Zechariah 1:7-6:15 This is Zechariah's 2nd recorded prophesy, a vision.
Verses 1-17 The first thing that Zechariah sees is a man on a red horse, with other horses behind him. An angel speaks to him and explains what is happening. The Lord had sent out this group to "patrol the earth". They reported that all was well. But, then the angel addresses the Lord and asks about Jerusalem and Judah. The Lord's response is wonderful to Zechariah. The Lord declares His jealousy for Jerusalem and Zion. He will return there and His house will be rebuilt. Prosperity and comfort will be restored.
Verses 18-21 Next, Zechariah sees 4 horns. The angel explains that these are the ones who have scattered His people. But, now He is providing 4 "craftsmen" who have come to "throw down the horns of the nations who have lifted up their horns agains the land.." This would also be an encouragement to Zechariah and those he spoke to - the enemies that had risen in power against them, would be overcome by the Lord's chosen men.
Chapter 2 - The vision again changes, this time Zechariah sees an angel with a measuring line. He explains that he will be measuring Jerusalem. Jerusalem would be inhabited by a multitude of people. There would be no walls, but God Himself would provide a "wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst." The Lord calls for the people to return from the north. He will be their protector. He will dwell with them. They will know Him and He will possess them. God is on the move and acting on behalf of His people. Twice, this phrase is used, " Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me." Verse 9 and verse11. This seems to speak of Jesus, once speaking to the Jews and the second time to the nations which join themselves to Him.
In verse 8 the Lord says this, " ... for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye." The apple of God's eye - such a beautiful expression! When you are so close to Him that your reflection is seen in His pupils. What intimacy the Lord allows for those that He calls His own. He wants us that close.
Father in heaven, You are all-powerful and all-knowing. You have called for us to return to You and walk with You. You have given us a place of refuge in Your midst. You are at the same time, surrounding us and filling us! You are amazing God. We will sing for joy and be glad, along with Zion, when we come to that City with no walls, where there is no darkness, and no more tears. Come Lord Jesus, come and take us to dwell with You forever. Amen.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Zechariah 1:1-6 This is the first message that Zechariah gives the people in Jerusalem. It comes 2 months after Haggai's 1st prophecy urging the Israelites to consider their ways and to rebuild the temple. Here Zechariah says, " Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Return to Me,' declares the Lord of hosts, 'that I may return to you,' says the Lord of hosts." (v3)
The Lord of hosts - Jehovah, the I AM, the self-existent and sovereign God - of hosts.. of armies, of the masses, of the assemble, of those mustered and prepared for battle! 3 times in this one statement, Zechariah uses this title. He uses it two more times:
Verse 4 - The Lord of hosts had spoken to their fathers through the prophets in the past, telling them to "Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds," and they had not listened.
Verse 6 - "As the Lord of hosts purposed to do to us in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so He has dealt with us."
What the Lord of hosts said He would do.. He did. The testimony of their fathers confirms this. They failed to obey the Lord and ended up in exile, in captivity, because of it. If they don't want to end up in the same situation, they needed to hear and obey the Word of the Lord.
We know from Ezra's writing that they heeded the words from Haggai and Zechariah and began again to rebuild the temple. We also know that God directed Darius's heart in the matter and not only was permission granted, but money was supplied for the work.
Has God changed? Isn't He still the LORD of hosts? Has His message changed? "Return to Me... THAT I may return to you." Return from evil ways and deeds. Evil - the Hebrew word is "ra" - bad, adverse, affliction, calamity, displease, distress, grief, harm, heavy, hurt, mischief, misery, naught, noisome, sad, sore, sorrow, trouble, wicked, wretchedness, wrong... Evil ways - the road we travel, the mode of action, our conversations, our customs, our journey through life, our manner and our path.
Isaiah had preached for Israel to "Wash yourselves, make yourself clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow." The Lord called them as "sinful nation... weighed down with iniquity" ( Isaiah 1:4) . They acted corruptly. They abandoned the Lord. They were rebellious.. harlots, murderers, thieves, loving bribes, failing to help those in need. It sounds like our world today.
Jeremiah had preached to them also. "If you will return... put way your detested things from My presence..." Then, live in "truth, in justice and in righteousness..." Have a changed heart. But they refused. " Your ways and your deeds have bought these things to you. This is your evil. How bitter! How it has touched your heart!" ( Jeremiah 4:18)
Father in heaven, You are the Lord of hosts, still calling for Your people to return to You, to turn from evil, from calling their own ways right and Your's wrong. We live in a world where sin and rebellion are everywhere. We see here in this country a surge of wickedness and unbelief, flooding our nation.
Oh Mighty God, save us! Open our ears to hear the Truth. Change hearts that have become hardened and full of evil. May there be a return of people to Your Word and to repentance, to justice and righteousness. You are our only Hope, Lord of hosts! May Your kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In the wonderful Name, Jesus, we pray. amen.
The Lord of hosts - Jehovah, the I AM, the self-existent and sovereign God - of hosts.. of armies, of the masses, of the assemble, of those mustered and prepared for battle! 3 times in this one statement, Zechariah uses this title. He uses it two more times:
Verse 4 - The Lord of hosts had spoken to their fathers through the prophets in the past, telling them to "Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds," and they had not listened.
Verse 6 - "As the Lord of hosts purposed to do to us in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so He has dealt with us."
What the Lord of hosts said He would do.. He did. The testimony of their fathers confirms this. They failed to obey the Lord and ended up in exile, in captivity, because of it. If they don't want to end up in the same situation, they needed to hear and obey the Word of the Lord.
We know from Ezra's writing that they heeded the words from Haggai and Zechariah and began again to rebuild the temple. We also know that God directed Darius's heart in the matter and not only was permission granted, but money was supplied for the work.
Has God changed? Isn't He still the LORD of hosts? Has His message changed? "Return to Me... THAT I may return to you." Return from evil ways and deeds. Evil - the Hebrew word is "ra" - bad, adverse, affliction, calamity, displease, distress, grief, harm, heavy, hurt, mischief, misery, naught, noisome, sad, sore, sorrow, trouble, wicked, wretchedness, wrong... Evil ways - the road we travel, the mode of action, our conversations, our customs, our journey through life, our manner and our path.
Isaiah had preached for Israel to "Wash yourselves, make yourself clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow." The Lord called them as "sinful nation... weighed down with iniquity" ( Isaiah 1:4) . They acted corruptly. They abandoned the Lord. They were rebellious.. harlots, murderers, thieves, loving bribes, failing to help those in need. It sounds like our world today.
Jeremiah had preached to them also. "If you will return... put way your detested things from My presence..." Then, live in "truth, in justice and in righteousness..." Have a changed heart. But they refused. " Your ways and your deeds have bought these things to you. This is your evil. How bitter! How it has touched your heart!" ( Jeremiah 4:18)
Father in heaven, You are the Lord of hosts, still calling for Your people to return to You, to turn from evil, from calling their own ways right and Your's wrong. We live in a world where sin and rebellion are everywhere. We see here in this country a surge of wickedness and unbelief, flooding our nation.
Oh Mighty God, save us! Open our ears to hear the Truth. Change hearts that have become hardened and full of evil. May there be a return of people to Your Word and to repentance, to justice and righteousness. You are our only Hope, Lord of hosts! May Your kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In the wonderful Name, Jesus, we pray. amen.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Zechariah 1-2
Both Haggai and Zechariah prophesied during the time of Ezra.
Order of events - Just to give some perspective -
Daniel was probably about 100 years old when Cyrus/ Darius invaded Babylon and conquered Belshazzar.
Ezra 4: 24 " Then work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it was stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.... When the prophets Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo prophesied.... "
Haggai's 1st - Second year of Darius, 6th month ( Haggai 1:1) The Lord told them to consider their ways.
Haggai's 2nd - 7th month ( Haggai 2:1) The Lord told them to take courage.
Zechariah's 1st 8th month ( Zech. 1:1) "Return to Me, declares the Lord of hosts, that I may return to you..."
Haggai's 3rd and 4th 9th month (Haggai 2:10) The Lord told them that from that day onward He would bless them. ( Haggai 2:20) - The Lord calls Zerubbabel, His servant - like a signet ring.
Zechariah's 2nd ( a vision) 11th month ( Zech. 1:7 -6:15)
Zechariah's 3rd - Fourth year of Darius - 9th month (Zech. 7:1 -8:23)
Ezra 6:15 " And this temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar; it was the sixth year of the reign of king Darius."
Esther takes place in the reign of Xerxes I also called Ahasuerus. ( Darius' son and father of Artaxerxes)
It was almost 60 years later, during the reign of Artaxerxes that Ezra left from Babylon to return to Jerusalem. ( Ezra 7:1)
Nehemiah begins in the 20th year of Artaxerxes.
The book of Malachi was written during Nehemiah's times.
I want to dig further into Zechariah, but for now, just want to focus on one verse; Zech. 2:11 " And many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."
Oh what a wonderful Word for us today! The Lord Jesus has made us His own! He has come to dwell with us and is returning soon to reign forever more!
Father, we thank You for the words that encourage us to seek You and find You; to worship You and to be Your people. Thank You for taking away our iniquity and for clothing us in righteousness.
Thank You for the hope we have in Christ Jesus. All glory and honor and praise to You, the Lord of hosts. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Both Haggai and Zechariah prophesied during the time of Ezra.
Order of events - Just to give some perspective -
Daniel was probably about 100 years old when Cyrus/ Darius invaded Babylon and conquered Belshazzar.
Ezra 4: 24 " Then work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it was stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.... When the prophets Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo prophesied.... "
Haggai's 1st - Second year of Darius, 6th month ( Haggai 1:1) The Lord told them to consider their ways.
Haggai's 2nd - 7th month ( Haggai 2:1) The Lord told them to take courage.
Zechariah's 1st 8th month ( Zech. 1:1) "Return to Me, declares the Lord of hosts, that I may return to you..."
Haggai's 3rd and 4th 9th month (Haggai 2:10) The Lord told them that from that day onward He would bless them. ( Haggai 2:20) - The Lord calls Zerubbabel, His servant - like a signet ring.
Zechariah's 2nd ( a vision) 11th month ( Zech. 1:7 -6:15)
Zechariah's 3rd - Fourth year of Darius - 9th month (Zech. 7:1 -8:23)
Ezra 6:15 " And this temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar; it was the sixth year of the reign of king Darius."
Esther takes place in the reign of Xerxes I also called Ahasuerus. ( Darius' son and father of Artaxerxes)
Nehemiah begins in the 20th year of Artaxerxes.
The book of Malachi was written during Nehemiah's times.
I want to dig further into Zechariah, but for now, just want to focus on one verse; Zech. 2:11 " And many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."
Oh what a wonderful Word for us today! The Lord Jesus has made us His own! He has come to dwell with us and is returning soon to reign forever more!
Father, we thank You for the words that encourage us to seek You and find You; to worship You and to be Your people. Thank You for taking away our iniquity and for clothing us in righteousness.
Thank You for the hope we have in Christ Jesus. All glory and honor and praise to You, the Lord of hosts. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Friday, February 12, 2016
In Ezra 5 we read that the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah came to the leaders in Jerusalem and told them to begin rebuilding the temple, even though they had been ordered by Artaxerxes to stop. They listened to the prophets and began again to rebuild and were given all they needed when king Darius was consulted. I wanted to look at Haggai's prophecies recorded in the 2 chapters included in the Old Testament . There were actually several different prophetic words given through Haggai.
Haggai 1 - "In the second year of Darius the king, on the first day of the sixth month.." Haggai comes to Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest. "This people says 'The time has not come, even the time for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt'".. but God says, "Consider your ways!" All their work was in vain, they were planting but not harvesting, they didn't have enough food, wine, or clothing... "and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes." The problem, the Lord tells them, is that He is not going to bless them when they are allowing His house to be neglected. They weren't honoring Him or worshiping because of their fears... Yet when Haggai spoke the word of the Lord, the leaders listened and obeyed. The work on the house of the Lord started up again.
On the "twenty-first day of the seventh month of king Darius" so, a month and 1/2 later, Haggai came again, this time to encourage them. We are told in Ezra 3:12 that when some of the older priests, Levites, and old men, saw new the foundation of the temple relaid, that they wept, because they remembered its former glory.... Here the Lord tells them to take courage, even though this is "nothing in comparison" as far as the outward beauty - "I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.... My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!"
God promises to shake the nations and to fill His house with glory. "The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine. declares the Lord of hosts." There is a greater glory coming!
Two months later, Haggai comes again with a word from the Lord. This message begins with a question - if a man carries a holy sacrifice in his garment, his pocket, so to speak, and then puts in bread or something else, will that also become holy? The priests answer "No". If a man touches a corpse and becomes unclean and then touches the bread or other things, will they become unclean. The priest's answer this time is yes. "So is this people. And so is this nation before Me, declares the Lord, and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean."
Up to this point, the people were trying to become holy from what they offered to God, but they were actually unclean and making their offerings unclean because of their lack of worship and obedience. "Do consider from this day of the ninth month; from the day when the temple of the Lord was founded... yet from this day on I will bless you." Because of their obedience to God's Word, God was making a promise of blessing for His people.
On that same day, Haggai had another word, this time for Zerubbabel. God was going to "shake the heavens and the earth." He would overthrow all thrones and kingdoms, destroy all powers, overthrow all armies, and "On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant.. and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you...." The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that this prophecy establishes Zerubbabel in David's line and therefore in the line of the Messiah, Jesus.
The people in Ezra's days lived in very difficult times. They had to be courageous just to obey the Word of the Lord. Yet, disobedience led to judgement. We also, must choose to obey God and live by His Word, even when challenged by our culture or government. Without obedience, complete commitment to following the Word of God, we cannot experience God's blessings. In disobedience we will suffer God's judgement. The day is coming when the heavens and the earth will be shaken! God will overthrow all nations and power and thrones. Hallelujah! We must be like Zerubbabel - obedient, wholly belonging to God.
Father, take us by the hand and lead us into Your love and into the endurance and patience of Christ Jesus as we with for that great day! Amen.
Haggai 1 - "In the second year of Darius the king, on the first day of the sixth month.." Haggai comes to Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest. "This people says 'The time has not come, even the time for the house of the Lord to be rebuilt'".. but God says, "Consider your ways!" All their work was in vain, they were planting but not harvesting, they didn't have enough food, wine, or clothing... "and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes." The problem, the Lord tells them, is that He is not going to bless them when they are allowing His house to be neglected. They weren't honoring Him or worshiping because of their fears... Yet when Haggai spoke the word of the Lord, the leaders listened and obeyed. The work on the house of the Lord started up again.
On the "twenty-first day of the seventh month of king Darius" so, a month and 1/2 later, Haggai came again, this time to encourage them. We are told in Ezra 3:12 that when some of the older priests, Levites, and old men, saw new the foundation of the temple relaid, that they wept, because they remembered its former glory.... Here the Lord tells them to take courage, even though this is "nothing in comparison" as far as the outward beauty - "I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.... My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!"
God promises to shake the nations and to fill His house with glory. "The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine. declares the Lord of hosts." There is a greater glory coming!
Two months later, Haggai comes again with a word from the Lord. This message begins with a question - if a man carries a holy sacrifice in his garment, his pocket, so to speak, and then puts in bread or something else, will that also become holy? The priests answer "No". If a man touches a corpse and becomes unclean and then touches the bread or other things, will they become unclean. The priest's answer this time is yes. "So is this people. And so is this nation before Me, declares the Lord, and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean."
Up to this point, the people were trying to become holy from what they offered to God, but they were actually unclean and making their offerings unclean because of their lack of worship and obedience. "Do consider from this day of the ninth month; from the day when the temple of the Lord was founded... yet from this day on I will bless you." Because of their obedience to God's Word, God was making a promise of blessing for His people.
On that same day, Haggai had another word, this time for Zerubbabel. God was going to "shake the heavens and the earth." He would overthrow all thrones and kingdoms, destroy all powers, overthrow all armies, and "On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant.. and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you...." The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that this prophecy establishes Zerubbabel in David's line and therefore in the line of the Messiah, Jesus.
The people in Ezra's days lived in very difficult times. They had to be courageous just to obey the Word of the Lord. Yet, disobedience led to judgement. We also, must choose to obey God and live by His Word, even when challenged by our culture or government. Without obedience, complete commitment to following the Word of God, we cannot experience God's blessings. In disobedience we will suffer God's judgement. The day is coming when the heavens and the earth will be shaken! God will overthrow all nations and power and thrones. Hallelujah! We must be like Zerubbabel - obedient, wholly belonging to God.
Father, take us by the hand and lead us into Your love and into the endurance and patience of Christ Jesus as we with for that great day! Amen.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Ezra 1-6 Ezra writes a history of the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem beginning at the decree of Cyrus, king of Persia. The return of exiles began with 42,360 people. They came to Jerusalem and set up the altar and began offering sacrifices. They began to lay the foundation of the temple building, but were stopped by their enemies who appealed to Xerxes. However, after a period of time, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, began prophesying and encouraged the Jewish leaders to once again begin building the temple. And they did. Again a letter was sent to the king of Persia.. but now Darius was king. Darius not only gave the Jews permission to begin building but told the Gentile governor to leave them alone and to give them all the money and supplies they needed!
The Lord used Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes in the rebuilding of His temple in Jerusalem. With great joy the people of God celebrated the Passover that year.
Chapters 7-10 Here Ezra tells of his own travel to Jerusalem and how the hand of God was with him throughout. Ezra's testimony is summarized in 7:10 " For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel." God gave Ezra a courageous spirit as he led the exiles back to Israel. Then, as everything was going so well, there came a major set back. Some of the leaders came to Ezra and told him that many of the Israelites had intermarried with the people of the land. This was so devastating to Ezra that he immediately tore his clothing and fell on his face before the Lord.
As Ezra fasted and prayed before the Lord, the heart of the Israelites began to break also. They came and confessed their sins. They made a covenant to put away their godless wives and children. They encouraged Ezra to act as he should and so he did.
A long list of men is given at the end of chapter 10. Men who had disobeyed God's word, but who repented and put away their foreign wives and children. Such sadness and yet obedient sacrifice..
Father in heaven, set our hearts, like You did Ezra's, to obey Your Word and to be courageous to act in accordance to it. May we know Your Word and practice it faithfully. May we be teachers of Your Word and take responsibility for it. Father, we thank You for the Truth that You have revealed. Thank You for forgiveness and restoration. We praise You for the grace that You have given to us, that You have not "requited" as our sins deserved. Enlighten our eyes Lord, and give us also a "little reviving". Thank You for extending lovingkindness to us and for never forsaking us, even as You did for the house of Israel. May our lives reflect Your glory to the nations.. to our own ungodly nation, we pray. Amen.
The Lord used Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes in the rebuilding of His temple in Jerusalem. With great joy the people of God celebrated the Passover that year.
Chapters 7-10 Here Ezra tells of his own travel to Jerusalem and how the hand of God was with him throughout. Ezra's testimony is summarized in 7:10 " For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel." God gave Ezra a courageous spirit as he led the exiles back to Israel. Then, as everything was going so well, there came a major set back. Some of the leaders came to Ezra and told him that many of the Israelites had intermarried with the people of the land. This was so devastating to Ezra that he immediately tore his clothing and fell on his face before the Lord.
As Ezra fasted and prayed before the Lord, the heart of the Israelites began to break also. They came and confessed their sins. They made a covenant to put away their godless wives and children. They encouraged Ezra to act as he should and so he did.
A long list of men is given at the end of chapter 10. Men who had disobeyed God's word, but who repented and put away their foreign wives and children. Such sadness and yet obedient sacrifice..
Father in heaven, set our hearts, like You did Ezra's, to obey Your Word and to be courageous to act in accordance to it. May we know Your Word and practice it faithfully. May we be teachers of Your Word and take responsibility for it. Father, we thank You for the Truth that You have revealed. Thank You for forgiveness and restoration. We praise You for the grace that You have given to us, that You have not "requited" as our sins deserved. Enlighten our eyes Lord, and give us also a "little reviving". Thank You for extending lovingkindness to us and for never forsaking us, even as You did for the house of Israel. May our lives reflect Your glory to the nations.. to our own ungodly nation, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
II Thess. 2 -3
Paul taught the believers about the return of the Lord Jesus, yet they were misled by some who claimed that the Lord had already come back. So, Paul tells them again of the signs that will precede His return: first, apostasy- departing or falling away from the Truth; then the "man of lawlessness" or "son of destruction" will be revealed.
There will be increased lawlessness - wickedness.
There will be one who will exalt himself above any god.
There will be one who will be linked with Satan, having "power and signs and false wonders".
There will be many who will be deceived.
Only those who have received the "love of truth" will be saved. All others will be deluded. God will allow that because they choose wickedness over truth.
Paul's prayers: " Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word." ( 2:16-17) And "..May the Lord direct your heart into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." ( 3:5)
Paul speaks again about those who are undisciplined or unruly. We are to stay separated from them, we are to gently admonish them, and we are to be examples for them - quietly working to provide for our own needs and doing good without growing weary.
Father in heaven and our Lord Jesus, thank You for saving us by Your great love and wonderful truth. Thank you for eternal comfort and hope. Strengthen us for for the days ahead. Grant us clear thinking and steadfastness in Christ our Lord. May we be prepared for the day of Your coming, abiding in the truth and walking in a manner worthy of Your calling. I ask this in Your name and authority Lord, amen.
Paul taught the believers about the return of the Lord Jesus, yet they were misled by some who claimed that the Lord had already come back. So, Paul tells them again of the signs that will precede His return: first, apostasy- departing or falling away from the Truth; then the "man of lawlessness" or "son of destruction" will be revealed.
There will be increased lawlessness - wickedness.
There will be one who will exalt himself above any god.
There will be one who will be linked with Satan, having "power and signs and false wonders".
There will be many who will be deceived.
Only those who have received the "love of truth" will be saved. All others will be deluded. God will allow that because they choose wickedness over truth.
Paul's prayers: " Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word." ( 2:16-17) And "..May the Lord direct your heart into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." ( 3:5)
Paul speaks again about those who are undisciplined or unruly. We are to stay separated from them, we are to gently admonish them, and we are to be examples for them - quietly working to provide for our own needs and doing good without growing weary.
Father in heaven and our Lord Jesus, thank You for saving us by Your great love and wonderful truth. Thank you for eternal comfort and hope. Strengthen us for for the days ahead. Grant us clear thinking and steadfastness in Christ our Lord. May we be prepared for the day of Your coming, abiding in the truth and walking in a manner worthy of Your calling. I ask this in Your name and authority Lord, amen.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
II Thessalonians 1
Paul is thankful that the church is doing well...
their faith is "greatly enlarged"
their love for one another "grows even greater"
they have perseverance and faith as they endure persecutions.
and they are "considered worthy of the kingdom of God"
Paul reminds them that God will:
- repay those who have afflicted them with affliction.
- give relief to them all when Jesus returns.
-"... dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus".
The penalty is "eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day and to be marveled at among all who have believed..."
Another of Paul's prayers is recorded in verses 11-12
Paul is thankful that the church is doing well...
their faith is "greatly enlarged"
their love for one another "grows even greater"
they have perseverance and faith as they endure persecutions.
and they are "considered worthy of the kingdom of God"
Paul reminds them that God will:
- repay those who have afflicted them with affliction.
- give relief to them all when Jesus returns.
-"... dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus".
The penalty is "eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day and to be marveled at among all who have believed..."
Another of Paul's prayers is recorded in verses 11-12
"To this end we pray for you always
that our God may count you worthy of your calling,
and fulfill every desire for goodness
and the work of faith with power;
in order that the name of our Lord Jesus
may be glorified in you,
and you in Him,
according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. "
Those who are considered worthy of the Kingdom of God are those who are growing in faith and love, persevering in afflictions, desiring goodness and working in faith. They will "marvel" at the coming of Jesus and He will be glorified in them on that day!
Those who do not know God or refuse to obey His Word, will be repayed with affliction for any that they afflicted; receive retribution for their unbelief and disobedience; and will pay the ultimate price of eternal destruction.
Such a stark contrast and heart-wrenching truth...
Oh Father, God of grace and Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters in You, that they may grow in faith and love, that they may persevere in troubles, and that You would bring every desire for goodness to fulfillment. May they do the work of faith with power, to bring glory to Your Name. And Father of mercy, we plead for those who are unbelievers, that their eyes might be opened to the Truth of the gospel and that their hearts will be opened to believe. Grant repentance and salvation to these today Lord.... Thank You for hearing my prayer. amen.
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