Bishop Parker on Faith
Bishop Parker outlined several key elements of faith 8/28/2022
William Linn
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-4 KJVS
[1] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts of The Holy Spirit
Act 1 Tarry - till you receive dunimus - power 40 days of appearances-10 days in prayer and contemplation.
1 Corinthians 15:6 KJVS
[6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Empowering the New Community (2:1-42)
The promised gift of the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (vv.1-4); the culmination of the Passover cycle; the celebration of the giving of the Torah, which shaped the old covenant community as the people of God; and the Festival of the Firstfruits. For the Christian community, it came as the culmination of the Crucifixion/ Resurrection at Passover; it shaped a new covenant community as the people of God; and it was the “firstfruit” of the consummation of God’s purposes in Christ (Eph 1:13-14).
As the history of Acts unfolds, we see that the disciples were filled with the presence, the power, and the purpose of God. T
hey entered into a new experience of relationship with God in which their lives came under God’s control.
Yet there remained individual freedom and human foibles
1. As seen in the freedom of Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Spirit (5:1-11)
2. The prejudiced view of the Jewish segment toward the Greeks(6:1-6)
3. And the perspective of some Jewish Christians toward God-fearers (11:1-18)
4. And Gentile Belivers (15:1-29).
While filled with the Holy Spirit, they still evidence the need to bring various areas of their lives into obedience to the guidance of the Spirit. - Gifts and Fruit 9+9
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
Love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Paul exhorted, be not drunk with wine wherein is excess but be filled with the Spirit.
Having the experience of being filled with presence, power, and purpose of the Holy Spirit does not immediately confer a state of “perfection” upon all the nature of a person.
Suddenly - God’s interjections are always sudden. Some things that God has done are static. There are constants in the universe, examples; gravity, the speed of light. When it is sudden it’s dynamic, miraculous.
The initial experience of the Holy Spirit by the Christian community was attended by visual and aural phenomena think of the sound of a RUSHING MIGHTY WIND, Barometric Pressure rises and drops which happen over time, happens instantaneously. Great vortex's filled the building, like a huge hurricane, impulses of the power of heaven pulsating in huge surges of power and love and the grace of God pouring over those who were charged with a supernatural enablment and unbelievable capacity to do the work of the kingdom.
The event caught the attention of the larger Jewish community in Jerusalem (vv.2-6). The disciples immediately began to prophesy, that is, they began to communicate their experience of God’s presence, power, and purpose (God’s mighty works) to the larger community.
We are not sure whether the disciples were empowered to speak in various languages or whether the listeners were empowered to hear.
There’s a lot of people who don’t believe it is for today. After I had been saved I was ignorant about everything I didn’t even know that there was a Holy Spirit, much less that He would fill you and you would speak in tongues.
The early church and all of the hearers Had no frame of reference for understanding such an experience. Not knowing the reality of this new life graced by God, they can explain it only by reference to the only kind of human existence they know.
Peter, outlined to the old covenant community with a frame of reference that enables them to understand what they are seeing and hearing (vv.14-36).
Not only does Peter claim that this experience is the fulfillment of old covenant promises (vv.16-21), but, by changing the text of Joel, Peter indicates that it inaugurates the last days, a phrase that intimates to Jewish hearers that the new realm of God’s kingdom has begun. While this sets the experience into a context the Jewish community can understand, it is a radical proclamation.
Peter further highlights the radical nature of what God has done by his exegesis of the text,
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (v.21).
He indicates that Jesus, the name of the one attested by God through signs, wonders, and resurrection, is responsible for this experience of the Holy Spirit (vv.22-33).
Next Peter indicates that Jesus is the Lord, an identification that applies a title for God to Jesus (vv.34-36). Third, he indicates that salvation is in the name of Jesus (vv.37-40). All of this is confirmed by the Holy Spirit who has been given by Jesus, the risen Lord, and who is now available to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
In answer to the people’s response, Peter calls the old covenant community to a new covenant (vv.37-38). In the old covenant, to repent and be baptized for forgiveness was to leave an old order of being behind and to become part of a new order, God’s covenant people. Now Peter calls the old covenant people to enter into a new order of being, which is characterized by the gift of the Holy Spirit
John 21
John 21:1 KJVS
[1] After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
John 21:14
[14] This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
This is the last recorded miracle of our Lord, and the only miracle recorded after His resurrection. This is most important because you and I are concerned about the ministry of Christ after His resurrection.
Paul says, “… yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more” (2 Cor. 5:16).
Third time - JESUS REVEALED HIMSELF - Johns gospel 20th chapter.
Seven disciples - Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, The two sons of Zebedee James and John and two unnamed disciples.
The motley crew
Peter - fervent but impulsive and impetuous.
Thomas - The skeptic
Nathaniel - The wise cracker and cynic.
James and John - Sons of Thunder - Sit on right and left call down fire 🔥.
The words are the vivid picture of what took place as they re turned to their ordinary work during the interval between the Passover and Pentecost. It does not express either an abandonment of their higher vocation, or an expectation of the presence of the Lord.
The lake - Tiberius, Gennesaret, Kinneret, Galilee. Lowest lake on the planet, 43 feet average depth, 83 deepest. West coast is lush and produces the best agricultural harvests of all kinds of fruits and vegetables.
Commercial fishing around the lake was an important part of the local economy, although in this case, it may be simply to provide food for more immediate consumption. In the region it’s not unusual for people to gather on the shores in the early morning, fishing was best at night, various reasons. Issachar Naphtali or Manasseh - Joshua 13-19 - anyone could fish but only those tribes who have an inheritance that borders the lake can use nets. Might be why Jesus instructions were to cast a line.
I. They toiled all night and caught nothing. Efforts without the help and blessings of God. He is again showing his disciples that without Him they can do nothing, even though they have the necessary abilities. Just a few minutes with Jesus equates to more than full human activity and effort.
Psalm 37:25 KJVS
[25] I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Philippians 4:19 KJVS
[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Haggai 2:8 KJVS
[8] The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
Psalm 50:10 KJVS
[10] For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
Psalm 146:6 KJVS
[6] Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is : which keepeth truth for ever:
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.
Psalm 24:1 KJVS
[1] The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
JEHOVAH - JIREH: THE LORD WHO PROVIDESGENESIS 22
JEHOVAH - RAPHA: THE LORD WHO HEALSEXODUS 15:22-26
JEHOVAH - NISSI: THE LORD OUR BANNEREXODUS 17:8-15
JEHOVAH-ROHI: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERDPSALM 23
JEHOVAH-SHALOM: THE LORD IS PEACEJUDGES 6:24
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSJEREMIAH 23:5-6
Psalm 46:1-2 KJVS
[1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
II. He made double provision for them.
A ready made meal on the shore.
153 fish, likely an allusion to the broader context of humanity, there’s said to be 153 national entities on the planet.
Christ's approach is to always focus on what what people have as the basis for His miracles? The disciples are fishing and catch nothing. The Lord Jesus gives them a fantastic harvest of fish. At Cana the water pots were empty. The Lord has the pots filled with water and then changes the water then supernatural charges the water into a extraordinary beverage. He asks Moses what he has in his hand. Moses says it is a rod, and with that rod, God transforms it into a powerful instrument to produce deliverables unattainable by human interventions. David is faithful as a shepherd with his shepherd’s crook, and God gives him a sceptre to hold in his hand. Samson used a jawbone as a destructive arsenal against his enemies.
It is interesting that whatever is in your hand, God can use. So many people wish they were somewhere else or in some other circumstances. My friend, if God can’t use you right where you are, I don’t think He can use you somewhere else.
Besides, have you ever noticed that what God does He does in abundance? The water pots were full of wine. There were baskets of food left over after the 5,000 had been fed. The nets were filled with fish.
III. Three times Jesus asked Simon the same question. -agape
Omniscience is freely conceded to the Lord. All things that Peter did, thought, or felt, all his bewilderment, all his mistakes, all his impulsiveness and mixture of motive, all his self-assertion, all his weakness and disloyalty, are known; but so also all the inner springs and lines of his nobler nature,
Once more we have two words for ‘know’ in the original and only one in the A. V. (Comp. John 7:27, John 8:55, John 13:7, John 14:7.) The first ‘knowest’ (εἴδω - eidō- i-do ) refers to Christ’s supernatural intuition, as in John 21:15-16 :
the second ‘knowest’ (ginôskeis) to His experience and discernment; Thou recognisest, perceivest, seest, that I love Thee. See on John 2:24-25.
William Linn's Sermon
When a little bit is a lot
Philippians 4:16
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The state Texas has a motto. Everything is bigger in Texas. It has become the mantra of the world we live in.
Despise not the day of small beginnings.
Proverbs 15:16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Tag three events in the Bible.
I. INCAPACITATED - A small army. - Judges 7:1-25.The Midianites oppressed them , ravaged and pillaged the land and stripped it bare. They were essentially slaves. The Amalekites besieged them.
Judges 6:15. I am the least of all of Israel.
We don’t see ourselves as God sees us.
Mighty man of valor, Gideon probably thinking, who are you talking about. I’m out here hiding thrashing grain.
32 thousand, 22 thousand departed, 10 thousand remained.
God paired it down to 300 -vs-135,000
II. INADEQUATE - a small weapon. 1 Samuel 17
David’s weapon was a slingshot and a shepherds stave.
they wanted to outfit David in the latest weaponry of their time. Saul”s armor.
Comparing it with someone today, 3 foot boy and six foot man.
9-12 feet tall
156 pounds of armor
30 pound armor boots
20 foot spear
52 inch sword
III. INSUFFICIENT - A small portion. - Matthew 6:9
Philip suggests the human deficiency and does the math estimates the largeness of the need. States how impossible and impracticability and provides no solutions.
Andrew surveys what they have
Sufficiency of God’s provision. Bigger than all my problems, bigger than all my fears, bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see.
HOW DID JESUS DO WHAT HE SAW THE FATHER DO?
When did Jesus see what the Father had done?
John 5:19
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what he
seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
When and how did Jesus see what the Father had done?
Many might think Christ had seen those things that the Father had done in his eternal state, and there is a hint of truth to that. Jesus was eternal and had perfect fellowship with God and Holy Spirit in the eternal past.
But that would lead us to the place that He even though he was God, came and performed all that was done because of Almighty attributes.
That is not within the purpose of God's plan for redeeming mankind. His desire is that we act in the power of the Holy Spirt to do even greater miracles then those preformed by the Savior.
John 14:12-14
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He hat believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and GREATER works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.
He willingly stripped Himself of ALL of those, so that we could see that by the same enduement as He had, that being a fullness of the Holy Spirit, we might also do those things and more than what were done in Christs earthly ministry.
Philippians 2:6,7
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But MADE HIMSELF of no reputation, and TOOK upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
So, how did Christ see what the Father had done, then repeated those things like taking the five barley loaves and two two small fishes add/add/multiplying then divide 12 baskets up amongst the disciples?
Matthew 6
He saw in nature, the fish multiplying in the sea
He saw in nature, a seed planted, growing and producing some 30, some 60, some 100 fold.
Another example;
John 2
Making ordinary water into extraordinary wine
He saw in nature, that water falls upon the earth, the six waterpots of stone (earthenware) were filled with
water.
He supplied the supernatural touch by the empowerment of Holy Spirit
The product was "the best wine" ever enjoyed. 3 types of oinos (GK) fresh, syrup, and fermented. That which was
fermented was considered worst kind.
Last example;
Mark 11:23
When did Jesus see a mountain carried into the sea?
Again, in nature, rain falls, wind weathers, and earthquakes occur, all grinding forces that erode a mountain.
This is mostly a slow process. But though catastrophic occurrences it can also be almost immediate, like Mt St. Helens
Undisturbed Grave Cloths
The Undisturbed Grave-Clothing
Our gathering this morning to celebrate the greatest event in recorded history. The glorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ
John 20:1-7
John 20:1-7 KJVS
[1] The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. [2] Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. [3] Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. [4] So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. [5] And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. [6] Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, [7] And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
TWO OTHER STONES
I left off before I could point out two other stones
The stones throw from them disciples and the stone that was rolled into place to seal the tomb.
1 Peter 2:4-8 KJVS
[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, [5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, [8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Jesus was very afraid and full of dread on the night before His arrest and trial, as He faced what lay ahead of Him the next day. But He bravely carried on with it.
Reflect on the passage below and try to imagine the intensity of His emotional anguish. as the long awaited time of suffering drew near. None of the apostles were spiritually aware or sensitive enough to comprehend the intensity and overwhelming burden that Christ was experiencing. He was in such agony He could not sleep. His stress was so intense that the Bible says He actually sweat blood. That would have been due to the capillaries under the skin bursting.
Luke 22:44
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
However, the disciples were insensitive and did not realise how He felt. Therefore they all just went to sleep. Therefore Jesus had to sit up on His own, waiting for His arrest, with nobody to comfort or encourage Him:
Matthew 26:36-41 KJVS
[36] Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. r [37] And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. [38] Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. [39] And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. [40] And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? [41] Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. …
Jesus felt horrified by what lay ahead of Him, on the cross, and especially at the prospect of having all the sin of the world transferred on to Him. He therefore prayed three times to God the Father. In fact, He was so desperate He was pleading with God the Father to find some other way to save us, which would not involve Him dying on the cross. But each time the Father said no and Jesus accepted that answer. He knew that there was no alternative. Jesus then went ahead with it all for our sake:
Matthew 26:42-43 KJVS
[42] He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. [43] And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
Matthew 26:44 KJVS
[44] And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
Matthew 26:43,45-46 KJVS
[43] And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. [45] Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. [46] Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
Consider, how it must also have broken God the Father’s heart to have to say no three times when Jesus was praying in such a distraught manner. We will never fully realise how much it cost God the Father to refuse Jesus’ prayer repeatedly in this way. God the Father did all of that to Jesus, and to Himself, for our sake. We need to be truly grateful for the Father’s part in the crucifixion, because what He suffered must have been terrible.
Finally the time came for Jesus to be arrested. Even in that He was subjected to pain and turmoil.
Christ also suffered having Peter, one of His three closest disciples , deny that he even knew Him. Jesus told Peter in advance that this would happen:
Luke 22:31-34 KJVS
[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: [32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. [33] And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. [34] And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock q shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice r deny that thou knowest me. …
Prophetic even in the face of the excruciating pain that He was undergoing:
Luke 22:54-62 KJVS
[54] Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. [55] And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. [56] But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. [57] And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. [58] And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. [59] And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. [60] And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. [61] And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. [62] And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. …
Timeline of Jesus' Death
Re-live the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus
During the Easter season, especially on Good Friday, Christians focus on the passion of Jesus Christ. The Lord's final hours of suffering and death on the cross lasted about six hours. This timeline of Jesus' death breaks down Good Friday's events as recorded in Scripture, including the happenings just before and immediately following the crucifixion.
It's important to note that many of the actual times of these incidents are not recorded in Scripture. The following timeline represents an approximate sequence of events. For a wider view of the moments preceding the death of Jesus and to walk those steps with him, be sure to take a look at this Holy Week Timeline.
Preceding Events
• The Last Supper (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:21-30)
• In the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45)
• Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
• The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)
Good Friday's Events
Before the religious leaders could put Jesus to death, they needed Rome to approve of their death sentence. Jesus was taken to Pontius Pilate who found no reason to charge him. Pilate had Jesus sent to Herod who was in Jerusalem at the time. Jesus refused to answer Herod's questions, so Herod sent him back to Pilate. Although Pilate found Jesus innocent, he feared the crowds and sentenced him to death. Jesus was beaten, mocked, stripped naked, and given a crown of thorns, His beard was plucked out. He was made to carry his own cross and led away to Calvary.
6 AM
• Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37)
• Jesus Sent to Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
7 AM
• Jesus Returned to Pilate (Luke 23:11)
• Jesus Is Sentenced to Death (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; Luke 23:23-24; John 19:16)
9 AM - "The Third Hour"
• Jesus Is Crucified - Mark 15: 25 - "It was the third hour when they crucified him" (NIV). The third hour in Jewish time would have been 9 am.
• Father, Forgive Them (Luke 23:34)
• The Soldiers Cast Lots for Jesus' Clothing (Mark 15:24)
10 AM
• Jesus Is Insulted and MockedMatthew 27:39-40 - And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "So! You can destroy the Temple and build it again in three days, can you? Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!" (NLT)Mark 15:31 - The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself!" (NLT)Luke 23:36-37 - The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" (NLT)Luke 23:39 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (NIV)
11 AM
• Jesus and the Criminal - Luke 23:40-43 - But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (NIV)
• Jesus Speaks to Mary and John (John 19:26-27)
Noon - "The Sixth Hour"
• Darkness Covers the Land (Mark 15:33)
1 PM
• Jesus Cries Out to the Father - Matthew 27:46 - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (NKJV)
• Jesus Is Thirsty (John 19:28-29)
2 PM
• It Is Finished - John 19:30a - When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" (NLT)
• Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit - Luke 23:46 - Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)
3 PM - "The Ninth Hour"
• The Earthquake and the Temple Veil Is Torn in Two - Matthew 27:51-52 - At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. (NIV)
• The Centurion - "Surely he was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:47)
• The Soldiers Break the Thieves' Legs (John 19:31-33)
• The Soldier Pierces Jesus Side (John 19:34)
• Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
• Jesus Rises from the Dead (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)
After his arrest, during the week of his Passion leading up to the crucifixion, Jesus was humiliated, tried and tortured. He is tied to a pillar and scourged. 39 lashes.
Peter and John at the tomb
Many infallible Truths
Many infallible proofs
Acts 1:1-3 KJVS
[1] The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: [3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
OUTLINE
I.Post Resurrection Appearances
II.Emmaus
III.Characteristics of the Scarlet Worm
A. Crimson Dye
B. Medicine - purification - red heifer
C. Perfume - spikenard
IV.Applications
A. Ephesians 5:2 KJVS
[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
B. A Royal Priesthood
C. Cleansing
Dr. Norman Geisler notes the following 11 appearances
PRE-ASCENSION APPEARANCES
Appearance 1:
Mary Magdalene
John 20:11-17 notes Mary Magdalene as the first person to see Jesus alive again.
Appearance 2:
The Other Mary and Salome
Matthew 28:9-10 records Jesus also appearing to the other Mary and Salome (Mark 16:1) on the Sunday morning of the resurrection: “
Appearance 3:
Simon Peter
Luke 24:34 notes Jesus appearing to Peter on the Sunday of His resurrection: “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”
Appearance 4:
The Two Disciples Walking to Emmaus
In Luke 24:13-32, two followers of Jesus are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the Sabbath. Jesus appears, though they do not recognize Him until the end of the account. One disciple is named Cleopas (Luke 24:18), while the second disciple is unnamed.
Appearance 5:
The 10 Apostles
After Jesus appeared to the two men walking to Emmaus, they returned to Jerusalem to tell the apostles. While there, Jesus appeared to 10 of the apostles, all except Thomas (Luke 24:33-49).
Appearance 6:
The 11 Apostles
John 20:26-30 records Jesus appearing to all 11 apostles “a week later” at a home in Jerusalem. This likely refers to the next Sunday. Thomas believes and no longer doubts.
Appearance 7:
The Seven Apostles
The final chapter of John records seven apostles on an all-night fishing trip that occurred on the Sea of Galilee sometime after Christ’s appearance 10 days after His resurrection and before His ascension 40 days after His resurrection.
This group included Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and John (the sons of Zebedee), and two unnamed apostles (John 21:1-14). John records this as the third time Jesus had appeared to a group of disciples following His resurrection (John 21:14).
Appearance 8:
The Apostles in Galilee
Matthew’s Gospel ends with the risen Jesus meeting the apostles in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20). Jesus receives worship from His followers. He also gives the Great Commission to His followers, telling them to make disciples of all nations.
Appearance 9:
500 People at One Time
In 1 Corinthians 15:6 Paul notes 500 people who saw the risen Jesus as one time. He also notes most of these people were still alive when he wrote to the Corinthians believers about 20 years later.
Appearance 10:
James
In 1 Corinthians 15:7, Paul also records Jesus appearing to James, the brother of Jesus. This helps explain why James served as a leader in the early Jerusalem Church (Acts 15) and would be responsible for writing the letter of James. His brother Jude would also become a follower of Christ and write the letter bearing his name.
Appearance 11:
The 11 Apostles
Acts 1:4-9 records the ascension of Jesus 40 days after the resurrection. This would have been 10 days before Pentecost (Acts 2). Some believe Matthew 28:16-20 records the same event, though this is uncertain.
POST ASCENSION APPEARANCES
Appearance 12:
Christ appeared to Stephen as he was being stoned Acts7: 55-56
Appearance 13:
The Apostle Paul
Both Acts 9 and 1 Corinthians 15:8 note Jesus appearing to Paul (then Saul) on the road to Damascus. Though outside of the 40 days following the resurrection of Jesus, it was clearly Jesus (Acts 9:5). Paul called himself one “abnormally born” in connection with this event.
Because some interpreters do not include this appearance with the others and consider appearances 8 and 11 as the same event, others count 10 resurrection appearances of Jesus.
In total, at least 513 people saw Jesus alive after His death and resurrection. In any courtroom, this number of witnesses would be far more than needed to establish the accuracy of an event. Further, many of these eyewitnesses suffered and died for their belief that Jesus had risen from the dead.
The overwhelming evidence points to Jesus literally returning to life on the third day after His death, appearing to many people, and ascending to heaven 40 days later.
Appearance 14:
John on the Isle of Patmos
Revelation 1:9-19
Scripture records two followers of Jesus.
They were not part of the twelve disciples. Only one was named, Cleopas.
They were distraught, confused bewildered.
On the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion, they were leaving town. They were very sad by what had happened to Jesus. They were crushed that the One that they followed had been killed.
Even though Mary and the other disciples told them that Jesus’ body was not in the tomb, they did not realize or understand that He had risen. The two men must have believed that His body had been stolen.
Then, Jesus drew near and began to walk with them. Their eyes were holden, how they didn’t recognize Him isn’t clear. They were so amazed that the person who they were talking with hadn’t heard anything about the events of the proceeding days. Everyone in Jerusalem knew about Jesus being hung on the cross. It was a much discussed occurrence. The city was still abuzz with the all that had transpired.
Jesus immediately unpacked the scripture and declared to the two men that the prophets had foretold all of these things. He told them that the Christ, or Messiah, had to suffer and then be raised again. God had promised it in the prophecies.
Then Jesus started from the beginning and explained what the Old Testament prophecies had said about Him. But the men still did not know that it was Jesus speaking to them.
A praying imagination - after walking all day on the road out of Jerusalem, the distance was 3 furlongs or 11 kilometers or 6.8 miles, the two men made an about face and went all the way back into Jerusalem. This time, they probably ran! They had the best news ever to share with the disciples. Jesus was alive! They had seen Him with their own eyes. This changed EVERYTHING! Now they were certain that the One they had followed was truly the Messiah. When they reached the disciples, they found out that Jesus had also appeared to Peter.
WHAT JESUS COMMUNICATED
Luke 24:27 KJVS
[27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Psalm 22:6 KJVS
[6] But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
Job 25:4 KJVS
[4] How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
[6] How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?
The Tola’ath worm, scientifically called the coccus ilicis, is a worm found in the Middle East and was used in ancient times to make a crimson or scarlet dye.
The word for this worm is translated as scarlet during the construction of the tabernacle.
Exodus 26:1 KJVS
[1] Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
The book of Exodus uses forms of the word tola over twenty times, almost always in the sense of “crimson” or “scarlet.” Scarlet was one of the colors in the curtains of the in the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (verse 31); and in the garments of the priests.
‘the worm "coccus ilicis"
"When the female of the scarlet worm species was ready to give birth to her young, she would attach her body to the trunk of a tree, fixing herself so firmly and permanently that she would never leave again. The eggs deposited beneath her body were thus protected until the larvae were hatched and able to enter their own life cycle. As the mother died, the crimson fluid permanently dyed her body and the surrounding wood.
From the dead bodies of such female scarlet worms, the commercial scarlet dyes of antiquity were extracted. What a picture this gives of Christ, dying on the tree, shedding his precious blood that he might 'bring many sons unto glory' (Hebrews 2:10)! He died for us, that we might live through him!
Hebrews 2:10 KJVS
[10] For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Psalm 22:6 describes such a worm and gives us this picture of Christ.
Highly prized - Lam 4:5
COME LET US REASON TOGETHER
From ancient times, the bodies of the female Scarlet Worm were collected and used as fabric dye, but the worms had to be gathered up quickly because after three days, the red stain dries out and turns pure white.
Isaiah 1:18 KJVS
[18] Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
If the worm does attach to the tree and die it suffered immeasurably. Potentially literally blowing up. If it doesn’t die then new birth of children cannot occur.
DESCRIBES WHAT OCCURS WHEN WE ATTEMPT TO DO IT OUR WAY
The garbage dump is where our will belongs
Mark 9:43-48 KJVS
[43] And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [44] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [45] And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [46] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [47] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: [48] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Isaiah 66:24 KJVS
[24] And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
Corollary Passage
Matthew 5:29-30 KJVS
[29] And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
VARIOUS BIBLICAL REFERENCES
The Hebrew word ‘tola’ is mentioned forty-two times in the Bible, and there were forty-two generations from Abraham to Jesus. Fourteen generations lived between Abraham and King David; fourteen generations lived between King David and the exile of the Jews to Babylon. From Babylon to Jesus there are fourteen generations (Matthew 1:1 to 17).
The next generation was the generation of the ‘seed’ or the spiritual children of Jesus, both then and now; those who willingly serve Him. ‘A seed will serve Him. Future generations will be told about the Lord. They will come and declare His righteousness to a people yet to be born, for He has done it’ (Psalm 22:30 & 31). He has done it! He has accomplished it; achieved it; succeeded. We are one of the generations that were ‘yet to be born’. We are the spiritual seed of Abraham.
THE RED HEIFER
The scarlet worm was also used in the formula with the ashes of the red heifer. And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
These ashes were used to cleanse a person when they came into contact with a dead body (a host for bacteria).
Numbers 19:6 KJVS
[6] And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
Numbers 19:9 KJVS
[9] And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.
Ex. 30:22-33. The “Sweet Calamus” is one of the ingredients used in this oil. “Or the spiknard’ of scripture.”
Indelibly marked
In the same way, God’s word, the Bible, is the best way for us to know Him. Jesus said to abide in Him by remaining in His word (John 15:7). When we know God’s word, we know God. Jesus, Himself, used God’s word to explain who He was to the men. We can also share the truth about Jesus by sharing His word with others.
John 15:7 KJVS
[7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
This crimson, the worm coccus ilicis, was necessary to make one clean, which is symbolic of the blood of Jesus removing the sin of disease and death from us.
1 John 1:7 KJVS
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Royal color was red. You are a chosen generation, a peculiar people.
1 Peter 2:9 KJVS
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Hannah
Hannah
1 Samuel 1:1-3 KJVS
[1] … Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim–zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, a the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: [2] And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. [3] And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there...
The Bible is chock full of remarkable women that made tremendous contributions to the enrichment and benefit of the kingdom. Hannah ranks in the top tier.
A foundational concept established throughout the scriptures in a majority of situations is that when faced with impossible odds, overwhelming conditions, uncontrollable events or things outside of the ability to change God demonstrates His concern and involvement in working through those called as instruments of His eternal purpose to forge them in the fires of adversity, through it building spiritual endowments fulfilling their life and the life of the community of the faithful.
God uses the burden of Hannah's heart to bring a solution for the concern He had for what was happening in Israel.
Barreness wasn't just condition Hannah was experiencing, it was endemic to the spiritual condition of the country.
Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord were there.
Hannah’s three characteristics. (outlined below)
A. The first obstacle - perfect and permissive wills.
It might seem odd that God would use a family where there was two wives. Especially since it wasn’t condoned by God. In ancient cultures where property rights and inheritance was crucial, it wasn't unusual for a household to have two or more women in them.
B.The law of leverite marriage.
Dueteronomy 25.
Although he was a priest, Elkanah had a second wife because Hannah was barren (cf. Deut. 21:15–17). Multiple marriages were also allowed in the case of levirate marriage (Deut. 25:5–10; my notes on Ruth 4:7).
Deuteronomy 21:15-17
15 If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:
16 Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn:
17 But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.
According to the Leverite law if a man refused he was to be taken to the city gates and shunned. Not allowed to marry.
Deuteronomy 25:8-10 MEV
Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him, and if he persists and says, "I do not want to take her," [9] then his brother's wife must come to him in the presence of the elders and remove his sandal from his foot, and spit in his face, and answer and say, "So shall it be done to that man who will not build up his brother's house." [10] His name will be called in Israel, "The house of him who has his sandal removed."
C.A historical example In Exodus
Exodus 3:1-6 MEV
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to the mountain of God, to Horeb. [2] The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush, and he looked, and the bush burned with fire, but the bush was not consumed. [3] So Moses said, "I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt." [4] When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him from out of the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses." And he said, "Here am I." [5] He said, "Do not approach here. Remove your sandals from off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." [6] Moreover He said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.
We are all aware of that classic passage of Moses meeting the LORD God in the burning bush. Why did the LORD God order Moses to remove his shoes, and why was Moses “afraid to look upon God?” Let us search the Scriptures to find out.
The passage is Exodus 3:4-6: “[4] And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. [5] And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. [6] Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.” As we have already stated, everyone familiar with the Bible has heard of Moses meeting the LORD in the burning bush. Unfortunately, meaningful details of the account have usually been overlooked.
Alternative and not unrelated possibilities include provision of an heir, protection of the family holdings and/or dowry, or caring for the widow. These are possibilities, but not conclusive.
The primary beneficiary of the practice is therefore be considered to be the dead husband rather than the surviving family.
However, it is not simply for the memory of the dead husband that an heir must be born, but so that the deceased might be provided with an heir to his estate. If the land has been forfeited, the relative must redeem it for the widow and then produce an heir to whom to pass it.
It's because Moses gave up on the promises of God. Because they understood not, Moses rejected and abandoned God’s promises and not just the nation of Israel and he fled Egypt.
Later we see after he had met God at the burning bush that God would have killed Moses. Why? Because he had not only abandoned the Israelites, but the means of identification that he and his offspring were uniquely a part of the covenant promised to Abraham.
Exodus 4:24-26 MEV
At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met him and sought to kill him. [25] Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and threw it at his feet, and said, "Surely a bloody husband are you to me." [26] So He let him go. Then she said, "A bloody husband you are, because of the circumcision."
Elkanah is a levite, it was a mandatory event that all levites went to worship three times a year in Shiloh.
Exodus 34:23
Thrice in the year shall all your menchildren appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel
Deuteronomy 16:16 MEV
Three times a year all your males must appear before the LORD your God in the place where He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles, and they must not appear before the LORD empty.
Old Testament worship entailed much more than just visiting the sanctuary. The Israelites’ whole lives, including their families and social practices, revolved around worship.
I. HANNAH WAS A WOMAN OF PRAYER
Second chapter.
Hannahs prayers probably started out with why can’t I be a mother, I could be a good one, remarkable one, better than all others.
She connected with God on a deeper level than she had ever known.
You can see it in the second chapter of 1 Samuel. The difference between the years of going up to Shiloh and praying, Why not me! To a prayer and poem magnifying God’s capacity and capabilities and her weaknesses.
The thoughts were coming faster than she could formulate the words.
Eli communicated that God would answer her prayers.
When our prayers become synchronized to God’s purpose and plan we can ask whatsoever we will and it will be granted.
Even Jesus had to get Himself and His prayers synced to the purpose of God. In the Garden of Gethsemane He prayed Three times out of sync, but ultimately the focus became what was within the scope of God’s plan and purpose.
James 4:2-4 KJVS
[2] … ye have not, because ye ask not. [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
It turned her sorrow and depression into joy.
II. HANNAH WAS A WOMAN OF FAITH
Her name is not recorded in the 11 chapter of Hebrews but an attribute of her faith is
Hebrews 11:33 MEV
Hebrews 11:34 MEV
obtained promises,
out of weakness were made strong,
Year after year Penniah buffeted and tormented Hannah
Hannah was refreshed by her prayers and praising.
Acts 3:19
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Though Hannah was still barren when she left Eli, she was joyous and full of hope that her prayer would be answered. Since she was no longer distraught, she could return to the normal activities of life, including eating.
III.HANNAH WAS A WOMAN OF INTEGRITY
She kept her word, even after she received the promise.
Conclusion;
Hannah was an extraordinary woman of prayer, integrity, faith, and commitment. She kept her vow at tremendous personal cost and has become a model for every generation.
The contrasts between the warrior and the weakling, the full and the hungry, the barren and fertile.
Mary's song seems, in part to be modelled on Hannah's song. But Hannah's song of praise and thanksgiving is probably more intimate in nature. The Lord gave her the victory .
The prayer of Hannah is truly a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the God who rescued her from all her troubles, turned her weeping into rejoicing, and placed her in her home as a happy mother of many children.
1 Chronicles 14:8-11 KJVS
[8] And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. [9] And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. [10] And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand. [11] So they came up to Baal-perazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim.
David faced the Philistines in the valley of Rephaim. According to some commentators…Rephaim means ‘giants’ or ‘spirits’ and they were embedded in a deep place – and the Philistines are a type of our flesh [their name means ‘rollers in ashes and dust’.] And David, we know is used to facing giants. What we have here is David being brought back to face Goliath again. The LORD does that – He brings you back to face your giants again
This particular passage refers to the war with Philistines that David faced after the fact of coronation as a king over both sides of the kingdom: Judah and Israel.
At this point in history David is a king and still fairly young (in his 30’s), David moped up his territory and asserts his name among the surrounding areas.
When he does that, he continues to rely upon the Lord each step of the way. I think this is a very important principle for us to see and understand.
David, compare to Saul (his predecessor), was not blinded by the power and authority over people, but he continued to display a contrite and malleable spirit.
God in return, honored David by granting him continued success with every venture and endeavor.
Even though God had gone out in front.
David looked to the Lord for his strength and for his strategy, he was able to beat back two Philistine offenses, to secure the independence of God's people, and to terminate forever the threat of Philistine conquest and oppression
The Philistines had arrived in the valley of Rephaim and raided it. So David inquired of God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will give you the victory.” . . .
Baal Perazim (the place of breaking through), David has a tremendous breakthrough!
But after a while, the Philistines returned and raided the valley again. Just like the enemy. Should David rely on the strategy that worked before?
GODS REPLY “Do not attack them straight on,” God replied. “Instead, circle around behind them and attack them near the balsam trees.”1 Chronicles 14:9-10, 13-14
Instead of depending on processes or ideas that worked or designing a strategic plan and asking God to bless them, David sought the Lord.
Although he was a great leader who had enjoyed many successive victories, he took time to seek the Lord about how to proceed when facing his enemy. When he had soundly defeated the Philistines, he didn’t attack the same way again just because it worked the first time. Each attempted victory had a different plan.
Often, God’s people deliberate, developing a five year plan, looking at cycles and pouring over schematics and surveys proposals and ideas that others made and utilizing those to make a plan of attack.
But that is altogether different from seeking God’s agenda and his will for a current battle or a new problem as David did—to inquire and ask God’s direction before moving out and positioning and posturing. Whether you are dealing with a job or family issue, a puzzling dilemma, or a financial challenge. Inquiring about what to do to THE ONE WHO has a better understanding, vantage point and insight is always the best strategy for succeeding.
LORD, I ask you concerning [my job situation, my family dilemma, my personal dealings, selling, buying etc…etc…] that I’m facing. How should I approach these areas, what do YOU want me to do, How should I accomplish this. I don’t want to pursue anything, set an agenda, design a strategy or pursue a course without input from You. I see that learning how David e sought your wisdom first. Only then can I know that I will be following your plan. Guide my actions by your wisdom and infinite insight.
David inquired of God (v. 10) and won a spectacular victory. The idols, which could not deliver their worshipers from the living God, were carried away (2 Sam. 5:21) and burned (v. 12). When the Philistines recovered and returned for a second attack, David inquired again of the Lord. He didn’t assume that God’s guidance would be the same. This time God gave victory through a completely different battle-plan.
These victories struck fear into the hearts of those in the region.
INQUIRY AND IDOLATRY David inquires of God whether he sho
V 13–17: FAITHFULNESS AND FAME
One gram of God’s provision and input is worth a lifetime of what means we can provide…and the outcome isn’t repairing, adjusting, redoing, undoing foiled attempts. All the extra time,talent, treasure that is expended trying to create something that we might truly need to do or get is wasted efforts.
Against the Philistines' renewed invasion, the Lord guided David into an encircling movement. The signal for springing this ambush was a supernatural "sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees," perhaps similar to the miracle recorded in 2Kings 7:6.
1. Is seen in the moment of human extremity.
2. Makes demands upon our faith.
3. Is inexplicable to the unbelieving.
4. Magnifies the Divine power and generosity.
Jeremiah 32:27 KJVS
[27] Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
דּבר = dâbâr daw-bawr'
Cause, Concern, Dearth, Disease, deed, errand, effect, hurt, harm, matter, promise, question, request, sign, task.
causatively make) {great} {difficult } wonderful: - {accomplish} (arise . . . {too} be too) {hard} {hidden} things too {high} ({be} {do} do {a} shew) marvelous ({-ly} {-els} {things} {work}) {miracles} {perform} {separate} make {singular} ({be} {great} make) wonderful ({-ers} {-ly} {things} {works}) wondrous ({things} {works} -ly).
Brown-Driver-Briggs' Definition
to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action
(Niphal)
to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do
to be difficult to understand
to be wonderful, be extraordinary
marvellous (participle)
(Piel) to separate (an offering)
(Hiphil)
to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing
to make wonderful, do wondrously
(Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous
God could have delivered the Philistines into David’s hands in the same way as before. This time, God wanted David to do something else. This time, David had to attack the Philistines ‘from behind’. It takes time to get direction from the Lord as each situation arises. But then we handle each situation as God wants us
Halt, (Listen)we will wait for the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, and then we would move swiftly to attack”. I can picture the heads of the soldiers turning to one another and questioning if they heard David correct: “we would have to wait for the sound of what marching…………?” Yes, we would wait until we hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees.
God uses the method of communication to each one of us according to the level of faith one displays
1.God challenges our level of faith to produce vivid spiritual growth
2.God uses the necessary methods to bless and give victory to those who rely upon Him
3.Importance of the close walk with the Lord producing the understanding of His ways and willingness to obey regardless of the way request may sound: too unrealistic or “crazy” in our own eyes
4.Making decision to obey the Lord regardless of the price it may cost us
5.God never repeats Himself twice but uses unique methods and techniques for the victory to show that the glory is all His (David was told by the Lord to do something different during this battle and was ordered “to circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees”)
6.Knowing the time and the place of God`s visitation in order to see the victory and glory of the Lord (David was told to be in front of the mulberry trees, and that was the place of God`s visitation at that moment)
7.Always seeking God`s will for each situation we face in life the way David did
DAVID HAD TO COMPLY WITH SEVERAL THINGS TO PROCURE THE VICTORY in THE BATTLE.
1.He had to wait for the Lord to move ahead of him. Getting ahead of God causes all kinds of problems.
2.He had to discern the sound of the marching in the tops of the mulberry trees -listen.
3.He had to be ready to advance quickly at the right moment, not to soon or late. - opportunities of a lifetime have to be grasped in the lifetime of the opportunity.
4.He had to obey God`s implicit instructions in order to see the final result of victory.
This is how it applies to our lives: God always makes us wait for Him to move ahead of us; otherwise, we are doomed for a failure. Patience is the ultimate virtue that is part of the spiritual growth; the realization that we can do nothing apart from God to the point that we would wait and do however long or whatever it takes to follow the Lord rather than attempt to do anything in our own strength.
Peter`s attempt to hack out the servant’s ear during the night of Jesus` arrest always comes to my mind when I think about patience, knowing God personally, and being able to discern God`s time over our own time (John 18:10). If Peter truly knew God`s time, he would have known that this was God`s plan for the salvation of humanity to have Jesus arrested, so he wouldn`t have needed to attack anyone with the sword.
How many times are decisions or actions according to our emotional instinct or an impulse made, rather than seeking the Lord and wait patiently for Him to go ahead of us to clear up the enemy`s camp? And by the way, our “enemy`s camp” is a spiritual battlefield that the Bible is so clear about in Ephesians 6, so we should never assume that we fight against the flesh and blood because we are not. We should always wait upon the Lord and not move until we are certain that He is with us and that He goes ahead of us to clear the enemy`s camp.
David and a valley of Giants
“The Church must be intelligent, intellectual, and develop a strategy that can overcome the obstacles in the path that blocks victory”
.jpg)
Isaiah 6:1-4 KJVS
[1] In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. [2] Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. [3] And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. [4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Introduction: history.
I.The overwhelming despair, Isaiah goes to the temple to find relief. Great derth and calamities await.
The death of a great king.
Uzziah brought the Philistines, the Arabians, and the Ammonites into subjection. He had ruled for fifty-two years, and the nation had been blessed materially during that period according to God’s promise.
King Uzziah’s death in 736 b.c. brought to an end an era of prosperity and well being and ushered in a time of uncertainty and anxiety. The Assyrian threat was beginning to loom on the horizon. No doubt feeling the weight of these tremulous times, Isaiah made his way to the temple. It was there that he encounters The Awesome specter of an Almighty One.
II.The disclosure of transcendent perfection encountered.
Hebrew. שׁוּל šûl - translated train, actually means hem, tassel, the bottom moving part of the robe.
This graphically illustrates the power, majesty and size of God. The anthropomorphic picture of his garments and, in that, their farthest extremity dwarfs the physical reality of the temple, Israel’s grandest architectural production.
Johns encounter Revelation 1.
The whole earth is filled with His glory!
High and lifted up - the throne of God. We have to remember that when they are try to describe heavenly aspects there’s no definitive terminology so they use allegorical and comparative terms.
Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: [11] They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; [12] And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
Ephesians 4: 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly placesin Christ Jesus:
III.THE SPECTER OF THE HEAVENLY BEINGS
This is the only biblical passage where heavenly beings are called "seraphs". They are part of the great variety of heavenly beings created by God (along with others such as angels, archangels, principalities, powers, and cherubim). The seraphs are bright creatures, for the word means "burning ones"; yet they hide their faces from the greater brightness and the glory of the Lord. Covering the feet suggests humility. Force field coverage which God created to shield them from destruction, instant disintegration or vaporization.
Revelation 4:6-8
And before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
The doorposts moved.
God's power is sometimes manifested in a physical tremor - three months ago we experienced a 2.9 magnitude earthquake in the area.
Isaiah 6:4 KJVS
[4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Isaiah saw the perfection of God.
V.THE OLD TESTAMENT SANCTIFICATION
Exodus 19:10-11 KJV
And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, [11] And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.
Leviticus 11:44
For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth
Leviticus 11:45
For I am the Lord who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
Leviticus 19:2
“Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
Leviticus 20:26
Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.
Leviticus 21:8
You shall consecrate him, therefore, for he offers the food of your God; he shall be holy to you; for I the Lord, who sanctifies you, am holy.
Deuteronomy 23:14
Since the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you.
VI.NEW TESTAMENT SANCTIFICATION
Peter is called The Apostle of Hope but he also talked about holiness more than any other Apostle. How many times in his epistles? He highlights this 11 times in his two epistles.
1 Peter 1:16 KJV
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
What exactly does it mean to be holy like God? Does it mean that we are perfect like He is?
1. Holiness is wholeness, wholesome, completeness.
State and standing - never changes. You are sanctified both instantaneously and progressively.
A. John Wycliffe on holiness.
The English word holy is derived from the Old English word halig which means whole and hale. When John Wycliffe and his associates began writing the first English Bible in the fourteenth century, this is what the word holy meant to them. It meant wholeness, completion, or perfection. At first glance it looks like the two concepts are lightyears apart. But remember Exodus when the children of
2. God and Peter are saying be complete, lacking nothing that makes you the best you can be. No one will ever attain the perfection of God. But we can be better than the world.
There's some linguistically evidence that the old English word for wholesome-ness comes from the word holiness.
3. Hebrews 12:14 KJV
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
It's impossible to get a visualization of Who God is, What He does and where things are going without wholeness/holiness.
Nicodemus was a member of the August Sanhedrin, and yet he didn't have a visualization of the most basic spiritual tenants.
Romans 12:1-2 KJV
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Pressure, press squeeze mold you, let God reinvigorate, reinitialize, reignite you
James 1:4 KJV
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
ὁλόκληρος = holoklēros = hol-ok'-lay-ros
You're in a good place for it, though in the midst of people, some sandpaper is going to be applied. I can tell you a dozen stories, but why then come back for more? Two reasons. If you had seen where Jesus brought me from and where I am today, you would know.
Also I remind myself regularly what Jesus suffered so I could get well.
Holiness is Wholeness
Isaiah 6:1-4
A Perfect Father
A Perfect Father
Ephesians 6:1-4 KJVS
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. [2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) [3] That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. [4] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Children’s honoring isn’t doing lip service. But by becoming fruitfully engaged in kingdom life.
I have been accused of using psychological methods, I learned about them but I don’t put much stock in their analysis. Several different types of philosophies. But they do publish some interesting studies.
Two powerful quotes in Psychology Today. Dr. Peggy Drexler who outlined a reality that has deep seated strings in the heart of every person on the planet.
It doesn’t matter what the age, demographics, cultural background or achievements one has attained.
In my research into the lives of some 75 high-achieving, clearly independent women, I knew that I would I find a powerful connection between them and the first men in their lives.
What surprised me was how deep (and surprisingly traditional) the bond is, how powerful it remains throughout their lives, and how resilient it can be–even when a father has caused grievous harm. No matter how successful their careers, how happy their marriages, or how fulfilling their lives, women told me that their happiness passed through a filter of their fathers’ reactions.
Many told me that they tried to remove the filter and–much to their surprise–failed. We know,” she goes on to say, “that fathers play a key role in the development and choices of their daughters.
But even for women whose fathers had been neglectful or abusive, I found a hunger for approval. They wanted a warm relationship with men who did not deserve any relationship at all.
And the same is true of us men. Even as we move through the stages of life and move through the seasons of life, something deep down inside of us wants our father to show up and to give us his affection and his approval and to say, “I’m proud of you. I love you. I’m so happy to be your dad.”
We see this same thing from Dr. Frank Pittman and he really brings it into the clearest and most powerful light. Listen to what he says also in a Psychology Today article. He says,
Life for most boys and for many grown men then is a frustrating search for the lost father who has not yet offered.
FIVE AREAS
Protection, Provision, Nurturing, Modeling, Anointment.
Isn’t it interesting how he uses that word, “anointment”? And this is what that word means. That word “anointment” refers to being chosen, being blessed, or being approved. In other words, all of us are still looking for it. We’re still wanting it. We’re still wanting to live like we were made to live in the auspices of a father’s blessing. Think of the patriarchs of the early writings of the scripture. They all put special emphasis on the blessing conferred by their fathers.
I don’t know about your father and I didn’t have a fabulous father. Whether you had the greatest father of all, the empowering father who told you that he loved you and really set you on a course to succeed in life, or whether you had the worst father of all, an abusive father, or an absent father, or a disinterested father, or that father that gave you the hug only if you earned it, or said “I love you” only if you jumped through the right hoops, or constantly set the bar so high that no one could measure up to his expectations. All of us in the very facets of our lives and the differences that we bring into this moment, we all have an earthly father. And all of those relationships are different. But whether yours was on earth the best or whether yours on earth was one of the worst, we all have this longing, this craving, this desire for the blessing of our father. We have a Heavenly Father above, with eyes full of mercy and a heart full of love.
GOD CHOSE YOU, WE DIDN’T CHOOSE HIM
Deuteronomy 7:6-7 KJVS
[6] For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. [7] The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
THE QUEEN OF SHEBA RECOGNIZED THE SOURCE OF SOLOMONS WISDOM
1 Kings 10:9 KJVS
[9] Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.
IN GODS DELIVERANCE AND MAINTAINING ISREAL
Isaiah 43:4 KJVS
[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
BUT HE DISCIPLINES THOSE HE HAS CHOSEN
Hebrews 12:8-9 KJVS
[8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. [9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Christ illustrates the Father’s through the story of the prodigal son
Suddenly - discern the times
1Cchronicles 12:32
Suddenly
1 Chronicles 12:32 KJVS
[32] And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
There’s great significance in the event of the Supreme Court ruling recently. That with the leak on other aspects of laws mandated by earlier actions. First outpouring of Brownsville, second prophetic word was that the second phase would see all America from coast to coast ablaze with the Glory of God. 22 years ago I sensed a slowing of the move of God.
A golden Jubilee started in September 6, 2021 and will culminate on September 21 2022, it’s the first time of such an epic event in over 2000 years it will crescendo on…
Rosh Hashanah - blowing of the trumpet, and great shouting.
Isaiah 61:1-3 KJVS
[1] The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek (poor); he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; [3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 KJVS
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Leviticus 25:10 KJVS
[10] And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.
Fifty years ago God turned His face away from America. Since then.
The national debt has been climbing astronomically every since.
At what they say is the US debt Clock, roughly 30 trillion
You could wrap $100 bills would wrap around the planet 697 times.
If you spend $1,000,000 a day it would take you 50877 years and 6 month to spend all United States debt.
US debt is actually at $90 trillion, which together with $169 trillion in US unfunded liabilities totals $259 trillion, which is $778,000 per US citizen or $2,067,000 per US Taxpayer.
Now, the value of all US assets combined: every piece of land, real estate, all savings, all companies, everything that all citizens, businesses, entities and the state own is worth $193 trillion equals negative $66 trillion of debt and liabilities after every asset in the US has been sold off.
You could wrap $100 bills around the planet 2, 800 times.
If you spend $1,000,000 a day it would take you 205,000 years to spend all United States debt.
Proverbs 11:28 KJVS
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Proverbs 13:22 that states, A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
High food and fuel prices along with crushing interest rates are no accident
All we are seeing is a part of the great reset.
The official narrative
What is the official narrative? That they’ve got to stop inflation. . . . Let’s look very simply at what happened. They voted on the direct reset.
Then they injected $5 trillion into the economy that went to the insiders. Then they used Covid to shut down the economy run by the outsiders. Now, the outsiders want to open another business, and they are going to radically raise the cost of capital to the outsiders. What’s going to happen is that $5 trillion is going to buy more assets more cheaply. To me, this is part of centralizing the control of the economy. They are asserting very significant central control. This is not a turndown–this is a takedown.”
The blatant corruption and the obvious gaslighting propaganda media and the attempt to erode rights makes me think that;
We're approaching the era of apocalypse.
I do, we're closer to seeing the viles, bowels and trumpets in the book of Revelation then one can possibly imagine.
The elite agenda to destroy the US Constitution that was founded “Under GOD”, including the removal of GOD from America. The elite, who control the financial system are about to be completely caught off-guard as “faith and confidence” in their current fiat 'paper' debt-based system, specifically the US Dollar and Bonds is going to be shaken. Monumental upheavals coming.
I believe potentially 2022 will brings one of the biggest moves of God’s spirit ever in the History of the World, one of God’s biggest surprises ever to hit the elite who have manipulated the price of everything for generations. The US dollar which is on the verge of collapse will rock financial systems around the globe will spiraling the world economy out of control.
God’s people will begin experience great revival all around the world.
The fields are white in harvest.
A Great Shaking. A new era and a time of prosperity to those prepared; at the same time utter financial destruction to those working in conjunction with the powers of darkness.
This event in time will eventually have a label
THE GREAT FINANCIAL COLLAPSE & OVERTURNING. SUDDENLY !
According to the U.S. Geological Survey at the University of Memphis, a 2.6 magnitude earthquake happened around 11:47 p.m. Thursday.
Officials say the center of the earthquake was shortly more than 10 miles north-northeast of Eton, Georgia in Murray County.
Residents in North Georgia said that the earthquake shook their houses and rattled things up.
James 5:4-8 KJVS
[4] Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. [5] Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. [6] Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. [7] Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. [8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Exodus 14 Narrative
Things became bleaker before they started getting better. They were assigned more work with less resources whenever the demand was made to release them from bondage.
God was leading the Israelites, not Moses as some people think. The Angel and pillar of cloud and fire were in front.
600 chariots
The Angel and pillar are cloud moved between them, causing darkness to fall onto the Egyptians and lighted the Israelites.
Causes confusion in the enemy camp.
Chariots wheels came off.
Daniel 3 Narrative Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego.
Heated up the furnace seven times hotter than the specifications
Daniel 6 Narrative Daniel in the lions den.
Verse 24 says, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
The New Century Version says, The lions grabbed them before they hit the floor of the den and crushed their bones.
Daniel 6:27 KJVS
[27] He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
Again The New Century Version says,
Daniel 6:27 NCV
God rescues and saves people and does mighty miracles in heaven and on earth. He is the one who saved Daniel from the power of the lions.
They rush on the city, they run on the wall
Great is the army that carries out His word
They rush on the city, they run on the wall
Great is the army that carries out His word
The Lord utters His voice before His army
The Lord utters His voice before His army
They rush on the city, they run on the wall
Great is the army that carries out His word
They rush on the city, they run on the wall
Great is the army that carries out His word
The Lord utters His voice before His army
The Lord utters His voice before His army
Blow the trumpet in Zion, Zion
Sound the alarm in My Holy mountain!
Blow the trumpet in Zion, Zion
sound the alarm!
Blow the trumpet in Zion, Zion
sound the alarm in my Holy mountain!
Blow the trumpet in Zion, Zion
Sound the alarm!
Blow the trumpet in Zion, Zion
Sound the alarm in my Holy mountain!
Blow the trumpet in Zion, Zion
Sound the alarm!
Sound the alarm!
Sound the alarm!
Robert Hugh Benson
“The Church must be intelligible to the simple as well as to the shrewd”
Rachabites
Rachabites Jeremiah 35:2 KJVS
[2] Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the Lord, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.
Jeremiah 35:5-10 KJVS
[5] And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine. [6] But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: [7] Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any : but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers. [8] Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters; [9] Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed: [10] But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.
The Fall of Jerusalem to Babylon
2 Kings 25 - Jeremiah 52
Zedekiah 597-587 BC
One day some strange people appeared on the streets of Jerusalem. They were called Recabites. The Recabites led a wandering life and lived in tents. They were a guild of metalworkers involved in the making of chariots and other weaponry. They roamed the country, setting up camp outside villages and cities. If you had a metal implement that needed mending it was put aside for the time when the Recabites would travel to your town. They that kept to themselves.
The Recabites traced their roots back 250 years to one Jonadab ben Recab in the time of Jehu. They accounted for their disciplined life and distinctive identity in terms of their obedience to the command given by their ancestor: They followed the direction given by Jonadab son of Recab. Men, women our sons and daughters, drink no wine at all…don’t build houses…don’t have vineyards or fields or gardens. Living in tents as nomads. Not followed the crowd consensus of doing what the vast majority of people do.
Jonadab and we’ve done everything he commanded us” (Jer 35:8-10).
Craftsmen in metal would have many trade secrets, tightly held. The abstinence from intoxicants followed from the well-known rule, “loose lips sink ships.”
Metallurgists in antiquity, as a rule, formed proud families with long genealogies.
Marriages were carefully arranged within the guild, preventing the entrance of outsiders.
The smith had to convey a formidable body of technical detail which was handed down and guarded from generation to generation. The nature of his work prevented the smith from establishing any permanent residence.
Remaining in one locality from a few months to several years until the supply of ore and fuel at that place was exhausted or all available work was finished.The smith’s work required such skill and long practice that all other work was excluded.
The Babylonian invasion of Judah had made living in the country dangerous and so the Recabites had come inside the city walls of Jerusalem for safety. They were an oddity in the city, conspicuous in their strangeness. They were, of course, noticed, commented on, gawked at. Within two or three days everyone would either have seen them or heard about them.
Jeremiah took notice of their values and practices and saw the perfect correlation between the rules they prescribed to following them diligently without exception and how the inhabitants of Jerusalem lived loosely not paying attention to the mandates of a higher law. He used examples to establish truths, he would test their resolve.
What lessons can we observe from the example they set?
This is an argument from the lesser to the greater: If the Rechabites faithfully obey laws that are merely man-made, then how much more should Israel obey laws that were given by God himself! Longman writes that the Rechabite “obedience to conscience is commended, but the point is that this requirement is one imposed by a human authority figure. While the Recabites obey their forefather, the rest of the people do not obey God himself” (234). The application for us today parallels the lesson God intended for ancient Israel: We should faithfully obey all that God has commanded us to do, eager to “receive instruction and listen to [his] words” (Jer. 35:13). In particular, we should respond with ready obedience when God calls us to repentance, for his promises of deliverance and his warnings of judgment far exceed anything that accompany obedience to any merely human commands. This call to repent and obey God’s own words is the true reason why God called Jeremiah’s attention to the Rechabites in the first place. What can we draw from their example today.
The Recabites are ordinary, mortal human beings, and they have been doing it for 250 years.
We have a great body of precious promises that are yes and amen to those who believe.
2 Peter 1:4 KJVS
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
We can categorize them into several different types
Always with you Matthew 28:20 KJVS Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Rivers of living water John 7:38 KJVS. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 10:28 KJVS And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 15:5 KJVSI am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 16:13-15 KJVS
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. [15] All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train, when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets.
It wasn't there.He looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.
"The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.” Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car,he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
"The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are; no problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going."
Moving The Hand of God
Bishop Parker outlines the principles for moving God. Sunday, July 24, 2022
Life Choices
Bishop Parker ministers on the concept of two pathways