Tag: Bible

New Beginnings, Eternal Truths

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28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. – Genesis 1:28-30

Out with the old…

“Out with the old, in with the new.”  Once again it is time to turn over the calendar.  Not just from one old month to a new one, but from one year past to another just beginning.

Each new year brings fresh hope.  For many, each new year entails new resolutions.  This is the year we will finally lose weight!  This is the year we will finally address that home project we have been putting off.  After all, sooner or later that roof is going to leak.

Maybe this is the year to work on that strained relationship.  Do you really want to keep kicking the can down the road when a little sacrifice and forgiveness could be the seeds of reconciliation and peace?

As we step into the New Year with all of its promises, we say goodbye to the old and all of its memories.  Most notably, memories of loved ones left behind.  Those who will not turn the calendar into a New Year and share the future with us.

But despite their absences, time moves on.

Eternal Truths

I don’t know what, if any, resolutions you may have made for the New Year, but I do hope you have committed to making a journey through your Bible part of your plans for the New Year.  If not, I would like to challenge you to dust off your Bible and open it up and allow God to “accompany” you as you walk through 2019.

While each year is a mystery waiting to unfold, some things are a given.  The path will not always be smooth.  Nor will it always be well lit.  For every day of sunshine, there will be an allotment of storms.  Some severe.

When the way is dark, God’s Word will illumine our path (Psalm 119:105).  When the tempest rages, God’s Word can still the storm (Mark 4:39).

As we encounter the trials and temptations that are sure to confront us in the New Year, we can take comfort in the fact that the truth of God’s Word will enable us to persevere along the way.

In the beginning…

We are all familiar with the opening words of Genesis.  The first chapter of the Bible tells us that during the first six days of the earth’s history, God was “busy” creating.

As you begin your journey reading through the Bible, you will notice the multiple times the words “And God said” are recorded in Genesis Chapter one.

3 And God said, “Let there be light…”

6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse…”

9 And God said, “Let the waters…”

For six days of creation, God spoke into being a material world.  With each “God said” there was obedience.  What God commanded came into being.  From nothing.

God’s Words brought life, order, and light to an earth that Genesis described as “without form, void, and with darkness over the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:2).

We would be wise to obey His Words.

Beasts

When God created man on the sixth day, He blessed them and gave them dominion over the rest of creation, including every creeping thing that creeps on the earth (Genesis 1:26, 28).

I am not sure what form Satan had before he was cursed to go on his belly and eat dust (Genesis 3:14), but I have to believe he was one of the beasts that Adam and Eve were supposed to subdue and have dominion over.  But they did not.

Genesis chapter three verse one tells us that Satan was “more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.”  Crafty enough to get Adam and Eve to be the first to disobey the spoken Word of God. And they would certainly not be his last prey.

Since the serpent first deceived Adam and Eve to doubt the veracity or integrity of God’s Word, the battle has never ended.  Because Adam and Eve did not subdue every beast, Satan’s “victory” ushered in a lifelong battle with sin.  Accordingly, we would be wise to heed God’s words to Cain.

7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” – Genesis 4:7

Promises

All of this brings us back to the importance of being in the Word of God every day.  Satan, the beast we are to subdue is a roaring lion, seeking to devour us.  Like he did with Adam and Eve, he wants us to doubt the integrity of God’s Word.  Better yet, he wants us to ignore it.

Don’t succumb to Satan’s lies this year, rather embrace the promises of God.

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you. – Isaiah 43:2

…in with the new

Obviously, the above are just a few of the many promises God has spoken to comfort His children.  As you can see I only quoted a few promises out of the Old Testament.  Hopefully, this is enough to encourage you to consider reading through your Bible this year if you do not already intend to do so.

God has “made the effort” to speak to us.  Satan has resolved to keep us away from God’s Word.  Won’t you honor your Creator by reading His love letter to you?  Won’t you bring Him glory by believing it?

Satan is slithering in the Garden.  Sin is crouching at the door.  May we have the wisdom to read and appropriate God’s Word so we can resist and rule over the enemy of our souls.  As you read the Bible this year, you might want to make a list of truths you can stand on in the midst of the world’s lies.

The next time we turn the calendar over from one year to another we don’t know what loved ones we will “leave behind”, but one of these years it will be us.  Thank God that based on His inerrant Word, we can know that eternity is secure.

As you walk with God each day in His word enjoy the journey.

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. – 1 John 5:13-15

God’s Indestructible Word (Part 4)

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49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” – John 11:49-50

Public Enemy Number One

It is amazing the extremes we will go to and the justifications we will fabricate to take drastic actions.  Lazarus had lain dead in his tomb for four days.  Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, gives the command, “Lazarus, come out”, and Lazarus walks out in his grave clothes.  Not exactly an everyday occurrence.  Everyone is astonished.  Most of the friends of the family believe in Jesus.  Some, however, went and reported the miracle to the Pharisees.  Instead of asking how the works of Jesus might fulfill prophecies, they are concerned with their future comfort.  God was in their midst and they were afraid of Caesar.  The conclusion?  Kill God to appease Caesar.

Public Enemy Number Two

As we have already looked at, Jesus conquered death and ascended into heaven, yet His absence did not satisfy His enemies.  Even before He went to the cross, they were gunning for victim number two.  Lazarus.  Satan is opposed not only to the Trinity but also their works and Word.  The fact that Lazarus was walking around after having lain dead in the grave for four days put a big bulls-eye on him.  The words of Caiaphas, “It is better for you that one man should die for the people…”  were quickly edited.

10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. – John 12:10-11

Never Satisfied

First Jesus.  Then Lazarus.  Where does it end?  When does it end?  It doesn’t.  Not until Jesus comes back.  The animosity of Satan towards God is mirrored by that of sinners towards saints.  Christ’s blood may have satisfied the Father, but not the father of lies.  He wants more.  After Jesus was crucified, Stephen was stoned to death.  Then James was beheaded.  In time, many of the Apostles would be executed for their faith.  Philip was crucified.  Matthew was killed with a halberd (an axe like weapon).  James, the brother of Jesus was beaten to death.  Matthias was beheaded.  Andrew was crucified.  Mark was torn to pieces.  Peter was crucified upside down.  Jude, Bartholomew and Thomas were also martyred.  After much suffering for Christ, Paul was eventually beheaded in Rome.  Eventually, Luke, Barnabas, Timothy and Simon were also martyred for their faith.

Three things are never satisfied;
four never say, “Enough”: – Proverbs 30:15b

If I could, I would like to add Satan to the list of things never satisfied.  He will never say enough.  The death of Jesus and the disciples did not satisfy him.   During the Roman empire, thousands of Christians were killed for their faith.  Some saints were tossed to wild beasts, others were burned at the stake.  Some were covered with the skins of beasts and torn by dogs, others were decapitated.  Many were nailed to crosses.  Some were used as human torches.  Many were tortured.  Many were imprisoned.  The means of execution and forms of tortures were numerous.  Unfortunately, they did not end with the fall of the Roman empire.

Church Seeds

Between 2005 and 2015, 900,00 Christians were martyred.  Ninety thousand Christians a year being killed for their faith in this day and age?  Aren’t we supposed to be more intelligent than our predecessors?  Aren’t we supposed to be more civilized?  How can this be possible?  Satan will never be satisfied.  He will never say enough.  Paul said, “the gospel is the power of God for salvation.”  Jesus said, “Follow me.”  The Bible warns, and history confirms, following Jesus comes at a cost.  Satan will stop at nothing to prevent the gospel from spreading.  Jesus was well aware of this truth.  He expects His followers to count the cost, and then compare the cost to the reward.  Despite Satan’s efforts, the gospel will keep spreading.  The deaths of the saints were not in vain.  The Word of God that they lived and died for is indestructible.  And because they were faithful to it I am confident they entered into the joy of the Lord hearing, “Well done good and faith servant.”

20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” – John 15:20-21

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” – Matthew 16:34-26

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” – Tertullian

God’s Indestructible Word (Part 3)

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54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. – Acts 7:54-60

Stephen

Most of us are probably familiar with the account of Stephen.  We attribute to Stephen the designation of  being the first Christian martyr.  However, as we continue our study of the indestructible nature of the Word of God, I would like to take a closer look at Stephen’s death.  Accordingly, let’s back up to Acts chapter six.
2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Satan

Look at what is happening here.  Verse one of Acts chapter six tells us that the church is growing (the disciples were increasing in number).  The Word of God is being preached and it is bearing fruit.  Satan, doesn’t like this, hence, a dispute begins within the church.  Sound familiar?  The disciples see through Satan’s scheme and appoint elders to handle the dispute so that they can devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.  Wise men.

Among those picked to “serve tables” is Stephen.  Nothing against serving tables, but Stephen appears to have a special anointing and a special gift.  He is a gifted speaker and a bold man.  A great combination in any age.  As Stephen is preaching some scholars take exception to his teaching, but they are unable to refute Stephen as he is speaking with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  The devil hates the Truth and so do his minions.  So they engage in the age old tactic of character assassination.  If you can’t refute the Truth, resort to lies.  There is nothing new under the sun!

Seized

Those that could not debate Stephen instead resorted to instigating the ignorant.  They spread the lie that Stephen was speaking blasphemy against Moses and God.  The people gave into their emotions and never engaged the gears of logic.  It appears it was another example of, “My mind is made up, don’t confuse me with the facts.”  Then the scribes and the elders got caught up in the emotional fervor and Stephen was seized and brought before the council; officially know as the Sanhedrin.  The religious court of the day.  One would hope that as Stephen stood before these rational men, whose job it was to listen objectively to facts, he would get a fair hearing  (assuming for a moment that their handling of Jesus was an aberration).  But he did not.

Sanhedrin

The crime Stephen committed was preaching Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 6:14).  As Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin, his face “was like the face of an angel”.  When questioned by the high priest, Stephen resumed his “crime”.  Stephen not only preached to the council, he boldly brought charges against them as representatives of the Jewish people.  They were guilty of being stiff necked.  They killed the prophets of God.  They killed the Messiah.  They were entrusted with the law and did not keep it.  Convicted by the Word of God they did the only logical thing; they became enraged and ground their teeth.  As Stephen looked Heavenward and saw Jesus, the members of the Sanhedrin cried out covered their ears and rushed at him.  The Truth was painful to listen to.  It had to be stopped.  Stephen had to be eliminated.

Stones

Full of Satan’s venom, the council cast Stephen out of the city in order to stone him.  As they were picking up their stones, the witnesses were laying their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.  Once again, God was at least one step ahead of Satan.  As the stones were being hurled at him, Stephen submitted his soul to God and prayed for the forgiveness of those who sought his death.

God’s Word can not be destroyed.  God’s Word will not return void.

Saul

After Stephen uttered his prayer of forgiveness, he passed into the presence of God.  Stephen was martyred, but God’s Word was not destroyed.  Those that witnessed Stephen’s death would return to the feet of Saul and pick up their garments.  Saul, on the other hand, would in time pick up Stephen’s “mantel”.  The same Holy Spirit that indwelled Stephen would indwell the mighty Apostle Paul.  The same Truth that Stephen proclaimed, Paul would carry to the gentiles.  The Jerusalem stones may have covered Stephen’s body and silenced his voice, but they could not stop the Living Word of God.

“Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” – Acts 9:15

God’s Indestructible Word (Part 2)

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15 “I will put enmity between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
    and you shall bruise his heel.” – Genesis 3:15

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
    weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
    she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” – Matthew 2:16-18

A Throne for One

Satan once “resided” in the presence of God enjoying all the beauty of Heaven and the fellowship of the divine.  He was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.”  He was perhaps the highest angel.  But despite his position, Satan was not content.  Rather, he was full of pride.  Instead of singing, “Holy, holy, holy” like the Seraphim before the throne of God, he wanted to replace God on the throne.  But Satan would quickly learn that God will share His glory with no one or nothing; including His “highest” creation.  Satan’s desire to be exalted to the throne of God resulted in God casting him out of heaven.  Satan has been “at war” with God ever since.

We have been looking at Satan’s attempt to discredit and destroy the Word of God.  Beginning in the Garden where he preyed on the pride of Adam and Eve with the temptation to be like God, Satan has been relentless in his attacks.  Just as he was cast out of Heaven, Satan was cast out of the Garden.  But before he was, God warned him that the woman’s offspring would crush his head.  If Satan has waged an all-out war against God’s written Word, how much more violently would he try to destroy the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ?

Herod’s Decree

The passage quoted above from Matthew’s gospel clearly answers the question.  Feeling threatened by the birth of the Christ child, Herod made a decree to have the young male children in Bethlehem killed with the intention of eliminating Jesus.  But God is always more than one step ahead of Satan.  Rather than being killed by Herod, Jesus was kept safely in Egypt until Herod died.  But Herod was just one pawn in the hands of Satan.

Beloved Son

When Jesus was baptized by John, the heavens opened up and the Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove and rested on Him.  From Heaven God proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).  After being publicly anointed and blessed by the Father, Jesus went into the desert where He was tempted by the enemy.  In the desert, the battle was heating up.  Jesus was fasting.  His flesh was “weakening”.  Satan would not waste this opportunity to destroy the incarnate Word.  No pawns would be used in this battle.  Satan would come personally to confront Jesus.  If Jesus took on flesh and blood to redeem man, Satan would attack the humanity of Jesus to destroy Him.  Just as he used their pride against Adam and Eve, Satan would try the same tactic with Jesus.

It is Written

“Command this stone to become bread.”  The lust of the flesh.  Doesn’t that fruit look tasty?  It will open your eyes.  Unlike Adam and Eve, Jesus did not bite.  Instead, the incarnate Word quoted the Word of God.  “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone.”

“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here.”  The pride of life.  Flaunt your position.  Use your powers.  Prove yourself.  Jesus did not jump.  Again He quoted Scripture, “Again, it is written,  ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”

“All these I will give to you, if you will fall down and worship me.”  The lust of the eyes.  Take the easy way out.  Don’t pick up that cross.  The cup will be bitter.  Who can blame you for avoiding the suffering?  Jesus would not bend a knee.  The road to glory would include a cup and a cross.  All glory belongs to God.  “It is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.“

“Command this stone.”  “It is written.”  “Throw yourself down”  “It is written.”  “Worship me.”  “It is written.”  “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Satan’s Weapons

Herod’s sword could not destroy the incarnate Word, and neither could Satan’s temptations. But Satan would employ other tactics and other weapons.  He would turn to the “church” and the government.  Institutions ordained by God.  Institutions so many look to for “salvation”.  Scary thought.  Even more frightening is the fact that he would also use the disciples.  Men hand picked by Jesus Himself.  All would converge in another Garden of God’s choosing.  The Second Adam, the incarnate Word, was prepared.

While the Pharisees were scheming and Judas was betraying, the disciples were sleeping.  When humanity was at its worst, Jesus was praying.  God is always at least one step ahead of Satan.

Empty Tomb

Satan unleashed the jealousy of the Pharisees and the cruelty of Rome.  Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss and most of the other disciple scattered.  Pilate waffled and the crowd shouted.  The guilty Barabbas was released and the innocent Jesus was condemned.   Jesus drank from the cup and carried the cross.  His hands and feet were nailed and his side was pierced.  His blood flowed and His breath expired.  It is finished.  Not quite.

For a while, it appeared that the Roman cross accomplished what the Roman sword had failed to do thirty-three years earlier…  Until the empty tomb on the third day.  The stone was rolled away to show the world: God’s Word is indestructible!!  Far from being destroyed, it was about the spread like never before.

35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” – Matthew 24:35

God’s Indestructible Word

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27 Now after the king had burned the scroll with the words that Baruch wrote at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 28 “Take another scroll and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned. – Jeremiah 36:27-28                                         

God’s Word

The Word of God brought creation into existence.  It brought light and order to an earth that was “without form” and it brought life where there was “void.”  The inherent goodness of the Creator was reflected in His creation.  But God wasn’t done.  His objective was not creation, but fellowship.  God not only formed and breathed life into Adam, but He also spoke with him.  His words to Adam were simple.  This you may eat, and this you may not.  Adam apparently did not understand the significance of God’s words.  But the enemy did.  It has been his objective to destroy God’s creation since his fall.  What better way to do it than the destruction of God’s Word?

Broken Trust

In the Garden of Eden, Satan brought into question the integrity of God’s Word.  Did God really say?  Yes! God really said, “you shall not.”  And He meant it.  Satan may have succeeded in getting Adam and Eve to disobey God’s Word, but His Word was not destroyed.  Not at all.  When put to the test, God’s Word was validated.  Disobedience led to death just as God said it would.  While Adam and Eve were being “escorted” out of the Garden and Satan was slithering on his belly, God’s Word stood true.

Smashed Tablets

When Moses came down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments, he heard the singing of the people.  When he saw the golden calf and the people dancing, his “anger burned hot” and he threw down the tablets at the foot of the mountain and smashed them.  Moses was “delayed” on Mount Sinai.  The people wanted a god to lead them.  Satan suggested an idol.  The people listened and fashioned one.  And then they danced.  Satan had gotten God’s children to violate the very first commandment God had written on the tablets.  The fact that Moses smashed the tablets is ironic.  Satan perhaps thought he had destroyed God’s Word.  But he didn’t.  After God disciplined the Israelites for their disobedience, He rewrote the Ten Commandments.

34 The Lord said to Moses, “Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. – Exodus 34:1

Burnt Scrolls

If smashing God’s Word won’t destroy it, perhaps cutting and burning it will.  At least that it was Jehoiakim seems to think as we read in today’s passage.  He didn’t like what God had to say so he threw the scroll into the fire.  As if burning the Word of God can stop the will of God.  Doesn’t work.  Jehoiakim’s fire wasn’t the end of God’s Word.  In actuality, Jehoiakim was merely fanning the flames.  Men really should be careful when “playing” with fire.  As if burning the scroll wasn’t enough, Jehoiakim wanted to silence God’s spokesmen, Jeremiah and Baruch, but God had other plans.  God not only protected Jeremiah and Baruch, he also replaced the scroll that was burned.

27 Now after the king had burned the scroll with the words that Baruch wrote at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 28 “Take another scroll and write on it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah has burned. – Jeremiah 36:27-28

Indestructible!!

God’s Word is indestructible.  The prophecies regarding Jehoiakim and Judah came true.  Burning the scroll did not prevent God from carrying out His plan.  But the enemy is persistent.  History is replete with attacks on God’s Word and His messengers.  With sin rampant in the hearts of men, Satan has no shortage of accomplices.

In 175 BC, the Syrian king, Antiochus Epiphanes, ordered the Jews to destroy their Scriptures and worship the Greek gods.  This was no idle threat.  Antiochus Epiphanes was an evil and violent man.  Some of his contemporaries referred to him as Epimanes (“the mad one”), the Jews referred to him as harasha (“the wicked”).  He ordered the tearing and burning of any Scriptures his officials found.  Those possessing Scriptures were sentenced to death.  Later, he would lead an all out assault against the Jews.  Over a three day period of time he ordered the slaughter of forty thousand Jews with another forty thousand being sold into slavery.  As he was raging against the Jews God struck him down.

A “madman” may wreak havoc with God’s people, but God’s Word is indestructible.  While Antiochus Epiphanes is buried in infamy, God’s Word remains.  While Satan was working through King Antiochus Epiphanes, God raised up Judas Maccabaeus to lead a revolt and “save” the Scriptures.  Furthermore, the revolt won independence for the Jewish nation and resulted in the re-dedication of the Holy Temple.  Today the Jews still celebrate this event at Hanukkah.  Like Jehoiakim before him, Antiochus wasn’t destroying God’s Word, he was fanning the flames.

Far from being extinguished, the Word of God was about to take on flesh and blood.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God will stand forever.” – Isaiah 40:8

Reactions to God’s Word

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21 Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the secretary. And Jehudi read it to the king and all the officials who stood beside the king. 22 It was the ninth month, and the king was sitting in the winter house, and there was a fire burning in the fire pot before him. 23 As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot. 24 Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments. 25 Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. – Jeremiah 36:21-25

 

Like father like son?

Not in this case.  The reaction of King Jehoiakim to the reading of the inspired word of God stands in stark contrast to that of his father, King Josiah, as recorded in 2 Kings chapter 22.  When the Book of the Law was found in the house of the Lord it was brought before King Josiah.  Shaphan the secretary promptly read it to Josiah.  Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, King Josiah tore his clothes in humility.  The word of God convicted him.  He commanded Hilkiah the priest who found the Book, Shaphan the secretary who read it to him, and other leaders to go and inquire of the Lord on his behalf.  He was afraid of the wrath of God because of the disobedience of God’s children in regards to God’s word.

Josiah’s Humility

When God’s counsel was sought, Josiah was assured that the wrath of God would be meted out upon Jerusalem and it’s inhabitants because they forsook God and made offerings to idols, thus provoking God to anger.   However, because Josiah’s heart was penitent, and he humbled himself before the Lord when he heard God’s word, Josiah would be “rewarded”.  God assured him that he would go to his grave in peace, and his eyes would not see all the disaster that was coming as a result of the disobedience of the people.  But Josiah wasn’t concerned only about himself, he was burdened for the people.

Josiah’s Consecration

Josiah assembled the people at the house of the Lord, and he personally read from the Book of the Covenant that had been lost there.  In the presence of the people, he “made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes will all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book.”  And the people joined him.  After consecrating himself to the LORD, Josiah commanded the people to destroy their “instruments” of idolatry.  Josiah not only removed a lot of items related to idol worship, he also restored the Passover.  What did God think of Josiah’s reaction to His word?

God’s Assessment

25 Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him. – 2 Kings 23:25

Jehoiakim’s Arrogance

If only Jehoiakim could have been more like his father.  Instead, his arrogance stands in stark contrast to Josiah’s humility.  When his official (Jehudi) comes to him with the word of God, Jehoiakim is far from penitent.  Instead of recognizes the authority of God’s word over his life, he acts like he is superior to the Word.  It is he who stands in judgement.  As the scroll is being read to him he is cutting it and burning it.  This reaction is so appalling that verse 24 states, “Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments.”  Remember God’s intention stated in verse 3?  “It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the disaster that I intend to do to them, so that every one may turn from his evil way, and that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.”  Jehoiakim’s behavior is not only foolish, it is reckless.

Jehoiakim’s Denial

After Josiah humbled himself before the LORD and his people, he placed an order to “inquire of the LORD”.  He wanted to hear more from God.  After Jehoikim finished burning the scroll, he also placed an order.  He wanted God’s messengers, Baruch and Jeremiah seized.  Unlike his father, he did not want to hear more of God’s word.  He didn’t want to hear it any more.  He did not want to share the word of God with the people as his father did.  Instead, he wanted to deprive them of it.  The consequence?  See how this compares with what is stated about Josiah above:

God’s Assessment

30 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He shall have none to sit on the throne of David, and his dead body shall be cast out to the heat by day and the frost by night.

Not exactly going to your grave in peace!  Amazing how different a father and a son can be.  A good reminder on just how personal our faith is.  There will be no coattail Christians in heaven.  Our salvation is contingent upon what we do individually with the truth of the Gospel.

The reactions of Josiah and Jehoikim I believe, also give evidence of the uniqueness of the Word of God.  What else can cause the brokenness we see in Josiah?  What else can cause the animosity we see in Jehoikim?  Both were convicted, yet they responded in different ways.  History is full of people on each ends of this spectrum.  Those that humble themselves before the Word want to share it just as Josiah did.  Those that rebel as Jehoikim did, want to destroy it.

Why such strong reactions?  The Word is alive!

The God Breathed Word

Posted on by scott

 

“In the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today.'” – Jeremiah 36:1-2

Zig’s Routine & Al’s Opinion

Years ago my brother attended a conference and had the privilege of hearing Zig Ziglar speak.  One of the things that Zig shared with his audience that day was that he began every day reading the newspaper and the Bible.  According to him, that way he knew what both sides were up to.  What he said tongue in cheek certainly has a lot of truth to it.  As I have stated once before, I am not a proponent of the media.  I am convinced that journalism is dead.  In its place, indoctrination is alive and well.

What little I see of the media is nothing more than a biased editorial.  Buried along with journalism are dialogue and debate.  From their grave diatribe flourishes.  By default, if someone disagrees with you they are not only wrong but unworthy of having an opinion.  We are quick to call names and attack the character in an attempt to marginalize those with whom we disagree.  Think I’m exaggerating?  Wear a Trump t-shirt in Los Angeles or DC and let me know how that works for you.  We need to be very careful about what we feed our minds with.  Our beliefs will certainly play out in our behaviors.  When Al Capone “owned” the papers in Chicago he made this statement, “Everybody reads the newspapers, and most people are stupid enough to believe what’s in the papers.”  Al Capone is long gone, but the devil is still busy causing division with deception.  But he is no match for God.

God Inspired

We live in an age of information overload.  As the printed page has given way to digital, we find the world at our fingertips.  While this can be convenient, it in no means guarantees that what we are exposed to is accurate.  I was recently in Gettysburg and saw this quote, “Not everything you read on the internet is true.” – Abraham Lincoln.  In contrast, I find today’s passage from Jeremiah refreshing.  When God wanted to communicate to Israel and Judah, He spoke to the prophet Jeremiah and commanded him to take up a scroll and record the words that He would speak to him.  So it is with the entire Bible.  When we read it we are reading the Word of God.  We are not reading Jeremiah’s opinion on the latest events.  We are not being subjected to Isaiah’s attempts to indoctrinate us with his political convictions.  Nor is Moses trying to justify his actions.  Not at all.  When the authors of the Bible picked up “quill” and scroll, they did so at the inspiration of God Himself.  Such is what Paul tells us in the New Testament.

God Breathed

16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – II Timothy 3:15

Paul says that all Scripture is breathed out by God (theopneustos).  Just as the life of Adam was breathed into him by God, so it is with the Bible.  God, Himself is the origin.  He alone is the source.  Like the other authors God chose to use, Paul knew that he was simply an agent working on God’s behalf.  Don’t believe Paul?  Listen to what Jesus had to say.

4 “But He answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4

When the devil tried to tempt Him in the wilderness, Jesus quoted words that proceeded from the mouth of God.  What a great weapon to wield against the devil’s wiles.  Peter, who himself was sifted by the devil penned these words at the inspiration of God.

21 “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – II Peter 1:21

Peter would not take credit for his writings.  Nor did he attribute any credit to the Prophets.  Again, they were only instruments God chose to use to accomplish His task.  They were “carried along” by the Holy Spirit.

The Bible, Read it and Believe It!

Every Book.  Every Chapter.  Every Sentence.  Every Letter.  Inspired by God.  All of it is True!!

Every day, we have the Truth of God at our fingertips.  Might we be wise enough to read it.  Might we have the faith to believe it.  The fool isn’t the one who reads the newspaper.  He is the one who ignores God’s word.

“I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man.  All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us from this book.”  Abraham Lincoln