The Living Word

Jan 8: The Revelation — Jesus is Lord for all who come to Him

January 6, 2023 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

A perspective of three bare winter trees

This is The Living Word for Sunday, January 8, 2023

Psalm 72:1-2, 10-14

Isaiah 60:1-6 — The light of the world appears to the nations

Matthew 2:1-23 — Light in the sky signals a world-changing event

Ephesians 3:1-12 — God’s hidden purpose becomes our enlightenment

Theme: The revelation — Jesus is Lord for all who come to Him

• Read this week’s linked article and listen to this week’s podcast (also in video)

Psalm 72:1-2, 10-14

1-2 Endow the king with Your justice, O God, the royal son with Your righteousness. May He judge Your people in righteousness, Your afflicted ones with justice.

10-11 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to Him.

May the kings of Sheba and Seba present Him gifts. May all kings bow down to Him and all nations serve Him.

12-13 For He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.

14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight.

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Isaiah 60:1-6 — The light of the world appears to the nations

Many living in spiritual darkness are attracted to discover Jesus

60:1-3 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

“Darkness covers the earth… but the Lord… and His glory appears” — a picture of our world clouded by pervasive sin, but God’s glory in His people shines in the spiritual darkness as God always intended, Gen. 12:3.

4 “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip.

“All assemble and come” — words from Isaiah 49:13-22 about the gathering of the faithful after the exile, and looking ahead to the Gentile influx and the New Jerusalem.

5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.

6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

“Riches of the nations will come… camels… bearing gold and incense…” — in caravans of wealthy pilgrims on a journey to worship the Lord. In partial fulfilment, one caravan of wealthy Gentiles did seek out the Lord a year after His birth, Matthew 2:1 and 11 (below).

Reflection

SUMMARY This picture is best understood detached from time and chronology. There is a reference to a caravan procession with gifts of gold and valuable aromatics, which points to the account in Matthew 2 (below) and future worshippers from the nations bringing gifts.

APPLICATION The good news, who Jesus is and how He can be known personally in new spiritual life, has circled the globe. Billions of worshippers (still many more to reach) have made their own personal journey to the light of Jesus and have offered all that they have, to put under His lordship.

QUESTION What did the original hearers understand by “nations” that will come? Why was it difficult for them, and why is it still difficult for us?

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Matthew 2:1-23 — Light in the sky signals a world-changing event

A caravan of spiritual sages from Persia make enquiries in Jerusalem

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.”

“Magi from the east” — probably Zoroastrian sages from Persia with an awareness of the Scriptures from Daniel’s time, Daniel 5:11.

3-6 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

“Teachers of the law” — professional scholars knew the foretelling of the Messiah and His birthplace, yet made no move to visit nearby Bethlehem.

“Shepherd My people” — Matthew’s word for “rule” from “He will will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord”, Micah 5:4, referencing the whole prophecy.

7-8 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.”

“I too may go and worship Him” — unspiritual Herod was threatened by the announcement of a “king of the Jews” and completely misunderstood who Jesus was.

9-10 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

“The star… went ahead of them” —not an astronomical phenomenon as the supernatural light moved, and to a position only six miles away.

11-12 On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

“Gold, frankincense and myrrh” — two extremely valuable aromatic commodities, like gold, which became God’s providence for the refugee family.

13-15 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill Him.” So he got up, took the child and His mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My son.”

“Fulfilled” — the second fulfilment Matthew mentions in this gospel for Jewish readers.

16-18 When Herod realised that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

“Rachel weeping” — Jeremiah had personified mourning mothers in exile as Rachel. In the small village of Bethlehem the number could have been 20.

19-20 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

“An angel of the Lord appeared” — another way the Lord drew near at a time of need, giving clear revelation to Joseph. Herod died shortly after his overreaction; Jesus did not come for Herod’s throne but for his salvation.

21-23 So he got up, took the child and His mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

“Archelaus” — a son of Herod the Great and like him, dismissed for his misrule by the Romans who appointed governors, of whom (later) Pilate was one.

“Nazarene” — a play on words recalling a number of prophecies, that the Messiah would be a nesir, branch, Isaiah 11:1, from a place of insignificance (like Nazareth), and despised, Isaiah 53:2-3.

Reflection

SUMMARY The three gifts seem to have been presented jointly — symbolic but also providential. Matthew’s story details the turbulent politics of the time and how they threatened Jesus and His birth parents — but also how God’s providential care and guidance went ahead of them.

APPLICATION This passage is rich in examples of God’s guidance. The sages are guided by the unusual light in the sky and warned in a dream; Joseph receives guidance three times in dreams; angels appear and speak. In the most difficult times, God shows Himself in saving acts.

QUESTION How much is salvation our choice and decision, and how much is God’s constant process?

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Ephesians 3:1-12 — God’s hidden purpose becomes our enlightenment

God’s progressive revelation uncovers the way His saving grace works

1-3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles — Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

“The administration of God’s grace” — Paul’s aside explains his extraordinary mission. The former persecutor helps both Jewish and non-Jewish Christian believers see how they have been graciously accepted by God through Christ, and are able to accept each other.

4-6 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

“This mystery” — a truth formerly hidden now being revealed, that Jewish and Gentile believers have equal shares in the new covenant of salvation in Jesus.

7-9 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

“To preach… and make plain [what] was kept hidden” — the truth plainly stated in the OT which few understood. God’s unrestricted blessing promised through Abraham offered salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.

• For further study, read Gen. 12:3, Isaiah 49:6, Gal. 3:28-29.

10-11 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“His intent” — God’s plan was for His family of believers, united and reconciled, to demonstrate His kingdom rule against demonic rulers and authorities, to the applause of angels.

12 In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Reflection

SUMMARY This passage highlights how God’s grace and God’s eternal purpose do not follow the neat rules of human logic — God’s ways are higher. The word he uses for this is “mystery” in the sense of something formerly hidden now being revealed. The coming of God’s Son and the grace of salvation offered to all through Him had been foretold but was little understood. Jesus’s own teaching of it was considered heretical. Jewish believers in predominantly Gentile churches struggled with this new non-exclusive understanding.

APPLICATION Paul teaches that the church — believers experiencing new life in Christ — is the example and the explanation of God’s grace. What may be difficult to understand intellectually can be experienced by us, because it follows God’s logic rather than our own. Then we can make it plain to others. The Bible, itself a progressive revelation of God, helps reveal the mystery if we follow its story from OT, through Jesus’ teaching in the gospel accounts, to the NT narrative and letters reflecting the new life of the Holy Spirit.

QUESTION When believers drawn from different ethnic and social groups are united in prayer and praise, what is the effect in the heavenly realms?

PRAYER O God our loving Father, as we celebrate the revealing of Your Son Jesus and Your plan of salvation for the whole world, we pray for revival. We ask for a greater, deeper and more passionate revelation of who You are, and freedom to tell our story to encourage others.

May those around us be receiving their own revelation of the mystery of Christ’s birth and supreme role in the spiritual order — and inviting us to help them with their questions.

May this year be a spiritual awakening — near to home and further afield —Your glory widely seen and Your life received! Amen.

Dec. 18-25: The Miracle Birth — God’s Promise Becomes Reality

December 16, 2022 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

A Herefordshire village under snow with Christmas tree in foreground — Snow brings a Christmas look to a Herefordshire, UK, village

This is The Living Word for Sunday, December 18, and Sunday December 25, 2022

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Isaiah 7:10-16, Isaiah 9:2-7 — God’s sign of a light in the darkness

Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-14 — God’s Son enters our human world

Romans 1:1-7, Titus 2:11-14 — Salvation is offered by God’s grace

• See also this week’s linked article which forms the basis of this week’s podcast.

• Watch this week’s video (to follow) on https://thelivingword.substack.com

Isaiah 7:10-16, Isaiah 9:2-7 — God’s sign of a light in the darkness

The virgin who conceives and gives birth to “God with us” foretold

Isa. 7:10-11 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

“Ahaz” — a notoriously faithless king who saw much of Judah taken prisoner by Assyria and the northern kingdom of Israel, but not before Isaiah had urged him to put his trust in Yahweh.

12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

“I will not ask” — feigning humility, Ahaz, does not want to turn to God.

13-14 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

“A sign” — as often occurs in OT prophecy, there is more than one fulfilment in view.

15-16 “He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.”

The sign for Ahaz to trust the Lord was a ‘type’ for the Virgin Mary in Isaiah’s betrothal, Isaiah 8:1-4. The Christian church has seen this prophecy reach further to Christ’s incarnation and birth as Immanuel, God with us.

Isaiah 9:2-7

2-3 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

“Deep darkness” — from refusing to trust God and spiritual confusion, to receiving light in God’s grace.

• For further study see Isaiah 8:22, 42:6, 49:6; Matt. 4:15-16, Luke 2:32.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

“As in… Midian’s defeat” — freedom comes by trusting God, like Gideon’s tiny army, Judges 6-7.

6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

“Greatness” — the one born to reign for ever is given four titles emphasising His kingdom purpose, power, compassion and protection. “Everlasting Father” is about His guiding care, not the error of viewing the Son and the Father as the same (modalism).

Reflection

SUMMARY AND APPLICATION Isaiah sets out with clarity what God is going to do — through an unmarried woman, birth of a royal Son related to King David, anointed to rule with justice and righteousness.

QUESTION Why do we (and King Ahaz) find it difficult to trust God?

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Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-14 — God’s Son enters our human world

Angelic messengers appear to Joseph — and to shepherds in Bethlehem

Matt. 1:18-19 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

“Pledged to be married” — betrothal required legal divorce to end it and Joseph, a righteous man, wanted to spare Mary the shame if possible.

“Her husband” — or husband-to-be. Similarly in v.24 Matthew describes Mary as “his wife”.

20-21 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

“Joseph son of David” — the angel prepares him to understand that the miraculous conception would be a son who would grow to fulfil the role of Messiah.

22-23 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

“Fulfil” — one of 12 times Matthew shows the OT being worked out in Jesus’ life.

• For further study see, Matt. 2:15, 23; 3:15; 4:14; 5:17; 8:17; 12:17; 13:14, 35; 21:4; 27:9.

24-25 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.

“Until she gave birth” — the virgin birth is strongly inferred here; in Luke 1:34-35 it is stated clearly.

Luke 2:1-14

1-3 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register.

“In those days” — for mainly Greek-culture readers, Luke anchors the events of the birth in world events.

4-5 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

“Register with Mary” — who was of taxable age and who may also have been of the house of David. Their three-day journey took them to where Micah 5:2 had predicted the Messiah would be born.

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

“No guest room” — in a home; the small village of Bethlehem would not have had an inn.

8-9 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

“Shepherds living out” — in good grazing land where sheep were kept for sacrifice in nearby Jerusalem. No conclusion can be drawn for the time of year. Christmas was first celebrated in Rome in AD 354 and December 25 later became popular, to fit a Roman festival.

10-12 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Good news — Jesus is the person of the Good News which Isaiah had spoken about, Isaiah 52:7; 61:1.

13-14 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.”

“Peace… favour” — the angels’ choice of titles, Christ, Saviour, Lord, point to that peace coming from recognising Jesus as the Christ or Messiah, receiving from Him as Saviour what cannot be earned, and submitting to Him as Lord.

Reflection

SUMMARY AND APPLICATION The extraordinary circumstances of the birth of the Saviour of the world are detailed in these two gospel accounts which bring their own perspectives. Both Mary and Joseph had to believe God for what could appear shameful, and trust what they had been told in angelic visitations. The shepherds had to trust God, and act on their unique call to be the first witnesses.

QUESTION Why did God choose the people He did, to be part of this greatest of all revelations?

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Romans 1:1-7, Titus 2:11-14 — Our faith in God’s grace saves us

Jesus has secured for us a privilege which is humanly impossible to attain

Romans 1:1-2 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures…

“Servant… Apostle” — Paul introduces himself as a willing bond-servant to Jesus and one who (with the Twelve) has seen Him, Acts 9, and been commissioned by Him to go out on His behalf.

3-5 …regarding His Son, who as to His earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for His name’s sake.

“Regarding His Son” — Paul headlines the good news, how Jesus came as a human by natural descent, was part of the Jewish royal line, died and was raised from the dead — then to be the means of grace for us to turn to Him in faith and receive new life. This will be expanded throughout the letter.

“Obedience that comes from faith” — faith comes first, prompting the change of heart decision to believe and trust the Lord, evidenced in a change of values and behaviour.

6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Those Gentiles… called to belong” — Paul, a Jew, was called to preach especially to non-Jews. In multi-racial Rome he needed to emphasise that Gentiles fully belonged, and were loved by God, v.7

7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:11-14

11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…

“The grace of God has appeared” — Jesus has come, not to set the bar for what we must do, but as the living representation of what God has done for us. Not all will be saved, but anyone can turn to Jesus and choose to receive the salvation He offers.

“Teaches us” — the ongoing grace of God is experienced by the Spirit of God who instructs, coaches, and encourages, enabling us to live above ourselves.

13 …while we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ…

“Wait for the blessed hope” — a clear focus on Christ’s return is holy living, 1 John 3:2-3.

14 … who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.

“Redeem us… and… purify” — the Lord wants us free of the baggage of life’s sin to partner with Him in His mission.

Reflection

SUMMARY AND APPLICATION Up to now, all the characters in this story have been Jews. Now the story is retold — to non-Jews, with an emphasis on God’s offer of salvation to all people. Now it is more than believing who Jesus Christ is. It is being aware of the spiritual flow of His grace, belonging to Jesus and showing it by lives being changed from the inside.

QUESTION What is our sense of belonging to Christ, and being a people of His very own? Does this make us guard our privilege, or prompt us to share it?

PRAYER Father God, we are deeply thankful for the undeserved favour of being able to know Jesus and belong to Him — a thanks redoubled at this time of year. We pray for a move of Your Spirit that will take families and whole communities from a Christmas card romantic faith, to a realisation that Jesus is present, personal and welcoming to all who turn to Him. May faith rise around us as You enable us to play our part in sharing the Good News. Amen.

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Dec. 11: Stages of revival in the promised coming of the kingdom

December 10, 2022 by Ian Greig Leave a Comment

(Looking down over cliff) Winter waves create a boiling surf around Hartland Point, W. Devon, UK — Winter waves create a boiling surf around Hartland Point, W. Devon, UK

Theme: Stages of revival in the promised coming of the kingdom

Psalm 146:5-10

Isaiah 35:1-10 — Revival is like the bloom of the watered desert

Matthew 11:2-11— Jesus praises His forerunner, the great prophet John

James 5:7-10 — Be patient and know the Lord’s coming is near

• See also this week’s linked article and the basis of this week’s podcast, Holy Dissatisfaction Gets Us Reaching for God’s Freedom

• Watch this week’s video (or listen to the podcast)

Psalm 146:5-10

5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — He remains faithful forever.

7-8 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.

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Isaiah 35:1-10 — Revival is like the bloom of the watered desert

A highway of holiness over the rough places will lead seekers to the Lord

1-2 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendour of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendour of our God.

“Desert and… parched land” – in earlier chapters of Isaiah, God has spoken of judgment for the nations, including fertile Edom becoming a desert, Isaiah 34:1-17. This includes Judah and Israel for their own rejection of God. This picture of the Messiah’s reign is a complete reversal – the whole world as a garden.

3-4 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you.”

“Your God will come” – the essence of the good news is God coming to save His people.

“Vengeance… divine retribution” – words that seem to conflict with a God whose overriding characteristic is mercy. In the preceding chapter, Isaiah 34:8, this was about God’s justice in the context of Edom which had oppressed Israel at every opportunity. This is robust assurance to the faithful that their day will come.

• For further study, see Isaiah 40:9; 52:7; 62:11, rev. 22:12, 20.

5-6 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

“Eyes… opened… lame leap… mute shout for joy” – unmistakeable signs of the Messiah’s appearance. Jesus quoted this passage when John’s disciples asked if He was the Expected One, Matt. 11:4-5 below.

7 The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

“Thirsty ground” – the Arabah (Wadi Arava, south of the Dead Sea) is a difficult, rocky, arid terrain with little rainfall – but there rivers do exist deep in the rock and there are ‘dry’ rivers like the Nahan Paran which can flood widely. God’s blessing in such a dry place is rain coming and rivers appearing.

8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it.

“A highway” – Isaiah saw a built-up level road across the wadis and rock outcrops, the Holy Way leading pilgrims to Zion. It represents a reversal of Isaiah 33:8, 34:10 when none could pass through.

9-10 No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

“Those the Lord has rescued” – the redeemed. The immediate picture is a safe and joyful homecoming from exiled captivity. Isaiah is also seeing beyond, to the sorrow-free time of final gathering of God’s people into God’s kingdom on earth.

• For further study, see Isaiah 25:7, 51:11; Hebrews 12:22-24; Rev. 21:4.

Reflection

SUMMARY In contrast to earlier prophecies of judgment for disobedience, Isaiah shows that God has a parallel plan for a revival of His presence, a mission of salvation. The picture is like the sudden change in the desert following seasonal rain, the burning sand and inhospitable terrain greening over with growth, and hidden rivers appearing. Dormant spiritual life will be revealed in revival.

APPLICATION Desert conditions, applied to people’s spirituality, is an absence of revelation, spiritual life and organic reproduction. A lack of revelation of God is caused by a lack of faith in God — and vice versa, compounding the difficulty. People of faith who are led to find ‘the way of holiness’ through the difficult, arid terrain and to dig for hidden water, will find their faithful efforts unrewarded.

QUESTION At a time of declining church attendance and changing faith patterns, how should we be praying — and acting?

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Matthew 11:2-11— Jesus praises His forerunner, the great prophet John

Yet Jesus says the humblest born-again believer ranks higher than him

2-3 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask Him, “Are you the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

“John… in prison” – John the Baptist was imprisoned by the local Galilean ruler Herod Antipas for challenging the immoral relationship Herod had0 entered into with his half-brother’s wife, Herodias. John and his followers were confused – this captive was not set free, the “baptism of fire” had not yet occurred, Isaiah 61:1; Matt. 3:11-12. Hence the question.

4-5 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.

“Report… what you…see” – Jesus’ priority with the needy of society and miracles that have been foretold are clear indications of his identity as the Christ, or Messiah. His quotation of Isaiah 35:5-6 and 61:1 would be clear to John, without Jesus prematurely declaring who He was to others.

6 “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of Me.”

“Stumble on account of Me” – John and his disciples were shaken in their faith by expecting a more majestic kind of Messiah, and a more instant outworking of John’s prophetic words.

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

“A reed swayed” — a comparison with austere, unbending John, who cared little for public opinion; alternatively, with the politician Herod whose emblem for his coinage was a reed, like the 5m-high ones that grew on the banks of the Jordan.

8 “If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.

9 “Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

“Fine clothes… a prophet” – many who claimed to be prophets in the former kingdoms of Israel and Judah were simply courtiers supporting corrupt leadership. John intentionally positioned himself as one like Elijah – who was no establishment figure.

10 “This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send My messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

11 “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

“Born of women” – normal human birth, contrasted (by implication) with new birth into the kingdom of heaven.

“Not… anyone greater than John” – John was the last of the OT prophets and also Christ’s forerunner, a unique role. Yet any born-again believer enters new life and becomes “greater” than John as part of the atoning work of Christ, something that John only saw in a shadowy way.

Reflection

SUMMARY John’s ministry in the desert, encouraging people to be baptised as a way of sealing their repentance from sin and their re-dedication to God, gathered him a group of followers. Scripture references to the Messiah’s majestic authority were confusing, both for John and his disciples, who found it difficult to separate spiritual authority from the more familiar authority of privileged birth or exalted position. Jesus pointed them to the signs, and to Isaiah’s prophetic words about the signs, while praising John as the greatest prophet — and more.

APPLICATION Revival can be confusing for us, too, for similar reasons. We are often over-influenced by title and rank, and we look for signs of God doing what we have seen (or heard about) before, while failing to recognise new moves that do not fit ‘our’ pattern.

QUESTION Think about some possible signs of God working in unlikely areas or ways, that we may have discounted before.

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James 5:7-10 — Be patient and know the Lord’s coming is near

Keep unity of mind and voice and avoid judging others in the waiting season

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

“Autumn and spring rains” – in a dry climate, these are critical watering times, seen as signs of God’s faithfulness and blessing: autumn rain to germinate and establish, and spring rain to fill out the ear. The farmer saw the harvest coming in stages; so it is with the final harvest of the kingdom.

8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

“Be patient and stand firm” – early believers had to maintain faith while enduring cruel treatment, in the expectation of Christ’s imminent coming [parousia] when both oppressed and oppressors will receive their justice. Believers will be rewarded for their faithfulness, Proverbs 14:14, Matthew 5:12.

9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

“The Judge is… at the door” – the last days technically span any time period between Christ’s ascension and second coming and it is a time of enemy activity, exploiting tensions to incite believers to sin and open themselves up to the devil’s oppression. James warns against this temptation to sin.

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

“As an example… take the prophets” – many prophets were persecuted for their obedience in challenging the prevailing opinions of those around them, like Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah – and John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod Antipas and then executed on a whim.

• For further study, read Matthew 11:2, 14:8-12.

Reflection

SUMMARY James takes as his focus the last and final revival — awaiting Christ’s return, and how it demands from us patience and utter faithfulness to what has been promised. While the enemy will be at work, attempting to sow disquiet and judgmental attitudes, we have to guard our unity and readiness for Christ as those expecting Him any moment.

APPLICATION It can seem insincere to speak of something happening when there is a lack of ready evidence to support it. Our evidence base does exist — it is Jesus, who died, rose again to new life and reminded the disciples that everything already written about Him must still be fulfilled, before ascending to heaven. How do we maintain this position two thousand years later? If we know Jesus, we will know that there is no separation between Him and His word.

QUESTION What does living like those who know the Lord’s coming is near, look like?

PRAYER Father, at this time we look forward to celebrating Your Son’s coming, incarnate as man, into this world.

We look back, with praise and thanks, to what was a time of separation and change.

Help us to look forward to a time of even greater and more final change — when Jesus returns to rule and reign in all the world and its systems.

We know that at that time, all that does not already belong to You will be taken. And all that does belong, will be fully united and celebrated.

May Your Holy Spirit be especially active in us in this season, in our hearts and in our communities, shining His light on Jesus and leading us to bow the knee to Him in all of our ways and attitudes. Amen.

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There is a print edition available to download and photocopy on A4 paper to create an A5 folder:

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