The Lord Bless Thee, And Keep Thee

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Numbers 5,6 and Revelation 16.

Numbers 5 mentions the "law of jealousies" and numbers 6 about the Nazirite vow.
In the conclusion of Num 6, is the familiar refrain that is the text of a familiar tune, hymn 621.

And indeed a comforting blessing upon the faithful.

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

All our blessings are from God! (c.f. Eph 1:3; 2Pe 1:3).
God is the one who will keep and guard us (Phi 4:7)
Certainly, under God's grace, we have the hope of appearing pleasing before Him, of Him looking upon us in favour. Let it not be found that the Lord's face be against us! (1Pe 3:12)
Finally, true, lasting peace - peace among men and about all, peace with God is only found in the Lord, in Christ. (Eph 2:14,15; Phi 4:7; 2Th 3:16)

Let us be encouraged, let us take heed, let us live our lives in the manner that God is pleased.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

Purposed In His Heart

Dear class,

The readings today are taken from Daniel 3,4 and Revelation 6.

The book of Daniel thus far recounts the events in the Babylonian captivity of Israel. We were introduced to Daniel and his 3 friends - Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. From the insistence on an authorised diet to the refusal to bow down to pagan gods, Daniel and his friends truly exemplified the Christ-like attitude in obedience. It wasn't that the young men were "chosen" or "possessed" by the Holy Spirit, but the fact as written of Daniel in 1:8  - "Daniel PURPOSED in his heart". This is a conscious, deliberate act on the part of the young men to shun what is evil and do what is right before God.

The young men purposed that they will not eat of the pagan food. Possibly of the unclean meats as listed under the Mosaical law.
But it is evident that they also purposed to conduct themselves in a righteous manner, for in spite of their "idiosyncrasies" the prince of eunuchs over them were in their favour. (Dan 1:9)

The young men purposed that they would not bow down to pagan gods. As a result, they incurred the wrath of the king who would have them thrown into the furnace. Yet they emerged unhurt and as a result convinced the king of the supremacy of God.
As Nebuchadnezzar pointed out, the young men had purposed in their hearts to "yield[ed] their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God" (Dan 3:28)

Brethren, today we similarly have the need to "purpose in our hearts" to do His good will. Just as Joshua wrote in Jos 24:15 "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". Jesus Himself gave us the perfect example by making "Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phi 2:7,8)

We need to bear in mind, that we always have a choice! The only question is whether we chose to do that which is right.
Let us continue to let Christ be our example and guide, to always strive to purpose in our hearts to do the will of God.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ~ 2Thessalonians 3:14,15

Who Was, And Is, And Is To Come

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Leviticus 26,27 and Revelation 4.

Chapter 4 of Revelation begins the "apocalyptic" section. One of the striking verses is found in 4:8
"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

Certainly brings us to the scene first described by Isaiah in Isa 6:2,3. Also, is this concept of the timelessness and omni-presence of God. No less than 5 times in the book, Jesus mentioned about being the "Alpha and Omega", the first and last. (Rev 1:8,11,17; 21:6; 22:13). If one could frame God in a timeline, He would encompass the extremes and everything in between!
Related within is also the concept of the perpetual immutability, or changelessness of God, as we read earlier in Heb 13:8 and even earlier in Mal 3:6.

The fact that God "was" means that God was there right from the start. He was there in the foundation of the world. He was there when the plan of salvation was conceived. He was there when man first sinned. He was there when His Son died on the cross. God is in control! There is not a single "plan B" that God had to execute. There was only plan A all along! Job was taught this important lesson amidst his suffering. God bless his soul that he came to realisation and God help us all to continually recognise that fact.

The fact that God "is" means that God is always with us. God is not what as some imagine to be, some kind of irresponsible, whimsical being that leaves His creation in the lurch, as if they were His playthings. God may not manifest Himself as He did in those days, but the very fact that the world is still spinning, the sun still shines, rain still falls, air is ever present and breatheable, life goes on is a testament that God is still very much with us today. God takes care of us ALL THE WAY! In every generation, God is personally there. Such was the strong statement that God conveyed to Moses in Ex 3:6. God is present and living. And today we can certainly continue to say of God of YOU and I.

The fact that God "is to come" means that God will see it through till the very end. It means God will bring to pass all that he has said. We need to learn and continue in our belief to trust in God's promises. Abraham, in his moment of weakness, decided to take things into his own hand when he couldn't see how he could have a child with Sarah and the result was the birth of a pagan nation in Ishmael (Gen 16). Thanks be to God, Abraham learnt his lesson and when God commanded him to sacrifice his son, he did not try to take things in his own hands but realise all he needed was to walk by faith - i.e. follow exactly what God said and believe that God will deliver his promises. We do not know what is to come for us, yet we know for sure that God knows and God WILL BE THERE. All we need to do is to focus on the present, taking reference and comfort from the past and look forward to that final goal of God's promise.

What a great comfort and consolation! In the midst of the uncertainties of life, the pain and suffering, the confusion, there's one whom we could hang on and go to, one who have, is now and will ever provide and deliver His promises.

Let us be encouraged in our single minded service to Him and help one another and others along!

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ~ 2Thessalonians 3:14,15

The 7 Churches

Dear Class,

Today's readings are taken from Leviticus 25 and The Revelation 3.

Thought I'd just forward a previous devotion on Rev 2,3 as a refresher and for the benefit of newcomers.

Today we start on the final book in the bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ or in short the book of the Revelation. At this juncture, just like to clarify that it is "The Revelation", not what commonly called "Revelations". The title is so used as taken from the very first verse. One of the things which we need to be aware as we read this book, is that it is apocalyptic in form, meaning to say, it is primarily prophetic in nature. Symbolic and figurative language is often used. Unfortunately, the denominational world at large, especially the so-called premillennialists have grossly misused the figures in the book to perpetuate false doctrines.

In chapters 2 & 3, we read of the messages to the 7 churches in Asia minor. Let's take a brief look at each of them
1) Ephesus - first love lost
Right form the start, the church at Ephesus seemed to be doing quite well. They were rich in good works, they did not tolerate false doctrine and were zealous in their labours. Yet, somehow that had changed and were found to depart from the first love/works, or that is to say the former zeal and good works. Such is the case of complacency which has so often plagued mature churches. Very often, churches find themselves "resting on their laurels" so to speak. We need to remind ourselves that we were saved FOR good works (Eph 2:10). There's no retirement age for the Christian! No such thing as "passive income"! We will do the Lord's work and be zealous for it till we expire or when Jesus comes again. Paul gave us the encouragement to look towards our heavenly goal lest any of us should become weary. (Ti 2:13-14)

2) Smyrna - the persecuted church
Here we have a relatively shorter message but none the less powerful and significant, especially the significant 2:10. The message is clear - hold on and press on! Regardless of our estate (poor or rich), regardless of the dire circumstance, knowing which a glorious reward awaits us.

3) Pergamos - the compromising church
Here was a church which seemed to be staunch in faith, even in the face of great temptation and persecution. (Satan's seat refers to the circumstance of being surrounded deeply in worldly practices) But the main thing against them was tolerance to false doctrine. What is the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans? The doctrine of Balaam should sound familiar. (Remember the Balaam puzzle??? :))If you recall, Balaam, son of Beor, was the prophet who was hired by Balak the King of Moab to curse the Israelites (Num 22-24). After failed attempts as we read of the the account, greed drove him to finally succeed in causing the people to sin, indirectly causing the death of 24000 Israelites! (Num 25:9, c.f. Num 31:16) As illustrated in Rev 2:14b, the doctrine of Balaam is basically that of worldliness and greed. Here was a church which had all the bells and whistles with their proclamation of faith, yet allowed members to continue in worldly practices like fornication. Remember that sin is not only in commission but also omission! If we fail to convict erring brethren, it is as good as being an accomplice!
As for the doctrine of Nicolaitans, there are a number of views. Barnes suggests that the Nicolaitans were a specific group of people who held the doctrine of Balaam. Clarke wrote in his commentary that the Nicolaitans were possibly a gnostic sect (people who believed in worldly knowledge in salvation), subscribing to polygamy and mixing of pagan rites. But he too is of the opinion that those who held the doctrine of Balaam and Nicolaitans and the Gnostics as a whole belonged to the same group. It seems unlikely that the inspired writer would have left something of importance to speculation, especially when it was mentioned previously in Rev 2:6. When we examine the progression of the argument in Rev 2:14,15, it seems to support what the commentators suggested. v. 14 was a broad reference to an OT example and v.15 describes a specific group in their time. Essentially, we need to beware of worldliness that has so often crept into the church. It does not help matters that some of the "mega churches" peddle the "prosperity gospel" and perpetuate the bombardstic, ra-ra element of the entertainment industry, making a huge mockery of the sobriety, purity of the gospel truth. Nicolaitans of today are alive and all around! We will all do well to identify such and beware of them.

4) Thyatira - the condoning church
Essentially similar to the case of Pergamos, the church at Thyatira seems to take it one up by allowing a specific individual (most likely not by the name of Jezebel! But Jesus was just using the name as a description of the manner of person the woman was) to perpetuate false doctrine. Yet notice that God always provides space for repentance for the sinning and there is always hope for such if they are willing to repent. (2:21,22)

5) Sardis - the dead church
Except for a remnant few, this is the only church which Jesus had nothing good to say! The diagnosis - imperfect works. The prognosis - death! Notice that works were not lacking, but they were imperfect or incomplete. Perhaps it was the motivation behind, perhaps it was the manner they were conducted (c.f. Mat 7:21-23). Perhaps they were not fully carried out and left to deteriorate (c.f. the rebuilding of the temple, Hag 1) The important thing here is what is our attitude toward the Lord's work? Are we putting in our best or merely paying lip service? Imperfect works are as good as dead!

6) Philadelphia - the steadfast church
In contrast, we have a glorious example of a church that is not slack but patient and steadfast in the Lord. Notice the exaltation that was to be theirs as granted by our Lord (v.9). Obviously, Jesus is not teaching human worship! But an illustration that all power is given unto Him to exalt and to abase. And what manner of exaltation! Even to the point of heavenly beings. Notice yet another figure in verse 12 - a pillar. The Church (universal one that is), is described as the pillar and ground of truth (1Ti 3:15). The pillar in a building is of such great importance. It is the structure that upholds the entire weight of the building. Truly, only the steadfast would be conferred such an honour! As reminded by Paul in 1Co 15:58 (our memory verse for the week, btw), let us continue to be "steadfast and unmoveable", that we too may be "pillars" in the body of Christ.

7) Laodicea - the lukewarm church
Here is a church that is rich but not in Christ! (as contrasted to Smyrna). One of the most often that plagues churches in prosperous regions. The figure used here is interesting  - lukewarmness. The idea of hot or cold is not to be misunderstood as being zealous and totally uninterested. What is meant here is the goodness of water being either hot (hot springs, for cooking, etc) or cold (refreshing, preservation). It is a medical fact that lukewarm or tepid water is most likely to induce vomitting! We need to be zealous for the Lord Ti 2:14! Our physical blessings are in no wise a reason for complacency. Paul instructed the rich not to trust in riches but to be rich in good works (1Ti 6:17-19), for that is the "gold tried in fire" (Rev 3:18) that is the true riches, which does not decay (Mat 6:19-20) but will lead us to everlasting life.

Let us continue to take heed of the Lord's admonishments, examine ourselves and overcome our obstacles, knowing that of such is given the tree of life (Rev 2:7), the crown of life (Rev 2:10) and not taste second death (Rev 2:11), receive power over the nations (Rev 2:26) whose names are written in the book of life (Rev 3:5), who are the pillars in the temple of God (Rev 3:12), who will sit on heavenly thrones (Rev 3:21), and to whom belongs a glorious inheritance as SONS of God! (Rev 21:7)

What a privilege, what a joy divine, what a great comfort! To this we say Amen and Amen!

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ~ 2Thessalonians 3:14,15

Cast Not Away Your Confidence

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Leviticus 13 and Hebrews 10:19-39.

The concluding verses in Heb 10 exhorts the Christian to press on with patience and set the stage for the subsequent chapter on faith.

Paul reminded the saints that they had endured afflictions from the beginning, whether be it upon themselves or witnessing of others (Heb 10:32,33), yet held on.
Why should we hang on?
The fact that Christ had died for us that we may have the hope of life eternal. The fact that the apostles and and so many before us have held on and persevered.

The fact that we "have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (v.34). Truly as Jesus said, "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:". That is where our true treasure and inheritance lies. Bro Swayne's impassioned sermon on Sunday should strike a resounding note in all of us. How often, how much do we truly appreciate the fact that the only investment that ultimately pays is up above?

The fact that we have "great recompence of reward" (v. 35). A great, incorruptible crown (1Co 9:25). A crown of righteousness that awaits those patient and stedfast in Christ, who have "kept the faith" (2Ti 4:7,8)

The fact that it is a "promise", from God Himself (v.36)! As Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." God will make good His promises! (Psa 77:8; 2Co 1:0) And what a great promise, of eternal life (1Jn 2:25) of a new heaven and earth (2Pe 3:13), exceeding great and precious (2Pe 1:4)

The fact that Jesus will come again and bring to pass all that He has promised (v.37). God is not slack! (2Pe 3:9) Certainly we want to be prepared for His coming like the wise virgins.

The fact that otherwise, God "shall have no pleasure" in us (v.38). And truly as mentioned a few verses up in v.31,"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." How could we, having made partakers of His grace renounce His holy name by forsaking our confidence? Indeed there is "But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation"!

The fact of our firm belief that our salvation is found in Christ and only Him (v.39). In spite of man's protests and efforts, there can be no other way. Salvation is in Christ (2Ti 2:10)! Falling back to our old self will only bring about condemnation. God's will is not affected by our unbelief (Rom 3:3). But we have to answer for our actions.

Brethren, let us not forget our glorious estate, that whatever happens, be patient and cast not away our confidence in God but cleave on to Christ that in due time, we will gain that great reward.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. ~ 1Thessalonians 5:16-22

Doctrine of Baptisms

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Leviticus 1-3 and Hebrews 6.

One of the passages that has caused some difficulty and been a subject of abuse is found in Hebrews 6:1-2.

Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

The major issue here is just what are these "principles" and "foundation" refer to. Are they the same thing or different?

Some commentators contend that they both refer to the New Testament teachings, which makes fair sense when we take the context of Heb 5:12. However, one runs into difficulty to explain "repentance from dead works", "doctrine of baptisms" and "lay on of hands" (which implies the passing of miraculous gifts and was present in the 1st century but absolutely not necessary for salvation).

Others take the view that the "foundation" here refers to Old Testament practices.
Strong evidence points in favour of this view.
Firstly, notice that part (a) of v.1 is not exactly meant to be conjoined to part (b) Thus there is no firm indication that the "foundation" refers to the "principles".Also bearing in mind that the immediate readers were Jewish converts. These were people who had Judaism in their blood! In fact it was a problem beginning in the first century, which we touched on a couple of times in class about Judaising Christians. We have been given the foundation, the principles of the doctrine of Chirst, why lay the foundation again with old stuff? Just doesn't make sense. So Paul is further emphasising and reminding them the fact that the Old Law is a done deal! When we examine the theme of the entire book of Hebrews, this idea fits in perfectly.

Secondly, it will then satisfactorily explain the other "foundational" tenets. "Doctrine of baptisms" Cannot refer to the NT baptism, since Paul himself clearly wrote of "one baptism" (Eph 4:5). Does it refer to the "modes" of baptism? Quite obviously not, since the only pattern we see is that of immersion, which the original Greek means. Or perhaps it refers to the water baptism, and Holy Spirit baptism and maybe baptism of John? Yet we note that Holy Spirit baptism (not to be confused with spiritual gifts) was really confined to the few limited examples (e.g. Day of Pentacost, Cornelius) and is not written of as essential to salvation (note that even Cornelius and his household had to be baptized in water). The baptism of John had served it's purpose of repentance, but was already replaced since Christ's death and would thus not be considered "doctrine".
The word baptisms (Greek baptismos) here is translated later in Heb 9:10 as "washings" as it relates to the OT practice of the sanctified utensils and offerings, which is really more accurate. Baptism, as it relates to Christ is always rendered baptisma. Thus it seems clear that Paul was referring to the  OT ceremonial washings.

Laying of hands too was also found in OT practice when it comes to offering of animal sacrifice and appointment to office (c.f. Lev 3,4; Num 27:18). But it seems in this case, Paul was more referring to the former, since animal sacrifice was a big part of the Old Law and this would be latter contrast with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus in chapter 9.

As for "resurrection of the dead" and "eternal judgement", it seems to be stretching things a bit. But even among the Pharisees, both were taught and believed (Act 24:15; Jud 1:7; implied in the question of the lawyer Luk 10:25). Thus it does not seem so far fetched after all if these were too the foundation tenets of the Old Law.

Bearing in mind that even as the 10 commandments have been made obsolete, the principles therein are eternal and still found in the Law of Christ!

But really, by over scrutinizing the details here is really missing the point Paul is trying to make. The problem Paul was addressing is the fact that the brethren were not maturing but still struggling with the foundational issues. Instead these should have by now been a "given" and they were to build on and move on. A foundation of a building is still there even when the building is completed! One cannot be forever working on the foundation and expect an building to spring up! And worse if one were to overlay the foundation with an old blue print!

Let us continue to be exhorted to grow and mature and not mix our spiritual blue prints up! (c.f. 2Ti 2:15)

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6,7

When Ye Ought To Be Teachers

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Proverbs 30,31 and Hebrews 5.

Sisters! Do read and put into your heart Pro 31:10-31! It's both a ode to womanhood and a high calling. Keep it close to you and you will do well indeed! (31:29,30)

Hebrews 5 is where Paul begins to highlight the superiority of Christ over the Aaronic priesthood, which we shall examine further as we go into chapter 7.

The last few verses is kind of like a side track, where Paul thought it necessary to interject a rebuke.
Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Heb 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The point of focus here is the fact that, yes, all of us will have been babes in Christ, needing to be fed of spiritual milk (1Pe 2:2), but just as growing children, we need to move on to other forms of nutrition. One cannot survive on mother's milk his whole life! In fact, even within mother's milk itself, God has so wonderfully made our body that the composition of the milk actually changes through the course of the baby's growth to suit it's changing nutritional needs!

Do we all then have to be teachers? No. Paul is saying "when for the time ye OUGHT to be teachers" Meaning, when you should have attained the spiritual maturity to qualify as teachers. What the passage also says is that there is a time when we are "unskilled" but we need to grow and mature so that we are able to become "skilled". Growing in the faith means we need to make fewer and fewer mistakes as we improve in discernment. Also implied is the fact that we need to put in effort to grow and not stagnate in our Christian life. Not only we do God and ourselves a disservice, we will also adversely affect the new babes that see our nonchalant, apathetic attitude.

Let us be exhorted and reminded to constantly strive for spiritual growth and maturity and not remain "status quo" or worse, regress in our spiritual status.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6,7