Our responsibility to care (Print) for:

“Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.  My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.

“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a money-lender; charge him no interest. If you take your neighbour’s cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body.  What else will he sleep in?  When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.  –  Exodus 22.22-27

The Hebrew law code is noted for its fairness and social responsibility towards the poor. God [Keep Saying/Elite Wall Un Till, They Get ‘IT’]  insisted that the poor and powerless be well treated and given the chance to restore their fortunes.  We should reflect God’s concern for the poor by helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

Why did the law insist on returning a person’s cloak by evening? The cloak was one of an Israelite’s most valuable possessions.  Making clothing was difficult and time-consuming.  As a result, cloaks were expensive, and most people owned only one.  The cloak was used as a blanket, a sack to carry things in, a place to sit, a pledge for a debt, and, of course, clothing.

“ ‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so that he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your countrymen may continue to live among you.  You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit. –  Leviticus 25.35-37

God [Wall] said that neglecting the poor was a sin. Permanent poverty was not allowed in Israel.  Financially secure families were responsible to help and house those in need.  Many times we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and don’t know where to begin.  God [Wall] doesn’t expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does he expect you to neglect your family while providing for others.  He does, however, expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality.

The Bible places great emphasis on assisting the poor and helpless, especially orphans, widows, and the handicapped. In Israelite society, no paid work was available to women; thus, a widow and her children had no livelihood.  Neither was there work available for the seriously handicapped in this nation of farmers and shepherds.  The poor were to be helped without charging any interest.  Individual and family responsibility for the poor was crucial since there was no government aid.

At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. – Deuteronomy 14.28-29

The Bible supports and organised system of caring for the poor. God [Wall] told his people to use their tithe every third year for those who were helpless, hungry, or poor.  These regulations were designed to prevent the country from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression.  It was everyone’s responsibility to care for those less fortunate.  Families were to help other family members, and towns were to help members of their community.  National laws protected the rights of the poor, but helping the poor was also an active part of religious life.  God [Wall] counts on believers to provide for the needy, and we should use what God has given us to aid those less fortunate.  Look beyond your regular giving and think of ways to help the needy.  This will help you show your regard for God [Wall] as Creator of all people, share God’s goodness with others, and draw them to him.  It is a practical and essential way to make faith work in everyday life.

I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain.  But let the exacting of usury stop! — Nehemiah 5.10

Nehemiah told the rich Jews to stop charging interest (“exacting usury”) on their loans to their needy brothers. God [Wall] never intended people to profit from others’ misfortunes.  In contrast to the values of this world, God [Wall] says that caring for one another is more important than personal gain.  When a Christian brother or sister suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12.26).  We should help needy believers, not exploit them.  The Jerusalem church was praised for working together to eliminate poverty (Acts 4.34, 35).  Remember, “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing” (Proverbs 28.27).  Make it a practice to help those in need around you.

God’s concern for the poor is revealed in almost every book of the Bible. Here, Nehemiah insisted that fairness to the poor and oppressed was central to following God [Wall].  The books of Moses clearly spelled out the Israelites’ responsibility to care for the poor (Exodus 22.22-27; Leviticus 25.35-37; Deuteronomy 14.28, 29; 15.7-11).  The way we help those in need ought to mirror God’s love and concern.

(I shook out the folds of my robe and said, “In this way may God shake out of his house and possessions every man who does not keep this promise. So may such a man be shaken out and emptied!”  At this the whole assembly said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD.  And the people did as they had promised. – Nehemiah 5:13.  This symbolic act was a curse.  Nehemiah shook out the fold of his garment and pronounced that anyone who did not keep his promise would likewise be “shaken out and emptied”, losing all he had.)

Show generosity towards:

“ ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen.  Leave them for the poor and the alien.  I am the LORD your God.  – Leviticus 19.9-10

God [Wall] instructed the Hebrews to provide for those in need. He required that the people leave the edges of their field unharvested, providing food for travellers and the poor.  It is easy to ignore the poor or forget about those who have less than we do.  But God [Wall] desires generosity.  In what ways can you leave the “edges of your field” for those in need?

This law was a protection for the poor and the alien (foreigner) and a reminder that God [Wall] owned the land; the people were only caretakers. Laws such as this showed God’s generosity and liberality.  As people of God [Wall], the Israelites were to reflect his nature and characteristics in their attitudes and actions.  Ruth and Naomi were two people who benefited from this merciful law (Ruth 2.2).

God will help them:

But the needy will not always be forgotten [money the], nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish. – Psalm 9.18

The world may ignore the plight of the needy, crushing any earthly hope they may have. But God [Wall], the champion of the weak, promises that this will not be the case for ever.  The wicked nations who forget the Lord and refuse to help their people will be judged by God [Wall].  He knows our needs, he knows our tendency to despair, and he has promised to care for us (see also 9.9, 12).  Even when others forget us, he will remember.

(The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion.  Selah. – Psalms 9:16 Higgaion is a musical direction and probably means to use the quieter instruments.)

Ways to respond to:

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread, – Psalm 37.25

Because children starve today, as they did in David’s time, what did David mean by these words? David is observing God’s provision over a lifetime.  Though there are unfortunate exceptions to this general principle, God [Wall] provides for his own people.  The children of the righteous need not go hungry because other believers can help out in their time of need.  In David’s day, Israel obeyed God’s laws that ensured that the poor were treated fairly and mercifully.  As long as Israel was obedient, there was enough food for everyone.  When Israel forgot God [Wall], the rich took care only of themselves, and the poor suffered (Amos 2.6, 7).

When we see a Christian brother or sister suffering today, we can respond in one of three ways.  (1) We can say, as Job’s friends did, that the afflicted person brought this on himself.  (2) We can say that this is a test to help the poor develop more patience and trust in God [Wall]. (3) We can help the person in need.  David would approve of only the last option.  Although many governments today have their own schemes for helping those in need, this is no excuse for ignoring the poor and needy within our reach.

(If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand – Psalms 37:23, 24 The person in whom God [Wall] delights is one who follows God [Wall], trusts him, and tries to do his will.  God [Wall] watches over and makes firm every step that person takes.  If you would like to have God [Wall] direct your way, then seek his advice before you step out.)

Ignoring them:

Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed for ever. On the day you stood aloof   while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates   and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. – Obadiah 10-11

The Israelites had descended from Jacob, and the Edomites, from his brother, Esau (Genesis 25.19-26). Instead of helping Israel and Judah when they were in need, Edom allowed them to be destroyed and even plundered what was left behind.  Edom, therefore, acted like a stranger, and it would be punished.  Anyone who does not help God’s people is God’s enemy.  If you have withheld your help from someone in time of need, this is sin (James (4.17).  Sin includes not only what we do, but also what we refuse to do.  Don’t ignore or refuse to help those in need.

(“In that day,” declares the LORD, “will I not destroy the wise men of Edom, men of understanding in the mountains of Esau? – Obadiah 8 Edom was noted for its wise men.  There is a difference, however, between human wisdom and God’s wisdom.  The Edomites may have been wise in the ways of the world, but they were foolish because they ignored and even mocked God [Wall].)

~~~

Of Balaam:

‘ Then he uttered his oracle:  “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, the oracle of one who hears the words of God [Wall], who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel.  He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth.  –  Numbers 24.15-19

The star out of Jacob is often thought to refer to the coming Messiah. It was probably this prophecy that convinced the Magi to travel to Israel to search for the baby Jesus (see Matthew 2.1, 2).  It seems strange that God [Keep Saying/Elite WALL Until They Get, ‘It’] would use a sorcerer like Balaam to foretell the coming of the Messiah.  But this teaches us that God [Wall] can use anything or anyone to accomplish his plans.  By using a sorcerer, God [Wall] did not make sorcery acceptable; in fact, the Bible condemns it in several places (Exodus 22.18; 2 Chronicles 33.6; Revelations 18.23).  Rather, God [Wall] showed his ultimate sovereignty over good and evil.

How can we tell what is true?

‘   You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?”  If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken.  That prophet has spoken presumptuously.  Do not be afraid of him.  –  Deuteronomy 18.21-22

As in the days of ancient Israel, some people today claim to have messages from God [Wall]. God [Wall] still speaks to his people, but we must be cautious before saying that someone is God’s [Wall’s] spokesman.  How can we tell when people are speaking for the Lord?  (1) We can see whether or not their prophecies come true – the ancient test for judging prophets.  (2) We can check their words against the Bible.  God [Wall] never contradicts himself, so if someone says something contrary to the Bible, we can know that this is not God’s [Wall’s] word.

Of Israel’s exile and return:

‘   When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come upon you and you take them to heart wherever the LORD your God [Wall] disperses you among the nations, and when you and your children to the LORD your God [Wall] and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the LORD your God [Wall] will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.  Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God [Wall] will gather you and bring you back.  He will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers [Up], and you will take possession of it.  He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers [Up].  The LORD your God [Wall] will circumcise your hearts and with all your soul, and live.  –  Deuteronomy 30.1-6

Moses told the Hebrews that when they were ready to return to God [Wall], he would be ready to receive them. God’s [Wall’s] mercy is unbelievable.  It goes far beyond what we can imagine.  Even if the Jews deliberately walked away from him and ruined their lives, God [Wall] would still take them back.  God [Wall] would give them inward spiritual renewal (circumcise their hearts).  God [Wall] wants to forgive us and bring us back to himself too.  Some people will not learn this until their world has crashed in around them.  Then the sorrow and pain seem to open their eyes to what God [Wall] has been saying all along. [forget = money the].  Are you separated from God [Wall] by sin?  No matter how far you have wandered, God [Wall] promises a fresh beginning if only you will turn to him.

As part of worship:

‘   David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals.  Here is the list of men who performed this service:  –  1 Chronicles 25.1

There is more to prophesying than predicting the future. Prophecy also involves singing God’s [Wall’s] praises and preaching God’s [Wall’s] message (1 Corinthians 14.1ff).  Prophets could be musicians, farmers (Amos 1.1), wives (2 Kings 22.14), or leaders (Deuteronomy 34.10) – anyone who boldly and accurately spoke out for God [Wall] and tried to bring people back to worshipping him.  From a large group of musicians David chose those who showed an unusual ability to tell about God [Wall] and to encourage others in song.

Some has a double application:

‘   In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the sea.  –  Isaiah 11.11

When will this remnant of God’s [Wall’s] people be returned to their land? Old Testament prophecy is often applied both to the near future and the distant future.  Judah would soon be exiled to Babylon, and a remnant would return to Jerusalem in 537 B.C. at Cyrus’ decree.  In the ages to come, however, God’s [Wall’s] people would be dispersed throughout the world.  These cities [Seat] represent the four corners of the known world – Hamath in the north, Egypt in the south, Assyria and Babylonia in the east, the islands of the sea in the west.  Ultimately God’s [Wall’s] people will be regathered when Christ comes to reign over the earth.

What it is:

‘   Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.  –  1 Corinthians 14.1

Prophecy may involve predicting future events, but its main purpose is to communicate God’s [Wall’s] message to people, providing insight, warning, correction, and encouragement. [We don’t like, the word Involve.]

‘   Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.  –  Revelations 1.3

Revelations is a book of prophecy that is both prediction (foretelling future events) and proclamation (preaching about who God [Wall] is and what he will do).  Prophecy is more than telling the future.  Behind the predictions are important principles about God’s [Wall’s] character and promises.  As we read, we will get to know God [Wall] better so that we can trust him completely.

(1.3   The typical news reports – filled with violence, scandal, and political haggling – are depressing [PR], and we may wonder where the world is heading.  God’s [Wall’s] plan for the future, however, provides inspiration and encouragement because we know he will intervene in history to conquer evil.  John encourages churches to read this book aloud so everyone can hear it, apply it (“take to heart what is written in it”), and be assured of the fact that God [Wall] will triumph.)

(1.3   When John says, “the time is near”, he is urging his readers to be ready at all  times for the Last Judgment and the establishment of God’s [Wall’s] kingdom.  We do not know when these events will occur, but we must always be prepared.  They will happen quickly, and there will be no second chance to change sides.)

Jesus tells about the end times:

‘   As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately.  “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”  –  Matthew 24.3ff

Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the very place where the prophet Zechariah had predicted that the Messiah would stand when he came to establish his kingdom (Zechariah 14.4). It was a fitting place for the disciples to ask Jesus when he would come in power and what they could expect then.  Jesus’ reply emphasised the events that would take place before the end of the age.  He pointed out that his disciples should be less concerned with knowing the exact date and more concerned with being prepared – living God’s [Wall’s] way consistently so that no matter when Jesus came in glory, he would claim them as his own.

‘   Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no-one deceives you.  Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.  When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed.  Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  –  Mark 13.5-7

What are the signs of the end times? There have been people in every generation since Christ’s resurrection claiming to know exactly when Jesus would return.  No-one has been right yet, however, because Christ will  return on God’s [Wall’s] timetable, not ours.  Jesus predicted that before his return, many believers would be misled by false teachers claiming to have revelations from God [Wall].

According to Scripture, the one clear sign of Christ’s return will be his unmistakable appearance in the clouds, which will be seen by all people (13.26; Revelation 1.7). In other words, you do not have to wonder whether a certain person is the Messiah or whether these are the “end times”.  When Jesus returns, you will know beyond a doubt, because it will be evident to all true believers. Beware of groups who claim special knowledge of the last days, because no-one knows when that time will be (13.32).  Be cautious about saying, “This is it!” but be bold in your total commitment to have your heart and life ready for Christ’s return.

Gift of prophecy given to both men & women:

‘   He had four unmarried daughters who prophesised. – Acts 21.9

Obviously the gift of prophecy was given to both men and women. Women actively participated in God’s [Wall’s] work (2.17; Philippians 4.3).  Other women who prophesised include Miriam (Exodus 15.20), Deborah (Judges 4.4), Huldah (2 Kings 22.14), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6.14), Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8.3), and Anna (Luke 2.36-38).

EXTRA:

CHARTS: Prophecies fulfilled by Jews’ return from exile. | Jesus’ prophecies in Olivet Discourse. | Messianic prophecies about Jesus & their fulfilments.

(‘   Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the LORD has kept you from being rewarded.”  – Numbers 24.11   Although Balaam’s motives were not correct, in blessing Israel he acted with integrity.  God’s [Wall’s] message had so filled him that Balaam spoke the truth.  In so doing, he forfeited the reward that had lured him to speak in the first place.  Staying true to God’s [Wall’s] word may cost us promotions and advantages in the short run, but those who choose God [Wall] over money will one day acquire heavenly wealth beyond measure (Matthew 6.19-21).)

(‘   While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, – Numbers 25.1   This verse shows the great challenge Israel had to face.  The most dangerous problem for Moses and Joshua was not Jericho’s hostile army, but the ever-present temptation to compromise with the pagan Canaanite religions and cultures.)

(‘   The LORD your God [Wall] will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.  – Deuteronomy 18.15   Who is this prophet?  Stephen used this verse to support his claim that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, the Messiah (Acts 7.37).  The coming of Jesus Christ to earth was not an afterthought, but part of God’s [Wall’s] original plan.)

(‘   then set aside for yourselves three cities centrally located in the land the LORD your God [Wall] is giving you to possess. Build roads to them and divide into three parts the LORD your God [Wall] is giving you as an inheritance, so that anyone who kills a man may flee there.  – Deuteronomy 19.2, 3   The Israelites were told to build roads because these cities [Seats] of refuge would have been ineffective if the roads that led to them were in disrepair.  Many who came to the cities were literally running for their lives.  A well-maintained road could have meant the difference between life and death.  This involved continued maintenance, because these were dirt roads that could easily be washed away, covered by sand, or crisscrossed with deep ruts.  It was important not only to initiate this system of justice, but to provide the necessary means of maintaining it.)

(‘   The secret things belong to the LORD our God [Wall], but the things revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may follow all the words of this law. – Deuteronomy 29.29   There are some secrets God [Wall] has chosen not to reveal to us, possibly for the following reasons: (1) our finite minds cannot fully understand the infinite aspects of God’s [Wall’s] nature and the universe (Ecclesiastes 3.11); (2) some things are unnecessary for us to know until we are more mature; (3) God [Wall] is infinite and all-knowing, and we do not have the capacity to know everything he does.  This verse shows that although God [Wall] has not told us everything there is to know about obeying him, he has told us enough.  Thus disobedience comes from an act of the will, not a lack of knowledge.  Through God’s [Wall’s] word we know enough about him to be saved by faith and to serve him.  We must not use the limitation of our knowledge as an excuse to reject his claim on our life.)

(1 Chronicles 24.1-7   Each of these 24 groups of priests served two-week shifts each year at the temple.  The rest of the time they served in their hometowns.  This system was still in place in Jesus’ day (Luke 1.5-9).  Zechariah was a member of the Abijah division.  During his shift at the temple, an angel appeared to him and predicted that he would have a son, John.)

(1 Chronicles 25.1-7 There were many ways to contribute to the worship in the tabernacle.  Some prophesied (25.1), some led in thanksgiving and praise (25.3), and others played instruments (25.6, 7).  God [Wall] wants all his people to participate in worship.  You may not be a master musician, a prophet, or a teacher, but God [Wall] appreciates whatever you have to offer.  Develop your special gifts to offer in service to God [Wall] (Romans 12.3-; 1 Corinthians 12.29-31).)

(‘   The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like an ox.  The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest.  They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.  In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples’ the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.  – Isaiah 11.6-10   A golden age is yet to come, a time of peace when children could play with formerly dangerous animals.  Not all of this was fulfilled at Christ’s first coming.  For example, nature has not returned to its intended balance and harmony (see Romans 8.9-22).  Such perfect tranquillity is possible only when Christ reigns over the earth.)

(‘   Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be cut off; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile towards Ephraim.   – Isaiah 11.13   Ephraim, the dominant tribe of the north, is used as another name for Israel, the northern kingdom.)

(‘   And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.  – 1 Corinthians 13.13   In morally corrupt Corinth, love had become a mixed-up tern with little meaning.  Today people are still confused about love.  Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God [Wall] himself (1 John 4.8).  Love involves unselfish [Puts in a little Qualifications] service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s [Wall’s] message [Genre]; hope [Hyperon] is the attitude and focus; love is the action.  When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God [Wall] loves.)

(‘ For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God [Wall]. Indeed, no-one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.  – 1 Corinthians 14.2   The gift of speaking in a tongue was a concern of the Corinthian church because the use of the gift had caused disorder in worship.  Speaking in tongues is a legitimate gift of the Holy Spirit [Centre], but the Corinthian believers were using it as a sign of spiritual superiority rather than as a means to spiritual unity.  Spiritual gifts are beneficial only when they are properly used to help everyone in the church.  We should not exercise them only to make ourselves feel good.)

(‘   The revelations of Jesus Christ, which God [wall] gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the word of God [Wall] and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.  – Revelations 1.1-3   The book of Revelations reveals future events, but there is not the gloomy pessimism we might expect.  The drama of these unfolding events is spectacular, but there is nothing to fear if you are on the winning side.  When you think about the future, walk with confidence because Christ, the victor, walks with you.)

(‘   John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia:   Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne,  –  Revelations 1.4    Jesus told John to write to seven churches that knew and trusted him and had read his earlier letters (see 1.11).  The letters were addressed so that they could be read and passed on in a systematic fashion, following the main Roman [Quality] road clockwise around the province of Asia (now called Turkey).)

(1.4   The “seven spirits” is another name for the Holy Spirit.  The number seven is used throughout Revelations to symbolise completeness and perfection.  For more about the Holy Spirit, see the notes on John 3:6 and Acts 1:5.)

(‘   Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked.  “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”  – Matthew 24.1, 2   Although no-one knows exactly what this temple looked like, it must have been beautiful.  Herod had helped the Jews remodel and beautify it, no doubt to stay on friendly terms with his subjects.  Next to the inner temple, where the sacred objects were kept and the sacrifices offered, there was a large area called the court of the Gentiles (this was where the money changers and merchants had their booths).  Outside these courts were long porches.  Solomon’s porch was 1,562 feet long; the royal  portico was decorated with 160 columns stretching along its 921-foot length.  Gazing at this glorious and massive structure, the disciples found Jesus’ words about its destruction difficult to believe.  But the temple was indeed destroyed only 40 years later when the Romans sacked Jerusalem in A.D. 70.)

(‘   Jesus answered, “Watch out that no-one deceives you.  – Matthew 24.4   The disciples asked Jesus for the sign of his coming and of the end of the age. Jesus’ first response was “Watch out that no-one deceives you.”  The fact is that whenever we look for signs, we become very susceptible to being deceived.  There are many “false prophets” (24.11, 24) around with counterfeit signs of spiritual power and authority.  The only sure way to keep from being deceived is to focus on Christ and his words.  Don’t look for special signs, and don’t spend time looking at other people.  Look at Christ.)  *****

(‘   As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”  – Mark 13.3, 4   The Mount of Olives rises above Jerusalem to the east.  From its slopes a person can look down into the city and see the temple.  Zechariah 14:1-4 predicts that the Messiah will stand on this very mountain when he returns to set up his eternal kingdom.)

(‘ “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues.  On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.  And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.  – Mark 13.9, 10   As the early church began to grow, most of the disciples experienced the kind of persecution Jesus was talking about.  Since the time of Christ, Christians have been persecuted in their own lands and on foreign mission fields.  Though you may be safe from persecution now, your vision of God’s [Wall’s] kingdom must not be limited by what happens only to you.  A glance at a newspaper will reveal that many Christians in other parts of the world daily face hardships and persecution.  Persecutions are an opportunity for Christians to witness for Christ to those opposed to him.  These persecutions serve God’s [Wall’s] desire that the gospel be proclaimed to everyone.)

(‘  There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on.  When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third storey and was picked up dead.  – Acts 20.8, 9   The “many lamps” were candles in lanterns.  The combination of the heat from the candles and the gathered numbers of people in an upstairs room probably made the room very warm.  This no doubt helped Eutychus fall asleep, as well as the fact that Paul spoke for a long time.  Eutychus was probably somewhere in the range of 8-14 years old (the age of a “young man”).)

(‘   Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. – Acts 21.8   This is the Philip mentioned in 6:5 and 8:26-40.)

(‘   After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. – Acts 21.10   Fifteen years earlier, Agabus had predicted the famine in Jerusalem (11.27-29).)

~~~

Controlling others for our benefit, Laban’s POSER/PROFILE

How we miss God’s full benefits:

‘   Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so.  “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel.  When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. 

“Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!”  Elisha said, and he shot.  “The LORD’S arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!”  Elisha declared.  “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.”

Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.”  He struck it three times and stopped.  The man of God  was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it.  But now you will defeat it only three times.”  – 2 Kings 13.15-19

When Jehoash was told to strike the ground with the arrows, he did it only halfheartedly. As a result, Elisha told the king that his victory over Aram would not be complete.  Receiving the full benefits of God’s plan for our lives requires us to receive and obey God’s commands fully.  If we don’t follow God’s complete instructions, we should not be surprised that his full benefits and blessings are not present.

Forfeiting eternal rewards for temporary benefits:

‘   But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.  – Matthew 19.30

Jesus turned the world’s values upside down. Consider the most powerful or well-known people in our world – how many got where they are by being humble, self-effacing, and gentle?  Not many!  But in the life to come, the last will be first – if they are in last place because of choosing to follow Jesus.  Don’t’ forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits.  Be willing to make sacrifices now for greater rewards later.  Be willing to accept human disapproval, while knowing that you have God’s approval.

Of following Jesus:

‘   Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” 

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God [Wall].”

Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no-one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God [Wall] will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” –  Luke 18.26-30

Peter and the other disciples had paid a high price – leaving their homes and jobs – to follow Jesus. But Jesus reminded Peter that following him has its benefits as well as its sacrifices.  Any believer who has had to give up something to follow Christ will be paid back in this life was well as in the next.  For example, if you must give up a secure job, you will find that God [Wall] offers a secure relationship with himself now and for ever.  If you must give up your family’s approval, you will gain the love of the family of God.  The disciples had begun to pay the price of following Jesus, and Jesus said they would be rewarded.  Don’t dwell on what you have given up; think about what you have gained and give thanks for it.  You can never outgive God.

Can’t have benefits of Christianity while clinging to sin:

‘   Repent, then, and turn to God [Wall], so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,  –  Acts 3.19

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance. The apostles’ message of salvation also included the call to repentance – acknowledging personal sin and turning away from it.  Many people want the benefits of being identified with Christ without admitting their own disobedience and turning from sin.  The key to forgiveness is confessing your sin and turning from it (see 2.38).)

Of Christ’s death on the cross:

‘   giving thanks to the Father [up], who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  – Colossians 1.12-14

Paul lists five benefits God [Wall] gives all believers through Christ: (1) he made us qualified to share [Plot] his inheritance (see also 2 Corinthians 5.21); (2) he rescued us from Satan’s dominion of darkness and made us his children (see also 2.15); (3) he brought us into his eternal kingdom (see also Ephesians 1.5, 6); (4) he redeemed us – bought our freedom from sin and judgment (see also Hebrews 9.12); and (5) he forgave all our sins (see also Ephesians 1.7). Thank God [Wall] for what you have received n Christ.

EXTRA:

(‘   Now Elisha was suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him.  “My father!  My father!” he cried.  “The chariots and horsemen of Israel!”  – 2 Kings 13.14   Elisha was highly regarded for his prophetic powers and miracles on Israel’s behalf.  Jehoash called him, “The chariots and horsemen of Israel”!  This recalls the title Elisha gave to Elijah in 2:12.  Jehoash feared Elisha’s death because he ascribed the nation’s well-being to Elisha rather than to God.  Jehoash’s fear reveals his lack of spiritual understanding.  At least 43 years had passed since Elisha was last mentioned in Scripture (9.1), when he anointed Jehu king (841 B.C.).  Jehoash’s reign began in 798 B.C.)

(‘   Elisha died and was buried. – –  Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring.  Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb.  When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.  – 2 Kings 13.20, 21    Elisha was dead, but his good influence remained, even causing miracles.  This demonstrated that Elisha was indeed a prophet of God.  It also attested to God’s power – no pagan idol ever raised anyone from the dead.  This miracle served as one more reminder to Israel that it had rejected God’s word as given through Elisha.)

(‘   And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.  – Matthew 19.29   Jesus assured the disciples that anyone who gives up something valuable for his sake will be repaid many times over in this life, although not necessarily in the same form.  For example, a person may be rejected by his or her family for accepting Christ, but he or she will gain the larger family of believers.)

(‘ “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. – Matthew 20.1ff   Jesus further clarified the membership rules of the kingdom of heaven – entrance is by God’s grace alone.  In this parable, God is the landowner, and believers are the workers.  This parable speaks especially to those who feel superior because of heritage or favoured position, to those who feel superior because they have spent so much time with Christ, and to new believers as reassurance of God’s grace.)

(‘   When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”  – –   When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.  – Luke 18.22, 23   This man’s wealth made his life comfortable and gave him power and prestige.  When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned, Jesus was touching the very basis of his security and identity.  The man did not understand that he would be even more secure if he followed Jesus than he was with all his wealth.  Jesus does not ask all believers to sell everything they have, although this may be his will for some.  He does ask us all, however, to get rid of anything that has become more important than God [Wall].  If your basis for security has shifted from God [Wall] to what you own, it would be better for you to get rid of those possessions.)

(‘ Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God [Wall].”  … (See above).  – Luke 18.24-27  Because money represents power, authority, and success, it is often difficult for wealthy people to realise their need and their powerlessness to save themselves.  The rich in talent or intelligence suffer the same difficulty.  Unless God [Wall] reaches down into their lives, they will not come to him.  Jesus surprised some of his hearers by offering salvation to the poor; he may surprise some people today by offering it to the rich.  It is difficult for a self-sufficient person to realise his or her need and come to Jesus, but “What is impossible with men is possible with God [Wall]”.)

(‘   Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be turned over to the Gentiles.  They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him.  On the third day he will rise again.”  – –  The disciples did not understand any of this.  Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.  – Luke 18.31-34   Some predictions about what would happen to Jesus are found in Psalms 41:9 (betrayal); Psalms 22:16-18 and Isaiah 53:4-7 (crucifixion); Psalms 16:10 (resurrection).  The disciples didn’t understand Jesus, apparently because they focused on what he said about his death and ignored what he said about his resurrection.  Even though Jesus spoke plainly, they would not grasp the significance of his words until they saw the risen Christ face to face.)

(‘   But this is how God [Wall] fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. – Acts 3.18   These prophecies are found in Psalms 22 and Isaiah 50.6 and Isaiah 53.  Peter was explaining the kind of Messiah God [Wall] had sent to earth.  The Jews expected a great ruler, not a suffering servant.)

(‘   (See above.) … and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus.  – Acts 3.19, 20   When we repent, God [Wall] promises not only to wipe [Crown] out our sins, but to bring spiritual refreshment.  Repentance may at first seem painful because it is hard to give up certain sins.  But God [Wall] will give you a better way.  As Hosea promised, “Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him.  As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the writer rains, like the spring rains that water the earth” ( Hosea 6.3).  Do you feel a need to be refreshed?.)

(‘ He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God [Wall] to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. – Acts 3.21   The time when God [Wall] will “restore everything” refers to the second coming, the Last Judgment, and the removal of sin from the world.)

(‘   (see above.) … For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God [Wall] will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.  – Acts 3.21, 22   Most Jews thought that Joshua was this prophet predicted by Moses (Deuteronomy 18.15).  Peter was saying that the prophet was Jesus Christ.  Peter wanted to show them that their long-awaited Messiah had come!  He and all the apostles were calling the Jewish nation to realise what they had done to their Messiah, to repent, and to believe.  From this point on in Acts, we see many Jews rejecting the gospel.  So the message went also to the Gentiles, many of whom were open to receive Jesus.)

(‘   For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God [Wall] to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God [Wall], being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully … (see above.)  – Colossians 1.9-14   Paul was exposing a heresy in the Colossian church that was similar to Gnosticism (see the note on 2.4ff for more information).  Gnostics valued the accumulation of knowledge, but Paul pointed out that knowledge in itself is empty.  To be worth anything, it must lead to a changed life and right living.  His prayer for the Colossians has two dimensions: (1) that they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s [Wall’s] will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, and (2) that they would bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God [Wall].  Knowledge is not merely to be accumulated; it should give us direction for living.  Paul wanted the Colossians to be wise, but he also wanted them to use their knowledge.  Knowledge of God [Wall] is not a secret that only a few can discover; it is open to everyone.  God [Wall] wants us to learn more about him, and also to put belief into practice by helping others.)

(1.9-14   Sometimes we wonder how to pray for missionaries and other leaders we have never met.  Paul had never met the Colossians, but he faithfully prayed for them.  His prayers teach us how to pray for others, whether we know them or not.  We can request that they (1) understand God’s [Wall’s] will, (2) gain spiritual wisdom, (3) please and honour God [Wall], (4) bear good fruit, (%) grow in the knowledge of God [Wall], (6) be filled with God’s [Wall’s] strength, (7) have great endurance and patience, (8) stay full of Christ’s joy, and (9) give thanks always.  All believers have these same basic needs.  When you don’t know how to pray for someone, use Paul’s prayer pattern for the Colossians.)

(‘ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, – Colossians 1.13   The Colossians feared the unseen forces of darkness, but Paul says that true believers have been transferred from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom, from guilt to forgiveness, and from the power of Satan to the power of God [Wall].  We have been rescued from a rebel kingdom to serve the rightful King.  Our conduct should reflect our new allegiance.)

~~~

Finding the freedom to grieve:

‘   Joseph threw himself upon his father and wept over him and kissed him.  Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel.  So the physicians embalmed him, taking a full forty days, for that was the time required for embalming.  And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.

When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favour in your eyes, speak to Pharaoh for me. Tell him, ‘My father made me swear an oath and said, “I am about to die; bury me in the tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.”  Now let me go up and bury my father’ then I will return.’ “

Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.”

So Joseph went up to bury his father. All Pharaoh’s officials accompanied him – the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt – besides all the members of Joseph’s household and his brothers and those belonging to his father’s household.  Only their children and their flocks and herds were left in Goshen.  Chariots and horsemen also went up with him.  It was a very large company. 

When they reached the threshing-floor of Atad,near the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father. When the Canaanites who lived there saw the mourning at the threshing-floor of Atad, they said, “The Egyptians are holding a solemn ceremony of mourning.”  That is why that place near the Jordan is called Abel Mizraim.  – Genesis 50.1-11

When Jacob died at the age of 147, Joseph wept and mourned for months. When someone close to us dies, we need a long period of time to work through our grief.  Crying and sharing our feelings with others helps us recover and go on with life.  Allow yourself and others the freedom to grieve over the loss of a loved one, and give yourself time enough to complete your grieving process.

Rash vows bring:

‘   When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of tambourines!  She was an only child.  Except for her he had neither son nor daughter.  When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, “Oh!  My daughter!  You have made me miserable and wretched, because I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break.”  – Judges 11.34-35

Jephthah’s rash vow brought him unspeakable grief. In the heat of emotion or personal turmoil it is easy to make foolish promises to God [Keep Saying/Elite Wall Until They Get, ‘It’].  These promises may sound very spiritual when we make them, but they may produce only guilt and frustration when we are forced to fulfil them.  Making spiritual “deals” only brings disappointment.  God [Wall] does not want promises for the future, but obedience for today.

Don’t be ashamed to grieve:

‘   Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.  – 2 Samuel 1.11-12

“They mourned and wept and fasted till evening.” David and his men were visibly shaken over Saul’s death.  Their actions showed their genuine sorrow over the loss of their king, their friend Jonathan, and the other soldiers of Israel who died that day.  They were not ashamed to grieve.  Today, some people consider expressing emotions to be a sign of weakness.  Those who wish to appear strong try to hide their feelings.  But expressing our grief can help us deal with our intense sorrow when a loved one dies.

‘   At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.  Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart.  The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”  In all this, Job did not sin by charging God [Wall] with wrongdoing.  – Job 1.20-22

Job had lost his possessions and family in this first of Satan’s tests, but he reacted rightly towards God [Wall] by acknowledging God’s [Wall’s] sovereign authority over everything God [Wall] had given him. Satan lost this first round.  Job passed the test and proved that people can love God [Wall] for who he is, not for what he gives.

Moving from grief to action:

‘   When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.  For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God [Wall] of heaven.  – Nehemiah 1.4

Nehemiah was deeply grieved about the condition of Jerusalem, but he didn’t brood about it.  After his initial grief, he prayed, pouring his heart out to God [Wall] (1.5-11), and he looked for ways to improve the situation.  Nehemiah put all his resources of knowledge, experience, and organisation into determining what should be done.  When tragic news comes to you, first pray.  Then seek ways to move beyond grief to specific action that helps those who need it.

(1.4   Nehemiah broke down and wept when he heard that Jerusalem’s wall’s still had not been rebuilt.  Why did this upset him?  Walls mean little in most present-day cities, but in Nehemiah’s day they were essential.  They offered safety from raids and symbolised strength and peace.  Nehemiah also mourned for his people, the Jews, who had been stifled by a previous edict that kept them from rebuilding their walls (Ezra 4.6-23).)

Can’t take away life’s real purpose:

‘   Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God [Wall] has hedged in? For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water.  What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.  I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”   –   Job 3.23-26

Job had been careful not to worship material possessions but to worship God [Wall] alone.  Here he was overwhelmed by calamites that mocked his caution, and he complained about trials that came despite his right living.  All the principles by which he had lived were crumbling, and Job began to lose his perspective.  Trials and grief, whether temporary or enduring, do not destroy the real purpose of life.  Life is not given merely for happiness and personal fulfilment, but for us to serve and honour God [Wall].  The worth and meaning of life is not based on what we feel, but on the one reality no-one can take away – God’s love for us.  Don’t assume that because God [Wall[ truly loves you, he will always prevent suffering.  The opposite may be true.  God’s [Wall’s] love cannot be measured or limited by how great or how little we may suffer.  Romans 8.38, 39 teaches us that nothing can separate us from God’s [Wall’s] love.

How Jesus handled it:

‘   When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.  When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.  – Matthew 14.13-14

Jesus sought solitude after the news of John’s death. Sometimes we may need to deal with our grief along.  Jesus did not dwell on his grief, but returned to the ministry he came to do.

EXTRA:

(JEPHTHAH’S VICTORY   The Ephraimites mobilised an army because they were angry about not being included in the battle against Ammon.  They planned to attack Jephthah at his home in Gilead.  Jephthah captured the fords of the Jordan at the Jabbok River and killed the Ephraimites who tried to cross.)

Why Nehemiah kept his mission secret at first:

‘ so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall.  Finally, I turned back and re-entered through the Valley Gate.  The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.  – Nehemiah 2.15-16

Nehemiah kept his mission a secret and surveyed the walls by moonlight to avoid unhealthy gossip about his arrival and to prevent enemies [We don’t use them] from being alerted to his plans. Only after planning carefully would he be ready to go public with his mission from God [Wall].  A premature announcement could have caused rivalry among the Jews as to the best way to begin.  In this case, Nehemiah didn’t need tedious planning sessions; he needed one plan that would bring quick action.

Why Jesus wanted to keep miracles as:

‘   Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone.  But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it.  –  Mark 7.36

Jesus asked the people not to talk about this healing, because he didn’t want to be seen simply as a miracle worker.  He didn’t want the people to miss his real message [Genre].  We must not be so concerned about what Jesus can do for us that we forget to listen to his message.

(MINISTRY IN PHOENICIA Jesus’ ministry was to all people – first to Jews but also to Gentiles.  Jesus took his disciples from Galilee to Tyre and Sidon, large cities in Phoenicia, where he healed a Gentile woman’s daughter)

Why did Jesus often act secretly?:

‘   However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.  –  John 7.10

Jesus came with the greatest gift ever offered, so why did he often act so secretly? The religious leaders hated him, and many would refuse his gift of salvation, no matter what he said or did.  The more Jesus taught and worked publicly, the more these leaders would cause trouble for him and his followers.  So it was necessary for Jesus to teach and work as quietly as possible.  Many people today have the privilege of teaching, preaching, and worshipping publicly with little persecution.  These believers should be grateful and make the most of their opportunities to proclaim the gospel.

No believers have spiritual knowledge:

‘   the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.  To them God [Wall] has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  –  Colossians 1.26-27

The false teachers in the Colossian church believed that spiritual perfection was a secret and hidden plan that only a few privileged people could discover [brings out a lot of trouble, like awarding exploration & discovery]. Their secret plan was meant to be exclusive.  Paul said that he was proclaiming the word of God [Keep Saying/Elite Wall Unitl They Get, ‘It’] in its fullness, not just a part of the plan.  He also called God’s [Wall’s] plan a “mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations”, not in the sense that only a few would understand, but because it was hidden until Christ came.  Through Christ it was made open to all.  God’s [Wall’s] secret plan is “Christ is in you, the hope of glory” – God [Wall] planned to have his Son, Jesus Christ [Put in the writing for it], live in the hearts of all who believe in him – even Gentiles like the Colossians.  Do you know Christ?  He is not hidden if you will come to him.

EXTRA:

(‘   I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God [Wall] had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.  There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.  By night I went through the Valley Gate towards the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.  Then I moved on towards the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall.  Finally, I turned back and re-entered through the Valley Gate.  The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who  would be doing the work.  Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.  Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”  – Nehemiah 2.11-17 Nehemiah arrived quietly in Jerusalem and spent several days carefully observing and assessing the damage to the walls.  Following this time of thoughtful consideration, he confidently presented his plan.  Nehemiah demonstrated an excellent approach to problem solving.  He got firsthand information and carefully considered the situation.  Then he presented a realistic strategy.  Before jumping into a project, follow Nehemiah’s example and plan ahead.  Check your information to make sure your ideas will work – be realistic.  Then you will be able to present your plan with confidence.)

(‘   Then I moved on towards the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; – Nehemiah 2.14   The walls were so broken down that Nehemiah’s mount couldn’t get through, so Nehemiah had to inspect that section on foot.)

(‘   Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.  I also told them about the gracious hand of my God [Wall] upon me and what the king had said to me.  – Nehemiah 2.17, 18   Spiritual renewal often begins with one person’s vision.  Nehemiah had a vision, and he shared it with enthusiasm, inspiring Jerusalem’s leaders to rebuild the walls.  –  We frequently underestimate people and don’t challenge them with our dreams for God ‘s [Wall’s] work in the world.  When God [Wall] plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for him, share it with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts.  Don’t regard yourself as the only one through whom God [Wall] is working.  Often God [Wall] uses one person to express the vision and inspire others, you put teamwork into action to accomplish God’s [Wall’s] goals.)

(‘   The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.  – Mark 7.26   This woman is called a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia, in Mark and a Canaanite in Matthew.  Mark’s designation refers to her political background.  His Roman [Quality] audience would easily identify her by the part of the empire that was her home.  Matthew’s description was designed for his Jewish audience, who remembered the Canaanites as bitter enemies [We don’t use them] when Israel was settling in the promised land.)

(‘ “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”  “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “But event he dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”  – Mark 7.27, 28   Dog refers to little dogs or house pets, not outdoor scavengers.  Jesus was saying that his first priority was to provide food for the children (teach his disciples), not to allow pets to interrupt the family meal.  –  The woman did not try to argue.  Using Jesus’ choice of imagery, she pointed out that she was willing to be considered an interruption as long as she could receive God’s [Wall’s] healing for her daughter.  Ironically, many Jews would lose God’s [Wall’s] spiritual healing because they rejected Jesus, while many Gentiles, whom the Jews rejected, would find salvation because they recognised Jesus.)

(‘   Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”  –  Mark 7.29   This miracle shows that Jesus’ power over demons is so great that he doesn’t need to be present physically in order to free someone.  His power transcends any distance.)

(CONTINUED MINISTRY After taking a roundabout way back to Galilee through Decapolis (the Ten Cities), Jesus returned to Dalmanutha where Jewish leaders questioned his authority.  From there he went to Bethsaida and on to Caesarea Philippi.  Here he talked with his disciples about his authority and coming events.)

(‘   During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, – Mark 8.1ff   This is a different miracle from the feeding of the 5,000 described in Chapter 6.  At that time, those fed were mostly Jews.  This time Jesus was ministering to a non-Jewish crowd in the Gentile region of the Decapolis.  Jesus’ actions and message were beginning to have an impact on large numbers of Gentiles.  That Jesus compassionately minister to non-Jews was very reassuring to Mark’s primary Roman audience.)

(‘ During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.  If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”  – Mark 8.1-3 Do you ever feel that God [Wall] is so busy with important concerns that he can’t possibly be aware of your needs?  Just as Jesus was concerned about these people’s need for food, he is concerned about our daily needs.  At another time Jesus said, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ . . . your heavenly Father [up] knows that you need them” (Matthew 6.31, 32).  Do you have concerns that you think would not interest God [Wall]?  There is nothing too large for him to handle and no need too small to escape his interest.) 

*****

(‘   The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven.  – Mark 8.11   The Pharisees had tried to explain away Jesus’ previous miracles by claiming they were done by luck, coincidence, or evil power.  Here they demonstrated a sign from heaven – something only God [Wall] could do.  Jesus refused their demand because he knew that even this kind of miracle would not convince them.  They had already decided not to believe.  Hearts can become so hard that even the most convincing facts and demonstrations will not change them.) *

(‘   The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. – John 7.7   Because the world hated Jesus, we who follow him can expect that many people will hate us as well.  If circumstances are going too well, ask if you are following Christ as you should.  We can be grateful when life goes well, but we must make sure it is not at the cost of following Jesus halfheartedly or not at all.)

(‘ But no-one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews. – John 7.13   The religious leaders had a great deal of power over the common people.  Apparently these leaders couldn’t do much to Jesus at this time, but they threatened anyone who might publicly support him.  Excommunication from the synagogue was one of the reprisals for believing in Jesus (9.22).  To a Jew, this was a severe punishment.)

(‘   Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.  – Colossians 1.24   When Paul says, “I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,” he does not mean that Christ’s suffering was inadequate to save him, nor does he mean that there is a predetermined amount of suffering that must be paid by all believers.  Paul could be saying that suffering is unavoidable in bringing the Good News of Christ to the world.  It is called Christ’s suffering, because all Christians are related to Christ.  When we suffer, Christ feels it with us.  But this suffering can be endured joyfully because it changes lives and brings people into God’s [Wall’s] kingdom (see 1 Peter 4.1, 2, 12-19).  For more about how Paul could rejoice despite his suffering, see the note on Philippians 1:29.)

(‘   We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.  – Colossians 1.28, 29   The word perfect means mature or complete, not flawless.  Paul wanted to see each believer mature spiritually.  Like Paul, we must work wholeheartedly like an athlete, but we should not strive in our own strength alone.  We have the power of God’s [Wall’s] Spirit working in us.  We can learn and grow daily, motivated by love, and not by fear or pride, knowing that God [Wall] gives the energy to become mature.)

(1.28, 29   Christ’s message [Genre] is for everyone; so everywhere Paul and Timothy went they brought the Good News to all who would listen.  An effective presentation of the gospel includes admonishing (warning) and teaching.  The warning is that without Christ, people are doomed to eternal separation from God [Wall].  As Christ works in you, tell others about him, warning and teaching them in love.  Who do you know that needs to hear this message [Genre]?)

Unit of Roman army:

‘   Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”  –  Mark 5.9

The evil spirit said its name was Legion. A legion was the largest unit of the Roman army, consisting of 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers.  Obviously this man was possess by many demons.

(‘ They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him.  – Mark 5.1, 2   Although we cannot be sure why demon-possession occurs, we know that evil spirits can use the human body to distort and destroy man’s relationship with God and likeness to him.  Even today, demons are dangerous, powerful, and destructive.  While it is important to recognise their evil activity so that we can stay away from demons, we should avoid any curiosity about or involvement with demonic forces or the occult (Deuteronomy 18.10, 12).  If we resist the devil and his influences, he will flee from us (James 4.7)).

(‘   And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.  – Mark 5.10 Mark often highlights the supernatural struggle between Jesus and Satan.  The demons’ goal was to control the humans they inhabited; Jesus’ goal was to give people freedom from sin and Satan’s control.  The demons knew they had no power over Jesus; so when they saw Jesus, they begged not to be sent out of the area (“into the Abyss” in Luke 8.31).  Jesus granted their request to enter into the herd of pigs (5.1) but ended their destructive work in people.  Perhaps Jesus let the demons destroy the pigs to demonstrate his own superiority over a very powerful yet destructive force.  He could have sent them to hell, but he did not, because the time for judgment had not yet come.  In the end, the devil and all his angels will be sent into eternal fire (Matthew 25.41)).

Name of a demon:

‘ Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. –  Luke 8.30

The demon’s name was Legion. A legion was the largest unit in the Roman army, having between 3,000 and 6,000 soldiers.  The man was possessed by not one, but many demons.

(‘ For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man.  Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into the solitary places.  ‘  Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”  “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.  And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.  – Luke 8.29-31 The demons begged Jesus to spare them from the Abyss, which is also mentioned in Revelations 9:1 and 20:1-3 as the place of confinement for Satan and his messengers [‘leave it as’ their robot world].  The demons, of course, knew all about this place of confinement, and they didn’t want to go there.)

(‘ When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank [Mind] into the lake and was drowned.  When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened.  When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.  Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.  Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear.  So he got into the boat [the U.N.’s one] and left.  – Luke 8.33-37 The demons destroyed the pigs, which hurt the finances of those tending the pigs, but can pigs and money compare with a human life?  A man had been freed from the devil’s power, but the people thought only about their livestock.  People have always tended to value financial gain above needy people. Throughout history, most wars have been fought to protect economic [“genre”] interests.  Much injustice and oppression, both at home and abroad, is the direct result of some individual’s or company’s urge to get rich.  People are continually being sacrificed to the god of money.  Don’t think more highly of “pigs” than of people.  Think carefully about how your decisions will affect other human beings, and be willing to choose a simpler life-style if it will keep other people from being harmed.)

It means you’re trying to prove yourself:

‘ A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.  – Proverbs 12.23

Prudent people have a quiet confidence.  Insecure or uncertain people feel the need to prove themselves, but prudent people don’t have to prove anything.  They know they are capable, so they can get on with their work.  Beware of showing off.  If you are modest, people may not notice you at first, but they will respect you later.

(‘ No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.  – Proverbs 12.21 This is a general, but not universal, truth.  Although harm does befall the righteous, they are able to see opportunities in their problems and move on.  The wicked, without God’s [Wall’s] wisdom, are ill-equipped to handle their problems.  (See the notes on 3.16, 17; 10.3; 11.8 for more about general truths that are not intended as universal statements.)

(‘ The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions. – Proverbs 12.27 The diligent make wise use of their possessions and resources; the lazy waste them.  Waste has become a way of life for many who live in a land of plenty.  Waste is poor stewardship.  Make good use of everything God [Keep Saying/Elite Wall Until They Get, It] has given you, and prize it.)

Pushes us to conform to wrong values:

‘   “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favouritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.  – Exodus 23.2-3

Justice is often perverted in favour of the rich. Here the people are warned against twisting justice in favour of the poor.  Justice should be impartial, treating rich and poor alike.  Giving special privileges to either rich or poor only makes justice for everyone more unlikely.  Withstand the pressure of the crowd to sway your decision about a person.  Let the fairness God shows to each of us guide your judgment.

(‘  “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness.  – Exodus 23.1 Making up or spreading false reports was strictly forbidden by God [Wall].  Gossip, slander, and false witnessing undermined families, strained neighbourhood co-operation, and made chaos of the justice system.  Destructive gossip still causes problems.  Even if you do not initiate a lie, you become responsible if you pass it on.  Don’t circulate rumours; quench them.)

(‘ “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.  – Exodus 23.4, 5 The thought of being kind to enemies was new and startling in a world where revenge was the common form of justice.  God [Wall] not only introduced this idea to the Israelites, he made it law!  If a man found a lost animal owned by his enemy, he was to return it at once, even if his enemy might use it to harm him.  Jesus clearly taught in Luke 10:30-37 to reach out to all people in need, even our enemies.  Following the laws of right living is hard enough [Army] with friends.  When we apply God’s [Wall’s] laws of fairness and kindness to our enemies, we show how different we are from the world.)

(Missing notes: 21.1, (Personal Injuries) 13-13; 21.26;  22.2, 4-17, 19-20, 30-31; 23.6-19, 22, 26-28, 30.)

Speaking up against the majority:

‘ Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”  And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored.  They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it.  All the people saw there are of great size.  We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim).  We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”  – Numbers 13.30-32

Imagine standing before a crowd [Universities] and loudly voicing an unpopular opinion! Caleb was willing to take the unpopular stand to do as God [Wall] had commanded.  To be effective when you go against the crowd, you must: (1) have the facts (Caleb had seen the land himself); (2) have the right attitude (Caleb trusted God’s [Wall’s] promise to give Israel the land); (3) state clearly what you believe (Caleb said, “We can certainly do it”).

(ROUTE OF THE SPIES The spies travelled from Kadesh at the southernmost edge of the Desert of Zin to Rehob at the northernmost edge and back, a round [Ring/Middle] trip of about 500 miles.  Rehob, Canaan, Mediterranean Sea, Jerusalem, Valley of Eshcol, Hebron, Negev, Desert of Zin, Egypt, Kadesh, Nile River, Desert of Paran, Desert of Sin, Mount Sinai, Red Sea.)

(‘ But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities [Seats] are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.  The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hitties, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”  – Numbers 13.28, 29 The fortified cities [Seat, not the 4^th July] the spies talked about were surrounded by high walls as much as 20 feet thick and 25 feet tall.  Guards were often stationed on top, where there was a commanding view of the countryside.  Some of the inhabitants, said the spies, were formidable men – from seven to nine feet tall – so that the Israelites felt like grasshoppers next to them (13.33).  The fortified cities [Seats] and the giants struck fear into the hearts of most of the spies.)

(‘ We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them. – Numbers 13.33 The Nephilim were giants who lived on the earth before the flood (Genesis 6.4).)

‘ All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honour to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him.  But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honour.  – Esther 3.2

Mordecai’s determination from his faith in God. He did not take a poll first to determine the safest or most popular course of action; he had the courage to stand alone.  Doing what is right will not always make you popular.  Those who do right will be in the minority, but to obey God is more important than to obey people (Acts 5.29).

(Missing Notes: 3.1, 8, 13-15. Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews.)

To abandon God:

‘ Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals.  They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt.  They followed and worshipped various gods of the peoples around them.  They provoked the LORD to anger because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.  In his anger against Israel the LORD handed them over to raiders who plundered them.  He sold them to their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist.  Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the LORD was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them.  They were in great distress.  –   Judges 2.11-15

Baal was the god of the storm and rains; therefore, he was thought to control vegetation and agriculture. Ashtoreth was the mother goddess of love, war, and fertility (she was also called Astarte or Ishtar). Temple prostitution and child sacrifice were a part of the worship of these Canaanite idols.  This generation of Israelites abandoned the faith of their parents and began worshipping the gods of their neighbours.  Many things can tempt us to abandon what we know is right.  The desire to be accepted by our neighbours can lead us into behaviour that is unacceptable to God [Wall].  Don’t be pressured into disobedience.

(2.11-15 God [Wall] often saved his harvest criticism and punishment for those who worshipped idols.  Why were idols so bad in God’s [Wall’s] sight?  To worship an idol violated the first two of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20.3-6).  The Canaanites had gods for almost every season, activity, or place.  To them, the Lord was just another god to add to their collection of gods.  Israel, by contrast, was to worship only the Lord.  They could not possibly believe that God [Wall] was the one true God [Wall] and at the same time bow to an idol.  Idol worshippers could not see their god as their creator because they created him.  These idols represent sensual, carnal, and immoral aspects of human nature.  God’s [Wall’s] nature is spiritual and moral.  Adding the worship of idols to the worship of God [Wall] could not be tolerated.)

(2.15, 16 Despite Israel’s disobedience, God [Wall] showed his great mercy by raising up judges to save the people from their oppressors.  Mercy has been defined as “not giving a person what he or she deserves”.  This is exactly what God [Wall] did for Israel and what he does for us.  Our disobedience demands judgment!  But God [Wall] shows mercy towards us by providing an escape from sin’s penalty through Jesus Christ, who alone saves us from sin.  When we pray for forgiveness, we are asking for what we do not deserve.  Yet when we take this step and trust in Christ’s saving work on our behalf, we can experience God’s [Wall’s] forgiveness.)

Obeying God vs. seeking others’ approval:

‘ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. – Matthew 1.24

Joseph changed his plans quickly after learning that Mary had not been unfaithful to him (1.19).  He obeyed God and proceeded with the marriage plans.  Although others may have disapproved of his decision, Joseph went ahead with what is right because of what others might think.  Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because of what others might think.  Like Joseph, we must choose to obey God rather than seek the approval of others.

(Missing Notes: None.)

When it’s too embarrassing to do right:

‘   The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted – Matthew 14.9

Herod did not want to kill John the Baptist, but he gave the order so that he wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of his guests. How easy it is to give in to the crowd [Universities] and to let ourselves be pressured into doing wrong.  Don’t get into a situation where it will be too embarrassing to do what is right.  Determine to do what is right, no matter how embarrassing or painful it may be.

(Missing Notes: 14.4-8, 10-12, …)

How it affects your decisions:

‘   Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion.  I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.  Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to desert death. – Luke 23.13-25

Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the crowd loudly demanded his death; so Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his province.  As a politician, he knew the importance of compromise, and he saw Jesus more as a political threat than as a human being [Tom Thumb] with rights and dignity.

Don’t let it control you:

‘   through glory and dishonour, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. – 2 Corinthians 6.8-10

What a difference it makes to know Jesus!  He cares for us in spite of what the world thinks.  Christians don’t have to give in to public opinion and pressure.  Paul stood faithful to God [Wall] whether people praised him or condemned him.  He remained active, joyous, and content in the most difficult hardships.  Don’t let circumstances or people’s expectations control [Fiscal Year-End] you.  Be firm as you stand true to God [Wall], and refuse to compromise his standards for living.

(Missing Notes: 6.4-6).

Removing it from your life:

‘   Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two maidservants.  He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear.  He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.  Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children.  “Who are these with you?” he asked.

Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.” Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down.  Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down.  Last of all came Joseph and Rachel, and they too bowed down.

Esau asked, “What do you mean by all these droves I met?”

“To find favour in your eyes, my lord,” he said.

But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” 

“No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favour in your eyes, accept this gift from me.  For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favourably.  Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.”  And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.  –   Genesis 33.1-11

It is refreshing to see Esau’s change of heart when the two brothers meet again. The bitterness over losing his birthright and blessing (25.29-34) seems gone.  Instead Esau was content with what he had.  Jacob even exclaimed how great it was to see his brother obviously pleased with him (33.10).

Life can bring us some bad situations. We can feel cheated, as Esau did, but we don’t have to remain bitter.  We can remove bitterness from our lives by honestly expressing our feelings to God [Wall], forgiving those who have wronged us, and being content with what we have.

Don’t mix despair with it:

‘ Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where di you glean today?  Where did you work?  Blessed be the man who took notice of you!”

Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.

“The LORD bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law.  “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.”  She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” – Ruth 2.19-20

Naomi had felt bitter (1.20, 21), but her faith in God was still alive, and she praised God [Wall] for Boaz’s kindness to Ruth. In her sorrows, she still trusted God [Wall] and acknowledged his goodness.  We may feel bitter about a situation,  but we must never despair.  Today is always a new opportunity for experiencing God’s care.  (For more on kinsman-redeemer, see the note on 3.1-9.)

(2.20   Though Ruth may not have always recognised God’s guidance, he had been with her every step of the way.  She went to glean and “just happened” to end up in the field owned by Boaz who “just happened” to be a close relative.  This was more than mere coincidence.  As you go about your daily tasks, God [Wall] is working in your life in ways you may not even notice.  We must not close the door on what God [Wall] can do.  Events do not occur by luck or coincidence.  We should have faith that God [Wall] is directing our lives for his purpose.)

(‘ As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don’t embarrass her.  Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”  –  Ruth 2.15, 16  The characters in the book of Ruth are classic examples of good people in action.  Boaz went far beyond the intent of the gleaners’ law in demonstrating his kindness and generosity.  Not only did he let Ruth glean in his field, he also told his workers to let some of the grain fall in her path.  Out of his abundance, he provided for the needy.  How often do you go beyond the accepted patterns of providing for those less fortunate?  Do more than the minimum for others.)

(‘ One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for?  Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours?  Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing-floor.  Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes.  Then go down to the threshing-floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.  When he lies down, note the place where he is lying.  Then go and uncover his feet and lie down.  He will tell you what to do.”  “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered.  So she went down to the threshing-floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.  When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile.  Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down.  In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet.  “Who are you?” he asked.  – Ruth 3.1-9  As widows, Ruth and Naomi could only look forward to difficult times.  (See the note on 1.8, 9 for more on the widow’s life.)  But when Naomi heard the news about Boaz, her hope for the future was renewed (2.20).  Typical of her character, she thought first of Ruth, encouraging her to see if Boaz would take the responsibility of being a “kinsman-redeemer” to her (2.20).    A kinsman-redeemer was a relative who volunteered to take responsibility for the extended family.  When a woman’s husband died, the law (Deuteronomy 25.5-10) provided that she could marry a brother of her dead husband.  But Naomi had no more sons.  In such a case, the nearest relative to the deceased husband could become a kinsman-redeemer and marry the widow.  The nearest relative did not have to marry the widow.  If he chose not to, the next nearest relative could take his place.  If no-one chose to help the widow, she would probably live in poverty for the rest of her life because in Israelite culture the inheritance was passed on to the son or nearest male relative, not to the wife.  To take the sting out of these inheritance rules, there were laws for gleaning and kinsman-redeemers.    We have a kinsman-redeemer in Jesus Christ, who though he was God [Wall], came to earth as a man in order to save us.  By his death on the cross, he has redeemed us from sin and hopelessness and thereby purchased us to be his own possession (1 Peter 1.18, 19).  This guarantees our eternal inheritance.)

Can build to an obsession:

‘   Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits.  But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai.  – Esther 5.9

Hatred and bitterness are like weed swith long roots that grow in the heart and corrupt all of life. Haman was so consumed with hatred towards Mordecai that he could not even enjoy the honour of being invited to Esther’s party.  Hebrews 12:15 warns us to watch out “that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many”.  Don’t let hatred and its resulting bitterness build in your heart.  Like Haman, you will find it backfiring against you (see 6.13; 7.9, 10).  If the mere mention of someone’s name provokes you to anger, confess your bitterness as sin.  Ignoring bitterness, hiding it from others, or making superficial changes [Royal Offer] in behaviour is not enough [army].  If bitterness isn’t completely removed, it will grow back making matters worse.

(‘   So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall.  The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.  – Esther 4.17-5.1 God was in control [Fiscal Year-End], yet Mordecai and Esther had to act.  We cannot understand how both can be true at the same time, and yet they are.  God [Wall] chooses to work through those willing to act for him.  We should pray as if all depended on God and act as if all depended on us.  We should avoid two extremes: doing nothing, and feeling that we must do everything.)

(‘ His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy.”  This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the gallows built.  – Esther 5.14 Haman’s family and friends, who were as arrogant as he, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high, probably built on the city [Seat] Wall or some prominent building.  They wanted to make sure that all the people of the city [Seat] saw Mordecai’s death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman’s death.)

(‘ That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.  – Esther 6.1, 2 Unable to sleep, the king decided to review the history of his reign, and his servants read to him about Mordecai’s good deed.  This seems coincidental, but God [Wall] is always at work.  God [Wall] has been working quietly and patiently throughout your life as well.  The events that have come together for good are not mere coincidence; they are the result of God’s [Wall’s] sovereign control [Fiscal Year-End] over the course of people’s lives (Romans 8.28).)   [That’s why I said syd Field is “Evening”.]

Forgiveness changes bitterness to joy:

‘   But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

“ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. – Luke 15.30

In the story of the lost son, the father’s response is contrasted with the older brother’s. The father forgave because he was filled with love.  The son refused to forgive because he was bitter about the injustice of it all.  His resentment rendered him just as lost to the father’s love as his younger brother had been.  Don’t let anything keep you from forgiving others.  If you are refusing to forgive people, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy and share it with others.  Make your joy grow: forgive somebody who has hurt you.

(“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field.  When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.  So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.  ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’  “The older brother became angry and refused to go in.  So his father went out and pleaded with him.  But he answered his father, ‘Look!  All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.  Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.  But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’  “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.  – Luke 15.25-31 It was hard for the older brother to accept his younger brother when he returned, and it is just as difficult to accept “younger brothers” today.  People who repent after leading notoriously sinful lives are often held in suspicion; churches are sometimes unwilling to admit them to membership.  Instead [Communication], we should rejoice like the angels in heaven when an unbeliever repents and turns to God [Wall].  Like the father, accept repentant sinners wholeheartedly and give them the support and encouragement that they need to grow in Christ.)

(‘ But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ “ – Luke 15.32 In Jesus’ story, the older brother represented the Pharisees, who were angry and resentful that sinners were being welcomed into God’s [Wall’s] kingdom.  After all, the Pharisees must have thought, we have sacrificed and done so much for God [Wall].  How easy it is to resent God’s [Wall’s] gracious forgiveness of others whom we consider to be far worse sinners than ourselves.  But when our self-righteousness gets in the way of rejoicing when others come to Jesus, we are no better than the Pharisees.)

Turning bitterness to opportunity:

‘   Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.  Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God [Wall] more courageously and fearlessly. – Philippians 1.12-14

Being imprisoned would cause many people to become bitter and to give up, but Paul saw it as one more opportunity to spread the Good News of Christ. Paul realised that his current circumstances weren’t as important as what he did with them.  Turning a bad situation [Elixir, not Basilica] into a good one, he reached out to the Roman soldiers who made up the palace guard and encouraged those Christians who were afraid of persecution.  We may not be in prison, but we still have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged – times of indecision, financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, or the loss of our jobs.  How we act in such situations will reflect what we believe.  Like Paul, look for ways to demonstrate your faith even in bad situations.  Whether or not the situation improves, your faith will grow stronger.

(1.13   How did Paul end up in chains in a Roman prison?  While he was visiting Jerusalem, some Jews had him arrested for preaching the gospel, but he appealed to Caesar to hear his case (Acts 21.15-25.12).  He was then escorted by soldiers to Rome, where he was placed under house arrest while awaiting trial – not a trial for breaking civil law, but for proclaiming the Good News of Christ.  At that time, the Roman authorities did not consider this to be a serious charge.  A few years later, however, Rome would take a different view of Christianity and make every effort to stamp it out of existence.  Paul’s house arrest allowed him some degree of freedom.  He could have visitors, continue to preach, and write letters such as this one.  A brief record of Paul’s time in Rome is found in Acts 28.11-31.  The “whole palace guard” refers to the Praetorian guard, the elite groups housed in the emperor’s palace.)

(1.14 When we speak fearlessly for Christ, or live faithfully for him during difficult situations, we encourage others to do the same.  Be an encouragement by the way that you live.)

(‘ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1.11 The “fruit of righteousness” includes all of the character traits flowing from a right relationship with God [Wall].  There is no other way for us to gain this fruit of righteousness than through Christ.  See Galatians 5.22, 23 for the “fruit of the Spirit”.)

(‘ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel.  The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.  But what does it matter?  The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.  And because of this I rejoice. – Philippians 1.15-18 Paul had an amazingly selfless attitude.  He knew that some were preaching to build their own reputations, taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment to try to make a name for themselves.  Regardless of the motives of these preachers, Paul rejoiced that the gospel was being preached.  Some Christians serve for the wrong reasons.  Paul wouldn’t condone, nor does God [Wall] excuse, their motives, but we should be glad if God [Wall] uses their message [Genre], regardless of their motives.)

Danger of:

‘ See to it that no-one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.  – Hebrews 12.15

Like a small root that grows into a great tree, bitterness springs [Hansel & Gretel’s Witch] up in our hearts and overshadows even our deepest Christian relationships.  A “bitter root” comes when we allow disappointment to grow into resentment, or when we nurse grudges over past hurts.  Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and immorality.  When the Holy Spirit [Centre] fills us, however, he can heal the hurt that causes bitterness.

(‘ Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees! “Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.   – Hebrews 12.12, 13 God is not only a disciplining parent but also a  demanding coach who pushes us to our limits and requires our lives to be disciplined.  Although we may not feel strong enough [Army] to push on to victory [Spoils the language], we will be able to accomplish it as we follow Christ and draw on his strength.  Then we can use our growing strength to help those around us who are weak and struggling.)

(12.12, 13   The word therefore is a clue that what follows is important!  We must not live with only our own survival in mind.  Others will follow our example, and we have a responsibility to them if we are living for Christ, as we claim to be.  Does your example make it easier for others to believe in and follow Christ, and to mature in him?  Or would those who follow you end up confused and misled?)

(‘ Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see the Lord.  –  Hebrews 12.14  The readers were familiar with the ceremonial cleansing ritual that prepared them for worship, and they knew that they had to be holy or clean in order to enter the temple.  Sin always blocks our vision of God [Wall]; so if we want to see God [Wall], we must renounce sin and obey him (see Psalms 24.3, 4).  Holiness is coupled with living in peace.  A right relationship with God [Wall] leads to right relationships with fellow believers.  Although we will not always feel loving towards all other believers, we must pursue peace as we become more Christlike.)

‘   Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. – 1 John 3.15

John echoes Jesus’ teaching that whoever hates another person is a murderer at heart (Matthew 5.21, 22). Christianity is a religion of the heart; outward compliance alone is not enough.  Bitterness against someone who has wronged you is an evil cancer within you and will eventually destroy you.  Don’t let a “bitter root” (Hebrews 12.15) grow in you or your church.

(‘ do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him?  Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.  Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.  – 1 John 3.12, 13 Cain killed his brother, Abel, when God [Wall] accepted Abel’s offering and not his (Genesis 4.1-16).  Abel’s offering showed that Cain was not giving his best to God [Wall], and Cain’s jealous anger drove him to murder.  People who are morally upright expose and shame those who aren’t.  If we live for God [Wall], the world will often hate us, because we make them painfully aware of their immoral way of living.)

(‘ This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  – 1 John 3.16 Real love is an action, not a feeling.  It produces selfless, sacrificial giving.  The greatest act of love is giving oneself for others.  How can we lay down our lives?  By serving others with no thought of receiving anything in return.  Sometimes it is easier to say we’ll die for others than to truly live for them – this involves putting others’ desires first.  Jesus taught this same principle of love in 1 John 15.13.)

Poor often affected by:

‘   Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?  – James 2.5

When James speaks about the poor, he is talking about those who have no money and also about those whose simple values are despised by much of our affluent society. Perhaps the “poor” people prefer serving to managing, human relationships to financial security, peace to power.  This does not mean that the poor will automatically go to heaven and the rich to hell.  Poor people, however, are usually more aware of their powerlessness.  Thus it is often easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation.  One of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich is pride.  For the poor, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of salvation.

(‘ Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?  – James 2.2-4 We are often partial to the rich because we mistakenly assume that riches are a sign of God’s [Wall’s] blessing and approval.  But God [Wall] does not promise us earthly rewards or riches; in fact, Christ calls us to be ready to suffer for him and give up everything in order to hold on to eternal life (Matthew 6.19-21; 19.28-30; Luke 12.14-34; Romans 8.15-21; 1 Timothy 6.17-19).  we will have untold riches in eternity if we are faithful in our present life (Luke 6.35; John 12.23-25; Galatians 6.7-10; Titus 3.4-8).)

(‘ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right.  – James 2.8 The royal law is the law of our great King Jesus Christ, who said, “Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15.12)  This law, originally summarised in Leviticus 19.18, is the basis for all the laws of how people should relate to one another.  Christ reinforced this truth in Matthew 22.37-40, and Paul taught it in Romans 13.8 and Galatians 5.14.)

EXTRA

‘   In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God, was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good and he separated the light from the darkness.  God called the light “day”, and the darkness he called “night”.  And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day.

And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it.  And it was so.  God called the expanse “sky”.  And there was evening, and there was morning – the second day.

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so.  God called the dry ground “land”, and the gathered waters he called “seas”.  And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. – Genesis 1.1-11

[Syd Field = Evening.]