The Living Word

Bible study on the set readings widely used by various churches and chapels and a weekly storytelling video. Also at www.medium.com/the-living-word and https://thelivingword.substack.com

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Nov. 21: Who is Jesus?

November 17, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

In the darkness the iron gate of the church is  lit up to show the red poppies decorating it for the season of Remembrance around November 11
Church gate decorated for the season of Remembrance around November 11

The Living Word for Sunday, Nov 21, 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. This post ref. TLW46B

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OT1: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 — David, the most renowned king of Israel, recalls God’s covenant with him and anticipates the promised descendant

OT2: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 — A glimpse of the majesty of heaven for Daniel

NT gospel: John 18:33-37 — Jesus, questioned by Pilate about who He is, explains that He has no political motive because His is a spiritual kingdom

NT letter: Revelation 1:4b-8 — We are set free to serve God as a fellowship of priests until Jesus returns as the completion of truth.

And also read: Psalm 132:1-18

Theme: Christ the King. Who is Jesus and what is His authority?

• See also this week’s linked article So, Who Is This Jesus? and introductory video Jesus — Just Who Is He Really


2 Samuel 23:1-7 — Final words from a renowned ruler of Israel

David recalls God’s covenant with him and anticipates the promised descendant

1 These are the last words of David. The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs:

“The utterance of the man exalted” – testimony to God’s work in his life, from shepherd to King of Israel, 2 Samuel 7ff. 

• For further study, read God’s covenant with David in  2 Samuel 7.

2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.

“Spoke through me” – not presumptuous but expressing awe at God using Him prophetically.

3-4 “The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’

“When one rules… in righteousness… in the fear of God” – David depicts a God-centred ruler (by contrast with a harsh one, vv.6-7) with allusions to Jesus Christ who he foreshadowed.

5 “If my house were not right with God, surely He would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely He would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire.

“An everlasting covenant… secured in every part” – David believes that God’s promise recorded in 2 Sam. 7:12-16 will hold good, with his descendant as the Eternal King. Fulfilled in Jesus Christ vv.6-7 and note below.

• For further study, see similar OT prophecies in Isaiah 11:1-10; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jer. 33:15-18; Zech. 9:9-10. In the NT, fulfilled in part, Matt. 4:14-16; Luke 24:25-27, 44-49; John 5:45-47; John 8:28-29.

6-7 “But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.”

“Cast aside like thorns” — worthless and needing to be shifted with determination. “Burned up” — the fate of the rebellious when the Messiah, fulfilling the Davidic Covenant, finally establishes His rule on earth, Isa. 63:1-6.

• For further study, see Isaiah 9;18; 10:17.

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 — A glimpse of the majesty of heaven for Daniel, who sees a throng of angels attending the throne of  God

9 As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of His head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

“The Ancient of Days” – pictures God as a king of great power, righteousness and wisdom (fire, white clothing, white hair) giving judgment in court. Similar description to the angel in Matthew 28:3 and Jesus in Revelation 1:14.

10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before Him. Thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.

The court was seated, and the books were opened.

“Thousands attended” – and John also recorded that ‘thousands and millions” are ministering around God’s throne. Angels are spiritual beings created by God for worship and for mission (as we are) who, largely unseen, help in carrying out God’s work on earth. 

13-14 In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a Son of Man,  coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshipped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

“One like a son of man” – an Aramaic phrase ‘bar enash‘ meaning a human being, a phrase used throughout Ezekiel e.g. Ezek 2:1,3,6,8. But this appearance is “one like a son of man”. Various authors of the NT were sure this referred to Christ and may have been in Jesus’ mind when He used this of Himself, Matt. 8:20. With more than one time-frame in view, the NT uses these verses to teach the manner of Christ’s return at the end time to finally enforce the defeat of evil.

• For further study: Matt. 24:30; Mark 13:26; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27; Rev. 1:7.

Reflection

SUMMARY  Two aspects of who God is, come through David’s final testimony about ruling in the fear of God, and Daniel’s picture of awe as he is given  a prophetic insight into the heavenly court — and the Son of Man approaching the Ancient of Days. Firstly, there is straightforward fear —  the consequences of getting it wrong, as in the fall of both kingdoms of Israel and the misery of the people enslaved in exile. However, this came after rejecting countless appeals by a number of God’s prophets. The second aspect, of awe, comes more from Daniel’s vision of the pure worship within the heavenly court, reminding us that God is love, and His overriding character qualities are mercy and truth.

APPLICATION There is a truth to mark here: how well do we really know God? As a consequence, how much do we desire to live out His character? This is the alternative fear of missing God’s best, and denying God His pleasure in us. For Christians, having come to know God personally through trusting Jesus, this is about His Lordship in our lives and over our church involvements. When relationships get strained, or vision confused, it is likely that what has slipped has been the awe, or fear, of God through really knowing Him and loving His ways.

QUESTION We can’t replicate Daniel’s vision of heaven, but what helps us to worship God as part of the heavenly gathering?


John 18:33-37 — Jesus is questioned by Pilate about who He is

Jesus explains that He has no political motive but His is a spiritual kingdom

33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about Me”

“Are you…” – in all four gospels Pilate’s first words to Jesus are the same. The answer to the question would have very different implications – was Jesus a rebel leader in opposition to Roman rule, or was He the Messiah of the Jews?

35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

“Pilate replied” – exasperated, not wanting to get involved with the Jews and their ways, yet seeing no real basis for their extreme animosity.

36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now My kingdom is from another place.”

37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.”

“My kingdom is from another place” — the place of eternal and absolute truth, heaven. Jesus came as the Way, the Truth and the Life, John 14:6. Relationship with Him is the only way to God and also the only means of that life-bringing truth being revealed, which offends our human logic. Jesus came as living truth for all who would receive Him. Pilate, a politician, considered all truth relative in the shifting sands of people’s opinions, but Jesus of Nazareth did not present as a threat to Roman law and order. 

Reflection

SUMMARY A third aspect of who God is, recalls the Son of Man who Daniel saw approaching the Ancient of Days. There is an ironic parallel here with Jesus being brought before Pilate, who at first saw Jesus as yet another political activist in his turbulent territory. In God’s providence, Pilate, a politician, who considered all truth relative in the shifting sands of people’s opinions, did not see Jesus of Nazareth as a threat to Roman law and order — however he ends up supporting the Jews’ grievance by allowing Jesus to be executed by being ‘lifted up’ and not by the Jewish execution of stoning.

APPLICATION Jesus corrects Pilate’s perception that He is another zealot leading a rebel faction by asserting that His “kingdom is from another place”. Human politics on earth and heaven’s purposes have different sources, often with contrasting agendas. However, we create a spiritual connection by praying down the Lord’s heavenly purpose, bringing His influence into a world dominated by man’s organisation and control.

QUESTION  If Jesus is king of another kingdom, discuss what it means to honour Him as king over us and practise allegiance to His rule and order.


Revelation 1:4b-8 — Set free to serve God as a fellowship of priests

Jesus, present from the beginning, will return as the completion of truth

4 To the seven churches in the province of Asia:

“The seven churches” — the letters were addressed so they could be sent out throughout the Roman province called Asia via the Roman road which circled north of Ephesus and back again.

Grace and peace to you from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before His throne…

“Seven spirits before His throne” – or ‘sevenfold spirit’, symbolising completeness and perfection. Also a possible allusion to the “angels of the seven churches”, Rev. 1:20.

5 …and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

5-6 To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father — to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

“Who loves us… has freed us…has made us…” – stated as present-time blessings.  There is a dimension of the kingdom of God (God’s reign bringing God’s order) that is experienced now, and fully when Jesus returns. 

“A kingdom and priests to serve” – stating the essential difference between the Old and New Covenant ways of relating to God. Under the Old Covenant it was through rules and formal rituals, led by a special order of priests as intermediaries between people, and God who is holy and remote. By contrast, the New Covenant relationship for those who are freed from the burden and guilt of sin by Jesus’ blood, is close and personal and needs no intermediary other than Jesus Himself.

7-8 “Look, He is coming with the clouds,”’ and “every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him;” and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of Him”. So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega”, says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty”.

“Look, He is coming” —the combined quotation is like a headline to the theme of Revelation, some mourning their sin and judgment before the majestic and holy Lord of Daniel 7:13-14 (above) while others rejoice at finding the grace promised in the Zechariah 12:10 passage. 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega” –  in the OT “I am” is the Lord’s name and to say He is the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet includes everything in between. His actions are all-encompassing and He is in control.

• For further study of Jesus’ coming, read 1 Thess. 4:16-17.

Reflection

SUMMARY Jesus is coming back to those who have found freedom from sin and condemnation in Him, and have the joy or being able to know God, know His love and draw close to Him without intermediaries. Other who have not responded to His grace will mourn their lack of repentance.

APPLICATION The description here challenges the stereotype of the institutional church. Challenging the common separation between some who are called clergy and others called laity, the church is comprised of believers all of whom are called to serve the Lord in worship and mission. All share the mission of representing God to those who do not yet know Him, and the pastoral role of representing them and their needs to God.

QUESTION  What should we call, and expect of, those who are set apart as preachers, shepherds and leaders in the church?

PRAYER Lord God Almighty, majestic in holiness yet loving us without condition:

May we grow in loving You and living in awe of You. Help us as we seek to represent You to our world, and bring the needs of our world to You. For Jesus’ sake and glory, Amen.

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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.

TLW46B-Nov-21-final-BookletDownload

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Filed Under: Pentecost to Advent, Year B

Nov. 14 — God is always working His salvation

November 10, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Sunset over the border of Herefordshire and Wales from Dinedor Camp
Sunset over the border of Herefordshire and Wales from Dinedor Camp

The Living Word for Sunday, Nov 14, 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. TLW45B

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OT1: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 – Hannah, unable to conceive, keeps trusting in God’s good purposes for her, and God’s answer to her desperate prayer impacts history

OT2: Daniel 12:1-3, Daniel’s vision of the end-time deliverance of those whose names are in the Book of Life

NT gospel: Mark 13:1-8 – Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple and, later, disasters and widespread spiritual deception in the end times

NT letter: Hebrews 10:11-25 — The Holy Spirit reveals the New Covenant we have through trusting in Jesus’ blood and sacrifice, which makes us confident believers

Theme: Confident hope arises from knowing God’s constant work of salvation

• See this week’s linked article ‘How God’s Repeated Works of Salvation Give Us Confidence’

• And this week’s video introduction to the message ‘What Is God’s Plan? Our Salvation!’


1 Samuel 1:4-20 – God’s answer to a desperate prayer impacts history

Hannah’s failure to conceive does not dampen her trust in God’s goodness

4-8 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”

“Hannah” – the name means ‘grace’. The wider story is God’s miraculous intervention with this faithful woman, Hannah. She raised up the last of Israel’s judges who would give righteous leadership to the nation at a time of crisis as it moved towards a monarchy.

“Peninnah… Hannah” – although monogamy was the rule, two people becoming one flesh, Gen. 2:24, there were social pressures through young men being killed in battle.

9-11 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if You will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

“Eli…on his chair by the…Lord’s house” – the chair is the priest’s place and authority; later, rabbis would sit to teach. Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father.

“Deep anguish” – barrenness in OT times was considered a failure and social embarrassment.

12-14 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”

“She kept on praying” – Hannah was mocked by a woman who shared her husband and dismissed by the high priest who failed to understand her motives. But she maintained her focus on God and as she prayed, opened the way for Him to work.

15-16 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

“Not… a wicked woman” — alcoholic consumption in the tabernacle precincts was a grave offence, Lev. 10:9; Ezek. 44:21.

17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him.”

18 She said, “May your servant find favour in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

19-20 Early the next morning they arose and worshipped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

“Samuel” — lit. ‘name of God’ but sounding like ‘heard by God’. God had heard her prayer,

Daniel 12:1-3 – End-times resurrection: either to everlasting life, or shame

1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people — everyone whose name is found written in the book – will be delivered.

“At that time” – the antichrist’s attempt to annihilate the Jewish people, Daniel 11:36-45. A time of both unprecedented distress but also hope for true believers, who have turned in faith to their Messiah Jesus, Zech. 12:10; Romans 11:25-27.

“Name… written in the book” — the book of the saved, Malachi 3:16-4:3; Luke 10:20; Rev. 13:8.

2-3 “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

“Some to everlasting life, others to shame” — the first resurrection reference, both the righteous to everlasting life and peace, and the wicked to rejection.

• For further study, read Job 19:25-26; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 26:19; John 5:24-29.

“Everlasting life” – the phrase is unique here in the OT.

Reflection

SUMMARY The story of Hannah speaks of God’s goodness, to all who have been misunderstood, disappointed and put down by others. Her self-esteem had been shredded, but her faith was still growing. She knew that God is good, even though it didn’t feel that way to her, and she kept on praying.

APPLICATION Life’s more difficult experiences and God’s eternal plan of salvation are difficult for us to reconcile this side of heaven. Both Hannah’s story, and Daniel’s vision of the end time, remind us that God is always working for salvation, whatever conflict we may be experiencing.

QUESTION What does Hannah’s story and Daniel’s prophetic vision tell us about spiritual conflict in heaven and our experience on earth? What does it encourage us to do?


Mark 13:1-8 – Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple

The end times will bring wars, disasters and widespread spiritual deception

1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to Him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”

“Massive stones” – foundation stones the size of a double-decker bus. 

2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

“Every one… thrown down’ – destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. The Jewish authorities, who didn’t welcome their Messiah but murdered Him, were ‘rebellious tenants’ marked for destruction.

• For further study, Mark 11:18 and 11:9-11, 27-33, Mark 12:9-10.

3-4 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”

“What will be the sign” — the disciples were expecting the temple destruction to herald the last times. Jesus is speaking of future events but in a prophetic way, free of our sense of chronological order. 

5-8 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.”

“Watch out… be on your guard” — Jesus’ commanding tone points to deception being the primary danger for the disciples to guard against.

Reflection

SUMMARY  Jesus warned that the Jews’ rejection of their Messiah would result in the destruction of the new temple with its massive foundations, the landmark of their national pride — and it happened within a generation. This ‘sign of the end times’ came with terrible bloodshed as Jerusalem and its revolt was destroyed by the Romans.

APPLICATION  Jesus’ words for us, point to a greater conflict yet to come, as the end-times extend. Perhaps the greatest danger is satanic deception. The kingdom message: know God’s love, love Him and love others, is so straightforward we easily miss its simplicity and turn it into something else. With spiritual maturity, we recognise which kingdom is dark, and which is light.

QUESTION  What does this word and its fulfilment teach us about the consequences of our attitudes and actions?

Hebrews 10:11-25 — Knowing who we are in Jesus is our confidence

The Holy Spirit reveals the New Covenant we have in Jesus’ blood and sacrifice

11-14 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool. For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

“Every priest stands… this Priest… sat down” – while every levitical priest stood to perform the repeated religious duties, Christ is seated, His work finished, brought out in the layered emphases: “one sacrifice”, “for all time”, “He sat down…and…waits” etc.

15-16 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”

“I will put My laws in their hearts” – as Jeremiah had prophesied, Jer. 31:31-34, seeing a future era and what should be our post-resurrection experience of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding believers. These verses explain”being made holy” while also being described as “made perfect”, v.14, by the finished work of Christ. We are identified by our new nature in Christ, while being a work in progress.

17-18 Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

Sins…remember no more” – contrasts with “annual reminder of sins”, Heb. 10:3. We are not under the Old Covenant, needing to confess sins repeatedly because the New Covenant assures us that Christ forgives sins completely, Psalm 40:6-8. Sins we confess and renounce are both forgiven and forgotten.

19-25 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a Great Priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

“Therefore… let us…” — the incredible good news that we are forgiven is the best reason to keep on meeting joyfully and encouraging one another.

“Draw near… with…” — the confidence of freedom from guilt.

Reflection

SUMMARY  A key word in this passage is ‘confidence’ and confidence in God’s goodness is a fair definition for Christian hope, also prominent in this passage. This is confidence in Christ’s completed or perfect work which has redeemed and renewed us who have trusted Him — and set us on a path of growing holiness at the same time.

APPLICATION When we come to know God through trusting in Jesus, many changes in us occur. This is new life, with a new identity: not condemned to carry shame, but released and accepted — by God Almighty! As a result, we live differently — we raise our game. We don’t need a homily in church telling us to. After all, we belong to Him now! Almighty!

QUESTION  Does this passage tell you you are not worthy to gather up crumbs under the Lord’s table, or that you can confidently draw near in faith?

PRAYER Lord, no one knows the time of Your return and all we really understand about the end-times is that at the end of the book, the Lamb wins!

Fill use afresh with the Holy Spirit who gives holy confidence. Help us to maintain a praising spirit, able to declare the cost of Your victory in pain and blood but full of joy as those who know the closing score. Amen.

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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.

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Filed Under: Pentecost to Advent, Year B

Nov 7: No pretence!

November 3, 2021 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Autumn colour appearing on an oak tree tunnel over a country lane near Westhope, Herefordshire
Autumn colour appearing on an oak tree tunnel over a country lane near Westhope, Herefordshire

The Living Word for Sunday, Nov 7, 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  TLW44B

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Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 — Trusting God is a test for us

Mark 12:38-44 — Jesus condemns the falsehood and pretention of the scribes and points to a poor but sincere widow who truly honours God

Hebrews 9:24-28 — Christ represents us to God in the reality of heaven

And also read: Psalm 127

Theme: No pretence! Be real in your relationship with God

• Read this week’s linked article drawing a unified message out of the readings Being Authentic — God loves relationships that are real


Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 — Trusting God is a test for us

Ruth finds a kinsman redeemer and Jonah finds God’s assignment for him

1-2 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor.

“Find a home” — literally, resting place, or permanent home. As a close relative, Boaz might act as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.

“Winnowing…threshing floor” — separating the chaff from the grain. The landowner and men slept nearby to prevent theft.

3-4 “Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

“Uncover his feet” —– folding back his long tunic so that he wakes with cold feet, so she can speak privately with him, is not contrary to moral integrity. Ruth’s action, dressed as a bride, rather than a widow, amounts to a request for marriage. Another example of appealing to the guardian-redeemer law is Tamar’s story, Genesis 38:13-30

5 “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered.

“Whatever you say”— Ruth was a Moabite, unfamiliar with Jewish law and custom.

4:13-15 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

“Gave birth to a son” — the story concludes with the ten generations from Perez, the son of Judah (Jacob’s son) to David, grandson of Obed. Ruth and Boaz were ancestors of Israel’s greatest king.

16-17 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

“Obed… father of Jesse” — Ruth and Boaz were also in the ancestral line of  Joseph, husband of Mary, mother of Jesus.

The conclusion balances the introduction, Ruth 1:1-5, Ruth 4:13-17. Both focus on Naomi, her former emptiness and reliance on the Lord, now reversed by His provision for her. Both passages are similar in being compressed and having the same number of words in Hebrew.

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Jonah 3:1-5, 10 — Jonah overcomes his fears and misgivings, obeys the Lord and preaches repentance to Nineveh

1-2 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

“The message I give you” — a prophet is to proclaim a message from God, forth-telling more than foretelling.

3 Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it.

“Jonah obeyed” — this time, unlike his first call to Nineveh, Jonah 1:3, he is quite real with God, expressing his anger at being sent there, Jonah 4:1-5.

“Great city” — it was a large conurbation, about three miles across, not a journey of days, except that it took Jonah time to preach his message, street corner by street corner.

4-5 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

*”Nineveh… overthrown” — Jonah’s message did not include an “unless” clause even though he knew God wanted their repentance rather than their destruction, v.10 (below) Jonah 4:2 (above).

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.

Reflection

SUMMARY The Book of Ruth begins and ends by emphasising the Lord’s provision — providing food for them, enabling Ruth to conceive, and the Bethlehem women agreeing with Naomi, “The Lord… has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. Similarly, Jonah’s story is bound up with God’s provision for him. The parallel theme is trust, quickly achieved in the case of Naomi and Ruth, while for Jonah, this was more ‘learning on the job’.

APPLICATION  Both stories teach us the essential connection between our trusting God, in a real and honest relationship, and seeing God’s gracious provision in our lives. God calls us, stretches us through the difficulties which test us, and grows us through them as we learn to trust Him more.

QUESTION  We need to get real with the Lord about how we — and attending worship can seem like the opposite. What other ways of gathering help us to do this?


Mark 12:38-44 — Jesus condemns the falsehood of the scribes

A widow honours God in sincere giving unlike those that made a show of it

38-40 As He taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

“Teachers of the law” — also called ‘scribes’, were notorious for breaking the law they sought to impose by failing to love God and have His love for people. Jesus names six examples of their self-promoting desire for recognition: wearing long festive garments inappropriate for everyday wear; expecting people to rise and greet them; assuming the right to the prominent places in synagogues, and at banquets; making ‘grandstanding’ prayers; and preying on vulnerable widows.

“Devour widows’ houses” — teachers of the law relied on the generosity of patrons, and widows were vulnerable to exploitation which eventually left them homeless. Defrauding someone else’s mother, Mark 7:11-13, was a denial of loving either God or people, with a lack of mercy that rendered their lengthy prayers empty.

• For further study — God’s concern for widows, Deut. 14:29; Ps. 68:5; Ps. 146:9; Isa. 1:17; Jer. 7:6; Jer. 49:11; and condemnation of those who abuse them, Isa. 1:23, Ezek. 22:7, Zech. 7:10; Mal. 3:5.

41-42 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

“The temple treasury” — a number of trumpet-like receptacles to catch money, in the Court of Women, accessible to men and women. Women were barred from going in further.

“Small…coins” — lit. ‘two lepta, which is a quadrans’, a Roman measure, because Mark wrote his gospel for the church in Rome. It was equivalent to a sixty-fourth of a basic day’s pay.

43-44 Calling His disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”

“She… put in everything” — the widow did exactly what Jesus had told the influential young man, Mark 10:21, and his disciples, Mark 8:34-37, Mark 10:28-29, to do.

Reflection

SUMMARY  The Scribes had a high view of their position and status in Israel’s class-conscious society and liked to be recognised and greeted as such. The widow Jesus pointed out as a teaching illustration had no status and very limited means, yet gave more, in God’s eyes, than the impressive donations of some of the richer contributors.

APPLICATION  Jesus points out that those who approach God with a sense of entitlement, behaving arrogantly and drawing attention to themselves with grandstanding prayers, are inviting judgment, while the humble but sincere widow finds God’s favour.

QUESTION  Do you like the identity that comes from a title or role that you hold? What would it cost you to give it up?


Hebrews 9:24-28 — Christ represents us to God in the reality of heaven

Christ paid for our sin by self-sacrifice: He will return at the end-time 

24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.

“Sanctuary… a copy of the true one” – the regulations for ministry given under the old covenant were for a sanctuary on earth that represented God’s transcendent ‘otherness’ with the holy place that people other than the high priest could not enter. Now Christ enters into the very presence of God in heaven.

25 Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.

“Blood not his own” – pointing out the difference between a priest sacrificing unwilling animals, and Jesus offering Himself.

26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

“Many times… once for all” — the animal sacrifice had to be made again and again on the Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16:29-34. Christ’s far superior sacrifice was final, for all time.

“Since the creation of the world” — or since the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3, Hebrews 4:3, there has been the need for a complete and lasting remedy to replace the partial and provisional one.

27-28 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

“He will appear a second time” — but not to deal with sin, because that has already been accomplished.

“Those who are waiting for Him” — believers are to live in expectation of Christ’s return at any time, remaining faithful and ready however long the wait.

Reflection

SUMMARY  The writer of Hebrews (possibly Apollos and almost certainly not Paul) addresses believers who have come from a Jewish background, including some former priests. This gives them a sharply-drawn comparison between the rituals of temple and synagogue (as it was then) and the worship in heaven with Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the adoration of the heavenly throng.

APPLICATION  Repeated rituals of sacrifice in a splendid, but man-made building was an imitation, of sorts. The worship of heaven is the real thing, and can join with it by inviting the Holy Spirit. When Jesus appears on earth a second time it will be to bring the reality of eternal salvation to those who know their sin is redeemed by Him and that they are already His.

QUESTION  Would Jesus prefer you to follow all the nuances of a liturgical order of service, or to have the joy of knowing that you have met with Him and have heard His word for you?

PRAYER  Father God, I receive Your love afresh and I thank You that You know me inside out. 

You know the ways I am an open book to You. And You are aware where I still cling to some role or position for my identity. 

Help me to renounce all that is false, proud or hypocritical — and offensive to You. I ask this in and through Jesus. Amen.

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Also read: Psalm 127

A song of ascents, of Solomon

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for He grants sleep to those He loves.

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

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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.

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Filed Under: Pentecost to Advent, Year B Tagged With: Acting-out, Reality, relationships, Sincerity

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Welcome to The Living Word

You get a lot more out of the Sunday service readings if they are already speaking to you. TLW is about reading and re-reading these Scriptures with some commentary to bring out what is hidden and make connections with cross references. This is different from liturgy because it is a Bible study, putting the Bible passages in sequence from OT, through the NT gospel era, and then through the lens of the post-resurrection, early church in the power of the Spirit. Enabling this progressive revelation points to a theme.  The translation used is the readable and widely-used 2011 edition of the New International Version (NIV) Bible. Commentary is drawn from a wide range of sources and is Bible-centric and theologically neutral. As we read and reflect and allow the Holy Spirit to help us hear God through His word during the week, we prepare ourselves to hear afresh and receive the Sunday sermon in church or chapel.

For convenience, use the ‘Subscribe’ box below to receive a short email with the Bible passage and notes for each weekday (and that’s all!).

Unsubscribing is just as easy.

A little about me and my vision for The Living Word

I live in the Marches, a green and beautiful expanse of hills between England and Wales where churches and chapels share duty to the Christian faithful in every valley, and churchgoing is still part of the community life. However, there are few Bibles to be seen in these buildings, and home-based groups for fellowship and Bible study are rare.

I want to encourage Sunday worshippers in churches and chapels to enjoy reading the Bible during the week, to get used to hearing God for themselves through His word, and to be  spiritually prepared for the message they will hear on Sunday from the lectionary readings they all share. It is no substitute for meeting and worshipping together, nor for Holy Spirit-inspired preaching. It supports both by encouraging the personal growth of church and chapel members of any denomination. It offers faith encouragement for those no longer able to, or no longer wanting to take part in, formal physical church.

My background is not in churches that use the lectionary and I bring a breadth of tradition and spiritual understanding to the writing.  I have pastored a number of churches and been involved in a variety of other missional initiatives with a ‘kingdom of God’ agenda.

As well as The Living Word and its weekly video I also post regularly on www.freshbread.today and www.thelivingword.substack.com with a podcast as well as video and written content. There is also a Facebook page at fb.com/TLWbiblestudy

Revd Ian Greig BD (Hons), DPS

SEE ALSO other Living Word Publications

Substack newsletter and podcast (free subscription) — audio podcast, video and written content all in one place

Fresh Bread Today — the freshest bake, with a bit of a tang, unpackaged and uncut. His word to live by, today.

Believe the Good News – finding the good news and encouragement all through the Bible

GLOW – God’s Love Over Weobley, encouraging prayer and spiritual fellowship. With a local flavour for this NW Herefordshire village.

 

 

 

 

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