Greece as the named antagonists. Curiously we are told that this little-horn power would stand against, and be destroyed by, Messiah. We noted from the beasts of chapter 7 that elements of the third beast were incorporated into the Roman beast. Rome's first territory in the goat territory was the bequest in the will of Atallus of the territory of Pergamon, which becomes known as 'the little horn of the goat'. Alexander dies heirless and his Empire is divided among his four generals. Since the "king of fierce countenance" is to be destroyed by Messiah. Aspects of the second half of this chapter seem to indicate that this prophecy relates to events which we are witnessing and which will find their fulfilment in the near future. Surely we are witnessing the unfolding of these events in these last days with the rise of a "king of fierce countenance" in the north. Acts 8 records that Saul accented to Stephen's stoning and sets out on a course of destruction like an enraged bull. The objects of his persecution are the faithful believers in Christ. However, the greater the persecution, the faster the gospel spreads. Philip preaches Christ in Samaria and his testimony is supported by miracles. The city of Samaria had been bewitched by Simon the Sorcerer. However, Simon recognises the difference between his tricks and the powerful workings of the Holy Spirit. The record tells us that baptism only took place for believing adult subjects. Verse 12 provides us with a definition of the gospel - "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the things concerning the name of Jesus Christ". Although Philip could perform miracles he could not bestow the gifts - that only occurred through the laying on of the Apostles' hands. Simon seeks to buy the gifts from Peter and John and is grievously condemned for attempting this. Philip is next told to join the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch of great authority under Candace their Queen. This eunuch was a proselyte and was reading Isaiah 53. The eunuch tells Philip that he fails to understand what the prophet spoke of. Philip commences with that chapter and explains Christ to the eunuch. No doubt Philip's preaching included the blessings from God on the eunuchs who choose the ways of God (Isaiah 56). Philip and the eunuch come to sufficient water for immersion. Philip explains to the eunuch that providing he has a wholehearted belief in Christ he may be baptised. Note how the record says that they both went down into the water and came up out of it together. The eunuch continues on his way rejoicing; but Philip is immediately snatched away to Azotus some 40 kilometres distant - the Lord having further work for Philip to do there.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Uzziah was one of Judah's great reformers and builders. 2 Chronicles 26 tells us that he came to the throne aged 16 and ruled for 52 years. The greatest influence on Uzziah had been the high priest Zechariah, the son of Jehoiadah. Of Uzziah the chapter says: "He did
that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh"; and was he helped to overcome many foes. Uzziah's army is numerous and well equipped. But when the king was strong became lifted up in pride and sought to enter the temple as a king-priest. Uzziah is opposed by the priesthood and smitten with leprosy in his forehead. The year was BC686 and an anchor point for biblical chronology - see Amos 1 verse 1 (BC688); and Zechariah 14 verse 5. The same year Isaiah is commissioned to be a prophet and this also was BC686: read Isaiah 6. Uzziah dies and he is buried as a leper. Uzziah's son Jotham becomes Judah's king. 2 Chronicles 27 says that Jotham reigned in the fear of Yahweh and was paid tribute by the Ammonites. He also was a builder of fortresses. The key to Jotham's success is told to us in chapter 27 verse 6 - "So Jotham became mighty because he prepared his way before the LORD". In Daniel 7 the prophet is given a vision of how God views the kingdom of men - not being like warriors, but the rulers are as brute beasts. The Assyrian winged lions had their wings plucked and morphed into the standing lion. There was a slightly more humane side to the Babylonians than the cruel Assyrians. Then the bear raised up on one side which speaks of the Medo-Persian empire with the Persians dominant. The next Empire is Grecian - portrayed by a four-winged leopard. Lastly a terrific and indescribable fourth beast- like a crocodile with ten horns and one little horn that had the eyes and mouth of a man - which came up later. The Roman beast in its many forms are described in detail in the book of Revelation. An oriental court scene is portrayed in verses 9-12. Verses 13-14 present the Lord Jesus Christ - "the Son of Man" - receiving his kingdom from the Almighty - "the Ancient of days". Verses 15 to the chapter's end describe the anxiety that this vision causes Daniel as he sees this beast continuously destroying believers. Within this beast were Grecian elements; but the prophet's focus was on its eyes and mouth. A little horn came up belatedly and it presumed to speak on God's behalf. This exasperated the true believers. This beast/Empire would be allowed to seemingly prosper for a period of 1260 day/years. The four beasts that Daniel saw are the basis for the beasts in the book of Revelation. In Acts 7 we have Stephen's defence. Stephen shows a) God is not confined to a Temple, or place; and b) Israel's history illustrates a pattern of rebellion against the leaders God sent them. Stephen begins by telling the Sanhedrin Council - his accusers - that the God of glory appears to Abraham, not in the Land of Israel, not in a temple but in Mesopotamia. When Abraham dies the only inheritance he has in the land is the burial plot he has recently purchased. Stephen relates the terrible behaviour of the 12 sons of Israel. God raises up for His people Israel in Egypt a deliverer - Moses who was raised as an Egyptian prince. Stephen says that Moses was "mighty in words and deeds". But this self-confident prince may have thought that it would be through his might and power that the Almighty would deliver His people. But at this time, they reject Moses - just as they rejected Jesus in his time among God's people. Moses flees from Egypt a fearful and disillusioned man. The glory of God is revealed to Moses outside the land in the Sinai desert by an angel at the burning bush in Sinai. Stephen is carefully building his case that the location where God is worshipped is not the crucial factor in the Almighty' worship. So, Moses worships the LORD here. And for 40 years Moses leads Yahweh's people through the Wilderness and he is supported with signs and wonders from God. And it was Moses who had declared, in Deuteronomy 18, that the LORD God would raise them up a prophet like himself. God did send them that prophet - His Son Jesus - whom they had failed to hear. Idolatry and disbelief are Israel's characteristic pattern of the nation's rebellion throughout their history. The same traits continued and caused them to be exiled in Babylon. Stephen's words highlight the words of Jesus that WHERE we worship is not important; true worshippers must worship in "spirit and truth" wherever they are: John 4 verses 21-24. Once again their persistent hard heartedness and their resistance to God had been evidenced in their crucifixion of God's Holy Son. At this point the hostile audience gnash - grind their teeth in anger - upon Stephen and drawing him outside the city to stone him. In his dying moment Stephen is granted a vision of the Son of Man, from Daniel 7 returning to set up his kingdom. He prays for their forgiveness - but omits Jesus' words that 'they knew not what they were doing'. Stephen asks that the spirit of his testimony be received as a witness of his life.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 25 tells of Amaziah's accession to his father's throne. Amaziah put to death his father's murderers, as the Law of Moses required. Judah's new king musters an army of 300,000 and spends 100 talents to hire 100,000 Ephraimites. A prophet insists that Amaziah avoid mingling with Ephraim i.e. Israel. Amaziah is given a great victory against Edom; but the disgruntled Israelites smote 3,000 from Judah and carried away much spoil, while they are enraged. Sadly, Amaziah worships the idols of the defeated Edomites. Amaziah, being lifted up in pride seeks a confrontation with Israel and is soundly defeated. Many from Judah are taken captive and shamefully dragged as under captives, clothed in rags and taken to Samaria Israel's capital. The parallel record in 2 Kings 14 and is the basis for Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan: in Luke 9. In Daniel 6 we have the administrative structure for the 120 provinces of the realm of king Darius the Median - with Daniel as the chief of these princes. The lesser rulers become envious of Daniel and set about to trap him. They knew that his faithfulness to his God was his sole Achilles' heel. They petitioned king Darius to make it a capital offence to pray to any god, other than the king for 30 days. Daniel is found to be breaking the law as he continues to pray openly three times each day. The king realises that their scheme is to destroy Daniel but Darius according to the law of the Medes and Persians is bound by his own laws. Daniel is cast into the lions' den. Yahweh protects him throughout the night by closing the mouths and calming the savage and starving lions. The king hastens in hope to the lions' den and desperately calls to Daniel - read aloud verses 20-24 - pause and ponder. The malicious Persian princes are torn to pieces by the hungry lions. Again, read aloud verses 25 and 26. Darius is the only non-Jewish person to speak of "the living God"; and he was convinced that "the living God" was real because He had a servant that served Him continuously. 1 Timothy 3:15-16 is based on Daniel 6. Acts 4 spoke of Barnabas' generous act in selling land and donating the proceeds to the ecclesial common cause. Barnabas may well have been the rich young ruler of Matthew 19. In Acts 5 couple named: Ananias and Sapphira, want the ecclesia's acclaim without giving all of the proceeds of their sale of land. It was their right to do with their money as they pleased. Their sin lay in lying - attempting to deceive God and other believers. It cost them their lives and was a great wake-up call to the ecclesia. We are told from verse 12 of the mighty signs that support the Apostles' preaching The chapter says that Peter and John are arrested and put in the public prison overnight. The angel of the Lord comes and releases those 2 Apostles and tells them to continue to proclaim "the words of life". At daybreak Peter and John were enthusiastically preaching in the temple. The Apostles are rearrested by the officers, but this time quietly for fear of the people and once more the Jewish Council forbids them to preach full stop. The Apostles' answer in verse 29 is a message to believers for all time, "We must obey God rather than men". Their bold testimony was an evidence that they were Jesus' disciples. Gamaliel counsels his peers to desist from opposing, or harming, the Apostles, since historical evidence - Gamaliel asserts - always showed that what was not from God was doomed to fail. In chapter 6 we have a complaint from the Hellenistic believers that their widows were not being treated fairly in the daily distribution of help. Seven faithful believers of Grecian background were chosen to rectify the matter. One of the seven, Stephen, was seized by the Jewish rulers and falsely accused of speaking words against Moses and the temple. False witnesses are secured and tell lies against Stephen. Those members of the Council behold Stephen's angelic appearance and demeanour.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 23 tells of the courage of Jehoiadah the high priest in supporting the coronation of Joash - aged 8 - in defiance of the wicked usurper, Athaliah. Armed Levites surround the young king as he enters the temple. Joash is crowned to the acclamation: "God save the king". When this happens the evil usurper Athaliah cries - "Treason". That wicked woman is taken from the temple precinct and summarily executed. Jehoiadah now begins many reforms. He purges the idols from the land and ensures that all the people of Judah worship Yahweh 'in the beauty of holiness'. In Daniel 4 we have the acknowledgment by Nebuchadnezzar of the Almighty's everlasting kingdom. The Babylonian king is given a second dream of the luxuriant and sustaining tree which is described in verses 10-18. In the dream the tree is cut down and bound with rings of bronze and iron for a period of 2,520 day/years. In verses 19-26 Daniel interprets the dream and tells Nebuchadnezzar that it contains a personal message for him. The Babylonian king's enemies would rejoice in the out working of the dream. The judgment of which Daniel spoke to the king could be averted by Nebuchadnezzar humbling himselfbefore the Almighty and repenting (v27). Twelve months later when the king of Babylon is glorying in his great accomplishments the sentence was carried out as his PRIDE vaunts itself. In that very hour Nebuchadnezzar is stricken with madness and for seven years the king is turned into a brute beast. Theking's malady is called lycanthropy. Nebuchadnezzar's sanity only returned when the king acknowledges that "The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and sets up over it whoever He chooses". Read aloud verses 34-37 - pause and ponder.Acts 2 speaks of the day that commenced Pentecost - literally 50 days after the waiving of the sheaf of the first fruits on the third day after the Passover. Pentecost is known by the Jews as 'The Feast of Weeks' (the day following the marking off of seven weeks from Passover). Multitudes from every known country in the Roman world had been in Jerusalem for Passover (Edersheim suggests that there may have been three and a half million people present at that time). It was the perfect day to start witnessing for Christ. The phenomenon of the pouring out and resting of the Holy Spirit, in the form of a mighty rushing wind and resting on the Apostles in the form of cloven tongues of fir, was witnessed by many. The Apostles then began to speak in the dialects of the visitors to Jerusalem - at least 15 are named - as a sign to the assembled multitude that what the multitude were witnessing was from God. Verses 6, 8 and 11 indicate that the miraculous event was that of hearing. The crowds thought that the Apostles were drunk. Peter says that this could not be the case, but rather the phenomenon was a fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel 2 verses 28-32. Read aloud those verses from Joel - pause and ponder. Peter preaches Christ as approved among them by God in the witness of miracles and a sinless and raised Saviour in the evidence of the empty tomb. Jesus is indeed the LORD's Holy One. A repentant response was needed from the conscience-smitten crowd and this is evident in their plea of verse 37. Peter instructs those seeking a covering for sins to repent and be baptised i.e. be fully immersed in water and they would receive the
promise of the spirit i.e. salvation (consider Joel 2 verse 32). Three thousand respond and join the community of believers who constantly met in fellowship and unity. The ecclesia's expectations are outlined in verses 42-47.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In 2 Chronicles 21 Jehoram succeeds his father Jehoshaphat and rules for 8 inglorious and evil years. Judah's king commences his reign by killing all his brothers. It was said of this king of Judah that he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel - this is because his wife was Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Edom revolts and sets up their own ruler. A letter comes from the prophet Elijah and strongly rebukes Jehoram and prophesies of the disease which would kill Jehoram - a disgusting sort of dysentery that causes his bowels to fall out after two years of suffering. During this time the Philistines and Arabians invade Judah and ransack the king's house. In 2 Chronicles 22 we read that the people of Judah make Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram, king at the age of 22. Ahaziah is evil like his great grandfather Omri and was no doubt controlled and directed by his mother, Athaliah. King Joram, of Israel, makes war with the Syrians and is seriously wounded. Ahaziah goes to visit his uncle in Jezreel; where he is met and slain by Jehu; whom God had appointed to destroy all of Ahab's offspring. Ahaziah is buried out of respect for Jehoshaphat. Athaliah now takes control of the throne of Judah. Athaliah likewise destroys all the seed Royal in Judah with the exception of Joash, who was hidden in the temple for six years by his faithful aunt Jehoshabeath and her husband the high priest, Jehoiadah. Daniel 3 speaks of Nebuchadnezzar's defiance of the vision presented to him. On the plain of Dura, just outside Babylon, the Chaldean king sets up an image made entirely of gold. The height of this image is about 35 metres and its breadth 3.5 metres - these dimensions suggest it was probably placed on a plinth. All the dignitaries from every province which king Nebuchadnezzar ruled were assembled and commanded to bow down and worship when the orchestra plays. The penalty for disobeying would be to be cast into a fiery furnace. Daniel's 3 friends disobey the king. These three friends were not prepared to submit to the command of a mere mortal man when there was a greater principle at stake - "we ought to obey God rather than man" (Acts 5 verse29). These faithful servants of Yahweh are given a second opportunity to comply. They politely refuse and are cast into the furnace, which was so hot that it kills the officers who cast them into the furnace. The three faithful men walk around in the furnace. The king sees with
them a fourth individual - the angel of God. When they emerge from the furnace they were not even singed, nor could the smell of fire be detected. Nebuchadnezzar is astounded and commands that all of his realm the worship the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - read aloud verses 28-30 Pause and Ponder. (Daniel must not have been present in Babylon at this time). Acts is Luke's second account - compare Luke 1 verses 1-4 with Acts 1 verses 1-3. Luke 24 closes with Jesus' ascension compare that to account the Acts 1 account which commences with the same event. Luke's first record closes with Jesus praying as he is taken to heaven as does Acts 1. For 40 days Jesus spoke with his disciples of the kingdom of God on earth, as the reconstituted kingdom of Israel. The only question the Apostles had was "Is the time for the kingdom now?" The time, as verse 7 indicates, is known only by Jesus' Father. By AD 96 when the book of Revelation is written Jesus then knew this time. But based on Jesus' commission for them to preach to the entire world it would obviously be some time distant. And following the words of the angels in recorded in verses 9-11 that kingdom would not come until our Lord's return to earth. From verses 12 to 26 a replacement is appointed for Judas, whose behaviour was the subject of prophecy - Psalm 109:8 (in fact it is instructive to read the entire Psalm as it will provide us with an insight as to what motivated Judas). That successor is named as Matthias.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 20 records Jehoshaphat's outstanding leadership of his people and the prayer he offers when confronted by the great horde from Ammon, Moab and Edom. Jehoshaphat invokes the sentiments expressed in Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple. And Judah's king receives assurance from Yahweh that Moses had been given when he was pursued by the might of Egypt, as they left for the Promised Land - see Exodus 14:13, "Stand still and see the salvation of Yahweh". Jehoshaphat responds with humble worship. As the princes of Judah praise the Almighty, God sets up an ambush for the enemy host, who panic and destroy one another. The spoil was so great that Judah took three days in gathering it. Then the grateful kingdom of Judah assemble in the valley of Berachah - meaning 'blessing' - to thank Yahweh for the victory. Jehoshaphat had ruled for 25 years and brought strength and stability to Judah. One final flaw at the end of his reign was the failed union with Ahaziah over the building of ships at Ezion-Geber (Eilat). God ends that disaster by destroying their combined navy. Daniel 2 occurs in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar BC 605 - this is the fourth year of Jehoiakim king of Judah. It is the year when the king of Judah burns the Bible. Our Sovereign's response is to reveal His purpose to a Gentile potentate. Daniel 2 is the skeleton and basis of biblical prophecy. Nebuchadnezzar dreams a disturbing dream and seeks from his wise men both the content of the dream and its interpretation. These wise men are exposed as frauds and the king orders their destruction. Daniel intercedes with the chief executioner and asks for an audience with king Nebuchadnezzar to explain the meaning of the dream. Daniel and his friends ask God to aid Daniel and bless them by revealing the dream to Daniel. The prophet tells his monarch, just as Joseph had assured Pharaoh (in Genesis 41), that dreams and their interpretations belong with the God of Israel. And that the Almighty chooses those through whom He will reveal His purposes. The dream is told in verses 31-34 and its interpretation is given from verses 37-45. The key to this prophecy is in verse 35 where we are told that the elements of the image are broken into pieces TOGETHER. The dream and its meaning outlines a succession of world empires, portrayed in the form of a terrifying warrior. The prophecy is from the time of Nebuchadnezzar to our time. The unveiling of the message speaks of the epoch when the kingdom of God is to be set up on earth displacing all previous empires. Babylon's Empire lasted till BC 535. - the head of gold. This Empire was replaced by the Medo-Persian Empire till BC 334 - the chest and arms of silver. The next dominating power was the Grecian Empire which lasted until BC 56 - the belly and thighs of bronze. The last world Empire was Roman and it continued till AD 1453 the iron legs. Notice the diminishing density of the parts of the image from the head to the feet. This image is unstable as it is top heavy. Since that date a divided state of the nations symbolised by the iron and clay feet (principally socialism and democratic powers). Verse 45 is the key to what the Almighty reveals to Nebuchadnezzar - "In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which will never be destroyed" (see also Revelation 11 verse 15). The Omnipotent's agency will be His Son - the uncut stone power. The work is God's, not man's (Psalm 118 verses 22-26). Let us reflect on John Thomas' words in the 1847 author's preface of "Epis Israel", "The future movements of Russia are notable signs of the times. When Russia makes its grand move for the setting up of its image empire .. the stealthy advent of the King of Israel will be on the eve of becoming a reality.." Gog will be the head which will attempt to hold together the image in its final and failed invasion of Israel.
This is what we are witnessing in its progressive unfolding today. Daniel is promoted in Nebuchadnezzar's administration. In John 20 we find Jesus risen from the dead, as discovered by the women who arrived early at his tomb. The women tell the Apostles, who remain sceptical. Peter and John ran to the sepulchre and find it empty (the younger John outrunning the older Peter). John stands at the sepulchre's entrance, taking in what he observes. But the ever impetuous and baffled Peter goes in. John sees evidence of the Lord's resurrection in the way the grave clothes were laying. Jesus' first appearance following his resurrection is to Mary Magdalene, who mistakes him for the gardener (an apt error as he is the one through whom Eden i.e. the paradise, or garden of God - will be restored). Our Lord tells her not to hinder i.e. delay him since he has not yet ascended to his Father. Read aloud verse 17 - pause and ponder. Jesus was not God - he was a grand, incomparable and glorious man (read Psalm 45: and Hebrews 2). Later that night Jesus appears to his Apostles and gives them the Holy Spirit. "Doubting" Thomas is not with them and refuses to believe their report without physically putting his fingers into the wounds in Jesus' hands and side. Eight days later our Lord provides Thomas with that proof. Verses 30-31 state the objective of the narrative written. Slowly read those verses aloud and ponder their words. Chapter 21 contains the eighth sign John outlines in the catching of the 153 great fish. It occurs in Galilee and the chapter also deals with our Lord's resolution with Peter over Peter's threefold denial of his Master. The miracle reflects the time of the Apostle's call to follow the Lord. The 153 fish certainly represent those who are saved in the gospel net. The gematria of the Hebrew expression "the sons of God" is 153 and may be the intended message. Peter is three times asked by his Lord as to whether he has a love for Jesus. Christ asks Peter whether his love for his Master exceeds that of the other Apostles. The first two times Jesus uses the Greek word " agape" and Peter responds with Greek word "phileo" - meaning to have affection, or to be a friend. Peter is grieved when on the third occasion Jesus asks whether Peter has a 'strong affection' (phileo) for Jesus. An exchange occurs between Jesus and John as our Lord prophesies the manner of Peter's death. John concludes his record by stating how vast were the Lord's acts and that what was recorded was but a small sample.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In 2 Chronicles 18 we have one of the great mistakes Jehoshaphat made in joining Ahab, king of Israel, in battle at Ramoth-Gilead - against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat's son Ahaziah was married to Athaliah the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Both Jehoshaphat and Ahab sit in the gate of Samaria listening to Jezebel's Baal worshipping prophets promise victory against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat asks for a prophet of Yahweh to be heard. The prophet Michaiah sarcastically tells Ahab to go to war and prosper. The story is curious as it reveals how Ahab would be enticed to die. Ahab commands the arrest of Micaiah and orders he be fed bread and water until Ahab returns in peace. Micaiah says if that happens I am not Yahweh's prophet. Ahab disguises himself in battle so that the Syrians pursue Jehoshaphat instead. But there was no escape for the evil and doomed Ahab. A chance arrow strikes the king of Israel in the joint between his breastplate and fatally wounds him. Ahab props himself up in his chariot until the evening when he dies. Ahab's chariot is washed in the place where Jezebel had slain Naboth. Just as Elijah had prophesied the dogs there licked up Ahab's blood. In chapter 19 Jehoshaphat is chastised by the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, for associating with the ungodly. Jehoshaphat set his heart to seek God and establishes judges and officers to rule in the land of Judah for God. Jehoshaphat greatly loved his God but unfortunately he was not always wise in following faithful counsel. Jehoshaphat showed a weakness for forming friendships that were detrimental to his relationship with Yahweh his God. Daniel was one of the first wave of captives taken from Jerusalem to Babylon in 607 BC (the fourth and final wave being in BC 587). This young prince is perhaps about 17 years old. The cream of Judah's aristocracy is taken to Shinar - the land of the enemy's tooth - to be educated in all the wisdom of the Chaldeans. Nebuchadnezzar's god was Nabu the god of wisdom. Daniel's prophecy speaks of the struggle between the world's wisdom and that of the Almighty. The book pits the Kingdom of Men against the Kingdom of God. Daniel and three fellow princes have their names, food and clothing all changed to become integrated into the Chaldean ways. These young princes are earmarked for high distinction, but they meekly resist the indoctrinating process and are blessed and supported by their Sovereign. Daniel continues to prosper from this time until the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persians in BC 537 and beyond. John 19 tells of Jesus' crucifixion. The crucifixion followed the Lord's brutal treatment at the hands of Pilate's soldiers including the thrusting of a crown of thorns upon his head and the putting of a purple robe on him to mock our Master. How apt is it that in his dying he would remove the curse brought by Adam upon the earth; and his crucifying would be like the ram caught by his horns in Genesis 22. When Pilate hears the Jewish leaders' claim that Jesus is the Son of God Pilate's fear intensifies and he seeks for Jesus' release. Jesus makes it crystal clear to Pilate that Pilate is without power against Jesus and the greater sin lay with the Jewish rulers. These envious men clamour even more that Pilate must cooperate with their designs. If not Caesar would hear of it. Pilate caves in under pressure and allows Jesus to be led away for crucifixion. "We have no king but Caesar", they cry and forty years later their 'king' - Caesar - came and destroyed Jerusalem because of their blood guiltiness. The crucifixion occurs in the place of the skull - Golgotha (the location where David buried Goliath's skull, as we are told in 1 Samuel 17). Our Lord is crucified between two thieves - most likely these were Barabbas' men. In the three languages operating in Judea at the time - Aramaic, Greek and Latin - is inscribed over his cross i.e. stake "Jesus of
Nazareth, king of the Jews". The Jews protest Pilate's writing: but Pilate, no doubt, glories in this small victory over the Jews and his inscription remains. The soldiers divide his clothes between them and they cast lots for his vesture in fulfilment of Psalm 22:18. The beloved women in his life eventually come near to the stake to see his death. And at this time Jesus commits his mother into the care of his beloved Apostle, John. Our Master dies with his final words being a citation from Psalm 31:5 - the quotation possibly being completed when Jesus emerges from his tomb three days later. Jesus' side is pierced by a Roman spear and out comes blood and water indicating that he has died from a broken heart. Unlike the thieves crucified with Christ not a bone of him is broken - he is the Passover Lamb of Exodus 12 and the subject of the prophecy in Psalm 34:20-22. And the Scripture in Revelation 1:7 will seem to be true when Jesus comes into his kingdom. Jesus' body is secured from Pilate by Joseph of Arimathea. Our Lord's body is placed by Joseph and Nicodemus in a new and unused garden tomb owned by the rich man, Joseph in fulfilment of Isiah 53:9.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In 2 Chronicles 14, at the death of Abijah, Asa came to the throne. He was one of Judah's great reformers. Against his army of 580,000 men came Zerah the Ethiopian with 1 million men. Asa called upon God to aid them by invoking Yahweh's aid and thus ensuring victory. In chapter 15 we are told that the prophet Azariah, the son of Oded, is sent with a message to turn from the idolatry which had been recently in their
midst and God would be with them. Asa undertook a campaign to remove the idols and restore sacrifice to their Sovereign. He took away the idols of Maachah, his mother; and the LORD blessed him with peace until the thirty fifth year of his rule. Ezekiel 47 outlined that the waters issuing from the temple would flow eastward and westward resulting in the healing and freshening of both the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan river, enlivening even the Dead Sea. Messiah, the Prince, will give portions to the children of believers, who will be counted as those born in the Land (compare Psalm 87:5-6). Chapter 15 of John told us that as Jesus and his disciples moved from the upper room and past the temple; they saw the magnificent portrayal of the vine - that great symbol of Israel. Our Lord told them that he was the True Vine (see Psalm 80). His disciples were the branches and only by associating with him could they bear fruit. The bringing forth of fruit is a tedious and painful process; but ultimately one of great joy. His "agape" love for them was as a friend, who was about to lay down his life for them. The world would hate them just as it hated their Lord. Those believing their Master's Word would likewise believe theirs. In the 16th chapter he told that those that were soon to kill his disciples would believe that they were doing God service. He told them of the of the work of the Holy Spirit - one of its primary roles to give the Apostles an infallible recall of all the Words and life of their Lord. The sorrow that they were to soon experience with the death and loss of their Lord would be turned to great joy in the fulfilment of all the Almighty had promised. Great rejoicing would be associated with the birth by resurrection of the Son of the new creation of our Sovereign God. Let all believers take heart that our Master has overcome the world. He likewise encourages all believers to do the same in Revelation 2 and 3.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 12 saw Rehoboam become lifted up and forsake Yahweh. As a consequence, Shishak of Egypt was sent in judgment against him. But because the king and princes humbled themselves they were not destroyed. But unfortunately, his Ammonite mother led him in evil ways. In chapter 13 we read of Abijah's reign in Judah. In the third year of his rule, he went out to battle with a mighty army against Jeroboam; whose idolatry he scorned. He warned Jeroboam to desist as they were certain to fail. Half a million Israelites were slaughtered. Jeroboam never recovered and was relentlessly pursued by Abijah. Ezekiel 46 deals with the entering of the prince through the eastern gate - verses 1-8 - the entering and leaving of worshippers to the LORD's House - verses 9-10 - and the appointed feasts - verses 11-15. Verses 16-18 speak of the land grants given by Messiah the Prince i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 19-24 describe the size and functions of the massive corner kitchens which were approximately 145 metres in height. These are likely for food preparation for the millions of worshippers who will constantly flow into Yahweh's Sanctuary: "The House of prayer for all nations". In John 13 we have Jesus' demonstration to his disciples of love, when he girds himself with a towel in the form of a servant (Philippians 2) and washes their feet. When Jesus came to Peter he was told you're not going to wash my feet. He was told unless I wash your feet you can have no part with me. Peter's response was, "Wash all of me". Jesus said that the believers need only their feet be washed. Jesus had given the great example of loving service; and that from the one who was their Lord and Master. We must follow that exemplary service. Our Lord spoke of his betrayal and after given the sop - a sign of friendship -to Judas the betrayer left intent on completing the deliverance of his Lord into the hands of Christ's enemies. When Judas left Jesus' response was, "Just now was the Son of Man glorified". He told the disciples of a new commandment, which was not entirely new, but certainly it was to the extent our Lord demonstrated in the laying down of his life revealed 'agape' to an extent never been seen before. Peter's threefold denial was prophesied. In chapter 14 we are told that Jesus is, "the way, the truth and the life"and that no one can come to the Father but through the Lord. Philip said, "Show us the Father and thatwill be enough. Jesus response was "Haven't you been with me long enough to have seen the Father's character revealed?" Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as their Comforter, when he was to be taken from them. They would be left with peace - not the absence of strife, but the understanding that all things arein the Father's control. So, they left the upper room for further instruction.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In 2 Chronicles 10 we have the folly of an indulged and entitled young man - Rehoboam. The burden of administration had become massive under Solomon and the people asked for relief when Solomon's son came to the throne. The older counsellors recommend following the request, but his peers say tell the people that it will only become tougher. Foolishly Rehoboam takes his peers' advice and the result is a division of the kingdom with 10 tribes siding with their spokesman - Jeroboam. When Rehoboam sends his treasurer - Hadoram - he is stoned and Rehoboam flees in his chariot. Chapter 11 tells of Rehoboam securing his kingdom and being joined by the Benjamites and Levites. Like his father, Solomon, Rehoboam multiplies wives, which the king was forbidden to do by the Law of Moses Deuteronomy 17.
Ezekiel 45 outlines the massive portion assigned to the Prince Messiah i.e. our Lord Jesus Christ. The chapter speaks of the need to deal righteously in measurement. This is also prominent feature in the Law of Moses. The Prince is to provide the daily burnt sacrifices and sundry offerings. Additionally, Messiah is to supply the offerings for the three main feasts i.e. Passover, Weeks and Tabernacles. In John 12 Mary anoints Jesus' feet with precious ointment and because of that the odour fills the house. This alleged waste of precious ointment becomes the catalyst for Judas going to the high priest and seeking opportunity to betray the Lord. Judas was the treasurer and a thief. There follows a plot to kill Lazarus and the chapter describes Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Philip brings some Greeks to see Jesus - this greatly encourages our Lord. Christ speaks of his being lifted up to glorify God in his crucifixion. Isaiah prophesied that in chapter 6 and this was to be the great stumbling block for the Jews to believe that Messiah could be crucified: 1 Corinthians 1 verse 23. Our Lord had come into the world to save believers, whom he would raise up at the Last Day.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 9 tells of the visit of the Queen of Sheba - a rich and influential spice kingdom near the Horn of Africa. That Queen came to prove Solomon with hard questions and was astounded by his answers. The monarch from Sheba had been reluctant to believe what she had heard in her own country, but confesses that what she has seen and heard exceeded her expectations. That magnificent queen gifts spices and wealth to Solomon and makes a league with him. The chapter tells us of Solomon's control of the commerce of the entire region. Solomon dies after a 40-year glorious reign (though stained by his idolatrous unions in marriage which are not mentioned by the chronicler). Ezekiel 44 deals with the gate for the Prince - Messiah and instructions regarding the mortal Levitical priests. Verses 1-3 speak of the eastern gate of the outer square buildings of the Sanctuary being reserved for the use of the Prince i.e. Messiah - the Lord Jesus Christ. Only immortals can accompany Jesus the King of Glory in the eastern wing of the Temple. Verses 4-8 speak of the glory that Messiah brings and takes us to the North Gate where mortals may enter and receive the ministrations of the faithful mortal Levitical priests. Verses 9-14 tell us of the mortal worshipers who come to this House of Prayer for all nations: Isaiah 56:6-7. Zechariah 14 also gives more details of the worshipers coming to Jerusalem: Zechariah 14 verse 9, 16-21. Verses 15-27 contain the regulations for those Levitical priests. Verses 28-31 contain echoes from the Law of Moses and remind us that those priests will have no lands allocated to them since Yahweh is their portion. Those priests will receive an allocation of the fruits, vegetables and other foods of the Land.While beyond Jordan Jesus is informed that his friend Lazarus is gravely ill and the messengers request that Jesus come immediately. But verse 4 says that our Lord's response is to declare that this sickness of Lazarus is not unto death; but that Jesus might be glorified. After two days delay our Lord goes to his friends. Christ tells his disciples not to stumble; but to walk in the light, as long as the Light i.e. our Lord is with them. Jesus now plainly says that Lazarus is dead. This information probably raising more questions for his disciples than answers. When our Lord arrives note Martha's unshakable conviction that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and anyone believing in him would be raised up at the Last Day. Mary, however, had had her confidence in her Lord undermined by the Jewish rulers - called throughout John's account "the Jews". This caused Jesus to weep. The whole scenario was an out-working of the prophecy of Jeremiah 13 verses :15-17, which verses are cited three times by our Lord in John 11:4-10. To show that Lazarus is one of the Lord's sheep when our Lord's voice of command is spoken with authority Lazarus came forth alive. Lazarus walked out in his grave clothes indicating that this was not the resurrection of the last day that Martha had spoken of. How infuriating to the authorities that Jesus had raised Lazarus. Did they respond to this miracle in belief - no? They immediately sought the death of Lazarus death and schemed Jesus' own destruction. Caiaphas takes the lead in these matters. The Lord had predicted these events in his parable in Luke 16.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 8 told of Solomon's accomplishments in the administration of his realm. Verses 1-2 tell us that 20 years were spent in the building of Solomon's own house and the Temple of the LORD. Verses 3-10 describe king Solomon's industriousness in providing for his kingdom. Verse 11 states that king Solomon built a separate palace for Pharaoh's daughter who seems to have been the love of his life and the wife spoken of in Psalm 45 and in the Song of Solomon. Verses 12-15 says that at the beginning of his rule Solomon was active in promoting the worship of Yahweh his God. Verse 16 returns to king Solomon's greatest accomplishment in the building of the Almighty's House. Verses 17-18 tell of the great golden wealth that came annually to Solomon. In Ezekiel 43 we have the climax of the prophecy with the King of Glory coming to his temple through the East Gate from whence it had left in chapter 10 verse 4. Also read Psalm 24 which was originally composed by David as it spoke of the glorious arrival of the ark in Jerusalem: see also Psalm 132 and 1 Chronicles 16. It is likely that this Psalm may be sung to celebrate the arrival of the King of Glory via the eastern gate as the temple is inaugurated. This eastern gate of the Sanctuary is reserved for the Messiah. We also have the arrangements for the altar, as there will be animal sacrifices in the kingdom. Animal sacrifices in the Kingdom, pointing backwards to Christ just as those under the Law of Moses had pointed forwards to him. In John 9 we have the 6th sign in the healing of the blind man. The discussion in this chapter is similar to the pattern established in chapter 5. Both the blind man and his parents are persecuted by the rulers for accepting Jesus. The formerly blind man gives a remarkable and compelling testimony that Jesus must be from God. The religious leaders spitefully cast out the man who has dumbfounded them with scriptural logic. Our Lord later finds this man in the temple so as to complete his restoration. These events most likely happened at the feast of the Dedication. John 10 is the magnificent account of Jesus being the door and the Good Shepherd. Christ had come that believers might have life and have it more abundantly verses 10-11. Our Lord by laying down his life for his sheep secured for believers that wonderful hope of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Once again the theme of chapter 10 contain echoes from and are an elaboration of chapter 5 i.e. that his sheep will recognise his voice. In the purpose of bringing salvation to believers he and his Father are one i.e. united - but our Lord's power is derived from his Father. The Jews reacted to our Lord's words and by claiming that he was speaking blasphemy. Jesus proves from Psalm 82 that the judges of Israel were called "god" as they spoke God's Word. The chapter
finishes with Jesus going across the Jordan for some months - in Perea - where he remains until the events of chapter 11 would bring him back.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In 2 Chronicles 7 Yahweh answers Solomon by fire to accompany the huge number of sacrifices. Verses 1-3 tells us that when the priests saw this miraculous event that they responded by praising Yahweh forHis lovingkindness. Verses 4-6 says that there was an incredible number of animals slain as the priests blew their trumpets at the dedication of the House. Verse 7 says that additional to the offerings mentioned before there were peace offerings, burnt offerings and grain offerings made. Verses 8-10 speaks of the great assembly being gathered from the ends of the Land. Verses 11-18 say the Almightyappears to Solomon the second time and speaks of His sincere response to Solomon's loving and dedicated prayer. His ears would always be open and He would respond with loving kindness. Solomonurges his people that whenever they are in trouble they need to beseech their Almighty and loving Sovereign as He will be responsive to their pleas from His House - verse 15. Verses 19-22 indicate thatthe blessings on Solomon and his people are conditional and dependent on their obedience. Note therecurring use of the word IF in these verses.
Ezekiel 42 describes the temple's chambers i.e. small rooms. These chambers occupy the entire length of the outer square buildings. These rooms may be for the instruction and meeting the needs of the worshippers who will come in their millions. They measure 500 reeds in length for each side (north, south, east and west) - that is of six cubits (being the Royal cubit of two feet in length - making each side of the House about 1.8288 kilometres long. The perimeter of the Temple would therefore be about 7.31 kilometres. Some versions of John 8 omit the earlier verses of this chapter. There can be little doubt that they should be included in the record. A woman was brought to the Lord caught in the very act of adultery. Where was the man also caught in the act? It was a set up designed to trap Jesus. The Law of Moses made it very clear that adultery was punishable by stoning. As the Lord's enemies persist in goading Jesus he says: "Let the one without sin cast the first stone". Then Jesus stoops down and writes in the dust - most likely our Lord wrote their names in fulfilment of Jeremiah 17 verse 13. One by one the Lord's foes leave beginning at the eldest. Finally, the woman is left alone with Christ and although he does not condemn her she is charged to go and sin no more. This obviously meant an abandonment of her current manner of life. A discussion follows as to Jesus being the light of the world - one of the many Messianic titles John uses. This leads on to a discussion regarding origins - our Lord was from God but his adversaries were murderous liars and were in no way children of Abraham. Only the truth could set them free. Finally, Jesus astounds his foes with a claim that he is the entire focus of God's purpose. Abraham understood this and rejoiced in that knowledge.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]2 Chronicles 5 describes the ark being brought to Zion and its resting place in the Most Holy Place. The final picture of immortality the cherubim - represents the unity of believers with their Lord.; as it was made out of the same piece of gold and perpetually recognising his sacrifice and glory. The choir praises the "chesed" i.e. the lovingkindness of Yahweh. Chapter 6 describes Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the house. Note the humility of Solomon as he offers his prayer and the repetition of the phrase - "Hear in heaven, Your dwelling place". No physical house can contain our magnificent Sovereign. The whole ceremony is blessed by God. Note the pertinence of the words that we must extend the LORD's tender mercies i.e. loving kindnesses to others as we surely recognise our need of Yahweh's mercy. Punishment would be brought to Israel for their disobedience to their Sovereign to bring the nation back to God. Once again there is an allusion to Psalm 132. Ezekiel 41 tells us of the inner temple and the folding double leaved doors. Verses 1-26 describe the entrance rooms to the inner circle of buildings which constitute the Most Holy Place. Readers are encouraged to consider the writings of Henry Sulley - an architect from Nottingham - on Ezekiel chapters 40-48 in his book titled "The Temple of Ezekiel's Prophecy". Palm trees and cherubic figures are to befound in the vestibules of the Most Holy Place. Ezekiel's enthusiasm was heightened by the coming visionof the future house of prayer for all nations. May our contemplation of this glorious day likewise enlivenour hope and desire to likewise be there.John 7 records an unannounced visit of Jesus to Jerusalem at the Feast of Booths i.e. Tabernacles. There was a division among the people, as to whether our Lord was a good man, or a deceiver of the people. Jesus arrives in the middle of the feast. Many were convinced that he was the Christ. Although officers from the Sanhedrin were sent to arrest Jesus they could not do so because his time had not yet come. Jesus prophesied to them of his ascent to heaven and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Some said that this was the prophet like Moses. Others rejected this idea just because our Lord was from Galilee. Jesus just like Jonah, also from Gath-Hepher in Galilee told his audience to consider the sign of the prophet Jonah. We have seen in our earlier studies that the sign had many levels of significance and spoke primarily both of Jesus' resurrection and witnessing.
Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow
Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org
See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here...
[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_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]In chapter 1 of 2 Chronicles Solomon worshipped at Gibeon and later that evening when Yahweh appeared to him, he was told to ask from God whatever he desired. Solomon's response was to ask wisdom to rule the people of the LORD in a wise way (this showed that Solomon had a degree of wisdom in making such a request). In addition to wisdom Solomon was granted great wealth. In chapter 2 Solomon prepares for the building of the temple and commences his rule in great humility. Solomon's start to his reign was remarkable. The king had, perhaps, the greatest potential of any of Israel's monarchs. The king's heart was towards his divine Sovereign but was sadly later misdirected by his marrying of foreign wives who took the king away from God. Chapter 39 of Ezekiel tells of the devastation wrought on Gogue and his hosts. They will fall in their multitudes and be carrion to the birds of prey - those birds who will feed on the slaughtered symbolise many other nations. Gog (Gogue) and his multitude will be given a place of graves east of Jerusalem - and this mausoleum will be called Hamon-Gog. It will take seven months to bury the dead. When Yahweh magnifies Himself in this great victory Israel and all nations will recognise the power that resides in that Great and Holy Name. Our Sovereign will exalt and restore His people Israel to be the head of the nations and will place His spirit within them. John 5 gives the third sign recorded in his account in the healing of the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda (meaning "the house of mercy"). It would seem that the Jews had a superstition about this place - just as surrounds the mythology of Lourdes. Some translations add, 'it was said that an angel ..'. The man was about 38 years old and a symbol of Israel, who for 38 years were powerless and perishing in wilderness. The miracle occurs on the Sabbath day and so this is a continuation of the Jews seek to contentions with our Lord about the Sabbath day. In verses 19-47 Jesus witnesses to his sonship,
authority and truth. There was no equality between our Lord and his Father - Jesus' power was derived from his Father and without God Christ could do nothing. But the authority of the Word of Jesus, as he says, extended to raising the dead. The morally dead who listened would be enlightened and enlivened by the saving words of the gospel. This would mean that having now 'heard' the voice of the Son of God; they would be brought to life as they will be called forth to resurrection when Jesus returns to earth. The chapter concludes with Christ outlining the "witnesses" that incontrovertibly prove he was from God. This chapter demonstrates both the spiritual conception i.e. "new birth" in verses 24-27 and physical resurrection which precedes birth to spirit nature verses 28-29.
Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow
Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org
See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here...