King Asa

Now these things were our examples to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted”.1 Cor 10 v 6

The Lord had greatly helped King Asa when Zerah the Ethiopian came with a huge army of a thousand thousand, and 300 hundred chariots in the valley of Zephatha at M’aresh.

And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, “Lord it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God, let not man prevail against Thee”

God honoured this wonderful prayer of faith. So the Lord smote the Ethiopians and they fled. They were overthrown that they could not recover themselves for they were destroyed before the Lord, and before his host” 2 Chron 14 v 11/

Yet when the King of Israel , Baasha started to build Ramah and reinforce it, he went to Ben’Hadad in Syria for help. It is inconceivable why he did this. God had helped him previously.

Yet our hearts are made in that same mould. Many of us can say, “Hitherto the Lord has helped us “. Yet we do the same thing we look to Egypt , or the world’s system to save us. It may be the hospital. It may be taking the prescribed medicine, the tablets, or relying on the bank for a loan, seeking the world’s help by using Saul’s armour.   God sees the motivations and intentions of our hearts.

How useless and inadequate it is.  And how it grieves the Lord, who is waiting and willing to help His beloved children.

As is his custom, God had a man with a message.

Hanani came to confront King Asa, “Because thou hast relied on the King of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore the host of Syria is escaped out of thine hand. 2 Chron 16 v 7

What are the lessons? Like many people Asa compounded the original sin by getting into a rage. “Asa was wroth with the seer for his message and put him in prison and at this same time oppressed his people. Soon however the Lords hand of chastisement came upon him. He was deceased in his feet. This is described as exceedingly great, yet he did not repent.  Another mistake, he sought not the Lord but sought the physicians. Then not long after he died. 2 Chron 16 v 13

What a sad end! “He sought not the Lord”. How could he forget?  How can we forget the times without number, the way that the Lord has helped us?

What a contrast with Jehoshaphat, “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle, set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem .  Fear not, nor be dismayed, tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you….And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord   set ambushments against the chilren of Ammon, Moab, and mount Se’ir, which were come against Judah and they were smitten”. 2 Chron 20 v 17 //22

Hallelujah.

Looking for that blessed hope

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2 v 13

I was asked to help an elderly friend in laying out some paving slabs. My friend wanted to reduce the burden of gardening and she planned a little place to sit in the sun. Something, with perhaps a little trellis over it for clematis to grow, or climbing roses. A simple little job, but what struck me was the anticipation and the joy my friend was already enjoying. This without any work being done.

Should not we also enjoy now the thrill with the soon coming of the Lord Jesus? I believe it is the work of the Holy Spirit who implants this joyful anticipation. When we look at the dismal scene around in the world, the tragedy in folks lives, the struggle of displaced nations, and all the victims of ethnic cleansing.

The orphans, whose parents have died with aids, the millions of street kids roaming, scavenging, and prostituting themselves to survive. The awful cost of drug abuse, the prisons full with thieves and violent youths. The “No hopers” of this world. The single parents victims of this liberal society, where sin abounds.

To realise that the Lord’s return is soon. “Looking for and hasting unto the coming day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat”.2 Peter 3 v 12

Do you have that joy of anticipation? Are you watching and waiting? “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness”. 2 Peter 3 v 13

The Lord Jesus, when dealing with a deaf and dumb man in Decapolis, “Sighed and looked up to heaven “. Mark 7 v 34

His heart was with his heavenly Father, he knew he would return to him, and to glory. Are our thoughts heavenward? Do we expect any moment something to happen? I believe we should be sitting on the edge of our seats with excitement looking for that glorious appearing

Stephen in the moment of death” being full of the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly into heaven”. Was it will power? Was it presence of mind? Or was it a work of the Holy Ghost? …”And saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God”. Acts 7 v 55/56

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12 v 2

The prodigal father went out each day looking into the distance to see if there was any sign of his lost son. One day he saw him coming! .

Luke 15 v 20.

Where are we looking?

Idolotry

And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifices unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands”. Acts 7 v 41

In these last days, when there is a falling away from all things godly and the lust of other things occupies people’s minds. In these days of affluence and abundance, idol worship is common. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols”. 1 John 5 v 21

Paul writing to the Corinthians had to warn them, “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them, as it was written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. “Wherefore my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry”. 1 Cor 10 v 7/14

It was announced on the radio that for the first time in Britain, we spend more as a nation on entertainments, than on essentials. This fully concurs with the Scripture; “In the last days men will be lovers of their own selves, more than lovers of God”2 Tim 3 v 2/4

Idol worship is an abomination to God. Moses was shocked when God told him the people were corrupting themselves. “Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou hast brought out of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way, which I have commanded them, they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said these be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt”. Ex 32 v 7/8

Moses told the people on his return, “Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make atonement for your sin” Ex 32 v 30

There had been a terrible price to pay for their dancing naked before a golden calf. The Levites had responded to Moses challenge, “Who is on the Lords side”, and had gone among their brethren with the sword of judgement and slain those idolaters.

“And he said unto them, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. And the children of the Levites did according to the word of Moses, and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men”.  Ex 32 v 26/28

What a punishment! They lost their lives, physically. Yet there is a worse punishment for those who indulge in idol worship. They will forever be cast away. The warning is clear. “Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind. Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you”.1 Cor 6 v 9/11

This warning is plainly for Christians. “Such were some of you”. Is it possible for a Christian to be involved in idol worship? Yes!

Perfection

And being made perfect, he became the author of salvation unto all them that obey him”.  Heb 5 v 9.

When Jesus Christ entered this world in the flesh He was without sin, he was perfect. Since the fall and the curse there had been nothing perfect in the world. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Rom 3 v 23

That God requires perfection is a shocking thought and unobtainable by fleshly control but still required by God in the spirit. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”. Perfection can only be attained by abiding in Christ. John 15 v 4

A diamond reflects the light. If there is any flaw it is marred, it loses value. A diamond is examined under a very bright light. Jesus is the light of the world. 2,000 years later that light is still shining, reflected through His saints.

Today there are many fakes. Glass sold as diamonds. They do shine but on closer examination they are flawed. There is no quality. Only glass.

Pilate when examining Jesus, said, “I find no fault in this man, and later, What evil hath he done?    Luke 23 v 4/2

On the cross, where Jesus hung and suffered, the Word tells us, that Jesus, “Offered Himself without spot to God”. The sacrifice was a perfect one. The Levitical sacrificial lamb, chosen to be slaughtered, was to be “Without spot. Num 28 v 3

The rich young man went away with these words from Jesus, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me”. Math 19 v 21

In both the Tabernacle and the Temple we see perfection. The Tabernacle, in which God was to dwell, was covered with pure gold. Everything was perfect, the fine linen spoke of righteousness, the embroidered Cherubs, spoke of the heavenly origin of Christ, the gold of the divinity of Christ, the purple of his royalty, the scarlet of the blood he was to shed at Calvary. Ex 25 v 10

Before entering the Holy place, there had to be sacrifice of the burnt offering, and innocent blood was to be poured out. The priest having made offerings for his sin, dare not enter the holy place without first washing hands and feet at the brass Laver. He dare not enter the Holy of Holies, as this was for the high priest on the Day of Atonement.

A holy God is unapproachable by sinful flesh, only that which is washed in the blood and clean and perfect may come into His perfect, righteous and holy presence. Truly sin separates us from God.   Isaiah 59 v 2

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Col 1 v 28

Paul writing to Timothy speaking of the purpose of Scripture said, “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works”.

2 Tim 3 v 17

The Nail

And now for a little space, grace hath been showed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to esc ape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in bondage”. Ezra 9 v 8.

You heard the story of a rich man who wanted to buy a particular house. The owner refused to sell but the rich man persevered and kept offering more money. The owner still refused to sell his home but under the relentless pressure allowed the rich man to buy his home on one condition. That he could have a nail in his home, for his exclusive use.

The rich man agreed and moved into his new property. However soon there was a knock at the door and the previous owner had come and demanded to hang his coat on the nail. The rich man had agreed and reluctantly allowed the previous owner access. However over the following months the previous owner returned time after time. Leaving a very fishy smelling coat on his nail. The rich owner could no longer endure the smell and soon vacated the house for good. The moral to the story is that many times the devil has such a nail, in our hearts.

Ezra was grateful to God in His grace to allow Israel a nail in His holy place. A type of foot in the door. To give us a little reviving in our bondage.

Ezra was shocked and rent his garments when he heard how the people had behaved to their fellow men. “Ezra had rent his garment, the custom of the time, plucked off the hair of his head and beard and sat down astonished. What a contrast to Christianity today. Where it is “Laissez- faire, anything goes, any sort of compromise. We seem to accept as almost normal the most heinous crimes and debauchery. May God forgive us! Ezra 9 v 2

Ezra was shocked and ashamed. “And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness, and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God. And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens”. Ezra 9 v 5/6

The result of his prayer for the people and the nation was that they were willing to put away the sin, the evil associations, with the wives of the heathen from among them. Drastic action was needed. The knife, the cutting edge of Gods word had to sever. There had to be separation from sin, a forsaking and repentance for sin. Pro 28 v 13.

“Now when Ezra had prayed and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore. And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra “We have trespassed against our God”. Ezra 10 v 2

This nation needs to repent deeply before the Lord. Will the leaders, those in authority come and publicly repent? Shall we not make a beginning and repent as Daniel did, and as Ezra did. Has God left us a nail in his Holy place?

Let us pray. 2 Chron 7 v 14.

Ebed Melech

Jeremiah was in the mire. It was dark and there was no water. He had been cast into the dungeon for his uncompromising and forthright message, given despite much opposition from the princes of the city.

“Thus saith the Lord He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth unto the Chaldean’s shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live. Thus saith the Lord this city shall surely be given into the hand of the King of Babylon’s army, which shall take it”. Jer 38 v 2/3

The princes wanted the death sentence for Jeremiah. The weak king acquiesced saying, “Behold he is in your hands”, and Jeremiah was cast into the dungeon. Jer 38 v 5/6

We need preachers today who will speak out, “Thus saith the Lord”, in our land. Men of God, who are fearless in condemning sin, and calling the nations leaders to repentance. God always has a witness, and in these last days of apostasy and falling away we need a Jeremiah. I wonder what Jeremiah’s reaction was in the dungeon. Surely he would be calling on the Lord for a rescue party?

It reminds me of all who call upon the Lord out of a desperate situation. Jonah calling out of the belly of a large fish because he ran away from Nineveh. He had a message to give but he was afraid. He was found out as the storms lashed the ship and the heathen seamen started to pray. “What meanest thou O sleeper? Arise and call upon thy God, if so be, that God will think upon us, that we perish not”. Jonah 1 v 6

We know that Jonah was cast into the sea, even reluctantly, “We beseech thee, O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou O Lord hast done as it pleased thee”. Jonah 1 v 14.

Jonah was swallowed by a large fish and from within he cried out his desperate prayer. “Out of the belly of hell cried I. “Jonah 2 v 2

Jeremiah knew how to call upon the Lord, and the Lord had someone who would help nearby. Ebed-melech heard that they had cast Jeremiah into the dungeon. He knew it meant certain death if he remained there, without food and water .Left to die Jeremiah could not survive long.

God had the right man in the right place at the right time?

Ebed–melech took courage and spoke to the king. Pleading for Jeremiah, “He is likely to die of hunger where he is, for there is no bread in the city”. Jeremiah was rescued from the dungeon, pulled up by those, “Old clouts and rotten rags”, under his arms”. Jer 38 v 9/10

Are we ready to speak out for the King of Kings? For those who are certain to die, if they remain in Satan’s death grip. Ebed was well rewarded for his speaking out. “But I will deliver thee in that day, and thou shalt not be given into the hand of men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be a prey unto thee; because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord”.  Jer 39 v 17/18

Ebed-melech’s life was spared. He was saved. Rom 10 v 9

The Messenger

Hatach was one of Queen Esther’s chamberlains. “Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the kings chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what is was, and why it was”.Esther 4 v .5

A plot had been made by evil Ha’man, but some form of communication had to be established between them. Ha’tach was the obedient messenger who took those vital communications.

God always has a messenger Nathan comes to challenge David for his duplicity and sin , “Thou art the man”! Noah preached righteousness for 120 years to an unbelieving and mocking generation. They laughed him to scorn but God vindicated him when the flood came.

Jeremiah had many messages for backslidden Israel who were in gross idolatry. His warnings were also ignored with terrible results as the wrath of God was poured out.

Jeremiah also had many personal messages; “This saith the Lord to thee O Baruch… And seekest great things for thyself? Seek them not: for behold I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord”. Jer 45 v 5

We too are messengers. We have glad tidings and also warning messages to convey. Are we going to be obedient and faithful to give the messages undiluted? Many preachers balk at the prospect of warning the people, it goes against the grain, the English respectable way. They would rather prophesy smooth things, and deceits. Isaiah 30 v 10

Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh many times and warned him of the plagues, if he would not “Let my people go”. He hardened his heart and God also hardened his heart each time until the land was devastated. Even after the traumatic night when the angel of death came destroying the firstborn of every family and beast, then did he reluctantly yield and let Israel go.

Even then he recanted and followed after them in his chariots; intent on destroying them as they crossed the Red Sea, however God destroyed him, in those same waters. Ex 14 v 22/23

The Lord Jesus Himself appeared to John as he was imprisoned on the isle of Patmos. He gave him specific messages to the seven churches at that time and the last of the seven representing this present compromised lukewarm church. The Laodicean church was told, I will spew thee out of my mouth because thou art neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. Rev 3 v14/ 22

The last message in the Bible is, “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst say, Come. And whosoever will may take of the waters of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book…He which testifieth these things sayeth, surely I come quickly. Amen.

Even so come quickly Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen

Rev 22 v 17/20/21

He Upbraided Them

The disciples were rowing across the lake. The wind was contrary and they were struggling against it. Then in the dark they saw Jesus walking upon the water. What an incredible sight. “They supposed He had been a spirit, and they cried out. For they all saw him and were troubled”. Mark 6 v 48/49

The beautiful thing about this episode is that the Lord Jesus came to them. The story tells He intended to walk by them. Was He going ahead to prepare a fire and some fish? But immediately He talked with them He said, “Be of good cheer: It is I , be not afraid”. Mark 6 v 50

When He appeared the Lord frequently said, “Fear not, It is I”.

“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last”. Rev 1 v 17

Jesus got into the ship with the disciples he rebuked the wind and sea. The disciples were sore afraid, and wondered and were amazed for they considered not the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, for their heart was hardened.

This is a common occurrence today. We serve a miracle working God. But our hearts are hardened! Did the disciples learn from this lesson; did their faith grow? Apparently not.

Later we read in Mark’s Gospel that they hardened their heart again. This time it was another miracle appearance of Jesus, “Afterwards he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen”.  Mark 16 v 14

Witnesses came telling them that Jesus was alive. Mary Magdalene had come with the news. She had met with Jesus. He is alive, “And they after when they heard that He was alive, and had seen of her, believed not”. Neither they believed them. Mark 16 v 14 Mark 16 v 11

The two on the Emmaus road, who had come telling of a meeting with Jesus, while on the road to Emmaus. He talked with us, and beginning with Moses and all the prophets expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself When they had shared a meal with him, He revealed himself to them, then vanished. Luke 24 v 18/32

What a testimony! How sad it was not believed! Unbelief in Christians is hard to understand. We have a Bible full of miracles. The miracle of creation. The Old Testament miracles of the burning bush, the Red Sea parting, the water from the rock, the sun standing still, an endless testimony. The water was changed to wine, the healing of the blind the lame, the dead raised. The cross and the resurrection, the promise of eternal life. How big is our faith?

“If I have told you of earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things”? John3 v 12

Be Still

In this busy hectic life with deadlines and pressures on every side, the notion of being still is far removed from our thinking.. The Lord Jesus said, “Come ye yourselves apart to a desert place and rest awhile”. Mark 6 V 31

One evening as I sat by the common pond. I sat overlooking the still water and thought, “What a peaceful and idyllic scene”. Nothing moved and in the stillness it seemed as if the Lord drew near and spoke peace be still. Mark 4 v 39

I thought our lives ought to be like this pond, outwardly still, peaceful and beautiful, serene. Jesus was able to sleep while the storm raged. The disciples were fearful while He was resting! Jesus spoke “Peace be still” and the wind and the waves obeyed him. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee, for he trusteth in thee”. Isaiah 26 v 3

Yet this is not all. Surely our lives are not to be passive and isolated, but productive. Also in the heat of the battle, in the heavenly places with spiritual conflict, we are at battle stations Is it possible to remain serene while fighting. 2 Tim 2 v 3

Like the centre of a hurricane, we are told that at the periphery the winds are terrific, but in the centre there is stillness and calm. As I mused, it was a beautiful evening, the sun was setting, suddenly and unexpectedly a fish jumped out of the water.

The Lord reminded me that we too should produce fruit. There should be a harvest for each life. The Lord instructed the tired fishermen to “Cast their net on the right side and they brought forth so many fish that their nets were in danger of breaking,

Is my life producing a harvest? Gal 5 v 22

I watched fascinated as the ripples of the water betrayed the presence of the moving fish. The ripple caused by its jump into fresh air, ever widened. Ever widening circles of blessing as I pass by? Is that the result of my walk with the Lord. Do I leave ripples behind me?

The pond was passive outwardly, yet there was life, replicating and multiplying. Christians should be replicating and multiplying. The fire should spread. O taste and see the Lord is good”. Psalm 34 v 8

The waters moved as a slight breeze blew across its surface. The ripples moved to the centre of the pond, to the island. The wind of the Holy Spirit blows where He will.  John 3 v 8

How sensitive we need to be to that gentle breeze. The island represented the rock Christ Jesus, firm ground. A place for the wildlife to make their nest, to feel secure from attack. “Upon this rock, (of faith) I will build My church”. Math 16 v 18

An island is a refuge a place to recuperate after a days foraging for food. Time was passing and reluctantly I had to leave the pond, night was drawing in and the time had gone. It was time to go home. Now as we live in these last days, we had better get ready to leave this earthly scene and to look up, for our redemption draweth near”. Luke 21 v 28

“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at eventide”.

Time to live, time to die

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement. Heb 9 v 27

Paul knew the time of his approaching death. “The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only but unto all them that love His appearing. 2 Tim 4 v 6/7.

The Lord told Moses that both he and Aaron would die. “And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them Numbers 20 v 12

Later Moses was to strip Aaron of his garments and he was to die in mount Hor. Numbers 20 v 28

“And the Lord spake unto Moses the self same day saying, Get thee up into this mountain, which is in the land of Moab, and is over against Jericho, and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: And die in the mount wither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother died in the mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people.. Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh”  Deut 32 V 48/51

King Herod’s death was awful eaten up of worms “And on a set day Herod arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost”. What a terrible end to a vain wicked man!Acts 12 v 21

Stephen’s death was glorious. “But he being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing the right hand of God. And said, Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7 v 55/56

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die: a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted”….…. Ecc 3 v 2

Paul knew the time. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand”. 2 Tim 4 v 6

The Lord Jesus knew the time. “My time is at hand”. Math 26 v 18

Other references: Gen 3 v 19. Numbers 20 v 24, 31 v 2. 1 Sam 28 v 19. 1 Kings 14 v 12, Gen 35 v 18.

Duplicity

How the people answered Jeremiah with a promise. “The Lord be, a faithful witness between us, if we do not according to all things for which the Lord thy God shall send unto us. Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the Lord thy God; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the Lord our God”. Jer 42 v 6

The people were assuring Jeremiah, that whatever God sent to them, they would accept it, they would obey. However in this they failed and were defeated. Words are easy. At Ca’na, at the wedding feast, Mary directed the new disciple, “Whatever he saith unto you, do it”! John 2 v 5

The remnant of Israel left behind in the land, are beseeching Jeremiah. “Let us beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the Lord thy God, even for this remnant: for we are left but a few of many as thine do behold us. That the Lord thy God may show us the way in which we may walk, and the thing that we may do”. Jer 42 v 2/3.

Johanan and the captains of all the forces of the people came near to Jeremiah to ask. He told them that he had heard and that he would enquire again. It took ten days before the Lord spoke to Jeremiah. He assured them he would be truthful and faithful in giving them the message he had received from the Lord. He would not alter it or amend it. “I will declare it unto you”. Jer 42 v 4

I wonder what happened in those ten days? Did Jeremiah go into the wilderness and fast and pray? Did he carry on as normal or did he cry and beseech the Lord?. Certainly after the ten days he had received the message.

“It came to pass after ten days the Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. Can we wait upon the Lord and just not speak, until we have a clear direction from the Lord. “Speak Lord for thy servant heareth”..1 Sam 3 v 9

After the message was faithfully given, a message that spoke of God’s mercy and goodness. “If you still abide in the land, then I will build you up and not pull you down, for I repent of the evil I have done you. Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid, be not afraid of him, saith the Lord; for I am with you so save you and deliver you from his hand “Saith the Lord. Jer 42 v 10/11

“It is of the Lord’s mercies, that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness”.

Lam 3 v 22/23

Now we see the duplicity of the people who had promised to obey, but when it came to it, what was their response? “Thou speakest falsely, the Lord our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into the Land of Egypt to sojourn there. So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the Lord thy God: thus they came even to Tahpanhes”.Jer 43 v 2/ 7

What can we do with a disobedient people? After warning and chastisement, comes judgement.

“When (Nebuchadnez’zar the king of Babylon) he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as for death to death, and such as are for captivity to captivity, and such as are for the sword , to the sword”

Jer 43 v 11

Wounded

At the wedding feast of Cana, Mary the mother of Jesus said to his disciple, “Whatever he saith unto you do it”. John 2 v 5

A man came to see me the other day. He was distressed and grievously unhappy about something that had happened many years ago. He is a Christian, but lacked any joy, or victory. He was defeated, wounded and very hurt. Paul, said, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus”.Gal 6 v 17

Children after they have cut themselves and the process of healing has begun, are often found picking at the scab before the healing is complete. The result is the wound is reopened and starts to bleed again. I am told that ulcers in the leg in elderly folks can take a long, long time, Sometimes those hidden wounds, which have never been healed, deep in the heart will suddenly surface, like an awful cancer spreading around the system. This can also be true in the life of the church. The poison can spread from one to another like a bad apple.

The Word of God says that, “But it happened unto them according to the true proverb. The dog is turned to its own vomit again and the sow that is washed to her wallowing in the mire”. 2 Peter 2 v 22

This is not a tasteful subject but it is in God’s word. We can lack the ability to forget the past and to “Press on towards the mark, for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus”.Phil 3 v 14

We return to look back at our failures and disappointments and dashed hopes.

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and therefore many be defiled.”

Heb 12 v 15

How suddenly a storm can arise. Fear can enter the heart. Some small trigger can activate memories. The whole scene can be filled with flashbacks, which can do permanent damage. Is there an answer? “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee: for he trusteth in thee”. Isaiah 26 v 3

Cast your burden upon the Lord” Psalm 55 v 22

This is God’s medicine for wounded souls. At the cross of Calvary, there is not only pardon for sins but also peace. God’s medicine works, but so many have not applied the medicine. The remedy, the life giving balm, does no good while it is in the bottle! Medicine needs to be applied!

An elderly lady burnt herself badly in an accident. The burns to her face were treated in hospital, but on her return home, the Pastor’s wife, kindly came to change the dressings and to apply healing cream. This was especially formulated for burns and for the restoration of skin tissues. This she did faithfully for some months until all signs of scarring were gone.

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed”. Isaiah 53 v 5

Hagar

Hagar was in the wilderness with her young lad. The sun was beating down mercilessly, she wandered around until all her water had expired. On her own with a young child in a vast desert she was desperate. She left the child under a bush and sat down a bowshot away, “For she said, Let me not see the death of the child”. She wept bitterly.

The child also cried and God heard it. God had promised Abraham that this child, by Sarah’s maid Hagar, would become a nation. “And also the son of the bondwoman will I make a great nation, he is thy seed”.Gen 21 v 13

How marvellous that God should hear the voice of a child crying? Then an angel speaks to Hagar out of heaven and asks her, “What ails thee? Fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad, where he is”. God knows where we are. Then the miracle. “God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water and she went and filled her bottle, and gave the lad to drink”.Gen 21 v 19

The Prophet Isaiah said, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation”. Was the well there all the time? It would seem so. How was it that she did not notice it? Perhaps she was too distraught? The Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness where He neither ate bread nor drank water for forty days and nights! Math 4 v 2

God had intervened with Hagar on a previous occasion; “This time she was near a well. She had conceived a child from Abraham with Sarah’s consent. However Sarah was upset when she found that Hagar had despised her. Sarah had complained to Abraham who said, “Do to her as it pleaseth thee” Sarah had ill-treated Hagar and she had run away into the desert. In the desert God told Hagar to return and submit herself to her mistress, with this promise from God.

“I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude: Behold thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. He will be a wild man; and his hand shall be against every man’s hand, and he shall dwell in the presence of thy brethren”. Gen 16 v 10/12

God’s divine purposes are worked out in a pregnant woman in the desert. God provided a well and water to a dying child and gave instructions to a desperate woman and she obeyed. God had a purpose for Ishmael, although through Abraham’s sin, in his impatience, not waiting for the child of promise Isaac.

There are many lessons here for us as Christians. Are our tears hiding the well? Do our circumstances obscure the cross?

God opens our eyes to see the well of salvation from which we can drink long and hard. The water of life satisfies.

We learn from our wilderness experiences that God knows where we are and He provides water at the right time in the right place. We also learn that many of our wilderness experiences are brought on by our own foolish stubbornness. God will meet us in the impossible situations and show us the way out, though too often we wait until we are desperate before we cry. “Lord open my eyes”.

The dumb speak

Zachariah had been visited by the angel who told him of God’s plan to visit his barren wife Elisabeth and bless them with a son

The Word tells us that they were both righteous before God and blameless. Yet as the news is given in the Temple, Zachariah is doubtful. A moment in the presence of the Angel Gabriel, and yet despite this glorious apparition, he still could not believe! For this he was stricken dumb.Luke 1 v 20

And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Exodus 4 v 11

What a contrast to the same angel’s visit to a virgin. Mary in Nazareth in Galilee. Here the same announcement of a miraculous birth, only this time not through the flesh, but by the power of the Holy Ghost, a son would be conceived. Mary too, had questions, but the Lord could see her heart of faith. Luke 1 v 30/33

Zachariah had questioned, “Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is well stricken in years”. And Mary had said, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man”? Luke 1 v 18/ 34

But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Psalms 38 v 13

However Zachariah had time for his faith to grow, and all those months later when the child was born and it came to the ceremony of circumcision, they wanted to call the child Zachariah after his father. He must have been so frustrated as he listened to their plans, and must have remembered the words the angel spoke to him all those months before. “And Thou shall call his name John”.Luke 1 v 13

When they did finally consult him, he called for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name shall be called John, and they all marvelled”. It was at this moment that he received back his ability to speak. His tongue was loosed when he obeyed the Holy Spirit to speak out God’s truth.

Luke 1 v 13-63/63

A dumb man writes upon a tablet, “And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed and he spake and praised God”.Luke 1 v 64

When the Holy Spirit opens mouths, we cannot help but speak. And the Holy Ghost had anointed Zach’a’riah with power to speak these words. “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited his people and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began”. Luke 1 v 68/69

For a dumb man the prophecy that follows is truly phenomenal. Zacharias must have thrilled to be able to resume speaking. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. Isaiah 35 v 6

Being unable to speak is an affliction from the devil.. “Jesus rebuked the foul spirit saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him and enter into him no more”. Mark 9 v 25

The Chains

Jeremiah had suffered troubles and persecution in proclaiming his message. . Like Paul and Silas he was in chains because he refused to compromise or water down God’s message. God in this instance had a sympathetic and discerning captain of the guard, whose name was Nebuzaradan who set Jeremiah free. “And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand”. Jer 40 v 4

Nebu’zaradan told Jeremiah that Israel were suffering because of their sins”. What discernment for a soldier? “Now the Lord hath brought it and done it according as he had said, because you have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed His voice, therefore is this thing come upon you”.

Jer 40 v 3

A very perspicacious man. Few in England today give any credence to the thought that our nations troubles are directly attributable to sin.

Jeremiah was vindicated and given a choice “Behold the land is before thee”. Jer 40 v 4

Abram took Lot his nephew and showed him the land. Lot chooses the well-watered plain, near to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Then later God said, “Lift up thine eyes and look from the place where thou art, northwards and southward and eastward and westward: for all the land which thou seeest, to thee will I give it, and thy seed forever”. Gen 13 v 14.

Today the same principle applies; the same promise is available to us

. How much do we see? How far does our vision stretch? Are we looking through God’s eyes? Lot was free to choose. He chooses the good-looking scene. Many of us do this, but all that glistens is not gold, Abraham left the decisions to God, and God gave him all the land.

Lot’s choice led him to persecution, trial and pain. He only just escaped judgement and lost his wife. Abraham’s sacrifice led him to an inheritance and a land of milk and honey.

Back to Jeremiah. Where would he choose? Babylon or back to the land of Israel?

We are faced with choices when our chains are loosed. The broad road can look very attractive, many choose this route. The narrow way is not easy to find, not many are on this pathway, the new and living way. It is so narrow that you cannot take a lot of excess baggage with you, your pride has to go. You have to leave your burdens behind. There is no room for a bitter spirit, recriminations, worldliness, formality, no room for idol worship, no room for sin!

Attitudes have to change. Are there any chains in my heart? Am I chained to any habit physically a habit of evil speaking, or criticism? Some folks are!

They are chained up like a goat, and go around and around. Some like Samson are in chains of their own making; they are unable to resist temptation and the wiles of the devil.

If the demon-possessed man could break the chains that bound him with Satan’s demonic power, can we not break free, with the power of Jesus from the chains that bind us?

Jesus said “Loose him and let him go”. John 11 v 44

Passover

And he said unto them, with desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God”.  Luke 22 v 15

A strange thought, the Lord Jesus, knowing all that was ahead, planned by God, was looking forward to this the Passover meal. In one sense we are relieved when the waiting is over and the day has arrived for that dreaded trauma? Was it like that for Jesus, contemplating a cross, His sacrifice of suffering?

In another sense, He was looking forward to this meal for it was the culmination of their training period, they had walked and talked with the Master, He knew He was to leave them shortly and they would have to stand alone.

Later of course they were to remember this last meal together, the significance of it. The Lamb was to be slain! What a privilege that we too can remember the Lamb slain, in our place of worship as we break bread together and drink the wine. 1Cor 11v 24

The Passover speaks to us of sacrifice and blood. “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without the shedding of blood there is no remission”. Heb 9 v 22

“In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this Passover kept.

And Josiah, gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids for the Passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks; these were the kings substance. 2 Chron 35 v 7- 19

The people gave willingly, the preparations were lavish, and nothing was spared. “Conaniah also, and Shem’amiah, and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah, and Je-iel, and Jozabad, the chief of the Levites gave unto the Levites for the Passover offerings five thousand small cattle, and five hundred oxen. 2 Chron 35 v 9.

Should we hold anything back from God? For seven days the Passover feast was kept. There was nothing like it. “There was no Passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a Passover as Josiah kept”…2 Chron 35 v18

A wonderful response to lay all on the altar. “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness”…Psalm 110 v 3

Willing sacrifice, the innocent lamb, being slain. The sin being atoned for, covered over until the one perfect sacrifice took place, when the sinless Lamb of God, made propitiation, (expiation) for our sins. 1 John 2 v 1/2

This was also a sacrifice for God! “What did it cost him? All!

His only begotten Son. “For He, hath made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him”.

2 Cor 5 v 21

Do we have any part in this sacrifice? “Brethren, I beseech you…

Romans 12 v 1

TIngling Ears

And say, Hear ye the Word of the Lord, O Kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. Thus saith the Lord of host, the God of Israel; behold I will bring evil on this place, the which, whoever heareth, his ears shall tingle”. Jer 19 v 3″

And the Lord said unto Samuel, behold I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle”. Another warning message this time predicting the fall and destruction of the house of Eli, who had failed to discipline his sons. “For I have told him, I will judge his house forever, for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not”.1 Sam 3 v 11/13

And behold one of them, which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priests, and smote off his ear.

Math 26 v 51

You hardly see this deformity today. A man with only one ear?

However he was quickly healed, the Saviour reached out to touch him

. I wonder what his thoughts were, realising that he had been injured and the suddenly healed. Later did he think about it when he heard the news that Jesus had been seen in Jerusalem. He had been resurrected

“And thine ear shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left hand”.

Isaiah 30 v 22

Listening to God, the Spirit speaking as a prompting and as light is essential for a close walk. The prerequisite for service. God is able to speak clearly. The problem we have is in discerning God’s voice from the worldly din.

We are accustomed to amplification to turn the volume up, rather as God wants us to, to be still and to seek solitude. “What I tell you in darkness that speak in the light: and what you hear in the ear, that preach upon the housetops”. Math 10 v 27

Itching ears. Some folks have itching ears. They are always listening out for information, gossip and innuendo. This information is important to them, in their prosaic existence they feel it gives them power. They are important, for they have the latest news.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lust, shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn their ears away from the truth, and shall be tuned unto fables”. 2 Tim 4 v 3/4

The Bottle

Thus saith the Lord, Go and get a potter’s earthen bottle and take it to the ancients of the priest. And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the East Gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell them. Jer 19 v 2

As a child, one needful occupation was to collect bottles, empty lemonade bottles and return them to the local shop, where we would be re-embursed with some small amount of pennies for each bottle. This was an important source of income for the purchase of sweets.

Bottles are used for good and bad purposes. Containing hard liquor, which can be a curse, or can contain medicine, which may be a blessing. The expression has a lot of bottle, today has come to mean that he has a lot of courage.

Bottles need to be labelled. If you drink poison from one marked medicine you may be very ill or die. The label is necessary to indicate the bottle contents.

When King David was fleeing from Jerusalem because of his son Absolom’s treachery, he was met by Ziba Mephibosheth’s servant who brought gifts. Two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, and a hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine”. Ziba was rewarded with all that had previously been his master’s.  2 Sam 16 v 1/4

King David said in the Psalms! “Be merciful unto me O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears in thy bottle: are they not in thy book”. God storing up tears in a bottle.Psalm 56 v 1/8

Abraham made provision for Hagar as he sent her away to wander in the wilderness. “And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs”. Gen 21 v 14/15

When the water bottle was empty Hagar was in deep trouble. She knew her baby would die of thirst. How many people I wonder have died in the desert for lack of water?

This world is like a dry and parched land. We are in great danger when our spiritual system runs dry, we need constantly to be refilled with God’s Spirit

Jesus cried saying, “If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water”. Is your bottle full?John 7 v 37/38

In a desert of sin what would you give, for a drop of cool water?

Dives craved for it. “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame”. Luke 16 v 24

Gathering Sticks

As a child in wartime Britain my brother and I would be told to search for firewood in the nearby forest. We had a barrow made out of old packing case and disused pram wheels. In wartime Britain every thing was salvaged. To return from the woods with a collection of fallen branches piled high, was a triumph.

The widow woman was gathering sticks too, when Elijah came suddenly upon the scene. She did not know that he had not come across her by accident, but by God’s divine plan. “I have commanded a widow woman to sustain thee”. She was unaware that this meeting would be such a blessing to her. Such are the ways of God.1 Kings 17 v 1

“The barrel of meal shall not waste neither the cruse of oil fail, until the day the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth”. It was a desperate time in Israel. It was a time of famine as there had been no rain. Elijah had prophesied that, “As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 1 Kings 17 v 1

Fire is important. When explorers in the frozen waste of the Arctic made camp for the night the first thing they would do is to light a fire.

Explorers in Africa would likewise make a fire at night to keep away the jackals or wild animals.

This widow woman did not have any worldly goods, yet God was to sustain her with a miracle. Her pauper’s pots were to be full. The barrel of meal would never fail. “And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.1 Kings 17 v 16

A few sticks led to a miracle of provision and then, on the sudden death of her son, the miracle of raising the dead to life. “And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came to him again, and revived.1 Kings 17v 22

Did the Lord Jesus gather up a few sticks to light that fire by the lakeside? Who gathered up the sticks to light the fire when Peter warmed his hands before he denied knowing the Lord?

We know that the tares will be gathered up and burnt in the fire. “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered and men gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned”. John 15 v 6

Gathering a few sticks of wood can be dangerous work! “The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger”. Jer 7 v 18

“Isaac said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for the burnt offering”? Gen 22 v 7b

Impregnated

I was polishing my brown shoes, when I noticed that they looked more like red shoes than brown. I mentioned this to my wife and she said it’s the colour of the polish. Of course it was. Gradually over the months my shoes had been drinking in the new colour. They were changing colour. They were being impregnated.

When Moses returned from spending 40 days and 40 nights with God on the mountain, his face shone with the reflected glory of God. “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that his face shone, while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh to him.  Ex 34 v 29

Today, fear is infiltrating our thoughts on every side, with the real and forecast dangers of our water systems being impregnated with poison. Viruses are blamed now for invading our physical systems and warped minds have now invented viruses that can invade the computer system, both personal and commercial. In the spiritual realm, we too can be invaded by as it were, viruses impregnating our minds, and our thought life.

The shroud of Turin, claimed to be the grave-clothes of Jesus, is reputed to reflect the impression of his face and limbs. The kings of old, sealed their letters with an impression of their signet ring or of their heraldic insignia.

Similarly our genes, our DNA identifies us with a unique personality that cannot be disguised. The influence of previous generations, our grandparents and forefathers will however be indelibly replicated in our children in some degree. We are made in God’s image and we resemble Him. “This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of man made He him”. Gen 5 v 1

Sin leaves its indelible impression. I observe faces that pass by while I preach. Take a real look at some faces today. You will find many faces that reflect sinful lives. The impression of evil, depression, oppression and guilt, are visible for all to see. We are in our Christian life to be conformed to the image of Jesus in our character and we are to bear fruit. This fruit can only materialise in our abiding in the spirit. As we sit at the feet of Jesus, we are impregnated with something of his glory and we are unconsciously being changed. From glory to glory.

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”. 2 Cor 3 v 17

The Sluggard

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Prov 6 v 9

Sleep is essential yet like so many things when it is indulged in, and ill used, can be the root of poverty, both in physical and spiritual life. ” Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. Prov 6 v 10/11

In war time prisoners were often tortured; one method was to keep the prisoners awake. When we are deprived of sleep our powers to resist are weakened, we can grow confused, and we are vulnerable to brain washing and intimidation.

Our doctor’s surgeries are full of patients who demand sleeping tablets to help them to sleep

David sought out sleeping King Saul. He had been pursued many times and this night on ascertaining the position of King Sauls army he steals into his camp and steals away the King’s spear and his water cruse, while the King and his guard were in a deep spiritual sleep.

For God had anaesthetised them! “So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster, and they gat them away and no man saw it, nor knew it neither awakened: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them” .1 Sam 26 v 12

How deep is your sleep? The Lord Jesus was able to sleep in a storm. The disciples were unable to keep their eyes open in the garden. There is a time and place for both. “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid, yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Prov 3 v 24

I will lay me down in peace and sleep”, said David and he could, for he had a clear conscience. Despite being the vagrant, the underdog and the pursued. He could rest easy.  Psalm 4 v 8

He giveth his beloved sleep. Psalm 127 v 2

What should a Christian do?

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. This is addressed to those who are spiritually dead. Ephes 5 v 14

Both the daughter of Jarius and Lazarus were thought to be dead. But in each case Jesus said, “They are sleeping”. “And all wept and bewailed her: but He said weep not: she is not dead but sleepeth. Luke 8 v 52

Our friend Lazarus sleepeth, but I go that I may awake him out of sleep”. John 11 v 11.

If you need sleep, perhaps the best possible sleep is to sleep in Jesus.

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, With the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Hallelujah.1 Thess 4 v 14/16

Lost and Found

Computers have a delete key and sometimes inadvertently this is depressed and can lead to the loss of the file folder or document. But then it has a retrieval system whereby you can reclaim the lost file. Precious work can be saved, snatched back from oblivion.

Jesus spoke of the prodigal son, who was lost. That which was lost has been found. Such joy in heaven over one lost soul who truly repents and is saved.” It was meet that we should make merry and be glad, for thy brother was dead, and is alive again, and was lost, and is found”. Luke 15 v32

What celebration accompanied the finding the lost coin., ” And when she findeth it she calleth her friends and neighbours together saying rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost”. Luke 15 v 9

“What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost until he findeth it. And when he hath found it he layeth it upon his shoulders rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth his together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost”. Luke 15 v 4/6″.

The sons of Abraham went off to Egypt seeking food in the grievous famine. Unknown to them their brother Joseph was already in Egypt in a position of authority. They had sold him into slavery years before and now God was to teach them a lesson and bring their hidden sin to light. They did obtain sacks of grain but at the cost of leaving Simeon in Egypt as a hostage.

At an inn, they were perturbed to discover that their sacks contained the money they had paid for the grain. They had been accused of being spies, now they were charged with being thieves too? “Oh sir we came indeed down at the first time to buy food: And it came to pass when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and behold every-man’s money was in the mouth of his sack”. Gen 43 v 21

They found money in their sacks. Joseph was testing them, and God was teaching them that their guilty secret, their deception and hidden sin was also found. God searches our hearts and discovers the hidden sin. It must come to the light. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.

John 15 v 22

Scandal is the daily food for some of our national newspapers. They feel they have to search out secrets and reveal all to the nation. Sometimes one shocking disclosure is followed by another and each revelation worse than before. Truly the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.

Jer 17 v 9

Gamekeepers and poachers use ferrets to seek out rabbits and frighten them out of their burrows. What does it take to search out the sin in our hearts? This is the work of the Holy Spirit. He will convict of sin, of righteousness and of judgement to come. “And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness and of judgement”. John 16 v 8

For God so loved the world

For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3 v 16

For God so loved… the Gospel is always personal, God so loved me!

The Old Testament is full of characters, some of them are named in the book of Numbers. Yet each name is important. Your name is important to God. In school, on prize giving day, when your name is called out for honour or commendation, what a good feeling it is.

“And whosoever was not found written in the Lamb’s book of life was cast into the lake of fire”. Rev 20 v 15

What was God’s part? For God so loved us!

Many people complain bitterly and are ready to blame God for life’s troubles. Yet God has done everything for us. It cost God everything to see His beloved Son crucified on a cruel cross, making Him to be sin? Not just any sin, not only my sin, but also the sin of the world. All the rape, murder, blasphemies, the satanic practices, the occult, the ethnic cleansing, abortion, the pornography, the sin of the world from generation to generation? “He hath made Him to be sin……”.2 Cor 5 v 21

The Lord Jesus was without sin, tempted at every point like us, yet without sin. God hates sin. The awfulness of sin separates us from God. Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden because of sin.

The more we become aware of God’s righteous anger, His wrath, the judgement for sin, then I believe the more we realise the great mercy and love of God. Then we are thrilled, overwhelmed, with God’s amazing mercy and love!

“Made Him to be sin”. The sight was so awful that the Father could not look upon his Son, as He had become sin on the cross. Jesus cried out in torment, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me”? The Lord Jesus knew before his incarnation that He would be obedient unto death even the death of the cross. “And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross”.

“That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. It is amazing that we should be the partakers of God’s holiness. But this is God’s purpose in the cross. To redeem to Himself a peculiar people, a saved people, a righteous, holy people, a kingdom of priest and kings. God did not make a mistake in creation it was perfect. Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in Paradise. The beautiful fellowship with God was destroyed when they sinned. They did not have to sin. They choose to sin.

We too are in exactly that position. We are born with a fallen nature, the sinful nature inherited from Adam. But God has made a way of escape. This is the way walk ye in it. “By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say His flesh”. Heb 10 v 20

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for His friends. John 15 v 1

Leaven

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be as a new lump, as ye are unleavened.

For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven of malice, and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.1 Cor 5 v 6/8″

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump”. Gal 5 v 9

As the nation of Israel were preparing to escape from the Pharaoh and his slavery on the night of the Passover, the Lord warned the people that they were to remember the Passover.

“And this day shall be for a memorial; and ye shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away the leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. Seven days shall you eat no leaven? On the actual night they had been thrust out and had no time physically to prepare leavened bread anyway. Ex 12 v 14/ 39

Leaven in the Scriptures always speaks to us of evil. And in the clear illustration above the mixture of a little leaven contaminates the whole and the whole is fit for nothing. Jesus spoke these warning messages. “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisee’s and the Sadducee’s. The disciple were puzzled at this saying but Jesus made it clear. “I spake not to you concerning the bread. Then they understood, He was warning them about the doctrine of the Pharisee’s and of the Sadducees.   Math 16v 6/8

Paul writing to Timothy warns him; “In the last days they shall not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lust shall heap to themselves teachers having itching ears”. 2 Tim 4v 3

The leaven of the Phar’a’cees and the Saducee’s, refers to hypocrisy and unbelief, both of which were rife. However the third type of leaven unknown generally today is that of the Herodians. This represents a warning against worldliness. The followers of Herod were prone to this malady. The Lord had fed the five thousand hungry people. He was warning the disciple not to rely on the flesh, the world’s ways, but by faith to look to God. “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharacee’s and of the leaven of Herod. Mark 8 v 17

Even so they still had difficulty in understanding this. “How is it ye do not understand”? Mark 8 v 21

Unleavened bread speaks to us of purity and separation. In this world of compromise and anything goes, we are exhorted to be a peculiar people. To be separates and touch not the unclean thing. The world is unclean. Israel came out of Egypt as a mixed multitude and soon the leaven, evil ways of the heathen corrupted the nation. “And there shall no unleavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days”. Deut 16 v 4

Shall we keep the feast?

Memories/Treachery

At the going down of the sun we will remember them. The scene at the Cenotaph, where the nation remembers those who died in the world wars, is replicated in towns and villages all over the land.

I remember how my own father was blown up in the Second World War, the injuries and the repercussions that followed.

“And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hast stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor? Isaiah 51 v 13.

What wonderful memories I have of God’s doings in my life since I surrendered my life to the Lord. Amazing and heart warming things. How the Lord has helped me, continually delivered me from awful situations, defended and protected me. How the Lord has provided for me in so many miraculous ways. How the Lord has been faithful. Glory to God.

Mothers remember their babies. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the psalms of my hands; thy walls are continually before thee. Isaiah 49 v 15/ 16

God could not, would not and does not forget His own chosen people Israel and his Holy City Jerusalem.

The Lord Jesus also remembers His blood bought children and intercedes for us daily. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them”. Hebs 7 v 25

Older folks have remarkable memories. Near things become blurred, but they can recall with accurate detail things that occurred in their lives 60 or more years ago. “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119 v 16.

Many of this older dying generation were brought up to memorise the Scriptures and recite passages off by heart. Years later these are burned fresh in the memory.

God will remember. Our lives our faithfulness, our work and witness for the Lord. “For the Lord thy God is a merciful God: He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers, which he sware unto them” Deut 4 v 31

My wife Sheila worked once on the telephone exchange in London and can still remember the numbers, codes and the routes. She has, I believe, a photographic memory.

Sadly many folks remember, and are haunted by memories of past hurts, mistakes and injuries. They can never forget. When we bring these memories to the cross they are healed and lose their power to hurt. A healing of memories is a wonderful thing!

God’s Greatness

Oh Lord God, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy mighty works, and according to thy might”? Deut 3 v 24

Moses was privileged to see the mighty hand of God at work, to spend 40 days and nights with God alone on the mountainside. He witnessed His mighty works in Egypt and then later in the wilderness. The crossing of the Red Sea, he saw the water gushing from the rock, the manna from heaven, the earth opening up and swallowing the rebels Korah, Dathan and their families.

“And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah and all their goods. They and all that appertained unto Korah went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation”.

Num 16 v 32/33

God is Almighty and awesome in His power. “Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle”. Psalm 24 v 8

Scripture tells us of some mighty men but they pale into insignificance when we consider the mighty God, almighty God, with whom we have to do.

Nimrod we are told was a mighty hunter. Gen 10 v 9

Samson was able to kill a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass. David with a few small stones was able to kill Goliath. David as King of Israel waxed greater and greater; for the Lord was with him. He surrounded himself with mighty men. There was a small band of thirty who were described as mighty. One of them Jashobeam, lifted up his spear and slew three hundred at one time.1 Chron 11 v 9/14

Benaiah, was mighty. “He slew two lion like men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit on a snowy day. And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptians hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear”. 1 Chron 11 v22

The Captain of the host was the Lord Jesus. “And it came to pass when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went to him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant”. Joshua 5 v 13

When the Lord Jesus returns He will come in flaming fire, “And you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God nor obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  2 Thess 1 v 7/8

Truly the slain of the Lord shall be many!

The Power in His Name

In Nazi-occupied Germany and many communist countries the secret police, the Starzi or similar had power to stop and search. One of the first things that was required was that you identify yourself. An identity card was required and without one you would be arrested.

In wartime Britain, every one was required to carry an identity card. Today they have a photograph attached, as you visit the bank, building society or other government office or plain store, all that is required is your house number, your postal code. This identifies the street where you live and then all that is required is your house number

Joseph and Mary had to return to their town of birth to register for the Roman authorities. Today your name is still required at the registrar’s office. Every newborn baby must be registered…

Moses when confronted with the burning bush and with the challenge of his mission said, “Who am I”. Later when asking God what he should say to the people of Israel for the authority of his mission? Moses asked God who shall I say sent me? “And God said unto Moses,” I AM that I AM.

Ex 3 v 14

Burglars naturally wish to remain anonymous. Cheats and thieves use false documents and are ashamed of their real name. It must be hidden. The police can now identify suspects in murder cases by their DNA. Christians believe in a name.

The name that is above every name; Jesus what power in a name? “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth”. Phil 2 v 10

On entering the garden seeking for Jesus, the rabble was confounded and thrown back, when Jesus said, “Whom seek ye? Jesus of Nazareth they replied, I AM HE”. With this the rabble were thrown to the ground just at the mention of His name. The devil trembles when he hears His name. John 18 v 6

Ask anything in My name, is this possible?

Yes when we operate by faith. “And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith, which is by Him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all”. Acts 3 v 16

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”. Isaiah 9 v 6

His name shall be called Jesus”.

Luke 1 v 31

God Forgotten

My people have forgotten me times without number”. Jer 2 v 32.

You may say, “Impossible to forget God. We can understand the heathen forgetting God; we would expect the world and its ways to forget God, I believe they do it deliberately.”

But God says “My people”.

It is staggering that for days without number they just do their own thing. They seem to be fully absorbed with their own business with no thought whatsoever about God.

Today we live in such a land. A godless, forsaken land, a dry and parched land, a wilderness when it comes to things spiritual.

They have forsaken me

Sometime my wife is given wool and the remains of an unfinished garment. The person who started the work has died or more often was unable to complete the work. The wool has often to be unravelled. It may have been neglect. “My people have forgotten me times without number”. Jer 2 v 32.

God reproves His people through the prophet Jeremiah for two evils. “Be ye astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them broken cisterns, that can hold no water Jer 2 v 12/13

They have forsaken me!

Some paintings by master painters have been discovered after death to be incomplete. Neglected and forgotten. What did Israel do Not only did they forsake and forget God but, “They hewed them out broken cisterns that can hold no water! Israel was playing the harlot under every green tree.

Jer 2 v 13b/ 20.

“Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.Jer 2 v32

It is very sad in hospital in old folk’s homes, to see folks who have lost their memory. Sometimes wandering around without any thought, even of what day it is, unable to remember their last conversation.

The thief on the cross, said, “Lord when thou comest into thy kingdom, remember me”. God did not forget him!   Luke 23 v 42

Israel had forgotten God times without number. They had turned instead to Baal worship and countless other gods as many as they had cities. Here we have a picture of our land today. Full of religion and cults, false gods and idols “for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods O Judah”. Jer 2 v 28

We must thank God He does not forget us. “Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath He in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.” Psalms 77 v 9

For free copies of other months Daly thoughts please email Tony@dalybread.freeserve.co.uk

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