Isaiah 35

What a smile.

Isaiah 35  

SATURDAY  Reflections

In the Messiah's kingdom, there will be no sorrow and all will be made right. This chapter is offering this comfort to the righteous who are hearing about God's judgment. For those that serve God, His coming is not a thing to fear but a time to rejoice in. Even death isn't anything to fear. As Paul says in Philippians 1:21 to die is a gain for the believer.

A wonderful promise for believers is also found in the last verse of this chapter. "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" (NIV).   

Isa 35:1-10
(1)  The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
(2)  It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.
(3)  Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
(4)  Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
(5)  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
(6)  Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
(7)  And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
(8)  And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
(9)  No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:
(10)  And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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Job 30

The poor are shunned... 

Job 30  

 FRIDAY  Reflections

As Job looks over his past when things were going well he made note that those around him listened to him. Now Job says everything has changed. Job laments that everyone has left and deserted him. It’s hard to argue. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die (not much help there). His friends continue to tell him he must be a wicked person, though they knew him before and should have known better.

In my commentary on the previous chapter, I quoted Solomon's words "Wealth attracts many friends"(Proverbs 19:4a) and “the rich have many friends.” (Proverbs 14:20b). If you noticed I quoted only part of those verses. I did this so I could reveal the complete verses today. They are “The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends” (Proverbs 14:20) and “Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them” (Proverbs 19:4). Ouch! 

Very often those that lose their wealth, fame, and power often find themselves without anyone. This is where Job was. It isn’t a pretty place. Often a person will find themselves here because of their own actions, but as we are reminded here in Job, this isn’t always the case. 

The one truth we can trust is God knows what is really going on. He can forgive and will make things right though not always when we want or even always in this life.

Job 30:1  But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock. 

Job 30:2  Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished? 

Job 30:3  For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste. 

Job 30:4  Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat. 

Job 30:5  They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;) 

Job 30:6  To dwell in the clifts of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks. 

Job 30:7  Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together. 

Job 30:8  They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth. 

Job 30:9  And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword. 

Job 30:10  They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face. 

Job 30:11  Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me. 

Job 30:12  Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction. 

Job 30:13  They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper. 

Job 30:14  They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me. 

Job 30:15  Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud. 

Job 30:16  And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me. 

Job 30:17  My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest. 

Job 30:18  By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat. 

Job 30:19  He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes. 

Job 30:20  I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. 

Job 30:21  Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me. 

Job 30:22  Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance. 

Job 30:23  For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living. 

Job 30:24  Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave, though they cry in his destruction. 

Job 30:25  Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor? 

Job 30:26  When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness. 

Job 30:27  My bowels boiled, and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me. 

Job 30:28  I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation. 

Job 30:29  I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls. 

Job 30:30  My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat. 

Job 30:31  My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep. 

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Acts 10

Act 2 talk about tongues of fire,
 now the tongues, at least, are back

Acts 10  

THURSDAY  Reflections

In this chapter, we see God clearly teaching the early church that Gentiles were to be part of the people of God without having to become converts to Judaism. There are two clear signs. The first is a vision to Peter to teach him God can purify what Jewish law called unclean. The second was the gift of tongues as was seen on the day of Pentecost.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:22, tongues were a sign to the unbeliever. Though followers of Christ, the Jews, who had come with Peter, were not convinced gentiles could be saved. In this, those Jews were unbelievers. Tongues were a sign from God they understood because they had experienced the same in Acts 2. Tongues in Acts 2 was a language spoken in the world but unknown to the speaker (not a so-called prayer language).

In the previous chapter, God prepared the man who would be the primary missionary to the Gentiles. In this chapter, God is preparing the church to accept the members Paul would eventually bring in. For most reading, we can be thankful for God opening the door. 

Act 10:1-48
(1)  There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
(2)  A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
(3)  He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
(4)  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
(5)  And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
(6)  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
(7)  And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
(8)  And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
(9)  On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
(10)  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
(11)  And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
(12)  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
(13)  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
(14)  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
(15)  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
(16)  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
(17)  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
(18)  And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
(19)  While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
(20)  Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
(21)  Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
(22)  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
(23)  Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
(24)  And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
(25)  And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
(26)  But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
(27)  And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
(28)  And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
(29)  Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
(30)  And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
(31)  And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
(32)  Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
(33)  Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
(34)  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
(35)  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
(36)  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
(37)  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
(38)  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
(39)  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
(40)  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
(41)  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
(42)  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
(43)  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
(44)  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
(45)  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(46)  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
(47)  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
(48)  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

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Psalm 28

Like waiting to die.

Psalm 28  

WEDNESDAY  Reflections

What are we without God?

We are little more than people waiting to die.

The psalmist starts his prayer for help with the acknowledgment that without God answering they are no better than those who are waiting to die. This is true. We are all going to die, no matter how young, how rich, how powerful, we are all going to die. If that is all there is then life can be very pointless. The Psalmist says that without God answering then that is all their life is, waiting to die.

However, with God, there is so much more. Yes, we may die and we may die in a way many consider worthless or a waste, but if God is our Lord then we have hope. Hope in this life and in the next.

Yes without God it's hopeless, but we aren't without God. So we can rejoice and praise the Lord.

Psa 28:1-9

(1)  A Psalm of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

(2)  Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

(3)  Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

(4)  Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

(5)  Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

(6)  Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

(7)  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

(8)  The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

(9)  Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

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Exodus 22

Kill the witches?

Exodus  22

TUESDAY  Reflections

In the middle of the laws, God gave the children of Israel is the command to kill any witches found living among the children of Israel. This to some seems sexist or especially cruel to some today. However, when looked at in the context of the history all of the claims fall flat.

For the claim that the Israelites were being sexist, many scholars believe that at the time of this writing women were the ones who were primarily involved in witchcraft. However, as we see in  Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6; Leviticus 20:27, and Deuteronomy 18:10-11 any person involved in witchcraft was to be killed. This is not a sexist comment, but a comment which the people of the time would understand. The only supernatural force Israel was supposed to look to was God.

The idea that killing those who practice witchcraft was cruel deals with a different issue. For the nation of Israel, which was supposed to worship God alone, anyone worshipping another god was also supposed to be killed (verse 20). By practicing witchcraft an Israelite was forsaking God and His power and submitting to another. Thus in a very real sense, they were worshipping another god in Israel was a capital offense.

The reason we most today get bent out of shape is that we really don’t believe in witches. As C. S. Lewis put it, “It may be a great advance in knowledge not to believe in witches: there is no moral advance in not executing them when you do not think they are there.”[1]

---

[1] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Exo 22:1-31
(1)  If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
(2)  If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
(3)  If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
(4)  If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
(5)  If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
(6)  If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
(7)  If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
(8)  If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.
(9)  For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
(10)  If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
(11)  Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
(12)  And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
(13)  If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.
(14)  And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
(15)  But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be an hired thing, it came for his hire.
(16)  And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.
(17)  If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
(18)  Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
(19)  Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.
(20)  He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
(21)  Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
(22)  Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
(23)  If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;
(24)  And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
(25)  If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
(26)  If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
(27)  For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.
(28)  Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
(29)  Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
(30)  Likewise shalt thou do with thine oxen, and with thy sheep: seven days it shall be with his dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me.
(31)  And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.

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Exodus 21

Eye for an Eye

Exodus  21

MONDAY  Reflections

Today we look at what many have seen as the awful demands of the Old Testament, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, in God's plan of justice for Israel (Exodus 21:23-24).

 

It may seem extreme but in times past people did not get equal justice. A tooth was lost and someone with greater power took a hand. A life was taken and the criminal’s entire family was wiped out. What God called for here seems radical in a culture that has been taught the value of mercy, but in this time the law was revenge, not equal justice. What God called for was equal treatment for everyone, no matter their station in life. It was a radical concept at its time and maybe still is today. 

 

The truth is, most people then and now don't want an eye for an eye. You took fifty dollars, I want a hundred. You embarrassed me in front of a few I want to destroy you in front of thousands. You attacked me, now I want to destroy your entire family or nation.

 

What God demanded then was a concept of fair retribution for wrongs in the context of their day. It was preparation for a more radical idea, mercy.

 

Look at your own life. Do you want what is fair when you are mistreated? or do you want more? Are you willing to go further and extend something else? to give what Jesus gave? Mercy? 

Exo 21:1-36

(1)  Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.

(2)  If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.

(3)  If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.

(4)  If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

(5)  And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:

(6)  Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

(7)  And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.

(8)  If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.

(9)  And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.

(10)  If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.

(11)  And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.

(12)  He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.

(13)  And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.

(14)  But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

(15)  And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.

(16)  And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

(17)  And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

(18)  And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:

(19)  If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

(20)  And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.

(21)  Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.

(22)  If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

(23)  And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

(24)  Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

(25)  Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

(26)  And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.

(27)  And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.

(28)  If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.

(29)  But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

(30)  If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.

(31)  Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.

(32)  If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

(33)  And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;

(34)  The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.

(35)  And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.

(36)  Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.

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Isaiah 34

Isaiah 34  

SATURDAY  Reflections

This chapter is filled with words of judgment against all the nations which have stood against God’s plan. The words are harsh and vengeful. Yet it is important to remember God had given these nations a long time to change. To those who want to see a God of vengeance and spite one could see it here. However, when you consider the patience of God and his willingness to forgive, this isn’t a god of vengeance. However, when you see His justice on behalf of those who have been mistreated then you realize a God who never recompenses evil isn’t really good.

The lesson we can learn here is God will bring judgment and it will not be enjoyable for those who have fought against Zion (what God has chosen). God’s judgment is a sure and fixed event. It has happened to others in the past and it will happen again.  

Isa 34:1-17
(1)  Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.
(2)  For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.
(3)  Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.
(4)  And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
(5)  For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.
(6)  The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
(7)  And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.
(8)  For it is the day of the LORD'S vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.
(9)  And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
(10)  It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
(11)  But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.
(12)  They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.
(13)  And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.
(14)  The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
(15)  There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
(16)  Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.
(17)  And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.

Job 29

Wealth has one great problem: friends.

Job 29

FRIDAY  Reflections

As Job looks over his past when things were going well he made note that those around him listened to him. We don't know if everyone there was only there because Job had wealth but as I read this I am reminded of Solomon's words "Wealth attracts many friends"(Proverbs 19:4a) and “the rich have many friends.” (Proverbs 14:20b).

Now not all friends are friends because of money and/or fame, but one must guard against it. For me at this time in my life, our lack of wealth (at least in this culture) means I don’t doubt the friendship of those around me. People who come to church aren’t hoping that we will be giving them something, because there is little to give.

Am I saying that those with wealth, fame, or power can’t have solid friends? No, but I am saying that perhaps it may be easier for those who don’t. There is at least, one less concern.

So, what is the lesson? It is a reminder that not everyone is drawn to you for the right motive. We will discover what happens when things change in the next chapter.  

Job 29:1-25

(1)  Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

(2)  Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;

(3)  When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;

(4)  As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;

(5)  When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;

(6)  When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;

(7)  When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!

(8)  The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.

(9)  The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.

(10)  The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

(11)  When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:

(12)  Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.

(13)  The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

(14)  I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.

(15)  I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.

(16)  I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

(17)  And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

(18)  Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.

(19)  My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.

(20)  My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.

(21)  Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.

(22)  After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.

(23)  And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.

(24)  If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.

(25)  I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Acts 9

Acts 9  

THURSDAY  Reflections

Acts 9 is a high moment in the life of the church as its greatest opponent will become its greatest proponent. Saul, who will change his name to Paul, took the apostolic ministry to places others might never have traveled. He was used by God to write many of the New Testament books.

The question that might be asked is, why did Jesus use such a dramatic method to convert Saul of Tarsus. Some, and maybe rightly so, believe Saul would never have converted if he had not witnessed the risen Christ. This may be true but Jesus has used less radical methods to convert people just as bad as Saul.

Jesus might have appeared to him to prepare him for the apostolic work of being a witness to the resurrected Christ. This is true but I don’t believe it is the only reason. Paul uses his witnessing of the resurrected Christ to confirm his position as an apostle so this reason can’t be dismissed.

However, I think the greatest reason is found in verse 16 where God tells Ananias he will show him the great things he must suffer. Paul was going to suffer greatly during his travels. God never sends anyone out unless he prepares and empowers them. I believe one reason Jesus appeared to Paul the way he did was to give him the conviction to hold on during the trials which would come later. This powerful experience gave Paul the ability to look fear in the face and not bat an eye. He had seen the risen savior who had defeated death. What did he have to fear? 

Act 9:1-43
(1)  And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
(2)  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
(3)  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
(4)  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
(5)  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
(6)  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
(7)  And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
(8)  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
(9)  And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
(10)  And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
(11)  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
(12)  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
(13)  Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
(14)  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
(15)  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
(16)  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
(17)  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
(18)  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
(19)  And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
(20)  And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
(21)  But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
(22)  But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
(23)  And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
(24)  But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
(25)  Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
(26)  And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
(27)  But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
(28)  And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
(29)  And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
(30)  Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
(31)  Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
(32)  And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
(33)  And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
(34)  And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
(35)  And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
(36)  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
(37)  And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
(38)  And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
(39)  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
(40)  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
(41)  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
(42)  And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
(43)  And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

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