[Empty box]

Explanation of:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practises and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. –  Matthew 5.17-20

If Jesus did not come to abolish the law, does that mean all the Old Testament laws still apply to us today? In the Old Testament, there were three categories of law: ceremonial, civil, and moral.

1. The ceremonial law related specifically to Israel’s worship (see Leviticus 1.2, 3, for example).  Its primary purpose was to point forward to Jesus Christ; these laws, therefore, were no longer necessary after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  While we are no longer bound by ceremonial laws, the principles behind them – – to worship and love a holy God – – still apply.  Jesus was often accused by the Pharisees of violating ceremonial law.
2. The civil law applied to daily living in Israel (see Deuteronomy 24.10, 11, for example).  Because modern society and culture are so radically different from that time and setting, these guidelines cannot all be followed specifically.  But the principles behind the commands are timeless and should guide our conduct.  Jesus demonstrated these principles by example.
3. The moral law (such as the Ten Commandments) is the direct command of God, and it requires strict obedience (see Exodus 20.13, for example).  The moral law reveals the nature and will of God, and it still applies today.  Jesus obeyed the moral law completely.

EXTRA:

(5.17   God’s moral and ceremonial laws were given to help people love God with all their hearts and minds.  Throughout Israel’s history, however, these laws had often been misquoted and misapplied.  By Jesus’ time, religious leaders had turned the laws into a confusing mass of rules.  When Jesus talked about a new way to understand God’s law, he was actually trying to bring people back to its original purpose.  Jesus did not speak against the law itself, but against the abuses and excesses to which it had been subjected.  (See John 1.17.))

(5.19   Some of those in the crowd were experts at telling others what to do, but they missed the central point of God’s [Wall’s] laws themselves.  Jesus made it clear, however, that obeying God’s [Wall’s] law is more important than explaining it.  It’s much easier to study God’s [Wall’s] laws and tell others to obey them than to put them into practice.  How are you doing at obeying God [Wall] yourself?)

(5.20   The Pharisees were exacting and scrupulous in their attempts to follow their laws.  So how could Jesus reasonably call us to a greater righteousness than theirs?  The Pharisees’ weakness was that they were content to obey the laws outwardly without allowing God [Wall] to change their hearts (or attitudes).  Jesus was saying, therefore, that the quality of our goodness should be greater than that of the Pharisees.  The looked pious, but they were far from the kingdom of God.  God judges our hearts as well as our deeds, for it is in the heart that our real allegiance lies.  Be just as concerned about your attitudes that people don’t see as about your actions that are seen by all.)

(5.20   Jesus was saying that his listeners needed a different king of righteousness altogether (love and obedience), not just a more intense version of the Pharisees’ righteousness (legal compliance).  Our righteousness must (1) come from what God does in us, not what we can do by ourselves, (2) be God-centred, not self-centred, (3) be based on reverence for God, not approval from people, and (4) go beyond keeping the law to living by the principles behind the law.)

(‘   “You are the light of the world. A city [Seat] on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father [up] in heaven.  – Matthew 5.14-16   Can you hide a city [Seat] that is sitting on top of a hill?  It s light at night can be seem for miles.  If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like.  We hide our light by (1) being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying the light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others.  Be a beacon of truth – don’t shut your light off from the rest of the world.)

(‘   “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.  Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin.  But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.  – Matthew 5.21, 22   When Jesus said, “But I tell you,” he was not doing away with the law or adding his own beliefs.  Rather, he was giving a fuller understanding of why God [Wall] made that law in the first place.  For example, Moses said, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20.13); Jesus taught that we should not even become angry enough to murder, for then we have already committed murder in our heart.  The Pharisees read this law and, not having literally murdered anyone, felt righteous.  Yet they were angry enough with Jesus that they would soon plot his death, though they would not do the dirty work themselves.  We miss the intent of God’s [Wall’s] word when we read his rules for living without trying to understand why he made them.  When do you keep God’s [Wall’s] rules but close your eyes to his intent?)  [eg. Is that the Italian Job].

(5.21, 22   Killing is a terrible sin, but anger is a great sin too because it also violates God’s [Wall’s] command to love.  Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone.  It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage.  Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God [Wall].  Have you ever been proud [NOVA] that you didn’t strike out and say what was really on your mind?  Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practise thought-control as well.  Jesus said that we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.)

[Ghost rising a bed, or rats]

Good leaders encourage it:

The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses.  – Exodus 39.42

Moses had learned his management lesson well. He gave important responsibilities to others and then trusted them to do the job.  Great leaders, like Moses, give plans and direction while letting others participate on the team.  If you are a leader, trust your assistants with key responsibilities.

(So all the work on the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD commanded Moses.  – – Exodus 39:2.  The tabernacle was finally complete to the last detail.  God was keenly interested in every minute part.  The Creator of the universe was concerned about even the little things.  Matthew 10:30 says that God knows the number of hairs on our heads.  This shows that God is greatly interested in you.  Don’t be afraid to talk to him about any of your concerns – – no matter how small or unimportant they might seem.)

(Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them. – – Exodus 39:43. Moses inspected the finished work, saw that it was done the way God wanted, and then blessed the people.  A good leader follows up on assigned tasks and gives rewards for good work.  In whatever responsible position you find yourself, follow up to make sure that tasks are completed as intended, and show your appreciation to the people who have helped.)

God wants yours in carrying out his will:

Moses did everything just as the LORD commanded. – – Exodus 40:16

God told Moses how to build the tabernacle, and Moses delegated jobs in order to do it. God allows people to participate with him in carrying out his will.  Your task is not just to sit and watch God work, but to give your best effort when work needs to be done.

(Then the LORD said to Moses: “Set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the first month. – – Exodus 40:1. Moses was careful to obey God’s instructions in the smallest detail.  Notice that he didn’t make a reasonable facsimile of God’s description, but an exact copy.  We should follow Moses’ example and be fastidious about our obedience.  If God has told you to do something, do it right, and do it completely.)

(So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.  When Moses set up the tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts.  Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the LORD commanded him.  He took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.  Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the ark of the Testimony, as the LORD commanded him.   Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle outside the curtain and set out the bread on it before the LORD, as the LORD commanded him.   He placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle and set up the lamps before the LORD, as the LORD commanded him.    Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting in front of the curtain and burned fragrant incense on it, as the LORD commanded him.  Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.    He set the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it burnt offerings and grain offerings, as the LORD commanded him.  He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing, and Moses and Aaron and his sons used it to wash their hands and feet.  They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, as the LORD commanded Moses.   Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard.  And so Moses finished the work. – – Exodus 40:17-33. The physical care of the tabernacle required a long list of tasks, and each was important to the work of God’s house.  This principle is important to remember today when God’s house is the church.  There are many seemingly unimportant tasks that must be done to keep your church building maintained.  Washing dishes, painting walls, or shovelling snow may not seem very spiritual.  But they are vital to the ministry of the church and have an important role in our worship of God.)

Advantages of:

‘   The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood round him from morning till evening.  When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people?  Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand round you from morning till evening?”

Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s [Wall’s] will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s [Wall’s] decrees and laws.”

Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out.  The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God [Wall] be with you.  You must be the people’s representative before God [Wall] and bring their disputes to him.  Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.  But select capable men from all the people – men who fear God [Wall], trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  Have them serve as judges for the people at all  times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves.  That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.  If you do this and God [Wall] so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.

Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  They served as judges for the people at all times.  –  Exodus 18.13-26

Moses was spending so much time and energy hearing the Hebrews’ complaints that he could not get to other important work.  Jethro suggested that Moses delegate most of this work to others and focus his efforts on jobs only he could do.  People in positions of responsibility sometimes feel they are the only ones who can do necessary tasks; but others are capable of handling part of the load.  Delegation relieved Moses’ stress and improved the quality of the government.  It helped prepare them for the system of government set up in Canaan.  Proper delegation can multiply your effectiveness while giving others a chance to grow.

EXTRA:

(Exodus 18.16   Moses not only decided these cases, he also taught the people God’s [Wall’s] laws.  Whenever we help others settle disputes or resolve conflicts, we should also look for opportunities to teach about God [Wall].)

[I like Original Source shower gel]

Don’t break the agreement you made to follow God:

‘   Thirty-eight years passed from the time we left Kadesh Barnea until we crossed the Zered Valley.  By then, that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them.  The LORD’S hand was against them until he had completely eliminated them from the camp.  – Deuteronomy 2.14-15

Israel did not have to spend 40 years on the way to the promised land. God [Wall] sentenced them to desert wanderings because they rejected his love, rebelled against his authority, ignored his commands for right living, and wilfully broke their end of the agreement made in Exodus 19:8 and 24:3-8.  In short, they disobeyed God [Wall].  We often make life’s journey more difficult than necessary by disobedience.  Accept God’s [Wall’s] love, read and follow his commands in the Bible, and make a promise to stick with God [Wall] whatever your situation.  You will find that your life will be less complicated and more rewarding.

Agreeing to God’s plan for us:

‘   Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.  – Joshua 1.16

If everyone had tried to conquer the promised land his own way, chaos would have resulted.  In order to complete the enormous task of conquering the land, everyone had to agree to the leader’s plan and be willing to support and obey him.  If we are going to complete the tasks God [Wall] has given us, we must fully agree to his plan, pledge ourselves to obey it, and put his principles into action.  Agreeing to God’s [Wall’s] plan means both knowing what the plan is (as found in the Bible) and carrying it out daily.

Aided by the Holy Spirit:

‘   “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father [up] in heaven.   For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”  – Matthew 18.19-20

Jesus looked ahead to a new day when he would be present with his followers not in body, but through his Holy Spirit. In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ’s Holy Spirit is with them.  Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God’s [Wall’s] not their own; thus their requests will be granted.

[Frost bit on the fingers.]

Let God help you with life’s challenges:

No-One will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. – Joshua 1.5

Joshua’s new job consisted of leading more than two million people into a strange new land and conquering it. What a challenge – even for a man of Joshua’s calibre!  Every new job is a challenge.  Without God [Wall] it can be frightening.  With God [Wall] it can be a great adventure.  Just as God [Wall] was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges.  We may not conquer nations, but every day we face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations.  However, God [Wall] promises that he will never abandon us or fail to help us.  By asking God [Wall] to direct us we can conquer many of life’s challenges.

Challenge others with your vision:

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 upon me and what the king had said to me.

They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.  – 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 work in the world. When God 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 is working.  Often God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality.  When you encourage and inspire others, you put teamwork into action to accomplish God’s goals.

Jesus’ challenge to test him:

Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?  – John 8.46

In a number of places Jesus intentionally challenged his listeners to test him. He welcomed those who wanted to question his claims and character as long as they were willing to follow through on what they discovered.  Jesus’ challenge clarifies the two most frequently reasons that people miss when encountering him: (1) they never accept his challenge to test him, or (2) they test him but are not willing to believe what they discover.  Have you made either of those mistakes?

(John 8.46   No-one could accuse Jesus of a single sin.  People who hated him and wanted him dead scrutinised his behaviour but could find nothing wrong.  Jesus proved he was God in the flesh by his sinless life.  He is the only perfect example for us to follow.)

The world will challenge our faith:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever!  Amen. – 2 Peter 3.18

Peter concludes this brief letter as he began, by urging his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – to get to know him better and better. This is the most important step in refuting false teachers.  No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world will always challenge our faith.  We still have much room for growth.  If every day we find some way to draw closer to Christ, we will be prepared for truth in any and all circumstances.

EXTRA:

(‘   After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them – to the Israelites.  I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.  Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates – all the Hittite country – to the Great Sea on the west.  No-one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  – Joshua 1.1-5)

(Joshua 1.1   As the book of Joshua opens, the Israelites are camped along the east bank of the Jordan River at the very edge of the promised land and they are completing the morning period for Moses, who has just died (Deuteronomy 34.7, 8).  Thirty-nine years earlier (after spending a year at Mount Sinai receiving God’s [Wall’s] law), the Israelites had an opportunity to enter the promised land, but they failed to trust God [Wall] to give them victory.  As a result, God [Wall] did not allow them to enter the land, but made them wander in the desert until the disobedient generation had all died.  – –  During their desert wanderings, the Israelites obeyed God’s [Wall’s] laws.  They also taught the new generation to obey God’s [Wall’s] laws so that they might enter the promised land (also called Canaan).  As the children grew, they were often reminded that faith and obedience to God [Wall] brought victory, while unbelief and disobedience brought tragedy.  When the last of the older generation had died and the new generation had become adults, the Israelites prepared to make their long-awaited claim on the promised land.)

(Joshua 1.1-5   Joshua succeeded Moses as Israel’s leader.  What qualifications did he have to become the leader of a nation?  (1) God [Wall] appointed him (Numbers 27.18-23).  (2) He was one of only two living eyewitnesses to the Egyptian plagues and the exodus from Egypt.  (3) He was Moses’ personal aide for 40 years.  (4) Of the 12 Spies, only he and Caleb showed complete confidence that God [Wall] would help them conquer the land.)

(1.2   Because Joshua had assisted Moses for many years, he was well prepared to take over the leadership of the nation.  Changes in leadership are common in many organisations.  At such times, a smooth [Hero’s Journey] transition is essential for the establishment of the new administration.  This doesn’t happen unless new leaders are trained.  If you are currently in a leadership position, begin preparing someone to take your place.  Then, when you leave or are promoted, operations can continue to run efficiently.  If you want to be a leader, learn from others so that you will  be prepared when the opportunity comes.)

(‘ “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous.  Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.  – Joshua 1.6-8   Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless desire to get ahead.  But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God [Wall] taught Joshua goes against such criteria.  He said that to succeed Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, (2) obey God’s [Wall’s] law, and (3) constantly read and study the Book of the Law – God’s [Wall’s] word.  To be successful, follow God’s [Wall’s] words to Joshua.  You may not succeed by the world’s standards, but you will be a success in God’s [Wall’s] eyes – and his opinion lasts for ever.)

(‘   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 out 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.  – 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.

(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.)

(…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 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.)

(But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?”  they asked.  “Are you rebelling against the king?” – Nehemiah 2.19.   Sanballat and Tobiah labelled the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls as rebellion against the king, probably threatening to report the builders as traitors.  These enemies also ridiculed Nehemiah, saying that the walls could never be rebuilt because the damage was too extensive.  Nehemiah did not tell them he already had permission from the king to rebuild.  Instead, he simply said he had God’s approval – that was enough.)

(Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. – John 8.43.  The religious leaders were unable to understand because they refused to listen.  Satan used their stubbornness, pride, and prejudices to keep them from believing in Jesus.)

(You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!  – John 8.44, 45 The attitudes and actions of these leaders clearly identified them as followers of Satan.  They may not have been conscious of this, but their hatred of truth, their lies, and their murderous intentions indicated how much control the devil had over them.  They were his tools in carrying out his plans; they spoke the very same language of lies.  Satan still uses people to obstruct God’s work (Genesis 4.8; Romans 5.12; 1 John 3.12).

(I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” – John 8.51 To keep Jesus’ word means to hear his words and obey them.  When Jesus says those who obey won’t die, he is talking about spiritual death, not physical death.  Even physical death, however, will eventually be overcome.  Those who follow Christ will be raised to live eternally with him.)

(‘ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  – 2 Peter 3.14   We should not become lazy and complacent because Christ has not yet returned.  Instead [Communication], we should live in eager expectation of his coming.  What would you like to be doing when Christ returns?  That is how you should be living each day.)

(2 Peter 3.15, 16   By the time of Peter’s writing, Paul’s letters already had a widespread reputation.  Notice that Peter spoke of Paul’s letters as if they were on a level with “the other Scriptures”.  Already the early church was thinking of Paul’s letters as inspired by God [Wall].)

(Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.  Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever!  Amen. – 2 Peter 3.15-18 Peter and Paul had very different backgrounds and personalities, and they preached from different viewpoints.  Paul emphasised salvation by grace, not law, while Paul preferred to talk about Christian life and service.  The two men did not contradict each other, however, and they always held each other in high esteem.  The false teachers intentionally misused Paul’s writings by distorting them to condone lawlessness.  No doubt this made the teachers popular, because people always like to have their favourite sins justified, but the net effect was to totally destroy Paul’s message.  Paul may have been thinking of teachers like these when he wrote in Romans 6:15: “What then?  Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?  By no means!”  Peter warned his readers to avoid the mistakes of those wicked teachers by growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.  The better we know Jesus, the less attractive false teaching will be.)

Put time with God into yours:

Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. –  Joshua 3.9

Just before crossing over into the promised land, Joshua gathered the people to hear the words of the Lord. Their excitement was high.  No doubt they wanted to rush on, but Joshua made them stop and listen.  We live in a fast-paced age where everyone rushes just to keep up.  It is easy to get caught up in our tasks, becoming too busy for what God [Wall] says is most important – listening to his words.  Before making your schedule, take time to focus on what God [Wall] wants from all your activities.  Knowing what God [Wall] has said before you rush into your day may help you avoid foolish mistakes.

EXTRA:

(Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” – Joshua 3.5. Before entering the promised land, the Israelites were to perform a consecration (purification) ceremony.  This was often done before making a sacrifice or, as in this case, before witnessing a great act of God [Wall].  God’s [Wall’s] law stated that a person could become unclean for many reasons – eating certain foods (Leviticus 11); childbirth (Leviticus 12), disease (Leviticus 13, 14), touching a dead person (Numbers 19.11-22).  God [Wall] used these various outward signs of uncleanness to illustrate man’s inward uncleanness that comes as a result of sin.  The consecration ceremony pictured the importance of approaching God [Wall] with a pure heart.  Like the Israelites, we need God’s [Wall’s] forgiveness before we approach him.)

(And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD – the Lord of all the earth – set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. – Joshua 3.13, 14. The Israelites were eager to enter the promised land, conquer nations, and live peacefully.  But first they had to cross the flood-level waters of the Jordan River.  God [Wall] gave them specific instructions: in order to cross, the priests had to step into the water.  What if these priests had been afraid to take that first step?  Often God [Wall] provides no solution to our problems until we trust him and move ahead with what we know we should do.  What are the rivers, or obstacles, in your life?  In obedience to God [Wall], take that first step into the water.)

(‘ And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD – the Lord of all the earth – set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” – –  So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.  Now the Jordan is in flood all during harvest.  Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing.  It piled up in a heap of great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off.  So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.  The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.  – Joshua 3.13-17   God [Wall] had parted the waters of the Red Sea to let the people out of Egypt (Exodus 14), and here he parted the Jordan River to let them enter Canaan.  These miracles showed Israel that God [Wall] kept his promises.  God’s presence among his people and his faithfulness to them made the entire journey from Egypt to the promised land possible.  He was with them at the end of their wanderings just as he was with them in the beginning.)

(3.15, 16   The Israelites crossed the Jordan River in the spring, when it was overflowing its banks.  God [Wall] chose the time when the river was at its highest to demonstrate his power – parting the waters so that the entire nation could cross on dry ground.  Some say that God [Wall] used a natural occurrence (such as a landslide) to stop the waters of the Jordan; others say he did it by a direct miracle.  In either case, God [Wall] showed his great power by working a miracle of timing and location to allow his people to cross the river on dry ground.  This testimony of God’s [Wall’s] supernatural power served to build the Israelites’ hope in God [Wall] and to give them a great reputation with their enemies, who greatly outnumbered them.)

[Grandparents.]

Harmful effects of:

“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 [i.e., goes to the United States, Nooo] 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.

Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbour. – – Proverb 25.18

Lying (“false testimony”) is vicious. Its effects can be as permanent as those of a stab wound.  The next time you are tempted to pass on a bit of gossip, imagine yourself stabbing the victim of your remarks with a sword.  This image may shock you into silence.

We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. –  2 Thessalonians 3.11-12

A “busybody” is a gossip. An idle person who doesn’t work ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful activities, like gossip.  Rumours and hearsay are tantalising, exciting to hear and make us feel like insiders.  But they tear people down.  If you often find your nose in other people’s business, you may be underemployed.  Look for a task to do for Christ or for your family, and get to work.

Dealing with:

I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts – – men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. – Psalm 57.4

At times, we may be surrounded by people who gossip about us or criticise us. Verbal cruelty can damage us as badly as physical abuse.  Rather than answering with hateful words, we, like David, can talk with God [Wall] about the problem.

EXTRA:

(“Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. “You must give me the firstborn of your sons. – Exodus 22.29  The Israelites were to be prompt in giving God [Wall] their offerings.  The first of the harvest was to be dedicated to him.  Since God [Wall] doesn’t send reminders, it is easy to take care of other financial responsibilities while letting our gifts to him slide.  Giving to God [Wall] first out of what he has allowed you to have demonstrates that he has first priority in your life.)

(“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 [Wall] shows to each of us guide your judgment.)

(Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. – Proverb 25.14   Most churches, missions organisations, and Christian groups depend on the gifts of people to keep their ministries going.  But many who promise to give fail to do so.  The Bible is very clear about the effect this has on those involved in the ministry.  If you make a pledge, keep your promise.)

(If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. – Proverbs 25.21, 22.  God’s form of retaliation is most effective and yet difficult to do.  Paul quotes this proverb in Romans 12:19-21.  In Matthew 5:44, Jesus encouraged us to pray for those who hurt us.  By returning good for evil, we are acknowledging God as the balancer of all accounts and trusting him to be the judge.)

(In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teachings you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.  We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it.  On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”  We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.  Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.  And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.  If anyone does not obey our instructions in this letter, take special note of him.  Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.  Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.  – 2 Thessalonians 3.6-15  Some people in the Thessalonian church were falsely teaching that because Christ would return any day, people should set aside their responsibilities, leave work, do no future planning, and just wait for the Lord.  But their lack of activity only led them into sin.  They became a burden to the church, which was supporting them; they wasted time that could have been used for helping others; and they became “busybodies” (3.11).  These church members may have thought that they were being more spiritual by not working, but Paul tells them to be responsible and get back to work.  Being ready for Christ means obeying him in every area of life.  Because we know that Christ is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives.)

(If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.  Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. – 2 Thessalonians 3.14, 15  Paul counselled the church to stop supporting financially and associating with those who persisted in their idleness.  Hunger and loneliness can be very effective ways to make the idle person become productive.  Paul was not advising coldness or cruelty, but the king of tough love that a person would show a brother or sister.)

(Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. – Psalms 57.1ff  This psalms was probably written when David was hiding in a cave from Saul (see 1 Samuel 22-24).)

(My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. – Psalms 57.7 David’s firm faith in God [Wall] contrasted sharply with his enemies’ loud lying and boasting.  When confronted with verbal attacks, the best defence is simply to be quiet and praise God [Wall], realising that our confidence is in his love and faithfulness (57.10).  In times of great suffering, don’t turn inward to self-pity or outward to revenge, but upward to God [Wall].)

U.N. Crater.

When did Hebrew slaves build Egyptian store cities?

These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family — Exodus 1.11

Ancient records indicate that these cities were built in 1290 B.C., which is why some scholars believe the exodus occurred early in the 13^th century.   Looking at other evidence, however, other scholars believe the Hebrews left Egypt in 1446 B.C.   How could they build two cities 150 years after they left?   These scholars suggest that Rameses II, the pharaoh in 1290 B.C. did not build the cities of Pithom and Rameses.   Instead, he renamed two cities that actually had been built 150 previously.   It was a common practice for an Egyptian ruler to make improvements to a city then take credit for building it, thus wiping out all records of previous founders.   Also see the second note on 13:17, 18

When did the Hebrew slaves leave Egypt?

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.   For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”   So God led the people around by the dessert towards the Red Sea.   The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. — Exodus 13.17-18

When did the Hebrews leave Egypt?   There are two theories.   The early theory says the exodus occurred around 1446-1445 B.C.   The late theory suggests the exodus happened between 1300 and 12oo B.C.   Those who hold the earlier date point to 1 Kings 6:1, where the Bible clearly states that Solomon began building the temple 480 years after the Hebrews left Egypt.   Since almost all scholars agree that Solomon began building the temple in 966, this puts the exodus in the year 1446.   But those who hold to the later date suggest that the 480 years cannot be taken literally.   They point to Exodus 1:11, which says that the Hebrews built the store cities of Pithom and Rameses, named after Pharaoh Rameses II, who reigned around 1290 B.C.   Regardless of which date is correct, the fact is that God led the Hebrews out of Egypt, just as he had promised.   This showed his great power and his great love for his people.

God doesn’t always work in the way that seems best to us.   Instead of guiding the Israelites along the direct route from Egypt to the promised land, he took them by a longer route to avoid fighting with the Philistines.   If God does not lead you along the shortest path to your goal, don’t complain or resist.   Follow him willingly and trust him to lead you safely around unseen obstacles.   He can see the end of your journey from the beginning, and he knows the safest and best route.

Calculating the 70-year period of exile:

Anyone of his people among you – – may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. – Ezra 1.1

Jeremiah prophesied that the Jews would remain in captivity for 70 years (Jeremiah 25.11; 29.10).   The 70-year period has been calculated two different ways: (1) from the first captivity in 605 B.C. (2 Kings 24.1) until the altar was rebuilt by the returned exiles in 536 (Ezra 3.1-6), or (2) from the destruction of the temple in 586 until the exiles finished rebuilding it in 516.   Many scholars prefer the second approach because the temple was the focus and heartbeat of the nation.   Without the temple, the Jews did not consider themselves re-established as a nation.

The book of Ezra opens in 538 B.C., 48 years after Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem, defeated the southern kingdom of Judah, and carried the Jews away to Babylon as captives (2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36).   Nebuchadnezzar died in 562, and because his successors were not strong, Babylon was overthrown by Persia in 539, just prior to the events recorded in this book.   Both the Babylonians and the Persians had a relaxed policy towards their captives, allowing them to own land and homes and to take ordinary jobs.   Many Jews such as Daniel, Mordecai, and Esther rose to prominent positions within the nation.   King Cyrus of Persia went a step further; he allowed many groups of exiles, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.   By doing this, he hoped to win his empire.   For the Jews this was a day of hope, a new beginning.

Cyrus, king of Persia (559-530 B.C.), had already begun his rise to power in the Near East by unifying the Medes and Persians into a strong empire.   As he conquered cities, he treated the inhabitants with mercy.   Although not a servant of Yahweh, Cyrus was used by God to return the Jews to their homeland.   Cyrus may have been shown the prophecy of Isaiah 44:28-45:6, written over a century earlier, which predicted that Cyrus himself would help the Jews return to Jerusalem.   Daniel, a prominent government official (Daniel 5.29; 6.28), would have been familiar with the prophecy.   The book of Daniel has more to say about Cyrus.