Archives for December 2021

Dec. 25-26: God With Us

December 23, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Christmas tree and lights in Weobley, NW Herefordshire

God’s grace and glory appearing, and growing

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The Living Word for Christmas Day and Sunday, December 16, 2021, is a non-denominational Bible study which relies on the Bible explaining the Bible, uninfluenced by any church’s traditions or preferences, and following the Bible’s sequence of progressive revelation. Read the whole passage first and let the Holy Spirit begin speaking to you through it, then go deeper with the verse by verse commentary and reflections. The week’s readings are as set by the Revised Common Lectionary, an inter-denominational resource shared by many different churches and chapels. The Bible version, widely used in contemporary churches, is the NIV © Biblica. Ref. TLW51C

Isaiah 9:2-7 — Wayward Israel is where the glory of God shines

Luke 2:1-14 – Shepherds experience God’s glory in terror

Titus 2:11-14 — We grow in grace actively awaiting Christ’s return

1 Samuel 2:18-20,26 – Samuel grows in God’s favour

Luke 2:41-52 — Jesus is found with the teachers at the temple

Colossians 3:12-17 — God’s people are to grow in grace

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• See also this week’s article and video The Grace and Glory of God Appear — and Our Part In It

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Isaiah 9:2-7 — Wayward Israel is where the glory of God shines

— THE GRACE AND GLORY OF GOD APPEAR TO US —

A peace-bringing Davidic kind of ruler comes to a spiritually-dark nation

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

“Light has dawned” — Jesus the light of the world, brings the light of His truth first in Capernaum, Galilee.

• For further study, read Isaiah 9:1, Matt. 4:13-17, John 8:12; 9:5.

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

“Enlarged” – growth in the diminished nation following their resettlement.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

“Midian’s defeat” — the Lord using Gideon, Judges 7.

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.

And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

“And He will be called” — “Wonderful Counsellor” who carries out a plan with the power of “Mighty God”. He carries the “Everlasting Father’s” compassion and protection, and rules as “Prince of Peace” bringing wellbeing to all.

7 Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

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Luke 2:1-14 – Shepherds experience God’s glory in terror

They are to seek out a newborn baby, tucked up in a feed trough in the village

1-2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

“First census” – Jesus’ birth and then flight from Herod the Great must have been between 6-4 BC, before Herod’s death in 4 BC, in the first of two terms served by Quirinius.

3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

“Register” – for the Roman poll tax.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

“Bethlehem” – as foretold in Micah’s prophecy, Micah 5:2.

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

“Living out” — probably between March and November. The time of Jesus’ birth is not known and the midwinter tradition arose much later from pagan origins.

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

“Terrified” — majestic angels in blazing light appearing in the darkness.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

11 “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.

12 “This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.”

“Good news” — from the word that gives us ‘evangelise’. “On earth peace” — Jesus is the Prince of Peace prophesied by Isaiah, Isa. 9:6 above, to bring God’s peace; not universally, but all who would turn to Him and come to know God and God’s favour.

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Titus 2:11-14 — We grow in grace actively awaiting Christ’s return

Christians are empowered to live above themselves while living in expectation

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

“Grace… offers salvation” – the word used specifically here to mean favour with God, never earned but made possible by Christ’s sinless self-sacrifice. It is offered to all people and a response to Jesus is called for which is a choice to turn to Him, be changed and come to know God in a personal way.

12-14 It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.

“Teaches us… to live…” — salvation and holy living are “not because of anything we have done but because of [God’s] own purpose and grace, 2 Tim. 1:9. The “blessed hope” is expectation that Jesus will come again.

Reflection

SUMMARY The three readings are about how the favour of God comes through Jesus being revealed to us, and our choosing to ask Him into our lives. In Isaiah 9 the perspective is looking forward to what would be revealed in as new era; in Luke 2 the shepherds are the first to experience this revelation; Titus 2 exhorts believers living in the last times to expect the return of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself to purify from wickedness a people who are His own.

APPLICATION The Bible is clear that we cannot earn the salvation of God. If we could, it would not be God’s grace. Nowhere does the Bible teach that salvation is through participation in the church’s ordinances; that would devalue God’s grace also. Widely and clearly the Bible teaches that salvation is a choice to invite Jesus as Saviour. Before that decision we are all unable to see the spiritual realities of good and evil, walking in darkness. The story relates how some were impacted by God’s glory over Bethlehem, and believers in the early church by the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER Lord we love the nativity scene, but help us to see beyond it to Your Lordship and Your glory. May the impact of who You are, transform how we are, in this season of remembering Your first coming and preparing for the next.

— THE GRACE AND GLORY OF GOD GROW IN US —

1 Samuel 2:18-20,26 – An apprentice learns to minister to the Lord

Samuel grows in stature and God’s favour, as was said later of Jesus

18-19 But Samuel was ministering before the Lord — a boy wearing a linen ephod. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.

“Linen ephod” — an embroidered over-garment worn by priests in the sanctuary. The contrast between Samuel and Eli’s sons, all young Levites, is that Samuel lived up to his calling.

20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.” Then they would go home.

26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people.

“Grow in stature and favour” – like Luke’s description of the boy Jesus, Luke 2:40 and 52.

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Luke 2:41-52 — Jesus is found with the teachers at the temple

He finds rabbis in the temple courts who allow Him to debate with them

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.

“Every year” – Observant Jews kept the three commanded festivals of Passover, especially Pentecost and Tabernacles, Exodus 23:14-17; Deut. 16:16.

42 When He was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.

“Twelve years old” — preparing to take adult covenant responsibilities, usually at age 13.

43 After the festival was over, while His parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.

“Unaware” — with whole villages and extended families travelling together.

44-45 Thinking He was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for Him.

46-47 After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers.

“After three days” – a day’s travel of about 20 miles, a day turning back, and a day finding Jesus in the city.

“Listening… asking questions… His answers” – it was highly unusual for these scholars of Moses’ law to debate with a young person.

48 When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

49-50 “Why were you searching for Me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what He was saying to them.

“Your father and I…My Father’s house” – Jesus contrasts His Father with his earthly parent. He is aware of His unique relationship, his parents less so.

51-52 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

“Jesus grew in wisdom”— Jesus was fully God, but also fully man, having laid aside His majesty to be born as one one of us. The Expanded Bible renders this: “But He gave up His place with God and made Himself nothing, (lit. emptied Himself)”, Phil. 2:7. There is no suggestion in Scripture that Jesus had all knowledge and wisdom from birth.

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Colossians 3:12-17 — God’s people are to grow in grace

Growing in Jesus’ character is what distinguishes the body of Christ

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

“God’s chosen people” — this phrase was used of Israel, and then of the Christian community, Deut. 4:37; 1 Peter 2:9. Being chosen by God, a frequent theme in Paul’s letters, doesn’t lessen our responsibility to live unselfishly. “He chose us… to be holy and blameless in His sight”, Eph. 1:4.

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

“Bear with… forgive…” – Jesus taught that having received grace and forgiveness from God, we must extend the same grace in forgiving others.

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

“Put on love”— which will look like attitudes of v.12, and like the fruit of the [redeemed, regenerate human] spirit, Gal. 5:22.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

“Peace of Christ” — where Christ rules and has lordship, His peace will act as an umpire and will result in unity embracing diversity, in Christ-like relationships.

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

“Psalms, hymns and songs” — psalms of truth from Scripture, hymns of praise and spontaneous, prophetic songs from the Spirit.

“Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” — keep on growing in Christian maturity and show Jesus to others by living as those who represent Jesus and His Way.

Reflection

SUMMARY The story of young Samuel, called by God, and the young Jesus, the Son of God, speak to us about growing in spiritual maturity. Words written to the church in Colossae challenge us to grow in Jesus-like attitudes and relationships.

APPLICATION The grace and glory of God are able to grow within us when we surrender self-rule and independence, and ask Jesus to come in. That’s the path to Christian maturity. This is grace, and it disarms the enemy and brings God’s glory.

PRAYER In this Christmas season, Lord, may we put on Your love afresh, learn how working with others we can bring Your kingdom — and together bring You glory. Amen

PRINT EDITION You can download a PDF of the print edition from the link below. It prints on A4 paper to produce a four-page Bible-size folder. Permission given to copy for your own use, for your Bible study or home group, or for inclusion with your church bulletin.

TLW51C-Dec-25-26-final-Booklet Download

https://thelivingword.uk

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Excerpt

Jesus revealed what God is like in human form that we can relate to — and grew in grace as we are enabled to by the Holy Spirit

Dec. 19: We Defer, He Is Our Peace

December 17, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Christmas social at a village church decorated for the season

The Living Word for Sunday, December 19, 2021 (Advent 4), is a non-denominational Bible study which relies on the Bible explaining the Bible, uninfluenced by any church’s traditions or preferences, and following the Bible’s sequence of progressive revelation. Read the whole passage first and let the Holy Spirit begin speaking to you through it, then go deeper with the verse by verse commentary and reflections. The week’s readings are as set by the Revised Common Lectionary, an inter-denominational resource shared by many different churches and chapels. The Bible version, widely used in contemporary churches, is the NIV © Biblica. Ref. TLW50C

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Psalm 80:1-7 — A prayer for revival

Micah 5:2-5a — The whole earth will defer to a great ruler in God’s peace who will emerge from humble origins

Luke 1:39-55 — As Elizabeth and Mary meet, the Holy Spirit presences Himself strongly

Hebrews 10:5-10 — God’s way is to supersede the Old Covenant ceremonial with knowing and deferring to the Lord Jesus

Theme: Deferring to God in receiving His grace

• See also this week’s linked article How Does Revival Come? It’s Not About Us

Psalm 80:1-7

Theme introduction

1-2 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken Your might; come and save us.

3 Restore us, O God; make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

4 How long, Lord God Almighty, will Your anger smoulder against the prayers of Your people?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; You have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

6 You have made us an object of derision to our neighbours, and our enemies mock us.

7 Restore us, God Almighty; make Your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

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Micah 5:2-5a — A great ruler will emerge from humble origins

The whole earth will defer to the greatness of this Shepherd of God’s peace

2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me, One who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

“Ephrathah” – the district where Bethlehem (‘house of bread’) is located, and where David was born, 1 Samuel 17:12. David was an unlikely choice as king; Bethlehem was an unlikely home town for a subsequent and greater ‘David’.

3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labour bears a Son, and the rest of His brothers return to join the Israelites.

“Abandoned” — the nation Israel was without a king from the exile in the sixth century BC onwards.

”When she… bears a son” — can be interpreted as Mary, the mother of Jesus; or Bethlehem bearing a son; or a son born of the righteous remnant; or (taking the whole verse) the end time deliverance of those able to participate joyfully in the coming of the fullness of the kingdom, Micah 4:9-5:1.

4 He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God.

And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

”Shepherd His flock” — a common metaphor for ruling a nation.

5 And He will be our peace.

”Our peace” — ‘shalom’ is a broad term of general well-being and prosperity, but in this context, Micah 5:5-7, peace from Israel’s enemies symbolised by Assyrian invaders.

Reflection

SUMMARY Micah lived at the time the northern kingdom fell to Assyrian attackers in 722 BC and his book, the compilation of his prophecies, highlights corrupt spiritual leadership, Micah 3:9-11, and its consequences. This, alluded to in v.3, is contrasted with God’s constant heart to restore and bring people back to Himself which is where this remarkably detailed foretelling of the Saviour’s birth belongs..

APPLICATION A previous emphasis in this Advent overall theme of preparation for the Lord’s coming, was changing, and the need to be changed. Now it becomes about trusting and submitting to God’s higher purposes, whether or not they make sense to us. In class-conscious Israel it was inconceivable that a future ruler would emerge from a humble and remote village. God moves in unexpected ways, but those who have a prophetic ministry will often share and explain what they perceive His plan to be — for those who are listening.

QUESTION What needs to happen in us for God to be able to be our peace?

Luke 1:39-55 — Elizabeth’s unborn baby defers to the Messiah

As Elizabeth and Mary meet, the Holy Spirit presences Himself strongly

39-40 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.

“In the hill country of Judea” — a four-day journey.

41-42 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

“The baby leapt” — a remarkable response which the Holy Spirit caused. The baby John leaping in the womb recognises he is in the presence of someone greater; Jesus is not just a prophet. John is already announcing the coming of the Messiah.

43-45 “But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil His promises to her!”

“Leaped for joy” — Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit, has prophetic insight about the baby within her expressing joy.

46 And Mary said:

The words that follow are Mary’s Psalm-like song of praise commonly called the Magnificat, from the Latin for ‘glorifies’.

47-48 “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.

49 “From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is His name.

“Humble state… all… will call me blessed — at a stroke Mary has changed from a poor Hebrew girl in humble circumstances, to a path that will make her the most honoured woman the world has known.

50 “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.

51-53 “He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

“He has performed” — Mary’s experience of change is set in a greater and wider change. The kingdom of God turns the expected order upside down. The ones favoured by God’s mercy are simply those who turn to Him without any merit of their own. God is ‘performing’ this.

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

“Brought down… lifted up” — God’s reversal of the expected order is an emphasis of Luke and Acts. By contrast, Jewish culture generally saw power and wealth as evidence of God’s favour, and questioned why someone of humble state should be chosen. Mary is part of this initial re-setting of values, which anticipates the greater reversal to come at Jesus’ coming at the end time. .

54-55 “He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants for ever, just as He promised our ancestors.”

“Remembering… just as He promised” — Mary is aware of the enduring force of God’s covenant promises. The angel Gabriel who appeared to Mary spoke of God’s covenant with David, and here Mary recalls the older covenant with Abraham.

• For further study on the covenants, read Luke 1:32-33, 2 Samuel 7:13, 16 and Genesis 12:1-3, 17:3-8.

Reflection

SUMMARY Mary’s song is a vivid reminder that God looks on the heart, and places high value on those who have dealt with their pride and self-sufficiency. The words are about having no need to prove anything ourselves when our focus is on what God has done, and will do in those who live in awe of Him.

APPLICATION We think that God’s favour will be on those who, in our judgment, have merit before Him. But the ‘merit’ He looks for is being humble and dependent worshippers. This explains one of the greatest-ever world-class responsibilities being given to the outwardly unremarkable Mary and Joseph. It speaks to us about what in us enables, or prevents, God from using us.

QUESTION What titles or distinctions might we need to let go of, to be eligible for God’s next assignment?

Hebrews 10:5-10 — Knowing and deferring to the Lord is true worship

The Old Covenant ceremonial and sacrifices now gives way to Jesus

5-6 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings You were not pleased.

”With… offerings You were not pleased” — a quotation from the Greek version of David’s Psalm 40, about simple submissive obedience to God’s will being what God far prefers to the elaborate rituals of Mosaic Law.

7 Then I said, “Here I am — it is written about Me in the scroll — I have come to do Your will, My God.”

8 First He said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor were You pleased with them” — though they were offered in accordance with the law.

”Offerings you did not desire” — the ceremonial system was a stop-gap measure until Jesus should come and die, once, as a final sacrifice for sins. The writer implies that God never liked the previous complex and superficial means of holiness.

9 Then He said, “‘Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second.

”The first… the second” — Jesus’ perfect sacrifice of Himself sets aside for all time all previous sacrifices as a means of sinners being made holy.

10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Reflection

SUMMARY This passage quotes Psalm 40:6-8, applying it as a prophetic preview of Christ’s priestly ministry. This, it explains, sets aside the priest and sacrifice ceremonial system which acted as a stop-gap intervention for the manifold sins in daily living. This is now set aside by Christ’s sinless, perfect and final sacrifice of Himself.

APPLICATION This calls us to consider how we achieve holiness and whether it is biblical — or effective. Either we try to achieve holiness by our own efforts, often with ceremonial which mimics sacrifice in a recreation of the Temple and its worship. Or we take Mary’s words in the gospel reading to heart, and rely on what God has done and specifically what Jesus has done for us. He offers us salvation in Him, with a new identity and a new spiritual start in life. It then becomes our decision to lay down the need we have in ourselves to make “sacrifice and offering” by choosing to simply receive and rely on what He has done and submit to His Lordship. We might feel more satisfied with our way of earning an imaginary merit, but Psalm 49 also sets out the folly of “those who trust in themselves” and seek to buy their redemption in various ways. To defer to God is to accept His Son and how He has made it work, believing what we read here that “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”.

QUESTION Why do we find it harder to receive what God has done for us, than to seek to create our own holiness?

PRAYER Lord, we are creatures of routine and habit.
We look for security in what is familiar, or comfortable, when we should find all our security in You.
Help us to submit to Your good will and purpose for us, being willing to be changed,
as we worship You in the Spirit and in the truth of who Jesus is,
the only Name under heaven by whom we can be saved,
and in whom we come to You in prayer. Amen.

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Dec. 12: A Call for Change

December 9, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Winter evening sky over rooftop scene in Weobley, NW Herefordshire, UK

It’s a call to change and welcome the righteous Lord who will change us, gathering those who are estranged, baptising in the Holy Spirit and giving the joy of His salvation in place of anxiety

OT: Zephaniah 3:14-20 — God rejoices in gathering His alienated ones

With OT: Isaiah 12:2-6 — Song of Praise

NT gospel: Luke 3:7-18 — It’s a call to change for the righteous Lord who baptises in the Holy Spirit and in fire

NT letter: Philippians 4:4-7 — Let anxiety turn to rejoicing in the Lord’s goodness

Theme: Christ’s coming is a call for change

• See also this week’s linked article Willing to Change? and watch the introductory video All Change for the King of Kings!

OT: Zephaniah 3:14-20 – God rejoices in gathering His alienated ones

God’s wrath over man’s rebellion becomes mercy for all who turn to Christ

14-15 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, He has turned back your enemy.

“Be glad and rejoice” — reversing the pronouncement of woe and wrath earlier in the chapter. A remnant arises again to find God’s favour.

The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.

“Taken away your punishment” – stated as if judgment day had already happened. God removes His wrath and lifts the curse of transgression through Christ.

• For further study, read Romans 5:9, Rom. 8:1, Gal.. 3:13-14.

“The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you” – for Israel, the true king was always the Lord, Yahweh. Other rulers were to represent Him. The NT uses this title of Jesus in John 1:49, Matt. 27:42 and John seems to apply this at Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, John 12:13.

16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.

“Hands hang limp” – do not be discouraged.

17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

“The Mighty Warrior” – Yahweh is the supreme Commander, Psalm 24:8.

“Will… delight in you” – like a bridegroom with his bride, Isaiah 62:4-5, Isaiah 65:18-19. Zephaniah was possibly a disciple of Isaiah who shared something of the same vision. His message is that when God’s people seek Him, Zeph. 3:12-13, and rejoice in their trust in Him, vv.14-15 above, the Lord’s delight resounds.

18 “I will remove [or gather] from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you.

“All who mourn over the loss” — a difficult verse. The context esp. vv.19-20 below suggests this is God’s promise to make things right, removing those who remain rebels to God’s truth, and also gathering and bringing back those driven from Jerusalem by oppressors.

19 “At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you.

I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honour in every land where they have suffered shame.

20 “At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honour and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes [bring back your captives] before your very eyes,” says the Lord.

“I will rescue… gather… give honour and praise” — special favour for those who have held on to faith through the deprivation and shame of exile. Yahweh’s justice will shine on t6he very ones who the oppressive majority abused.

• For further study, read Zeph.1:9; 2:3, 3:1–2, 3:5, 3:12, Ezek. 34:21.

Reflection

SUMMARY This week’s theme of ‘Be Prepared’ starts with a passage that is set in the context of God’s wrath and judgment, intended to bring awareness and correction to Jerusalem, called “the city of oppressors”. Following the inevitable punishment, a refining takes place and God delights in those that remain, who have kept faith in Him.

APPLICATION In our world, we can see where God’s judgment for ‘doing our own thing’ has resulted in a dramatic fall in church attendance and prosperity. Perhaps it’s needed, so that we wake up and think again about whose church it really is, and whether it is God the Father and His Son Jesus that we love, or is it the form and tradition that we are attached to. The bottom line is that God is good, He loves us and He has a real purpose for all of us – and so some discipline is also a measure of His love.

QUESTION What does God want from us as a faith community, that might conflict with what we want?

Luke 3:7-18 – It’s a call to change and live by God’s good values

John calls for a new attitude before God at the coming of the righteous Lord

7-9 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptised by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe has been laid to the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

“Vipers” — in their attitudes and action the rebellious ones have become the seed of the Serpent, Gen. 3:15. These vipers are the ones who turned the Way of the Lord into crooked roads, Isaiah 59:5, 8.

“We have Abraham”— the erroneous and somewhat arrogant belief of some Jews who believed that descent from Abraham was their assurance of salvation, John 8:33-39, Acts 7:2.

“The axe… tree… good fruit” – genuine faith produces the good fruit of repentance to embrace righteous, just and generous-spirited living.

10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

“Shirts” – long tunic undergarments.

12-13 Even tax collectors came to be baptised. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” He told them.

14 Then some soldiers asked Him, “And what should we do?”

He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely — be content with your pay.”

“Soldiers” – not Roman but guards employed by Herod Antipas to protect the tax collectors. John preaches honesty in place of the extortion that was routinely practised.

15-16 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptise you with water. But One who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

“The Holy Spirit and fire” – a holy ‘drenching’ that will transform and purify, as fire exposes what is insubstantial and ‘combustible’. The Holy Spirit also reveals what is not of God including our self-deceptions.

17-18 “His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into His barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

“Wheat… chaff” – the righteous versus the unrepentant. John’s theme throughout is on the need for a humility before God which brings with it a sincere dependence on God and a lifestyle of willingness to recognise and deal with everything in life which is not God’s way. “Winnowing fork” – John makes clear that judgment will come on all who do not repent, not just pagans.

“Proclaimed the good news” – John’s message heralded both the coming of a Saviour with joy and justice for all who would receive Him, but also a stark warning for those who would not.

Reflection

IN PRACTICE The Jews were confident that they deserved favour from God because of their heritage, rather conveniently overlooking their Scriptures (Old Testament to us) speaking of rebellion and unbelief and the consequences which they suffered in exile. The hated (but for the most part, just and professional) Roman rule was just the latest of a number of occupations.

APPLICATION We live in a so-called Christian country and we might be part of the tiny minority who attend a Christian church and perhaps play our part in keeping it going. But has that given us a false sense of entitlement? This “be prepared” season is a good time to ask if we are holding on to what God actually wants us to let go of, so He is able to “do a new thing”, Isaiah 43:18-19. To be humble enough to let go of any sense of entitlement is definitely a good way to “be prepared”.

QUESTION What ‘new thing’ might God be doing? How are we holding back the change?

Philippians 4:4-7 – Where anxiety stalks, praise finds God’s peace

Knowing God through Jesus, brought near by the Holy Spirit, is to rejoice

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!

“Rejoice… always” – the back-story here is a disagreement — we might say, a church split — serious enough for the parties to be named in a letter. The enemy’s strategy is always to find ways to cause disagreement and division, and the God-given remedy is the capacity that Christians have to extend grace, and find agreement. Rejoicing affirms that our focus is on God, not circumstances, and in that relationship His way becomes clear.

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

“Gentleness” – the quality of Christlike generosity of spirit, especially required of church leaders, 1 Tim. 3:3, Titus 3:2.

“Near” – a reminder repeated elsewhere in the NT that the next great event in God’s salvation schedule is Christ’s return. The whole timespan from Christ’s coming at Bethlehem to the final consummation of the kingdom is “the last time”. For God, a thousand years are like a day, 2 Peter 3:8. “Near” or “at hand” also speaks of the Lord’s nearness in the prayer relationship, the presence of One poised to return.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

“Do not be anxious”— because the Lord is near. Prayerful thanksgiving in every situation is the antidote to anxiety which makes way for God’s peace.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“The peace of God” — the assurance of those who know their sins are forgiven and, receiving God’s love, can trust Him over and above their circumstances.

Reflection

SUMMARY An exhortation to keep our relationship with the Lord, and our trust in Him, at the centre of what we express. The context is how to work through a dispute. Being conscious of the Lord nearness and expressing it in thanksgiving is a way of intentionally pledging agreement with heaven, against the enemy’s attempts to cause conflict and anxiety — and securing God’s peace and direction.

APPLICATION Anxieties abound in our complex and conflicted world — and everyone is looking for the people who can deal with doubt and fear by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. A tall order? God has called us, as Christians, to live differently and has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us to do it. If we are known as those who “Rejoice always” because we know that God is good and near at hand, even when things are challenging, then that is a very attractive proposition.

QUESTION In difficult times, do I follow my feelings and opinions, or pray with thanksgiving that God’s perspective is higher and His goodness present?

PRAYER Lord, as I draw near to You in this season of preparation, I recognise that preparation involves change.

You are asking all of us to check our thoughts, consider our priorities, review our responses – and give them all to You!

Help me to let go of all that hinders, so I can grasp with both hands all You have for me that is life-giving.

In Jesus’ name and for His glory, Amen.

Also: Isaiah 12:2-6 – Song of Praise

2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defence [or song]; He has become my salvation.

3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.

5 “Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

6 “Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

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