Aholah and Aholibah

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Ezekiel 21-23.

In today's reading, we come across an interesting chapter (23) which is a parable about 2 women, Aholah and Aholibah.
The names are telling - basically means "her tent" and "my tent is in her". According to Strongs' this "tent" refers to an idolatrous sanctuary.

The passage leaves no room to speculation as to who the 2 women represented (v.4).
It is interesting to note that the infidelity of Israel went as early as their days in Egypt. (v.3) That's a thousand years before! What a long suffering God is He! From the pattern we have seen, especially prominently in the time of the judges, it seems to suggest that the bondage which the Israelites fell under in Egypt, was as least in part, a consequence of their own infidelity.

It is interesting to note, although it seems that the Northern Kingdom is more "sinful" than the South, if we judge by the kings that ruled, v.11 tells us that the latter was indeed worse! This illustrates again the concept as we've seen earlier in chpt 18 - it does not matter how much "good" one has done; we will still be judged by our current status.
Judah could be demanding, "the Lord is not equal! Why are we compared to our sister who has not a shred of good in her. We at least have the likes of Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah in our midst! How can we be judged worse than Isarel???"
The question is, then why have you fallen IN SPITE of the goodly examples before you??

For us today, it certainly brings to mind 2Pe 2:20-22 and Heb 10:29. This is a stern and sobering warning for us. We, who have committed ourselves to God, who have tasted the graciousness of God should above all remain ever faithful to Him. If we ever harden ourselves yet again, we can expect our punishment to be worse than those outside Christ. Let us NEVER EVER fall into the same ranks as Israel and Judah, but continue steadfastly in our race, helping one another along the way, that we might all finally obtain the crown of life.

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

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. ~ Ezekiel 18:20

The Soul that Sinneth, It Shall Die

Dear Class,

Today's readings are taken from Ezekiel 17-20.

Ezekiel 18 presents one of the most important, backbone concepts of the commandments of God, aptly summed up in these 7 words - The soul that sinneth, it shall die. We are personally accountable to our own sins! And this is a concept that resounds throughout the New Testament, in one from or another, from Jesus (c.f. Mat 12:36,37; Luk 13:3,5) to the apostles (Rom 2:5-10; Gal 6:7,8; 1Pe 4:1-5). Observe what follows:

1) One does not inherit sin
As clearly illustrated by Ezekiel's account. The soul, be it father or son that sinned and passed on without repentance would be personally responsible. Posterity shall not inherit the sins of their forefathers! And if we were to trace all the way back, this is a plain and simple refutation of the erroneous doctrine of "original sin". HOWEVER, it does not mean that the subsequent generations do not suffer the physical CONSEQUENCES of the sins of the forefathers! And yes at times even after they (the forefathers) have repented. A child may have to struggle with congenital heart disease because his/her mother chose to smoke throughout her pregnancy. We all understand the rationale. And to misunderstand the concept is to misunderstand the very nature of sin.

2) Sin is the transgression of law
John says is no clear in 1Jn 3:4. That is the very reason why the soul that sins, dies (since the wages of sin is death, Rom 6:23), and the reason why we cannot inherit sin. How can the righteous God hold a soul accountable for something which he had not yet done? God forbid! But the soul that is at an age that is able to discern, that subsequently transgresses law in spite of being discerning, sins and is accountable.

3) No amount of good can save us
Here's where the audience have the greatest issue. What? Why,God? Why are you so unfair? Why would you treat a person who has done good all his life like a heinous sinner all his life just because of one mistake? And why would one evil doer who repents at the last moment have the same forgiveness as one who has faithfully followed you his entire life? And over to the New Testament, why would Jesus encourage us to lay up treasures in heaven when they will come to nought if only we make a mistake? (Mat 6:19-21)
You see, again, we go back to the same concept God is emphasizing - the soul that sins, dies. Notice God's answer:
Eze 18:26  When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
Eze 18:27  Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

We need to remember that man is lost not because of not obeying the gospel but because of sin. The righteous can be lost if he sins! Conversely, the sinner who repents and turns over a new leaf will be saved.

Then again comes the protest as the audience perceives God's non-answer. And God replies:
Eze 18:30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Eze 18:31  Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Eze 18:32  For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Another non-answer perhaps? Some might say? But to Israel, they know better. When we observe the history of the Israelites, which was in fact summarised by Ezekiel in chpt 20, we see how long suffering God was with them. In contrast, we saw how the unrighteous pagan nations were swiftly brought to justice. What good will our good do? It will not earn our salvation, but it will buy us time. And it seems that, since Jesus had advised us to invest in heaven above, he has guaranteed that whatever we put in would not come to nought, unless we chose to forfeit it altogether!

We are reminded of the parable of the prodigal son. Notice how bitter and angry the elder son was when he saw how his father had celebrated the return of the unfilial younger son. You see, we need to be reminded that being in a position (and continuing to be that is!) of a faithful elder son has all the benefits cast in stone for him! Why then should he be jealous of the return of his unfaithful brother? Would that have taken away his part? Nay! But as a true filial son, he would rejoice with the father seeing the joy of his father, at the very least. And it would be a great tragedy if the elder son decided he should do the same to "gain favour" of his father.

And again, Paul encourages us "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1Co 10:13) And Peter takes the same tack, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:" (2Pe 2:9)

I have no doubt that the faithful Christian who spends his life in patient labour for the Lord, laying up great treasures in heaven, if not being watched over equally vigilantly by the Lord and be delivered swiftly from sin, in that he is able to quickly make right himself should he fall, will at least be accorded with a comparatively, "longer"-suffering mercy of God. A noted example is that of King David and his sins in the case of Bathsheba.
On the flip side, one who has tasted the grace of God and yet choose to turn away not because of a moment's folly but by deliberate, haughty, disobedience, has only a worser outcome in store if he will not repent (2Pe 2:20-22)

Finally, God is merciful! He has NO PLEASURE in the destruction of the wicked! (Eze 18:23,32) He is long suffering even toward the sinner and would that all come to repentance and salvation (2Pe 3:9). Wherefore, we need to be careful not to develop an attitude of "serves him right" but that of compassion and mercy even as our Lord Jesus has patterned for us.

Let us all be reminded of God's grace and mercy and of His long-suffering warnings, that we be constantly on our toes, to shun evil, do that which is right and be swift and ready to repent and turn back when we fall, even as we help one another to reach our heavenly goal.

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

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. ~ Ezekiel 18:20

There Is None Else

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 45-47.

The prophecy of Cyrus the Great (c.f. Ezra 1:2), actually begins with Isa 44:28 was to be fulfilled some hundred and fifty years thereabouts later! Again, we note that often times, God uses characters from Gentile nations to fulfil his purpose.
The subsequent 2 chapters speak of judgement upon the rising empire of the Chaldeans. (At this point in time, the Assyrian empire was the 'world power' so to speak, though in it's last throes) As great as they were (The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient World), the empire was relatively short-lived, which was again an example of what God raised up to fulfil his purpose of judgement against Judah (c.f. Jer 27:7-22).
Even as Cyrus was well established, king Nebuchadnezzar had to suffer a much more drastic experience, yet at the end of it all, upon coming to his senses and finally restored to his former glory, declared:
"...I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation...I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase." (Dan 4:34,37)

Truly there is none else but God! Declared no less that 5 times in chapter 45 alone by the inspired prophet.
There is none besides because of His power to bless whom He wills, even the pagan kings, to provide bountifully for his children.
There is none besides because of His total control over the elements he has created - the heavens, the earth and all it's host and the powers therein.
There is none besides because all nations are subject to Him and with all other idols can only be confusion.
There is none besides because He is the only God and Saviour, to whom all honour and glory is due, to whom all knees would ultimately bow down, and all tongues confess.

Let us be continually be awed at our One and Only God and serve Him faithfully and fervently.

The Lord bless our weekend 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

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ~ Revelation 22:18,19

The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax

Dear class,

The readings today are taken from Isaiah 41-43.

Isaiah 42 contains the well known quotation by Matthew in Mat 12:17-21.
Here we read of the contrasting servitudes - one of perfect obedience and righteousness, exemplified in Christ and the other of idolatry and disobedience.

The prophecy fulfilled in Christ deserves some attention.

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. ~ Isa 42:1-3

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. ~ Mat 12:18-21

And as we examine the verses before the the passage above in Mat 12, we see the explanation to the prophecy.
We see Christ as a humble suffering servant. A "bruised reed" as opposed to a towering tree, a "smoking flax" as opposed to a raging bonfire. Yet in all this, the reed is not broken, the flax is not put out. Such is the nature of the ministry of Christ as purposed by God.
A suffering servant indeed with not so much of a fanfare that a humble earthly entry to this world via a feeding tough, and an even more humiliating exit on a cruel cross. Yet Christ fulfilled his purpose in perfect obedience, as God wills (Mar 14:36)

We see this patterned of the apostles. Peter and the apostles declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Act 5:29), in spite of being threatened by the Sanhedrin. Yet always in peaceful, subtle proclamation, in patience, yea indeed "joyful" suffering! (Act 5:40-41).
In spite of his relatively high education and former status among the Pharisees, Paul proclaimed to the reader that he "came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom" and his speech "was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:", with "in weakness, and in fear and in much trembling" (1Co 2:3,4). And of course we read of how much Paul suffered in his life for the cause of Christ (2Co 11:23-28), yet he was the very person to exhort us to "rejoice in the Lord alway"! (Phi 4:4)

Let us learn from our perfect example in Christ (1Pe 2:21) and of the apostles and faithful disciples before us (1Co 11:1; 2Th 3:9), and develop a humble, serving attitude in ourselves, working fervently and zealously yet in quiet industry and God-fearing disposition.

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

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ~ Revelation 22:18,19

Wait Upon The Lord

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from 2 Kings 20:1-11; 2 Chronicles 32:24- 26;Isaiah 38:1-22; 40:1-31

We read of how King Hezekiah's life was allowed to to be extended by another 15 years as well as the significant chapter 40 of Isaiah, which includes the prophecy of the ministry of John the Baptizer (Isa 40:3; Mat 3:3).

The concluding verse seem to echo the sentiment of the preacher at the end of the book of Ecclesiastes - the whole duty of man is basically summed up in our obedience and service to Him. Also used in one my favourite hymns "Teach me Lord to Wait"!
The expression "wait upon" is derived from the Hebrew "qavah" and alludes to a patient expectation. While often denoting a patient waiting for, on, in this instance seem logical to take as service of a servant to his Lord.

Gill elaborates:
"As children on their parents, to do them honour, to obey their commands, and receive food and blessings from them; as servants on their masters, to know their pleasure, do their work, and have their wages; as clients on their patrons, to have advice of them, put their cause into their hands, and know how it goes; and as beggars at the door, who knock and wait, tell their case and wait, meet with repulses, yet keep their place, and continue waiting: such an act supposes a knowledge and reverence of God, confidence in him, attendance on him, not with the body only, in public and private, but with the soul also, and with some degree of constancy, and with patience and quietness..."

Truly God is worthy of our service!
He is worthy because he comforts us (v. 1-2)
He is worthy because his promises (his word) stands forever (v.8)
He is worthy because he cares for us as a shepherd to his flock (v.11)
He is worthy because he instructs us in the way of understanding (v.13,14)
He is worthy because he will strengthen all who will serve him (v.29)
He is worthy because he is the awesome God, omnipotent, omniscient, who created all, who is over all, who rules and rewards his faithful servants! (v. 9,10, 15-28)

Let us be encouraged to continue in our patience service, to wait upon The Lord our God, to wait for his bountiful blessings, knowing that He is the Everlasting, Who stands forever and shall strengthen us and not suffer us to faint and fall.

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

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. ~ Proverbs 30:5,6

Be Strong, Fear Not

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 22:1-14; 34, 35

In spite of the depressing picture that Isaiah paints, the finishing touches come in a bold stroke of pure joy and confidence!

Strengthen ye the weak hands!
Confirm the feeble knees!
Be strong! Fear Not!

Comes Isaiah's rousing, clarion call!

This was the same encouragement given to Joshua, when he was suddenly thrust into the leadership position of none other than his fellow countrymen, knowing very well how stiff-necked and rebellious people they were, which led the nation to wander 40 years in the wilderness. (Jos 1:6,7,9)

It was the same exhortation given to the prophet Elijah, who was at the brink of breakdown, all ready to throw in the towel, yet the Lord provided for him and encouraged and strengthened him. (1Ki 19)

In the context, Isaiah was writing of the dire situation of the Israelite nation, yet there can be little doubt that the inspired prophet was alluding to the Kingdom, the Church, to come and the final day of Appearing. (c.f. 2Ti 4:1; 2Th 1:4-10)

Even in the light of the seeming success of evil doers, of overwhelming odds. Fret not! For vengeance and recompence belongs to the Lord. (Isa 35:4; c.f. Rom 12:19; Deut 32:35)

And in the end of the day, we know that the "ransomed of the Lord", those who have been redeemed, "shall obtain joy and gladness" and of that which is everlasting!

Let us strive on in stedfast fortitude, casting away our fears and ever leaning upon our faithful Lord, who has given us His promises which will never fail.

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

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. ~ Proverbs 30:5,6

Trust Ye In The Lord Forever

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 26,27

These 2 chapters conclude a section of 4 chapters that according to Hailey alludes to world judgement and deliverance of God's people.

Amidst the confusion and uncertainty, Isaiah assures the reader of the one thing that really needs to be focussed upon - Trust in God! That is the key to it all.

We note that
1) Trust is "forever". It's a past, present, future endeavour because God utterly worthy of our complete trust and He changes not! (Heb 13:8). There's is no need for us to ever change that approach. In fact as the passage and history in general has shown, whenever God's people put their trust elsewhere, trouble brews. What a blessed assurance! Such great comfort!

2) In The Lord is everlasting strength
The ASV perhaps renders the word 'strength' more aptly as 'rock'. The Lord indeed is our ROCK! (Psa 18:2, etc) Not just any rock but that which is everlasting. The unshakeable foundation upon which man is exhorted to build his house upon if he would be called wise (Mat 7:24,25), and yea indeed upon which Christ built His Church (Mat 16:18). That is the source and motivation of our complete trust.

3) The uniqueness and superiority of God (Is 26:11-15)
Israel has just about seen it all. History repeats itself again and again - there is simply no substitute for the God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob! Even the powers that dominate over the back-sliding Israelites, are but instruments of God's wrath and judgment upon the stiff-necked nation. Not of any value or superiority in themselves but only that which God allows. While the idols are dead, Jehovah is the only true and living God, worthy of our continual praise and trust.

4) God will deliver and establish (Is 26:16ff; 27:1-6; 12-13)
At the end of the day, trust in the Lord is that which will get us our final deliverance and restoration. Isaiah exhorts for patience while the faithful storms it out. In that final great ingathering, those who have not forsaken and have been steadfast till the end, shall come unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:22,23).

Let us always put our trust in God and act upon that trust, as bro Swayne exhorted us on Sunday from the pulpit, to make a conscious effort for every decision to be based upon a belief and trust in God and His Word.

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

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: ~ Isaiah 26:4