Dear class,
Today's reading is taken from 1Sam 1-3.
Here we read of the the birth and dedication of the last judge (well... if we discount his less than able sons!) of Israel - Samuel.
At the same time, we read of the sad account of Samuel's mentor, Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. We read of Eli, as a condoning father, who has allowed his sons to go too far, finally ending in tragedy. He above all men was in the best position to inculcate godly values in his children. But the bible tells us that he failed to do so. Where had he gone wrong?
1. They knew not the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12)
What happened to the principles laid out centuries before in the days of Moses? Weren’t the father to “teach [them] diligently unto thy children” (Deuteronomy 6:7)? And yet was this serious charge. Not only did they not know the Lord, they were described as “sons of Belial”! We subsequently read of the various immoral behaviour they had exhibited. These two individuals had no part in Israel, less to serve before the altar! This strongly suggests a total lack of effort on the part of the father to bring up children in the admonishment of the Lord. This failing sowed the seeds of destruction, which they would finally reap in death and condemnation.
2. They hearkened not (1 Samuel 2:22-25)
Eli did attempt to discipline his sons. Yet it was perhaps too little, too late. He knew very well the great sin his sons had committed (1 Samuel 2:13-17). For that matter, if he had allowed the situation to degrade into such, he should have been the first to publicly declare their sins and allow the congregation to exact the appropriate punishment. There is no “blue-eyed boy” in the sight of God! No one is above God’s law. Is it any wonder that the sons rejected the counsel of their father? Where was the consistency in the first place? No child would become rebellious over night. This was a classic case of long term neglect and feeble, if not non-existent methods of discipline that resulted in total rejection of authority.
3. He restrained them not (1 Sam 3:13)
If God had not put this in His inspired writings, Eli might have been excused as being plain unlucky to have such disappointing sons. Yet, the Holy Writ tells us, it was indeed a great failing on the part of an absent father. Dads! We need to exercise discipline when there is a failing. If we love our children, we would do so. Indeed, this was a classic case of “spare the rod, spoil the child” (Proverbs 13:24; 23:13,14).
Brother J.J. Turner, in summary of the section on Eli wrote:
“Eli failed! He was responsible before God for the morality of his sons, but he neglected it. The priest and judge failed his sons. The spiritual leader of others failed his sons. The man who was busy for God was too busy for his sons. The man with the answers did not take time to hear the questions of his sons. The man with an eye for the things of God did not see his own sons slipping into sin. The man who challenged others to live by the law, failed to obey it himself.”
It is interesting to note that, in the end, Samuel too had "lack lustre" sons (c.f. 1Sa 8:3).
What then? Is this the "plague" of men who have dedicated their lives to the service of God, which caused them to neglect their children?
Far be it! Part of our responsibility as godly fathers is to raise up godly children. (Pro 22:6; Eph 6:4, etc). Most surely, every person of accountable age is finally responsible for his actions (c.f. Ezk 18:20). Yet perhaps the difference in Eli and Samuel is that the bible specifically mentioned of Eli's failings as a father, but is silent on that of Samuel.
As fathers/parents, we have the responsibility to bring up our children in the way of the Lord. How they ultimately turn out, is beyond our control. But only as the Lord wills. Yet this is completely different from just adopting a "laissez-faire", hands-off attitude in bringing up the next generation.
May the Lord help us all to bring up a godly generation and bless us with more to come.
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
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~ 1Thessalonians 5:17,18
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Samson's Parents
Dear class,
Today's readings are taken from Judges 13-16.
We are all too familiar with the story of Samson. The last few devotions in the previous years had us looking at different aspects in Samson's life. Yet often neglected but also noteworthy of our study is the parents of Samson.
We are told that they belonged to the tribe of Dan. The father was Manoah, while the mother was left unnamed. We see a couple that is exemplary and worthy of our learning in many ways.
1) Teamwork
In spite of being childless, we see that Manoah obviously still had a close relationship with his wife. We note how they worked as a team when the angel first appeared to Manoah's wife. Instead of dismissing his wife, he prayed, not for God to confirm what the wife said but for further instructions on how to raise such a child (Jgd 13:8). Subsequently, when the angel reappeared, the wife rushed to get Manoah. Throughout the rest of the event, the couple stuck together and even reasoned together when Manoah became anxious of seeing God through the angel.
Right from the start, God has ordained for the husband and wife to be a team! (Gen 2:20-24) Teamwork, the willingness on both halves, to cleave and work things out together, regardless of circumstances is an important part in the marriage relationship. No longer "you" and "I" but "us". Yet, in any team, there needs a team leader. The husband plays such a role (Eph 5:23), as we notice in the way Manoah conducts himself, while the wife plays a supportive role, not merely a "yes woman" as we've seen in Manoah's wife, but actively contributing to the well-being of the relationship/situations.
2) Hospitality
Manoah showed great hospitality to the angel (whom he had yet known). Certainly reminds us of a similar description in Abraham (Gen 18). It is no wonder, being hospitable is one of the "qualifications" of the elder (1Ti 3:2). And also Paul exhorts us to "be not forgetful to entertain strangers..." (Heb 13:2), in the 2nd part of the verse of which seems to be an obvious allusion to Abraham!
3) Spiritually minded
The fact that Samson could wax mighty, showed that his parents had indeed followed God's instructions strictly and raised Samson as a Nazarite.
In spite of Samson's penchant for exotic women, we note that it was definitely not a case of condoning or negligent parents! Manoah and his wife were upset with Samson when he first brought up his love interest (Jdg 14:3). Note it was a combined effort in rebuke (again pointing to their teamwork!). Unfortunately the rebuke fell on deaf ears.
Manoah and his wife sought to live their lives faithfully and raised their child in the most godly manner possible. Obviously, we are all ultimately responsible for our actions, but it is almost certain Manoah and his wife did their honest best they could. Same goes for us today - some may want to compare how one another's children turn out and make comparisons. Yet we note that the outcome can only show that much. What is far more important is for us to always seek to do God's will in raising our children. Lord willing, they will turn out to be useful vessels for His cause.
Let us continue to learn from the great examples before us and live our lives as best as God would have us to.
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 upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7
Today's readings are taken from Judges 13-16.
We are all too familiar with the story of Samson. The last few devotions in the previous years had us looking at different aspects in Samson's life. Yet often neglected but also noteworthy of our study is the parents of Samson.
We are told that they belonged to the tribe of Dan. The father was Manoah, while the mother was left unnamed. We see a couple that is exemplary and worthy of our learning in many ways.
1) Teamwork
In spite of being childless, we see that Manoah obviously still had a close relationship with his wife. We note how they worked as a team when the angel first appeared to Manoah's wife. Instead of dismissing his wife, he prayed, not for God to confirm what the wife said but for further instructions on how to raise such a child (Jgd 13:8). Subsequently, when the angel reappeared, the wife rushed to get Manoah. Throughout the rest of the event, the couple stuck together and even reasoned together when Manoah became anxious of seeing God through the angel.
Right from the start, God has ordained for the husband and wife to be a team! (Gen 2:20-24) Teamwork, the willingness on both halves, to cleave and work things out together, regardless of circumstances is an important part in the marriage relationship. No longer "you" and "I" but "us". Yet, in any team, there needs a team leader. The husband plays such a role (Eph 5:23), as we notice in the way Manoah conducts himself, while the wife plays a supportive role, not merely a "yes woman" as we've seen in Manoah's wife, but actively contributing to the well-being of the relationship/situations.
2) Hospitality
Manoah showed great hospitality to the angel (whom he had yet known). Certainly reminds us of a similar description in Abraham (Gen 18). It is no wonder, being hospitable is one of the "qualifications" of the elder (1Ti 3:2). And also Paul exhorts us to "be not forgetful to entertain strangers..." (Heb 13:2), in the 2nd part of the verse of which seems to be an obvious allusion to Abraham!
3) Spiritually minded
The fact that Samson could wax mighty, showed that his parents had indeed followed God's instructions strictly and raised Samson as a Nazarite.
In spite of Samson's penchant for exotic women, we note that it was definitely not a case of condoning or negligent parents! Manoah and his wife were upset with Samson when he first brought up his love interest (Jdg 14:3). Note it was a combined effort in rebuke (again pointing to their teamwork!). Unfortunately the rebuke fell on deaf ears.
Manoah and his wife sought to live their lives faithfully and raised their child in the most godly manner possible. Obviously, we are all ultimately responsible for our actions, but it is almost certain Manoah and his wife did their honest best they could. Same goes for us today - some may want to compare how one another's children turn out and make comparisons. Yet we note that the outcome can only show that much. What is far more important is for us to always seek to do God's will in raising our children. Lord willing, they will turn out to be useful vessels for His cause.
Let us continue to learn from the great examples before us and live our lives as best as God would have us to.
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 upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7
Thursday, March 27, 2014
The Rash Judge
Dear class,
Today's reading is taken from Jdg 9-12.
Among the few judges mentioned, Jepthah is one that often stands out, mostly because of the rash oath he made before the Lord (Jdg 11:30,31) [One wonders if the legend of the Lambton worm was inspired by this!]
Much controversy has surrounded this account. According to the oath, Jepthah was supposed to offer her daughter as a burnt offering. Yet we know that human sacrifice is condemned of God (c.f. Lev 18:21; Deu 12:31). Furthermore, if she was really offered as a burnt offering, why would there be a need for her to "bewail her virginity" (v.38) and that Jepthah "did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man". Thus it seems more likely that Jepthah fulfilled the "shall surely be the Lord's" clause and her daughter was not given in marriage.
In any case, we see a person who was ruled by his own impulses, not only in this matter, but in his dealings with his acquaintances. It was the unfortunate fact that Jepthah was most likely mistreated in his early years, being deemed illegitimate and possibly, some of that led to his impulsive and extreme behaviour. We note the also the high handed manner he dealt with the Eprahmites resulting in huge loss of lives (Jdg 12:6).
Often times, we can't change the circumstance that we are in. Yet we can choose to do right, in spite of our circumstance. It is easy to point to our upbringing, to others, to the situation to find excuses for misdeeds, but the fact of the matter is, having "tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1Pe 2:3), we should use every fibre of our being to live up to privilege of being a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1Pe 2:9).
And before we jump the gun to a rash reaction, well did James advise - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" (Jam 1:19)
The Lord bless our day ahead.
in Him
Paul
Today's reading is taken from Jdg 9-12.
Among the few judges mentioned, Jepthah is one that often stands out, mostly because of the rash oath he made before the Lord (Jdg 11:30,31) [One wonders if the legend of the Lambton worm was inspired by this!]
Much controversy has surrounded this account. According to the oath, Jepthah was supposed to offer her daughter as a burnt offering. Yet we know that human sacrifice is condemned of God (c.f. Lev 18:21; Deu 12:31). Furthermore, if she was really offered as a burnt offering, why would there be a need for her to "bewail her virginity" (v.38) and that Jepthah "did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man". Thus it seems more likely that Jepthah fulfilled the "shall surely be the Lord's" clause and her daughter was not given in marriage.
In any case, we see a person who was ruled by his own impulses, not only in this matter, but in his dealings with his acquaintances. It was the unfortunate fact that Jepthah was most likely mistreated in his early years, being deemed illegitimate and possibly, some of that led to his impulsive and extreme behaviour. We note the also the high handed manner he dealt with the Eprahmites resulting in huge loss of lives (Jdg 12:6).
Often times, we can't change the circumstance that we are in. Yet we can choose to do right, in spite of our circumstance. It is easy to point to our upbringing, to others, to the situation to find excuses for misdeeds, but the fact of the matter is, having "tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1Pe 2:3), we should use every fibre of our being to live up to privilege of being a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1Pe 2:9).
And before we jump the gun to a rash reaction, well did James advise - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" (Jam 1:19)
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 upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Why Then Is All This Befallen Us?
Dear class,
Today's reading is taken from Judges 6-8.
The account centers around the judge Gideon.
One of things that we may find ourselves asking is the sentiment expressed by Gideon in Jdg 6:13. We know the answer having the benefit of hindsight. And it is clear in this case due to Israel's spiritual infidelity.
Yet even at times, one feels forsaken of God even when it seems we've done nothing wrong. People like Job come to our mind. At the end of the day, we know that God will never forsake the righteous or those who seek to make right. And yes! Even to unbelievers who have a desire to seek Him (note the example of Cornelius).
Well did the psalmist write
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Our focus, should and always be on doing right! Regardless of the circumstance!
For again we read:
Psa 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Psa 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
The concluding verses in chapter 8 paint a regrettable picture, yet again, an important and sobering reminder for us all. Gideon did perhaps wanted to give God glory for his exploits (Jdg 8:23) yet, one can't help but wonder at his motivation for making the gold ephod, perhaps as some kind of trophy, which proved to become a stone of stumbling (Jdg 8:27).
Take heed brethren! Well did Paul write "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1Co 10:12)
Truly, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Pro 16:18)
Let us be well reminded to learn of the examples before us (1Co 10:11), not be distracted by trials and success alike and continue stedfastly in our Christian endeavour in all humility and vigilance.
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 upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7
Today's reading is taken from Judges 6-8.
The account centers around the judge Gideon.
One of things that we may find ourselves asking is the sentiment expressed by Gideon in Jdg 6:13. We know the answer having the benefit of hindsight. And it is clear in this case due to Israel's spiritual infidelity.
Yet even at times, one feels forsaken of God even when it seems we've done nothing wrong. People like Job come to our mind. At the end of the day, we know that God will never forsake the righteous or those who seek to make right. And yes! Even to unbelievers who have a desire to seek Him (note the example of Cornelius).
Well did the psalmist write
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Our focus, should and always be on doing right! Regardless of the circumstance!
For again we read:
Psa 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Psa 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
The concluding verses in chapter 8 paint a regrettable picture, yet again, an important and sobering reminder for us all. Gideon did perhaps wanted to give God glory for his exploits (Jdg 8:23) yet, one can't help but wonder at his motivation for making the gold ephod, perhaps as some kind of trophy, which proved to become a stone of stumbling (Jdg 8:27).
Take heed brethren! Well did Paul write "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1Co 10:12)
Truly, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Pro 16:18)
Let us be well reminded to learn of the examples before us (1Co 10:11), not be distracted by trials and success alike and continue stedfastly in our Christian endeavour in all humility and vigilance.
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 upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
They Chose New Gods
Dear class,
Today's readings are taken from Judges 4,5
We read of yet another prominent woman in the bible - the only recorded woman judge, Deborah. She was also known as a prophetess (Jdg 4:4). God certainly finds use for whomever He deems fit for the purpose for God is no respecter of persons (Rom 2:11). As a side note, we realise that woman can and do serve an important role in the work of the Lord. These being the "times of ignorance" is one and the other, pointing to the sad state of spiritual affairs that Israel had come to at this point of history that there were no able men to rise up to the occasion. Even so, we read that Deborah enocoraged Barak to lead the incursion on Jabin (Jdg 4:6).
The sad state of affairs in Israel is summed up in Jdg 5:8a - They chose new gods
Note that it is a CHOICE that one can make. But when man chooses to distance himself from God and follow after mammon, the end result is only certain destruction. (c.f. Pro 14:12; 16:25)
Today, we face the same challenges and temptations. When we choose to follow after things of the world, have we not chosen "new gods"? Paul reminded us that covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5). Indeed, we can only choose to serve one master. (Mat 6:24)
In the conclusion of same song that Deborah penned, she alluded to the solution - love the Lord (Jdg 5:31). And we know what that means (Jhn 14:15). Choose, but choose wisely! Choose the side that ALWAYS and ULTIMATELY wins! And make sure we stick to our choice though thick and thin. Again in Col 3, Paul exhorts us to "set our (your) affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Col 3:2)
Even while Joshua's encouragement rings in our head (Jos 24:15), may the Lord be with us all to always choose the right side.
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 upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7
Today's readings are taken from Judges 4,5
We read of yet another prominent woman in the bible - the only recorded woman judge, Deborah. She was also known as a prophetess (Jdg 4:4). God certainly finds use for whomever He deems fit for the purpose for God is no respecter of persons (Rom 2:11). As a side note, we realise that woman can and do serve an important role in the work of the Lord. These being the "times of ignorance" is one and the other, pointing to the sad state of spiritual affairs that Israel had come to at this point of history that there were no able men to rise up to the occasion. Even so, we read that Deborah enocoraged Barak to lead the incursion on Jabin (Jdg 4:6).
The sad state of affairs in Israel is summed up in Jdg 5:8a - They chose new gods
Note that it is a CHOICE that one can make. But when man chooses to distance himself from God and follow after mammon, the end result is only certain destruction. (c.f. Pro 14:12; 16:25)
Today, we face the same challenges and temptations. When we choose to follow after things of the world, have we not chosen "new gods"? Paul reminded us that covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5). Indeed, we can only choose to serve one master. (Mat 6:24)
In the conclusion of same song that Deborah penned, she alluded to the solution - love the Lord (Jdg 5:31). And we know what that means (Jhn 14:15). Choose, but choose wisely! Choose the side that ALWAYS and ULTIMATELY wins! And make sure we stick to our choice though thick and thin. Again in Col 3, Paul exhorts us to "set our (your) affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Col 3:2)
Even while Joshua's encouragement rings in our head (Jos 24:15), may the Lord be with us all to always choose the right side.
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 upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7
Monday, March 24, 2014
The Stedfast Woman
Today's reading is taken from the book of Ruth.
The character of Ruth is one that is often studied especially among the ladies. Among her many noble virtues, one that I want to highlight at this juncture is the quality of stedfastness.
Rth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Rth 1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Rth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
Now here was a Moabitess, who was determined to look after her mother-in-law. What was it in for her? Nothing! As mentioned by brother Patrick Swayne, the 2 most important things for women in the society those days was to get married and have children. The Law stipulated care for the widows (c.f. Ex 20:22-24). Yet, any women in that state, was in the society's mind vulnerable and pitiful. But Ruth, found it in her to cleave unto her mother-in-law, even though it meant a life of hardship, having no name and to work under the generosity of others with little possibility of getting married (as opposed to going back to her hometown where at least she would be received by her household). And of course the rest is history - she having a part in the lineage of Christ.
Paul exhorts us to be "stedfast and unmoveable" (1Co 15:58). In what? In our keeping of the gospel, the faith (1Co 15:1-2) and in the work of the Lord (1Co 15:58b).
PERSIST! Don't give up! And just as Ruth was, we shall be rewarded in this life and more importantly, in the life to come with eternal life and glory with God.
The Lord bless our day ahead.
in Him
Paul
The character of Ruth is one that is often studied especially among the ladies. Among her many noble virtues, one that I want to highlight at this juncture is the quality of stedfastness.
Rth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Rth 1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Rth 1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.
Now here was a Moabitess, who was determined to look after her mother-in-law. What was it in for her? Nothing! As mentioned by brother Patrick Swayne, the 2 most important things for women in the society those days was to get married and have children. The Law stipulated care for the widows (c.f. Ex 20:22-24). Yet, any women in that state, was in the society's mind vulnerable and pitiful. But Ruth, found it in her to cleave unto her mother-in-law, even though it meant a life of hardship, having no name and to work under the generosity of others with little possibility of getting married (as opposed to going back to her hometown where at least she would be received by her household). And of course the rest is history - she having a part in the lineage of Christ.
Paul exhorts us to be "stedfast and unmoveable" (1Co 15:58). In what? In our keeping of the gospel, the faith (1Co 15:1-2) and in the work of the Lord (1Co 15:58b).
PERSIST! Don't give up! And just as Ruth was, we shall be rewarded in this life and more importantly, in the life to come with eternal life and glory with God.
The Lord bless our day ahead.
in Him
Paul
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