Old Testament reading: Jonah

Jonah is a most interesting character. His is one of the great Bible stories we teach to our children, yet Jonah certainly isn’t a preacher to be held up for commendation and emulation. However, before we are too quick to condemn the prophet, let’s consider the circumstances in which he was called to Nineveh. You recall from Amos 1-2 (Day 341) of the Assyrians’ (Nineveh was the Assyrian capital) practice of carrying away their captives with nose hooks. Jonah was told to “go to Nineveh… and cry out against it” (1:2). Let’s be honest, if you knew what Jonah knew about the Assyrians, would you be in a hurry to go into the middle of that massive city and cry out that God was about to overthrow the city because of her extreme wickedness? Now, I’m not excusing Jonah’s actions as he fled for Tarshish, but sometimes I think we are too quick to condemn the actions or sins of some Bible characters without giving due consideration to the circumstances. In the British Museum there is a stone relief of some of the atrocities of the Assyrians committed during this time period. Go to the link http://burlesonchurchofchrist.com/trustyourbible/slideshow.htm and see slide numbers 20-23.

New Testament reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

“Let elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Tim 5:17). The word here translated “honor” means a value or a price paid. It is a financial term in this context, as we see earlier in verses 3-10 how the church is to financially support (“honor” – v 3) some widows when their families are unable or unwilling to do so. Thus, elders who labor full time for the church are worthy of “double honor,” meaning the brethren should not only provide his necessities, but also enough for a comfortable living. I fear we have missed the need for the true work of an elder and in its place laid upon our preachers the work the Lord intended for the local shepherds. Perhaps if we were more diligent in taking care of things at home, and making sure every part does its share (Eph 4:16) the church would truly grow and prosper as God intends.

Old Testament reading: Obadiah

When I read this powerful little book, I am reminded of Cain’s response to God after killing his brother, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). The answer was, Yes, he should have been his brother’s keeper! Instead, Abel’s blood cried to the Lord from the ground. “What does this have to do with Obadiah?” you ask? Obadiah is a message of God’s judgment upon Edom. Edom is Esau (Gen 36:1), and Israel (Jacob) was his younger brother (Obad 1:10, cf Gen 25:21ff). When Jerusalem was being destroyed, Edom did not help his brother. Rather, he stood afar off from his lofty habitation (v 3) and gazed down (i.e., gloated) on his brother’s calamity and destruction (vv 12-13). Worse still, he stood in the crossroads to cut of those who were trying to escape, going so far as to capture those who were trying to escape and handing them over to the Babylonians (v 14). Israel’s blood shed by Edom cried out to the Lord from the ground. In response, God declares the complete destruction of Edom. In verse 5, the prophet says, “even a thief doesn’t take everything and grape gatherers leave a few grapes behind, but there will be nothing left of you when I am finished.’ Yes, friend, we are our brother’s keeper!

New Testament reading: 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy 1-3

Who is the “man of sin” in 2 Thessalonians 2? I, along with many more studied men than myself, cannot help but conclude this “son of perdition” is not a reference to a specific man, but rather to an office, specifically, the Roman Catholic papacy. Consider the text — The man of sin could not be revealed before the great falling away (apostasy – v 3). The papacy was not formalized until the early 7^th century, well after the apostasy of the Lord’s church was well developed. The man of sin exalts himself as God and presumes to sit in the temple (church) as God (v 4). Catholicism calls the pope the Vicar of Christ, claiming he sits as Christ Himself on an earthly throne over the church. He accepts man’s worship as God, though the apostle Peter, whom Catholics claim was the first pope, rejected man’s worship (Acts 10:25-26). The man of sin was being restrained (vv 6-7), in this case by the Roman government. Rome fell in A.D. 476 and Boniface III claimed the papacy in A.D. 606. Is this all nothing but coincidence? (see www.christiancourier.com – A Study of Paul’s Man of Sin)

Old Testament reading: Amos 8-9

Israel is a basket of summer fruit. Of this description, I believe Adam Clarke’s comments are compelling given the circumstances in Israel and the general tenor of the book. Clarke notes that summer fruit is not only the last harvest of the season, it is also unfit for preservation. Thus, Israel is ripe for destruction as the recipient of God’s wrath. There’s also a well known phrase, at least among preaching circles, in Amos 8:11 – “I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Many believe this phrase applies to the people’s unwillingness to hear God’s word, but this is not correct. Rather, God is going to cease the sending of His prophets to preach to the people. Verse 12 shows this to be the case, as the people would wander all over, running to and fro seeking the word of the Lord, but not finding it. Amos 9:2 closes this great book with words similar to those in Psalm 139:8, but there is a great difference in the intent of each author. In Psalm 139 David is extolling the greatness of God concerning the comfort of His omnipresence, whereas in Amos 9 the prophet is saying, “You cannot escape God when His wrath comes upon you.” Thus, the omnipresence of God comforts the faithful and vexes the wicked.

New Testament reading: 1 Thessalonians

“Come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9). Being forbidden by God to preach in Asia, Paul and his company were directed to Macedonia to preach the gospel there. There was something special about the people of this region. Thessalonica was a chief city in Macedonia, and Paul commended these particular brethren as great examples of faith to all who were in Macedonia and Achaia (1 Th 1:6-10). Philippi was also a part of this region to the east, and they were among his most beloved brethren. Then there are the noble Bereans to the west (Acts 17:10-11). Remember the “noble” distinction applies to the Jews and not the people in general (see Day 319). Paul repeatedly commended the Macedonians in general for their faith and their great generosity (2 Cor 8-9). There are just some places where the people in general are particularly special.  Unfortunately, the opposite is also true (Titus 1:12-13)!

Old Testament reading: Amos 6-7

“Woe to you who are at ease in Zion!” The prophet condemns both nations for their lack of concern for spiritual matters. The people of Israel and Judah were on religious auto-pilot. They did not consider their idleness or the coming judgment of God (vv 3-8). In this text is an interesting condemnation of those who “invent for yourselves musical instruments like David.” Adam Clarke unashamedly points to this text as proof that David was not authorized by God to introduce instrumental music into the temple worship. Moses certainly never authorized such into the worship of Israel. I have often asked of those who point to David in defense of their use in worship, “Can you name another place in the Bible where a good thing is used as a condemning example?” I have yet to receive a reply or defense. In Amos 7:7-8 we find the famous plumb line. A plumb line is a string with a weight attached to one end. It is held from a roof or elevated position to measure or ensure verticality in building a wall. Gravity doesn’t lie; the plumb line is always true. God’s plumb line is His word. All words or deeds must be measured against it (cf Col 3:17).

New Testament reading: Colossians

I don’t know about you, but too many times I get caught up in aggravation or a mild pity party if I allow myself to think about a perceived lack of recognition for any service rendered to the church or community. Paul has the remedy for such in Colossians 3:23-34, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.” I’ve gotta remember whom I’m serving. If a lack of notoriety is a problem for me, I am likely serving the wrong person. Jesus warned against such in Matthew 6:1-4. However, I don’t have to sound a trumpet to make my deeds known to other. I can “toot my own horn” by nonchalantly mentioning my deeds in casual conversation or somehow insert such into some story I’m telling. The Hebrews writer reminds us that God is not unrighteous to forget any work and labor of love that we show toward his name. So let us be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, for our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Old Testament reading: Amos 4-5

“Come to Bethel and transgress” (Amos 4:4). Bethel was a place of worship in the northern kingdom, being one of two locations of Jeroboam’s golden calves (cf 1 Kings 12:28-29). This is the reason for Amos’ mention of the “cows of Bashan on the mountain of Samaria” in verse 1. They brought their burnt offerings and tithes, all to no avail. The Lord would say, “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I do not savor your sacred assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them” (5:21-22). God does not accept worship simply because it is offered. It escapes the understanding of many that one may actually sin in the act of worship. Examples of such include Cain (Gen 4), Nadab & Abihu (Lev 10), and Saul (1 Sam 13). True worshipers worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). In this condemnation, the prophet foretells of the ways of the Assyrians, who put fish hooks through the noses of their captives and marched them into captivity (cf Isa 37:29). In Amos 5:18-20 the prophet says there will be no escape, “It will be as though a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him! Or as though he went into the house, leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him” (v 19).

New Testament reading: Philippians

In the first nine verses of Philippians 4 are found what I call “The Keys to Joy.” There is one key in every verse: 1. Joy comes from having a steadfast faith (cf 1 Cor 15:58); 2. Joy comes from being of one mind with my brethren (cf Psa 133:1-3); 3. Joy comes from knowing my name is in the Book of Life (cf Rev 3:4-5); 4. Joy comes from the ability to rejoice in every circumstance (cf Phil 1:12-18); 5. Joy comes from recognizing the nearness of the Lord (cf Heb 13:5); 6. Joy comes from the opportunity and  ability to live without worry (cf Matt 6:25-34); 7. Joy comes from the opportunity and ability to live at peace (cf John 14:27, 16:33); 8. Joy comes when I set my mind on worthy things (cf Col 3:1-2); 9. Joy comes in finding a good example and following it (cf Phil 3:17; 1 Peter 2:21-23). In a world filled with sorrow, Christians have the great blessing of being able to live in joy!

Old Testament reading: Amos 1-3

Amos begins with a pronouncement of God’s judgment on seven nations: Syria (Damascus), Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah and Israel. Each declaration is marked by the phrase, “for three transgressions… and for four.” The number three indicates fullness, and the adding of a fourth indicates an overflow. Thus, three transgressions are a fullness of iniquity, but four marks an overflow of wickedness. In using this terminology, God was actually declaring His great mercy to show Himself not as some fickle, capricious Deity who delights in punishing the slightest sin. Among the most well known phrases in the book is Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Most understand the prophet to speak of the need for unity of mind and purpose between the people and God. But this is the first of a series of rhetorical questions that more likely speaks to the unity between the prophet and God. Concluding these questions in verse 6, the prophet points to himself as God’s servant who speaks when the lion (God) roars. God was roaring against the seven nations, and no one took note or feared. Amos said, “The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” (3:8). It was Amos and the Lord who were walking together in verse 3.

New Testament reading: Ephesians 4-6

“‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise” (Eph 6:2). Paul quotes the fifth commandment in the Decalogue, noting it is the first given with a Divine promise attached, namely, well being and long life. I believe this promise is fulfilled by the actions of the children who see how their own parents treat their grandparents. When children see their own parents sacrifice and take care of the grandparents in their old age and various needs, they are taught by example to do the same for their own. Thus, honoring father and mother is an act that is done not only in youth but also throughout middle age. We are never at liberty to dishonor our parents (cf Lev 19:32, Isa 3:5). In fact, we honor God when we honor our parents at every stage of life.

Old Testament reading: Joel

Joel is a power packed little book! So many great pictures, statements and lessons! Joel was written after God had sent a plague of locusts upon Judah (“My great army”-2:25). In Joel 1:8 God pictures the sorrow Judah should express for her sin, “like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.” Imagine the unspeakable and inconsolable grief of a young bride whose husband-to-be dies on their wedding day! Joel 2:13 contains a cutting rebuke to those who merely feign remorse for sin. The rending of one’s garments was a sign of great grief or distress (cf Gen 37:29, 34). We see Joel 2:13 at work in the actions of the high priest in Matthew 26:65. The phrase condemns those who shed crocodile tears. Joel 2:28-32 is the great prophecy of Pentecost, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17-21. Of note also is that the fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 marks the inauguration of “the last days.” Anyone who thinks we are entering or about to enter “the last days” need to be pointed to these two texts. Finally, Joel 3:14 is a text often used in the invitation to invite people to make a positive decision to follow the Lord. However, I believe the latter half of the verse indicates that the decision has already been made to the destruction of the multitudes, for “the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” “The day of the Lord” is synonymous with God’s wrath and judgment.

New Testament reading: Ephesians 1-3

“When you read, you may understand my knowledge” (Eph 3:4). The gospel of Christ, here identified as “the mystery of Christ,” was made known to Paul by direct revelation of Jesus Christ (cf Gal 1:11-12). Paul wrote down these things for the Ephesians with the understanding that, when they read his writings, they also would have the same knowledge as he. Contrast this with the Gnosticism of that day or with the Catholicism of the last 1500 years. These groups purported to have special knowledge that they withheld from the people to hold sway over their faith. Paul, a true apostle of God, never wanted his hearers to know less than he did. Rather, he encouraged them to read so that the mystery would be known by all. From this we also learn that we can understand the Bible and God’s intended message in it.

Old Testament reading: Hosea 11-14

“This is going to hurt me a whole lot worse than it does you.” As a child I remember this line being used on TV before a parent was about to discipline his child. Usually it was in a comedic situation and the child would have some humorous response. My parents never used this line with me, and Rhonda and I never used it with ours. However, the statement is true for any godly parent. It pains us to discipline our children! The same is true with God. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Eze 18:23), neither does He find joy in disciplining His children. This truth is nowhere more magnificently illustrated than in Hosea 11, and in verse 8 specifically – “How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?” Israel’s stubborn rebellion must at last be punished. They will be taken into captivity, never to be a nation again. Yet, God’s heart churned within Him. He was distraught at the thought of sending His children away. But it had to be done, lest His holiness and justice be diminished by His sympathies. Israel’s destruction would be complete, as evidenced by the reference to Admah and Zoboiim. These were two cities of the plain that were destroyed alongside Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 14:2, 8).

New Testament reading: Galatians 4-6

One of the most destructive doctrines in religion today is the impossibility of apostasy, a.k.a., “once saved, always saved.” This error cannot be reconciled with Galatians 5:4, wherein the inspired apostle wrote, “You have become estranged from Christ…” This letter was written “to the churches of Galatia” (1:2), i.e., Christians. People who are estranged from one another have no relationship. Researching other translations all finds similar terminology: “severed from Christ” (ESV, NASB), “alienated from Christ” (Holman, NIV). How can Christians become estranged, severed, or alienated from Christ and still be saved? The final nail in the coffin is the verb form utilized by Paul in saying, “you have fallen from grace.” Paul was not warning of a danger of falling from grace, but rather spoke of it as an already accomplished fact. Can someone be fallen from grace and still be saved?

Old Testament reading: Hosea 7-10

There are a number of notable quotes in today’s reading. First, the prophet condemns Ephraim (Israel) as one who “mixed himself among the peoples” and “a cake not turned” (7:8). This “mixing” refers to Israel’s failure to remain a distinct people, being indistinguishable from their pagan neighbors (cf Ps 106:35). “A cake not turned” refers to the practice of covering a lump of dough with coals and then turning it to cook evenly. Being unturned, Israel was scorched on one side and raw on the other, unfit to eat and beyond correction. Second, we find the commonly known, (though most likely don’t know it comes from the Bible), “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind” (8:7). One always expects to reap more than he sows. In sowing the sinful seeds of idolatry and apostasy, Israel would reap far more than she anticipated. Our final quote comes from Hosea 10:8. The text describes the helplessness of Samaria (Israel) as they are carried into captivity, “They shall say to the mountains, “Cover us!” and to the hills, “Fall on us!” This verse is quoted by Jesus in Luke 23:30 as He foretold the destruction of Jerusalem. It is also quoted by John in the same context in Revelation 6:16-17.

New Testament reading: Galatians 1-3

“My, how time flies!” One thing that is often overlooked in the Bible record, and particularly in the book of Acts, are the leaps in time from one passage to the next. We see Paul make mention of two time periods in today’s reading. The first is in Galatians 1:15-18, wherein Paul dates his conversion and his first trip to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles. Thus, there are three years between Paul’s conversion in Acts 9 and his journey to Jerusalem in Acts 11:29-30. A whole year went by in Acts 11:26 alone. The second is seen in Galatians 2:1, where Paul mentions that 14 years passed before he returned to Jerusalem. This trip is recorded in Acts 15, where Paul and Barnabas had to go to Jerusalem to confer with the apostles and elders concerning those who had come to Antioch and were teaching that the Law of Moses must be observed if one would be saved (Acts 15:1, 5; Gal 2:4). So we have 14 years of work recorded in Acts 13-14. (Other “leaps in Acts” include 18:11; 19:8-10; and 24:27.)

Old Testament reading: Hosea 4-6

 The prophet opens today’s reading with a legal term in Hosea 4:1, “For the Lord brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land.” These charges include false swearing, lying, adultery, and repeated bloodshed. When the Lord brings the charges, we can rest assured it’s an open and shut case. Hosea 4:6 is the most well-known verse in all the book, and particularly this one line, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Looking at the verse, there are several things that stand out to me. First is the Lord’s identification of Israel as “My people.” Israel had been in apostasy for 150 years, yet God still considered them as His people. Perhaps there is a lesson for us regarding how harshly we deal with our own brethren. Second, the “lack of knowledge” in verse 6 is not simple ignorance. Rather, it is a total rejection of God and His word. It wasn’t as if they couldn’t know what God wanted, they adamantly refused to hear it. Not that ignorance is an excuse, but it will be better to be found in ignorance in the Judgment than in rebellion (cf Luke 12:47-48).

New Testament reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13

The question invariably arises when most folks read 2 Corinthians 12, “What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?” We know his “messenger from Satan” was connected to his vision of verses 1-6. However, the exact time frame is unknown, as Paul was not specific when he said “above (more than) fourteen years ago” (KJV). The incident was not connected to Paul’s stoning at Lystra when he was left for dead, as that event took place in the more recent past. Concerning the identification of Paul’s thorn in the flesh, there is no consensus. We are led to believe that Paul suffered from poor eyesight throughout his ministry (Gal 4:15, 6:11). We also know that Paul dictated his letters (Rom 16:22), with the salutation alone written in his own hand as a sign of authenticity (2 Thes 3:17, 1 Cor 16:21, Col 4:18). While the aforementioned vision took place in the early days of his work according to Paul’s own timeframe, to definitively identify Paul’s thorn with his bad eyesight would be imprudent. Like Jesus writing in the dirt (John 8:6), some things will not be known this side of eternity.