Year B

Dec 6: It’s Good News!

November 25, 2020 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Image credit: Habib Ayaode on Unsplash.com

Theme: Announcing the Good News that is ours in Jesus

The Living Word is a non-denominational Bible study based on the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Sunday, December 6 (Advent 2) common to many denominations. It gives no regard to the liturgical preferences of different traditions, but follows the Bible’s progressive revelation from OT through to NT pre-resurrection, and NT post-resurrection, from which a theme emerges. It’s best to read each passage as a whole first, and let the Holy Spirit begin to speak to you, before reflecting further with the help of the commentary and application notes. Published a week ahead so you can get familiar with the word before hearing it read and preached in a church setting. New International Version (NIV). There’s a PDF print edition on a link at the end which you can print for your own use or for a church bulletin.

OT: Isaiah 40:1-11 — The word comes to announce the good news that the glory of the Lord will be revealed

OT: Isaiah 40:1-11 verse by verse

NT gospel: Mark 1:1-8 — John calls people to repent and prepare for the One to follow who will baptise with the Holy Spirit

NT gospel: Mark 1:1-8 verse by verse

NT letter: 2 Peter 3:8-15 — God stays His judgment with great patience, not wanting any to perish but come to repentance and new life

NT letter: 2 Peter 3:8-15 verse by verse

And also read: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Isaiah 40:1-11 — Good news of just rule for God’s people

A prophecy speaking through the exile to resettlement and the coming of the Messiah

1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

“Comfort, comfort” — double imperative for emphasis: this is good news.

2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem” — like many prophecies, extending beyond one time and event. “Jerusalem” looks a century ahead to the exile made inevitable by the unrepentant sin of the people and their “hard service” in Babylon. But God’s ultimate purpose is the good news of a route of grace back to Him.

3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

“A voice” — the first of three voices of hope explaining the “comfort” of v.1 and identified with John the Baptist in all four of the gospels

• For further study read Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:1-13; Luke 3:4; John 1:23

4 “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

“Rough ground… level” — goes with “prepare the way… a highway for our God”, v.3.

5 “And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

“The glory of the Lord will be revealed” — Yahweh, the LORD, could not be seen but His presence could, like the luminous cloud in the tabernacle that Moses was unable to enter, and at the transfiguration of Jesus, Exodus 40:35, Matt. 17:1-3.

6-8 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures for ever.”

“All people are like grass” — the second voice of hope is that all human powers and institutions apart from God are unsustainable. The power of Assyria and Babylon will only ‘flower’ for a time before withering. Quoted in part in 1 Peter 1:24-25.

“Breath of the Lord” — equally, Spirit of the Lord, KJV.

“The word of our God endures” — the divine plan is not seasonal, Isaiah 55:11. Jesus the Son of God fulfils the word, Matt. 5:17, 18, is the Word, John 1:1-18, and lives forever.

• For further study, see Isaiah 8:10; Psalm 119:89.

9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

“Lift up your voice” — this reliable, enduring good news calls for the most public announcement. The exiles are to return to their towns in Judah, where the Messiah will appear.

10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and He rules with a mighty arm. See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.

“His reward…and… recompense” — His delivered people, His flock (v.11) are His reward, Isaiah 62:11-12.

11 He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.

“He tends His flock” — qualifies “rules with a mighty arm”, v.10. This is a just, caring kind of rule, see Ezekiel 34: 11, 15-16 (OT, Nov. 22).

Reflection

SUMMARY Isaiah prophesies a new era for Israel under a powerful but caring Messiah. God’s compassion and purpose will be seen in the exiles returning to Judah where they will encounter “the Lord [who] comes with power, and… tends His flock like a shepherd.” This announces both the one who will “in the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord” — John the Baptist — and also the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Son of God.

APPLICATION This is a message of hope and encouragement for God’s people, as much now as the first hearers centuries before Christ. God is speaking words of grace: the “hard service” (v.2) has been done and His love and mercy will override the judgment. Unlike the nation of Israel, we have a ‘fast track’ to be made right with God through Jesus. This passage sets out very important principle. With God, there is always a way back, through a repentant turning to meet Him in a new attitude. The Good News is that Jesus has made an uncomplicated way for us to do that.

QUESTION What obstacles on our road need to be cleared, for God to come and show His glory?

Mark 1:1-8 — John calls people to repent and have a new start

His message was about the One to follow him who would baptise with the Holy Spirit

1-3 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send My messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way — a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’ “

“The good news about Jesus the Messiah” — headline for Mark’s story of the good news about Jesus, or gospel.

“The Messiah” — Messiah, or Greek christos, means anointed and is often translated Christ.

“Written in Isaiah the prophet” — gives the main and earliest source, but this is a combined quotation, Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1.

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

“John… appeared in the wilderness” — John means “the Lord is gracious” and the wilderness was the infertile region west of the Dead Sea. In Scripture, wilderness symbolises spiritual retreat and testing.

“Repentance” — turning, meaning an intentional shift from sin to righteousness. It was shocking to Jews to be called to repent and once again become the true people of God, as in Exodus 19. But John was in tune with historic prophets e.g. Hosea 3:4-5.

5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptised by him in the River Jordan.

“They were baptised by him” — John was so identified with the message of repentance baptism that he was called John the Baptist, v.4.

6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt round his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

“Camel’s hair… leather belt” — it was a widespread Jewish tradition that Elijah would return and prepare God’s people for the Lord’s return, from Malachi 3:1, 4:5, and John dressed like him. He was not pretending to be Elijah but showing that he stood in Elijah’s ministry tradition.

7-8 And this was his message: “After me comes the One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptise you with water, but He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”

“Baptise you with the Holy Spirit” — “with” can also be “in”. This promise, foretold by several of the OT prophets, is recorded in each of the gospels and repeated at the beginning of Acts. The NT letters present the different perspective of the post-resurrection life of the Spirit in the Early Church following Pentecost.

• For further study, read Isaiah 32:15, 44:3; Ezek 11:18-19, 37:14, 39:29; Joel 2:28,29; Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5.

Reflection

SUMMARY John was the last of the line of OT prophets and Jesus said that there was no one greater of his time. He was unique in a couple of ways: he was himself foretold by Isaiah and Malachi; and he was chosen to be the prepare the way of the Lord and point people to Him. He adopted the style and dress of a ‘wilderness prophet’ like Elijah. He also had a distinctive style of ministry, exhorting hearers to repent and be baptised. They were to turn from their sin and independence and to show their new commitment to God by entering the water in baptism.

APPLICATION Before the gospel writer John tells us about the Good News, he tells us how it works. It is all about Jesus, the ‘Anointed One’ or Messiah, who will baptise [drench us] not just with water but with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God and He is holy; He empowers us to live differently, showing others the character of God. We are to hold the values of heaven, while engaging with a world which is selfish and independent. And this is how we do it – by turning to Jesus and asking to be empowered by the Spirit of Jesus.

QUESTION As a regular church/chapel attender for much of my life, is this call to repent and re-commit to God for me?

2 Peter 3:8-15 — God rows back on judgment till we turn to Him

He is patient, not wanting any to perish, but come to repentance

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

“A day is like a thousand years” — God stands apart from the human concept of chronological time.

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

“The Lord is not slow” — what seems to us like delay is evidence of God’s exceptional kindness and patience. Some may be waiting for God, while God is delaying judgment and waiting for them.

“Not wanting anyone to perish” — this does not teach that all will be saved (universalism). It does teach God’s desire for all to repent, turn to Him in faith and be saved. We are partners with Him, helping people to do this.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

“Everything… will be laid bare” — apocalyptic language attempts to describe something beyond words. Christ’s resurrection body is part of the evidence that God desires to renew, v.13, not destroy, what is marred by sin. There will be total exposure, with nowhere to hide.

11-12 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

“Everything will be destroyed” — Peter’s attempted description is not for our information, but to give urgency to our holding the priorities and values of “holy and godly lives” when Jesus returns.

13 But in keeping with His promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

“A new heaven and a new earth” — Christians hold the hope that God is going to vindicate Himself and re-create an eternal dwelling place for His people. This hope does not depend on our works but His promise.

• For further study, read Isaiah 65:17, 66:22; Revelation 21:1–22:5.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.

“Spotless, blameless and at peace with Him” — we cannot earn salvation by our works but living in assurance of salvation through faith, Romans 5:1, will result in spotless character and blameless reputation, like Christ, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 Peter 2:10b-22.

15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom that God gave him.

“Just as our dear brother Paul wrote” — a picture of the unity of purpose and teaching that defined their relationship, also seen in Paul’s letters and in Acts.

Reflection

SUMMARY Our worldview is about today, tomorrow, next week — and God’s is eternal. A time is coming when everything of man will receive a fiery purification. The language used is ‘destruction’. God, in His love, desires our salvation so much He waits and waits. But he cannot countenance rebellious or independent attitudes. When Jesus comes again, He wants to find us “spotless, blameless and at peace with Him”.

APPLICATION So, how do we keep right with God? Just over 500 years ago, Martin Luther, a Saxon monk and university teacher who knew all about being correctly religious, was studying the book of Romans and found there, that he had been heading down the wrong road. Righteousness with God did not come by our effort but by faith in Jesus. “It is a righteousness that is by faith, from first to last”, Romans 1:16-17 . So to be found right with God, when the Day of the Lord comes, is by having close faith relationship with Him, and the Holy Spirit helps us to live like this.

QUESTION Can it be that simple? Why is it that we feel more comfortable engaged in practices and actions that amount to earning favour with God?

PRAYER Thank You, Father, for giving us this insight and reminder of the Good News that is for us.
Thank You for giving us Jesus, for salvation through faith in Him and new life that comes from that salvation.
Help me to live empowered for holiness by Your Holy Spirit, ready for Your return, and playing my part in Your mission of reaching others, that they might turn and come to You in repentance. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Download a PDF of the print edition which copies on A4 paper to form a 4pp A5 Bible-size folder. Permission to copy for personal use or for including with church bulletins.

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Nov. 29 (Advent): Raising our expectation

November 18, 2020 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Image credit: Karsten Wurth on Unsplash

The Living Word Bible Study for Advent Sunday, November 29 (TLW47B) taken from the Revised Common Lectionary and using the New International Version (NIV) with occasional references to others.. It’s a Bible study — so presented in the Bible order to draw out the progressive revelation between OT, NT gospel (pre-resurrection) and NT letter (post-resurrection), and the theme that emerges. Published a week early to allow study of the passages during the week before hearing them read and preached in a Sunday service. We recommend you read the whole passage as it stands, allowing it. to speak to you, before digging deeper with the verse by verse commentary.

Theme: Raising our expectation of the Lord’s presence as we wait

OT: Isaiah 64:1-9 — An appeal to God by those willing to be moulded by Him like potter’s clay

Isaiah reading verse by verse

NT gospel: Mark 13:24-37 — Keep watch for Christ’s return, paying attention to the signs of the spiritual season

Mark reading verse by verse

NT letter: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 — We all need to be using our spiritual gifts to further the Lord’s mission as we wait for Him

1 Corinthians reading verse by verse

And also read: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

See also article linked to this post ‘Understanding… How we raise our expectation’

Isaiah 64:1-9 — An appeal by those who gladly do right

Followers of God’s ways are compliant, like clay shaped by the potter

1 Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before You!

“Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down” — Isaiah sees the heavens like a curtain to be torn apart and appeals to Yahweh to reveal Himself in dramatic action to challenge the attitudes of His people.

• For further study see Exodus 19:16-18; Isaiah 51:6; Psalm 18:9, Psalm 144:5.

2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make Your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before You!

“Make Your name known” — God’s name stands for His nature in Hebrew thought.

3 For when You did awesome things that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled before You.

4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

“No eye has seen” — a version of this verse is quoted by Paul in 1 Cor. 2:9.

“Those who wait for Him” — this waiting for God is active, attentive and expectant, not passive. Compare Isaiah 30:18.

5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, You were angry. How then can we be saved?

“Come to the help” — when Israel and Judah continued to forget God’s ways and abandon the framework of the covenant, first the northern kingdom of Israel would fall to Assyria, followed by the fall of Judah and Jerusalem and further exile and dispersion.

6 All of us have become like one who is unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

“Righteous acts like filthy rags” — sin and guilt have left Israel carrying out a parody of their rituals in their soiled and disgusting state.

“Like a leaf … [in] the wind” — a picture of how sin leaves us as easily blown away as chaff, Isaiah 17:13, 40:24, Psalm 1:4

7 No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of You for You have hidden Your face from us and have given us over to our sins.

“No one calls on your name” — Calling on His name is calling on His compassionate and gracious character, Exodus 34:5-7. The response to difficulty the Lord looks for is fervent repentant prayer, 2 Chronicles 7:14.

8 Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.

“We are the clay” — recalls Isaiah 29:16. The clay is not to attempt to define the pot that is made by the potter, Isaiah 29:16, Isaiah 45:9; Jeremiah 18:6.

9 Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all Your people.

“Look on us, we pray” — recalling the promise that the Lord will turn from His anger, Isaiah 54:7-8. The appeal to the Lord to “act on behalf of those who wait for Him” and “come to the help of those who…do right, who remember your ways” is the theme of hope, the confident expectation based on the Lord’s covenant mercy.

Reflection

SUMMARY Isaiah appeals to Yahweh to become a dramatic and visible presence as He did before calling Moses up the mountain at Sinai, Exodus 19. He pleads with God to come to the help of those who keep His ways and do what is right, while recognising the way the nation has lapsed into sin. It is faithlessness and lack of prayer which has invoked the Lord’s anger. The appeal is based on a pledge of submission, like clay in the potter’s hand.

• They have failed to keep alive the memories of what the Lord has done among them;

• They have continued to sin against His ways, even while seeing the Lord come to the help of righteous people;

• Their prayer life, and their whole relationship with the Lord, has collapsed

APPLICATION In our secular and largely unbelieving culture, appealing to “make Your name known” is a good basis for a biblical prayer for God to make known again His love, His justice – and His holiness. These are common failings, for us now as well as then. They are all causes of faith malaise – and without faith we cannot please the Lord, Hebrews 11:6.

QUESTION From this passage, what is Advent about? See verses 2 and 4 and 7.

Mark 13:24-37 — Keep watch for Christ’s return at any time

Faith is needed, not speculation, and attention to the signs of the spiritual season

24-25 “But in those days, following that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

“In those days” — an OT expression of the Messianic age.

“The sun will be darkened” — the prophecy Jesus quotes was initially against Babylon but clearly looks ahead more generally, “I will punish the world for its evil”, Isaiah 13:10-11. The “day of the Lord” was God’s day of reckoning which often combined short-term consequences with the prospect of the end-time judgment to come.

26-27 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.

“The Son of Man coming in clouds” — fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy in a way visible to all, Daniel 7:13-14.

“Lesson from the fig tree” —which reveals the different seasons; the changing spiritual ‘seasons’ also show signs.

29-30 “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

“This generation… until all these things have happened” — the siege and destruction of Jerusalem occurred less than 40 years later – within a generation. The Early Church saw this as more far-reaching, and exhorted members to live with an expectation of the imminent return of the Lord. Elsewhere, “this evil generation” is all those remaining until Christ returns to establish his kingdom, Matt. 12:45; Luke 11:29.

31 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

“Never pass away” — the word endures – 1 Peter 1:23-25

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

“Only the Father” – on earth Jesus lived by faith, and warns us to do likewise and not speculate.

33 “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

• For further study see 1 Peter 4:7; 1 John 2:18; James 5:8-9 (also Rom. 13:12; 1 Cor. 7:29; Phil. 4:5; Heb. 10:25; Rev. 22:20).

34-35 “It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back — whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.

“Like a man going away” — a parable unique to Mark

“The one at the door” — the doorkeeper was to remain alert at all times for any sign of the master returning. Living in the expectation that the return of Jesus (parousia) is at hand is difficult in a science-aware age which values what is evidence-based. But this was not a mistake on the part of Jesus, or a misunderstanding by the Early Church. Ever since Jesus was born in Bethlehem, we have been living in the Last Days.

36-37 “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ”

Reflection

SUMMARY Jesus reminds us that His words will always endure, but everything else is to be regarded as temporary. He will return and it will be a shaking encounter as never before. We are to live in daily expectation of it, even nearly 2,000 years later. Here is clear teaching to remember Jesus as if He has only just gone, and to live in the urgency of His coming again at any time despite history demanding a more reasoned explanation.

APPLICATION There have been frequent encounters and renewals by the Lord through history. There’s the Reformation of the 1500s that brought biblical literacy. Then, the First Great Awakening of the 1700s that brought to prominence Whitefield and Wesley and Charles Simeon. A century later ushered in the Second Great Awakening. This was a time of pastors and revivalists gathering (and converting) thousands. Church attendance grew sharply and many churches were built in both affluent areas and slums. The Welsh Revival of 1904-5 was closely followed by the wor ldwide Pentecostal Revival that followed in 1907. Pentecostal churches are growing the fastest and are now the most numerous worldwide. We might mention the transformation of mainstream churches in charismatic renewal that started in the 1960s. There have also been significant local revivals in the UK, like the Hebrides Revival of the early 1950s. Recently Cwm Bran, Wales, saw a local outpouring. These are examples of where God has come in response to the prayer and praise of His faithful people. These are the lessons of the fig tree and the preparation of all who will hear His call.

QUESTION What does keeping watch involve, for us personally? What does it mean for us as a group or congregation?

1 Corinthians 1:3-9 — Equipped by the Lord to wait expectantly

We need to be using all our spiritual enabling to pursue the Lord’s mission

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Grace and peace” — not just a traditional greeting but a calling-down of God’s goodness: the undeserved blessing from the kindness of God that is His grace; and the well-being and contentedness that the Holy Spirit gives on our response to the Good News.

4 I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.

“Thank my God for you — Paul honours the church fellowship and its gifts, not as his but as the Lord’s. Compare Romans 1:8

5 For in him you have been enriched in every way — with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge —

“All kinds of speech” — Corinth prized oratorical skill and Corinthians exalted spiritual gifts of speech and revelation.

6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.

“Confirming” — used in legal documents in the sense of guaranteeing. Paul and companions had preached the gospel to Corinth, they had accepted it and their changed lives and growing in spiritual gifts (v.5, v.7) confirmed it.

7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.

“As you eagerly wait…” — active, expectant waiting. “To be revealed” – similar language is used in 1 Thess. 1:7

8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Keep you firm” is the same word as “confirm” in v.6. “The day” is the Day of the Lord, “the end” is the soon-anticipated end of the age.

9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

“God is faithful” — and can be trusted to do what He has said He will do, including “keep you firm to the end”, v.8 above. Waiting with anticipation is an exercise is developing faith.

• For further study on God’s faithfulness, 1 Cor.10:13; Deut. 7:9; 1 Thess. 5:24.

Reflection

SUMMARY The church in Corinth is keenly waiting for the Lord Jesus to be revealed, in His visible return. Meanwhile they were celebrating their changed lives with a growing experience of the gifts of the Spirit. Together this was creating an experience of the Lord’s presence and a sense of anticipation which was attracting others.

APPLICATION Corinth had a high level of expectation, both of the Lord’s presence among them and His return. That is a challenge to many of our present-day church congregations with their desire that this week’s service will be the same as the last. Spiritual gifts and participation were part of ‘Corinth’s expectation culture’ — and should be part of ours, so that the Lord will find us ‘growing and going’ — not managing a decline.

QUESTION To what extent is today’s church ‘enriched’ and ‘not lacking in any spiritual gift’? How can we encourage the discovery and use of speaking and revelatory gifts mentioned here?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, You have told us to watch for signs of Your return and to be spiritually active and engaged in our waiting. We recognise our poverty of spiritual riches. We are sorry for our low expectation of seeing You at work among us in each others’ spiritual gifts. Stir us up to a higher expectation of encountering You, and to humble ourselves and pray for a new turning to You before You come. Amen.

PRINT EDITION Download a PDF that prints on A4 paper to make a 4pp A4 Bible-sized folder. Permission granted to copy for personal use or church bulletins.

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Who is Jesus?

November 16, 2018 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Theme: Who exactly is Jesus and what is the source of His authority? (Christ the King)

Image credit: http://www.standingwithchrist.com/whoisjesus.html

To read in the week of Nov 18, to prepare for Sunday, November 25 (TLW 47)

2 Samuel 23:1-7 — Final words from a renowned and godly ruler of Israel. David recalls God’s covenant with him and looks forward to a promised royal descendant

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 — the majesty of the Ancient of Days. A glimpse of heaven for Daniel who sees amid a myriad angels attending the throne of God the honouring of “one like a son of man”.

John 18:33-37 — Jesus is questioned by Pilate about who He is. Jesus explains that He is no political figurehead but His kind of kingdom is rooted elsewhere.

Revelation 1:4b-8 — The freedom to serve God as His priests now. Jesus, present from the beginning will return as the completion of truth

Also: Psalm 132:1-18

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

David recalls God’s covenant with him and looks forward to a promised royal descendant

23 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 through his life, having been raised up as king of Israel, from shepherd to ruler, 2 Samuel 7ff; like the Bible’s wisdom literature, what follows contrasts just rule in the fear of God with un righteous leadership.

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

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

3 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,

4 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” – in the style of a prophet, David sets out in bold strokes a picture of a God-centred ruler – unmistakably alluding to the One he foreshadowed, Jesus Christ.

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” – even though his household had failed God, David believes rightly that God’s promise recorded in 2 Sam. 7:12-16 will hold good with a descendant of David as the Eternal King, fulfilled in Jesus Christ when He return to rule in perfect justice and peace.

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

6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand.

7 Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.’

“Thorns” – worthless but also dangerous, needing to be shifted with an weapon or implement. “Burned up”, literally ‘consumed with fire in the sitting’ or as we would say, on the spot. For God’s judgment as fire, see Isaiah 9;18; 10:17. The fate of the rebellious when the Messiah, in fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant finally establishes His rule on earth, Isa. 63:1-6.

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 – the majesty of the Ancient of Days

A glimpse of heaven for Daniel who sees amid a myriad angels attending the throne of God the honouring of one like a son of man

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 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 and immense maturity giving judgment in court. The description symbolises His wisdom in white hair; righteousness by white clothing; and power in judgment, as fire. The description is similar to that of an 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” – a very great number of angelic beings stood before Him. John also recorded that there ‘thousands and millions”, i.e. too many to count, surrounding God’s throne and ministering to Him. Angels are spiritual beings created by God for worship and for mission (like us) 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, [enash] 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 clearly not a human being, but “one like a son of man”, a description that the various authors of the NT were quite sure referred to Jesus Christ and probably what was in Jesus’ mind when He used this of Himself, Matt. 8:20. Hence the translation used here. There is more than one time-frame in view. At the end of history, the NT references these verses to teach us that Christ will return, riding the clouds to finally confront evil and enforce its defeat.

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

IN PRACTICE The first aspect of who God is comes 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 Ancient of Days. At first living, and especially leading, in the fear of God looks like lahigh risk venture. Do we bring on ourselves fire and brimstone or other destruction if we get it wrong? The history of northern and then southern kingdoms of Israel falling, and the misery of people being enslaved in exile, underlines the cost of getting it wrong, but this is in the context of having rejected countless warnings and appeals by God’s prophets. However, remembering that the Bible teaches us plainly that God is love, and his overriding character qualities are mercy and truth, there is a truth here about whether we really know God, and as a consequence desire to live out His character. This is the fear of missing God best and God’s pleasure in us. For Christians, who come to know God personally through embracing Jesus, our grasp of the Lordship of Jesus on our lives and our church involvements is crucial. When relationships get strained, or vision confused, it is a fair assumption that what has slipped has been the awe, or fear, of God through knowing Him and loving His ways.

QUESTION Daniel’s vision of thousands and millions in the heavenly court was extraordinary and unrepeatable. What kinds of spiritual practice help us to have some sense of a glimpse of heaven and the majesty of the heavenly court?

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

Jesus explains that He is no political figurehead, but His kind of kingdom is rooted elsewhere

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…” – Pilate’s first words to Jesus are the same in each of the four gospels. There were two possible questions here with different political overtones – was Jesus a rebel leader in opposition to Roman rule, or was He the Jews’ religious leader, the Messiah?

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” – he is exasperated, despising the Jews and their ways and not wanting to get involved with their affairts, yet seeing no real basis for their extreme animosity. Ironically, he ends up supporting their position in which we see God’s providence in allowing Jesus to be executed by being ‘lifted up’ and not by stoning, as Jews were inclined to do.

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” – heaven is the place of eternal and absolute truth. Jesus came as the Way, the Truth and the Life, John 14:6. Relationship with Him is the only way to God and the only means of that life-bringing truth being revealed – a conundrum for intellectual theologians because it is not logical or understandable. 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; however Jesus of Nazareth and his philosophical-sounding answer did not present as a threat to law and order.

IN PRACTICE The second aspect of who God is, concerns the Son of Man who Daniel sees in his vision, approaching the Ancient of Days. On earth this picture is recalled, ironically, as Jesus of Nazareth is brought before Pontius Pilate. The Roman governor Pilate was used to factions, pressure-groups and politics in general. Appointed as Prefect of the Roman province of Judea, he encountered the religious politics of Jews and Samaritans, eventually being recalled to Rome after complaints from both. So it is not surprising that when Jesus of Nazareth was brought before him by the Jews, he saw Him at first as yet another political activist. Jesus immediately corrected that perception with His statement: “My kingdom is from another place”. The lesson for us is that human politics on earth and heaven’s purposes follow different agendas. There are spiritual connections – and tensions – between the two. We often pray and expect answers as though the kingdom of God and our world dominated by man’s organisation and control were the same, but the reality is that we pray through Jesus, who is the king of “a kingdom not of this world”. The better we know Jesus, the more we will discern His kingdom, and the more clearly we’ll see the difference — and learn to live and pray in the right alignment with what He is doing.

PRAYER Lord, I say you are a king – the king, King Jesus, to whom all authority is given. Help me to hold less tightly the priorities that seem to apply on earth, and to begin to see matters from a different perspective – Your heavenly perspective.

Revelation 1:4b-8 — The freedom to serve God as His priests now

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 and passed on via the Roman road which ran north of Ephesus and then in an arc inland and back towards Ephesus, connecting the Roman province called Asia in modern western Turkey.

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” – better, ‘sevenfold spirit’ as NIV footnote. The number seven symbolises completeness and perfection. There may also be an 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) which is not just anticipated when Jesus comes again, but in some measure experienced now.

“A kingdom and priests to serve” – here, clearly and simply, is set out the essential difference between the Old Covenant way of relating to God (rules, hierarchical and formal rituals, led by a special order of priests who make connections by proxy, with God who is holy and remote) and the New Covenant (freed from the burden and guilt of sin by Jesus’ blood and now able to draw close to God as those who know Him and know His love, to serve Him in worship and mission without intermediaries). The human tendency is to revert to what is more ordered and more controlled, requiring less personal investment and responsibility, which is why the New Covenant remains a challenge for much of the Christian church today. As Jesus taught, the ‘taste of the old wine’ seems preferable.

7 ‘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.

8 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’

“The Alpha and the Omega” – the alphabet is an ingenious way of representing knowledge through words. Christ, the Living Word, is supreme in this, ruling sovereignly over all human history including the part that for us has not yet unfolded.

“All peoples on earth will mourn” — rejoicing at the return of the Messiah by those that are His, swept up in the air to meet Him, 1 Thess. 4:16-17. Others, the ones still on earth, mourning their sin and judgment. The combined quotation headlines the theme of Revelation, the sweepingly majestic yet human-related Lord, Daniel 7:13 who evokes both the sorrow of sin in the face of One so holy but also finding grace, Zechariah 12:10.

IN PRACTICE The third aspect of who Jesus is, also says a lot about who we are.. Not only does His shed blood remind us powerfully of His love for us, we are reminded of the power of His blood in freeing us from sin, and from the subtle accusations of the enemy trying to gain a point of access into our thought lives. Why does this matter? It is because the Son of God enthroned in the heavenly court needs those who have stood at the Cross, who have given their pride and their self-sufficiency to Him, to be His partners in bringing His Kingdom. That is why He has conferred a new kind of priesthood on all He knows as His, a holy community where His rule and authority enriches life and relationships. It’s the priesthood of believers, of fellowship in the Great High Priest – the highest distinction. It’s easy to look around and see, where the believers are bringing the presence of Jesus and making a difference in the world. It looks different from the stereotype of the institutional church. These are the ones who know they have been freed, who know they are loved, and who are serving him in worship and mission through transformed lives.

QUESTION What is meant by priesthood in the post-resurrection New Testament? What should we call those who are set apart and trained as preachers, shepherds and leaders in the church?

PRAYER Lord God Almighty, may we grow in loving You and walking in awe of You, as we seek to represent You to our world, and bring the needs of our world to You.

TLW47 November 25 final – Booklet Download

How faith destroys the devil’s destruction

November 9, 2018 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Image: https://starvingchristiansblog.com/2017/01/16/in-your-name-i-pray-a-mans-prayer/

Revised Common Lectionary Bible readings to prepare for Sunday, November 18

Theme: The devil’s destructive works are overturned by faith in God’s purpose

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.

Daniel 12:1-3 – End-times resurrection: either everlasting life, or shame. The archangel Michael will arise to protect those whose name is written in book of the saved, in the final conflict.

Mark 13:1-8 – Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple. The end-times conflicts will be characterised by wars, disasters and widespread spiritual deception.

Hebrews 10:11-25 – Our confidence is in knowing who we are in Jesus. The Holy Spirit witnesses to us the New Covenant in Jesus blood and the finality of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.

Extras: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah’s prayer), Psalm 16

OLD TESTAMENT READING 1

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?”

“But to Hannah” – the name means ‘grace’. The wider story is God’s miraculous intervention with a faithful woman, Hannah, raising up the last of the judges of Israel at a time of crisis for Israel, who will oversee the transition to a monarchy.

“Peninnah… Hannah” – monogamy was the rule, two people becoming one flesh, Gen. 2:24. But there were social pressures through young men being killed in battle and the need to continue the family line – and produce more offspring to help with the work.

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.”

“Shiloh” – the original settled location of the tabernacle where the land was divided among the tribes, Josh. 18:1-10; modern Khirbet Seilun, about 20 miles north of Jerusalem. It was destroyed, Psalm 78:60; Jer. 7:12-14 perhaps as a result of the mistakes of 1 Sam. 4 when the ark was taken from Shiloh to be with the army, who were then defeated and the ark captured by pagans.

“Eli…on his chair by the…Lord’s house” – by this time a building with rooms, not just a tent. The chair (like a vicar’s stall in a C of E church) is the priest’s place and denotes his authority. 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 a social embarrassment for her husband, on top of the natural disappointment.

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.”

“Kept on praying” – Hannah had reason to be swamped by discouragement; unable to conceive, mocked by a woman who shared her husband and by the high priest who failed to understand her motives. But she kept praying, kept her focus on God and 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” – to drink in the tabernacle precincts would be considered a grave offence; for a priest, a death sentence, 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” – the literal meaning is ‘name of God’ but it sounded like ‘heard by God’, a double meaning important to Hannah: God had heard her prayer.

OLD TESTAMENT READING 2

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

The archangel Michael will arise to protect those whose name is written in book of the saved, in the final conflict

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 events of the previous paragraph detailing the antichrist’s attempt to annihilate the Jewish people, Dan. 11:36-45. It will be a time of unprecedented distress but at the same time, tempered with hope for true believers, who have turned in faith to their Messiah Jesus, Zech. 12:10; Romans 11:25-27.

“Michael” – the name of the archangel Michael who prevailed over a principality demon controlling the Persian empire, after a 21-day struggle.

“Name… written in the book” – the book of the saved, Mal. 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.

“Multitudes who sleep… will awake” – the first reference in the Bible to the physical resurrection of the righteous, and also with a different outcome, of the wicked. The bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost was a not part of the common belief.

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.

IN PRACTICE The story of Hannah speaks loudly of God’s goodness, to all of us who have been misunderstood, disappointed again and again and put down by others. Her self-esteem had been shredded, but not her faith. She knew God is good, even if it didn’t feel that way to her, and she kept on praying. We know that pride and self-sufficiency are a barrier to God working in our lives. And He will root that out, especially if he is about to do something big. His purpose is always to grow us and always has a bigger picture than the one we see.

Hannah’s story reminds us that at times of apparent disaster, God is working for His salvation purposes. For God’s people taking God’s kingdom purpose forward, persecution goes with the territory! Paul reminded Timothy of this (2 Timothy 3:10-13 especially) and it is our encouragement to keep on keeping on, for heaven’s reward in heaven’s time.

PRAYER Lord, open my eyes to the bigger picture that is not just my fight of faith, that I may see and declare that You are good and Your purposes for me are protective.

GOSPEL READING

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

The end-times conflicts will be characterised by 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” – think of foundation stones on the scale of a double-decker bus. The building project would not be complete for another 30 years.

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’ – the temple was completely destroyed by the Romans in AD70 together with most of the city. The authorities, who sought to murder the Messiah, Mark 11:18, rather than welcome Him, Mark 11:9-11, 27-33, were rebellious tenants marked for destruction, 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 and future times but, confusingly for us, free of chronological order. Prophetic foretelling in Scripture often applies to more than one future time.

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 a primary danger for the disciples, requiring them (and us) to be skilled in spiritual discernment together with Scriptural principles.

IN PRACTICE Jesus had warned the disciples that there would be consequences for those who rejected their Messiah. The cause and effect relationship would result in the pulling down of the focus of national pride, the new temple and even its massive foundations. Their ‘sign of the end times’ came less than 40 years later with terrible bloodshed as Jerusalem and its revolt was destroyed by the Romans. Jesus’ words point to a greater conflict yet to come, while the end-times seem to us to go on and on. Perhaps the greatest danger is not just hatred and war, but its root causes in satanic deception. The kingdom message of knowing God’s love and loving Him and others is so straightforward we can miss it – but we are to watch for the ways it is twisted into an ugly caricature, and recognise which kingdom is dark, and which is light.

QUESTION Do our attitudes and actions play out with effects now, or effects later, or in eternity – or not at all?

EPISTLE READING

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

The Holy Spirit witnesses to us the New Covenant in Jesus blood and the finality of Jesus’ sacrifice for us

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” – Christ is seated because His work is finished, whereas every levitical priest stood, for religious duties which were continually repeated. The author heavily underlines this contrast with the layered emphases “one sacrifice”, “for all time”, “He sat down…and…waits”, “He has made… those…being made holy”…”holy forever”.

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:

16 “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 of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding believers which, post-Resurrection, should be our experience. These verses explain the apparent conundrum of “being made holy” or sanctified by the Holy Spirit’s influence on us, while being regarded positionally as “made perfect” by the finished work of Christ, v.14. We are seen according to our new nature in Christ, outcome assured, while as we are aware, we remain on earth a ‘work in progress’.

17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

18 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. The religious mindset (as in the Old Covenant) holds on to a false need to confess sins repeatedly. This new spiritual perspective of the New Covenant has the revelation 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 positionally completely forgiven is not a licence for passivity, but rather, the reason to keep on meeting, encouraging one another, going deeper with God and further in faith-prompted love and good deeds.

“Draw near… with…” – it works with certain conditions: sincerity of heart, unhesitating assurance, freedom from guilt, and the impartation of “hearts sprinkled… bodies washed” which points to the value of choosing to declare faith in baptism.

IN PRACTICE A key word in this passage is ‘confidence’ and a key value in living above all that pulls us down as witnesses to the life of the Spirit of Jesus in us, is confidence in who we are, as viewed by heaven. We might not feel it polite in mixed company to speak vehemently of the blood of Jesus and how it has transformed us – but speak it out we must! The devil, one of the actors in all of these passages, has no manners at all and certainly doesn’t respect our gentility – but will run scared every time when we declare the power of Christ blood and the New Life we have in Him and Him alone. These passages all tell stories of conflict and difficulty, but also God’s eternal, good purpose and salvation plan coming through, which may not be seen in all the smoke and shouting. That presents us with a choice. Who do we agree with? The destroyer, or the Saviour? Our expression of faith in God’s purpose, our words of truth, are not just words, but the force that tips the balance.

QUESTION What seems to be going badly for you right now? What is God’s good purpose in it, and how do you pray in line with that discernment?

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 me afresh with the Holy Spirit who gives holy confidence and help me to maintain a praising spirit, as one who knows the final score as well as the cost of Your victory in pain and blood. Amen.

TLW46e November 18 – Booklet Download

I seek the person who’s an open book

November 2, 2018 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

Pharisee teachers of the law, Mark 12:38-44. Image: Mike Hayes http://www.googlinggod.com/2011/11/29/have-we-become-the-pharisees/

RCL and Remembrance Sunday readings for Nov 11, 2018

Theme: God hates falsehood, but honours authenticity and trust

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 — Ruth shows her need of a kinsman redeemer. Boaz marries the young Moabite widow and their son is an ancestor of King David.

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 — Jonah obeys the Lord and preaches repentance to Nineveh. On overcoming his fears and misgivings and obeying the Lord, he sees Ninevites respond and God’s judgment averted.

Mark 12:38-44 — Jesus condemns the falsehood of the scribes. The teachers of the law lived by show and exploited others, while the powerless widow is seen to honour God in her giving.

Hebrews 9:24-28 — Christ enters the ‘real tabernacle’ of heaven to appear for us. His first appearance was to sacrifice Himself for the sins of many and He will come again to gather others.

Also: Psalm 127

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 — Ruth shows her need of a kinsman redeemer

Boaz marries a young Moabite widow and their son is an ancestor of King David

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. It was also customary for the landowner and men to sleep nearby and prevent theft of the grain.

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

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 (and Joseph, husband of Mary, mother of Jesus).

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 ancestors of Israel’s greatest king (and 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.

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

On overcoming his fears and misgivings and obeying the Lord, he sees Ninevites respond and God’s judgment averted

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, not necessarily a foretelling one.

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, and still reluctantly, Jonah 4:1-5.

“Great city” – it was a sizeable place, 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, Jonah 3:10, 4:2.

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.

IN PRACTICE The Book of Ruth begins and ends with the Lord’s provision – He “had come to the aid of His people by providing food for them”, “the Lord enabled [Ruth] to conceive” and the Bethlehem women agreed with Naomi, “The Lord… has not left you without a guardian-redeemer”. It was a big issue of trust for them; for Ruth, trusting God who she hardly knew, doing the right thing when it also seemed a wrong thing and for them both, being real about their situation and their need of God’s intervention in providing an unwed and land-owning relative keen to marry Ruth and continue the family line… which reached forward to King David. Jonah’s version of being real before God and trusting Him in a difficult call needed some time to mature, but eventually he found himself preaching to the streets of this notorious pagan capital of the Assyrian empire, for the people to turn from their wickedness to the living God – and they did. God blessed the two women in their plight and their need, and He blessed run-away Jonah back to obedience, who then saw an extraordinary revival unfold.

QUESTION Worshipping as one of a congregation that is led from the front, we can all wear a mask but we need to get real with the Lord about how we are. What other ways of gathering help us to do this?

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

The teachers of the law lived by show and exploited others, while the powerless widow is seen to honour God in her giving

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” – ‘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 and His disciples to do, Mark 10:21, Mark 8:34-37, Mark 10:28-29.

IN PRACTICE There are times and situations where distinctive uniforms are helpful – we immediately think of peacekeeping and emergency services – and job titles are helpful for recognising people’s roles, from the Queen and Prime Minister to the customer service person. The point in this passage is about those who are in a position to represent God to others failing to demonstrate His mercy, but rather assuming an entitlement to position and distinction and the right to bully others – which Jesus denounces as warranting severe punishment. The lesson here is that God may hear quite short and simple prayers from regular people who have no pretension and nothing to prove, but give themselves to God in authenticity and reliance on Him.

QUESTION Do you have a title or a position that you rather like? What will it cost you to let it go?

Hebrews 9:24-28 — Christ enters the ‘real tabernacle’ of heaven to appear for us

His first appearance was to sacrifice Himself for the sins of many and He will come again to gather others

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, rather than provisional, remedy.

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.

IN PRACTICE The writer of Hebrews (possibly Apollos and almost certainly not Paul) addresses Jewish-background believers. 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. One is an earthly imitation, of sorts, and the other is the real thing. Is what we do a pale imitation, or the real thing, albeit scaled down and humanised to make it accessible for us? We can go through the familiar routines – liturgy or not, every church tradition has them – or we can be intentional about inviting the presence of God, asking the Holy Spirit to presence Himself, giving Him permission to upset our carefully prepared order of service. To the extent that we do this (probably little steps at first) we notice the difference. We can’t always define it. But there’s a sense of God’s close presence. We know ‘the real thing’ when we experience it. And Christ has performed the perfect ritual, once and for all, so that we can be free to encounter the Lord and experience a little bit of heaven as we gather and submit to Him.

QUESTION Honest answer, on a postcard… would you rather know the exact order of worship, or know that you have met with the Lord in a way special and personal to you?

PRAYER Father God, I receive Your love afresh and thank You that You know me inside out. You know the ways I am an open book to You, and also where I cling to some life position for my identity. Help me to renounce all that is false, proud or self-sufficient — and offensive to You. I pray this in and through Jesus. Amen.