Old Testament reading: Ezra 3-5

Doing right is always right, but it’s not always easy. Upon their return to Judea, the first order of business for Judah and Benjamin was to rebuild the temple and restore the true worship of God. Note the joy mixed with weeping among God’s people. The joy emanated from those to whom this was all fresh and new, while the weeping came from those who remembered the former glory of the first temple. Haggai consoles the weeping ones in chapter 2 of his book with the encouraging message that the glory is not in the building, but in the God who occupies the building. They did not know that the temple they were building would be the temple known to their Savior and Redeemer. Consider also their courage despite their fear and the opposition of the surrounding nations. Courage is not a lack of fear or apprehension, it is doing what is right when these are present! Work on the temple was brought to a forced, but temporary halt during the days of Ahasuerus, but restored during the reign of Darius. What caused Darius to restart this rebuilding? He searched for and found the decree of Cyrus that was written and recorded in Ezra 1:1.

New Testament reading: Revelation 1-3

Today begins the final book in our second reading of the New Testament! I hope you are as excited as I am! I love this book! Written to the seven churches of Asia, there are two churches who receive no rebuke (Smyrna & Philadelphia) and one that receives no praise (Laodicea). The four other churches are both commended and rebuked. Most of us would like to consider ourselves as members of one of those two unrebuked churches, but the odds aren’t in our favor. But I am thankful I have twice the odds to be among them as being among the one unpraiseworthy church. Some believe these churches represent in some way every type of congregation that might be found. I am not certain that this is the case, although many problems facing the church continue as they have since the earliest days. Human nature and problem remain the same since the Garden of Eden, thus we are not surprised to see the problems enumerated among the seven churches of Asia are the same as those plaguing the church today.

Old Testament reading: Ezra 1-2

Ezra picks up right where the Chronicles end, with the decree from Cyrus, king of Persia, that Judah should return home and rebuild the house of the Lord. In fact, Ezra begins with a verbatim quote from the last two verses of 2 Chronicles. Of particular interest is Cyrus’ proclamation that the Lord God of Heaven is responsible for his place as an earthly ruler. And not only did he make this a public proclamation throughout his entire kingdom, he also put it in writing so there would be no misunderstanding later on. I also find it interesting that even though Cyrus recognizes the God of heaven as his benefactor and upholder, he also recognizes that he himself is not one of God’s people (Ezra 1:3). Continuing with his benevolent disposition, Cyrus decrees that all fellow citizens contribute silver, gold and livestock to help the Jews on their way, which they willingly offered (1:6). Finally, Cyrus recovered the articles taken from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar and restored them to the returning exiles.

New Testament reading: 2-3 John, Jude

In 3 John, the apostle speaks of two very different men in one congregation. The first is Gaius, beloved of John and the recipient of the letter. What a beautiful statement John makes to him in verse 2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” If my physical health and blessings were a mirror image of my spiritual health, how healthy and prosperous would I be? Would I be bankrupt and/or in the hospital? Or would I have abundant blessings and not so much as a sniffle? On the other hand is Diotrophes, “who loves (lives?) to have preeminence among the brethren. He was a diffuser of dissent and division, a self appointed church boss who determined who could be in the church and who could not. Contrasting him with Gaius, John said, “Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” It bears noting that similar difficulties still exist today. Large families or families with a long history (e.g., “My grandfather donated the land for this building.”) can inadvertently become like Diotrophes when they do not make visitors or “outsiders” feel welcome, or when they use their strength to influence the elders or the pulpit. May we all strive to be “healthy” like beloved Gaius.

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 36

The Chronicles close with a brief overview of Judah’s final days, beginning with Pharaoh’s deposing of Jehoahaz and replacing him with his brother Eliakim (whose name was changed to Jehoakim). Egypt’s intrusion into Judah’s business was cut short by Babylon, who came down to Egypt and plundered all the goods of that nation. Jehoakim’s reign was interrupted by being carried captive to Babylon. Jehoiachin (a.k.a. Coniah/Jeconiah cf Jer 22:28-30, Matt 1:11) ruled in his stead until Zedekiah was set up as vassal. Zedekiah eventually rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, leading to the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the 70 year captivity foretold by Jeremiah (vv 17-21, cf Jer 25:9-12). They were wiped clean like a dish (2 Kings 21:13). 2 Chronicles 36:15 testifies to God’s great love and mercy for His people. Time and again He sent His servants to Judah to admonish and exhort them to repentance. The text says God sent these servants early, indicating that He did not wait until Judah was beyond salvation, “But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy” (36:16). Jehovah is not some fickle, capricious despot! He loved His people and He still loves us today! The book concludes with God’s people restored by the decree of Cyrus. As we will see in Isaiah 48, Isaiah prophesied of Cyrus by name and deed more than 150 years before he was born!

New Testament reading: 1 John

1 John is a beautiful epistle from the disciple whom Jesus loved. As we noted on Day 83, John is often called “the apostle of love,” as he used the word “love” more than any other New Testament writer. However, it should also be noted, and is seen in this reading, John is also “the apostle of truth,” as he also uses that word more than all other New Testament writers combined. This also holds true for the words “know” and “knowledge.” What is our lesson? John was not solely focused on love to the exclusion of knowledge and truth. Love without knowledge or without truth is of no benefit. Jesus testified to this fact when He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 34-35

The reign of Josiah brings marks the end of Judah’s independence. Josiah’s righteousness, coupled with his restoration and reforms simply were not enough to overcome the wickedness of Manasseh and Amon. But God was not unjust to recognize Josiah’s good heart. Though God had promised during Manasseh’s reign to wipe Judah clean as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down (2 Kings 21:13), He promised Josiah that He would not do it in his lifetime, saying, “You shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see the calamity which I shall bring to this place and its inhabitants (34:28). Josiah’s demise came when he gathered his army against Pharaoh Necho, who warned Josiah not to meddle with God, Who had commanded fight against Carchemish. Josiah did not listen, which led to his death, However, the inspired writer confirms that Pharaoh Necho did indeed speak “from the mouth of God.”

New Testament reading: 2 Peter

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). Throughout my lifelong association with the Lord’s church, with more than 30 years as a Christian and 25 of those in ministry, I have heard this passage misapplied nearly as much as any other by the brethren. When I hear this passage cited or quoted, invariably it is in the context of unity on the meaning and interpretation of Scripture or in the context of trying to refute someone who claims to have special insight into the Bible. While this is the usual meaning of word translated “interpretation,” I believe the context speaks to the origin of prophecy and not the interpretation thereof. Beginning in verse 16 Paul contrasts “cunningly devised fables” with “the prophetic word confirmed” in verse 19. Finally, verse 21 is clearly speaking of the origin of true prophecy as coming from holy men of God who were moved, that is to say, carried along by the Holy Spirit. Now, I believe that establishing the origin of genuine prophecy also includes the general use of this text. All Scripture is given by God for a specific purpose, and as such has an intended meaning which is not subject to man’s private whims.

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 32-33

Whereas the first record of Manasseh’s reign had nothing good to say of him (2 Kings 21:1-18), the Chronicler gives us a greater and better picture concerning his reign, noting Manasseh’s repentance for his wickedness and attempt to do right in the eyes of God. This repentance was “helped along” by the Assyrians, who carried away Manasseh with hooks, likely through the nose, and afflicted him in Babylon. Sometimes God just has to get our attention! We should also note Manasseh’s wickedness in 2 Chronicles 33:19, and how he offered his children as burnt sacrifices to the gods. His wickedness was unmatched in the history of Judah, even surpassing the wickedness of the nations driven from Canaan by Israel when they took possession of the land. The lesson to be learned? God accepts all men who truly repent, no matter how wicked they may have been in the past.

New Testament reading: 1 Peter

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven.” These are the words of Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:3. While much is said and disputed about the meaning of this verse, (as well as the Lord’s explanation in John 3:5), very few find their way to the verse in today’s reading that also sheds some light on the text. Peter makes a very interesting and enlightening connection with the new birth in 1 Peter 1:22-25. Note how verse 22 clearly states that our souls purified by obeying the truth. That means I have some role in the saving of my soul! Moreover, Peter continues by equating one’s obedience to the truth to being born again through the word of God. This everlasting word (v 24) is identified as “the gospel which was preached to you” (v 25). So what shall we say to all this? Let us read 1 Peter 1:22-25 in light of Romans 1:16, which says the gospel is God’s power to save. Let us read it in consideration of Mark 16:15-16, which says we must hear the preached gospel and respond to it by believing the message therein and being baptized in order to be saved. Finally, let us think of the purifying of our souls in view of Acts 22:16, wherein Saul of Tarsus was told to “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” The Bible is always the best commentary on the Bible!

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 30-31

Hezekiah’s greatness and dilignece is seen as he restored the Passover, “since they had not done it for a long time in the prescribed manner” (30:5). A sad state is seen as Hezekiah’s messengers are mocked in Ephraim, Manasseh and Zebulun. They were so far removed from God that they could not see the need to turn and serve the Lord. The Passover was kept in the second month as opposed to the first, which testifies to the mercy of God when people want to do right (cf Num 9:6-14). God made an exception as opposed to making Judah wait an entire year to observe the Passover.

New Testament reading: James

“Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort.” So says the Methodist Book of Discipline, Articles of Religion, IX. Our Methodist friends are not the only ones who so claim. Can a man be saved by faith only? James is clear from the outset in his discourse on faith and works that faith alone is insufficient to save anyone: “What does it profit my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” James answers this question with (another) rhetorical question: “Can faith save him?” (2:14). In verse 17 the matter is addressed again: “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Why do so many people find this so hard to understand? James even provides two examples of those who had faith, but were not saved until their faith prompted them to act, most notably Abraham. According to James, Abraham was not justified by his faith alone, but also by his works when he offered up Isaac on the altar. James 2:23 is one of the most important verses in the New Testament to refute the error of salvation by faith only. Many point to Romans 4:3 in defense of this error: “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (cf Gen 15:6). “You see there?” they say, “Abraham was made righteous as soon as he believed God.” But James 2:23 answers this error, noting Genesis 15:6 was not fulfilled when Abraham believed, but when he obeyed (did works). James follows that clear statement with one more that should forever bring this matter to a close – “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” That, my friends, is “ungetaroundable!”

DAY 169

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 27-29

“Like father, not quite like son.” Jotham was the son of good king Uzziah, whose reign is recorded in chapter 28. Uzziah, like his father Amaziah, allowed his pride to get the best of him. Uzziah transgressed against the Lord by entering the temple and offering incense. For this sin he became a leper. However, Jotham did not fall prey to his fathers’ errors. Rather, he “became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God” (27:6). In chapter 28 we find Ahaz, who “bought a pig in a poke” with the king of Assyria (28:16-21). Worse still, the more Ahaz was distressed, the more unfaithful he became (28:22). Our troubles should drive us TO God, not AWAY from Him. Chapter 29 reintroduces us to Hezekiah, one of the greatest kings in Judah’s storied history. Hezekiah’s actions remind us that in order to properly serve the Lord, we must remove the garbage, as it took Hezekiah 16 days to get the temple ready to observe the Passover (29:17).

New Testament reading: Hebrews 8-13

“Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb 10:25). This is perhaps the most well known and oft-used verse on the need to be present for the worship assemblies. However, I do not believe the “day” here refers to Sunday. Rather, I believe it refers to the destruction of Jerusalem. Thus, in addition to the purpose of worship on the Lord’s Day, brethren were to be faithful to assemblies that they might be reminded of the signs of the coming of the Son of Man (Matt 24:30). Those who would forsake the assembly would soon forget to be watchful for these signs. In missing them, would fall prey to destruction wrought by the Romans upon Jerusalem and the surrounding region. We assemble today for these same purposes. First, we assemble to worship God as He has commanded and because He is worthy to be praised (cf Ps 18:3). Also, we are diligent to assemble to be reminded that a day is coming when Jesus shall return to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). Therefore, we must be diligent to be found by Him without spot and blameless (2 Pet 3:14). Those who forsake the assembly forget about this day and do not maintain their preparation for it.

Old Testament reading 2 Chronicles 25-26

Amaziah “did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart.” Like his father before him, Amaziah got off to a great start in his reign, but he later forsook the Lord. He appears to be a man of measured emotions, as his first act of rule was to execute those who murdered his father, but he did not extend his wrath upon the children of the perpetrators, in keeping with Deuteronomy 24:16. He was also willing to suffer financial loss that he might please God (25:6-10). Of interest to me was Amaziah’s apostasy regarding the gods of Seir. Having already defeated them with God’s help, he took their gods as his own. A prophet of God was sent to him saying, “Why have you sought the gods of the people which could not rescue them from your own hand?” The king insulted the prophet saying, ‘Did I hire you as my counselor? Be quiet before something bad happens to you.’ Filled with an inflated sense of pride, Amaziah “meets his Waterloo” when he picks a fight with Joash, king of Israel, who had warned him to stay at home and enjoy the spoils of his victory (25:19).

New Testament reading: Hebrews 1-7

“He’s no angel.” While the general use of this phrase implies that an individual is of less than stellar character, the Holy Spirit uses this thought to exalt Jesus. Throughout chapters 1-2 we see repeated comparisons between the Lord Jesus and angelic beings. In Hebrews 1:4 Jesus is said to be “so much better than the angels, as he by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Then in the next verse He is again separated apart from and above the angels, as no angel was ever identified as a Son of God as was Jesus. Hebrews 1:7-9 identifies the angels as ministering spirits, servants, but comes right out and calls Jesus God (cf John 1:1). This text in particular is problematic to Jehovah Witnesses, who believe Jesus is not Divine in the normal sense, but is Michael the archangel promoted to Deity. Verse 10 calls Him Lord and the architect of the Creation. Verses 11-12 speak of the temporal nature of the Creation while identifying Jesus as “the same” (i.e., unchanging, cf Heb 13:8). Finally, in 1:13-14, we again see Jesus juxtaposed in contrast to the angels, who are again identified as ministers to man while Jesus sits on the right hand of the throne of God.

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 23-24

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Pro 22:6). When I read the account of Joash, I am reminded that the statements found in the Proverbs, such as that just cited, are truisms. That is, they are not hard and fast laws, but rather have been proven to be generally true as a rule. Saved by his sister from the murderous reign of Athalia, Joash became king at age 7. The key to his success as king is seen in 2 Chronicles 24:2 – “Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” Unfortunately for Joash, Jehoiada did not live to the end of his reign. When Jehoiada died, Joash not only forsook the Lord, but also murdered Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada his faithful counselor. Zechariah’s crime? He had been sent by the Lord to rebuke Joash for his apostasy. Whereas in times past God had defeated Judah’s enemies with the faithful few routing the many, God worked this in reverse against Joash. A small company of Syrians defeated a very great army of Judah, “because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers” (24:24). Thus, the child Joash was trained in the way that he should go, but when he was old, he did depart from it. This does not negate or contradict God’s word in Proverbs 22:6, but reminds us not be too quick to assume failure on the part of parents or guardians when a child goes astray in adulthood.

New Testament reading: Titus, Philemon

“You can take it to the bank.” Paul’s opening statement to Titus reminds us that we can “take to the bank” the declarative statements of God. Paul’s letter to Titus begins with these words, “In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began.” No wonder Paul said of him, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen to the glory of God through us” (2 Cor 1:20). The Hebrews writer also described this same hope of eternal life “as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Heb 6:19). Why is this hope so strong and sure? Because it is impossible for God to lie (Heb 6:18). Thus, we affirm the validity and surety of like statements of God, e.g., “he who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). This is not a command, it is a promise. Believe it!

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 20-22

The prayer of Jehoshaphat (20:5-12). This is a most moving text in light of the circumstances. The king offered up this prayer in the sight of all of Judah (v 4). Speaking of the enemies of God and His people, Jehoshaphat closed with these words: “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; or do we know what do, for our eyes are upon You.” What followed was “the greatest victory never fought.” God’s enemies were destroyed before their eyes without Judah so much as drawing a sword (20:14-25).

New Testament reading: 2 Timothy

It is a beautiful thing to witness families who have produced several generations of gospel preachers. I think of the families of Wendell Winkler and Jerry Jenkins and others who have a legacy of producing faithful gospel preachers, with each generation preaching the same timeless truths as the one before. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul gives the following charge: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” In this text we find four “generations” of preachers. First, there is Paul who beget Timothy, his “true son in the faith (1 Tim 1:2). Then there is second generation Timothy committing these same truths to the third generation of preachers, who in turn will be able to teach others (fourth generation) also. In reality, we might even consider Paul as being not the first, but the second generation, since he was taught by direct revelation of Christ Himself (cf Gal 1:11-12). Finally, this procession of preachers refutes the commonly held error that men can preach differing doctrines with all of them being faithful to God. Paul taught exactly what he had learned from Jesus. He taught these same things “in every church” (1 Cor 4:17). Timothy would have heard only one doctrine coming from Paul, so Timothy would have heard and believed exactly what Jesus taught Paul. Paul said to “commit these things” to faithful men who would teach others also. All four generations in this verse would have been taught and believed the exact same doctrine. Paul had earlier charged Timothy to warn some “that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Tim 1:3). There is only one truth to be taught and believed.