Meditations from the Word

 

JUNE 20: TODAY'S ONE YEAR BIBLE READING:

1 Kings 22:1-53 | Acts 13:16-41 | Psalm 138:1-8 | Proverbs 17:17-18

 

OLD TESTAMENT READING: 1 Kings 22

 

Today we come to the last chapter of 1 Kings.

 

The Book of First Kings begins with the death of King David and ends with the death of King Ahab. In the century and a half of history recorded in the book we see a contrast between the rule of God and the rule of men. The government of God is unfailing. The government of men apart from God is disastrous.

 

God is Yahweh and He is worthy to be the King of kings and Lord of lords. But His rule has been rejected by the kings of this world. By covenant, He is the God of Israel. He is their true king. But His rule is not mirrored in their governments.

 

Israel disliked its distinction as a theocracy and had asked for a king that it might be like the other nations (1 Sam 8:20). First God gave them a king after their own heart (Saul), then a king after His own heart (David). Then came the son of David, Solomon who was appointed to build the temple which his father had planned and provided for.

 

Solomon's reign brought a period of peace, prosperity and affluence that fueled his pride, deceived his heart, generated apostasy and initiated a despotic rule. He made the people's yoke burdensome, hard and grievous (1 Kings 12:4).

 

Rehoboam succeeds his father Solomon as a more severe dictator. Due to the corruption of the house of David in Judah, God appoints Jeroboam, the son of Nebat to lead the breakaway northern kingdom of Israel. Although given an opportunity to be blessed and to prosper, Jeroboam turns from the worship of Yahweh only, and in turning to other gods, he causes Israel to sin. In seeking to please people, he displeased God. He initiated a popular, "have it your way" religion of convenience and promoted idolatry, with golden calves at Bethel and Dan and built a capital city at Tirzah. (After the destruction of the King's house at Tirzah, King Omni would establish the new capital at Samaria).

 

In the southern kingdom, Abijah, Asa and Jehoshaphat succeed Rehoboam. For David's sake, God would not remove this dynasty. Abijah was not devoted to the Lord. Asa brought limited reform, in this respect doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord (15:11) with significant compromises, including making an unholy alliance with the king of Aram (15:18). Jehoshaphat did the same, making an unholy alliance with King Ahab.

 

The spiritual condition of the northern kingdom goes from bad to worse. Jeroboam had caused the people of Israel to sin, and the kings that came after him continued to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. These leaders did nothing to promote the welfare of the kingdom. They saw the throne only as a means of satisfying their own ambitions. Jeroboam's son, Nadab is assassinated by Baasha. Elah succeeds his father, Baasha, but is murdered by Zimri. Zimri's 7 day reign is ended with suicide. Omri leads Israel in war with Syria (Aram). The dynasty of Omri is characterized by apostasy. Omri's son Ahab marries the Sidonian princess, Jezebel, and builds a temple for the worship of Baal at Samaria.

 

In contrast to the rule of these flawed kings is the rule of God. The rule of God is now communicated through the prophets.

 

As we have been reading through the Bible, we have seen the foreshadowing of the Messianic office in the mediatorial work of the priest (and his sacrifices), the king (and his rule), and the prophet (and his message). In this way Aaron, David and Elijah have pointed to a Greater Priest, King and Prophet. The role of the prophet now comes to the fore in the history of Israel. At this time of history, it is the prophet and not the king who most accurately communicates the rule of God.

 

We see this function in the prophetic role of Samuel and Nathan, In the Book of I Kings God makes His will known through Ahijah (11:26-29), Shemaiah (12:21-24), the unnamed "man of God from Judah" (13:1-10), Jehu (16:1-4) Elijah (17-21) and Micaiah (22:8-28).

 

Today we read of Micaiah.

 

Godly Jehoshaphat, although he had a heart for God and His Word, foolishly agreed to help King Ahab in an ungodly pursuit in battle (2 Chron 19:1-3). (Jehoshaphat married his son to a daughter of Ahab (2 Chron 18:1;21:4-7; 1 Kings 22:44; 2 Kings 8:16-19). But before joining King Ahab in an attempt to capture Ramoth-Gilead, Jehoshaphat asks that they first inquire of the Lord (22:5).

 

Approximately 400 of the prophets are ear-tickling "possibility thinkers" and supply "positive affirmations", uniformably bringing favorable reports to King Ahab. Their message brought encouragement to the king. They were similar to motivational speakers who proclaim-"Whatever the mind can believe you can achieve!"(22:6,10-12), but do not bring the mind of the LORD.

 

Jehoshaphat recognized that these prophets were not of the LORD (22:7). Ahab knew that there was one man "by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil...he is Micaiah, son of Imlah.

 

1 Kings 22:14 (NASB)

"But Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I shall speak."

 

He predicts the death of Ahab. "These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace." (22:17)

 

Micaiah speaks of God's sovereign will that recognizes the king's propensity to deception. The LORD tells the truth: proclaiming disaster. The popular prophets are permitted to continue to proclaim lies. But God's purpose is not thwarted.

 

The true prophets were called by God to communicate the mind of Him who sits on the Throne. They paid a price for their obedience. Micaiah was imprisoned and given a diet of bread and water.

 

The prophet Micaiah saw the state of affairs as they truly were. Jesus would echo these words as he looked upon apostate Israel. "They are like sheep which have no shepherd", "scattered on the mountains". (1 Kings 22:17; Matt 9:36; Mk 6:34)

 

The word of the Lord came true. Ahab took precautions and went into battle in disguise while King Jehoshaphat went out in his true kingly garments. Ironically, Jehoshaphat is spared and Ahab is killed by what appeared to be " a certain man" who "drew his bow at random" (22:34).

 

The words of Elijah also came true:

 

1 Kings 21:19 (NASB) ¹⁹ 'Thus says the LORD, "In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth the dogs will lick up your blood, even yours."'

 

Ahaziah, son of Ahab reigned for two years and was succeeded by his brother Joram (otherwise called Jehoram). The precise prophecy of the dogs licking blood on Naboth's property was fulfilled in the death of Joram (21:29; 2 Kings 9:25-26)

 

Let us learn the lessons from I Kings. We do not put our trust in the governments of men. Like the prophets of old we are called to be subject to the Word of God and faithfully communicate it to others.

 

NEW TESTAMENT READING: Acts 13:16-41

 

How wonderful it is to hear the apostles preach the gospel. Paul begins with what we have been reading, God's story in the Old Testament, a story that they were in some ways familiar. He recounts their history beginning with their bondage in Egypt where God made from the 12 sons of Jacob a great people. He speaks of their deliverance at the Exodus, their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, their conquest of the seven nations of Canaan, the allotment of land for the tribes in a period of approximately 450 years. Then came the period of the Judges until Samuel the prophet. The people ask for kings and we read of Saul being raised up and removed and then David , A MAN AFTER MY HEART, being raised up. God makes a covenant with David and promises that a descendent will reign upon the throne forever. This, Paul declares, refers to Jesus, whom John proclaimed to be the Savior.

 

What is the gospel? It is the message of this salvation that has come in Jesus Christ (13:26). Paul preaches that Jesus was crucified by those who lived in Jerusalem and their rulers who neither recognized Him nor the prophecies they read every Sabbath. (Jesus was crucified according to the Scriptures- 1 Cor 15:3). He was buried (v 29) and raised from the dead as the firstborn from the dead, the representative of a new deathless humanity, fulfilling Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3 and Psalm 16:10.

 

⁷ "I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. (Psalm 2:7)

 

Paul announces that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant who is promised everlasting life and an everlasting kingdom.

Paul concludes with the gospel promises:

 

Acts 13:38-39 (NASB) ³⁸ "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, ³⁹ and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

 

Isaiah 55:3 (NASB) ³ "Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David.

 

Paul warns them not to ignore this truly marvelous message but to obey its command- to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

PSALM 138:1-8

 

One great promise, one great fact and one great prayer:

 

Psalm 138:8 (NASB) ⁸ The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;

Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

 

PROVERBS 17: Thank God for true friends.

 

Proverbs 17:17-18 (NASB) ¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. ¹⁸ A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

PRAY FOR THE NATIONS:

INDIA

(Using the Prayer Guide "OPERATION WORLD")

 

Republic of India

Asia

 

Geography

Area: 3,166,000 sq km

A further 121,000 sq km of Kashmir, a contested area, is administered by Pakistan and China. Geographically and politically, India dominates South Asia and the Indian Ocean. There are 28 Union States and 7 Union Territories.

 

Population: 1,214,464,312

Annual Growth: 1.44%

Capital: Delhi

Urbanites: 30.1%

HDI Rank: 134 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

India is the most ethnically diverse nation on earth, with over 2,500 distinct people group. Community and identity are based on caste as much as on race and language. The greatest shift in India's ethnic history remains the Indo-Aryan migration into the subcontinent over 3,000 years ago. Differing schools of thought label this mass people movement as conquest, absorption or both. Regardless, many of the original inhabitants, tribal peoples and Dravidian people were forced to endure centuries of subjugation.

 

Official Languages: Constitutionally there are 22 official languages. The official language is Hindi (spoken by 40% of the population). English is a subsidiary official language.

 

Caste

The caste system reflects ancient social and occupational hierarchies, but its origins are disputed and unclear. Ancient indo-Aryan traditions, Hindu religious texts and beliefs, Indian social structures, the British Empire and even modernization and globalization today have shaped how the caste system impacts life in India.

 

(Much more helpful information is available in OPERATION WORLD, pages 405-445)

 

Answer to Prayer

The restoration of political centrism – following the election defeat of a Hinduistic government with extremist tendencies – has returned a measure of religious freedom and has overseen economic growth and the addressing of injustices inherent to the caste system. Burgeoning numbers of indigenous NGOs, policy changes meant to uplift those in (or beneath) the lowest strata of the caste system and even legal changes all point toward a society looking to be more modern, pluralistic and humane.

 

Challenge for Prayer

 Political, economic and social challenges to the country place a great burden upon India's government. Much positive progress has been made in many areas; to consolidate and build on such progress, prayer is called for. Pray for India's leaders, that they might:

 

a) Continue to uphold the constitution by maintaining religious freedom and protecting religious and ethnic minorities. Religious freedom and affirmative action provisions in the constitution have recently come under threat. Some state governments have a poor record for abuse of human rights and discrimination against Christians, Muslims and Dalits; several states have passed anti-conversion laws that, among other things, deny state benefits to low-caste people who become Christian.

 

b) Uproot corruption in all levels of government – from national to state levels and right down to the local level. Mass media is a powerful means of exposing corruption, and the Right to Information Act forces government staff to be more accountable. With 100 of the 543 members of Parliament having criminal cases pending against them in 2010, clearly the system needs transparency. Pray for courage and resoluteness to stay the course when allowing a culture of corruption to persist is a much easier and safer option.

 

c) Tackle the serious ills of society with greater commitment and effectiveness – reduce malnutrition, which affects 40% of the population; improve the national infrastructure; deal with widespread use of child labour, bonded labour and female infanticide; tackle the rapid spread of AIDS and serious environmental degradation.

 

d) Address the growing threat of Maoist/Naxalite insurgency. The stretch of rural India from Nepal down to Andra Pradesh is known as the Red Corridor. These movements threaten stability and security, both locally and regionally. They also threaten the healthy growth of the Church through Naxalite infiltration of Christian communities and the general disruption caused by violence.

 

e) Manage the economic situation with wisdom. India has the world's highest number of poor, the fourth-most millionaires and the greatest disparity between rich and poor. Millions enter the workforce every year; millions of jobs must be created to sustain them. Amid a growing economy and a growing middle class, ways to reduce poverty must also be found.

 

f) Wisely address increasing threats to stability, including terrorism, tensions with neighbouring countries, and Hindu nationalist groups and their targets: Christians, Muslims and Naxalites/Communists.

 

- Pastor David

 

 

TODAY'S ONE YEAR BIBLE READING:

 

1 Kings 18:1-46 | Acts 11:1-30 | Psalm 135:1-21 | Proverbs 17:12-13

 

Jesus fulfills the predicted role of "prophet like unto Moses". The Son of God is the Deliverer of His people, accomplishing the Greater Exodus from bondage to sin and death at the Cross. In some regards John the Baptist fulfills the Elijah role in the New Testament, but Jesus is the Greater Elijah.

 

Jesus is God's full and final Word. He is the full vindication of the truth. The spirit of prophecy bears witness to Him. He is prophetic authority personified.

 

There had been prophets before Elijah, but Elijah elevates the office of the prophet to supreme importance in the national life of Israel. From this point onward in the history of God's people, until the coming of the Messiah, the prophet would be superior to the king. The hearts of the kings that desired reform would have their work directed by the prophets through whom the will of God would be made known.

 

At a time when the nation had fallen into the deception of believing that "Baal is God", God raises up a man to be His authoritative statement: ELIJAH- "Eli Jah!"-(literally "The Lord is God (Yahweh)". This is the theme of Elijah's ministry.

 

The nation had been led to believe that Baal was in charge of fertility and the rainfall in particular. Elijah would show that "the Lord is God". He is God over all creation.

 

So Elijah declared to Ahab that there would be no dew or rain "except by my word". Elijah was subject to the authority of the Word of God. As we compare Jesus' teaching in which he says "the sky was shut up for three years and six months" (Luke 4:25) with the record in I Kings 18, it appears that there had already been six months of famine before Elijah gave this word to the king. This should have prepared Ahab.

 

¹ Now it happened after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, "Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the face of the earth."

 

The Lord is God of the rainfall and storms. He is the God of heaven and earth. He never complains about the weather. He is in control. Baal is not. Elijah is fearless as he challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. He meets Ahab's chief steward, Obadiah (a God fearer who had secretly hid 100 prophets in two caves) and demanded that Obadiah announce to Ahab that "Elijah is here!" (lit. The Lord is God is here!)

 

Obadiah fears that he will lose his life if he announces this. Elijah's confidence in God's plan is persuasive. He says, "As the Lord God of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today." (When you are conscious of your standing before the Lord you will not fear standing before men.)

 

Elijah challenges the people and the prophets. First he comes close to all the people and declares:

 

"How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people did not answer him a word. (1 Kings 18:21)

 

The test on Mt. Carmel is one in which Elijah gives the false prophets of Baal every opportunity to vindicate themselves. They could choose the bull and call upon the name of their God to their heart's content. Elijah simply declares, "I will call upon the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, He is God.

 

The prophets of Baal could put no fire to the sacrifice. Elijah challenges their god to answer by fire. In spite of their calling on the name of Baal from morning to noon, pleading their sincerity with self mutilation, there was no answer.

 

Then Elijah called people near. In their presence he rebuilt the altar of the LORD with twelve stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Then he made a trench around the altar and poured four jars of water on the burnt offering and on the wood. He did this three times.

 

ELIJAH'S PRAYER

 

Elijah was a man of public and private prayer. He had no special powers. His secret was that he knew that "the Lord is God" and he called upon him earnestly in prayer.

 

James 5:17 (NASB)   "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months."

 

His famous prayer was composed of only 62 words, yet it is one of the most effective prayers in the Old Testament.

 

1 Kings 18:36-37 (NASB) "O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word. ³⁷ "Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their heart back again."

 

The Lord answers the prayer dramatically as the fire falls to consume the offering, even though it had been drenched with water. Notice the response of the people. They start shouting Elijah's name: "The Lord, He is God; the LORD, He is God."Elijah then seizes the 450 false prophets and takes them down to the brook Kishon and slaughters them there.

 

Elijah who prayed against all odds for rain, sends his servant to follow up to see if there was a storm developing over the Mediterranean. This is a picture of EXPECTANT PRAYER. On the seventh time his servant sees what appears to be only a small cloud in the sky, like a man's hand rising in the sea.

 

Elijah speaks boldly,

1 Kings 18:45-46 "Go up, say to Ahab, "Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you." ⁴⁵ In a little while the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy shower. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. ⁴⁶ Then the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he girded up his loins and outran Ahab to Jezreel.

 

Luke 4:25   "But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land; ²⁶ and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow."

 

NEW TESTAMENT READING: Acts 11:1-30

 

Peter reports to the church at Jerusalem the remarkable story of how God the Holy Spirit prepared him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. The Holy Spirit also prepared Cornelius to receive Peter and his message. It was a Divine appointment!

  

PRAY FOR THE NATIONS:

Hungary

(from the Prayer Guide, "Operation World")

 

Republic of Hungary

Europe

Geography

Area: 93,030 sq km

A landlocked, central European state on the River Danube.

Population: 9,973,141

Annual Growth: -0.21%

Capital: Budapest

Urbanites: 68.3%

HDI Rank: 43 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

 

Peoples

Peoples: 23 (9% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Hungarian

 

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

 

Answer to Prayer

The small, but historically rich, evangelical movement is growing in size, maturity, diversity and confidence. Many types of ministries are springing up around the nation, and the vision exists to see an evangelical church planted in every city, town and village in Hungary.

 

Challenge for Prayer

Disillusion, dissatisfaction and upheaval against the government and economy in particular often characterize life in Hungary. The 1956 uprising and widespread demonstrations in 2006 and following demonstrate the desire for a better state of affairs. Political scandal has brought much disappointment and skepticism. Pray for elected officials, that they would look past political point-scoring, root out the widespread corruption and labor toward improving life for the whole nation.

 

- Pastor David

 

 

JUNE 14: TODAY'S ONE YEAR BIBLE READING

 

1 Kings 12:20-13:34 | Acts 9:26-43 | Psalm 132:1-18 | Proverbs 17:6

 

Entrepreneur. Innovator. Creative thinker. These are qualities that are highly regarded in our culture. God can be glorified in their use when they are subject to His rule. But in the case of Jeroboam, his creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship led to his destruction and the destruction of the kingdom of Israel.

 

Jeroboam was accustomed to taking charge of projects. He had many leadership skills. Solomon had made him overseer of fortifications and public works in Jerusalem. Ahijah prophesied that the kingdom would be torn out of Solomon's hands and ten tribes be put into his. Solomon's heart had turned away from God. His affections were misplaced as he accommodated the false gods of the surrounding nations. Because of this, God promised that He would bless Jeroboam instead, and make him an enduring household, the kings of Israel, if he would walk in obedience to His Word (11:37-38).

 

Jeroboam was from Ephraim and became familiar with the discontent of the northern tribes. He was seen as a leader of the opposition to King Solomon (1 Kings 11:26). When Solomon learned of this, he sought to put Jeroboam to death. Therefore Jeroboam fled to Egypt only to return when Solomon died. Frustrated with the severe rule of Rehoboam, all the tribes of Israel, with the exception of Judah and Benjamin, make their break with the Davidic line of kings and make Jeroboam, son of Nebat, the king of Israel. (1 Kings 12:20). The kingdom was now divided into two separate nations; the ten tribes in the north under the rule of Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, and the two tribes of the south under the rule of Rehoboam, son of Solomon of the house of David.

 

Rehoboam was ready to mobilize his army to fight against those who rebelled against him, but the man of God, Shemiah, told him that this division of the kingdom was the Lord's doing. He was not to fight against his relatives. (It is wise to let the Lord choose your battles!)

 

Jeroboam found a new project for himself. His entrepreneurship took a turn in direct opposition to God. He initiated a new form of worship. He invented his own new, improved religion for Israel.

 

The Sin of Jeroboam becomes a benchmark for the future sins of Israel. There are at least 21 instances recorded in Scripture in which Jeroboam is accused with causing Israel to sin. What was the sin of Jeroboam? Jeroboam rejected the authority of divine revelation, moved the center of worship to Samaria, set up a counterfeit altar, with a counterfeit Feast of Tabernacles, on a counterfeit day of the year with a counterfeit priesthood! It was a new kind of Judaism. It had great appeal to the masses. It seemed to be more kind, convenient and accessible.

 

He innovated his own system of worship. He changed the object, calendar and place of worship. The Word of God was no longer the central authority. Jeroboam had his own creative think tank for consultants. He established his own priesthood. The apostle Paul refers to this in the New Testament as "self-made religion" (Colossians 2:23).

 

1 Kings 12:28 (NASB) ²⁸ So the king consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to them, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt."

 

Instead of worshiping the one true God, the God who revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he manufactured two golden calves, conveniently located at nearby Bethel or Dan so the people would not have to go up to Jerusalem and worship according to the Law of Moses. (12:28). Rather than adhere to the Lord's calendar which placed the Feast of Tabernacles on the fifteenth day of the seventh month in Jerusalem, Jeroboam made his mark on the Feast of the Lord by moving it to the fifteenth day of the eighth month to be held at Bethel. (12:32) Rather than recognizing the Levites as God's appointed priesthood, Jeroboam made his own sacrifices (12:33) and launched his own priesthood in which anyone could participate (13:33). The Mosaic Law forbade kings serving as priests (2 Chronicles 26:16-23).

 

We have already seen the devastating consequences that came upon those who had little regard for God's Word and worshiped Him on their own terms: Cain, Aaron's sons- Nadab and Abihu, and King Saul, to name a few. There were others who would suffer due to their ignorance of God's standard of worship, such as Uzzah and the men of Bethshemesh.

 

Chapter 13 tells us a lot about the Old Testament role of the prophet. Disobedience, including compromised obedience, cost prophets their lives. The man of God from Judah gave a true word about the false altar of Bethel, and predicted the reign of Josiah 300 years in the future (640-609 BC), but he failed to obey the details the Lord had given in regard to his journey. This reminds us that it is not just the message that is important but the way we conduct ourselves as its ministers.

 

Jeroboam wanted to have the man who spoke out against his false system of worship killed. He pointed at him and shouted, "Seize that man!" but instantly his hand was paralyzed in that pointing position (13:4) and at that moment the prophecy about the altar cracking in half and spilling the ashes was fulfilled. The king's hand remained paralyzed until the man of God interceded for him (13:6).

 

There is a further instructive incident in which the man of God from Judah is tempted into disobedience by an old prophet from Bethel. Whereas the motive for temptation is not clear, the result of disobedience is. The man of God from Judah has "received a command by the word of the Lord" not to eat or drink with those at Bethel and that he must return by a different route than the one on which he came (13:9). This would show that the Lord would not give any endorsement, have any fellowship or have anything to do with Jeroboam's religion. The old prophet from Bethel heard from his sons the report of the man of God from Judah. He saddles his donkey and catches up with his fellow prophet and fabricates a story saying "an angel has spoken to me, by the word of the Lord, saying 'Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water." The old prophet has shifted the authority from the word of the Lord to another source, an angel, and tests the obedience of the prophet from Judah to the specific instruction he had been given, the word of God once spoken.

There is a consistency to God's Word. All suggested revelations must be tested by those which have already been received. God does not contradict Himself. The message once delivered to the saints should not be tampered with. It reminds us of the words of the apostle Paul,

 

Galatians 1:6-9 "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; [7] which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! [9] As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!"

 

G. Campbell Morgan writes,

 

"We are taught that no command of God must be disregarded by His messengers, even when, or if, an angel suggests a change of method. A divine purpose directly communicated is never set aside by intermediation of any kind. How necessary therefore, that those who are called of God should "prove the spirits whether they are of God!" When direct assault of evil would utterly fail to seduce servants of God, the enemy constantly transforms his appearance into that of an angel of light, and claims to bring to the soul a Divine revelation.

 

NEW TESTAMENT READING: Acts 9:26-43

 

Barnabus demonstrates his grasp on the wonder of God's grace in the way he welcomes and defends Saul of Tarsus as his brother in Christ as he comes to Jerusalem. Already the Holy Spirit has given Saul boldness to preach Christ. Some of the Greek speaking Jews wanted to kill him, so the believers in Jerusalem escorted him to Caesarea and sent him to his hometown of Tarsus.

 

The church became stronger as it lived in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

 

Acts 9:31 (NASB) ³¹ So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.

 

Peter continues to preach the gospel as he goes from place to place. He prays for Aeneas, a man who had been paralyzed for eight years and he is instantly healed (9:34). The effect of seeing Aeneas walking caused the whole population in Lydda and Sharon to turn to the Lord.

 

Peter comes to the harbor city of Joppa (meaning 'beautiful'), that sits 125 feet above sea level overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, 35 miles northwest of Jerusalem. He stays with a tanner. Tanning involved touching dead animals. It was an unclean profession according to the Law of Moses. Peter was already experiencing under the Holy Spirit's guidance his new liberty. Soon he would be called upon to act on that knowledge and defend it!

 

Many people in Joppa believe in the Lord Jesus, especially as the power of His Name is affirmed with the miraculous resurrection of Tabitha (Dorcas) a beloved sister in Christ who made clothes for those in need.

 

PSALM 132

 

This Psalm stands in contrast to what we read about Jeroboam and his self appointed worship center in Bethel. Here the Psalmist extols the city chosen by God, Jerusalem and the promises of the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:8-29). It prophetically pictures God's satisfaction (rest) and peace being made through the His perfect work of redemption, the offering of God's Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, that brings peace and bold access to God for believers (made a royal priesthood).

 

Proverbs 17:6 "Grandchildren are the crown of old men,

And the glory of sons is their fathers."

 

- Pastor David

 

 

MAY 23: TODAY'S ONE YEAR BIBLE READING:

 

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39 | John 13:1-30 | Psalm 119:1-16 |Proverbs 15:29-30

 

The Book of I Samuel described the transition from the rule of the Judges to the rule of the kings of Israel. We saw the contrast between a king who did what was right in his own eyes and took matters into his own hands, including his death (King Saul) and a man who sought to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, although ultimately he failed to do so."

 

In 1 Samuel 13:13-14 Saul is described as one who did not have supreme regard for God's commands but David, according to Samuel, was "a man after God's own heart" (see also Acts 13:22). He had many failings, but He pursued and served the purposes of God.

 

In 2 Samuel, God removes Saul (representing the first man, Adam) and installs David (representing the second man, foreshadowing the new spiritual man, Christ Jesus, the head of the new creation) on the throne of Israel.

 

The process of sanctification in our own lives, as believers, is reflected in 2 Samuel 3:1:

 

Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.

 

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts (the strong desires of the self-enthroning patterns of thought and behavior) which wage war against the soul. (1 Peter 2:11; comments in italics))

 

The holy war and the way of victory are further described in Galatians 5:

 

But I say, walk by the Spirit (the way of victory, Romans 8:3-4) and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. ^[17] For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. (Galatians 5:16-17)

 

THE SEASONS OF PREPARATION

 

In I Samuel we see David in seasons of preparation.

 

• As shepherd of his father's flock (1 Sam 16:11)

 

• As warrior taught of the Lord to defeat the enemy in the good fight of faith ( Sam 17); As with the greater David, his victory is imputed to his brothers.

 

• As a keeper of the covenant (with Jonathan; 18:3; 1 Sam 20:16-17)

• As musician extolling the virtues of the Eternal King in the palace of human government ( 1Sam 16:17-23; Ps. 10:16; 24:10; 45:1; 95:3; 98:4; 149:2)

 

• As a servant of the King in his courts (1 Sam 16:21)

 

• As the anointed, yet despised and rejected King (1 Sam 19:18- 2 Sam 2:4)

 

The kingly attributes that are cultivated in the seasons of preparation in 1 Samuel come to the fore and are tested in 2 Samuel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2 Samuel David is brought into the position fulfilling God's purposes for which he was being prepared in 1 Samuel. This position points to what will be ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

 

• He becomes the Shepherd-King, shepherd of God's people (Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11,14)

 

"Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the Lord said to you, 'You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.' " (2 Samuel 5:2)

 

• As Warrior-King he captures the stronghold of Zion, taking possession of Jerusalem, driving out the Jebusites and striking down the Philistines (2 Sam 5; 8:1)

 

• As Covenant-Keeping King, David keeps his covenant with Jonathan by taking care of his lame son, Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9:11-13)

 

• As Worshiping King (2 Sam 6:12-19) David praises the Lord with all his heart and might.

 

• As the Servant-King, a servant of the Lord (2 Sam 7:19-21, 25,28) and a servant to others as exhibited in his provision for those brought to His table.

 

• As the King who is anointed before an accepting and united Israel (2 Kings 5:3)

 

2 Samuel 5:1-3 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. [2] "Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the Lord said to you, 'You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.' " [3] So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord at Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel.

 

2 Samuel 2 describes the civil war in which the servants of Saul continue to war with the servants of David. 12 from each side are pitted against each other. Each one seizes their opponent by the head and thrusts their swords into their opponent's sides. Joab's brother Ashahel, who serves with the servants of David, is killed by Abner, who serves the family of Saul.

 

The servants of David prevail, but at great cost. Vengeance would devour both sides completely had not Abner called for a truce.

 

When Abner is wronged by the household of Saul, he comes before David and pledges to bring Israel to full allegiance to him. David sends Abner away in peace. Joab does not know all of this and suspects that Abner is a spy and kills him, punishing him for taking his brother's blood.

 

David mourns Abner's death with fasting, chanting a lament for this skilled military officer who was intent on bringing the northern tribes to accept his appointment as king. Abner's death could have revived the conflict but David's display of grief is heartfelt and convinces the people of Israel that David was not approving of his death (2 Sam 3:37). This pleased all the people (3:36).. War is averted and the prospects of a united kingdom are strengthened. David realizes that although he is king, he cannot fully control subjects, such as Joab and Abishai. His trust is in the sovereign hand of God (3:39).

  

NEW TESTAMENT READING: JOHN 13:1-30

The upper room discourse begins not with words, but actions.

 

John would recognize that these actions spoke of Jesus' love.

 

John 13:1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

 

 

Jesus shares the Passover Meal with his disciples. The Passover not only commemorates God's deliverance from Israel's bondage in the past but prophetically speaks of the work of redemption God was about to accomplish for all people in Jesus' death on the cross as the atoning Lamb of God. As our Passover, Jesus puts away the sin of the world by fully satisfying God's law in paying its penalty (John 1:29).

 

Jesus is in the midst of the Passover Seder ceremony. The word 'Seder'- means 'order' and refers to the 'order' or 'sequence' in presenting a meal, or telling a story; in this case the order of the meal tells the story!

 

There is a point in the meal designated for the washing of hands, called 'Urchatz'. It takes place before dipping the karpas (parsley) into salt water (signifying tears) and partaking of the bitter herbs. John positions the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, 'urchatz', just prior to the bitter experience of Jesus being betrayed by Judas.

 

John 13:2-5 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. ^[3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ^[4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ^[5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

 

The 'Urchatz' speaks of cleansing. Even today in the Passover Seder, water is poured into a basin and hands are washed prior to partaking of the meal. Jesus starts with the washing of the feet. It is a picture of His condescension. Jesus puts his normal attire, the robes of His eternal glory, and takes the servants costume of our humanity and washes the feet of the disciples with the towel with which He was girded.

 

At first Peter resists Jesus' act of humble service. "Lord, do you wash my feet?"

 

Jesus explains that his actions have greater meaning that Peter would understand later. Peter still protests that Jesus is of greater honor than to do the lowly task of foot-washing. Jesus explains that unless Peter allows him to wash his feet he will have no part (portion) with Him. Immediately Peter reverses his position and asks to be cleansed all over! Jesus' response indicates two cleansings. The first cleansing indicates having taken a bath by which one is fully cleansed. This is a cleansing that Jesus said Peter would have no need because had been cleansed by a bath and was being declared fully clean (a picture of justification by faith). The second cleansing indicates the routine washing of feet. It refers to one's ongoing need for cleansing as we walk in the world ( a picture of sanctification). Jesus would provide the means for doing this through the ministry of His Word, His Spirit and His fellow servants who would humbly submit themselves to doing the same to their brothers and sisters.

 

PRAY FOR THE NATIONS

(from the Prayer Guide "Operation World" p. 337-339)

 

FINLAND

 

Republic of Finland

Europe

 

Geography

Area: 338,145 sq km

This northern country is 70% forest, 10% lake, 8% arable land.

Population: 5,345,826

Annual Growth: 0.38%

Capital: Helsinki

Urbanites: 63.9%

HDI Rank: 12 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

 

 

Peoples: 35 (20% unreached)

FInno-Ugric 97.6% Finns of which 5.5% are Swedish speaking, largely in the SouthWest and on Aland islands in the Gulf of Bothnia;

Official language is Finnish. Saami is spoken by .05%; .5% are Russian.

 

1.5% Immigrant groups, mainly from the Middle East and East Asia.

 

Economy- Specialized and primarily high-tech, export oriented economy, supported by traditional economy based largely on wood products. Solid economic growth since the late 1990s, but unemployment (especially among minorities) remains a concern.

 

Politics: Ruled by Sweden for 700 years, then by Russia for a further 100. Independent in 1917. A stable multiparty democracy. Member of EU.

 

Answer to Prayer

 

Finland's strong Christian tradition and geographical location give it a strategic role in reaching the many peoples in the former Soviet Union. Of particular importance is the impact of ministry-oriented Finnish believers on the Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia's interior, their distant ethnic cousins.

 

Challenge for Prayer

 

Humanism, secularism and materialism have strangleholds on most Finns. While the majority (90%) look favorably upon the Church's social work, only 8% of Finns attend any kind of religious service monthly or more, and only 3% of Lutherans attend weekly. Spirituality has more or less become privatized. Christians may number 84% of the population, but society is effectively a secular one. The last revival occurred during the 1960s. Interest in spiritual things offers some hope, but Islam and fringe religious movements are currently the fastest growing. Pray for a spiritual breakthrough that will cause people to seek the Lord.

 

There is freedom of religion in Finland, but Evangelical Lutehran and finnish (Greek) Orthodox Church are recognized as national churches.

 

The large majority still claim affiliation with Lutheranism, but much of it is a nominal or social attachment. Only about 12% of Lutherans would be regarded as evangelical.

 

The Free Churches, both Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal, are relatively small but spiritually vigorous; charismatic renewal has had a marked impact. These churches are not growing, but they are holding their own in a wide context of decline. These groups are enjoying a greater unity than in years past. Pray for this to continue, for cooperation in evangelism and missions among the various bodies, and between the Free Churches and the Lutherans.

 

There are many rootless believers who 'church-hop' and lack commitment to one fellowship. And many disillusioned believers with genuine faith don't engage in any fellowship at all. Pray that the Spirit would convict them to integrate more fully into the fellowship of the body of Christ.

 

Finland has had a strong missionary-sending heritage. This is now under threat. The strength of mission sending has largely been through parachurch agencies or independent movements within the larger Lutheran framework. The churches need to catch a missions vision and become more involved in the sending process, rather than relying totally on agencies.

 

Men's ministry is a real need in Finland. Discipling men is difficult in a highly passive and private culture. Pray for ministries that will be able to call Finns into relationships that involve pastoring, mentoring and accountability.

 

Pray that immigrants and foreign students would have the opportunity to encounter Jesus in a real way.

 

- Pastor David