John T. Willis

Love Your Enemies--Luke 6:27-36

2012-02-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

After declaring for beatitudes or blessings in the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6:20-26, Jesus teaches his disciples (see 6:20): "Love your enemies." This is similar to Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:33-48. At the same time, there are significant differences, because Luke is addressing a different audience. This paragraph falls into two sections.

I. Love Your Enemies by ACTIVELY treating them in a loving way. Luke 6:27-31.
a. Jesus begins by inviting his audience to LISTEN--not merely hear the words, but pay careful attention to what Jesus intends to communicate. 6:27a.
b. Then Jesus states EIGHT specific ways in which a follower of God through Jesus Christ is to love one's enemies. 6:27b-31.
1. Do good--ACTIVELY go out of your way to actually do good things for those who hate you.
2. Bless--figure out ways to bless the lives of those who curse you.
3. Pray--Turn to God our Father to deal with your enemies. Do not take this matter into your own hands. Let God take care of the situation when people abuse you. On these last two ideas, see Romans 12:14.
4. Turn the other cheek any time someone strikes you on the cheek. The natural response is to hit the other person in response. Do not do that. Turn the other cheek.
5. Give your shirt off your back if anyone forcefully takes away your outer garment. Do more than the enemy does in a positive way.
6. Freely give your possessions of anyone approaches you and begs for anything.
7. Never demand that someone steals something from you to get it back. Instead, be content with everything God has already given you.
8. Put yourself in your own situation. Then do to others as you would like for them to do for you.
What a positive, disconcerting approach to life with respect to other people!!! This always works.

II. Love Your Enemies because Loving those who love you is what all people do. Luke 6:32-36.
a. Jesus says: There is no credit at all to one who loves those who love you. Sinner do that. This is pure reciprocity, and thus is self-centered, not God-centered, not Christ-centered. 6:32-33.
b. Non-Christians praise others to get their own praise, give money to others to receive money in response. The ONLY attitude that is God-centered is to do good to others without expecting any reward at all in return. All of us human beings do not feel this way. This is why we must learn to become Christ-centered people. 6:34-35a.
c. The reward to feeling and living non-self-centered is to be children of God. Gos our Father/Mother sets the example for his/her children: he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. God is merciful, so be merciful to follow God's example.
6:35b-36.

As one reflects on this very important teaching of Jesus Christ, three connected truths are imperative. Said very briefly:

1. The teaching "Love Your Enemies" is not a NEW teaching of Jesus. The Hebrew Bible is full of texts which teach the same thing. Jesus is reinforcing this important truth. As only a few examples, read: Exodus 23:4-5; 1 Samuel 24:17; Proverbs
24:28-29; Proverbs 25:21-22 [which Paul quotes in Romans 12:17-21].

2. Loving one's enemies does NOT mean that one is to stand by and support the sinful practices of evil people. As just one example, Paul presents a lengthy list of sins of ungodly people, then concludes by saying: "They know God's decree, that those who PRACTICE such things deserve to die--yet they not only DO them but even APPLAUD others who PRACTICE them." Jesus was not wrong when he drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves--Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48; John 2:13-25. This is the VERY SAME JESUS who told his disciples: "Love your enemies."

3. The entire Bible teaches that God's followers, God's disciples are to abstain from treating their enemies in the same manner that their enemies treat them. Instead, they are to go to God in prayer to ask God to treat their enemies in the way God chooses. God supports godly people, and defeats ungodly people. See 2 Samuel 16:5-14; Psalms 58:3-11; 69:19-36; 139:19-22; Romans 12:19-21; 1 Corinthians 16:22; Galatians 1:6-10.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts and experiences and feelings with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

God's Mission to Restore All Peoples--Part 3

2012-02-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

Numerous texts throughout the Hebrew Bible emphasize God's mission to restore all peoples. Let us note four specific examples involving individuals.

1. Ruth.
Ruth was not an Israelite, but a Moabite. She married Mahlon, a Moabite, but he died. After a famine in the land of Judah, Ruth went to Bethlehem to live with her mother-in-law Naomi. After a while, Ruth met and married a Judean man named Boaz. Ruth became a worshipper of Yahweh. The whole story about Ruth emphasizes the conversion of Ruth. She was a foreigner, but her mother-in-law and her second husband Boaz influenced her to become a follower of the true God. Ruth made her commitment in Ruth 1:16:
"Do not press me to leave you [Naomi]
or to turn back from following you!
Where you go I will go;
Where you lodge I will lodge;
your people [the Israelites] will be my people,
and your God [Yahweh] my God."
The words of Boaz to Ruth emphasize this truth in Ruth 2:12:
"May the Lord [Yahweh] reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, UNDER WHOSE WINGS YOU HAVE COME TO REFUGE."

2. Zipporah.
When Moses fled from Egypt after he killed the Egyptian taskmaster to Midian near Mount Sinai, he met and married the daughter of the priest of Midian, Jethro. Her name was Zipporah. In time, they had two sons. When they returned to Egypt after the incident of the burning bush, they came to a lodging place, and the Lord tried to kill Moses because Moses had not circumcised his son Eliezer. Zipporah obviously had turned away from her Midianite gods to serve Yahweh. She swiftly circumcised the son of Moses and Zipporah, and Yahweh did not kill Moses. After the exodus from Egypt, Moses met Jethro, and he became a convert of Yahweh. Exodus 4:24-26; 18:1-10.

3. Naaman.
The Syrian commander of the army was a leper. He learned about Elisha and went to Samaria to be healed. After Yahweh healed Naaman, Naaman went to Elisha and said in
2 Kings 5:15:
"Now I know that there is no God IN ALL THE EARTH except in Israel." Naaman became a worshipper of Yahweh even after he returned to his land in Damascus.

4. Rahab.
When two Israelite spies came to the house of the Canaanite prostitute Rahab, Rahab declared that she knew that Yahweh was the only true God. After Joshua and the Israelites utterly destroyed the Canaanites at Jericho, they saved Rahab and her family. Rahab became a worshipper of Yahweh. Joshua 2; 6.

Numerous additional stories emphasize the biblical truth that God has always been on a mission on earth to bring all peoples to HIM, not just the chosen people of Israel.

Share YOUR feelings and beliefs and fears and concerns and experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Jesus' Four Beatitudes and Four Woes--Luke 6:20-26

2012-02-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

After choosing his twelve disciples or apostles and healing many people, Jesus now teaches his disciples with a sermon on the plain or on the level place [see Luke 6:17]. This sermon is only thirty verses in comparison with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, which has 107 verses. The first portion of the Sermon on the Plain consists of four beatitudes and four woes. Each beatitude has its counterpart in the woes. This appears in Luke 6:20-26, and naturally falls into two parts.

I. The Four Beatitudes. Luke 6:20-23.
a. Jesus lifted up his eyes upon his disciples and began to speak. 6:20a.
b. First beatitude--Blessed are you [Jesus' disciples] who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. The word "blessed" means a person's internal happiness in the heart. Such a person is happy, prosperous, fortunate although externally poor. What a terrible mistake to assume that a person is successful or personally happy because he or she is wealthy. 6:20b.
c. Second beatitude--Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled." Physical hunger is painful and challenging. But God has the ability of filling our lives even when we do not have food. 6:21a.
d. Third beatitude--Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Crying or weeping is NOT a bad character. It is just the opposite. God has created all of us to weep when we suffer illness or losses or terrible situations, when we sin, when the world stands in opposition to God. In this context, laughter is internal joy of the heart since the kingdom of God constantly bombards our lives. 6:21b.
e. Fourth beatitude--Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy, for you reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. Many of us have encountered people who hate us, who exclude us from their lives, who revile us, who defame us. Do not be surprised because of this, because this is exactly the way people treated Jesus. This attitude reflects an ungodly, unChristian feeling. God blesses us when treated by such people. Recall the stories of Ahab and Jezebel hating Elijah; Jeremiah's false prophets scorning Jeremiah like in the account of Hananiah; and many others. 6:22-23.

II. The Four Woes. Luke 6:24-26. [NOTE: The four woes are counterparts of the four beatitudes, and thus do not call for much additional comment].
a. First Woe--Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Unfortunately, many people spend their lives trying to achieve wealth. Jesus says: they already have their reward. But all human beings die. What happens then? That is the question. 6:24.
b. Second Woe--Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Physical food never satisfies any individual. There is much more to life than being satisfied with physical food. 6:25a.
c. Third Woe--Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Receiving the pleasures of good health, wealth, and the like is very temporal. Time flies. It is not long until we all experience deaths, losses, illnesses, and the like. It is very important for all of us to live realistic lives. 6:25b.
d. Fourth Woe--Woe to you when all speak well of you, forthat is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. A widespread good reputation is not an acceptable goal in life. This is deceptive indeed. GOD ALONE knows the heart and HE ALONE will make the final decision of each one of us. 6:26.

Jesus' teaching is challenging. He has the ability of changing our hearts and lives.

Share YOUR insights and experiences and failures and aspirations with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

God's Mission to Restore All Peoples--Part 2

2012-01-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

When human beings wanted to make a name for themselves [thus, they were (and are) arrogant, self-centered, egotistical], God scattered them over all the earth and confused their language into many languages. Soon, God called Abram in Ur of the Chaldeans and gave Abram three promises:
1. I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven and the sand by the seashore.
2. I will give your descendants the land of Canaan.
3. By you [Abram] and your descendants [the Israelites] all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:15-18; 26:3-5; 28:13-14--and often throughout the Bible).

God's plan, God's purpose, God's vision, God's desire, God's mission is to restore all peoples on earth to God.

Thus, God chose Abraham and his descendants [the Israelites] to bless all nations.

Three key passages emphasize this truth.

Psalm 47: "Clap your hands, ALL YOU PEOPLES;
shout to God with loud songs of joy.
For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome,
a great king over ALL THE EARTH.
He subdued PEOPLES under us,
and NATIONS under our feet.
He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves.
God has gone up with a shout,
the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the KING OF ALL THE EARTH;
sing praises with a psalm.
God is KING OVER THE NATIONS;
God sits on his holy throne.
The princes of THE PEOPLES gather
as the peopole of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the EARTH belong to God;
he is highly exalted."

Psalm 67: "May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
that your way may be known upon EARTH,
your saving power among ALL NATIONS.
Let THE PEOPLES praise you, O God;
let ALL THE PEOPLES praise you.
Let THE NATIONS be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge THE PEOPLES with equity
and guide THE NATIONS UPON EARTH.
Let THE PEOPLES praise you, O God;
let ALL THE PEOPLES praise you.
THE EARTH has yielded its increase;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God continue to bless us;
Let THE ENDS OF THE EARTH revere him."

Jeremiah 4:1-2: "If you return, O Israel, says the Lord,
if you return to me,
if you remove your abominations from my presence,
and do not waver,
and if you swear, 'As the Lord lives!'
in truth, in justice, and in uprightness,
then NATIONS SHALL BE BLESSED BY HIM,
and by him THEY shall boast."

Mull over these three texts. Note the close connection between God's chosen people and all peoples or nations on earth. God is on a mission to restore all peoples on earth to him.

Share YOUR insights and issues and concerns and experiences and feelings with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Jesus Chooses 12 Disciples, Teaches, Heals--Luke 6:12-19

2012-01-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

After Jesus rebuked the religious leaders who criticized Jesus for helping people on the Sabbath, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, on the next day chose 12 disciples, then taught and healed a great crowd of people. Luke relates this in Luke 6:12-19, which falls into two paragraphs.

I. Jesus Chooses the Twelve. Luke 6:12-16.
a. During the days that Jesus was reacting to the critical religious leaders in Galilee, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray. The Bible does not specific which mountain appears here. Jesus spent all night in prayer with his heavenly Father. Throughout Luke, Jesus often prays when a significant situation existed. In preparation for choosing 12 people as his disciples, Jesus spent all night in prayer. Any time we confront serious situations, it is imperative that we first spend much time in prayer. 6:12.
b. The next morning, Jesus called his disciples and selected 12 people whom he also named "apostles." According to the Bible, "apostles" are people sent out. They are emissaries or witnesses to what they heard and saw that Jesus said and did. See
1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:5, 8; Galatians 1:15-16. These are the people Jesus chose that they would proclaim God's message to the world after Jesus' death. 6:13.
c. Luke now lists the 12 people in three groups of four each.
1. Simon, whom Jesus named Peter (see 5:8; Mark 3:16; Matthew 16:16-19); Andrew, brother of Simon Peter; James and John, sons of Zebedee (see 5:10; Mark
3:17; Matthew 10:2).
2. Philip; Bartholomew (see Acts 1:13); Matthew; and Thomas.
3. James, son of Alphaeus [not James the Little in Mark 15:40; and not James the brother of the Lord in Galatians 1:19; 1 Corinthians 15:6]; Simon, who was called the Zealot [a Zealot was an individual Palestinian Jew who opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine]; Judas son of James [see Acts 1:13]; and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor to Jesus. "Iscariot" is a Greek transliteration from Hebrew, "Ish-Keriot," which means "a man from Keriot," a village about 12 miles south of Hebron in Judah. 6:14-16.

II. Jesus Teaches and Heals People in a Great Crowd. Luke 6:17-19.
a. After choosing his twelve disciples on the unnamed mountain, Jesus and they went down and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. People in the crowd from Tyre and Sidon were Phoenicians, thus pagans, and Jesus taught and healed them. See Acts 21:3, 7; 27:3. Jesus, in imitation of his Father and Creator, is concerned about all people, not just his chosen people. 6:17.
b. The crowds came to Jesus for two purposes: (1) to hear what Jesus was teaching; (2) to be healed of their diseases. Jesus did this, curing people who were troubled with unclean spirits. Jesus is carrying out his mission to teach and to heal. 6:18.
c. All the people in the crowd were trying to TOUCH Jesus, because power came out from Jesus and he healed all of them. Jesus' power comes from God the Father. God alone can heal people. 6:19.

Jesus' mission is a great example for all his followers. May we learn deeply from his example.

Share YOUR experiences and feelings and needs and failures and desires with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

God's Mission to Restore All Peoples--Part 1

2012-01-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

According to the Bible, God has been on a mission to restore all peoples to HIM from the very beginning. God is still on this mission. The WAY God has designed to restore all people is through his chosen people. Several blogs will deal with this tremendous truth in scripture.

Genesis 1-2 clearly portrays God's mission to restore all peoples to God.

God created everything he had made. On the sixth day, God said:

"Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.
So God created humankind in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
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 air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26-28).

God created male and female equally in his image.

In Genesis 2:18-25, the Bible goes further into detail about this creation.

"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.' So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to call the cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
Then the man said,
'This at last is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh;
this one shall be called WOMAN,
for out of the MAN this one was taken.'
Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the mad and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed."

God's desire is that ALL HUMAN BEINGS live in harmony. This text emphasizes several relationship:

1. The relationship between God and male and female. This is the paramount relationship. How could ANYONE be divided against anyone else since all human beings are created by God and be in God's image and likeness. Is God against God? Emphatically NO!!!

2. The relationship between male and female: husband and wife. Marriage is designed for God SO THAT human beings will always be united.

3. The relationship between parents and children. God's desire, God's plan, God's mission is to unify parent and child under God. What a terrible mistake for parents to demand that children follow parents. NO!!! God's design, God's mission is that all people FOLLOW GOD, NOT follow human beings. Jesus makes this very clear in favoring his heavenly Father above his earthly father Joseph--Luke 2:41-52. Jesus himself taught clearly: "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." Luke 8:19-21.

MUCH MORE TO COME!!!

Share YOUR limitations and concerns and experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Religious Leaders Criticize Jesus about the Sabbath--Luke 6:1-11

2012-01-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

Times and people never change. Unfortunately, many people are born in the negative case and in the contrary mode. Their food is opposition, criticism, and fault finding. The religious leaders in the time of Jesus looked at life in this way. Thus, it is not surprising that they constantly CRITICIZED the divine Son of God. Good Christians will always encounter criticism. Be encouraged by that, because Jesus regularly was on the receiving end of criticism. Two occasions on which the religious leaders criticized Jesus are when Jesus' disciples were plucking grain on the Sabbath and when Jesus healed the man with a withered hand related in Luke
6:1-11. This section of scripture falls into two parts.

I. Jesus exposes some Pharisees who rebuked Jesus for allowing his disciples to eat grain on the Sabbath. Luke 6:1-5.
a. On some unnamed Sabbath day [Luke does not state the date], Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples plucked some of the heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. The Law of Moses in Deuteronomy 23:25 states that a person may pluck ears of grain from a neighbor's field if he or she does not use a sickle. People rubbed the ears of grain in their hands to separate the kernels from the chaff. 6:1.
b. Obviously, the Pharisees were watching everything that Jesus did or say to try to catch him committing a sin. They were following Jesus and his disciples as they walked through the grainfields, and they saw some of the disciples plucking and eating the grain on the Sabbath. They declared this is unlawful. They were really stretching this violation, possibly thinking of Exodus 34:21. This is a real stretch indeed. 6:2.
c. Jesus countered reminding these Pharisees about a well-known biblical text in
1 Samuel 21:1-9. When David was fleeing from Saul, he came to Nob and asked the priest Ahimelech to give him some bread for himself and his companions because they were very hungry. Ahimelech had only the Bread of the Presence, and so gave David and his companions five loaves of the Bread of the Presence, which ordinarily ONLY priests could eat. See Exodus 25:30; 35:13; 39:36; 40:23; Leviticus 24:5-9. People are much more important than rules in the eyes of God. 6:3-4.
d. In addition to scripture, Jesus says: "The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath." As Son of Man, Jesus has authority to do whatever he wishes. 6:5.

II. Jesus restores the right hand that is withered. Luke 6:6-11.
a. On another unnamed sabbath [again, Luke does not give the date], Jesus entered into the synagogue [Luke does not name the place] and taught, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. This is very significant because this man was undoubtedly right-handed and this prevented him from working. 6:6.
b. The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Jesus like a hawk to see whether Jesus would heal someone on the Sabbath so they could make an accusation against Jesus. Are people too lazy and have nothing other to do than to watch other people to find a way to criticize other people? How unChristian and how wicked and how ungodly are people who live their lives in this way!!! 6:7.
c. Jesus, as divine, as Son of Man, Jesus already KNEW what these critics were THINKING. But he approached this situation by going to the man with the right withered hand, asking him stand up, and he did. 6:8.
d. Then Jesus turned to the scribes and Pharisees and said: "I ask YOU [thus condemning his opponents], is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?" THEY were condemning Jesus for healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, and in this process THEY were DOING HARM and seeking to DESTROY Jesus on the Sabbath. 6:9.
e. They did not respond. Jesus looked around at all of them. Then he told the man to stretch out his hand. He obeyed Jesus, and Jesus restored his hand to full health. What a miracle!!! 6:10.
f. The scribes and Pharisees were filled with fury. They discussed with each other what they might do to Jesus. Remember, they were making these plans on the Sabbath. Is that good or evil? 6:11.

If we but open our eyes, we might change our hearts and quit criticizing others. We can also learn that there are people on earth who are on the search to find faults with other people. Do not be surprised at such people.

Share YOUR experiences with other. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lift Up Your Hands

2012-01-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

The gesture of lifting up the hands permeates the Bible--Old and New Testaments. This gesture contains several rich and deep connotations. The way in which godly people lifted up their hands was by lifting up the palms of the hands upward to God. Anyone who knows Hebrew recognizes immediately the significance of the palms of the hands. There are at least TEN meanings of lifting up the hands. This blog sketches these meanings briefly.

1. To do something; to perform an action. Genesis 41:44:
"Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall LIFT UP HAND or foot in all the land of Egypt.'"

2. To be hostile toward; to triumph over. 2 Samuel 18:28:
"Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king, 'All is well!' He prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground, and said, 'Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered up the men who LIFTED UP THEIR HAND against my lord the king.'"

3. To make an oath; swear. Genesis 14:22.
"Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have LIFTED UP MY HANDS [that is, sworn] to the Lord, God Most High, maker of heaven and earth.'"

4. To summon. Isaiah 49:22:
"Thus says the Lord God,
I will soon LIFT UP MY HAND to the nations,
and raise my signal to the peoples;
and they shall bring your sons in their bosom,
and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders."

5. To Praises. Psalm 63:3-4:
"Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will PRAISE you.
So I will BLESS you as long as I live;
I will LIFT UP MY HANDS and call on your name."

6. To show need and dependence. Psalm 143:6:
"I LIFT UP MY HANDS to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land."

7. To entreat. Psalm 28:2:
"Hear the voice of my supplication,
as I cry to you for help,
as I LIFT UP MY HANDS
toward you most holy sanctuary."

Psalm 141:2:
"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the LIFTING UP OF MY HANDS as an evening sacrifice."

8. To bless. Luke 24:50:
"Then he [Jesus] led them out as far as Bethany, and LIFTING UP HIS HANDS, he blessed them."

9. To confess. Ezra 9:5:
"At the evening sacrifice I [Ezra] got up from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, LIFTED UP MY HANDS to the Lord my God, and said . . ."

10. To claim consistency of profession and daily living. Isaiah 1:15:
"[God says to hypocritical worshippers]
When YOU LIFT UP YOUR HANDS,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
I will not listen."

Lamentations 3:40-41:
"Let us test and examine our ways,
and return to the Lord.
Let us LIFT UP our hearts as well as OUR HANDS
to God in heaven."

1 Timothy 2:8:
"[Paul says to Timothy] "I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS without anger or argument."

These texts are only samples of MANY BIBLICAL texts throughout scripture. Good a good concordance and you will find many examples of lifting up the hands for various reasons.

Share YOUR insights and experiences and failures and confessions and desires with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Jesus Disciples Levi, leading to Two Conflicts--Luke 5:27-39

2012-01-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

After relating the accounts of Jesus cleansing a leper and healing a paralytic, Luke relates the account of Jesus making Levi his disciple, which led to two conflicts between Jesus and his opponents. This appears in Luke 5:27-39, and falls into two paragraphs.

I. Jesus makes Levi his disciple, which leads to a conflict about eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. Luke 5:27-32.
a. After healing the paralytic in a house [5:19], Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax booth and told him, "Follow me." Levi got up, left everything, and followed Jesus. Matthew 9:9 calls this individual Matthew. First century CE=AD Palestinian Jews often had two names: one Semitic and one Greek. This probably explains why this person is called both Levi and Matthew. Luke does not tell the hearer or reader where this occurred. The overall context suggests this was somewhere in Galilee, possibly Capernaum, but we do not know with certainty. Levi was an agent at work for a chief toll-collector seated at his post. Levi left everything--cf. 5:11; 14:33. Levi left his occupation to assume another occupation, that is, to follow Jesus. 5:27-28.
b. Upon following Jesus, Levi gave a sumptuous banquet in the honor of Jesus at Levi's house. There was a large crowd of tax-collectors and other people sitting at table. 5:29.
c. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to Jesus' disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" There have always been people who are looking for opportunities to criticize other people. What a history the Church of Christ has had about this. Many of us have established a reputation for criticizing other people. When we do this, we are putting ourselves in the shoes of the Pharisees and their scribes. Jesus strongly opposes such a mindset. 5:30.
d. Jesus responds by emphasizing his purpose [and by following Jesus' example, our purpose] is to love, encourage, support, transform, change sinful people. If a person is well [If a person has no sins], he or she needs no physician [does not need Jesus or any of Jesus' followers]. Only those who are sick desire to be with Jesus and Jesus' followers. Jesus has come to planet earth to call sinners to repentance, because the righteous have no need of repentance. Is there anyone on earth who does not need repentance because he or she is sinless? 5:31-32.

II. The Pharisees and their Scribes rebuke Jesus for teaching his followers not to fast. Luke 5:33-39.
a. When Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and their scribes for denouncing Jesus' followers for eating and drinking toll collectors and sinners, the Pharisees and their scribes responded to Jesus by rebuking Jesus' followers for eating and drinking instead of praying and fasting. The Pharisees and the followers of John the Baptist fast and pray, but Jesus' followers eat and drink. In the Hebrew Bible, fasting meant abstaining from food and drink (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9) often connected with wearing sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:3), symbols of expiation of sins (Leviticus 16:29-31), penitence (1 Kings 21:27; Joel 1:14; 2:15-27; Isaiah
58:1-9), and mourning (Esther 4:3). 5:33.
b. Jesus replied that fasting was incompatible or inappropriate while the bridegroom [in this context, Jesus] is present and the wedding guests are celebrating his presence. Fasting expresses gloom and sorrow, not joy. Jesus came on earth and inaugurated a new period of God's kingdom, so this was a time of joy, not of sorrow and mourning. So, fasting would be inappropriate in this context. When Jesus died on the cross, this was a time of fasting, but not during his lifetime. On some occasions, fasting is compelling; on other occasions, fasting is inappropriate or incompatible. 5:34-35.
c. Then Jesus added a parable: One cannot successfully sew a piece of new garment on an old garment. The new piece does not match the old garment. No one puts new wine into old wineskins. This would destroy the wineskins. New wine must be put into new wineskins. No one after drinking old wine desire new wine, but says, the old is good. The Pharisees and their scribes were clinging to the old and closed their minds to Jesus' message about the new life of salvation. Many of us cling to old beliefs, old views, old traditions and refuse to open our hearts to new truths which God reveals in his revealed word which we had not seen or perceived or understood. This is a powerful, incisive message to all who will accept it. 5:36-39.

Share YOUR understandings and insights and perceptions with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lift Up Your Voice

2012-01-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

Throughout scripture, there is a call for God's people: "Lift Up Your Voices." It is very natural for all human beings to lift up their voices in different kinds of contexts. Here we will mention only a few of these contexts.

1. A Situation in which someone is mistreated by another person or group.
When Jacob [with the help of Rebekah] deceived Isaac and received his blessing, Esau killed an animal and prepared it and brought it to his father. When Esau realized that Isaac had already blessed Jacob [thinking Jacob was Esau], Genesis 27:38 says:
"Esau said to his father, 'Have you only one blessing, father? Bless me, me also, father!' And Esau LIFTED UP HIS VOICE and wept."
When someone mistreats us, it is imperative that we "lift up our voices." This is what Martin Luther King, Jr., did when narrow-minded Anglo-Americans were mistreating African-Americans in the USA. He "lifted up his voice," and as a result changed our nation.

2. A Situation in which people are under great stress.
When the twelve spies returned from spending forty days in the promised land of Canaan and ten of the spies gave a negative report, Numbers 14:1 says:
"Then all the congregation LIFTED UP THEIR VOICES with a loud cry, and the people wept all night."
When we expect to receive a good report and the report is very bad, it is natural for us to "lift up our voices" and complain. This is what God's people did when they received the bad report from the ten spies.

3. A Situation in which people sin and a godly spokesperson rebukes them.
During the time of the Judges, an angel came to the people of God and rebuked them because they did not obey Yahweh and thus Yahweh will punish them. Judges 2:4 says:
"When the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the Israelites, the people LIFTED UP THEIR VOICES and wept."
When godly people rebuke us because we commit sins against God, we need to "lift up our voices" in remorse and repents, and return to God.

4. A Situation in which God's people are worshipping God.
2 Chronicles 5 relates the account in which Solomon and the priests brought the ark of the covenant into the Jerusalem temple which they had just finished, and were worshipping God. 2 Chronicles 5:13 says:
"It was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, and when they LIFTED UP THEIR VOICES in song, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord,
For he is good,
his steadfast love endures forever,
the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud."
When we gather as God's people to praise and give thanks to God, it is important for us to "lift up our voices" to God.

Share YOUR experiences and thoughts and feelings with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Jesus Cleanses a Leper and Heals a Paralytic--Luke 5:12-26

2012-01-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

After relating the account that Jesus charges his disciples to be fishers of human beings, Luke recounts two miracles which Jesus performed: the first is Jesus' cleansing a leper; the second is Jesus' healing a paralytic. This falls into two parts.

I. Jesus Cleanses a Leper. Luke 5:12-16.
a. Luke does not specify the location of the event recorded in Luke 5:12-16 or when this occurred in Jesus' ministry. All he says is that this happened "once" "in one of the cities." In the context, this must be one of the cities around the Lake of Gennesaret--see 5:1. Jesus encountered a leper. The Greek word "lepra" in extrabiblical texts means a disease similar to psoriasis. The related Hebrew word "sara`at" means a variety of several inflammatory or scaly skin diseases like favus, lupus, psoriasis, ringworm, white spots, and the like. See Leviticus 13-14"Leprosy" as a modern disease was first identified ca. 1870 CE=AD called "Hansen' Disease." We have only a general idea of the disease described in Luke 5:12-16 and other passages in the Bible (Old and New Testaments). According to Exodus 4:6; Numbers 5:2-3; 12:10-12; Deuteronomy 24:8; 2 Kings 5:27; 7:3-9; 15:5, a leper was excluded from normal interactions with other people and had to stay away from others and live in an isolated house. He had to cry out to others coming near: "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn everyone to stay away. When the leper saw Jesus, he "bowed with his face to the ground," a common gesture of reverence and respect. See Genesis 17:3, 17; Ruth 2:10; Numbers 14:5. The leper addresses Jesus as "Lord," probably in that context, "Sir." Then he recognizes that there is something special about Jesus, probably because others had seen and heard Jesus and were impressed by him, building up a good reputation for everyone around--see 4:37. The leper insinuates that Jesus can heal him by an act of Jesus' will. 5:12.
b. Then Jesus stretched out his hand, "touched" the leper, and said, "I choose [to heal you]. Be made clean." It would be unthinkable that a person would dare touch a leper. A leper is "unclean." But Jesus was not afraid. Jesus did not hesitate. He loved the leper, and healed him. There is a great lesson for all of us. Very often, we are afraid to come near and touch another person, because that person might be dirty or "different" or the kind of person we do not want to associate. How wrong this attitude is. Jesus sets the example of encouraging all of his followers to embrace and touch and encourage and help everyone around us. When this happened, "immediately" the leprosy vanished. Jesus performed a miracle by his power and will. Our God is powerful, willing to heal all our sins, all our diseases, all our problems. Let us realize what God can do for all of us. 5:13.
c. Jesus then told the leper to go and show himself to the priest at the temple in the town and make an offering for his cleansing based on the Law of Moses. This law is in Leviticus 13:49. What Jesus does and commands to the leper is rooted in scripture. By doing this, this becomes a "testimony" to all the people. When God does something for us, we all have the responsibility of "telling others" what God has done for us. Each of us MUST give our "testimony" to others. At our church, we often have men and women to give their "testimony." This is a very important charge throughout scripture. 5:14.
d. When the leper gave his testimony, the word spread rapidly like fire. This led many crowds to gather around Jesus to hear his message and to be cured of their diseases. See 4:42-43. Actions are always much more powerful than words. God ACTS, people respond--then spread the word to others what God had already done. 5:15.
e. Frequently Jesus became very tired, so he made the practice of withdrawing from the crowds to deserted places and pray to God his Father in heaven. What an important lesson for all of God's followers. We become heavily involved in the lives of other people, and this is very important. But then, we need to withdraw from the madding crowds, and spend significant time in pray and meditation with God our Father. 5:16.

II. Jesus Healed a Paralytic. Luke 5:17-26.
a. Now Luke relates another event, but does not say when this occurred. All he says is: "One day." And Luke does not relate where this occurred. This event occurred in some village, probably around the Lake of Gennesaret, when Jesus was teaching. On that occasion, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby. Pharisees are non-priestly interpreters of the Law of Moses. They first came into existence as an organized group in the Maccabean period shortly before the time of John Hyrcanus. The Greek name "Pharisee" comes from the Aramaic term meaning "separated one." The Pharisees kept aloof from all other people and avoided Jews who were less observant of the Law of Moses. They insisted on the importance of the written Law of Moses and the oral Torah ascribed to Moses and the elders of israsel. The "Sayings of the Fathers" mentioned in Mark 7:3 were intended to be a "fence for the Law," guarding it against violation. They insisted that the way one achieved the Law of Moses is by education and knowledge of the Torah. This led them to emphasize meticulous observance of the Sabbath and feast days, ritual purity regulations, tithing, dietary rules, tenets numbered belief in human freedom under the control of providence, bodily resurrection, angels, and the coming of the Messiah, some of which sharply set them apart from the Sadducees. They had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem. At that time, the power of the Lord [here meaning Yahweh--God the Father] was with Jesus to heal. 5:17.
b. While Jesus was teaching in an anonymous house in an anonymous village, some men came carrying a paralytic on a bed, attempting to bring him to Jesus to heal the man. The crowd prevented them from coming in, so they went up on the roof and let the paralytic doenw with his bed through the tiles into the crowd right in front of Jesus. The roof of a normal Palestinian house was made of wooden beams placed across strone or mudbrick walls; the beams were covered with reeds, matted layers of thorns, and several inches of clay, sloped and usually rolled before the rain season. One could dig through such a roof--see Mark 2:4. Luke gives the description of the tiled roof of a normal Hellenistic house in the Mediterranean region so Greek readers would get the picture of this record. 5:18-19.
c. When Jesus saw "their faith" (that is, the faith of the paralytic and his companions), Jesus said to the paralytic, "your sins are forgiven." Here "faith" means "trust, reliance, confidence," in this context a personal commitment to Jesus. 5:20.
d. The Pharisees observing this scene, began to question among themselves and to the crowd around: "Who is this [Jesus} who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Such questions assume that Jesus could not possibly be God, because God alone can forgive sins. Thus, by saying to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven," Jesus is blaspheming. Note: Jesus never indicates that HE forgives sins apart from his heavenly Father. But the Pharisees ASSUME this is what Jesus is thinking and saying. 5:21.
e. Apparently Jesus did not verbally "hear" what the Pharisees were saying [they were trying to do this secretly], but he "perceived" what they were thinking and saying. Jesus knows the "hearts" of all people, and thus he can see right through what each person is actually thinking. John 2:24-25 expresses this very truth clearly: "But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone." See also Hebrews 4:12-13. We all try to hide our thoughts, our beliefs, our motivations, but God knows our hearts inside and out--See Psalm 139. 5:22.
f. The Pharisees assumed it would be easier to heal of person of leprosy than to forgive a person of sin, because others can actually SEE the removal of leprosy or any other disease. Sin and forgiveness is another matter. But Jesus assumes there is a close connection between physical diseases and sin. Of course, this does not mean that everyone who is ill is because of sin. But often sin leads to physical illness of different sorts. The Bible is full of illustrations of this. See for example, James 5:14-16. We usually dismiss or reject this truth. But it is a fact that sin often leads to illness or disease. So Jesus declares there is little difference between "Your sins are forgiven" and "Take up your bed and walk" since you are a paralytic. Jesus, as Son of Man [divine], "has authority on earth" to forgive sins. This is a powerful, very important biblical truth. 5:23-24.
g. Just as in the case of the leper (5:13), "immediately" the paralytic stood up before the crowd around, took his bed, and went to his home. As he went, the paralytic was "glorifying God." The paralytic got the message. God the Father through Jesus Christ is the one who healed him. It is important to remember that anytime God blesses us, we must respond in gratitude and thanksgiving. How else could anyone respond but be grateful to the Creator and Healer of all people? 5:25.
h. The whole crowd was amazed, was in awe, and, like the paralytic, they too glorified God, saying, "We have seen strange things today." God always works in the lives of communities of faith, not merely isolated individuals. When God does anything, this affects the entire community around. 5:26.

If we will but pay attention, be observant, God can change our lives daily. These two accounts are motivating, transforming. I hope and pray YOU will meditate on these stories again and again.

Share YOUR experiences and miracles in YOUR life. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lift Up Your Eyes

2012-01-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

The eye is the physical organ by which a human being or animal can see another object of some sort. The eye and the ability to see is a miraculous gift of our Creator--see Exodus 4:11. It is unfortunate that most of us take the ability of see for granted. We need to be grateful every day for the ability to see. The eyes are affected by age, emotions, sleep, and death.

The Bible emphasizes that the eyes show emotional qualities, like generosity (Proverbs 22:9), greed (Psalm 10:8), arrogance (Isaiah 2:11), envy (1 Samuel 18:9), evil desire (2 Peter 2:14), sorrow (Psalm 119:136), well-being (1 Samuel 14:27), humility (Psalm 123:2), pity (Ezekiel 16:5). mockery (Proverbs 30:17), etc. Many figurative expressions appear in scripture to communicate significant thoughts. For example, "to keep someone or something as the apple [pupil] of the eye" means to preserve someone or something with particular care (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8).

Many biblical texts contain the expression "LIFT UP THE EYES" to symbolize the idea of "opportunity," "optimism," "anticipating a bright future," etc. Here are few examples.

*After the controversy between Lot and his herders and Abram's herders, and Abram told Lot he could have anything portion of the land of Canaan he wished, Yahweh said to Abram: "LIFT UP YOUR EYES now, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever" (Genesis 13:14-15). Often, we human beings see only what is at the end of our noses. God challenges us to LIFT UP OUR EYES and look to all the opportunities God has for us in the future.

*When Moses and the Israelites arrived at Shittim just east of the Jordan as they prepared to cross the Jordan into the promised land, Yahweh said to Moses: "Go up to the top of Pisgah and LIFT UP YOUR EYES around you to the west, to the north, to the south, and to the east. Look well, for you shall not cross this Jordan. But charge Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, because it is he who shall cross over at the head of this people and who shall secure their possession ofthe land you you will see" (Deuteronomy 3:27-28). Often, wew human beings see only what might happen during our own brief lives. God wants us to LIFT UP OUR EYES to envision what might happen to the next generation and the next and the next. Our God is eternal. He is concerned above generations which preceded us and generations which will follow us.

*When God's people were in Babylonian exile, they were downtrodden, dejected, despondent, crestfallen, downhearted. After a brief time, God sent them this message:
"Zion said, 'The Lord has forsaken me,
my Lord has forgotten me.'
Can a woman forget her nursing child,
or show no compassion for the child of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me.
Your builders outdo your destroyers,
and those who laid your waste go away from you.
LIFT UP YOUR EYES all around and SEE;
they all gather, they come to you.
As I live, says the Lord,
you shall put all of them on like an ornament,
and like a bride you shall bind them on."
We human beings often become very pessimistic. We look on the gloomy side of life. God summons us to LIFT UP OUR EYES and see all that God is and will do for us. He is our Creator and Sustainer. Trust in him alone.

*John 4:31-35 relates this familiar paragraph:
"Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, 'Rabbi, eat something.' But he said to them, 'I have food to eat that you do not know about.' So the disciples said to one another, 'Surely no one has brought him something to eat?' Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, "Four months more, then comes the harvest?" But I tell you, LIFT UP YOUR EYES around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting." We human beings assume that there is no way we can touch the lives of others and bring them to God through Jesus Christ. God responds that HE ALONE has the ability and power to bring people to him. All he wants us to do is LIFT UP OUR EYES and see all the people who are in need and go to them in love and let God work.

Share YOUR experiences and desires and concerns with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis
or show no compassion

Engrossment--Luke 5:1-11

2012-01-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

The kind of life God calls all of his genuine people to live is a life of engrossment. We may use terms life riveted, totally committed, obsessed, captivated, enamored, passionate, focused, concentrated, absorbed, and other synonyms. But perhaps the most correct term is engrossed. The Bible makes clear the content of this engrossment: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

All of us can tell many stories of engrossment.
*In the 1960s, I was asked to preach a sermon at the Smith Springs Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee. In order to get into the pulpit, one had to step one step up to the side behind the pulpit, then turn to the right and step up another step into the pulpit. I preached the sermon, and approximately thirty minutes later, I turned around assuming I would walk back to my place on the stage forgetting that I needed to step down first. A resounding thud rang throughout the building as I reached out to to the wall behind the pulpit to keep myself from falling on my face. I had been so engrossed in the thoughts in the sermon that I forgot where I was.
*Quite often, I went fishing. One time, I caught a large fish. It took me approximately thirty minutes to land the fish. Later, I weighed it at eleven pounds. During those thirty minutes, I was oblivious to everything else what was happening around me. I was engrossed./
*You may share similar stories about being engrossed.

The Bible presents numerous stories of the importance of engrossment. One of these appears in Luke 5:1-11. [Similar passages appear in Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20]. This falls into four scenes.

I. The Background--Jesus taught crowds from a boat in the Lake of Gennesaret. Luke 5:1-3.
a. Luke relates an unknown time when Jesus was standing beside the Lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God. Gennesaret was a small, fertile, heavily populated region west of the lake, which the Hebrew Bible calls the Sea of Galilee. 5:1.
b. Jesus saw two boats at the shore, where the fishermen had gotten out of their boats and were washing their nets after they had fished all night in vain. 5:2.
c. Jesus got into the boat of Simon, asked Peter to put out a little from the shore, sat down, and taught the crowds from the shore. 5:3.

II. Jesus commands Peter to lower the nets into the deep water of the lake. Luke
5:4-5.
a. When Jesus finished teaching the crowds, told Peter to put out into the deep water and let down his nets for a draught of fish. This was very odd, because fishermen usually fished at night. 5:4.
b. Simon snapped back at Jesus: "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing!" Peter and his companions were very tired. Undoubtedly, they were very dejected because they had caught nothing. Their nerves were on edge. They were irritable, complaining, critical. And when they got home, they would have to tell their wives and their families that they worked very hard, but had nothing to bring home so they could have food and clothing and shelter for that day and the days ahead. And now, they have to take the time and effort to wash and repair their nets to get ready to fish again the next night. And on top of all this, along comes this CARPENTER, Jesus, who knows nothing about fishing, and has the audacity of telling them to go back into the lake and try to catch fish again. Peter's negative response to Jesus was very logical and understandable.
But suddenly, Simon stops and realizes WHO JESUS IS. He is my MASTER. So, Peter changes his tone and says permissively: "Yet if YOU say so, I will let down the nets." 5:5.

III. Peter and his companions catch numerous fish. Luke 5:6-10a.
a. As soon as Peter and his companions put into into the deep part of the lake and dropped their nets, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 5:6.
Wait right there!!! Stop for a moment!!!What happened to those fishermen when they followed Jesus' simple instructions? Their weariness vanished. Their headaches ceased. Their irritability stopped. Their hard feelings toward one another disappeared. Their self-absorption fled.
b. Simon and his companions signaled their partners in the other boat (see 5:2) to come and help them. They came and filled both boats so they began to sink. 5:7.
NOTE: TOGETHER, these fishermen were engrossed in a COMMON GOAL AND A COMMON ACTIVITY--TO CATCH FISH. No one yelled out: This is MY BOAT, so I am the one who gets the credit for catching all these fish. Noe one bargained about who would win and who would lose. No one boasted about being the most important individual on either boat. No one faced the day with fear to explain to his family and friends that he had failed. These fishermen wer focused=ENGROSSED on ONE COMMON PURPOSE--to catch fish.
c. After the fishermen successfully landed the fish on the shore, Simon realized how he had felt and what he had said and done, and so he turned to Jesus in repentance: "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Peter and all who were with him were AMAZED at the catch of fish. James and John, sons of Zebedee, were partners with Simon. 5:8-10a.
Often, we doubt that Jesus can do anything to help us. But he is there to perform miracles to change our hearts and lives.

IV. Jesus told Simon to catch people. Luke 5:10b-11.
a. Jesus responded to Simon and his companions: "Do not be afraid." This command occurs often in scripture, and this is true in Luke-Acts: Luke 1:13, 30; 8:50;
12:32; Acts 18:9; 27:24. Jesus capitalizes on this occasion, and challenges Simon: "From now on you (singular) will be catching people." This example is for all followers of Jesus. Jesus alone has the power to catch people, just as he alone has the power to enable people to catch fish. God the Father through Jesus wants all his followers to catch people. 5:10b.
b. When Simon and his companions brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Jesus. 5:11.
Often, it is necessary for each of us to have a sobering experience to realize that the most important thing in life is to "let go, let God." We must abandon our families, our friends, our possessions, in order to follow Jesus alone.

Share YOUR experiences and feelings and desires with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis
d.

Lift Up Your Face

2012-01-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

The face [of a human being, but also of animals] is the portion of the body which most clearly reveals and expressions the feelings and attitudes of the heart. A person's face often "gives away" the "true feelings" of the heart even while that person is saying something very different from what that person really thinks or feels.

*Psalms 13:1; 27:9; 44:24; 69:17; 102:2; 143:7; Ezekiel 39:23 use the expression "to hide one's face" to communicate the idea of displeasure. God hides his face, that is, God is displeased with what a person or a nation has done.

*Jeremiah 21:10 uses the expression "to set one's face against" meaning act in a negative or hostile way toward another person or nation. God set his face against Jerusalem and the Babylonians attacked that city and destroyed it.

*Numbers 6:25; Psalms 80:3, 7, 19; 119:135 use the expression "make the face to shine on" [some person or group of people] in the sense of positive acceptance. One line in the priestly psalm in Numbers 6:25 says:
"The Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you."

*Jeremiah 42:17; Luke 9:51 use the expression "to set the face to" to convey the idea of determination. Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem to the crucifixion.

*English translators of the Bible often read the literal word "face" as "presence." See Exodus 10:11. God's "face" is God's "presence." See Genesis
4:16; Exodus 33:14-15; Psalm 27:8; Matthew 18:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:9.

Some biblical passages summon human beings to "lift up one's face." The contexts vary.

1. Yahweh commanded King Jehu of North Israel to eradicate the present kings of North Israel and Judah and their families and officials. Among other things, Jehu went to Jezreel and came to the palace of the king. Jezebel was in the upper portion of the house. 2 Kings 9:32 says that Jehu "lifted up his face to the window and said, 'Who is on my side?' Two or three responded, and Jehu told them to cast down Jezebel.

2. When Abner, commander of the North Israelite army, was in battle against Joab and his army from Judah, Asahel the nephew of David approached to fight against Abner. Abner responded: "Turn away from following me; why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?" 2 Samuel 2:22. The opposite of lifting up the face is to be in shame. Abner did not want to have to kill Asahel because then he could not face Joab honestly and nobly.

3. When Zophar was trying to encourage Job to repent and turn to God, he declared in Job 11:13-16:
"If you [Job] direct your heart rightly,
you will stretch our your hands toward him.
If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,
and do not let wickedness reside in your tents.
Surely then you WILL LIFT UP YOUR FACE without blemish;
you will be secure, and will not fear.
You will forget your misery,
you will remember it as waters that have passed away."
In this context, to lift up one's face is to be cleansed, to be honest, to be accepted before God.

4. Eliphaz encourages Job to repent and turn back to god, saying in Job 22:23-26:
"If you return to the Almighty,
you will be restored,
if you remove unrighteousness from your tents,
if you treat gold like dust,
and gold of Ophir like the stones of the torrent-bed,
and if the Almighty is your gold
and your precious silver,
then you will delight yourself in the Almighty,
and LIFT UP YOUR FACE to God."

A person who lifts up one's head has nothing to hide. That person has no reason to pretend he or she is doing something he or she is not doing. To lift up one's head means to be honest, not to need to hang his or her head and turn away in shame.

Be honest, repent and receive God's forgiveness, then do not be ashamed to lift up your face and confront anyone in life as you move forward attempting to love and serve our marvelous God and Creator and Friend.

Share YOUR feelings and reversals with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Exorcism and Healing--Luke 4:31-44

2012-01-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

After Jesus escaped from his friends and relatives who tried to kill him at Nazareth, Jesus "went down" northeast to Capernaum close to the Sea of Galilee (Gennesaret) approximately 900 feet lower than Nazareth topographically. At Capernaum, Jesus encountered many instances of exorcism and healing. This appears in Luke 4:31-44. This falls into four sections.

I. Jesus taught people at Capernaum. Luke 4:31-32.
a. 4:31-32 is a transitional summary from Jesus' events in Nazareth in Luke 4:14-30 to Capernaum in Luke 4:31-44.
b. In Capernaum, Jesus "was teaching" people on the sabbath. 4:31.
c. The people at Capernaum were "astounded" at Jesus' teaching, because he spoke with authority. 4:32.

II. Jesus cast an unclean demon from a man in the synagogue at Capernaum. Luke 4:33-37.
a. 4:33 indicates that Jesus had been teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum (see Luke 7:5). In that synagogue, there was a man who made the spirit of an unclean demon. 4:33a.
b. The demon recognized Jesus and cried out with a loud voice, "Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth" Have you come to destoy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." The demon knew who Jesus was. Demons have special knowledge and can evalute the importance of their superiors. Many people in the Western World do not believe demons, spirits, unclean spirits exist. People in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere interact with such beings regularly. The term "What have you to do with us?" means literally in Greek, "What to us and to you?", an expression that show real hostility--see Judges 11:12; 1 Kings 17:18; 2 Chronicles 35:21. The demons did not want to have anything to do with the authority and power of Jesus. "Us" here means several demons. "The Holy One of God" is a common term for Yahweh in the Hebrew Bible. Luke 4:34 connects Jesus the Son with God the Father. God through Jesus has the power to overthrow demons living in the lives of human beings. 4:33b-34.
c. Bu authority, Jesus "rebuked" the demon, "Be silent, and come out of him [the troubled man]." The demon threw the man down on the ground before the people around but did the man no harm. Jesus was in full control. 4:35.
d. Jesus' exorcism of the demon "amazed" all the people who saw this. They told one another that with "authority and power," Jesus "commands" unclean spirits," and the unclean spirits come out of troubled people. A report about Jesus began to reach every place in that region in Galilee. 4:36-37.

III. Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law, healed sick people, and cast out demons at Capernaum. Luke 4:38-41.
a. Jesus left the synagogue in Capernaum and went to the house of Simon. 4:38a.
b. Simon's mother-in-law had a high fever, and people asked Jesus about her.
1 Corinthians 9:5 states that Peter was married. Simon's mother-in-law lived in Simon's house or was visiting his family there. Jesus stood over Simon's mother-in-law and "rebuked" the fever, just as Jesus had "rebuked" the demon in 4:35. The fever left the woman. Immediately, Simon's mother-in-law got up and began to "serve" the people there. It is clear that Simon's mother-in-law was a person who enjoyed serving other people and was grateful for all God had done for her. She was a paradigm of other women who will serve Jesus in the future--see Luke 8:1-3; 23:49,
55. 4:38b-39.
c. As the sun was setting, people brought their sick friends and family members to Jesus, Jesus laid his hands of them and cured them. Laying hands on people is a means God instructs people to use to heal the sick. 4:40.
d. At Capernaum, demons came out of many people, saying, "You [Jesus] are the Son of God!" Jesus "rebuked" these demons [see 4:35, 39] and would not allow them to speak because they knew Jesus was the Messiah. 4:41.

IV. Jesus left Capernaum and preached God's message in the synagogue of Judea. Luke 4:42-44.
a. Luke 4:42-44 is a transitional passage. Jesus moves from Galilee to Judea. After spending the night in Capernaum, "at daybreak" Jesus departed and "went into a deserted place." Jesus had spent much time and effort among people, casting out demons and healing the sick the day before (see 4:40-41). Now Jesus was tired and needed solitude. 4:42a.
b. The people of Capernaum began looking for Jesus early the next morning. After a while, they found Jesus and urged Jesus to return to Capernaum to continue to work with them. 4:42b-c.
c. Jesus resisted the appeal of the people of Capernaum, explaining that he MUST proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to other cities also, for, Jesus says, "I was SENT for this purpose." The term "must," that is, "it is necessary," underscores the truth that God the Father sent Jesus on planet earth on a "mission," and that mission was to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to all people. 4:43.
d. So, Jesus left the people of Capernaum in Galilee and moved south into Judea, where he preached in the synagogues of Judea. Jesus' earthly ministry is growing now. 4:44.

Share YOUR experiences and concerns with others. Let me hear from You.

John Willis

Lift Up Your Head

2012-01-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

The manner in which one holds one's head is a clue, an indicator. a sign, a token, a spiritual thermometer of what is going on in one's heart. A head lifted in just the right way portrays arrogance, self-conceit, cockiness, egotism. We have all seen that look. Immediately, this look makes all people think of the movers and shakers, people who think they have prestige, people who assume they are in control, the dominant bosses, the Herods and Hitlers and Mussolinis of the world. Some biblical texts use the expression "lift up the head" in this negative way.

But there is another positive sense of "lifting up the head." In this context, a person is oppressed, or feels dejected or rejected or abandoned, or is down on his or her luck or down in the mouth. We all have been in that situation. As we face the New Year 2012, God through Jesus Christ summons us to "lift up our heads," to be courageous, to be strenghtened by God, to have a purpose in life as God created all of us. Here are a few texts which emphasize this positive challenge and encouragement.

One of the most beautiful passages in scripture appears in Psalm 24:7-10. The background seems to be when the priests brought the ark of the covenant from the battlefield to lodge or house the ark in the Jerusalem temple. As the priests and the worshippers approached the Jerusalem temple, the call was:

"LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, O gates!
and BE LIFTED UP, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, O gates!
and BE LIFTED UP, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory."
Anytime we approach God in worship, God summons us to "lift up our heads," just as the gates of the Jerusalem temple were to lift up their heads symbolically. God is our king, God is mighty in battle, God is strong and mighty, God is the Lord of hosts, and these hosts are the angelic armies. In light of his GLORY, all of us must lift up our heads to hold our heads high to honor our king, our creator, our God.

Genesis 40:9-19 relates the account of the dreams of the Egyptian cupbearer and the Egyptian baker in prison when Joseph was there under the rule of Pharaoh. The outcome of each dream stands in bold contrast, each based on the expression "lift up the head."
*The dream of the cupbearer is that he saw a vine with three branches. The vine budded, blossoms, and in time produced grapes. Joseph explained that the three branches represent three days; Joseph tells the cupbearer, "within three days Pharaoh will LIFT UP YOUR HEAD and RESTORE YOU to your office." Whereas the cupbearer had been banished and in prison, in three days Pharaoh will "lift up his head," that is, restore him to his former position beside Pharaoh.
*The dream of the baker is that he saw three cake baskets on his head and the birds ate the bread in the baskets. Joseph explained that the three baskets are three days; Joseph tells the baker, "within three days Pharaoh will LIFT UP YOUR HEAD--from you!--and hang you on a pole." The contrast between the dream of the cupbearer and the dream of the baker is very clear. And it came to pass.
When we are dejected or downtrodden or sad, God has a way of lifting up our head and restore us to a much better condition or situation. This does not happen immediately, but God has mysterious ways to make this happen, because he loves us and because he supports those who love him.

One song we often sing is based on Psalm 3:3:

"But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory,
and the one who LIFTS UP MY HEAD."

The psalmist has experienced severe malicious enemies. He has struggled mightily with this. He has turned to God in prayer, and God has intervened and has delivered him from this conflictual situation. Now, he declares gladly that God is the one who "lifts up his head." He had been cast down, but now God has raised up his heart, his spirit, his life.

Luke 21:25-28 contains an intriguing, inspiring, encouraging passage. This has to do with the coming of the Son of Man.

"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, the the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud and power and great glory.
Now when these things being to take place, stand up and LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, because your redemption is drawing near.

We will always face difficult opposition, losses, discouragements, fears, and anxiety. But by faith God calls us to LIFT UP OUR HEADS to receive God's intervention and delivery and encouragement and eternal salvation.

Share YOUR fears and anxieties and discouragements with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Religious People try to Kill Jesus--Luke 4:15-30

2011-12-31T14:19:00.000-08:00

When I first begin preaching at a very young age, I naively assumed that church people would openly accept the message of God based on the Bible and kindly help me change when I misunderstand the message of God. For a while this worked well. But it did not take long to realize that people are people. We all carry a huge amount of spiritual baggage which is ungodly. Oh, we do not realize this. But it is as true as the Bible teaches. Early in Jesus' ministry, he went to his home town, Nazareth, and preached in the synagogue there. His message was contrary to the earlier beliefs and understanding of the people of his own home town, so when they heard his message from God, they tried to kill Jesus. This account is in Luke 4:14-30. This paragraph falls into four parts.

I. Introductory Summary. Luke 4:14-15.
a. After relating Jesus' encounter with the devil in the wilderness south of Jerusalem in Luke 4:1-13, Luke now summarizes what Jesus did for the next several weeks. This is an overview of the Galileean ministry of Jesus--see similar statements in Luke 4:32-32, 40-41; 6:17-19.
b. After Jesus defeated the devil, Jesus was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, calling to mind his baptism in Luke 3:22 and the initial statement about his conflict with the devil in Luke 4:1. Jesus returned to Galilee, where his public ministry began--Luke 23:5; Acts 10:37; 13:31 reiterate this fact. A report about Jesus was spread abroad through all the surrounding country in Galilee. 4:14.
c. Jesus began to teach in the synagogues in the cities of Galilee. At first, everyone praised Jesus for his teaching. Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Luke describes Jesus as the great Teacher--Luke 4:31; 5:3, 17; 6:6; 11:1; 13:10, 22, 26; 19:47; 20:1, 21; 21:37; 23:5. Most scholars think the origin of the Jewish synagogue was in the Babylonian Captivity (587 BCE following) when Jews could not return to the Jerusalem temple. The term "everyone" indicates that Jesus desires to proclaim his message universally. 4:15.

II. Jesus read and Old Testament Text in the Nazareth Synagogue. Luke 4:16-20.
a. Luke tells his audience that Jesus went to his home town of Nazareth, "where he had been brought up" (see Luke 2:51-52; 4:24) went to the synagogue on the sabbath [and early Christians followed Jesus' example of doing this--Acts 2:46; 3:1; 4:1; 5:12, 42; 21:26] there with which he was very familiar, "as was his custom," and stood up to read an Old Testament text. The verb "read" has nothing to do with "silent reading" as in a library or a carrel or private room, but means "oral reading" so the audience might "hear" the message declared. 4:16.
b. Someone [probably the president of the synagogue] gave Jesus the only scroll in extant in that synagogue, the scroll of Isaiah. Jesus unrolled the scroll and "found" the passage in Isaiah which he wanted to read to the audience. 4:17.
c. Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1a, b, d; 58:6d; 61:2a. This passage says the Spirit of the Lord is upon me--obviously Jesus applies "me" to himself, a reference to his baptism, since "he has anointed me" refers to his baptism. God anointed Jesus to accomplish FIVE things in his ministry: (1) bring good news to the poor; Luke emphasizes God's concern and care for the poor--Luke 6:20; 7:22; 14:13, 21; 16:20,
22; 18:22; 19:8; 21:3; taking care of the poor is NOT a SOCIAL message; it is a RELIGIOUS CHRISTIAN message--James 1:26-27 emphasizes this truth; (2) proclaim release to the captives; God is concerned with people imprisoned; (3) recover sight to the blind; God is concerned with blind people--see Luke 7:22; (4) let the oppressed go free; unfortunately, often the church oppresses honest, upright, godly people; (5) proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. 4:18-19.
d. After reading this text orally in public, Jesus rolled up the scroll again, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue fixed on him to see Jesus' comments on this text. 4:20. Fixing the eyes on someone is a continual gaze of esteem and trust--Acts 1:10; 3:4, 12; 6:15; 7:55; 10:4; 11:6; 13:9; 14:9; 23:1. 4:20.

III. Jesus declares that his message is for all people of all nations. Luke 4:21-27.
a. First Jesus tells his audience that this text in Isaiah 58 and 61 has been fulfilled in their hearing. 4:21.
b. All the people in the audience spoke well of Jesus and were amazed at the gracious words he had uttered. They said to each other, "Is not this Joseph's son?" They knew Jesus very well, and thus he had nothing to offer; this is why they were amazed at this message thus far. 4:22.
c. Jesus anticipates what his audience think: they will quote to Jesus the proverb: "Doctor, cure yourself" [Euripides, Fragment 1086; and Genesis Rabbah 23 [15e] contain the same proverb] and say, Do in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth what Jesus did at nearby Capernaum, a town in Galilee (Luke 4:31) on the western shore of Lake Gennesaret, which most scholars identify with Tell Hum. Capernaum probably means "village of Nahum". 4:23.
d. Jesus responded by quoting a well-known proverb: "No prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown"--see the Oxyrhynchus Papyri P1 1:29-35: "Jesus says, 'A prophet is not acceptable in his own homeland; and a physician does not work cures on those who know him,'" and the Gospel of Thomas paragraph 35 87:5-7: "Jesus said, 'No prophet is accepted in his own town; a physician does not heal those who know him.'" The same proverb also appears in Mark 6:4; Matthew 13:57; John 4:44. Here Jesus identifies himself as a PROPHET. In Luke 4:14-30, Luke underlines the fact that Jesus is a TEACHER and a PROPHET. It is quite possible that "teacher" and "prophet" are synonyms. 4:24.
e. Jesus cites two examples from the Hebrew Bible about events in the lives of the prophets Elijah and Elisha to emphasize that God's purpose is to deliver ALL people, not just God's chosen people. First, Jesus cites the story of Elijah when Yahweh told him to go to Zarephath, a Phoenician town, to live with a widow and her son during the three and half years of drought in the days of King Ahab of North Israel. This story is in 1 Kings 17:8-16. The widow of Zarephath was not an Israelite, not a member of God's chosen people, but this woman made a home for the prophet Elijah and Yahweh sustained her and her son while Elijah was there. Second, Jesus cites the well-known story of Elisha when the Syrian commander named Naaman went to Elisha when Naaman was a leper wishing to be healed. Yahweh healed Naaman. Naaman was not an Israelite, not a member of God's chosen people, but Yahweh healed him, and then Naaman turned away from his own god Rimmon and worshipped Yahweh. This sets the stage for Jesus to launch his mission to deliver people of all nations from their desperate situations. 4:25-27.

IV. The Members of the Nazareth Synagogue try to Kill Jesus. Luke 4:28-30.
a. The people in the Nazareth synagogue were Jews. They were "religious" people. But they did not know God. Their heart did not resonate with the heart of God, because God loves and is concerned with all people, not just his chosen people. So, when these people "heard" Jesus' message in the synagogue at Nazareth, they were "filled with rage." They acted like the true prophets described in the Hebrew Bible. Many people become angry when they realize God loves all people, not just themselves. 4:28.
b. The people of the synagogue at Nazareth drove Jesus out of the town, led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built so they might hurl Jesus off the cliff to kill him. This foreshadows the location of the crucifixion of Jesus--Luke 23:26. 4:29.
c. Jesus "passed through the midst of" the members of the synagogue at Nazareth. No one knows HOW Jesus did this, but this text suggests he did something unique or miraculous so he would escape. This was important so Jesus would spread the word of God. See Acts 13:46; 18:6; 19:9. Jesus went on his way--in time, this way will lead to the cross in Jerusalem. See 4:42; 7:6, 11; 9:51, 52, 53, 56, 57; 13:33; 17:11; 22:2, 39; 24:28.

How do WE respond to Jesus when he proclaims his message from God? Do WE have baggage which makes US behave like the members of the synagogue at Nazareth?

Share YOUR attitude toward the message of Jesus. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lift Up Your Heart

2011-12-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

As we approach the New Year 2012, I want to say and do everything I possibly can to encourage everyone near and far. The next several blogs are designed to make this attempt. These blogs are built around the biblical term "LIFT UP." The primary Hebrew terms for "lift up" are the synonyms nasa' and rum. These blogs are based on the biblical use of these terms in scripture.

God encourages his people to "lift up their heart" or "soul" or "spirit." To lift up the heart assumes an individual is despondent or feels hopeless. Each person can come to feel this way for many things that happen in life. But God encourages us to lift up our hearts. Quit focusing on earthly matters and concerns; instead, focus on God and heavenly matters and concerns.

Here are a few texts.

Psalm 25:1-2, 4-5: "To you, O Lord, I LIFT UP MY SOUL.
O my God, in YOU I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me. . . .
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for YOU are the God of my salvation;
for YOU I wait all day long."

Psalm 86:3-7: "Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to YOU do I cry all day long.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to YOU, O Lord, I LIFT UP MY SOUL.
For YOU, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call on YOU.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my cry of supplication.
In the day of my trouble I call on YOU,
for YOU will answer me."

Lamentations 3:40-41: "Let us test and examine our ways,
and return to the Lord.
Let us LIFT UP OUR HEARTS
as well as our hands to God in heaven."

Colossians 3:1-4: "So if you have been raised with Christ, SEEK THE THINGS THAT ARE
ABOVE, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. SET YOUR
MINDS ON THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS THAT ARE ON EARTH,
for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be
revealed with him in glory."

Share YOUR inner feelings and aspirations and hopes. The life above is much richer and inspiring than anything on this earth. Buy into that life.

John Willis

Commitment, Then Testing--Luke 4:1-13

2011-12-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

When an individual commits himself or herself completely to God, IMMEDIATELY AND FROM NOW ON, the devil=Satan will attack that person in numerous ways to break and destroy his or her commitment. This is precisely what happened in the life of Jesus. Jesus committed himself to God completely through submitting to baptism (Luke 3:21-22), and immediately and from now on the devil tested him, to which we now turn in this blog to Luke 4:1-13. The same pattern appears in Matthew 3:13-17 then 4:1-11; and Mark 1:9-11 then 1:12-13.

A comparison between Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 reveals that the order of the three tests is in a different order. The order in Matthew is: (1) turning stone into bread; (2) jump off the pinnacle of the temple; (3) worship the devil and Jesus will rule over all the kingdoms of the world. The order is Matthew is: (1) turning stone into bread; (2) worship the devil and Jesus will rule over all the kingdoms of the world; (3) jump off the pinnacles of the temple. Obviously, the Bible does not portray the chronological order of these events. Rather, Matthew and Luke portray these events in some sort of theological way. It seems most likely that Matthew put the test of worshipping the devil so he might rule all the kingdom of the world last because of the motif of a mountain in Matthew--see Matthew 28:18-20; or because Jesus rejected worshipping Satan in order to serve God alone. Matthew's order is in reverse of the texts in the Hebrew Bible which Jesus quoted: Deuteronomy 8:3 in Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 6:16 in Matthew 4:7; and Deuteronomy 6:13 in Matthew 4:10. Luke probably portrayed this order geographically making jumping off the pinnacle of the Jerusalem temple as the final scene that occurred in Jerusalem.

The devil puts three tests to Jesus. The Bible does not portray these tests as inner conflicts in the heart of Jesus. NO!!! They are ACTUAL EXTERNAL tests presented to the devil=Satan. The devil or Satan is a REAL PERSON. Like numerous angels, the devil is invisible from human beings on earth. But he is very real. Throughout the life of Jesus, many people were hostile to Jesus, opposed Jesus, and rejected Jesus, and put him to death on the cross. As divine and as the Son of God the Father, Jesus was constantly tested or tempted to overthrow or destroy his enemies. See Luke 22:31-34. The author of Hebrews explains: "He [Jesus] had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested" (Hebrews 2:15-16). "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). As the Son of God the Father, Jesus was obedient to His Father's will and refused to be seduced by the devil or Satan to use his power or authority as Son of God for any reason other than that for which God the Father had sent him into the world. The connecting tie between the three scenes in Luke 4:1-13 is the quotations from Deuteronomy, texts which recall three events of the exodus from Egypt in the days of Moses, where God tested the Israelites as they moved into the wilderness wanderings. The Israelites failed; by way of contrast, Jesus succeeds. We will follow each of these tests.

I. The First Test: Changing a Stone to Bread--Luke 4:1-4.
a. Luke begins by emphasizing that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, a clear reference to the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism (see Luke 3:22). Now, Jesus conquers the devil because he is filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke underlines this important theme in 4:14, 18; and throughout Luke and Acts. This may seem strange to us, but this text emphasizes that Jesus was in subjection to the Holy Spirit. How are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit related? We would all love to know, but this is a mystery. In other texts, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit. But here, Jesus is in subjection to the Holy Spirit. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit from the Jordan River where he was baptized to the wilderness at some undesignated location south of Jerusalem. 4:1.
b. Jesus was being tested by the devil forty days in the wilderness. This event echoes the forty years Moses was on Mount Sinai--Exodus 24:18; 34:28. Typically, the wilderness was a place where wild beasts and demons lived--Leviticus 16:10; Isaiah 13:21; 34:14; Tobit 8:3. The devil is Satan, the arch-enemy of God the Father. The verb "test" in this context means to put to the test with a sinister purpose, as in Acts 5:9; 15:10. Jesus fasted during these forty days; he ate nothing at all; and now he was famished. This calls to mind similar events of Moses in Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9; and Elijah in 1 Kings 19;8. This was the ideal time for the devil to attack. 4:2.
c. The devil tested Jesus with this challenge: "If you are the Son of God [as God the Father just declared in Luke 3:22], command this stone to become a loaf of bread." The devil assumes Jesus IS the Son of God; now the devil builds on this to test Jesus' character of the Father's Son. The devil seizes on the situation that Jesus is extremely hungry, and ultimately seeks to thwart Jesus' mission to save the world. Will Jesus submit to his desire to seek food for himself to satisfy his hunger, or will Jesus be obedient to his heavenly Father? This is the first test.
4:3.
d. Jesus responds with a quotation from Deuteronomy 8:3: "It is written, One does not live by bread alone." Like the Israelites in the wilderness wanderings, Jesus opens his heart to receive God the Father's miraculous manna, some unknown food which human beings had never experienced before. [Matthew 4:4b adds the statement: "but by every word that comes from the mouth of God," which is not in Luke. The term "word" can mean "thing" or "word." A similar text to shed light on this line is Lamentations 3:38:
"Is it not from the mouth of the Most High
that good and bad come?"
The point is: God the Father provides everything we have. We are all recipients of God's bountiful blessings and gifts. Jesus is not dependent on his own power. He is dependent on God the Father, who can give Jesus ample food, just as God the Father did to the Israelites when he miraculously gave them manna. 4:4.

II. The Second Test: If the devil will worship him, the devil will give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Luke 4:5-8.
a. God the Father created the devil. The devil has great power, but still under God the Father's limitations or restrictions. Job 1:12; 2:6 contains the same concept of the devil's limitations under God the Father. The devil led Jesus up at some unknown place or position and showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world "in an instant." 4:5.
b. The devil confidently declares that HE is under the control of all the kingdoms of the world BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN GIVEN OVER TO ME, AND I GIVE IT TO ANYONE I PLEASE." This is a powerful, challenging statement. The passive "has been give over" obviously assumes that God the Father gave all the kingdoms of the world to the devil. John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; and other New Testament passages state that the devil is "prince" or "god" of the earth and claims authority over it and seeks that all human beings will worship him. Other texts suggest this is because all people have rebelled against God our Creator and Master. See Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 3:23. Under the limitations of God the Father, the devil may give the kingdoms of the world to anyone he pleases. The devil challenges Jesus to accept worldwide dominion over all kingdoms from himself and to switch allegiance from the God the Father to himself, who is subservient to the Son. 4:6-7.
c. Jesus responds in a similar way he did to the response in the first test. He quotes the Hebrew Bible, this time in Deuteronomy 6:13: "It is written, Worship the Lord your God and serve only him." Yahweh sent his Son to earth on the mission of declaring Yahweh's kingship rules over all human beings. Yahweh is the only king of the world; all must serve Yahweh alone. Thus, Jesus the Son submits himself to his heavenly Father. 4:8.

III. The Third Test: Jump Off the Pinnacle of the Jerusalem Temple. Luke 4:9-13.
a. Now the devil took Jesus from wherever he had been to the Jerusalem temple, and summons Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple [no one can know the exact location of this pinnacle since the Bible does not reveal this location], quoting a text from the Hebrew Bible, Psalm 91:11-12, assuring Jesus that God the Father will send his angels to protect Jesus and they will bear Jesus up so he will not dash his foot against a stone. Satan says that Jesus should prove himself that he has great notoriety or brilliancy of achievement before the people now present at the temple to conform to the popular ideas of what a messenger from heaven of the people they expect or anticipate. The devil is using Psalm 91:11-12 for his own purposes, not to proclaim the true message from God in this psalm.
4:9-11.
b. Again, Jesus responds in a way similar to the first two tests. Now he quotes Deuteronomy 6:16: "It is said, Do not put the Lord your God to the test." In the wilderness wandering, the Israelites put Yahweh to the test by demanding water when they were thirsty. Exodus 17:1-7. Moses called that place "Massah," the Hebrew term for "test." 4:12.
c. After Jesus passed all three of these tests triumphantly, the devil left him "until an opportune time." Jesus is the great conqueror because he is armed with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God--see Ephesians 6:17. The devil quotes scripture from the Hebrew Bible for his own purposes, but Jesus is more powerful (see Luke 3:16; 11:22) standing guard over God the Father's eternal plan and obedient to Scripture itself. The devil left Jesus for a while, i. e., until the death of Jesus when the devil will make another powerful attack against Jesus. At the same time, the devil worked constantly attacking Jesus throughout his ministry, as later events show. 4:13.

Share the TESTS YOU are facing and ways in which YOU are dealing with each one. Share YOUR problems and concerns with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

The Great Sin--Part III

2011-12-27T05:55:00.000-08:00

In this blog, we conclude Chapter 8 in Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis--with several additional comments.

Before leaving this subject I must guard against some possible misunderstandings.
(1) Please in being praised is not Pride. The child who is patted on the back for doing a lesson well, the women whose beauty is praise for her lover, the saved soul to whom Christ says "Well done!" are pleased and ought to be. For here the pleasure lies not in what you are but in fact that your have pleased someone you wanted (and rightly wanted) to please. The trouble begins when you pass from thinking, "I have pleased him; all is well," to thinking, "What a fine person I must be to have done it." The more you delight in yourself and the less you delight in the praise, the worse you are becoming. When you delight wholly in yourself and do not care about the praise at all, you have reached the bottom. That is why vanity, though it is the sort of Pride which shows most on the surface, is really the least bad and most partondable sort. The vain person wants praise, applause, admiration, too much and is always angling for it. It is a fault, but a childlike and even (in an odd way) a humble fault. It shows that you are not yet completely contented with you own admiration. You value other people enough to want them to look at you. You are, in fact, still human. The real black, diabolical Pride comes when you look down on others so much that you do not care what they think of you. Of course, it is very right, and often our duty, not to carewhat people think of us, if we do so forthe right reason; namely, because we care so incomparably more what God thinks. But the Proud man has a different reason for not caring. He says "Why should I care forthe applause of that rabble as if their opinion were worthy anything? And even if their opinions were of value, am I the sort of man to blush with pleasure at thecompliment like some chit of a girl at her first dance? No, I am an integrated, adult personality. All I have done has been doneto saiisfy my own ideals--or my artistic conscience--or the traditions of my family--or, ins a word, because I'm That Kind of Chap. Ifthe mob like it, let them. They're nothing to me. In this way real thoroughgoing Pride may act as a check on vanity; for, as I said a moment ago, the devil loves "curing" a small fault by givie you a great one. We must try not to be vain, but we must never call in our Pride to cure our vanity; better the frying-pan and the fire.
(2) We say in English that a man is "proud" of his son, or his father, or his school, or his regiment, and it may be asked whether "pride" in this sense is a sin. I think it depends on what, exactly, we mean by "proud of." Very often, in such sentences, the phrase of "is proud of" means "has a warm-hearted admiration for." Such an admiration is, of course, very far from being a sin. But it might, perhaps, mean that the person in question gives himself airs on the ground of his distinguished father, or because he belongs to a famous regiment. This would, clearly, be a fault; but even then, it would be better than being proud simply of himself. To love and admire anything outside yourself is to take one step away from utter spiritual ruin; though we shall not be well so long as we love and admire anything more than we love and admire God.
(3) We must not think Pride is something God forbids because He is offended at it, or that Humility is something He demands as due to His own dignity--as if God Himself was proud. He is not in the least worried about His dignity. The point is, He wants you to know Him: wants to give you Himself. And He and you are two things of such a kind that if you really get into any kind of touch with Him you will, in fact, be humble--delightedly humble, feeling the infinite relief of having for once got rid of all the silly nonsense about your own dignity which has made you restless and uphappy all your life. He is trying to make you humble in order to make this moment possible: trying to take off a lot of silly, ungly, fancy-dress in which we have all got ourselves up and are strutting about likethe little idiots we are I wish I had got a bit further with humility myself: if I had I could probably tell you more about the relief, the comfort, of taking the fancy-dress off--getting rid of the false self, with all its "Look at me" and "Aren't I a good boy?" and all its posing and posturing. To get even near it, even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert.
(4) Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call "humble" nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.
If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realise that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.

Obviously, a classic example of this principle appears in Jesus' Parable of the Pharisee and the Toll Collector in Luke 18:9-14:

"He [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt. Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the oather a toll collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even this toll collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all myu income.' But the toll collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

We all struggle with THE GREAT SIN--PRIDE, SELF-CENTEREDNESS, INGRATITUDE. May God forgive us for who we really are.

Share YOUR understandings and emotions with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

John the Baptist Passes the Baton to Jesus--Luke 3

2011-12-24T16:00:00.001-08:00

After relating the account of Joseph and Mary losing Jesus in the Jerusalem temple at the age of 12, Luke spends the rest of his gospel describing major events in the life of Jesus from the beginning of his public ministry to his death and resurrection. Luke 3 reports the ministry of John the Baptism, the baptism of Jesus, and the genealogy of Jesus. This chapter falls into three parts.

I. John the Baptist passes the baton to Jesus and is thrown into prison. Luke 3:1-20.
a. Luke dates the ministry of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus. John the Baptist and Jesus were born in 4 BCE. The fifteenth year of Tiberias was August-September 29 CE [AD]. Pontius Pilate was prefect of Judea 26-36 CE [AD]. Herod Tetrarch of Galilee was Herod Antipas, the younger son of Herod the Great and Mlathace who ruled from 4 BCE to 39 CE [AD]. Philip ruled from 4 BCE to 34 CE [AD]. Herod the Great died in 4 BCE, showing that Jesus was born between 6 and 4 BCE according to our modern calendars. God came to John the Baptist in the wilderness south of Jerusalem, where he proclaimed "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." This was in fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3-5. John the Baptist proclaimed God's message in preparation of the coming and ministry of Jesus. This message was not for the Jews only but for "all flesh," as 3:6 emphasizes. Josephus, Life 2. 10-11 states that John the Baptist spent some time among the Essenes. This is where John learned about baptism as a development of the ritual washings of the Essenes. But his message was from God. 3:1-6.
b. Luke relates the kind of preaching John the Baptist proclaimed. This falls into three parts. Luke 3:7-20.
1. Eschatological Preaching. John confronted his "crowds" at "brood of vipers," a symbol of repulsive and destructive people. See Matthew 12:34; 23:33. Because of this, God's wrath will fall upon them. The term "God's wrath" comes from the Hebrew Bible--see Isaiah 13:9; Zephaniah 1:14-16; 2:2; Ezekiel 7:19. John declares that "the children of Abraham" are not physical descendants of Abraham, but rather spritual descendants of Abraham. The "ax" is a figure for discrimination between productive and unproductive trees, like the winnowing fan described in Luke 3:17. 3:7-9.
2. Ethical Preaching. When many in the crowds ask John what they should do to repent. John responds: (a) Share your clothing and food with others; (b) Be honest in collecting money in buying and selling; (c) Do not extort money from anyong by threats or false accusations; be satisfied with your wages. 3:10-14.
3. Messianic Preaching. When many in the crowds asked John is he was the Messiah, John strongly denied that he was the Messiah, and points forward to the coming Messiah [Jesus]. (a) John baptizes with water, but the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. (b) The coming Messiah is more powerful than John. See Luke 7:19, an allusion to Malachi 3:1; 4:5. Every true Christian knows that he or she is merely a servant of Jesus, while Jesus alone is the leader and master. (c) John is not worthy to untie the thong of the coming Messiah's sandals. Hence, John portrays himself as a SLAVE of the Messiah. The Messiah will divide the hearts of people on the basis of their hearts and lives. John proclaimed this message to the crowds. 3:15-18.
c. Herod puts John the Baptist in prison. Herod, the half-brother of Herod Antipas, put away his first wife, the dauther of King Aretas IV of Nabatea, to marry Herodias, whose affections he had alienated from his half-brother Herod Antipas. Philip the Tetrarch was married to Salome, the daughter of Herodias. John the Baptist criticized Herod for doing this based on Leviticus 18:16, and Herod cast him into prison. Josephus, Antiq. 18.5,2. 119, relates that John was taken to the fortress Machaerus in chains. Originally built by Alexander Janneus on a precipitious, solitary peak on the east side of the Dead Sea between the Wadi Zerqa Ma'in and the Wadi el-Mojib, it was magnificently restored by Herod the Great. Luke 3:19-20.

II. The Baptism of Jesus. Luke 3:21-22.
a. Luke's account of the baptism of Jesus is much shorter than the account of the baptism of Jesus in Matthew (3:13-17), Mark (1;9-11), and John (1:29-34). Luke makes five points. First, John baptized Jesus just as John baptized everyone else who submitted to baptism.
b. Jesus was praying when he was baptized. Luke emphasizes Jesus' prayer life.
c. When Jesus was baptized, the heaven was opened.
d. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. It is amazing that the Holy Spirit appeared in bodily form. All four gospels state that the Holy Spirit was like a dove--see Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; John 1:32.
e. God spoke to Jesus directly to Jesus: "YOU are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased." This statement based on Psalm 2:7 portrays a special love relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son. See Luke 1:32, 35; 9:35. The last expression, "with you I am well pleased," is an allusion to Isaiah 42:1.

III. The Genealogy of Jesus. Luke 3:23-38.
a. The genealogy of Jesus is very different from the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17. There are no such genealogies in Mark or John. Luke lists 78 individuals including Jesus and God the Father.
b. Jesus was "ABOUT" 30 years of age when he began his public ministry. This would have been not earlier than 29 CE [AD], and Jesus was born in 4 BCE, so Jesus was at least 33 years of age at this time. 3:23.
c. Luke's genealogy works backward. It begins with Joseph [the text makes it clear he was not the real father of Jesus; rather God was], and goes all the way back to God the Father himself. This includes 77 generations.
d. 3:27 gives the first known names of Zerubbabel and his father Shealtiel--this appears in 1 Chronicles 3:17, 19.
e. 3:31-32 extend from David back to Boaz. See Ruth 4:18-22.
f. 3:33-38 extend from Hezron back to Adam, based on Genesis 5; 10; 11.
g. The whole purpose of this genealogy is to emphasize: (1) the real Father of Jesus is God the Father, and thus Jesus is divine; and (2) God sent Jesus to save the whole human race going all the way back to Adam, not just to the Jews going only back to Abraham.

Share YOUR daily concerns and feelings. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

The Great Sin--Part II

2011-12-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

In this blog, we continue Chapter 8 in Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis from the previous blog on "The Great Sin." Again, I will be doing a little ad-libbing as we move along.

The Christians are right: it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began. Other vices may sometimes bring people together: you may find good fellowship and jokes and friendliness among drunken people or unchaste people. But Pride always means enmity--it IS enmity. And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity to God.

In God you come up against something which is in every respect immeasurably superior to yourself. Unless you know God as that--and, therefore, know yourself as nothing in comparison--you do not know God at all. As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as youare looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.

That raises a terrible question. How is it that people who are quite obviously eaten up with Pride can say they believe in God and appear to themselves very religious? I am afraid it means they are worshipping an imaginary God. They theoretically admit themselves to be nothing inthe presence of this phantom God, but are really all the time imagining how He approves of them and thinks them far better than ordinary people: that is, they pay a pennyworth of imaginary humility to Him and get out of it a pound's worth of Pride towards their fellow-men. I suppose it was of those people Christ was thinking when He said that some would preach about Him and cast out devils in His name, only to be told at the end of the world that He had never known them. And any of us may at any moment be in this death-trap. Luckily, we have a test. Whenever we find that our religious life is making us feel that we are good--above all, that we are better than someone else--I think we may be sure that we are being acted on, not by God, but by the devil. The real test of being in the presence of God is that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object. It is better to forget about yourself altogether.

It is a terrible thing that the worst of all the vices can smuggle itself into the very centre of our religious life. But you can see why. The other, the less bad, vices come from the devil working on us through our animal nature. But this does not come through our animal nature at all. It comes direct from Hell. It is purely spiritual: consequently it is far more subtle and deadly. For the same reason, Pride can often be used to beat down the simpler vices. Teachers, in fact, often appeal to a boy's Pride, or, as they call it, his self-respect, to make him behave decently; many a man has overcome cowardice, or lust, or ill-temper by learning to think that they are beneath his dignity--that is, by Pride. The devil laughs. He is perfectly content to see you becoming chase and brace and self-controlled provided, all the time, he is setting up in you the Dictatorship of Pride--just as he would be quite content to see your chilblains cured if he was allowed, in return, to give you cancer. For Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.

[These thoughts of C. S. Lewis dominate scripture. For example:
Yahweh punished Israel, Judah, and all nations because of their PRIDE. Read through Isaiah 13-39 as one portion of scripture where this theme is central. Here are a couple of examples:
Concerning Israel and Judah--Isaiah 2:11-17:
"The haughty eyes of people shall be brought low,
and the pride of everyone shall be humbled;
and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.
For the Lord of hosts has a day
against all that is proud and lofty,
against all that is lifted up and high;
against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up;
against all the oaks of Bashan;
against all the high mountains,
against all the lofty hills;
against every high tower,
against every fortified wall;
against all the ships of Tarshish,
against all the beautiful craft.
The haughtiness of people shall be humbled,
and the pride of everyone shall be brought low;
and the Lord alone will be exalted on that day."

Concerning Babylon--Isaiah 13:9-13:
"See, the day of the Lord comes,
cruel, with wrath and fierce anger,
to make the earth a desolation,
and to destroy the sinners from it.
For the stars ofthe heavens and their constellations
will not give their light;
the sun will be dark at its rising,
and the moon will not shed its light.
I will punish the world for its evil,
and the wicked for their iniquity;
I will put an end to the pride of the arrogan,
and lay low the insolence of tyrants.
I will make mortals more rare than fine gold,
and humans than the gold of Ophir.
Therefore I will make the heavens tremble,
and the earth will be shaken out of its place,
at the wrath of the Lord of hosts
in the day of his fierce anger." (Isaiah 13:1 identifies this as an oracle of Babylon).

Turning to the New Testament, one thinks of James 4:6-7:
"'God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.'
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you."]

To be continued.

Share YOUR thoughts and reflections to others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

An Adolescent's Most Important Choice--Luke 2:41-52

2011-12-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

Luke contains the only Gospel reporting the account of Jesus doing anything between his birth and the beginning of his adult ministry at about age 30. That event occurred when Jesus was an adolescent, age 12. Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Jerusalem temple at the annual Festival of Passover. The account is in Luke 2:41-52. This falls into six sections.

I. The Background. Luke 2:41-42.
a. Luke briefly and pointedly states that EVERY YEAR Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem for the Festival of Passover. Jewish people celebrated Passover at the sundown marking the beginning of 15 Nisan, the first month in the Jewish calendar, which is March/April, the older name of the month, Abib. In this festival, the passover lamb was slain in the late hours of 14 Nisan, was roasted and eaten in a family circle of at least ten people at sundown--Leviticus 23:6. Everything leavened (prepared with yeast) must be removed from the house before slaying the passover lamb--Deuteronomy 16:4. The family had to eat unleavened bread for seven days--the Festival of Unleavened Bread--Exodus 12:8, 17-20; 23:15; 34:18. "Passover" symbolized the "passing over" of the Lord to spare the Hebrew firstborn during the deliverance of the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage. Exodus 12:13. Those who came to this festival appeared in Yahweh's presence and not without an offering--Deuteronomy 16:16; Exodus 23:15d; 34:23. 2:41.
b. Luke tells his audience that on this occasion, Jesus was 12 years old, and Jesus and his parents attended the Festival of Passover every year "as usual." In the later tractate m. Niddah 5:6, Jewish Rabbis declared that a Jewish boy was obligated to observe the Torah at age 13. Later, this came to be called Bar Mitsvah. From age 13 on, that individual was obligated to take part in the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It is possible that devout Jews prepared their sons to do this at age 12. This is similar to the practice of the young boy Samuel at the temple at Shiloh according to 1 Samuel 3:3. The account in Luke 2 contains details about the story of Elkanah and Hannah going up yearly to the Shiloh sanctuary--1 Samuel 1:3, 21; 2:19. 2:42.

II. Joseph and Mary Lose Jesus. Luke 2:43-45.
a. After the festival of Passover, which lasted seven or eight days, was over, Jesus remained in Jerusalem, but his parents Joseph and Mary did not know this. It was common for people to travel in large groups to have good company and to be protected against dangers like wild animals and robbers. Luke 10:30. To travel from Nazareth to Jerusalem and to return, these people had to pass through the region of the Samaritans, the descendants of North Israelites--see Luke 9:53. After traveling for a day (one thinks of Numbers 11:31; 1 Kings 19:4)and not seeing Jesus, Joseph and Mary went among their friends and relatives to try to find Jesus. This shows the genuine care of parents in such a situation. 2:43-44.
b. Joseph and Mary could not find Jesus, so they returned to Jerusalem to try to find him. 2:45.

III. Joseph and Mary find Jesus at the Jerusalem Temple. Luke 2:46-48.
a. After three days (the day they left, the day they realized Jesus was not with them, and the next day--see Luke 9:22; 18:33; 24:7, 21, 46; Acts 10:40; 25:1; 28:17), they found Jesus in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking them questions. Jesus was in the hall or portico of the outer courts. Like a genuine pupil or student, Jesus carefully listened to the teaching of the teachers at the Jerusalem temple, and asked questions concerning the Torah and its place in Jewish life. 2:46.
b. Joseph and Mary realized that all who heard Jesus were amazed at his questions, his understanding, and his penetrating answers to the teachers. 2:47.
c. Joseph and Mary were also astonished when they saw Jesus among the teachers. Mary kindly rebuked Jesus for treating them in leaving them without knowing where he was, not comprehending what was taking place. Joseph and Mary had been terribly worried, in mental torment and anguish (see Luke 16:24, 25; Acts 20:38), because they could not find their son Jesus. Mary's rebuke implies that a responsible son would not behave in this way. 2:48.

IV. Jesus's Response. Luke 2:49.
Jesus responds to his mother Mary by rebuking her in response. Surely her parents would know that Jesus would be at the Jerusalem temple. The Jerusalem temple is God's house--Luke 19:46. Jesus declares that he MUST be in his FATHER's house. Here there is a very important lesson for all human beings. We are to love our parents deeply. But our HEAVENLY PARENT is even more important than our earthly parents. Often, God our Father summons us to leave our parents to serve our Heavenly Father. This theme returns often in Luke and elsewhere in the Bible. It is a major mistake for parents to demand their children to submit to them rather than to submit to our heavenly Father. This is a supreme lesson for all.

V. The Response of Jesus' Parents. Luke 2:50.
When Jesus responded in this way, his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not understand what he said to them. Like all human beings, we come to real understanding by a gradual process. This is the same thing that happened to Jesus' disciples--Luke 18:34. It is significant that after the resurrection of Jesus, Mary his mother becomes one of the first believers of her Son, Jesus Christ our Lord--Acts 1:14.

VI. The Story comes to a Significant Conclusion. Luke 2:51-52. [Luke makes three points about this story].
a. After this conversation with his parents, Jesus returned with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. Jesus put his heavenly Father first, and under his heavenly Father he was obedient to his earthly parents. 2:51a.
b. Mary the mother of Jesus treasured all these things in her heart. She was gradually growing spiritually to become the women she would be. 2:51b.
c. Jesus increased or grew in four dimensions: (1) in wisdom; (2) in stature;
(3) in divine favor; and (4) in human favor. This is the same language as 1 Samuel 2:21, 26; Luke 1:80; 2:40. [As a side thought, it is very difficult for us to understand how Jesus could grow in wisdom, since he was from everlasting and is divine. We cannot comprehend all that is going on].

Share YOUR insights and reasons with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willois
b.

The Great Sin: Part I

2011-12-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest Christian thinkers is C. S. Lewis. I highly recommend that everyone read his works. Many know his children's works about The Tales of Narnia.

In Chapter 8 of C. S. Lewis' Book, Mere Christianity, he wrote eloquently about "The Great Sin." I will be quoting much of this chapter, but will take the liberty of doing a little ad libbing as well.

Lewis writes:

Today I come to that part of Christian morals where they differ most sharply from all other morals. There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, expect Christians, every imagine thatthey are guilty themselves. I have heard people admit that they are bad-tempered, orthat they cannot keep their heads about girls or drink, or even that they are cowards. I do not think I have every heard anyone who was not a Christian accuse himself of this vice. And at the same time I have very seldom met anyone, who was not a Christian, who showed the slightest mercy to it in others. There is no faulty which makes a man more unpopular, and no faulty which we are more unconscious of ourselves. Andthe more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others.

The vice I am talking of is Pride or Self-Conceit [I would add Self-Centeredness, Egotism, and thus Ingratitude. Sorry, we human beings are not GENUINELY grateful for all that our Creator and Master and Shepherd has done for us]; and the virtue opposite to it, in Christian morals, is called Humility. You may remember, when I was talking about sexual morality [this is Chapter 5 in Mere Christianity], I warned you that the centre of Christian morals did not lie there. Well, now, we have come to the centre. According to Christian teachers, the essential vice,the utmost evil, is Pride. [See Proverbs 16:18:
"Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall"].
Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice; it is the complete Anti-God state of mind.

Does it seem that you exaggerated? If so, think it over. I pointed out a moment ago that the more price one had, the more one disliked pride in others. In fact, if you want to find out how proud you are the easiest way is to ask yourself, "How much do I dislike it when other people snub me, or refuse to take any notice of me, or shove their oar in, or patronise me, or show off?" The point is that each person's pride is in competition with every one else's pride. It is because I wanted to be the big noise at the party that I am so annoyed at someone else being the big noise. Two of a trade never agree. Now what you want to get clear is that pride is ESSENTIALLY competitive--is competitive by its very nature--whilethe other vices are competitive only, so to speak, by accident. Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only of having more of it than the next person. We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good-looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer, or better-looking than others. If every one became equally rich, or clever, or good-looking there would be nothing to be proud about. It is the comparison that makes you proud: the please of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone. That is why I say that Pride is essentially competitive in a way the other vices are not. The sexual impusle may drive two men into competition ifthey both want the same girl. But that is only by accident; they might just as likely have wanted two different girls. But a proud man will take your girl from you, and because he wants her, but just to prove to himself that he is a better man than you. Greed may drive men into competition ifo there is not enough to go around; but the proud man, even when he has got more than he can possibly want, will try to get still more just to assert his power. Nearly all those evils in the world which people put down to greed or selfishness are really far more the result of Pride.

[To be continued]

Share YOUR feelings and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Jesus' Circumcision, The Manifestation to Simeon and Anna--Luke 2:21-40

2011-12-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

After Luke relates his account of the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:1-20, he relates the account of the circumcision of Jesus and the manifestation of Jesus to two old Israelite people: Simeon and Anna, preserved in Luke 2:21-40. There are numerous similarities between this account at Old Testament texts, especially the birth and growth of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1-2. The account in Luke 2:21-40 falls into four parts.

I. The Circumcision of Jesus. Luke 2:21-24.
a. The Law of Moses in Leviticus 12:2-8 gives three instructions in conjunction with the birth of a male child. (1) When a woman bears a child, she is unclean for seven days. On the eighth day, the male child must be circumcised. (2) The time of blood purification of mother of the new male child is 33 days. (3) After the time of 33 days of blood purification, she must bring to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. If she is too poor to bring a sheep, she may bring two turtledoves or two pigeons. Then she shall be clean from her flow of blood. 2:21.
b. Joseph and Mary named this child Jesus, following the instruction of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. See 1:31. 2:22-24. [Note: 1:22-24 is very similar to the story of the presentation of Samuel by his mother in the sanctuary at Shiloh. 1 Samuel 1:22-24].

II. The Manifestation to Simeon. Luke 1:25-35.
a. There was an old man named Simeon in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout and looked forward to the consolation of Israel. One who is devout is one who stands in reverence and awe in the presence of God. 2:25.
b. The Holy Spirit came upon Simeon to reveal to him that he would not die before he has seen the Lord's Messiah, the Anointed of Yahweh--see 1 Samuel 24:7,
11; 26:9, 11, 16, 23. The Holy Spirit guided Simeon into the temple. Joseph and Mary had brought in Jesus to do for Jesus what the Law of Moses had commanded. 2:26-27.
c. Simeon put Jesus in his arms and and praised God [just as Zechariah did in 1:64] in the Nunc Dimittis. Simeon addressed God as "Master," and himself as "servant." He praised God because God is dismissing Simeon to die in peace according to his word, because Simeon has seen the newborn baby Jesus, God's "salvation." This is an allusion to Isaiah 40:5, and recurs in Luke 3:6; Acts 28:28. Simeon proclaims that God has "prepared" Jesus "in the presence of ALL PEOPLES." God's concern is both for Israel and for all nations. This concept emerges from Isaiah 52:10. Simeon declared that God have Jesus "a light for revelation to the Gentiles," an expression derived from Isaiah 49:6, 9, and "glory for God's people Israel," an expression based on Isaiah 46:13. Ephesians 2:11-16 ties all these concepts together. 2:28-32.
d. Joseph and Mary were amazed at what Simeon said about Jesus. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary: (1) Jesus is destined to the fall and rise of many in Israel. The fall of Jesus is his rejection by the people of Israel, and his rise is his resurrection. (2) The whole life of Jesus, his rejection and crucifixion, and his resurrection, will reveal the inner thoughts of many. Jesus becomes an apex or dividing line between the good and the evil, between the righteous and the wicked.
(3) A sword will pierce through the soul of Mary. It is wrenching when God through Jesus Christ separates families between father and son, mother and daugther, and all other types of relationships. See Luke 8:19-21; 11:27-28; 12:51-53. 2:33-35.

III. The Manifestation to Anna. Luke 2:36-38.
a. In the Jerusalem temple, there was also an old woman, a widow, at the age of 84. She was from the tribe of Asher located in North Israel. See Deuteronomy
33:24-25. Her name was Anna, the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Hannah. Hannah was the mother of Samuel the prophet. 1 Samuel 1:19-20. 2:36-37a.
b. Anna never left the temple, but there she "worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day." See the same expression in Acts 26:7. Godly people regularly worship God with fasting and prayer. See Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29; Acts 13:3; 14:23; 1 Corinthians 7:5. 2:37b.
c. Anna was a prophet--a preacher. When she saw the newborn Jesus, she praised God, and SPOKE about Jesus to ALL who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. According to the Bible, both God raises up both men and women to prophesy, that is, to preach God's words, God's eternal message--see Exodus 2:20-21; Judges 4:4;
2 Kings 22:14-20; Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21; 21:9. 2:38.

IV. Joseph and Mary return to Nazareth. Luke 2:39-40.
a. When Joseph and Mary did everything required by the Law of Moses in conjunction with the birth and circumcision of Jesus, they returned to their home in Nazareth in Galilee. 2:39.
b. Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him. Similar language appears in the stories of Samuel in 1 Samuel 2:21, 26, and of John in Luke 1:80. 2:40.

These biblical accounts contain rich and inspiring thoughts. I hope all of YOU rejoice in these accounts.

Share YOUR ideas and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

All True Christians are FOLLOWERS

2011-12-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

Biblically, there is ONE LEADER: God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

God through Jesus Christ commands his people to be FOLLOWERS or DISCIPLES.

1. The early disciples of Jesus FOLLOWED him. Matthew 4:18-22. Jesus' call is: FOLLOW me. See Matthew 8:22; 9:9.
Great crowds "followed" Jesus. Matthew 4:25; 8:1, 10; 12:15; 19:2; 20:29.
A scribe "followed" Jesus. Matthew 8:19.
Jesus' DISCIPLES "followed" him. Matthew 8:23.
Matthew "followed" Jesus. Matthew 9:9.
Two blind men "followed" Jesus. Matthew 9:27.
Jesus commands all people who wish to serve him is to take up their cross and "follow" him. Matthew 10:38; 16:24.
Jesus commanded the rich young ruler to "follow" him. Matthew 19:21.
Many women "followed" Jesus. Matthew 27:55.
[Parallel examples appear in Mark, Luke, and John].

2. The Greek word "disciple" is mathetes, which means "learner."
God through Jesus Christ is the great teacher. All of us are learners, and always will be learners. Here are some significant texts about this concept.
Matthew 10:24-25a: "A DISCIPLE is not above his TEACHER, nor a SLAVE above his MASTER. It is enough for the DISCIPLE to be LIKE the TEACHER, and the SLAVE like the MASTER."
Matthew 16:24: "Then Jesus told his DISCIPLES, 'If anyone wants to become my FOLLOWERS, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and FOLLOW me.'"
Mark 4:34--After Jesus taught several parables, the Bible says: "He did not speak to them [the public] except in parables, but he EXPLAINED everything in private to his DISCIPLES."
Mark 9:30-32: "They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was TEACHING his DISCIPLES, saying to them, 'The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.' But they did NOT UNDERSTAND what he was SAYING and were afraid to ASK him."
Luke 6:40: "A DISCIPLE is not above the TEACHER, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the TEACHER."
Luke 11:1: "He [Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his DISCIPLES said to him, 'Lord, TEACH us to pray, as John TAUGHT his DISCIPLES.'"

The ROLE of ALL of God's children is to be FOLLOWERS, LEARNERS, DISCIPLES. When we assume a different role, we are no longer subservient to our God, our King, our Lord, our Master, our Teacher, our Savior.

May we understand and accept the role which God through Jesus Christ has given all of us. We are God's slaves, God's children, God's followers. We are subservient to the Creator and Sustainer of all life.

Share YOUR ideas and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

God is our Creator, and thus our Master, our Lord, our King, our LEADER.

The Savior of the World is Born--Luke 2:1-20

2011-12-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

After describing the birth and growth of John the Baptist, Luke gives an account of the birth of Jesus, which appears in Luke 2:1-20. This paragraph falls into three parts.

I. The Setting of Jesus' Birth at Bethlehem. Luke 2:1-5.
a. The triumvirate of the Roman world [composed of Octavian, Mark Antony and M. Lepidus] was set up in November 43 BCE]. Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus was recognized as a god on 1 January 42 BCE. On 16 January 27 BCE, the Roman Senate bestowed on him the name Augustus. In 7-6 BCE, Quirinius became governor of Syria. Herod the Great was king of the Jews. He died in 4 BCE. Augustus issued a decree that everyone in Judea was to be registered. Apparently, this decree occurred ca. 6-4BCE. 2:1-3.
b. Since Joseph descended from the house and family of David, he went from his present house in Nazareth in the north to Bethlehem. "The City of David" was the citadel of Zion or the former Jebusite stronghold that David captured and transformed into Jerusalem--see 2 Samuel 5:7, 9; 6:10, 12, 16; 2 Kings 9:28;
12:22. Joseph was engaged to Mary. They went to Bethlehem to be registered. 2:4-5.

II. Jesus' Birth. Luke 2:6-7.
a. 2:6-7 parallel the account of the birth of John the Baptist in 1:57-58.
b. Mary was her firstborn child. This prepares the hearer stated in 2:23 [which we will discuss in the next blog as we study the Gospel of Luke]. Mary wrapped in Jesus in bands of cloth, as in the case of Solomon, according to Wisdom of Solomon 7:4; cf. the same practice stated in Ezekiel 16:4. Mary laid the baby Jesus in a manger, a feeding trough for domesticated animals, an enclosure where animals could be penned inside or outside--see Luke 13:15. The language of Luke 2:6-7 contains some similarities to the metaphor stated in Isaiah 1:3.

III. The Manifestation of the Baby Jesus and the Reactions. Luke 2:8-20.
a. In the region of Bethlehem, shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord stood before them, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and the shepherds were terrified. "The glory of the Lord" is a well-known term in the Hebrew Bible symbolizing Yahweh's perceptible presence to his people--Exodus 16:7, 10; 24:17; 40:34; Numbers 12:8; Psalm 63:3. 2:8-9.
b. The angel declared: "Do not be afraid"--see 1:13, 30. Further he announced: I am bringing you good news of great joy FOR ALL THE PEOPLE--in this context, the people of Israel. This day, in "the City of David"=Bethlehem near Jerusalem, is born: (1) a Savior; (2) the Messiah=the Christ; (3) the Lord. See further Acts 2:36. The angel tells the shepherds that they will receive a SIGN: they will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth lying in a manger--see 2:7. 2:10-12.
c. Suddenly, a multitude of angels accompanied the announcing angel. Together they were praising:
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors."
"Glory" here means "Honor"--see Romans 11:36; Hebrews 13:21. 2:13-14.
d. This led to two reactions. First, the shepherds discussed and agreed to go to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus. They went quickly to find Joseph and Mary, and Jesus lying in a manger. Immediately, they told the people of Bethlehem, and the people were amazed. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Second, Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 2:15-20.

What an amazing, wonderful account. We are so thankful that God our Father sent Jesus his Son into the world. Praise God.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Life is a Mystery

2011-11-28T16:22:00.000-08:00

In our RATIONAL world which the ENLIGHTENMENT has persuaded all of us that everything in life can be measured, determined, and explained, given enough time and effort. This assumption is just not true. Human life is full of mysteries, mysteries FAR BEYOND our human abilities and imaginations.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that LIFE IS A MYSTERY.

Here are a few examples.

Ecclesiastes 11:5-6
"Just as you do not know how the breath comes to the bones in the mother's womb, so you do not know the works of God, who makes everything.
In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hands be idle; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good."

The smartest scientists on earth can describe all the parts of the human body in detail. The greatest doctors can make and use medicine to aid people become well. The greatest electricians can work with skilled surgeons and nurses to remove infected tissues from the human body to heal people. And one could go on an on.

But when it is all said and done, NO ONE can bring and sustain BREATH into the body of a human being or an animals. HOW BREATH happens is a mystery. Oh yes, we can describe breath, but we cannot make a person breathe. This is a GOD THING.

The structure of the body, the functions of the body, the intricate systems in the body are amazing, and lie far beyond our human imagination. But on top of all that, BREATH is a complete mystery within itself--from the human perspective. ONLY GOD can bring this into being and sustain it.

Isaiah 2:22 says its well:
"Turn away from mortals,
who have only BREATH in their nostrils,
for of what account are they?"

Pride, arrogance, controlling other human beings, and the like are obviously contrary to the reality of life.

Share YOUR comments with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

The Birth, Circumcision, and Manifestation of John the Baptist--Luke 1:57-80

2011-11-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

After Mary spent three months with Elizabeth and went back home to Nazareth, Luke relates the story of the birth, circumcision, and manifestation of John the Baptist. This is found in Luke 1:57-80. It falls into three parts.

I. The Birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1:57-58.
a. Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. 1:57.
b. Elizabeth relatives and neighbors heard the Lord had shown his great mercy on Elizabeth, and they rejoiced with her. 1:58. See Luke 1:11-17.

II. The Circumcision of John the Baptist. Luke 1:59-66.
a. On the eighth day [following the Law of Moses in Leviticus 12:1-3], appointed people came to circumcise John the Baptist and call him Zechariah after his father. Elizabeth said his name is John. But they replied that no one has called him name in Zechariah's family. 1:59-61.
b.They went to Zechariah [who was still unable to speak--see Luke 1:20-22] to learn the correct name for Elizabeth's son. Zechariah wrote the name JOHN on a writing tablet. The people were amazed. Immediately, Zechariah began to speak and to praise God. Fear came upon the neighbors of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and the entire hill country of Judah talked about this set of events. All the people were pondering what will this child become. 1:62-66.

III. The Manifestation of John the Baptist. Luke 1:67-80.
a. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and uttered a prophecy. He proclaims that the Lord has greatly blessed his people throughout history. 1:67-75.
b. Zechariah declares that: (1) John will be called the prophet of the Most High; (2) John will go before the Lord to prepare his ways; (3) God will give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins; (4) the dawn will break upon God's people; (5) God will give light to those who sit in darkness to guide our feet into the way of peace. 1:76-79.
c. John the Baptist grew and became strong in spirit. He stayed in the wilderness until he appeared publicly in Israel. 1:80.

John the Baptist becomes a very important person in the story of Jesus. Following pericopes will reveals various truths about John the Baptist.

Share YOUR insights and perceptions with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

God Opposes the Elite

2011-11-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

In recent days, people in high positions in government and politics, medicine, law, education, religion, and many other human academic pursuits or fields argue that people in all these spheres or areas of work should be ELITE in future generations. If anyone examines the history of humanity, it is not surprising that this attitude will inevitably from time to time throughout human history. One thinks of Nebuchadnezzar II king of Babylon, Cyrus the Great king of Persia, Alexander the Great who brought Greece to a high situation, Adolf Hitler who declared "WE are the Master Race," Albert Einstein, and others.

BUT from God's perspective, the so-called ELITE are not really different from anyone else on earth.

GOD ALONE is to be exalted, NOT ANY HUMAN BEING. Here are a few reminders in the Bible.

1. We think of Moses as one of the ELITE. But the Bible says:
"Now the man Moses was VERY HUMBLE, more so than anyone else on the face of the earth." Numbers 12:3.

2. We think of Paul as one of the ELITE, the GREATEST apostle of Jesus Christ. But Paul repeatedly insisted he was "the VERY LEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS"--Ephesians
3:8; "the FOREMOST OF SINNERS"--1 Timothy 1:16; "the LEAST of the apostles, UNFIT to be called an apostle"-1 Corinthians 15:9.

3. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31:
"For the message about the cross is FOOLISHNESS to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the POWER OF GOD. For it is written,
'I will DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'
Where is the one who is WISE? Where is the SCRIBE? Where is the DEBATER of the age? Has not GOD MADE FOOLISH the wisdom of the world? For since in the WISDOM OF GOD, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire WISDOM, but we proclaim CHRIST CRUCIFIED, a stumbling block to Jews and FOOLISHNESS to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ the POWER of God and te WISDOM of God. For GOD'S FOOLISHNESS is WISER than HUMAN WISDOM, and GOD'S WEAKNESS is stronger than HUMAN STRENGTH.
Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were WISE BY HUMAN STANDARDS, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But GOD chose what is FOOLISH in the world to shame the WISE; GOD chose what is WEAK in the world to shame the STRONG; GOD chose what is LOW and DESPISED in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that NO ONE MIGT BOAST in the presence of God. He is the SOURCE of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us WISDOM from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that as it is written: 'Let the one who BOASTS, BOAST in the Lord.'"

4. Personal experience, human history, sociologists, counselors, true Christians learn soon that people committed to God from the heart are the vehicles which God uses to carry out his purposes. THE HEART, NOT academic excellence, NOT social fame, NOT human reputation, are what life is all about from God's perspective. Yahweh taught the mistaken and misled prophet Samuel:

"The Lord does not see as mortals see;
they look on the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

I hope and pray that all Christians will realize that we must not favor THE ELITE in economy, in government, in education, in religion, or in any other way.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Mary Visits Elizabeth--Luke 1:39-56

2011-11-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

After the angel Gabriel told her that Elizabeth will have a son in her old age (Luke 1:36), Mary decided to go visit with Elizabeth as related in Luke 1:39-56. This paragraph falls into three parts:

I. Mary goes to visit with Elizabeth in Judah and stays there three months. Luke 1:39-40, 56.
a. Mary was living in Nazareth in North Israel and was engaged to Joseph. Mary went to "a Judean town" and entered into the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth. 1:39-40.
b. The biblical composer tells his audience that Mary stayed with Zechariah and Elizabeth "about three months." 1:56.

II. Elizabeth declares that Mary and her child are blessed. Luke 1:41-45.
a. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, "the child leaped in her womb." Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and declared to Mary: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." 1:41-42.
b. Elizabeth asked WHY Mary has come to her, referring to Mary as "the mother of my Lord," that is, the promised Jesus Christ. The child in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy. Elizabeth declares: "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." 1:43-45.

III. Mary Utters a Song of Praise. Luke 1:46-55. Most scholars entitle this Song "The Magnificat."
a. Mary magnifies the Lord and rejoices in the Lord, because the Lord has looked with favor on Mary and all generations will call her blessed. God is holy, merciful, and strong. God has defeated the proud and exalted the humble; God has filled the hungry and taken away the wealth of the rich. 1:46-53.
b. Mary concludes by declaring that God has helped Israel his people because of his mercy according to the promise God made to Abraham and his descendants forever. 1:54-55.
One should note carefully that in this Song, there is an inseparable connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament, between Israel and Christians.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers--Part 7

2011-10-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

This blog concludes our study of the teaching of the Bible about Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers.

The word "preach" means simply "proclaim good tidings [news]." A synonym of "preach" is "prophesy." "Prophesy" does not mean "predict the future," but "proclaim God's message," as passages like Exodus 4:16 + 7:1; Jeremiah 1:4-10; 15:19; 1 Corinthians 14:2-3 make this very clear.

Many passages in the Bible, Old and New Testaments, show that both men and women prophesied or preached.

1. It is well known that in the ancient Near East, different cultures had male and female prophets who declared a message from their gods. See the article on "Prophet, Prophecy," in the New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, Volume 4, pages 625-628.
2. Exodus 15:20; Numbers 12:1-2 describe Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, as a prophet who spoke to God's people publicly.
3. Judges 4:4 says Deborah was a prophet. She declared God's message to God's people, Judges 4:6-7.
4. 2 Kings 22:14-20 says the prophet Huldah declared a message from God to Hilkiah the priest and his associates, and they forward this message to the king Josiah.
5. Ezekiel 13:17-19 shows that it was common for women as well as men to prophesy or preach.
6. Nehemiah 6:14 relates the account of the female prophet Noadiah and other prophets who wanted to make Nehemiah afraid.
7. Joel 2:28-29 contains Yahweh's announcement:
"I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and YOUR DAUGHTERS shall prophesy."
8. In Peter's sermon on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Peter quotes the announcement in Joel 2:28-29 in Acts 2:17-18.
9. John 4:39 states that the Samaritan woman at the well preached God's message to the people of Sychar and many turned to the Lord.
10. Acts 21:9 says Philip the evangelist had four virgin daughters who had the gift of prophecy.
11. 1 Corinthians 11:4-5 clearly states the both men and women prayed and prophesied in the church assembly. In that culture, the men were to be unveiled, and the women were to be veiled.

According to the Bible, PREACHING or PROPHESYING was NOT a male only function. Preaching or prophesying is a gift of God imparted to both men and women. Some cultures have restricted this God-given gift to males only. This idea is clearly anti-scriptural.

PLEASE consider all these ideas in the past seven blogs about the biblical teaching about Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts and ideas with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Announcement of Jesus' Birth--Luke 1:26-38

2011-10-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

The story of the announcement of the birth of Jesus in Luke 1:26-38 is strikingly similar to the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist in Luke 1:5-25. These announcements are very similar to the announcements of Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-6), Isaac (Genesis 17:15-22; 18:1-15; 21:1-7), Samson (Judges 13:2-25), and Samuel
(1 Samuel 1:1-20).

1. The narrator introduces the parents--1:5-10, 26-27
2. The angel Gabriel appears to the parents--1:11,19, 28
3. The angel Gabriel says to the parents: "Do not fear"--1:13, 30
4. The wife will bear a son--1:13, 31
5. You shall call him John or Jesus--1:13, 31
6. He shall be great--1:15, 32
7. Zechariah's question: "How shall I know?" Mary's question: "How shall it be?"
1:18, 34
8. The angel Gabriel's answer: I have been sent to announce this to you; and The holy spirit will come upon you--1:19, 35.

I. The Narrator introduces the parents Joseph and Mary--Luke 1:26-27.
a. In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth. 1:26.
b. Mary was a virgin engaged to Joseph. 1:27.

II. The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that Jesus will be born--Luke 1:28-31.
a. Gabriel states that Mary is "favored" and "The Lord is with you." 1:28. The declaration: "The Lord is with you," is a common assurance throughout scripture. See for example: Exodus 3:12; Joshua 1:5; Judges 6:16; 1 Samuel 16:18; 17:37; 18:12, 14, 28. The language in 1:28 is very similar to Zephaniah 3:14-17.
b. But Mary was very perplexed over this announcement. 1:29.
c. The angel Gabriel assured her: "Do not be afraid." Then he promises her that she will have a son and call him Jesus. 1:30-31.

III. The Angel Gabriel describes Jesus using FIVE terms--Luke 1:32-33 [which is
clearly based on 2 Samuel 7:9, 13, 14, 16).
a. He will be GREAT.
b. He will be called "the Son of the Most High." This is a royal term denoting an earthly king. See 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 89:25-27.
c. God will give him the throne of David.
d. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
e. Of his kingdom there will be no end.

IV. Mary questions Gabriel, and Gabriel assures him Jesus will be born--Luke 1:34-38.
a. Mary does not believe this will happen because she is a virgin. 1:34.
b. Gabriel declares that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, Mary will conceive and give birth to Jesus, who will be called "Son of God" and "holy." 1:35.
c. Gabriel tells Mary that Elizabeth is old but conceive and will have a son. Both of these births are possible because: "Nothing will be impossible with God." This assurance is miraculous, and occurs often in scripture: see for example Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Job 42:2; Zechariah 8:6. 1:36-37.
d. Mary concedes. She says: "Let it be with me according to your word." Then Gabrial departed. 1:38.

This is a powerful, uplifting, encouraging story. I hope this will encourage YOU.

Share YOUR insights and ideas with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers--Part 6

2011-10-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

As we continue our study of Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, and Preachers, in this blog we will discuss what the Bible teaches about female elders. We have already dealt with introductory matters, with female teachers, and female deacons.

I. The New Testament uses SIX synonymous terms for the function of "elder."
a. Elder--Greek presbuteros, presbutes, presbutis. The different cognates of this root appear 74 times in the New Testament. In most texts, these terms appear with reference to the elders of the Jews: see for example: Matthew 15:2; 16:21; 21:23; Mark 7:3, 5; Luke 7:3; 9:22; Acts 4:5, 8. [PLEASE find all these passages by using YOUR concordance]. Most of these texts do not specify whether these "elders" are males or females. A few texts designate them as "males"--for example, Acts 2:17;
1 Peter 5:1 [Peter identifies himself as an "elder"] a few texts designate them as "females"--1 Timothy 5:2; Titus 2:3.
b. Presbyter. This is simply a TRANSLITERATION from Greek into English. Hence, in modern times there are "presbyters" in the Presbyterian and other denominations. These denominations usually use males and females.
c. Shepherd--Greek poimen. The verb poimaino and the noun poimen appear 28 times in the New Testament. Usually, these terms refer to a shepherd with sheep literally or figuratively. See for example Matthew 2:6; Luke 17:7; John 10:2, 11, 12, 14, 16. [PLEASE consult YOUR concordance to study all these texts]. The Bible [Old or New Testament] never designates a "shepherd" as a male or a female, but texts like Exodus 2:16-19 implies that both males and females tended sheep. Hebrews 13:20 and
1 Peter 2:25 refer to Jesus Christ as "shepherd." Ephesians 4:11 couples "shepherds" with "teachers." It is obvious that according to the Bible both males and females were teachers in the church of God; hence, naturally "shepherds" would be both males and females. "Shepherd" is not a "gender specific" term, but a term about a person who cares for sheep.
d. Pastor. The English word "pastor" is from the Latin "pastores," which means "shepherd."
e. Overseer. Greek episkopos with various cognates from this root. This term appears 11 times in the New Testament. The meaning of this term is very obscure. For example, Acts 1:20 refers to Matthias. 1 Peter 2:25 refers to Jesus Christ as a parallel to "shepherd."
f. Bishop. The English word "bishop" is a TRANSLITERATION adapted to English from the Greek episkopos=[e]p[b]isk[h]op[os]. Thus, "bishop" is identical with "overseer."

II. The New Testament contains precious few texts about elders. Here is the list.
Acts 11:30 [?]
Acts 14:23
Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4 [all concerning the Jerusalem council]
Acts 20:17-38
Acts 21:18
Philippians 1:1
1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:1-2, 17, 19
Titus 1:5-9
James 5:14
1 Peter 5:1-5
2 John 1 [?]; 3 John 1 [?]

III. The function of elders is to care for the sheep in every way.
a. Ezekiel 34:1-16 paints a clear picture of the function of a shepherd.
b. Some people insist that the expression "the husband of one wife" in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 PROVES that ONLY MALES can be elders. But this term is NOT GENDER SPECIFIC. Rather, it has to do with "spouses." Hence, the New Revised Standard Version translates this better as: "married only once."
c. The situation in Philippians centers on two women, Euodia and Syntyche [see specifically Philippians 4:2]. These two women were obviously prominent influential people in the church at Philippi. In all likelihood, "bishops" in Philippians 1:1 includes Euodia and Syntyche.

IV. For a long time, numerous books and articles have been written on "the role of elders" in the church. ALL who write such books are VERY CREATIVE, because there is ALMOST NO EVIDENCE about the function of elders in the church. That elders are MALE ONLY is nothing but an assumption. To be sure, 1 Peter 5:1-4 specifically identifies Peter, a male, as an elder. At the same time, Paul instructs Timothy to speak kindly to "an older man" and "older women."

V. Because of a very long human tradition, local churches may choose to select MALES ONLY as elders or shepherds. Biblically, both males and females fit the function of elders or shepherds.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Elizabeth becomes Pregnant for John the Baptist--Luke 1:1-25

2011-10-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Luke 1 and 2 relate the accounts of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus and the one event concerning Jesus at the Jerusalem temple at age twelve. Luke 1:1-25 contains a brief introduction to this entire gospel, then the account of the pregnancy of Elizabeth until she has been pregnant five months.

I. Introduction to the Gospel of Luke. Luke 1:1-4.
a. The composer of the Gospel of Luke tells his audience that "many" had undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events of Jesus Christ. He does not tell his audience who these sources were. 1:1.
b. The composer of the Gospel of Luke tells his audience that other speakers and writers were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, and they "handed on to us" [US includes the composer of the Gospel of Luke] to the next generation. It is clear that the author of the Gospel of Luke never met Jesus Christ himself nor experienced any of his words or actions. His information is not "first hand." 1:2.
c. The composer of the Gospel of Luke explains that he did research ["after investigating everything carefully"] to find out what happened about the life of Jesus. He "decided" to write this gospel. 1:3. He does not claim that God or the Holy Spirit revealed or dictated this gospel. On the contrary, he claims he did research and wrote this gospel as a result of his own decision. God works in different ways. God can work through research and personal decisions. This text makes this claim.
d. The composer of the Gospel of John states that he intends to "write an orderly account" of the life of Jesus Christ for Theophilus. We know nothing about Theophilus. It seems obvious that Theophilus was part of a church somewhere. But we have no concrete information about this. 1:4.

II. Elizabeth conceived of the birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1:5-25.
a. The biblical composer tells his audience that Elizabeth's conception took place in the days of King Herod of Judea. King Herod reigned from 37 to 4 BCE. Luke 2:1-2 narrows this down to some time between 6 and 4 BCE. Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron, the wife of Zechariah who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. Zechariah and Elizabeth were "righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations ofthe Lord." Obviously, this does not mean they never committed a sin, but they were striving to honor and serve God faithfully. Zechariah and Elizabeth were getting old in years. 1:5-7.
b. Through each year, Zechariah, like all the priests, was "chosen by lot," and carried out his priestly service. His duty was to offer incense in the temple. All the people were praying outside. 1:8-10.
c. An angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, and Zechariah was afraid. The angel told him not to fear, because the Lord will give Elizabeth a son. Zechariah is to call him "John." John will be great in the sight of the Lord; he must not drink wine or strong drink, but be a nazirite [see Numbers 6:1-21]; before his birth hewill be filled with the Holy Spirit. Hewill go with the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous to prepare a people for the Lord. 1:11-17.
d. Zechariah asked the angel, "How will I know that this is so?" since I am old and Elizabeth is getting on in years. The angel declared he is Gabriel. Because Zechariah did not believe the angel's words, Zechariah will not be able to speak until these events occur. The people were waiting for Zechariah. Zechariah appeared but could not speak. 1:18-23.
e. After all this happened, Elizabeth conceived and remained in seclusion for five months. Elizabeth praises the Lord what what he had done. 1:24-25.
NOTE: This account is very similar to the accounts of Abraham-Sarah-Isaac-Hagar-Ishmael (Genesis 17-18; 21), Isaac-Rebekah-Esau-Jacob (Genesis 25:21-26), Samson (Judges 13), and Elkanah-Peninnah-Hannah-Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1-20). "Lot casting" was a common divine means of determining Yahweh's will--see Joshua 18; 1 Samuel 14; Proverbs 16:33; Acts 1:24-26. The term "the spirit and power of Elijah" in 1:16 is very familiar in the Hebrew Bible--see 2 Kings 2:9, 12-14; Malachi 4:5-6. The Bible consistently assumes and describes the presence of angels. Do YOU believe angels exist? Do they work in human events? Discuss this biblical idea.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers--Part 5

2011-10-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

The next term which the Bible uses for FUNCTIONS in the church, the family of God through Jesus Christ, is DEACON. The Bible [the Hebrew Bible and the Newer Testament] gives almost NO INFORMATION about the function of a deacon. Scholars and churches have IMAGINED who a DEACON is, but the Bible does not give us any information at all. Here is the evidence.

I. The verb diakoneo means "to minister." It appears 37 times in the Newer Testament. This verb refers to:
a. Angels--Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13.
b. Peter's mother-in-law--Matthew 8:15; Mark 1:31; Luke 4:39.
c. Jesus--Matthew 20:28 [2x]; Mark 10:45 [2x]; Luke 22:26, 27 [2x].
d. Any follower of God through Jesus Christ--Matthew 25:44; John 12:26; Hebrew
6:10; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.
e. Many women following Jesus--Matthew 27:55; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 8:1-3.
f. Martha--Luke 10:40; John 12:2.
g. Slaves--Luke 12:37; 17:8.
h. Seven men to wait on tables for the Hebrew women--Acts 6:2.
i. Timothy and Erastus--Acts 19:22.
j. Paul--Romans 15:25.
k. Paul and Timothy--2 Corinthians 3:3; 8:19, 20.
l. "Deacons"--1 Timothy 3:10, 13.
m. Onesiphorus--2 Timothy 1:18.
n. Onesimus--Philemon 13.
o. Prophets in the Hebrew Bible--1 Peter 1:12.

II. The noun diakonia appears 35 times in the Newer Testament. This noun refers to:
a. Martha--Luke 10:40.
b. Judas Iscariot--Acts 1:17.
c. Matthias--Acts 1:25.
d. Any Christian--Acts 6:1; 11:29; Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:5; 2 Corinthians
8:4; Ephesians 4:12; Revelation 2:19.
e. The apostles in Jerusalem--Acts 6:4.
f. Barnabas and Saul--Acts 12:25.
g. Paul--Acts 20:24; 21:19; Romans 11:13; 15:31; 2 Corinthians 11:8; 1 Timothy
1:12.
h. The household of Stephanas [composed of men and women]--1 Corinthians 16:15.
i. The message of God--2 Corinthians 3:7, 8, 9 [2x].
j. Paul and Timothy--2 Corinthians 4:1; 5:18; 6:3; 9:1, 12, 13.
k. Archippus--Colossians 4:17.
l. Timothy--2 Timothy 4:5.
m. Mark--2 Timothy 4:11.
n. Angels--Hebrews 1:14.

III. The noun diakonos appears 30 times in the Newer Testament. This noun refers to:
a. Any Christian--Matthew 20:26; 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:43; John 12:26.
b. The king's servants at a wedding--Matthew 22:13.
c. Servants at the wedding at Cana--John 2:5, 9.
d. Governmental authorities--Romans 13:4 [2x].
e. Jesus Christ--Romans 15:8; Galatians 2:17.
f. Phoebe--Romans 16:1.
g. Paul and Apollos--1 Corinthians 3:5.
h. Paul and Timothy--2 Corinthians 3:6; 6:4.
i. False apostles--2 Corinthians 11:15 [2x], 23.
j. Paul--Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 1:23, 25.
k. Tychicus--Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7.
l. "Deacons" at Philippi--Philippians 1:1.
m. Epaphras--Colossians 1:7.
n. Timothy--1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:6.
o. "Deacons" in the church at Ephesus--1 Timothy 3:8, 12.

Gleaning from all these passages, one may reach the following conclusions.
1. The Bible tells us virtually NOTHING about the function of "deacons."
2. The ONLY individual called a "deacon" in the entire Bible is a WOMAN--Phoebe.
3. The Greek word in 1 Timothy 3:11 may be translated "wives" or "women." The text does not make this clear at all. The qualities of a deacon in 1 Timothy 3:12 means: "Let deacons be married only once." See the New Revised Standard Version. In The Transforming Word, page 993, James Thompson comments as follows:
"In the usual sequence, Paul lists deacons (3:8), their wives (3:11 NIV), and then returns to the qualification for the deacon (3:12). This sequence can best be exaplined if we note that the Greek in 3:11 can be rendered either as "wives" or "women." The NIV's reading "their wives" interprets the phrase as a reference to the wives of deacons. The more likely reading in this context is "women" (that is, female deacons). Inasmuch as no requirements are given for the wives of bishops, the reference is probably to women who are appointed to do acts of service alongside the men who do similar deeds."
4. It is quite clear that Phoebe, a woman, was a deacon in the church at Cenchrea.

Scripturally, both men and women were and should be deacons in God's church. A long history of human tradition may prohibit this for some, but the biblical view is that God wants both men and women to serve at deacons. The word "deacon" means "minister," "servant," and the like.

Share YOUR ideas with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Introduction of Luke--Part II

2011-10-01T14:47:00.001-07:00

There have been several theories about the relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke. After much study, I am assuming that one should take Luke 1:1-4 seriously. If so, the author of the Book of Luke used oral and written sources. Careful comparisons between the synoptic gospels indicate Luke used three sources:
1. The Gospel of Mark
2. An unnamed source found in doublets between Matthew and Luke. The German term is Quelle, meaning "Source." Thus, many scholars call this Q.
3. Materials appearing in the Gospel of Luke only. The "source" of this material is unknown.

Following Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S. J., in the Anchor Bible 28, page 134, one may outline the Gospel of Luke in the following way. [Remember, other scholars outline this work in different ways].
The Prologue: 1:1-4
The Infancy Narrative: 1:5-2:52
The Preparation for the Public Ministry of Jesus: 3:1-4:13
The Galileean Ministry of Jesus: 4:14-9:50
The Travel Account: 9:51-19:27
The Ministry of Jesus in Jerusalem: 19:28-21:38
The Passion Narrative: 22:1-23:56a
The Resurrection Narrative: 23:56b-24:53

One needs to pay attention to the major themes throughout Luke. Briefly stated, the major themes are:
God is interested in and will save people from all nations
God will reverse the so-called positions of people, for example, God will exalt the poor above the rich, etc.
God wishes to save all people through Jesus Christ.
The Word of the Lord is central to God's message through Jesus Christ
God desires to bring all people to repentance and conversion to God
God calls all people to come to God by FAITH, that is, TRUST in God alone

Share YOUR insights and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers--Part 4

2011-09-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

The first biblical term we will examine is TEACHER.

There are several Hebrew and Greek terms in the Bible meaning "teach" or a synonym. In Hebrew, some of the terms are: zahar in the hiphil binyan, yarah in the hiphil binyan, lamad in the piel binyan, and bin in the hiphil binyan. But there are other Hebrew terms as well. In Greek, some of the terms are didasko, katangello, katecho, matheteuo, paideuo.

Obviously we cannot examine each and every term and biblical text. We will limit our study to significant texts with observations pertaining to the function of women or females as TEACHERS.

1. Several passages in the Bible emphasize that God the Father and thus God the Son is the GREATEST TEACHER of all.
a. Job 36:22 says: "See, God is exalted in power;
who is a TEACHER like him?"
The psalmist says in Psalm 25:4-5: "Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
TEACH me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and TEACH me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I will wait all day long."
See further Psalms 27:11; 71:17; 143:10, for just a few examples.
b. When people addressed Jesus, they often addressed him as "Teacher" or "Good Teacher." A very few examples are: Matthew 8:19; 19:16; Mark 4:38; 10:17; Luke 3:12; John 13:13-14.

2. In some biblical texts, it is clear that MEN taught other people. Good examples are Moses in Deuteronomy 4:5; Samuel in 1 Samuel 12:23; and Paul in 2 Timothy 1:11.

3. At the same time, it is VERY CLEAR that ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, God wants to use women to TEACH God's message. Here are a very examples.
a. 1 Chronicles 25:5-8 states that Heman had "fourteen sons and three daughters." They were ALL [males and females] under Heman's direction for the music in the temple. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman and their kindred were trained in singing to the Lord, all of whom were skillful, numbered 288. "And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, TEACHER and pupil alike." This text shows that God wanted to use males and females to TEACH God's people.
b. Romans 2:17-21. Paul addresses ALL JEWS, not just males, to TEACH others.
c. Romans 12:7. Paul enumerates GIFTS God has given to the church, each member of the body having a "function" (see 12:4). Paul specifically names the GIFTS of prophecy, ministry, TEACHING, exhorting, being generous, showing compassion. He gives NO IMPRESSION at all that any of these gifts is limited to MALES. These gifts are for BOTH MALES AND FEMALES.
d. James 3:1. James writes: "Not many of you should become TEACHERS, my BROTHERS AND SISTERS, for you know that we who TEACH will be judged with greater strictness." [In a previous blog, we emphasized that the word BROTHER in the Bible is not a gender specific term, but is an idiomatic term meaning males AND females. When Paul or Peter or James or John addresses "brothers," this usually means all Christians]. Hence, James assumes that both men and women should be teachers of God's people.
e. Acts 18:24-28. This text relates the story about a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, "well-versed in the scriptures," instructed in the Way of the Lord, but knew only the baptism of John the Baptist. Priscilla and Aquila "took him aside and EXPLAINED the Way of God to him more accurately." Priscilla, a female, TAUGHT a male, Apollos. God uses women, as well as men, to TEACH others.
f. Proverbs 31:26 says that the "capable wife"
"Opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the TEACHING of kindness is on her tongue."
g. 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Sometimes, people read 1 Timothy 2:8-15 and assume this text means that it is contrary to God's will for a WOMAN to TEACH over a man. This assumption is incorrect.
1. 1 Timothy 2:11 is not a universal teaching from God for all people for all time, but a teaching directed to the church at Ephesus, where there were obviously unique situations THERE at that time in history. Compare this text with 5:3-16. Many texts in the Bible are SITUATIONAL, OCCASIONAL, CULTURALLY BOUND. Comparable teachings are footwashing, eating meat sacrificed to idols, wearing sackcloth, keeping a vow, and there are many others. 1 Timothy 2:11 fits in this category.
2. If 1 Timothy 2:11 applies to all people at all times in all situations, THEN God's people MUST do all of the following practices found in 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
MEN [not women] MUST pray IN EVERY PLACE, LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS.
Women must dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing,
WHICH MEANS [as Paul explains in this text]
Women must not wear braided hair
Women must not wear gold, pearls, or expensive clothes
Women must keep silent [they cannot say a single word--hence, they must not
sing or talk to someone else]
Women must bear children [If a woman has no child, she is in big trouble
according to this text].
3. In the context of 1 Timothy 2:8-15, it is obvious that Paul is attempting to correct an already existing situation at Ephesus that AT EPHESUS it was well accepted among God's people that women were very active and vocal in the church, and dominated men there. Paul desires to EQUALIZE that situation.
4. Paul himself does NOT declare that he is proclaiming GOD'S message. On the contrary, he specifically says: "I [Paul] DESIRE" that the following things happen. This is Paul's decision, not God's or Jesus Christ's decision. Paul speaks the same way in other texts, like 1 Corinthians 7:10, 12. Paul has no intention of binding this one everyone in all times, but is addressing a specific, unique issue at Ephesus.
5. In a different church, in a different situation or occasion (at Corinth), Paul openly states that it is quite acceptable for WOMEN to lead public prayers and preach=prophecy--1 Corinthians 11:2-16 [specifically 11:5].

Many people in modern times make sharp distinctions between men and women teaching AT CHURCH or in a BIBLE CLASS or whether women can TEACH baptized males or TEACH WOMEN ONLY. All of these ideas a human creations. They have nothing to do with the Bible. The Bible makes it very clear that according to God's will, God desires to use both Men and Women to TEACH God's word to others in all situations.

The words of Luke Timothy Johnson in The First and Second Letters to Timothy, The Anchor Bible 35A (New York: Doubleday, 2001), page 211, are worthy of careful consideration:

"Such engagement, however, will also recognize that contemporary assumptions concerning family structures and power relationships are not themselves absolute, but are relative and culturally conditioned in a way not unlike Paul's own assumptions. We may prefer them; we may regardthem as superior to Paul's; we may even hope that they represent growth toward God's will for the relations between the genders. But we cannot be so parocial as to think that further growth is not possible or even necessary. Finally, as we think about that growth, we might even be grateful to this passas as well as others in the Pauline corpus for reminding us that the nobles Christian ideals ("in Christ there is neither male nor female" or "God will the salvation of all") must always be negotiated within the hard and resistent circumstances of cultural contexts in which the power and privilege--as well as the complex and ambiguous embodiments--of difference are always present."

Our study of Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, and Preachers will continue. Be patient.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Introduction of Luke--Part I

2011-09-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Now that we have completed our study of Jeremiah, I hope to spend quite a bit of time working through the New Testament books of Luke and Acts. Before we begin a chapter by chapter study, there are some introductory matters that might be helpful. This will take a few blogs for the introduction. Again--Be patient with me.

I. The Author of Luke-Acts. One cannot prove conclusively WHO the author of Luke-Acts was. There are "good" theories about this, but one cannot prove this conclusively. Here are a few thoughts.
a. Luke 1:2 makes it clear that the author of Luke-Acts was not an eyewitness of the events and sayings of Jesus Christ, but was a second or third generation Christian. Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1 dedicate these books to a person named Theophilus, but we do not know who Theophilus was. An ancient tradition asserted that the author was Luke, a fellow worker of Paul in Philemon 24, the beloved physician in Colossians 4:14, and Paul's only companion in 2 Timothy 4:11. Luke and Paul traveled together, and the "we-sections" in the book of Acts [Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15;
21:1-18; 27:1-28:16 suggest that the author of Luke-Acts was Luke. But it is just as possible that Luke kept a diary when traveling with Paul, and this was included in Luke-Acts by an author different from Luke.
b. On the basis of the internal evidence of Luke-Acts, one can argue that the author was a Gentile Christian: the superior quality of the Greek language, the avoidance of Semitic words, the omission of gospel traditions about Jesus' controversies with the Pharisees, and changing Palestinian local color and details into Hellenistic counterparts.
c. Other scholars argue that the author of Luke-Acts was a Jewish Christian, a Jew converted to Christianity. Lucius as among Paul's kinsmen (Romans 16:21), Luke-Acts often quote and refer to the Old Testament, the author uses Palestinian language, and the Epiphanian tradition says Luke was one ofthe 72 disciples of Jesus.
d. Other scholars argue that Luke was a Syrian living in Antioch, a non-Jew from Semitic background. The oldest reference is in the Ancient Greek Prologue.

II. It is very difficult to DATE the composition of Luke-Acts exactly. A few scholars place Luke-Acts before 70 A. D. But it seems very clear that Luke-Acts was composed after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A. D. So the best probable date is between 80 and 85 A. D. Here are a couple of reasons:
a. Luke obviously used earlier oral and written sources--Luke 1:1-2. A comparison of Luke and Mark indicates that Luke must have used Mark.
b. Luke 13:35; 19:43-44; 21:20; 23:28-31 refer to the fall of Jerusalem in 70
A. D.

III. Scholars debate over WHERE Luke-Acts was originally composed. Different scholars have argued for Achaia, Boeotia, Rome, Caesarea, Decapolis, and Asia Minor. There is just not enough information to reach a solid conclusion about this.

For detailed discussions of all these issues, see Joseph A. Fitzmyer, The Gospel According to Luke I-IX. The Anchor Bible 28; Garden City, New York, 1981, pages 35-59with extensive bibliography; Luke Timothy Johnson, "Luke-Acts, Book of," The Anchor Bible Dictionary 4 (New York: Doubleday, 1992), pages 404-405.

[More to come. Be Patient].

Share YOUR dreams and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers--Part 3

2011-09-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

RHETORIC is a very important aspect of all life, whether a society realizes it or not. RHETORIC shapes the thoughts of people. In thinking about the biblical teaching of female teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers, it is very important to emphasize some fundamental truths from a rhetorical perspective.

1. Some societies, including the Western world and certainly including the United States, think of life as structured by "hierarchies." Let us be clear about this term. The Dictionary defines "hierarchy" as. "1. A rank or order of holy beings, especially of angels; also, usually 'celestial hierarchy,' the angelic orders collectively. 2. A body of rulers, especially of ecclesiastics, disposed organically in ranks and orders each subordinate to the one above it; also, such a system of church government or its authority. 3. A series of objects, or items divided or classified in ranks or orders, as in natural science or logic; a hierarchical arrangement."
Many societies, and certainly many churches, including Churches of Christ, "buy into" this idea of a "hierarchy." The hierarchy is this:
God or Christ as the Head
Elders [in a local church]
Deacons
The Local Public Preacher
The Staff
Influential Teachers and Motivators
The rest of the members of the church.
Without thinking, many churches automatically ASSUME this is simply the way life IS and SHOULD BE. Many churches will try to argue this view from the Bible.
But biblically, this whole idea of a "hierarchical rule" in the church is a fiction, and even contrary to God's will.
The Biblical view is that God through Jesus Christ is "the Head." EVERYONE else is a member of the SPIRITUAL BODY. NO MEMBER of the body is more important than any other member of the BODY. This is a metaphor comparing the church with the human body. Major texts which emphasize this are well known: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:1-16; 5:21-33; Colossians 1:15-20; 2:8-19.
These texts teach clearly:
a. EVERY MEMBER of the body is important. There is no hierarchy here UNLESS one realizes that God through Jesus Christ is the HEAD: no one else but God through Jesus Christ. Every member of the body has an important FUNCTION, NOT an authoritative POSITION in the church.
b. One member CANNOT say before God that he or she is above any other member. The eye is not superior to the hand, and the hand is not inferior to the eye. This missed the whole point. RATHER, each member has an important FUNCTION in the body.
c. Ephesians 4:15-16 highlights this point. Pay careful attention to these two verses: "WE [the whole body=the whole church; WE is plural] must grow up IN EVERY WAY into him, who is the head, into Christ, from whom THE WHOLE BODY [NOT just the elders or the deacons or the staff or the local preacher or anyone else, but the whole body], joined and knit together BY EVERY [not just one, nor this or that] LIGAMENT with which it IS EQUIPPED [God has "wired" each person to do what God wants each person to do], as EACH PART [not just the males, not just the females, not just the old, not just the young, but each part] is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love."

2. Many societies, including the church, emphasize the importance of LEADERSHIP. Hence, we exalt all kinds of people in politics, in sports, in business, in social organizations, and the works as LEADERS.
a. This whole idea is blantly contradictory to the biblical message. Matthew 20:20-28 and Mark 10:35-45 relate the story of the two sons of Zebedee [James and John] who wanted sit at Jesus' right and left hand in God's kingdom. The other apostles of Jesus became very angry about this, apparently because they belong at this very position. Jesus' response is VERY CLEAR:
"You know that the RULERS of the Gentiles LORD it OVER them, and their GREAT ONES are TYRANTS over them. IT WILL NOT BE SO AMONG YOU, but whoever WISHES to be GREAT among you MUST be your SERVANT, and whoever WISHES to be FIRST among you must be your SLAVE, just as the Son of Man came NOT TO BE SERVED, but to SERVE, and to give his life a ransom for many."
b. Paul makes this same point frequently. Paul is an "apostle," but what does he say about his FUNCTION? "What is Apollos? What is Paul? SERVANTS through whom you came to believe, as THE LORD ASSIGNED TO EACH" (1 Corinthians 3:5). "Think of us in this way, as SERVANTS OF CHRIST and STEWARDS of God's mysteries" (1 Corinthians 4:1). Paul did not STRUT among people or the church as a LEADER, but humble submitted himself to Jesus Christ as his SERVANT.

3. Romans 12:4-5 and Ephesians 4:11-12 clearly explain what God desires of his people, the church.
a. Each member in the body, the church, has a FUNCTION, NOT a hierarchical POSITION above other members in the body. Romans 12:4.
b. Each member in the body receives GIFTS from God. Each person has a gift. A major truth each person must understand is to attempt to determine the GIFT God has given to me. Ephesians 4:11 declares that some GIFTS are people in the body, the church. Paul enumerates:
Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers
None of these "categories" is necessarily males only. Paul says in Romans 16:7 that Adronicus [a male] and Junia [a female] were "prominent among the apostles." Study the word "apostle" and try to determine what this term might mean. Acts 2:27; 21:9 specifically identify women as well as men as prophets. The woman at the well in John 4 was clearly an "evangelist." Pastors are "shepherds," and shepherds in ancient society we both males and females. Proverbs 31:26; James 3:1 make it clear that both men and women are teachers.

These introductory observations may be helpful for detailed study of biblical female teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers. In the next blog, we will explore what the Bible teaches about male and female teachers.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

The Babylonians Destroy Jerusalem and Carry Judeans into Exile--Jeremiah 52

2011-09-04T16:04:00.000-07:00

The final chapter of the Book of Jeremiah [Jeremiah 52] is somewhat similar to Jeremiah 39, but alsos supplies additional information. Also Jeremiah 39 and 52 contain several similarities to 2 Kings 24:18-25:30. Jeremiah 52 falls into seven paragraphs.

I. The composer summarized the reign of king Zedekiah of Judah [598-587 BCE]. Jeremiah 52:1-3b.
a. Jeremiah was 21 years old when he became king of Judah, and he reigned 11 years. 52:1.
b. Zedekiah was evil in the eyes of Yahweh like king Jehoiakim. 52:2-3b.

II. Nebuchadrezzar II and the Babylonians besiege Jerusalem for a year and a half and destroy Jerusalem. Jeremiah 52:4-11.
a. The reason Nebuchadrezzar II and the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem is that Zedekiah rebelled against the Babylonians. 52:3c.
b. The Babylonians began the siege of Jerusalem on the ninth year, the ninth month, the tenth day of the month of Zedekiah's reign (589 BCE). 52:4.
c. The siege lasted until the 11th year, the fourth month, the ninth day of the month (587 BCE). 52:5-6.
d. Zedekiah and many of his soldiers fled in the night to try to escape from the Babylonians, but they captured Zedekiah and his sons in the plains of Jericho, brought them to Riblah, killed Zedekiah's sons and put out Zedekiah's eyes, where he was in prison in Babylon until he died. 52:7-11.

III. The Babylonians destroy the Jerusalem temple and walls, and carry many into Babylonian exile. Jeremiah 52:12-16.
a. Nebuzaradan, the captain of the bodyguard, and his soldiers destroy the Jerusalem temple and tear down the walls and carry many people into Babylonian exile. 52:12-15.
b. Nebuzaradan allows some of the poorest people of the land to remain near destroyed Jerusalem to be vinedressers and tillers of the soil. 52:16.

IV. The Babylonians break in pieces some of the pillars and stands and carry others into exile. Jeremiah 52:17-23.

V. The Babylonians kill approximately 70 leading people at Jerusalem including the chief priest and second priest at Riblah. Jeremiah 52:24-27.

VI. The composer lists the people carried into Babylonian exile 3,023 people in the
7th, 822 people in the 18th, and 745 people in the 23rd years of the reign of Nebuchadrezzar II, a total of 4,590 people. Jeremiah 52:28-30.

VII. Evil-Merodach, king of Babylon, shows favor to Jehoiachin of Judah in Babylon. Jeremiah 52:31-34.
a. Jehoiachin was carried into Babylonian exile in 598 BCE. See 2 Kings
24:8-12; Jeremiah 22:24-30.
b. In the 37th year of Jehoiachin's captivity (561 BCE), Evil-Merodach king of Babylon brought Jehoiachin out of captivity and gave him a seat above the seats of other kings in Babylon. Jehoiachin dined regularly at the king's table until Jehoiachin died. We do not know the year Jehoiachin died, but since he was 17 years old when he was carried into captivity, he probably died about age 70, so approximately 550 BCE. 52:31-34.
c. This event is very significant, because Jehoiachin's son was Shealtiel, and Shealtiel was the father if Zerubbabel, who was the prince who led the Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Jerusalem temple. See Ezra 2-6; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1-6.

This blog concludes our study of the Book of Jeremiah. I hope and pray this has been helpful.

PLEASE share YOUR ideas and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers--Part 2

2011-09-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

Before examining and discussing specific texts, two additional introductory considerations concerning female teachers, deacons, elders and preachers as testified according to the Bible need some clarification.

First, there is a widespread scholarly and popular idea or impression that the ancient Near Eastern society in Old and New Testament times was dominated by a patriarchal society, that is, the husband or the father is supreme or superior to women and children. This assumption is deeply embedded in the DNA of modern society, and thus will undoubtedly remain for a long time.

However, when one studies the Bible, it is extremely difficult to support the view that a patriarchal society was dominant among God's chosen people. In sequential blogs, we will discuss numerous texts specifically, but in this blog, we will point out a "survey" of the way the Bible thinks of males and females. This is only general without going into detail.

*At the very beginning of the Bible, Genesis 1:26-27 declares that Yahweh created human beings MALE AND FEMALE. There is NO IDEA AT ALL in this text that there is a HIERARCHY from God above male and then male above female. Such an idea clearly contracts this text. RATHER, God is above BOTH MALE AND FEMALE EQUALLY. Males and females are on the same level before God.

*In the stories of Abraham (Genesis 11:27-25:18), Hagar and Sarah [and other women as well] play a very significant role in these stories. Abraham listens to Hagar and Sarah just like Hagar and Sarah listen to Abraham. There is an equality portrayed in these texts. The same thing is true about the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

*In the stories of Moses, women play a very important role. Exodus 1-4, for example, highlight the importance of Jochebed [Moses' mother], Miriam [Moses' sister], the daughter of Pharaoh, Puah and Shiphrah, Zipporah [Moses' wife]. But as the story of Moses continues, there are numerous texts dealing with the importance of women.

*In the stories of Joshua, Rahab plays a very important role in Canaan at Jericho. In the stories of Judges, Deborah is one of the judges and plays a significant role. The whole book of Ruth is built around women, both Israelite and non-Israelite.

*In the stories of the kings, many women play very significant roles. A few examples are: Bathsheba, Abigail, Zeruiah, the woman of Tekoa, the widow at Zarephath, the necromancer at Endor, the women of Israel who sang and danced, and many others.

*The Wisdom, Devotional, and Prophetic Literature in the Old Testament often refer to various activities of women. Think of Proverbs 31:10-31; Job 1-2; Psalm 131; Isaiah 4; Ezekiel 13; and many other texts.

*In the New Testament, many important women play major roles among the people of God. A few examples are: Elizabeth, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Jesus' sisters, Priscilla, Lydia, the woman at the well at Sychar, Philips' four virgin daughters, Euodia, Syntyche, Lois, Eunice, and the list goes on and on.

Second, the revealed message of God and human tradition have always been closely connected in trying to determine what the Bible actually teaches. Many factors feed into this. This includes a knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, a knowledge of the history and society of biblical times, which themselves vary from time to time, the influence of so-called important books, articles, and people whether scholarly or popular, each person's background in the family, church, nation, and society.

In studying any topic, one must decide whether that person wishes to study what the Bible says and teaches or wishes to agree with the views of influential preachers or scholars or churches or universities or other institutions. Several years ago, one church decided to try to study the Bible about a certain topic, and several people left theat church just because they will study this topic.

In the present study, I am assuming each person wishes to study the Bible, NOT one's tradition or the tradition of the church. This very issue lay at the root of the great Reformation with the works of Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and others.

PLEASE be patient as we study together subsequent texts in the Bible concerning God's will about female teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers.

Share YOUR insights and ideas with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Yahweh will Overthrow Babylon and Restore the Faithful People--Part II--Jeremiah 51

2011-08-30T15:08:00.001-07:00

The oracle or oracles in Jeremiah 51 continue the very same thoughts as those announced and declared in Jeremiah 50. The primary message is that Yahweh will soon overthrow Babylon and restore his faithful people. Remember that Yahweh frequently announced throughout the prophetic career of Jeremiah that Yahweh will intentionally and deliberately raise up and bring the Babylonians into Judah and overthrow his sinful people. Then, after Yahweh has punished his people, he declares he will overthrow Babylon through the Medo-Persians beginning with Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE and restore his faithful followers from Babylon back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the wall. Jeremiah 50 and 51 announce the fall of Babylon and the restoration of Yahweh's faithful people. Jeremiah 51 may be divided into two parts: 51:1-58, and 51:59-63. One may also divide 51:1-58 into smaller units to attempt to follow changing metaphors and emphases.

I. Yahweh declares he will overthrow Babylon. Jeremiah 51:1-58.
a. Yahweh announces he is going to stir up "a destructive wind," obviously a metaphor for Medo-Persia. Yahweh will send "winnowers" to destroy Babylon. Yahweh will "utterly destroy" Babylon. By contrast, Yahweh had punished his people "Israel and Judah" because of their guilt, but he has not "forsaken" his people. 51:1-5.
b. Yahweh uses two additional metaphors for the fall of Babylon. (1) Like Jeremiah 25:15-29, Yahweh commands Babylon to "drink the cup of the wine of Yahweh's wrath." (2) Like Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; 30:12-17, Yahweh offers "a balm" and "healing" for Babylon, but Babylon refuses to accept such an offer. Yahweh brings "vengeance" and "vindication" on Babylon, and tells his people "in Zion" to pay careful attention to this announcement. 51:6-10.
c. Yahweh specifically declares that "the kings of the Medes" will march against and overthrow Babylon, because Yahweh has both "planned and done" this. Yahweh is "the Lord of hosts," his hosts are the angelic armies. He will prevail against Babylon through his angelic armies. The same God, Yahweh, who created the heavens and the earth, will easily overthrow Babylon or any other nation on earth and its gods. By contrast, Jacob is Yahweh's portion and Israel is Yahweh's inheritance. 51:11-19.
d. The Medo-Persians are Yahweh's "war club," his "weapon of battle," and will "smash" Babylon. 51:20-24.
e. Once again, Yahweh summons "the kings of the Medes" and their allies to march against and overthrow Babylon, and "tell the king of Babylon that his city is taken from end to end." Babylon is like a threshing floor that is trodden. 51:25-33.
f. Nebuchadrezzar II and Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem and carried the Judeans into Babylonian exile. At that time, the Judeans prayed that Yahweh will overthrow Babylon. Now, Yahweh declares, this will indeed occur. 51:34-37.
g. Now, Yahweh uses FIVE metaphors to announce the overthrow of Babylon. (1) Lions will "roar" against and destroy Babylon. (2) Babylon must drink the cup of Yahweh's wrath. (3) Babylon will sleep a perpetual sleep and never awake. (4) Yahweh will bring Babylon down "like lambs to the slaughter," a familiar metaphor in Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 11:19). (5) The Medo-Persians will overthrow Babylon like the sea rises over the land. Babylon's problem is "pride," self-centeredness, ingratitude. In 51:41, the Hebrew term "Sheshach" is an athnach or a cryptogram for Babylon. Yahweh will destroy the god of Babylon, Bel. 51:38-44.
h. Now, Yahweh summons his faithful people to come out of Babylon and have no fear, because Yahweh will overthrow Babylon and punish the images and idols of Babylon and restore Jerusalem. 51:45-53.
i. Once again, using the metaphors of the powerful flooding sea, the cup of God's wrath, and the perpetual sleep, Yahweh announces that he will bring "a destroyer," clearly Medo-Persia, to overthrow Babylon. 51:54-58.

II. A Symbolic Act in 594 BCE. Jeremiah 51:59-63.
a. The composer of Jeremiah DATES 51:59-63 in the "fourth year of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah," which would be 594 BCE. 51:59.
b. At Yahweh's command, Jeremiah writes on a scroll all the disasters that will come upon Babylon, and instructs the quartermaster Seraiah to carry this to Babylon and throw this scroll into the Euphrates River, symbolizing that Yahweh will make Babylon SINK into the sea to rise no more. 51:60-63.

Our God is a mysterious, powerful, awesome God. His works are mystifying for us human beings, but as we look back into time, we marvel at Yahweh's plans and purposes. How who have thought that Yahweh would raise up and send the Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem to overthrow Jerusalem and carry the Israelites into captivity? And then, who would have thought that Yahweh would raise up the Medo-Persians and restore the faithful Judeans back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the walls? But over time, Yahweh did all this. We need to learn to trust in God in all circumstances, and give God time to work out his plans and purposes.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Biblical Female Teachers, Deacons, Elders, Preachers--Part I

2011-08-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Bible is the final, supreme, authoritative standard for human life. This applies to all aspects of life.

In the next several blogs, we will discuss the message of the Bible concerning female teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers, all of which play a significant role throughout scripture.

To understand what the Bible teaches about this subject, several introductory thoughts are very significant. In the past several years, the bibliography on this subject is daunting, amounting to thousand well-thought out scholarly books and articles. An entire book would necessitate a complete list on this subject. Every serious biblical seeker should spend several years reading and pondering this subject. A brief study of six months or one year on this subject would merely begin the study. The thoughts on the following blogs come at the end of several years of careful study, previous articles, and spending numerous classes at my university and elsewhere. I am still in pursuit of attempting to understand all the passages involved in the Bible.

Here are some introductory thoughts.

I. The entire Bible--the Hebrew Bible and the Newer Testament--is the word of God. For example, Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:14-17, clearly declares that the Hebrew Bible is fully the word of God just like the Newer Testament. Hence, a complete study of female teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers call for a study of the entire Bible, not just the Newer Testament. A common presupposition that the Newer Testament is superior to the Hebrew Bible is a modern view of scripture, not a biblical understanding of scripture. Thus, this study involves the entire Bible.

II. Several terms in the Bible are fundamental to understand the subject under consideration. First, the word "son" in the Bible often is NOT a gender specific term, but means BOTH males and females. Each person is responsible for looking at the use of the word "son" in Hebrew and Greek concordances. Here are ONLY a few examples.
Genesis 3:16: Adam said to Eve: "in pain you shall bring forth SONS." It is obvious that "sons" here does not mean "males," but both "males and females." Here "sons" is a Hebrew idiom, which any Hebrew person in scripture would know immediately.
Genesis 10:21: "To Shem, the father of all the SONS of Eber." Obviously "sons" here does not mean "males," but both "males and females."
Genesis 11:5: "the city and tower, which the SONS of MEN built." Clearly, the "sons of men" are not males, but both males and females. Thus, correctly, the NRSV translates this "mortals."
Genesis 46:5: "The SONS of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him." Obviously "sons" cannot possibly mean males, but both males and females.
Throughout the entirely Bible, "SONS of Israel" the common Hebrew idiom for "the Israelites," and most English translations use the term "the Israelites" or "the children of Israel," certainly NOT "MALE SONS of Israel." See for just a beginning, see Exodus 1:1, 7, 9, 12, 13; 2:23, 25; 3:9, 10, 11, 13. A perusal of a concordance emphasizes this fact.
Psalm 8:4: "What is MAN that you are mindful of him,
the SON OF MAN that you care for him?"
Here "man" and "son of man" cannot possible mean "males," but all humanity, both males and females.
In conclusion, the word "son" or "sons" in the Bible is NOT a gender specific term, but often means all human beings, male and female.

III. Second, the word MAN in the Bible often is NOT gender specific. Here are a very few introductory examples. Check YOUR concordance to find all the texts relevant to this idea.
Genesis 1:26, 27: "God said: 'Let us make MAN in our image. . .
So God created MAN in his image,
in the image of God he created HIM;
MALE AND FEMALE he created them"
This text explicitly explains that MAN means MALE AND FEMALE, certainly NOT male alone.
Psalm 8:4: What is MAN that you are mindful of him." Here, MAN clearly means all humanity, not just males.
Deuteronomy 8:3=Matthew 4: "MAN does not live by bread alone." Obviously, MAN in these texts cannot mean males, but all humanity, both males and females.
1 Kings 8:46: "there is no MAN who does not sin." Clearly, this cannot mean males only, but any human being.
The examples are abundant throughout scripture. MAN throughout scripture is a non specific gender word meaning all human beings, not merely males.

III. The word BROTHER or BROTHERS or BRETHREN throughout the Bible cannot mean males only, but both males and females. Hence, many recent English translations correctly translate this term "brothers and sisters" to avoid the incorrect, unscriptural idea of males only. Here are ONLY a few examples.
Deuteronomy 15:7: "If there is among you any BROTHER in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy BROTHER." Obviously "brother" hear does not mean males, but anyone: males or females.
Joshua 1:14-15: "All the warriors among you shall cross over armed before your BROTHERS and shall keep them, until the Lord gives rest to your BROTHERS as well as you." Many more recent English translations read: "kindred," to avoid the incorrect idea that this means males only. "Brothers" here obviously means all the people of Israel: males and females.
Psalm 133:1: "How very good and pleasant it is
when BROTHERS live together in unity!"
Clearly, this cannot possibly mean males only, but all people: males and females.
Throughout the Newer Testament, Paul and other speakers and writers address all Christians, male and female, as "Brothers." This is an idiomatic term used throughout scripture, NOT a gender specific term meaning "males." As a few reminding examples, see Acts 15:3, 23, 36, 40; 28:14-15; Romans 1:13; 7:1, 4; 8:12; 10:1;
12:1; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2:1. 3:1; 4:6; and numerous other texts. Recent English translations correctly read "Brothers and Sisters" to avoid the incorrect idea that this might mean "males only."

These introductory suggestions initiate a study of biblical female teachers, deacons, elders, and preachers according to the teaching of the Bible. Following blogs go into detail about each of these terms with relevant biblical texts.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Yahweh will overthrow Babylon and Restore his Faithful People--Part I--Jeremiah 50

2011-08-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

The final set or oracles concerning foreign nations, which began in Jeremiah 46-51, consists of Jeremiah 50-51, which contain oracles concerning Babylon. The oracles concerning foreign nations begin with Egypt and conclude with Babylon, following the same pattern as Jeremiah 25:15-29. Jeremiah 50 and 51 are very long, so we will discuss these two chapters in two parts.

The primary theme of Jeremiah 50 is that Yahweh will soon overthrow Babylon, the very nation that Yahweh used to punish his sinful people at the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile--see Jeremiah 39, which occurred in 587 BCE. Yahweh declares that he will overthrow Babylon and bring his faithful people back from Babylon to rebuild the Jerusalem temple and restore the city wall. Historically, this happened in 539 BCE, when Cyrus king of Persia overthrew Babylon and soon commissioned the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. See Ezra 1-6; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1-8.

As we briefly work through Jeremiah 50, note the familiar metaphors Jeremiah uses to describe the destruction of Babylon.

I. Yahweh declares that Babylon and her gods will fall, and God's people will come out of captivity to return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah 50:1-7.
a. 50:1 explicitly states that this oracle pertains to Babylon spoken by the prophet Jeremiah. 50:1.
b. Yahweh declares that Babylon "is taken" [by the Medo-Persians under Cyrus the Great], and her gods Bel and Merodach [Marduk] are put to shame. 50:2.
c. "A nation from the north" will come against Babylon. That nation is Medo-Persia. 50:3.
d. In those days, North Israel and South Judah will come together and return to Zion to join themselves to Yahweh "by an everlasting covenant." See Jeremiah
31:31-34. 50:4-5.
e. In Babylonian exile, Yahweh's people had been "lost sheep," and their "shepherds" [false leaders under Jehoiakim and Zedekiah and their associates] had led them astray. 50:6-7.

II. Yahweh declares he is about to overthrow Babylon. Jeremiah 50:8-16.
a. Yahweh cries out: "Flee from Babylon," because a company of great nations will come against Babylon from the land of the north, which is Medo-Persia. 50:8-12.
b. Yahweh will bring his wrath upon Babylon by his destroying sword because she has sinned against Yahweh. 50:13-16.

III. Yahweh will overthrow Babylon and bring back his faithful people because Assyria and Babylon have oppressed Yahweh's people. Jeremiah 50:17-28.
a. Jeremiah uses this metaphor: "Israel is a hunted sheep driven away by lions." First, the king of Assyria devoured this sheep, and now the king of Babylon, Nebuchadrezzar II, devoured this sheep. So Yahweh will punish Babylon as he had punished Assyria. 50:17-18.
b. Then Yahweh declares through Jeremiah that Yahweh will restore Israel to the land of Canaan and pardon the sins of his people. 50:19-20.
c. Yahweh declares he will overthrow Babylon because of his wrath since she oppressed Yahweh's people. 50:21-28.

IV. Yahweh declares he will punish Babylon because of her arrogance. Jeremiah
50:29-40.
a. Yahweh proclaims he will punish Babylon because "she has arrogantly defied Yahweh." 50:29-32.
b. Babylon had oppressed Israel and Judah, but now Yahweh of hosts is the great Redeemer who will deliver his people. 50:33-34.
c. Repeatedly, Yahweh declares that he will send a SWORD against Babylon: her officials, sages, diviners, warriors, horses, chariots, and foreign troops. 50:35-38
d. Yahweh will overthrow Babylon like he overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbors. 50:39-40.

V. Yahweh will bring a nation from the north to overthrow Babylon. Jeremiah 50:41-46
a. 50:41 again declares the enemy against Babylon will come from the north, thus Medo-Persia. 50:41-42.
b. Before Medo-Persia, Babylon will be in pain "like that of a woman in labor," a term which recurs often throughout the Book of Jeremiah. See 4:31; 6:24; 13:21;
22:23; 30:6; 48:41. 50:43.
c. Yahweh's "plan" and "purpose" is to punish Babylon because she oppressed Yahweh's people. 50:44-46.

Our God is a just God. When a person or a nation oppresses others, Yahweh's wrath will move against them and punish them for their sins. This is not pleasant, but important and necessary.

Share YOUR thoughts and ideas with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Simple Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

2011-08-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

In 1985, Robert Lyle adapted a simple prayer from the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. God's people need to dwell on this prayer often. Here it is:

It is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Make me an instrument of Your peace.
I want to know what it's like to follow YOU.
When people look at me, I want them to see, the light of the world inside.

Self-denial is central to Godly Living. Humility is the first letter in the alphabet of Christianity. Have God help us be humble, self-denial people.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Oracles concerning Moab, Ammon, Edom, Syria, Hazor, and Elam--Jeremiah 48-49

2011-07-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

There are six oracles concerning foreign nations in Jeremiah 48-49, which are part of the oracles concerning foreign nations in Jeremiah 46-51. Each oracle is very much like oracles concerning Judah and Israel. Each is primarily a doom oracle, but contains some hope affirmations. These oracles contain familiar figures and metaphors about punishment and destruction, just as we have already discussed concerning Judah and Israel.

I. Oracle concerning Moab. Jeremiah 48:1-47.
a. Yahweh declares that he is about to punish Moab. Specifically he names the sites of Nebo, Kiriathaim, Heshbon, and Horonaim. Yahweh cries out to Moab: "Desolation and great destruction." The people of Moab will weep bitterly and be in distress with a cry of anguish. 48:1-6.
b. Moab had trusted in her strongholds and treasures, but this is of no avail. Moab trusted in her god Chemosh, but Chemosh with his priests and attendants can do nothing. 48:7-10.
c. Moab had been at ease, "settled like wine on its dregs" (a figure of naive security--cf. Zephaniah 1:12). Moab will be ashamed of her god Chemosh just as Israel was ashamed of her god Bethel her confidence. 48:11-13.
d. The true KING Yahweh will overthrow Moab, who assumed she was mighty and glorious. Yahweh will sweep through the land of Moab and destroy Dibon, Aroer, and the Arnon River. "The horn of Moab is cut off and his arm is broken." Moab magnified herself against Yahweh, and Yahweh will make her drunk and make her a laughingstock. 48:14-27.
e. Moab has been arrogant, haughty, proud, insolent. Now Yahweh will overpower Moab and wails and cry out and mourns and weeps over the destroyed Moab. Yahweh will change joy into mourning for Moab. The Moabites offer sacrifice at the high place and make offerings to their gods, but this is all in vain. Yahweh will prevail. 48:28-36.
f. As symbols of mourning and defeat and perhaps repentance, the Moabites shave their head and their beards, gash their hands, and put sackcloth on their loins. These symbols appear in Micah 1:8-9, 16. Yahweh will swoop down on Moab like an eagle, and the Moabites will be like the heart of a woman in labor. This figure is common throughout the book of Jeremiah--see 4:30-31; 6:24; 13:21; 22:23; 30:6; Micah 4:9-10; 5:3. 48:37-46.
g. But, as a God of mercy and grace and steadfast love, Yahweh declares that after he punishes Moab, he will "restore the fortunes of Moab." This will happen "in the latter days." The term "in the latter days" means the distant future. This does not mean the end of the world or the second coming of Jesus Christ. 48:47.

II. Oracle concerning Ammon. Jeremiah 49:1-6.
a. Yahweh declares that he is about to punish Ammon because Ammon invaded Israel and dispossessed Israel's resources. The text specifically names Rabbah, Heshbon, and Ai. Yahweh will overthrow the god of the Ammonites--Milcom or Molech. 49:1-5.
b. After Yahweh punishes Ammon, he will "restore the fortunes of Ammon," because he is a God of grace and mercy. 49:6.

III. Oracle concerning Edom. Jeremiah 49:7-22.
a. Much of this oracle appears in the Book of Obadiah. One should compare these two texts.
b. Yahweh is about to punish Edom because of her pride. This text specifically names the sites of Teman, Dedan, and Bozrah. The composer uses the figure of drinking the wine of Yahweh's wrath as in 48:26 concerning Moab. Yahweh says that Edom made her nest as high as the eagle's, but Yahweh will bring her down to the ground. 49:7-16.
c. Yahweh declares that Edom will be like Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Abraham. Yahweh will attack Edom like a lion attacks a prey. Yahweh will swoop down on Edom like an eagle. The heart of Edom will be like the heart of a woman in labor, the same figure as in 48:41. 49:17-22.

IV. Oracle concerning Syria. Jeremiah 49:23-27.
Yahweh declares he will destroy Syria, naming specifically Hamath, Arpad, and Damascus. Syria will be "like a woman in labor," the same figure as in 48:41; 49:22

V. Oracle concerning Hazor and Kedar. Jeremiah 49:28-33.
Yahweh through Nebuchadrezzar overthrows Kedar and Hazor. "Terror is all around." The Hebrew term is "Magor-missabib," which appears also in 6:25; 20:5-6, 11; 46:5.

VI. Oracle concerning Elam. Jeremiah 49:34-39.
a. This oracle dates from the time of the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah, thus approximately 598-594 BCE. Yahweh will destroy Edom. 49:34-38.
b. After destroying Elam, Yahweh announces that he will "restore the fortunes of Elam" "in the latter days." 49:39.

Yahweh message is very consistent. When people and nations sin against Yahweh, Yahweh will punish them eventually. But, as a God of steadfast love and mercy, he will redeem a penitent remnant.

Share YOUR insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

As a sidelight, I will be gone in Thailand for ten days.

John Willis

Tlingit People

2011-07-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

Evelyn and I have been in Alaska. While we were there, we were introduced to the Tlingit people. Here are some highlights.

Natives tell us that we should pronounce Tlingit as Klinket. Tlingit people are indigenous of the Pacific Northwest. The word means "People of the Tides." The Tlingit are a matrilineal (mother lineal) society that developed a complex hunter-gathering culture in the temperate rain forest of the southeast Alaska coast and the Alexander Archipelago. Some live in British Columbia and Yukon. Another tribe, called the Kaigani Haida lives in the southernmost part of Prince of Wales.

Over time, the Tlingit people developed extensive trade networks with Athabascan tribes of the interior, and intermarried with them. Large populations live at the headwaters of the Taku River. Approximately 15,200 Tlingit people live on earth. Tlingit people as a whole participate in the commercial economy of Alaska, and thus live in typically American nuclear family households with private ownership of housing and land.

Tlingit people emphasize wealth, economic power, generosity, proper behavior, all signs of good breeding, ties to aristocracy, art, and spirituality. Every day objects like spoons and storage boxes are decorated and imbued with spiritual power and historical beliefs. Tlingit society is divided into the Raven and the Eagle. They portray this by heraldic crests, totem poles, canoes, feast dishes, house posts, weavings, jewelry and other types of art.

Tlingits were animists, and hunters ritually purifiedthemselves before hunting animals. Shamans, primarily male, cured diseases, influenced weather, aided in hunting, predicted the future, and protected people against witchcraft. Many Tlingit have been converted to Orthodox Christianity, especially Russian Orthodox. The Tlingit language is spoken by the Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska and Western Canada. It is a branch of the Na-Dene language family. It is well known not only for its complex grammar and sound system, but also for using certain phonemes unheard in almost any other language.

Tlingit culture is thought to have originated approximately 800 years ago near the mouths of the Skeena and Nass Rivers. They came in contact with Russian explorers in 1741, and contracted smallpox and other diseases. The typical fod of Tlingits is salmon, seal, halibut, seaweed, wild beries, hering, and eulachon. They also hunt der, bear, mountain goats, and other small animals.

On earth, God has produced many kinds of people worldwide. One group is the Tlingit people. They are made in the image of God, like ourselves. Let us honor and respect and love these and all people. May God bless YOU.

Share YOUR experiences and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Yahweh's Concerns for Egypt and Philistia--Jeremiah 46-47

2011-07-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Like Isaiah 13-23; Ezekiel 25-32; Amos 1-2; Obadiah; Nahum; and Habakkuk, the Book of Jeremiah contains several oracles of Yahweh through the prophet Jeremiah concerning foreign nations. Yahweh is concerned for all nations, not only for his choden people Israel. Many of these oracles are doom oracles, like most of the oracles concerning Israel and Judah are doom oracles. Yahweh's message is essentially the same throughout. The oracles concerning foreign nations begin with Egypt in Jeremiah 46 and conclude with Babylon in Jeremiah 50-51, which is the same structural theme as the portrayal of "the cup of Yahweh's wrath" in Jeremiah 25:15-27

As we begin a study of these oracles concerning foreign nations, Jeremiah 46 contains two oracles concerning Egypt and Jeremiah 47 contains one oracle concerning Philistia.

I. The Babylonians defeat Pharaoh-neco and the Egyptians [and the Assyrians] at Carchemish in 605 BCE. Jeremiah 46:1-12.
a. The composer specifically dates Jeremiah 46:1-12 in the fourth year of Jehoiakim king of Judah, thus 605 BCE. One may recall that the year 605 BCE was very important in the career of Jeremiah. See Jeremiah 7:1-26; 26:1-24; 27-28; 36; 45. The historical setting is that Pharaoh-neco and the Egyptians moved northward to ally with the Assyrians to fight against the Babylonians moving westward to Carchemish--see the historical setting in 2 Kings 23:28-35; 2 Chronicles 35:20-25. 46:1-2.
b. Yahweh's oracle in 605 BCE is that the Egyptians will fall to the Babylonians at Carchemish. Yahweh envisions the Egyptian soldiers terrified, fallen back beaten down, fled in haste. "Terror is all around." The Hebrew term "Terror is all around" is Magor-missabib. This term occurs six times throughout the book of Jeremiah, referring to Judah (6:25), Pashhur (20:3, 4), Jeremiah (20:10), Egypt (46:5), and Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor (49:29). 46:3-5.
c. Egypt had "risen like the Nile," and now will fall like the Nile. 46:6-9.
d. Yahweh through Jeremiah calls the Babylonian overthrow of the Egyptians and Assyrians "the day of the Lord." The expression "the day of the Lord" is any significant time when Yahweh intervenes to defeat or deliver a people. Yahweh declares he will hold a sacrifice at Carchemish to slaughter the Egyptians and their allies. The Egyptians have used many medicines, but there is no healing for them. The book of Jeremiah frequently uses the metaphor of Yahweh as a doctor or physician and people as patients. The medicine is a spiritual remedy. See Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; 30:12-17. 46:10-12.

II. Yahweh will punish Egypt and deliver penitent Judeans. Jeremiah 46:13-28.
a. The specific date of the oracle described in Jeremiah 46:13-28 might refer to the Babylonian invasion of Egypt under Nebuchadrezzar II in 568 BCE, but this is uncertain. 46:13.
b. Yahweh declares that he will "thrust down" Apis, the Egyptian god, and overthrow the cities of Migdol, Memphis, and Tahpanhes. Yahweh gives Pharaoh the term: "Braggart who missed his chance." 46:14-19.
c. Yahweh uses several metaphors of Egypt: a gadfly, a snake gliding away, fallen trees. 46:20-23.
d. Yahweh identifies Egypt's enemy as "a people from the north," hence the Babylonians. "The foe from the north" is a frequently used term for Babylon throughout the Book of Jeremiah--see Jeremiah 1:13-16; 4:6; 6:1, 22; 13:20; 25:8-9. 46:24.
e. Yahweh specifically announces that he will bring punishment on Egypt and hand the Egyptians over to Nebuchadrezzar II and his officers. 49:25-26.
f. At the same time, Yahweh announces that he will deliver his penitent people in Egypt. He declares: "Do not fear, for I am with you." I have punished you, but I will not make an end of you. 46:27-28.

III. Yahweh through Jeremiah announces that He will overthrow the Philistines. Jeremiah 47.
Jeremiah 47 contains a very brief oracle concerning Philistia. Yahweh uses the metaphor of "waters rising out of the north" to overthrow the Philistines. Yahweh is like a warrior carrying a sword. This text specifically mentions the cities of Gaza and Ashkelon, although it does not mention Gath, Ekron, and Ashdod.

Share YOUR insights and ideas with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Rabbits

2011-07-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

On our land and house near Hamby, each day we enjoy watching two large jack rabbits coming near our house to eat grass and grain and drink water. They are a constant joy for our lives.

Rabbits or Bunnies are small animals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha. They appear in several parts of the world. There are eight different genera in the family classified as rabbits, including the European rabbit, cottontail, and Amami.

The male is called a "buck," and the female is called a "doe." A young rabbit is called a "kitten" or "kit." Rabbits live in meadows, woods, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They live in groups, and the European rabbit lives in underground burrows or rabbit holes. A group of burrows is called a warren.

Rabbits are very playful. They run and frolic. They enjoy life.

In World War II, as a child, our family raised about 100 rabbits to eat the meat and make money from the pelts. Rabbits reproduce quickly and are very strong.

Rabbits are another gift of our God. God is amazing. His work is phenomenal. He created all his creatures to accomplish his purposes. I hope YOU honor a God like this.

Share YOUR experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Yahweh will punish Egypt and Rebellious Judeans; Yahweh warns Baruch--Jeremiah 43:8-45:5

2011-07-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 43:8-44:30 relate two oracles of Yahweh through Jeremiah, which occurred after Johanan and his comrades forced Jeremiah and Baruch to go to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BCE. So the time about these events is about 585 BCE or later. Then Jeremiah 45 relates an oracle of Yahweh through Jeremiah to Baruch in the fourth year of Jehoiakim (605 BCE). These chapters falls into three parts.

I. Yahweh will send the Babylonians to overthrow Egypt. Jeremiah 43:8-13.
a. Yahweh tells Jeremiah to perform a symbolic act before the Judeans in Tahpanhes, Egypt. Yahweh tells Jeremiah to take large stone in his hands and bury them in the clay pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh's palace in Tahpanhes, and let the Judeans see Jeremiah does this. 43:8-9.
b. Then Yahweh gives Jeremiah this message: Yahweh will bring Nebuchadrezzar II and his army to Tahpanhes and set his throne above these stones and spread his royal canopy over them. 43:10.
c. Yahweh declares that Nebuchadrezzar II and his army will destroy the land of Egypt by "pestilence, captivity, and the sword." [Remember that "famine, pestilence, and the sword" and three terms used for destruction in the Book of Jeremiah. See Jeremiah 15:2; 16:4; 18:21; 21:7, 9; 24:10; 27:8, 13; 28:8; 29:17; 32:36; 42:16-17]. 43:11.
d. Yahweh declares that Nebuchadrezzar II and his army will burn the idols and temples of Egypt, and the obelisks of Heliopolis. 43:12-13.

II. Yahweh through Jeremiah announces that Yahweh will punish the Judeans in Egypt because they still sin against Yahweh. Jeremiah 44:1-30.
a. Yahweh sends a message through Jeremiah for all the Judeans living in Egypt at Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis. Yahweh reminds the Judeans that Yahweh punished them severely through the Babylonians because they constantly turned to other gods and rebelled against Yahweh.44:1-6.
b. Yahweh declares that the Judeans in Egypt are still committing the same sins they committed before the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BCE. Thus, Yahweh proclaims that he will punish the Judeans because of their hardheartedness. Yahweh will punish them by "sword, famine, and pestilence." See 44:13. Note 43:11. 44:7-14.
c. The Judeans respond to Jeremiah: "We are not going to listen to you." We used to worship the queen of heaven and we prospered. When we abandoned the queen of heaven, we experienced hunger, misfortunes, and several losses. Hence, we will return to the worship of the queen of heaven. 44:15-19.
d. Yahweh through Jeremiah rebukes the Judeans for their stubbornness. Yahweh "will watch over them for harm [Hebrew evil] and not for good." 44:27. Note the recurring word play on the verb "watch," which may refer to evil or good. See Jeremiah 1:11-12; 31:27. Just as Yahweh gave Zedekiah over to Nebuchadrezzar II in 587 BCE, now Yahweh will give Pharaoh Hophra over the Nebuchadrezzar II (44:30). 44:20-30.

III. Baruch complains because he is in pain, and Yahweh assures him that Yahweh will be with him. Jeremiah 45:1-5.
a. The event recorded in Jeremiah 45:1-5 occurred in the fourth year of Jehoiakim when Jeremiah wrote his words by dictation to Baruch. 45:1.
b. Baruch complained because Yahweh had added sorrow to Baruch's pain. 45:2-3.
c. Yahweh declares through Jeremiah that Baruch must not become arrogant. Rather, Yahweh will give him his life as a prize of war in every place where he may go. 45:4-5.

Life in the time of Jeremiah was very difficult. But Yahweh sustained Jeremiah and his faithful followers faithfully. This is encouraging for us.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Water in Psalms--Part III

2011-07-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Additional metaphorical and spiritual truths about Yahweh and human beings appear in the Book of Psalms, continuing this study from two previous blogs.

6. Rain is a very important part of human life. Here in West Texas, right now we are experiencing the worst drought in 111 years in our history. According to the Bible, sometimes Yahweh intentionally withholds rain to punish sinful people or to discipline people in various situations.

Psalm 29 describes a typical rain in Israel. Rainstorms follow a fourfold pattern.
a. Yahweh begins by bringing clouds over the Mediterranean and the clouds mount until a rainstorm ensues. Here one may think of the story about the rainstorm after the three and half year drought in the days of Elijah--see 1 Kings 17:1-7; 18:1,
41-46. The psalmist declares:
"The voice of the Lord is OVER THE WATERS;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord OVER MIGHTY WATERS [the Mediterranean Sea].
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty." (Psalm 29:3-4).
Of course, "the voice of the Lord" in this psalms is thunder.
b. Yahweh moves into the Lebanon and anti-Lebanon mountains in Northern Israel as the thunderstorm threatens. The psalmist states:
"The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.;
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion [Mount Hermona--see Deuteronomy 3:9] like a young wild ox." Psalm 29:5-6).
c. The Lebanon and anti-Lebanon mountains divert the rainstorm southward along the Jordan River and the Jordan Valley down to the wilderness of Kadesh south of the Dead Sea. The psalmist observes:
"The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord causest he oaks to whirl,
and strips the forest bare;
and in the temple all say: 'Glory!'" (Psalm 29:7-9).
d. After the rainstorm, there is a calm. Water surrounds the entire country, but Yahweh is in control. The psalmist declares:
"The Lord sits enthroned OVER THE FLOOD [the flood after the rainstorm];
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!" (Psalm 29:10-11).
People in West Texas resonate about this picture. Often, after a terrifying storm, we experience a calm, a peace, a silence. This reminds us that although the storm was fearful, God is still in control.

Similar to Psalm 29, the composer of Psalm 65 paints a beautiful, powerful picture of rain. Note Psalm 65:9-13:
"You [Yahweh] visit the earth and WATER it,
you greatly enrich it;
THE RIVER OF GOD is FULL OF WATER;
you provide the people with grain,
for so you have prepared it.
You WATER its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges,
SOFTENING IT WITH SHOWERS,
and blessing its growth.
You crown the year with your bounty;
your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
the hills gird themselves with joy,
the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
the valleys deck themselves with grain,
they shout and sing together for joy."
Here in West Texas, we are praying fervently that our God will send rain upon our land abundantly and our crops will flourish.

7. Several psalms allude to Yahweh's victory over the Egyptians at the Red Sea described in Exodus 14:15-31.
Psalm 77:16-20 describes this event in this way:
"When THE WATERS saw you, O God,
when THE WATERS saw you, they were afraid;
THE VERY DEEP trembled.
THE CLOUDS POURED OUT WATER;
the skies thundered;
your arrows [lightning] flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lit up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through THE SEA,
your path through THE MIGHTY WATERS;
yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron."

Psalm 106:9-11:
"He [Yahweh] rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry;
he led them through THE DEEP as through a desert.
So he saved them from the hand of the foe,
and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.
THE WATERS covered their adversaries;
not one of them was left."

Psalm 114:1-6:
"When Israel went out of Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
Judah became God's sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.
THE SEA looked and fled;
JORDAN turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like lambs.
Why is it, O SEA, that you flee?
O JORDAN, that you turn back?
O mountains, that you skip like rams?
O hills, like lambs?"

8. Some psalms refer to Yahweh's miracle that brought water out of a rock. The accounts are in Exodus 17:1-7 and Numbers 20:1-13.

Psalm 114:7-8:
"Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence ofthe God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into A POOL OF WATER,
a spring into A SPRING OF WATER."

Psalm 81:7:
"In distress you called, and I [Yahweh] rescued you;
I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
I tested you at THE WATERS OF MERIBAH."

See also Psalm 95:7b-11; Hebrews 3:7-11.

As YOU study the Psalms, watch for all the references to water, rain, thunder, lightning, and connected terms. This is an enriching, enlightening, uplifting experience.

Share YOUR experiences and perceptions with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Johanan and His Comrades Carry Jeremiah and Baruch to Tahpanhes, Egypt by Force--Jeremiah 42:1-43:7

2011-07-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

After Ishmael killed Gedaliah and fled to the Ammonites, Johanan and his comrades are fear that the Babylonians will kill him, so they carry his comrades and Jeremiah and Baruch to Tahpanhes, Egypt by force. This story appears in Jeremiah 42:1-43:7. Three distinct scenes occur in this portion of the Book of Jeremiah.

I. Johanan and his comrades ask Jeremiah to tell them what they should do. Jeremiah 42:1-6.
a. All the commanders of the forces, Johanan, Azariah, and the all the people go to Jeremiah and beg him to listen to their plea. 42:1-2.
b. Their plea is: "Let the Lord your God show us where we should go and what we should do." 42:3.
c. Jeremiah promises Johanan and his comrades that he will consult Yahweh to find out what Yahweh wants his people to do. 42:4.
d. Johanan and his comrades solemnly promise that they will do whatever Yahweh tells Jeremiah to tell them to do. 42:5-6.

II. Jeremiah consults Yahweh, and Yahweh tells Jeremiah to tell Johanan and his comrades that they must stay in the land of Judah near Jerusalem or else they will die. Jeremiah 42:7-22.
a. After ten days, Yahweh comes to Jeremiah and tells Jeremiah Yahweh's message. 42:7.
b. Jeremiah goes to Johanan and his comrades and tells them that Yahweh's response is that Johanan and his comrades must remain in the land of Judah. If they will obey Yahweh's instruction, Yahweh will "build them up and not pull them down; he will plant them and not pluck them up." 42:8-10.
c. Yahweh through Jeremiah tells Johanan and his associates not to be afraid of the king of Babylon, because "Yahweh is with his people" to "save" and "rescue" from the Babylonians. 42:11-12.
d. But Yahweh declares through Jeremiah that if Johanan and his associates are disobedient against Yahweh's instruction and go to Egypt, "sword, famine, and pestilence" will come upon them and they will die. 42:13-17. [Remember that the expressions "sword, famine, and pestilence" are three ways Yahweh punished his sinful people in the days of Jeremiah--see Jeremiah 14:20; 15:2; 16:4; 18:21; 21:7,
9; 24:10; 27:8, 13; 28:8; 29:17; 32:36]. 42:13-17 [for "sword, famine, pestilence," 42:16-17].
e. Yahweh through Jeremiah declares that just as Yahweh's anger and wrath poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Yahweh's anger and wrath will pour out on Johanan and his comrades if they disobey Yahweh's instruction and go to Egypt. Yahweh will bring "sword, famine, and pestilence" on Johanan and his associates if they do not obey Yahweh. 42:18-22. [See the reference to "sword, famine, and pestilence" in 42:22].

III. Johanan and his comrades disobey Yahweh and carry Jeremiah and Baruch with them to Tahpanhes, Egypt. Jeremiah 43:1-7.
a. When Johanan and his associates hear Jeremiah's response, they accuse Jeremiah of lying because Baruch incited Jeremiah to say that the Judeans must remain in the land of Judah, and declare that Baruch gave this message to Jeremiah so the Babylonians will kill them or take them into Babylonian exile. 43:1-4.
b. In disobedience to Yahweh's instruction through Jeremiah, Johanan and his associates go with them along with Jeremiah and Baruch to Tahpanhes, Egypt. 43:5-7.

The people of God may consult a message from God through a godly person, and when that godly person declares God's message, they may conclude that this godly person is lying and do something different from what he declares. It is very easy for us to make up our own minds about our beliefs or traditions or practices, and refuse to listen to God's message through faithful teachers and preachers and thinkers. Let us try very hard to listen to and obey Yahweh's message.

Share YOUR insights and dreams with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Water in Psalms--Part II

2011-07-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Water in the Book of Psalms is a recurring metaphor. In the previous alternating blog, two ideas appeared. Here, we continue this study.

3. Loss of water in the human body or dehydration produces a physical problem. The author of Psalm 22 is suffering from some sort of illness, and as a result he is dehydrated. The key verses are 14-17:
"I am POURED OUT LIKE WATER,
and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
it is melted within my breast;
my mouth is DRIED UP like a potsherd,
and my tongue STICKS TO MY JAWS;
you lay me down in the dust of death.
For dogs are all around me;
a company of evildoers encircles me.
My hand and feet have shriveled;
I can count all my bones.
They share and gloat over me."

4. Yahweh is in control of the rivers, the lakes, the oceans, because he is creator and sustainer of all that is.
Psalm 33:6-7 declares:
"By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and all their host by the breath of his mouth.
He gathered THE WATERS OF THE SEA as in a bottle;
he put THE DEEPS in storehouses."
This is very powerful language. The oceans are dangerous and fearful to all human beings, but Yahweh is always in control. He gathers the waters ofo the sea as in a bottle [and a bottle is small], and he puts the deeps in storehouses [like silos or warehouses]. God looks down from heaven on the earth, and sees all that is happening. This is a great assurance of God's presence.

Psalm 46:1-3:
"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake IN THE HEART OF THE SEA;
THOUGH THE WATERS ROAR AND FOAM,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult."
For us human beings, roaring and foaming waters on the sea are too powerful for us. But our God is always in control, and he sustains life on earth.

5. Drought, which is lack of water, is a constant threat for human beings on earth. Lack of water was a continual problem in biblical times.
The author of Psalm 63:1 says:
"O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land
WHERE THERE IS NO WATER."
God is the only reliable source of life and growth. Hence, we must continually turn to him daily to seek the LIVING WATER of life.

[To be continued]

Share YOUR experiences and dangers with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Ishmael and the Ammonites murder Gedaliah--Jeremiah 40-41

2011-07-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Throughout Jeremiah's prophetic career, he declared that the Judeans must surrender to Babylon, and after 70 years Yahweh will overthrow the Babylonians and bring penitent, faithful Judeans back to Judah and Jerusalem. Some Judeans accepted Jeremiah's message, but many opposed his view and insisted that the Judeans must continue to fight against the Babylonians, even after the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem including the temple and the walls. Accordingly, the Judeans are divided into two camps or groups: one leader is Ishmael, who champions the idea of opposing the Babylonians and has many followers; another leader is Johanan, who accepts Jeremiah's message to surrender to Babylon and trust in Yahweh for the future. Jeremiah 40-41 relate significant events concerning the division between Ishmael and his group and Johanan and his group. Jeremiah 40-41 naturally fall into five paragraphs.

I. Nebuzaradan sets Jeremiah free. Jeremiah 40:1-6.
a. When Nebuzaradan captures Jerusalem, he kills many opposing Judean soldiers, and puts the rest of the people in fetters. 40:1.
b. Nebuzaradan visits with Jeremiah, and tells Jeremiah that he knows that Jeremiah had told the Judeans to surrender to Babylon. Yahweh, the God of Israel, has done this. 40:2-3.
c. Nebuzaradan release Jeremiah and tells Jeremiah that he can go to live with Gedaliah the governor whom Nebuchadrezzar II had appointed or go wherever he wishes. 40:4-5.
d. Jeremiah goes to Mizpah and stays with Gedaliah and the Judeans left in the land. 40:6.

II. The Judean leaders meet with Gedaliah at Mizpah. Jeremiah 40:7-12.
a. When the Judean leaders learn that Nebuchadrezzar II made Gedaliah governor over the land, they go to Mizpah to meet with Gedaliah. 40:7-8.
b. Gedaliah tells the Judeans to serve the Babylonians and they will be well. Gedaliah will stay at Mizpah to coordinate the people, and the people are to gather wine, summer fruits, and oil to store in their vessels. 40:9-10.
c. The Judeans who had escaped to Moab, Ammon, and Edom return to Mizpah to be with Gedaliah. 40:11-12.

III. Johanan warns that Ishmael and the Ammonites are planning to murder Gedaliah. Jeremiah 40:13-16.
a. Johanan son of Kareah comes to Gedaliah at Mizpah and tells him that Baalis king of the Ammonites and Ishmael have planned to kill Gedaliah, but Gedaliah does not believe this report. 40:13-14.
b. Johanan goes to Gedaliah secretly and begs Gedaliah to allow Johanan to kill Ishmael so that Ishmael will not kill Gedaliah. But Gedaliah emphatically forbids Johanan to kill Ishmael. 40:15-16.

IV. Ishmael and his men kill Gedaliah and kill and capture many other Judeans at Mizpah. Jeremiah 41:1-10.
a. "In the seventh month" [apparently this would be 586 BCE], Ishmael and ten of his men go to Mizpah and murder Gedaliah by the sword as well as all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah and the Babylonians there. 41:1-3.
b. That very day, 80 men arrive from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria at Mizpah, and Ishmael and his men kill 70 of these people. 41:4-8.
c. Ishmael and his men throw the dead bodies into the large cistern of King Asa had made for defense against King Baasha of Israel. 41:9.
d. Ishmael captures the rest of the Judeans at Mizpah, and they cross over to the Ammonites. 41:10.

V. Johanan and his men confront Ishmael and his men at the great pool in Gibeon, but Ishmael escapes. Jeremiah 41:11-17.
a. Johanan learns that Ishmael had murdered Gedaliah, and Johanan and his men intercept Ishmael and his men at the pool of Gibeon. 41:11-12.
b. Ishmael's captives flee from Ishmael and go over to Johanan at the pool of Gibeon. 41:13-14.
c. Ishmael and 8 of his men escape from Johanan and flee to the Ammonites. 41:15.
d. Johanan takes the rest of the Judeans who had escaped from Ishmael, and stop at Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem, intending to go to Egypt because they are afraid that the Babylonians will kill them because Ishmael and his men had killed Gedaliah and his associates and some Babylonians at Mizpah. 41:16-17.

Many people are determined to do what they plan to do whether Yahweh commands them to do or not. Yahweh through Jeremiah strictly told them to surrender to Babylon and honor Gedaliah as the new governor of Judah under Nebuchadrezzar II. But Ishmael and his followers disobeyed Yahweh and this caused much trouble among God's people.

Share YOUR insights and experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Water in Psalms--Part I

2011-06-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

The Book of Psalms often uses "water" as a metaphor in various ways.

1. In several texts, waters are like an overwhelming flood which overpower an individual. The psalmist asks Yahweh to deliver him or her from the floods of life, meaning enemies, problems, failures, sins, and the like.
Psalm 18:13-17:
"The Lord thundered in the heavens,
and the Most High uttered his voice.
And he sent out his arrows, and scattered them;
he flashed forth lightnings, and routed them.
Then the channels of the sea were seen,
and the foundations of the world were laid bare
at your rebuke, O Lord,
at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
He reached down from on high, and took me,
HE DREW ME OUT OF MANY WATERS.
HE DELIVERED ME FROM MY STRONG ENEMY,
and from those who hated me;
for they were too mighty for me."

Psalm 69:1-3, 14-15:
"Save me, O God,
FOR THE WATERS HAVE COME UP TO MY NECK.
I sink in deep mire,
where there is no foothold;
I HAVE COME INTO DEEP WATERS,
AND THE FLOODS SWEEP OVER ME.
I am weary with my crying;
my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim
with waiting for my God. . . .
Rescue me from sinking in the mire;
let me be delivered from my enemies
AND FROM THE DEEP WATERS.
DO NOT LET THE FLOOD SWEEP OVER ME,
OR THE DEEP SWALLOW ME UP,
OR THE PIT CLOSE ITS MOUTH OVER ME."

Psalm 124:1-5:
"If it had not been the Lord who was on our side
--let Israel now say--
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
when our enemies attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us alive,
when their anger was kindlged against us;
THEN THE FLOOD WOULD HAVE SWEPT US AWAY,
THE TORRENT WOULD HAVE GONE OVER US;
THEN OVER US WOULD HAVE GONE THE RAGING WATERS."

When we are faced with problems, failures, losses, enemies, obstacles, divisions, and the like, we feel like a powerful flood overwhelming us. God assures us that He is more powerful than any water. Let us trust in HIM in all circumstances.

2. Several passages in the Psalms describe water as a source of strength and assurance.
Psalm 1:1-3:
"Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
planted by STREAMS OF WATER,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all they do, they prosper."
God's law is the source of spiritual life just as streams of water are the source of living, healthy, fruitful trees.

Psalm 23:1-3:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
HE LEADS ME BESIDE STILL WATERS;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name's sake."
Still waters symbolize peace in the spirit, in the church, among friends, in the family, in the community, in the state, in the nation, in the world.

Psalm 42:1-2:
"AS A DEER LONGS FOR FLOWING STREAMS,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul THIRSTS for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?"
A thirsty deer yearns for flowing streams. In the same way, the inner heart of a human being yearns for the living God.

[To be continued]

Share YOUR experiences and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

The Babylonians Destroy Jerusalem and Set Jeremiah Free--Jeremiah 39

2011-06-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

The last chapter in Jeremiah 34-39 relates two very important events in the life of Jeremiah. Hence, Jeremiah 39 naturally falls into two paragraphs.

I. The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem, carry many Judeans into exile, and leave many poor people near the remains of the city in rubble. Jeremiah 39:1-10.
a. The composer of the Book of Jeremiah reminders his hearers [readers] that the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem in the ninth year, tenth month, tenth day of the month of Zedekiah's reign [589 BCE], and made a breach in the wall in the eleventh year, fourth month, ninth day of the month of Zedekiah's reign (587 BCE]. The same dates appear in Jeremiah 52:4-6; 2 Kings 25:1-4. 39:1-2.
b. When the Babylonians break through the wall into the city, the officials of Judah are in the middle gate. Zedekiah and his soldiers flee at night by way of the king's garden through the gate between the two walls toward the Arabah going south. 39:3-4.
c. But the Babylonians pursue Zedekiah and apprehend him in the plains of Jericho. They bring Zedekiah to Nebuchadrezzar II at Riblah, slaughter the sons of Zedekiah, put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bind him in fetters to take him to Babylon. 39:5-7.
d. Then the Babylonians burn Zedekiah's palace and the houses of the people and break down the walls of Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry the rest of the Judeans who were left in Jerusalem. 39:8-9.
e. Nebuzaradan allows some of the poor people around Jerusalem to stay in the land of Israel if they wished, and give them vineyards and fields to sustain them there. 39:10.

II. The Babylonians set Jeremiah and Ebed-melech free. Jeremiah 39:11-18.
a. Nebuchadrezzar II commands Nebuzaradan to treat Jeremiah well and allow Jeremiah to do whatever he wished. Nebuzaradan takes Jeremiah from the court of the guard and entrust Jeremiah to Gedaliah, the governor of Judah. Jeremiah decides to stay in the land of Israel near fallen Jerusalem. 39:11-14.
b. When Jeremiah was in the court of the guard, Yahweh told Jeremiah that Yahweh would save Ebed-melech because Ebed-melech had trusted in Yahweh and pulled Jeremiah out of the cistern of Malchiah. Yahweh through Jeremiah tells Ebed-melech that Yahweh will overthrow Judah and Jerusalem in the eyes of Ebed-melech. Yahweh assures Ebed-melech that the Babylonians will not kill him or carry him into exile, but will be set free. 39:15-18.

What a turn of events. Just as Yahweh had promised, the Babylonians overthrew Jerusalem, burned the city, destroyed the temple and the walls, and carried many people into Babylonian exile. But Yahweh spared many poor people near fallen Jerusalem, including Jeremiah and his secretary Baruch.

Yahweh was also faithful to Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian eunuch, because Ebed-melech was courageous and delivered Jeremiah from the cistern of Malchiah. These accounts about Ebed-melech in Jeremiah 38:7-13; 39:15-18 call to mind the striking similarities about the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. In both cases, an Ethiopian eunuch interacted with Jeremiah and Philip. In both cases, an Ethiopian eunuch behaved in a very godly way toward Jeremiah and Philip. This is just another reminder that frequently "non-Christian people" have better hearts and lives than "Christian people." Christians can help non-Christians, and non-Christians can help Christians. This is God's world. Let us open our eyes to all people whom God created in his own image.

Share YOUR insights and experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU. May God bless YOU richly today.

John Willis

Without God through Jesus I could do nothing

2011-06-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

The heart, center, core, kernel of life is human relationship to God. All other concerns and issues and problems are insignificant if God is not with us.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that God is WITH us. Here are a few of many texts.

1. At the burning bush, Yahweh told Moses to return from Midian to Egypt to guide the Israelites out of bondage.
"But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' He [God] said, 'I WILL BE WITH YOU; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.'" (Exodus 3:11-12).
Yahweh did not give Moses any logical reasons or arguments, but ONLY Yahweh's assurance that Yahweh will be WITH him.

2. After Moses' death, when Joshua and the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan River to conquer the Canaanites west of the Jordan, Yahweh gave Joshua this assurance:
"No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was WITH Moses, so I will be WITH you; I will not fail your or forsake you. Be strong and courageous. . . I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is WITH you wherever you go." (Joshua
1:5-6a, 9).
Human strength and strategy and vision amount to little other than Yahweh's presence WITH us.

3. The familiar words of Psalm 23:1-4 assure us:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
FOR YOU ARE WITH ME;
your rod and your staff--they comfort me."
It is not our skills, our wisdom, our strength, our plans that sustain us, but ONLY that God is WITH us.

4. In Jesus' final commission to his disciples before he ascended into heaven, he declares:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20).
In all our insights, in all our prayers, in all our efforts, in all that we do, what really counts is that God is WITH us.

In 1963, Mylon R. LeFevre wrote this motivating song:

Without Him I could do nothing;
Without Him I'd surely fail.
Without HIM I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail.

Without Him I would be dying,
Without Him I'd be enslaved.
Without Him life would be hopeless,
But with Jesus, thank God, I'm saved.

Jesus, oh, Jesus,
Do you know him today?
You can't turn him away.
Oh, Jesus! Oh, Jesus!
Without Him, how lost I would be!

I hope and pray that this assurance will lift your heart and embolden your life. God is WITH you. Trust in HIM.

Share YOUR experiences and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

The Ethiopian Eunuch Ebed-melech rescues Jeremiah--Jeremiah 38

2011-06-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 38 relates two events in the life of Jeremiah during the time he was imprisoned during the year and half when the Babylonians were besieging the city of Jerusalem (589-587 BCE)[see further Jeremiah 34; 37; 39; 2 Kings 25:1-21].

I. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, rescues Jeremiah from the cistern of Malchiah. Jeremiah 38:1-13.
a. Four Judean officials [Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jucal, and Pashhur] hear an oracle of Jeremiah in which he declares that the Babylonians will overthrow Yahweh's people in Jerusalem and carry them into exile. Those who stay in the city of Jerusalem will die, while those who surrender to the Babylonians will live. Here Jeremiah clearly alludes to the picture of the way of life and the way of death in Jeremiah 21:1-10. 38:1-3.
b. The officials go to king Zedekiah and tell him Jeremiah ought to be put to death because Jeremiah is discouraging the Judean soldiers and people. Zedekiah turns Jeremiah into the hands of the officials. The officials take Jeremiah to the court of the guard and let Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern of Malchiah, the king's son. There Jeremiah sank in the mud. 38:4-6.
c. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, learns that the officials had lowered Jeremiah into the cistern, where Jeremiah had no bread. So Ebed-melech goes to king Zedekiah and tell him that these officials have done wickedly to leave Jeremiah to die of hunger. 38:7-9.
d. King Zedekiah commands Ebed-melech to take three men with him and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before Jeremiah dies. Ebed-melech and his three comrades go to the king's storehouse and get a wardrobe, take old rags and worn out clothes, and let down Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes. Ebed-melech tells Jeremiah to put the rags and clothes between his armpits and the ropes, and they draw Jeremiah up by the ropes and pull him out of the cistern. Jeremiah then remains in prison in the court of the guard. 38:10-13.

II. Zedekiah meets with Jeremiah secretly. Jeremiah 38:14-28.
a. King Zedekiah meets Jeremiah secretly "at the third entrance of the temple of the Lord." Zedekiah assures Jeremiah that Zedekiah will not kill him if Jeremiah will give Zedekiah Yahweh's message. 38:14-16.
b. Jeremiah tells Zedekiah that if the Judeans will surrender to the Babylonians, they will be kept alive, but if they fight against the Babylonians, the Babylonians will overthrow them, burn Jerusalem, and carry the people into exile. 38:17-18.
c. Zedekiah tells Jeremiah that Zedekiah is afraid of the Judeans who have deserted to the Babylonians, because he might be handed over to them and they will abuse him. 38:19.
d. Jeremiah assures Zedekiah that this will not happen. But if Zedekiah will not surrender to the Babylonians, Yahweh has shown Jeremiah a vision that the women remaining in the house of the king of Judah will be led out to the officials of the king of Babylon and say that their feet are stuck in the mud. All the women and children of Judah will be led out to the Babylonians and Zedekiah will not escape, and will burn the city of Jerusalem. 38:20-23.
e. Zedekiah warns Jeremiah not to tell anyone of this conversation or Jeremiah will die. Zedekiah tells Jeremiah that if the officials confront Jeremiah about this meeting, Jeremiah is to tell them that Jeremiah was presenting his plea to King Zedekiah not to send him back to the house of Jonathan to die there. The officials did confront Jeremiah, and Jeremiah told this lie contrived by Zedekiah. Thus, the officials quit questioning Jeremiah, and Jeremiah remains in the court ofthe guard until the day Jerusalem was taken by the Babylonians. 38:24-28.

Jeremiah was repeatedly abused and oppressed by Judean leaders and people in Jerusalem. But Yahweh sustained him through all those terrible days of danger and warning. This should encourage all of us when church people threaten and endanger our lives and reputations. God will always sustain faithful people.

Share YOUR ideas and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

You are ALWAYS welcome at God's Table

2011-06-22T14:52:00.001-07:00

Matthew 9:9-13 relates this very important story:

"As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he got up and followed him.
And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, 'Why does you teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' But when he heard this, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. God and learn what this means, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.'"

God's people ALWAYS welcome everyone, because God FIRST welcomes everyone. ALL of us are sinners. ALL of us have serious faults. But because of God's mercy, he welcomes ALL of us.

1. The true church of God ALWAYS welcomes everyone. If and when we BAN people, we do not feel or act like God our Father. One time when this must happen is at the Lord's Table. At God's table, EVERYONE is welcome. Thus, at our church, everyone is welcome.

2. True Christians openly welcome everyone. This may be in the home or at the grocery store or at a meal in a restaurant. When we encounter people, as Christians we should always make each person feel comfortable and welcome.

This is a heart issue. Of course, by the very nature of life we will have more time with some people than others. But in all circumstances, we must strive to make all people welcome and comfortable. This is God's attitude and God's way. Make all of those around YOU comfortable and welcome.

Share YOUR experiences about welcoming and being welcomed. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Zedekiah Imprisons Jeremiah--Jeremiah 37

2011-06-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

As a reminder, Jeremiah 34-39 contain events and oracles presented back and forth in the reigns of Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE) and Zedekiah (598-587 BCE). Jeremiah 34 relates events in the reign of Zedekiah (589-587 BCE), and Jeremiah 35 and 36 relate events in the reign of Jehoiakim (609-605 BCE). Now that we move forward into Jeremiah 37, the composer relates two events in the reign of Zedekiah while the Babylonians were besieging Jerusalem in 589-587 BCE. This blog contains brief discussions of these two events in Jeremiah 37.

I. Yahweh through Jeremiah insists that the Babylonians will overthrow the Judeans and Jerusalem in spite of the brief withdrawal of the Babylonians on Jerusalem. Jeremiah 37:1-10.
a. The composer of the Book of Jeremiah reminds his hearers [readers] that Zedekiah succeeded Jehoiachin [Coniah]. Jehoiachin reigned for three months in Jerusalem (598 BCE). Nebuchadrezzar II carried Jehoiachin and 10,000 leading citizens into Babylonian exile, and then made Zedekiah, another son of Josiah, king. In spite of Babylon's overthrow of 10,000 citizens of Jerusalem into Babylonian exile, Zedekiah and the remaining Judeans in and around Jerusalem still did not listen to=obey Yahweh's message through Jeremiah. 37:1-2.
b. The composer explains that Zedekiah sent two men, i. e., Jehucal and the priest Zephaniah to Jeremiah to ask Jeremiah to pray to Yahweh for Yahweh's people. At this point, Jeremiah was living in Jerusalem. The Egyptians moved from the southwest to advance against the Babylonians, and the Babylonians withdrew from Jerusalem. 37:3-5.
c. Yahweh comes to Jeremiah and commands him to tell Jehucal and Zephaniah that the Egyptians are going to go back to Egypt, and the Babylonians will return to Jerusalem, defeat the Judeans, and burn the city of Jerusalem. 37:6-10.

II. Zedekiah puts Jeremiah in prison, first in the cistern house, then in the court of the guard. Jeremiah 37:11-21.
a. When the Babylonian army withdrew from Jerusalem, Jeremiah went to go to Anathoth in the tribal territory of Benjamin to receive his share of the property. [Note: It may well be that this action is connected with the account in Jeremiah 32, when Jeremiah bought a field at Anathoth in the encounter with his cousin Hanamel]. 37:11-12.
b. When Jeremiah got to the Benjamin Gate at Jerusalem, a sentinel [watchman] named Irijah accused Jeremiah of leaving Jerusalem to desert to the Babylonians. Jeremiah responded, saying he had no intention of deserting to the Babylonians. But Irijah did not believe Jeremiah was telling the truth and arrested him. Irijah took Jeremiah to the officials of Jerusalem, and the officials became very angry about Jeremiah. They beat and imprison Jeremiah in the house of the secretary Jonathan, and put Jeremiah in the cistern house in the cells. Jeremiah stayed there many days. 37:13-16.
c. Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah while Jeremiah was in the cistern house. Zedekiah asked Jeremiah: "Is there any word from the Lord?" Jeremiah said: "YES!!!" Yahweh's message is the same: Yahweh will deliver Zedekiah and the Judeans into Babylonian exile. Jeremiah rebukes Zedekiah for putting Jeremiah in prison. Other prophets had assured Zedekiah that the Babylonians will not overthrow Jerusalem. But this has not happened. 37:17-19.
d. Jeremiah implores Zedekiah not to put Jeremiah back in the house of the secretary Jonathan. Zedekiah accepts Jeremiah's plea, and put Jeremiah in the court of the guard, and gives Jeremiah a loaf of bread daily from the bakers' street. Jeremiah remains in the court of the guard many days. 37:20-21.

During the year and a half that the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem, all the Judeans were in great distress, including Jeremiah. But Yahweh miraculously sustained Jeremiah during this time. When we are faced with times of distress, let us trust in Yahweh even when the situation is dismal.

Share YOUR understandings and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Timeless Divine Assurances

2011-06-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Of course, originally ALL oral and written words which now appear in the Bible were declared to some audience to address issues and problems which that audience was encountering. Many Biblical texts apply to a time [date], an event or occasion, a person or persons, a historical or social or religious concern, and the like. But even when all this is true, there are numerous "timeless divine truths or assurances" which may be relevant to every parallel situation. One of many texts which fits this scenario is James 4:6b-10. Consider these great religious teachings and assurances. ALL of these teachings are "counter-cultural" or in opposition to "common sense":

1. "God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble." 4:6b.
Proud or arrogant people dismiss, oppress, harm other people. They treat other people as "second-class" Christians. They assume they are better than other people. Godly people respond in respect and honor and love when the arrogant mistreat them. God assures such people that he will eventually humble the proud and exalt the humble.

2. "Submit yourselves therefore to God." 4:7a.
Let's face it--We all WANT to be in control. God declares that HE is in control and therefore he desires that ALL OF US submit ourselves to God. We may assume this will hurt or shame or degrade us. But God says the best way to live to submit ourselves to God.

3. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 4:7b.
The Bible openly declares that the devil is very powerful. In fact, the devil is actually much more powerful than human beings. But, through God's grace and power in Jesus Christ, when the devil attacks us, if we will RESIST the devil, God will make sure that the devil will flee from us.

4. "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." 4:8a.
Careful study and meditation of the word of God, prayer, association with fellow-Christians and many other resources help us "draw near" to God. When we do this, God will draw near to us and strengthen and protect us.

5. "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
4:8b. Every aspect of human life has to do with the heart and the hand. It is a major mistake to go anywhere for help other than to the heart. Out of the heart come words and actions. Hence, by the blood of Jesus, we constantly need to turn to God through Jesus Christ to "cleanse" and "purify" our hearts and lives.

6. "Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejections." 4:9.
Many people assume and declare that crying, weeping, mourning shows weakness, fear, lack of courage, lack of faith, and the like. But, according to God's word, weeping and mourning are very healthy, powerful, important activities in life. In times of death, divorce, losses, failures, and disappointments, the godly reaction is weeping and crying and mourning.

7. "Humble yourselves before he Lord, and he will exalt you." 4:10.
4:6b and 4:10 are an "inclusio." Humility is the first letter in the Christian alphabet. God is all powerful. He is our creator and sustainer. He is our rock, our refuge, our deliverer, our salvation. Thus, the ONLY natural response to God's existence and presence and activity is humility.

Ponder over these "timeless divine assurances." Deep faith in God sustains us in all times of trouble and peace.

Share YOUR dreams and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

The King Burns the Bible--Jeremiah 36

2011-06-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

A careful study of the Book of Jeremiah reveals that Jeremiah 36 is a focal chapter in the entire book for many reasons. The date of Jeremiah 36 is closely related to the date of the previous chapter, Jeremiah 35. The composer dates Jeremiah 35 "in the days of King Jehoiakim"--35:1, and the composer dates Jeremiah 36 in the fourth and fifth years of King Jehoiakim--36:1, 9. Hence, the date of Jeremiah 36 is 605 and 604 BCE. The year 605 BCE is obviously a very important year in the life of Jeremiah--see Jeremiah 7:1-8:3; 25:1-14; 26:1-24. In a series of historical events, probably Jeremiah proclaimed his message that the Babylonians will come into the land, overthrow God's people, carry them into exile, and destroy the Jerusalem temple, recorded in 7:1-8:3, the leaders of Judah responded by forbidding him to preach ever again in 26:1-24, so Jeremiah dictated his former oral oracles to Baruch to write them down and instructed Baruch to read these in the presence of God's people during a fast at the Jerusalem temple, 36:1-10. Jeremiah 36 explains HOW the oral oracles of Jeremiah later came to be written down and eventually resulted in the present Book of Jeremiah. [An earlier blog worked through this process, which you might wish to recall for study].

Jeremiah 36 relates four events in connection with the interaction between Jeremiah and King Jehoiakim of Judah, who reigned from 609 to 598 or 597 BCE. This blog briefly follows the account in Jeremiah 36.

I. Yahweh tells Jeremiah to dictate his oral oracles to Baruch from his call to the present time [627-605 BCE]; Jeremiah did this, and Baruch read this to God's people at the Jerusalem temple approximately a year later. Jeremiah 36:1-10.
a. The composer of the Book of Jeremiah tells his readers that in the fourth year of Jehoiakim King of Judah [605 BCE] Yahweh's word came to Jeremiah to write on a scroll all the words Jeremiah had spoken against Israel and Judah and all the nations from the time of the call of Jeremiah during the reign of King Josiah of Judah [who reigned from 640 to 609 BCE] until today [605 BCE]. Since Yahweh called Jeremiah to be a prophet in the thirteenth year of Josiah's reign [627 BCE], this introduction extends from 627 to 605 BCE, a period of twenty-three years [Jeremiah 25:1-3 make clear this time period]. Yahweh hopes that when God's people hear Jeremiah's oracles over 23 years will "turn from their evil ways so that Yahweh may forgive their iniquity and their sin." 36:1-3.
b. Jeremiah responds to Yahweh's instructions by going to his secretary Baruch son of Neriah and telling Baruch to write down by dictation Jeremiah's words. 36:4.
c. The reason Yahweh tells Jeremiah to do this through Baruch is because the leaders of God's people had forbidden Jeremiah to appear at the Jerusalem temple [this is probably the result of Jeremiah's bold message that Jerusalem and the temple will be destroyed by the Babylonians as related in Jeremiah 7:1-8:3]. 36:5.
d. Thus,as an alternative way to proclaiming Yahweh's message through Jeremiah is to instruct Baruch to go himself on a fast day and then read out loud to the people the words of Jeremiah which he had dictated to Baruch. The hope is that these hearers will repent and turn back to Yahweh. Baruch writes down these words of Jeremiah by dictation. 36:6-8.
e. In the ninth month of the fifth year of King Jehoiakim's reign [thus probably approximately a year after Jeremiah dictating his words to Baruch in 605 BCE], all the people of Judah came from the towns of Judah to Jerusalem to proclaim a fast. During the fast, Baruch reads aloud orally the written messages of Jeremiah "in the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the secretary" in the Jerusalem temple. 36:9-10

II. Micaiah reports Baruch's scroll to the officials of King Jehoiakim. Jeremiah 36:11-19.
a. Micaiah son of Gemariah son of Shaphen heard Baruch's words, and went to the officials of the king and told them the words of Jeremiah through Baruch. 36:11-13
b. Jehudi sends for Baruch, and instruct Baruch to read this scroll again. When Baruch reads this scroll, the officials say this must be carried to the king. 36:14-16.
c. The officials question Baruch as to HOW this scroll came into being, and Baruch replies that Jeremiah dictated these words for Baruch to write them down on a scroll. The officials tell Baruch to go with Jeremiah to hide so that no one will know where Jeremiah and Baruch are. 36:17-19.

III. Jehoiakim King of Judah burns the scroll of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 36:20-26.
a. The officials of Judah carry the scroll of Jeremiah to King Jehoiakim of Judah, and Jehudi reads this scroll aloud to Jehoiakim. 36:20-21.
b. The ninth month of the fifth year of King Jehoiakim's reign was winter, and Jehoiakim was sitting beside the brazier where there was a fire. As Jehudi reads three or four columns in the scroll, Jehoiakim the king cuts off each page and throws the scroll into the fire until the whole scroll is consumed and thus destroyed. Some of Jehoiakim's associates urge him not to burn this scroll, but Jehoiakim ignores their pleas. 36:22-25.
c. Jehoiakim commands Jerahmeel the king's son and Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch. But Yahweh hid them. 36:26

IV. Yahweh tells Jeremiah to write down his words on a scroll that he had written formerly. This happens, and many similar words are added to them. Jeremiah 36:27-32
a. After Jehoiakim burns the scroll of Jeremiah, Yahweh tells Jeremiah to write down all the former words he had composed by dictation to Baruch, and declare that declare to King Jehoiakim of Judah that the king of Babylon, Nebuchadrezzar II, will destroy the land of Israel and Jehoiakim will have no on to sit on the throne of David and his dead body will be cast out. And Yahweh will bring on his sinful people all the "evils" he had announced through Jeremiah. 36:27-31.
b. Jeremiah follows Yahweh's instructions: Jeremiah dictates all the words he had spoken to Baruch: "and many similar words were added to them." 37:32.

Jeremiah 36 highlights several important truths.
1. Influential religious people frequently oppose God's people and God's word. The Bible contains numerous examples of this. Think of the Pharisees who often oppose Jesus.
2. Human beings can oppress, threaten, and even kill godly people, but Yahweh and his people will ultimately prevail.
3. The Book of Jeremiah is the product of a prior long history. Jeremiah 36 helps one understand part of HOW the Book of Jeremiah came into existence.
4. God has the power and wisdom to hide and protect godly people who are trying to serve and honor God.

Share YOUR insights and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Prayer is a Two Way Communication

2011-06-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

God ALWAYS ACTS FIRST--then God expects that we REACT, that we respond to what God has ALREADY SAID and DONE.

One significant REACTION to God is PRAYER. But when we SPEAK to God, prayer does not end there. God responds to our response. Prayer is a two way communication. We speak and God responds. We ask and God gives. God always invites us to respond in this way.

Here are a few reminders of this truth.

Matthew 7:7-11:
"ASK, and it WILL BE GIVEN you;
SEARCH, and you WILL FIND;
KNOCK, and the door WILL BE OPENED for you.
For everyone who ASKS RECEIVES, and everyone who SEARCHES FINDS, and for everyone who KNOCKS, the door WILL BE OPENED. Is there anyone among you who, if your child ASKS for bread, IS GIVEN a stone? Or if the child ASKS for a fish, will GIVE a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to GIVE good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven GIVE good things to those who ASK him."

Isaiah 65:24: [Yahweh gives this promise to his people]
"Before they CALL I will ANSWER,
while they are yet SPEAKING I will HEAR."
This is indeed an amazing promse. God is always ready to hear and answer to the prayers of those who seek and love him.

1 John 5:14-15:
"And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ASK anything according to his will, he HEARS us. And if we know that he HEARS us in whatever we ASK, we know that we have obtained the REQUESTS made of him."

It is true that God may ANSWER in various ways, but his ANSWERS are ALWAYS in our behalf and for our good. God is a loving, compassionate God. Let us pray often daily, and then expect his wonderful, surprising, amazing responses.

Share YOUR experiences and advances with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Better

2011-06-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

All of us want to improve. God certainly wants all of us to improve. Life is built around making choices, decisions, determinations. Thus, by the very nature of life, we must all choose THIS rather than THAT. God summons us to CHOOSE a better way of life. Here are a few texts that remind and inspire us to do BETTER.

Proverbs 8:11:
Wisdom is BETTER than jewels,
and all you may desire cannot compare with her." See further Proverbs 16:16"Wisdom" is something quit different from knowing information intellectually. James
3:13-18 provides a wonderful description of TRUE WISDOM.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace."

Proverbs 15:16:
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure and trouble with it.
Values are of utmost importance. Fearing God is much more valuable than amassing wealth. See also Proverbs 16:8.

Proverbs 15:17:
Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is
than a fatted ox and hatred with it.
Our food and possessions are not nearly as important as our feelings and behaviors toward other people.

Proverbs 16:19:
It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor
than to divine the spoil with the proud.
Arrogant people ignore and think evil of the poor. God loves the poor, and desires that we follow his example.

Proverbs 27:5:
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
In order to help one another, we must be honest. To do this, it may be painful, but the godly choice is to confront a friend who does wrong.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls anddoes not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Living alone is detrimental to life. We all need friends who will support us in all experiences of life: to congratulate us when we do well; to pick us up off the ground when we fall on our own.

Share YOUR experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Judean Master Re-enslave their Released Slaves--Jeremiah 34

2011-06-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 34-39 contain accounts of events which occurred in the days of Jehoiakim
(609-598 BCE)and in the days of Zedekiah (598-587 BCE). A study of Jeremiah 34-39 shows that these events are NOT in chronological order. Rather, these chapters are arranged in order to communicate great theological truths. As we enter into these chapters, Jeremiah 34 relates TWO events during the time that Nebuchadrezzar II and the Babylonians were besieging Jerusalem from 589 to 587 BCE. This blog discusses these two events briefly.

I. Yahweh through Jeremiah tells Zedekiah that Zedekiah and the Judeans will fall to the Babylonians and go into exile or captivity. Jeremiah 34:1-7.
a. The composer of the Book of Jeremiah dates the event related in Jeremiah 34:1-7 is during the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. 34:1.
b. Yahweh through Jeremiah tells Zedekiah that Yahweh will GIVE Jerusalem into the hands of Nebuchadrezzar II and the Babylonians. The Babylonians will carry Zedekiah and many of the Judeans into Babylonian exile. He promises that Zedekiah will not die by the sword, but die in peace in Babylon. 34:2-5.
c. The composer informs the hearers that the fall of Jerusalem is near because only the fortified towns of Lachish and Azekah are still fighting at the time.
34:6-7. [For additional study and information, archaeologists have excavated part of Lachish and discovered 18 Letters, which now are available in English].

II. Zedekiah made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to release their slaves. They do this, but approximately a month later, they re-enslave the slaved they had released. Jeremiah 34:8-22.
a. The composer relates Zedekiah's covenant to release the slaves, and the officials and people do this. 34:8-10.
b. Later, the people re-enslaved their released slaves. 34:11.
c. Yahweh through Jeremiah declares that Yahweh had commanded God's people to release their slaves after seven years. This appears in Exodus 21:1-11; Deuteronomy 15:12-18. Jeremiah 34:14 quotes Deuteronomy 15:12-13 reminding the hearers about God's law on this point. The ancestors of the Judeans did not obey this command, and now the Judeans living in the days of Jeremiah are not obeying this command.
34:12-16.
d. In punishment of the disobedience of God's people about God's law concerning releasing slaves every seven year, Yahweh declares that he is bringing the Babylonians against Jerusalem, and bring "sword, pestilence, and famine" on God's people, overthrow Jerusalem and the Judeans by the Babylonians, and take them into Babylonian exile. 34:17-22.

God's people are stubborn. They claim they love God and serve him, but in their lives, they are disobedient. Ultimately, God punishes people when they continue to live in sin.

Share YOUR insights and aspirations with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Of whom shall I be afraid?

2011-06-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

One of the most pervasive problems in human life, individually, in the family, in the church, in the city, in the state, in the nation is NEGATIVE FEAR. Hence, the Bible is filled with REMINDERS: DO NOT FEAR. Here are a few reminds to encourage every reader:

1. Psalm 27:1-4
"The Lord is my light and my salvation;
WHOM SHALL I FEAR?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID?
When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh--
my adversaries and foes--
they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
MY HEART SHALL NOT FEAR;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.
One thing I asked of the Lord,
that I will seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple."
If we can only FOCUS our hearts and our lives on God through Jesus Christ, ALL dangers fade into insignificance. OUR GOD is more powerful than any and all enemies and forces and dangers.

2. As Joshua and the Israelites approached the challenge of crossing the Jordan River to the west and encountering the Canaanites living in the land, Yahweh encouraged them in these words:
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous . . . Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you. . . . Be strong and courageous; DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED OR DISMAYED, for the Lord your God is with you WHEREVER YOU GO." (Joshua 1:5-9).
It would be difficult to be in challenging circumstances more difficult than Joshua and the Israelites. When we face difficulties and dangers, we MUST trust in God alone.

3. Mark 4:37-40 relates the well-known story about a storm that arose on the Sea of Galilee.
"A great windstorm arose, and thewaves beat in to the boat, so that the boat was already beings swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, 'Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?' He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, 'WHY ARE YOU AFRAID? HAVE YOU STILL NO FAITH?'"
Life is filled with storms of all kinds. We cannot avoid them. Let us trust God each day.

I hope this will be a daily encouragement for YOU wherever YOU are and whatever YOUR circumstances might be.

Share YOUR experiences and escapes with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Yahweh will Heal Sick, Feed Sheep, Restore the Davidic Dynasty and the Aaronic Priesthood--Jeremiah 33

2011-06-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Concluding the hope oracles in Jeremiah 30-33, there are three hope oracles in Jeremiah 33. Essentially, these oracles contain repetions of Yahweh's promises already presented in Jeremiah 30-32. But Jeremiah 33 portrays additional metaphors and details.

I. Yahweh will heal the sick. Jeremiah 33:1-9. This oracle is very similar to 30:12-17.
a. The composer informs the hearers that this oracle occurred when Jeremiah was confined in the court of the guard. 33:1. 37:21 refers to this event.
b. Yahweh has "made," "formed," "established" the earth. He is all powerful. 33:2.
c. Yahweh summons his audience to pay attention to his promises. If his hearers will call upon Yahweh, he will "tell them great and hidden things they had not known." 33:3. Yahweh then reveals TWO future events that will occur for Yahweh's people.
1. Yahweh will send the Chaldeans=Babylonians into Judah and punish God's people severely because they have forsaken Yahweh and gone after other gods. 33:4-5.
2. After punishing his people, Yahweh will "heal" his people. He will "restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel," and rebuild them as they were as first. 33:6-7.
d. Yahweh promises he will "cleanse" and "forgive" his sinful people who repent. Then "all the nations of the earth" will see the prosperity of Jerusalem and God's people. 33:8-9.

II. Yahweh will shepherd his scattered sheep. Jeremiah 33:10-13. This oracle is similar to 31:10.
a. At the present time, God's people in exile are depressed. They cry out: "It is a waste without human beings or animals." Life is "desolate." 33:10.
b. But Yahweh declares with enthusiasm that He is about to change this situation completely. "Once more," people will hear "the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices ofthose who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord." 33:11.
c. In this desolate waste, Yahweh will raise up shepherd to rest their flocks, and flocks will pass under the hands of shepherds as they count each one. Yahweh is the great shepherd, who leads his flock into green pastures. See Ezekiel 34. 33:12-13

III. Yahweh will restore the fallen dynasty of David and priesthood of Aaron. Jeremiah 33:14-26.
a. As throughout the Book of Jeremiah, Yahweh's messages are for and about North Israel and Judah, not Judah alone. 33:14. Recall 30:3-4; 31:31; 33:7.
b. Like 23:5, Yahweh again announes he will raise up "a righteous Branch to spring up for David" to maintain justice and righteousness among God's people. Zechariah 3:1-10; 6:9-15 clearly state this "righteous Branch" is Zerubbabel, who rebuilt the Jerusalem temple. 33:15.
c. The new name Yahweh will give is a word play on Zedekiah, which means: "Yahweh is righteousness." The new name is: "Yahweh is our righteousness." 33:16.
d. Yahweh promises David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, AND the levitical priests shall never lack a man to offering burnt offerings and other sacrifices. The first two successors are Zerubbabel the grandson of Jehoiachin and thus prince, and Joshua the descendant of Aaron through Zadok. 33:17-18.
e. Yahweh solemnly promises he will not break his covenant with the Davidic dynasty and the Levitical priesthood. Yahweh will INCREASE the offspring of David and Aaron. 33:19-22.
f. Yahweh declares that although things look very bleak for his people, Yahweh will establish his covenant with North Israel and South Judah, and Yahweh will prevail through them. 33:23-26.

Yahweh's promises are always IMPOSSIBLE, INCREDIBLE, UNBELIEVABLE. BUT Yahweh always rises above what is inevitable to carry out his purposes. The hope oracles of Jeremiah should give all people HOPE and a FUTURE.

Share YOUR experiences and dreams with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lying, Deceit, Dishonesty, Trickery, Hypocrisy--Part VI

2011-06-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hypocrisy is a fatal epidemic of religious people and churches. Unfortunately, this is a well-known fact, established and documented through all centuries. We human beings want to put on a good front in order to hide who we really are and do. A few reminders may alert us to this reality.

1. Matthew 23 contains a series of condemnations of the LEADERS of God's people, each beginning with the words: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, HYPOCRITES." A hypocrite is one who pretends to be one person when in reality he is another person. A classical example is Matthew 23:23-24:
"Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, HYPOCRITES!
For you title mint, dill, and cummin,
and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith
It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others.
You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!"
People are hypocritical because they have a heart problem. All of us take the easy road. It is easier to highlight the sin of another person than to deal with one's own sins and faults and failures.

2. Paul says to Titus:
"To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. They PROFESS to know God, but they DENY him BY THEIR ACTIONS. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work." (Titus 1:15-16).
It is very easy to SAY one thing when one is THINKING and DOING something quite different.

3. According to Matthew 15:1-9, Jesus confronted the Jewish LEADERS of his day who reproved Jesus because Jesus's disciples did not wash their hands before they ate. Jesus replied: YOU are the ones who are hypocrites. YOU should support your elderly parents financially, but YOU claim you have already given your money to God. Jesus said:
"You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied rightly about you when he said:
'This people honors me with their LIPS,
but their HEARTS are far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching human precepts as doctrines.'" (Matthew 15:7-9; cf. Mark 7:7-8).
The quotation is from Isaiah 29:13-14. A similar text appears in Jeremiah 12:1-2.

Pretending to be one person when an individual is actually another person allows one to live for a while, but in time, God has a way of exposing the true nature of the heart and the person.

Share YOUR dreams and intentions and goals with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Jeremiah's Symbolic [Sign] Act of Buying a Field at Anathoth--Jeremiah 32:1-44

2011-06-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

In essence, the hope oracle in Jeremiah 32 is identical to the message of the hope oracle in 31:31-37 discussed in the previous blog on the Book of Jeremiah. The hope oracle in Jeremiah 32 falls neatly into three parts: 32:1-15, 16-25, 26-44.

I. Yahweh instructs Jeremiah to buy of field at Anathoth. Jeremiah 32:1-15.
a. The composer of the Book of Jeremiah dates the occurrence at which Yahweh comes to Jeremiah in the tenth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, which is the same year as the eighteenth year of King Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon, that is, 588 BCE. 32:1.
b. More specifically, the Babylonians were besieging Jerusalem [which occurred from 589 to 587 BCE--see 2 Kings 25:1-2; Jeremiah 39:1-2], and Jeremiah was confined to the court of the guard by King Zedekiah--see Jeremiah 37:21. Zedekiah had reproved Jeremiah for declaring that Yahweh will give Jerusalem into the hand of the Babylonians, Zedekiak will not escape but will go into Babylonian exile. 32:2-5.
c. While confined in the court of the guard, Yahweh appeared to Jeremiah and told him his counsin Hanamel would come to him and offer to sell Hanamel his field in the legal way practiced at that time. This occurred, and then "Jeremiah knew that this was the word of the Lord." 32:6-8.
d. Jeremiah legally signs his purchase of Hanamel's field at Anathoth int the presence of his secretary Baruch, and presented the open copy for everyone to see and stored the sealed copy in an earthenware jar to be preserved for the future. 32:9-14.
e. Yahweh declares that this "symbolic [sign] act" means: "Houses and fields and vineyards shall again the bought in this land"=the land of Canaan. This is Yahweh's assurance that He will bring back penitent faithful Israelites from Babylon to the land of Canaan. This is the same promise discussed several times in Jeremiah 29-31.

II. Jeremiah responds to Yahweh's instructions by prayer. Jeremiah 32:16-25.
a. After giving the deed of purchase for the field at Anathoth to Baruch, Jeremiah prays to Yahweh, essentially going over Yahweh's works and words. 32:16.
b. Jeremiah extols Yahweh for his mighty works in the past.
1. Yahweh's creation of the heavens and the earth. Hence, it is obvious: "NOTHING is too hard for YOU." 32:17.
2. Throughout all centuries, Yahweh has demonstrated his STEADFAST LOVE. This is a clear reference to Yahweh's portrayal of himself in Exodus 34:6-7. 32:18-19.
3. Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians and brought his people Israel out of Egypt in the days of Moses. 32:20-21.
4. Yahweh brought the Israelites into the land of Canaan to conquer the Canaanites and possess the land. 32:22-23a.
5. But the Israelites did not obey Yahweh. So Yahweh has punished his people for several decades. 32:23b-d.
c. Finally, Yahweh has sent the Babylonians into the land of Canaan and is now besieging Jerusalem, as he had often warned. Now, Yahweh has brought "sword, famine, and pestilence" on his sinful people, and has now given God's people into the hands of the Chaldeans=Babylonians. 32:24.
d. But now, through Jeremiah, and in particular in the present chapter, Yahweh has promised that Yahweh will deliver the penitent exiles in Babylon to return to the land of Canaan and buy fields. 32:25.

III. Yahweh repeats the thoughts of Jeremiah's prayer, assuring Jeremiah that Yahweh will overthrow the Babylonians and bring penitent Israelite exiles from Babylon to the land of Canaan. Jeremiah 32:26-44.
a. Yahweh responds to Jeremiah and assures him that NOTHING is too hard for the Lord. 32:26-27. Recall Jeremiah's prayer in 32:17.
b. As Yahweh had often announced in previous oracles of Jeremiah, Yahweh repeats that he will cause the Babylonians to overthrow Judah and Jerusalem and carry many Judeans into Babylonian exile. This is because God's people have "done nothing but evil in Yahweh's sight." "The princes, the priests, the prophets, and the people" have all rebelled against Yahweh and turned to Baal and other gods. They went so far as to offer their children as sacrifices to the Ammonite god Molech= Milcom. 32:28-36.
c. After 70 years in Babylonian exile, Yahweh promises he will "gather" his penitent exiles from Babylon, and "bring them back" to the land of Canaan. 32:37.
d. At this point, Yahweh repeats the SAME PROMISES stated in 31:33-34. Note this careful comparison, which further verifies the thought described in the previous blog on the Book of Jeremiah.
1. The people of Israel will be Yahweh's people, and Yahweh will be their God. 32:38--just as in 31:33c.
2. Yahweh will give his people "one heart and one way"--32:39, the same thought as "I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts" in 31:33b.
3. Yahweh will make "an everlasting covenant" with his people North Israel and Judah--32:40, the same thought as "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah" in 31:31.
4. Yahweh will "plant" the returning exiles IN THIS LAND=the land of Canaan "in faithfulness." 32:41. This terminology is marriage language--see Hosea 2:19-20, and thus recalls the statement "though I [Yahweh] was their husband," in 31:32c.
e. Yahweh concludes by reassuring Jeremiah and his penitent faithful exiles that Yahweh will overthrow the Babylonians, bring his penitent exiles back from Babylon to the land of Canaan, and "restore the fortunes" of his people. Like Jeremiah purchasing the field of his cousin Hanamel, after 70 years, "fields shall be bought" in the land of Canaan. 32:42-44.
A careful study of Jeremiah 32 supports the correct meaning of 31:31-37, and earlier promises in Jeremiah 30-31.

Share YOUR insights and dreams with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lying, Deceit, Dishonesty, Trickery, Hypocrisy--Part V

2011-06-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

As we contemplate the HUGE PROBLEM of dishonesty in human life, THE FAMILY constantly affects all the members: husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters, extended members of the family. Stories of all kind "tumble out" on the radio, on the evening news on TV, on magazines--everywhere. Numerous blogs could arise on this one issue.

As only one example, let us recall the story of David and Bathsheba, related in 2 Samuel 11. Here are a few relevant facts.

1. David was an aging king, who already had between fifteen and twenty wives--recall 2 Samuel 3:2-5; 5:13-16. The prophet Nathan reminds David of this fact in 2 Samuel 12:8, 11. But in spite of all this, David took the wife of another man--Uriah the Hittite. Today, we call this infidelity, an affair.

2. David intentionally found other whether Bathsheba was already married. 2 Samuel 11:3. And when messengers told David Bathsheba was already married, David still persisted to bring her to him and commit adultery with her.

3. David assumed he could "hide" this adultery. But Bathsheba became pregnant, and she sent a message to tell David she was pregnant. 11:5.

4. David tried to hide his sin by engaging in several dishonest activities.
a. First, he sent a messenger to Joab, David's commander of the army, at Rabbah, where Uriah was serving as a soldier to fight against the Ammonites. Uriah must have been puzzled that David would send a message and specifically choose him to return to talk with David at Jerusalem at his palace. When Uriah arrived, David only "shot the breeze." He asked Uriah how the battle was going, then instructed Uriah to go down to his house and wash his feet. How interesting!!! The king is interested in Uriah's feet???!!! What is going on. But Uriah refused to do this BECAUSE he was a noble, upright individual. So he stayed just outside David's palace. 11:6-11.
b. David made a second move. He gave a banquet for Uriah. When Uriah was there, David egged him on and "made him drunk," hoping he would go down to his house and have sex with his wife. But Uriah was too noble. He remained outside David's palace. 11:12-13.
c. In desperation, David wrote a memo sealed by the king's seal, and sent it back to Joab at Rabbah in Uriah's hand. When Joab received David's memo, David instructed Joab to put Uriah in the thickest part of the battle against the Ammonites at Rabbah and make sure Uriah was killed. Joab yields to David's instructions, and the Ammonites kill Uriah and several other Israelite soldiers. 11:14-17.
d. Joab sends a messenger back to David to assure David that Uriah was dead. When David received this message, he says essentially: It is unfortunate that Uriah was killed, but when a person becomes a soldier, he knows he might have to die. David shrugs his shoulders as if this was of little concern. 11:18-25.
e. After Bathsheba mourns over the death of her husband Uriah, David officially marries Bathsheba, and after nine months she bears a son. David assumed he had hidden his sins. "But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord." 11:26-27.

All of us rightly reprove David's dishonesty. But we all know that frequently we behave in similar ways. Unfortunately, often we are dishonest about members of our own family. This is an epidemic in the land and in the world. All this displeases the Lord.

Share YOUR experiences and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Yahweh's New Covenant to Remarry his two wives Israel and Judah into one people--Jeremiah 31:31-40

2011-06-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

The next two hope oracles in Jeremiah 30-33 appear in Jeremiah 31:31-40. These two oracles announce Yahweh's promises already stated in Jeremiah 30:1-31:29. This blog contains a brief discussion of the two oracles in Jeremiah 31:31-40.

I. Yahweh will soon remarry his unfaithful wives North Israel and South Judah. Jeremiah 31:31-37.
a. Yahweh declares he will make a NEW COVENANT. This "new covenant" clearly stands in bold contrast to the following reminder that Yahweh had made a former covenant with his people when he brought them out of Egypt--see Exodus 4:21-23; Hosea 2:14-15. 31:31-32.
b. North Israel and South Judah had "broken" that covenant. The word "covenant" CAN mean a CONTRACT negotiated by two people or groups of people. This is CLEARLY NOT the idea in Jeremiah 31:32, BECAUSE Yahweh remarks: "though I was THEIR HUSBAND."
As in several biblical texts, a "covenant" is a relationship, in this case, a marriage relationship. The word "covenant" appears with this idea in Malachi
2:13-14; Hosea 2:18-20; Ezekiel 16:8-9. Yahweh married Israel at the exodus from Egypt in the time of Moses, Israel became unfaithful to God in the land of Canaan to forsake Yahweh to worship Baal and other gods and make alliances with other nations, Yahweh divorced Israel by bringing the Assyrians to overthrow North Israel in 721 BCE and by bringing the Babylonians to overthrow Judah in 587 BCE. NOW, Yahweh declares that he will rewoo and remarry his former unfaithful wife. 31:31-32.
c. Jeremiah 31:31-37 picks up and continues the biblical account in 3:6-11. Earlier, in 721 and 587 BCE, Yahweh DIVORCED his two wives North Israel through the Assyrians and South Judah through the Babylonians, according to Jeremiah 3:6-11, but NOW Yahweh will remarry his TWO WIVES, "the house of Israel and the house of Judah," as Jeremiah 31:31 clearly announces. This announcement pertains to the return of the penitent, faithful Israelites exiles from Babylon to the land of Canaan to rebuild the temple under Zerubbabel and Joshua, restore the law under Ezra, and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem from 536 to 445 BCE. 31:31-32.
d. Yahweh SPECIFICALLY emphasizes FOUR aspects of the future "covenant" between Yahweh and his people North Israel and Judah.
1. Yahweh will put his law within his people, and will write it on their hearts. 31:33a-b. This is EXACTLY the same thing that Yahweh did when he gave his people the law at Mount Sinai in the days of Moses--Deuteronomy 6:6; 11:18.
2. Yahweh will be their God and they shall be God's people. 31:33c. This is EXACTLY the same thing Yahweh did when he entered into his marital relationship with his chosen people--Exodus 6:7; Deuteronomy 7:6; 27:9-10.
3. Yahweh declares that all those who turn to him will KNOW him. 31:34a-b. The word "know" here is NOT an intellectual concept here and usually throughout the Bible. The word "know" means a spiritual concept. "Know" means "enter into and sustain an intimate, daily, personal relationship with" another person. This is a marital term. Adam "knew" Eve his wife--Genesis 4:1. This certainly does not mean that Adam intellectually "knew" 450 facts ABOUT Eve. On the contrary. This means that Adam had an intimate, daily, personal relationship with his wife Eve. Jeremiah uses this word often in this sense, as emphasized in several previous blogs. See for example Jeremiah 9:6; 22:16.
4. Yahweh assures his penitent people that he will FORGIVE their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. 31:34c-d. This is EXACTLY what God did for his people when they repented and returned to Yahweh--Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:19-20; Psalms 51; 103:3.
e. That which is NEW in the "covenant" which Yahweh announces in Jeremiah 31:31 is NOT a different set of promises or commandments from God, but a different, future relationship from the past from a divorce between Yahweh and his sinful people and his chosen people Israel to a restoration of God's people in the land of Canaan.
f. The author of Hebrews quotes and gives a different slant on the meaning of Jeremiah 31:31-34 in Hebrews 8:8-13; 10:16-18. As studied previously, this again raises the question of HOW the author of Hebrews uses Jeremiah. It is helpful to recall that Hebrews 1:5 "re-applies" 2 Samuel 7:14 to refer to Jesus Christ at the right hand of God after his resurrection rather than to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 22:6-10; 28:3-6. The author of Hebrews is not using the Old Testament as a literal one-to-one prediction-fulfillment, but he is using the texts in Jeremiah as a midrash or possibly typologically or allegorically.
g. Yahweh explains clearly that Yahweh's presence and restoration of his marital relationship with his wife Israel in the future is as sure as the "fixed order" of t he heavens and the earth. 31:35-37.

II. Yahweh promises that he will restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Jeremiah 31:38-40.
a. Yahweh solemnly promises the dejected Israelite exiles in Babylon that he will REBUILD the city of Jerusalem "from the tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate to the hill Gareb and shall then turn to Goah." 31:38-39. Historically, this occurs in the days of Nehemiah--Nehemiah 1-12.
b. Yahweh will make sacred or holy the regions of Jerusalem in which the Babylonians earlier slaughtered many people, and declares that Jerusalem "shall never again be uprooted or overthrown." 31:40. Here again, Jeremiah uses the familiar terms of "uproot" and "overthrow"--Jeremiah 1:10; 12:17; 18:7; 24:6; 31:28.

Share YOUR dreams and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lying, Deceit, Dishonesty, Trickery, Hypocrisy--Part IV

2011-06-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Another huge aspect of human life dealing with dishonesty is BUSINESS. One does not have to look very far any direction to find all kinds of dishonesty taking place in BUSINESS. The Bible is FULL of examples and warnings of DISHONESTY in BUSINESS of all kinds. This blog calls attention to ONLY a VERY FEW examples in and outside the Bible.

1. Yahweh through the prophet Amos reproves influential LEADERS among God's people who attend church regularly, but during the week they are engaged in all kinds of dishonesty in business. This has to do with merchants and customers, the rich and the poor. One outstanding text is Amos 8:4-6:
"Hear this, you that trample on the needy,
and bring to ruin the poor of the land,
saying, 'When will THE NEW MOON be over
so that we may sell grain;
and THE SABBATH,
so that we may offer wheat for sale?
We will MAKE THE EPHAH SMALL and THE SHEKEL GREAT,
and PRACTICE DECEIT WITH FALSE BALANCES,
buying the poor for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals,
and SELLING THE SWEEPINGS OF THE WHEAT."
These "wealthy, influential, religious leaders" regularly attend the NEW MOON and the SABBATH, but their daily practices are corrupt to the core. Yahweh through Amos names FOUR specific dishonest practices in business.
*Making the ephah small. An ephah is a measure of grain. The merchant would put a label for 100 pounds when the bag held only 98.5 pounds.
*Making the shekel great. If the true value of 100 pounds of wheat is $5.00, the merchant would put a label on the bag for $5.10. 10 cents is ONLY a small amount overall. But this is dishonest, and hurts the customers.
*Making false balances. Merchants would "rig" a balance or scale to make it read 100 pounds when in reality the bad held only 98.5 pounds.
*Selling "inferior" products. This might be chaff mixed in the bag among the good wheat or give an inferior grade of wheat.
Practices like this are very common. Merchants present a product in one way, when in reality the product is different from what the merchants present.

2. One of the laws in the Pentateuch appears in Leviticus 19:35-36:
"You shall not CHEAT IN MEASURING LENGTH, WEIGHT, OR QUANTITY. You shall have HONEST BALANCES, HONEST WEIGHTS, AN HONEST EPHAH, AND AN HONEST HIN: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt."
Proverbs 11:1; 16:11; 20:23 deal with this same problem. In order, these verses are:
"A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
but an accurate weight is his delight."
"Honest balances and scales are the Lord's;
all the weights in the bag are his work."
"Differing weights are an abomination of the Lord,
and false scales are not good."
Money, wealth, prestige, the love of money drive the lives of many people, and bring them to shame, imprisonment, despair. The love of money is a huge problem in human life.

3. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:9-10:
"Those who WANT TO BE RICH fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plung people into ruin and destruction. For THE LOVE OF MONEY is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains."
Hence, Paul summons Christians:
"As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life."

4. All of us know about the story of Enron Corporation. This was an American energy, commodities, and services company based in Houston, Texas. Enron employed approximately 22,000 staff and was one of the world's leading electricity, natural gas, communications, and pulp and paper companies, with claimed revenues of almost $101 billion om 2000. At the end of 2001, inspectors discovered Enron's financial condition was sustained substantially by institutionalized, systemic, and creatively planned accounting fraud known world-wide as the "Enron scandal." This led to destroy the company, put several of its CEOs and associates into prison, and virtually dissolved the Arthur Andersen accounting firm. There is little need to report all the dishonesty involved in these one-time powerful business companies.

ALL OF THIS is a HEART PROBLEM. Business practices are not due to businesses, but due to people. PEOPLE make decisions to do this or that. When a person is dishonest, this is a HEART PROBLEM. History demonstrates that dishonest practices will continue as long as human beings live on earth. This is a reality of life. Hopefully, a blog like this will persuade just one person to do the honest thing, to develop a true heart.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Yahweh will take away Ephraim's weeping and tears--Jeremiah 31:15-20

2011-06-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Continuing the study of the Book of Jeremiah, the next three hope oracles in Jeremiah 30-33 appear in Jeremiah 31:15-30. Consistently, Yahweh through Jeremiah begins with an apparent doom oracle, but suddenly reverses the doom into hope. This blog addresses the three hope oracles in Jeremiah 31:15-30.

I. Yahweh will wipe away the weeping and tears of Ephraim. Jeremiah 31:15-22.
a. The places named in this oracle all occur in North Israel: Ramah--31:15; Ephraim--31:18, 10; Israel--31:21. Therefore, Yahweh through Jeremiah has in mind North Israelites living in this time.
b. This oracle begins with doom. Rachel symbolizes North Israelites. This term comes from the stories of Rachel about the births of Joseph in Genesis 30:22-24 and Benjamin in Genesis 35:16-21. Rachel had been barren, but Yahweh opened her womb. She was born and raised in Paddan-Aram or Haran in the northern regions of the Euphrates River--Genesis 29:1-30. After twenty years in that area, they return to the Land of Canaan, and eventually Rachel dies near Bethlehem--Genesis 35:16-21. In the days of Jeremiah, the North Israelites are in captivity. They are lamenting and weeping bitterly. Thus, Yahweh through Jeremiah describes their terrible situation. 31:15.
This verse CLEARLY refers to a PRESENT situation in the days of Jeremiah. The SITUATION is North Israelites in exile or captivity. In the following verses, Yahweh announces that Yahweh will soon defeat the enemies of God's people and bring North Israelites back into the land of Canaan.
This raises an issue discussed on the two previous blogs on the topic: How the New Testament uses the Old Testament. Matthew quotes Jeremiah 31:15 and applies this verse to Herod's murders of the Jewish children in and around Bethlehem. He introduces this quote with the words: "Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah." The quotation is in Matthew 2:18, the introduction is in 2:17, and the account of Herod's murders is in 2:16. How is Matthew using Jeremiah 31:15 in this context? A previous blog sketches AT LEAST ELEVEN possible explanations. It may be impossible to know CERTAINLY HOW Matthew is using the Old Testament. It is CLEAR that this is NOT a situation of PREDICTION-FULFILLMENT in the literal sense, BECAUSE Jeremiah 31:15 contains an OBSERVATION about the PRESENT situation in the days of Jeremiah. One possible explanation is Matthew's use of the Old Testament as TYPOLOGICAL, as Paul CLEARLY does in 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Another possible explanation is that Matthew knew the interpretational method of the Jewish Rabbis, like Paul does in Galatians 3:16, called MIDRASH. Further, the word "fulfilled" does not necessarily refer to a previous PREDICTION. A CLEAR example of this is 2 Timothy 4:5, when Paul instructs Timothy: "Fulfill your ministry." The NRSV interprets this in this way: "Carry out your ministry FULLY." There is not a PREDICTION here, but a rhetorical way of saying: Complete, finish.
c. Yahweh now REVERSES the situation. He summons the North Israelite exiles to quit weeping and shedding tears. Yahweh will bring them back from "the land of the enemy," obviously Babylon. "There is HOPE for your FUTURE." The penitent people of God will return "to their own country," obviously the land of Canaan. This is an announcement that God will bring the Israelites exiles out of Babylon back to Canaan to rebuild the temple and restore the city of Jerusalem and the land of Canaan. 31:16-17.
d. The exiles respond by admitting that they were guilty of rebelling against God and deserved to be "disciplined." Now they have been repenting and asking Yahweh to give them mercy. 31:18-19.
e. Yahweh responds positively to the penitent exiles. EPHRAIM=NORTH ISRAEL is Yahweh's DEAR SON, Yahweh's CHILD. Yahweh is full of compassion, and declares: "I WILL SURELY HAVE MERCY ON HIM." 31:20.
f. Yahweh tells the exiles to "set markers" on the road, make "guideposts," consider "the highway" from Babylon to Canaan in preparation for Yahweh's overthrow of Babylon and the restoration of his penitent people. 31:21-22.

II. Jeremiah awakes from a dream to understand Yahweh will restore the fortunes of Judah. Jeremiah 31:23-26.
a. In the previous oracle, Yahweh declared a message to EPHRAIM=NORTH ISRAEL. In the next oracle, Yahweh turns to declare a message to "the holy hill"=Jerusalem, Judah. Yahweh will "restore their fortunes." He will "bless" the "holy hill"= Jerusalem. See the common use of this expression in Psalms 2:6; 15:1; and often. 31:23-24.
b. The Judean exiles in Babylon are "weary" and "faint." But soon Yahweh will "satisfy" and "replenish" the penitent and restore them to the land of Canaan. 31:25-26.

III. Yahweh will SOW "the house of Israel and the house of Judah," that is, bring them out of Babylon and back to the land of Canaan. Jeremiah 31:27-30.
a. The Hebrew word "sow" is a word play for Jezreel. Jeremiah is intentionally bothering this term from Hosea in Hosea 1:4-5; 1:10-2:1; 2:18-23. Here, Jeremiah is combining promises about North Israel and South Judah, BECAUSE Yahweh's desire is to re-unite and re-unify ALL of God's people as in the days of Saul, David, and Solomon. 31:27.
b. There is another word play on the word "watch." Yahweh used this word play in the account of the call of Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:11-12. The Hebrew word for "watch" is shoqed, and the Hebrew word for "almond" is shaqed. In the context of Jeremiah 1:11-18, Yahweh will "watch" over his people to punish them. NOW, Yahweh declares that he will reverse this to "watch" over his people to restore them from Babylonian captivity. Formerly, Yahweh had "plucked up, broken down, overthrown, destroyed, and brought EVIL=PUNISHMENT"--see Jeremiah 1:9-10; but NOW Yahweh will BUILD and PLANT them in the land of Canaan. 31:28.
c. Some of God's people naively assumed they were being punished in Babylon because of the sins of their ancestors. They created a popular jingle:
"The parents have eaten sour grapes,
and the children's teeth are set on edge."
Ezekiel quotes this same jingle in Ezekiel 18:2. But Yahweh through both Jeremiah and Ezekiel responds by declaring that each person is responsible for his own sins, not for the sins of his ancestors or parent or grandparents, etc. 31:29-20.

Essentially, these three oracles contain other hope oracles or promises of Yahweh already discussed in previous hope oracles. Jeremiah is using fresh metaphors and figures, but his message is the same.

Our God is ultimately a God of HOPE. He punishes people when they sin, but his purpose is not to destroy people, but to discipline them and bring them to repentance.

Share YOUR thoughts and aspirations with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lying, Deceit, Dishonesty, Trickery, Hypocrisy--Part III

2011-05-31T09:20:00.001-07:00

Dishonesty affects all aspects of life. This blog briefly calls attention to dishonesty which permeates and pervades POLITICS on all levels. Webster's Dictionary defines "Politics" in this way:
"1. The science and art of government; political science.
2. The theory of practice or managing affairs of public policy or of political parties; hence, political affairs, principles, or the like; in a bad sense, dishonest management to secure the success of political candidates or parties.
3. Political affairs viewed as a profession, interest, or the like; as to enter politics."
Thus, "politics" is not necessarily a dishonest or sinful practice. Like all other aspects of life, this depends entirely on the person, the heart, the community, the state, the nation, the church.

Biblical composers, speakers, and writers often address the problem of dishonest practices in politics. In this blog, one can only touch the tip of the iceberg of political dishonesty. Here are only a few observations.

1. The influential people among God's people [the leaders] in the time of Jeremiah were the PROPHETS, PRIESTS, AND PRINCES. [See Jeremiah 1:18; 2:26; 5:31; 6:13; 8:1; 13:13; 14:18; 23:11, 33-34; 26:7-8, 16; 19:1, 25-26; 32:32]. They used their positions to gain what they desired, not what Yahweh commanded and taught. A striking description of their practices appears in Jeremiah 14:18: "Both prophet and priest PLY THEIR TRADE throughout the land."
Many influential people "work the people" to achieve what THEY desire. They are not concerned about helping innocent, needy people or pleasing God. This is a self-centered profession.

2. Jesus frequently confronted alleged "religious leaders" because of their dishonest practices. A well-known example appears in Matthew 23:2-12:
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses's seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; BUT DO NOT DO AS THEY DO, FOR THEY DO NOT PRACTICE WHAT THEY TEACH. They tie up heavy burdens, hardto bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds TO BE SEEN BY OTHERS; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. THEY LOVE TO HAVE THE PLACE OF HONOR AT BANQUETS AND THE BEST SEATS IN THE SYNAGOGUES, AND TO BE GREETED WITH RESPECT IN THE MARKETPLACES, AND TO HAVE PEOPLE CALL THEM RABBI. But you are not called to called rabbi, for you have one teacher [God], and you are ALL students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father--the one in heaven. Nor are you be called instructors, for you have one instructor--the Messiah. The greates among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted."
One does not have to look very far to see that this very thing occurs all the time in the church, in universities, in communities, in states, in nations. This is a daily human heart problem. There is an epidemic abroad.

3. One of thousands of examples is the news about the resignation of Jim Tressel as coach of Ohio State University. The pressure was too much for him. He yielded to numerous practices of dishonesty--call it violations from a tattoo-parlor scandal that sullied the image of one ofthe country's top football programs, lying to the NCAA and then covering it up, etc. We can point the finger of dishonesty at Tressel, but in reality this sort of thing happens all the time--very unfortunately.

4. Sadly, the general American population assumes that most, if not all, politicians are or will soon be dishonest. One thinks of President Richard Nixon, or President Bill Clinton, or Governor Arnold Schwarzeneger, or David, or Solomon, of Judas.

5. A classical example of dishonesty is Pontius Pilate. Matthew 27:11-26 reports that the chief priests and elders of the Jews made accusations against Jesus. Jesus gave no response. At the annual festival, it was customary for Pilate to release a prisoner from the crowd. The chief priests and elders PERSUADED the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to crucify Jesus. "When Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that the riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, 'I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." The crowd demanded that Pilate have Jesus crucified, and Pilate agreed.
Just because Pilate "washed his hands" does not mean he was not guilty of dishonesty and agreeing to the death of Jesus on the cross.
People in high positions [political and religious alike] have yielded to the pressure of "the crowd," fears, money to be dishonest and portray themselves to act in one way when they should have trusted in God and done the right thing.

History shows that his epidemic of dishonesty will not stop. May God help raise up at least some honest people to do the right thing even when the crowd and the money and the opponents SEEM to be inviolable. BELIEVE that God will prevail; HE ALONE is actually in control of all life--including ALL HUMAN LIFE.

Share YOUR intentions and dreams with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

How the New Testament uses the Old Testament--Part II

2011-05-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

In the previous blog working through the Book of Jeremiah, there was an attempt to sketch FOUR ways in which the New Testament uses Old Testament passages to emphasize the PROBLEM about HOW the New Testament uses the Old Testament. As a brief reminder, here are the four categories:
1. Some Old Testament passages refer to the PAST
2. Some Old Testament passages refer to the PRESENT
3. Some Old Testament passages refer to the FUTURE but are accomplished or fulfilled in Old Testament times
4. Several New Testament passages refer to a single Old Testament text with different applications.

Through many centuries, thinkers and scholars have tried to arrive at a SOLUTION to this problem. Different writers have proposed AT LEAST ELEVEN SOLUTIONS, that is, eleven ways of understanding How the New Testament uses the Old Testament. It would take a lifetime for a person to deal with all the texts involved. This blog briefly sketches these eleven possible solutions.

1. Distortion or Misrepresentation or Misunderstanding. In 1936, A. Vis wrote a book argued that New Testament speakers and writers deliberated distorted the meanings of Old Testament passages to defend the emerging movement of Christianity. [Most scholars reject this understand. It rests on the assumption that ancient thinkers reason the same way modern thinkers reason].

2. Literal Fulfillment. In 1906, C. A. Briggs argued that Psalm 2:7 is a literal direct prediction of the coming of Christ in Hebrews 1:5. [Most scholars reject this understanding. A careful study of the context of Psalm 2:7 shows this pertains to an Israelite king, perhaps David, not Jesus Christ].

3. Testimony Book containing Messianic Texts. In 1916, 1920, J. R. Harris suggested that the early church used a pre-canonical Testimony Book containing Messianic Texts lifted out of context from the Old Testament and strung together in combination. Harris pointed out that the large majority of Old Testament passages quoted in the New Testament are from Isaiah and Psalms. [Of course, there is no external evidence of the existence of a Testimony Book].

4. Allegory. Paul uses Genesis 16 and 21 allegorically in Galatians 4:21-5:1. In
1962, L. Mowry pointed out that Paul's statement that Hagar is Mount Sinai and Sarah is the Jerusalem above, and that the child of Hagar whom Sarah drove out is the Old Covenant does not appear in Genesis. Paul clearly uses these Old Testament passages allegorically, as Paul himself SAYS in Galatians 4:24. [Hence, it is quite clear that New Testament composers and writers used the Old Testament allegorically].

5. Three Levels of a text. In 1956, S. H. Hooke suggested that the New Testament use of the Old Testament may be explained by recognizing "Three Levels" in a Biblical Text: (1) historical event; (2) interpretation; (3) divine activity. [Obviously, this is an ingenious explanation, but without solid foundation. Certainly, this is POSSIBLE, but doubtful].

6. Double Reference or Double Fulfillment. In 1896, F. Johnson asserted that many passages in the Old Testament contain a "Double Reference": one to an event in Israelite and Judean times, and another to an event in Christian times. [Obviously, New Testament passages quote Old Testament texts, but this certainly does NOT DEMONSTRATE that a certain Old Testament text MEANS the same thing in the Old Testament passage and in the New Testament passage quoted there. In each case, one must honor the meaning and context of each passage].

7. Compenetration. In 1915, 1946, C. A. Lattey asserts that New Testament passages correlate with Old Testament texts when they Quote or Mention Old Testament texts by the principle of "compenetration." By "compenetration," Lattey means that Old Testament texts extended beyond their present meaning and context, and thus New Testament thinkers and writers may add new ideas to the original intended contextual meaning.

8. Sensus plenior. In 1955, 1968, Raymond E. Brown argued that New Testament Quotations of and References to Old Testament texts often reveal a "More-than-literal" or "Fuller Sense" of those texts. Brown used the term Sensus plenior, the Latin expression "Fuller Sense." He thought of each text as being on TWO LEVELS: the earthly human context [like Hosea 11:1] and the heavenly divine context [like Matthew 2:15]. Brown was a leading Roman Catholic scholar, and addressed the obvious problem with: How can one KNOW that and when an Old Testament text ALSO applies to Christ or the Church. Brown had an answer: There are two criteria.
a. If the New Testament quotes or refers to the Old Testament concerning Christ or the Church, the texts under consideration contain a fuller sense of scripture.
b. If ex cathedra Roman Catholic bishops or popes or influential leaders of the church, the texts under consideration contain a fuller sense of scripture.
[Note: There are many Old Testament texts which the New Testament never quotes, but modern people assume Old Testament texts are predictions or references to the New Testament. This is an assumption].

9. Accommodation. In 1857, Albert Barnes argued that New Testament writers "accommodated" their method of using the Old Testament to their contemporaries. ["Accommodation" is an interesting word. What does this really mean? Does this mean: Reapplication?]

10. Typological. Paul openly says that he uses the Old Testament "Typically" or "Typologically." He actually uses the Greek word "tupos," type, in 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11; and Peter uses the Greek word "antitupon," antitype in 1 Peter 3:21. Several English translations render this word "example." A good term for this idea in modern times is "parallel." The idea is that the event related in the Old Testament is parallel to the New Testament. In 1936, L. Goppelt; and in 1976, D. L. Baker wrote entire books on this concept, which would be helpful to interested readers.

11. Midrash and Pesher. It is well established that Jewish Rabbis used the Midrash Method to apply to the Old Testament, and that the Covenanters at Qumran [Dead Sea Scrolls] used the Pesher Method to apply to the Old Testament. An interesting example is that in the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Qumran Community argued that the line "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord" in Isaiah 40:3 applies to their members, "The Children of Light" were the ones preparing the way of the Lord by overthrowing the Jewish priests in Jerusalem. Paul received his PhD in Jerusalem under the Rabbi Gamaliel. There can be no doubt that Paul learned the Midrash Method of using the Old Testament, and in several passages it is quite clear that Paul is using the Old Testament in this way. Excellent studies on Midrash and Pesher have been written by C. H. Toy in 1884; S. Kistemaker in 1961; and D. Cohn-Sherbok in
1982.

For further study, one might want to read:

E. Earle Ellis, Prophecy and Hermeneutic in Early Christianity. Grand Rapid: Eerdmans, 1978, pages 147-236.

Donald Juel, Messianic Exegesis: Christological Interpretation of the Old Testament in Early Christianity. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.

D. A. Carson and H. G. M. Williamson, editors. It is Written: Scripture Citing Scripture. Essays in Honour of Barnabas Lindars. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1988.

There are numerous articles and books about this issue. The study of this one issue is overwhelming. I hope some of the ideas suggested above will be helpful as we continue to study and think about and pray about the Bible. This prepares us for considering Jeremiah 31:15following in the next blogs.

Share YOUR insights and aspirations with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lying, Deceit, Dishonesty, Trickery, Hypocrisy--Part II

2011-05-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

As we continue our thoughts about the importance of SPEECH, we turn now to another aspect of dishonesty: EDUCATION. Personally, I have been deeply involved in professional education for over 55 years, so I know from the inside out many of the problems which emerge in dishonesty in education. It would not be helpful or uplifting to enumerate specific situations which I know personally about educational dishonesty, but there aree several areas which call for discussion and consideration and [hopefully] change or spiritual transformation.

Introductory biblical texts might heighten the issue.

Jeremiah 8:8:
"How can you say, 'We are wise,
and the law of the Lord is with us,'
when, in fact, the FALSE pen of the scribes
has made it into a LIE?"

Psalm 52:1-4:
"Why do you boast, O mighty one,
or mischief done against the godly?
All day long you are plotting destruction.
Your tongue is like a sharp razor,
you worker of TREACHERY.
You love evil more than good,
and LYING more than speaking the truth.
You love all words that devour,
O DECEITFUL tongue."

Kenneth T. Aitken writes: "As the saying has said, 'A lie has no legs.' The lie told to save face, to get oneself out of trouble, or to gain some small advantage, as well as the web of deceit spun by the practised and fluent liar, have no substance in reality, and sooner or later the liar will be found out. Truth must out, for it alone 'endures.'" (The Daily Study Bible Series on Proverbs, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1986, page 135).

Here are some areas for serious consideration:

*The American educational system is driven by exorbitant money, prestige, alluring and enticing jobs, a targeted pool of wealthy philanthropists, promising elderly people who own large estates, and multimillionaires and multimillion companies, published books and articles. These drives may be wholesome in some cases, but in many cases, the temptations to be dishonest are too overbearing. Here are two current types of situations under this category.

1. A rising teacher or professor is under constant stress to publish books and articles. Many people cannot tolerate this pressure. A teacher or professor may mistreat, ignore, or incorrectly evaluate his or her students' work and grades. He or she may plagiarize the work of another person. One of my former students became a professor in an esteemed university. At one point he or she published an article in a highly respected journal. Later, a perceptive scholar detected that work and recognized this was essentially the same article which another scholar had published a few years earlier. The university confronted and dismissed that professor. This sort of thing occurs far too often.

2. The practice of raising money for universities leads to favoring individuals or companies who have large amounts of wealth. This is certainly acceptable and honorable as long as this is honest. However, there is a tremendous temptation to present the standards and beliefs and practices of a university which are not really true. When I became a professor, I signed a contract to do certain things. One is that I will be in chapel every day five days a week. Until this day, I am present in chapel every day unless I am sick or away in another city assigned there to serve my university. There are those who do not honor certain portions of a contract.

*Among students, cheating is a widespread practice. This applies to term papers, quizzes, exams, projects, and the like. Agencies use various ways to advertise the opportunity of students to write their articles and books to get money.

It is not worth the time and money to BUY education. Education is HARD WORK. One cannot avoid this reality. When a person yields to the temptation to be dishonest in LEARNING, this hurts that person and everyone around. Just one thought. I would be horrified to find that my doctor is dishonest. He or she holds my life in his or her hand. It is HARD WORK to become a doctor.

Share YOUR dreams and ideas with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

How the New Testament uses the Old Testament

2011-05-28T14:13:00.001-07:00

As promised, the next two blogs with attempt to deal with the question: How does the New Testament use the Old Testament? This question is not related to the biblical message of the entire Bible. Essentially, the message of the Old and New Testaments is the same. But the WAY the New Testament uses the Old Testament is a unique question BECAUSE Jesus, Paul, Peter and all the inspired speakers and composers and writers in New Testament used the Old Testament in a WAY VERY DIFFERENT from the way modern people think and use earlier texts.

For over forty years, I have taught and written about the issue of How the New Testament uses the Old Testament. What appears in the next two blogs is a very brief summary of what I try to do over a rather long period of time. I hope this brief study will be useful and helpful.

In order to understand the question of HOW the New Testament uses the Old Testament, FIRST it is essential to address the PROBLEM. Thus, in this first blog, we will sketch the problem. As we examine different biblical texts, I am counting on YOU to read each text carefully. Below I am using CHARTS to emphasize the PROBLEM. The PROBLEM essentially is this: THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF PASSAGES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WHICH ARE QUOTED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT AND APPLIED TO CHRIST OR THE CHURCH. Here we will look briefly at each of these four types of passages.

1. Passages in which the Old Testament context refers to PAST TIME [NOT a prediction of the future at all, much less the New Testament]. One example is Hosea 11:1, which Matthew 2:15 quotes and applies to Christ. The chart below emphasizes that the specific person or event under consideration differs in these two texts.

In Hosea 11:1 In Matthew 2:15

Father--God God
Son-----Israel Jesus
Event---Exodus from Egypt Jesus' return from Egypt after Herod's death

2. Passages in which the Old Testament context refers to PRESENT TIME [NOT a prediction of the future at all, much less the New Testament]. One example is Isaiah 8:18, which Hebrews 2:13 quotes and applies to Christ.

In Isaiah 8:18 In Hebrews 2:13

"I"-------------Isaiah Jesus
The "children"--Shear-jashub, Christians
Immanu-el,
Maher-shalal-hash-baz
Meaning---------Isaiah's children ARE (in Jesus and Christians are "brothers
Isaiah's day) "signs and and sisters"
portents" in Israel that
Isaiah's predictions will
come true

3. Passages which are GENUINE PREDICTIONS in the Old Testament context, but are ALREADY FULFILLED or ACCOMPLISHED in Old Testament times. One example is 2 Samuel 7:14, which Hebrews 1:5 quotes and applies to Christ.

In 2 Samuel 7:14 In Hebrews 1:5

Father------God God
Son---------Solomon, as proved by Jesus
1 Chronicles 22:6-10; 28:3-6
Meaning-----The Davidic dynasty will Jesus took the heavenly throne after he
continue even when Solomon sins ascended into heaven

4. Old Testament passages which are quoted and applied to MORE THAN ONE NEW TESTAMENT SITUATION. One example is Isaiah 6:9-10.

Situation #1: Matthew 13:13-15 uses Isaiah 6:9-10 to explain why Jesus spoke in
parables
Situation #2: John 12:40 uses Isaiah 6:9-10 to explain why the Jews did not
believe in Jesus
Situation #3: Acts 28:26-27 uses Isaiah 6;9-10 to rebuke the Jews who heard Paul
preach Christ in Rome for not accepting Jesus as Christ

Obviously, New Testament composers, speakers, writers used the Old Testament in a wide variety of ways. For many people, this is a very disturbing set of issues when one seriously compares each of these texts. In the next blog as we work through the study of the Book of Jeremiah, we will briefly discuss various explanations of HOW the New Testament uses the Old Testament.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Lying, Deceit, Dishonesty, Trickery, Hypocrisy--Part I

2011-05-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Throughout history, dishonesty has been a WAY OF LIFE by all human beings. Subconsciously, we accept this behavior as normal. Each of us feels compelled to be dishonest, to be fraud, to lie, to trick other people, to be hypocritical. Dishonesty is a daily part of speech. This is a VERY SERIOUS HEART PROBLEM. There are many motivations to be dishonest:
Fear Peer pressure Imitation of parents and associates
Strong desire to succeed Inferiority Achievement of a "higher goal"
The motivations go on and on. In the next few blogs, we will deal very briefly with some biblical insights about dishonesty. After doing this, there is still much more to consider and pray.

First, let us consider dishonesty in dealing with close friends and the general community.

Proverbs 6:16-19 enumerates SEVEN abominations to Yahweh. TWO of these SEVEN abominations are dishonesty.

"There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are abomination to him;
haughty eyes, A LYING TONGUE,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that hurry to run to evil,
A LYING WITNESS WHO TESTIFIES FALSELY,
and one who sows discord in a family."

Genesis 25:24-26 report the account of the births of the twins, Esau and Jacob.
"When her [Rebekah's] time to give birth was a hand, there were twins in her womb. The first came out RED, all his body like a HAIRY mantle; so they named him Esau. Afterward his brother came out, WITH HIS HAND GRIPPING ESAU'S HEEL; so he was name Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them."
These are powerful, meaningful word plays or puns in Hebrew. Esau is a Hebrew word which sounds orally similar to the Hebrew word for "hairy." So, the first little boy of Isaac and Rebekah was "LITTLE HAIRY." Jacob is a Hebrew word which means "supplant," that is, take what rightfully belongs to someone else. So, the second little boy of Isaac and Rebekah was "LITTLE SUPPLANTER, LITTLE TRICKSTER, LITTLE DECEIVER, LITTLE DISHONEST ONE."

Through human history, the term JACOB is inseparable from the chosen people of God. What a travesty!!! What a tragedy!!! The people of God are destined to be cheaters, deceivers, tricksters, dishonesty people. And they certainly were and are. Unfortunately, the same is true of all of us.

The story of Jacob is all about deceit, dishonesty. Jacob stole Esau's birthright by subtlety. Genesis 25:29-34. Jacob stole Esau's blessing from his old blind father Isaac by subtlety. Genesis 27:1-40.

Hosea denounced God's people in North Israel for their deceit and dishonesty. He compared them with Jacob in Genesis 25 and 27. He declares:
"A trader, in whose hands are FALSE balances,
he loves to oppress." (Hosea 12:3-4, 7).

Jeremiah reproves the people of Judah with these words:
"O that I had in the desert
a traveler's lodging place,
that I might leave my people
and go away from them!
For they are all adulterers,
a band of traitors.
They bend their TONGUES with bows;
they have grown strong in the land for FALSEHOOD, and not for truth;
for they proceed from evil to evil,
and they do not know me, says the Lord.
Beware of your neighbors,
and put no trust in any of your kin;
for all your kin are SUPPLANTERS [LITTLE JACOBS],
and everyone goes around like a slanderer.
They all DECEIVE their neighbors,
and no one SPEAKS the truth;
they have taught their TONGUES to speak LIES;
they commit iniquity and are too weary to repent.
Oppression upon oppression,
DECEIT UPON DECEIT!
They refuse to know me, says the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:2-6).

Lying to, being deceitful to, being dishonesty to a friend is one of the most devastating, hurtful experiences in life. Let us all change our hearts and be genuine.

Share YOUR thoughts and dreams with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

I have loved you with an everlasting love--Jeremiah 30:18-31:14

2011-05-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

As we continue our journey through Jeremiah, in the hope oracles in Jeremiah 30-33, Jeremiah 30:18-31:14 relate three hope oracles. The ideas in this section are quite similar to the ideas in Jeremiah 30:1-17. [Consult the previous blog on the Book of Jeremiah]. Note that these hope oracles describe Yahweh as "father" and "shepherd."

I. Yahweh will restore the fortunes of his exiled people. Jeremiah 30:18-22.
a. Yahweh promises he will restore the fortunes of Jacob=Israel, have compassion on his dwellings, rebuild the city [probably Jerusalem], and set the citadel on its rightful site. God's people will be thankful and joyful. 30:18-19.
b. Yahweh will also punish all who oppress his people, and establish a "prince" or "ruler" among God's people. This prince or ruler is probably Zerubbabel. The penitent exiles will be God's people, and they will be their God. 30:20-22.

II. Yahweh promises he will restore the exiles to the land of Canaan. Jeremiah 30:23-31:9.
a. Like several other hope oracles, this oracle begins with a doom announcement. "The storm of the Lord" is approaching, a declaration which originally occurred shortly before the fall of Judah in 587 BCE. 30:23-24 is identical with 23:19-20. There are many doublets throughout the Book of Jeremiah. Yahweh's "wrath," Yahweh's "fierce anger" will take place UNTIL Yahweh has carried out his purposes. "In the latter days," a common term in the Hebrew Bible for the unknown future, the readers will understand what Yahweh is doing. 30:23-24.
b. "At that time," Yahweh will re-unite all his people and they shall be Yahweh's people. See 30:22. Those who have survived the "sword" of the Babylonians have found "grace." Prior to this, the people felt Yahweh was "far away." But Yahweh reassures them:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."
The fundamental message of the Hebrew Bible, in fact, the entire Bible, is God's steadfast love and faithfulness. 31:1-3.
c. Yahweh announces to the Judean exiles in Babylon that he will BUILD his people, make them merry, they shall PLANT vineyards on the mountains of Samaria, and sentinels or watchmen will call everyone to go up to Zion, to Yahweh. 31:4-6.
d. Yahweh through Jeremiah to call on his hearers: "Save, O Yahweh, the remnant of Israel." Yahweh promises that he will bring his penitent people "from the land of the north"=Babylon [see Jeremiah 1:13-16; 25:8-9]: the blind and the lame, women who are about to give birth to children, to return to the land of Canaan. Yahweh will let them walk by brooks of water in a straight path, because Yahweh is their FATHER to Israel, and Ephraim=Israel is Yahweh's firstborn. A common metaphor of God throughout the Hebrew Bible is "father." See Exodus 4:21-23; Psalm 103:13. 31:7-9.

III. Yahweh summons the nations to declare that Yahweh is about to gather his scattered people from foreign nations to be reunited in the land of Canaan. Jeremiah 31:10-14.
a. Jeremiah summons the nations to hear Yahweh's message. Yahweh had formerly "scattered Israel" because of her sins. But now, Yahweh will "gather" Israel "as a SHEPHERD [gathers] a flock" of sheep. 31:10.
b. Yahweh has "ransomed," "redeemed" Jacob=Israel from the Babylonians, who were too strong for God's people. Consequently, God's people will come and rejoice over Zion because of God's blessings of "the grain, the wine, and the oil," the three common terms for plenty (see for example, Hosea 2:8; Joel 1:10; 2:19, 24; Haggai 1:11. Young men and women will rejoice. Yahweh will give the priests his blessings and will satisfy Yahweh's bounty. 31:11-14.

The promises of these hope oracles are the same as those announced in Jeremiah
30:1-17. As already announced, in the next two blogs on Jeremiah, we will discuss the question of How the New Testament uses the Old Testament in preparation for studying the rest of Jeremiah 31 [namely 31:15-40].

Share YOUR aspirations and thoughts with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Yahweh will overthrow Babylon, bring North Israel and Judah back to Canaan, and Heal his wounded people--Jeremiah 30:1-17

2011-05-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

The first two hope oracles in Jeremiah 30-33 include four of the six promises briefly summarized in the previous blog in the study of the Book of Jeremiah. These two hope oracles appear in Jeremiah 30:1-17.

I. Introduction of Jeremiah 30-33. Jeremiah 30:1-3.
a. Yahweh commands Jeremiah to WRITE IN A BOOK all the words Yahweh had spoken to Jeremiah [originally orally]. This BOOK is Jeremiah 30-33. 30:1-2.
b. Yahweh declares to Jeremiah that "the days are surely coming" that Yahweh will accomplish many things in behalf of his people who are now living in Babylon.
First, Yahweh declares that he "will restore the fortunes of Yahweh's people ISRAEL AND JUDAH." [Note the emphasis on the unity of North Israel and Judah in
30:3, 4, 7, 10. After North Israel fell to the Assyrians in 721 BCE, several spokespersons of Yahweh announced that Yahweh will re-unite North Israel and South Judah into Yahweh's original united people. Hezekiah coordinated a great passover in Jerusalem to unify North Israelites and South Judeans in ca. 700 BCE--2 Chronicles
30, especially verses 1, 5-6, 10-12, 18, 21, 25. Seventy to ninty years later, Josiah again coordinated a great passover in Jerusalem to unify North Israelies and South Judeans in ca. 630-610 BCE--2 Chronicles 35, especially verses 4-5, 12-13, 17-18. Previous blogs have highlighted Yahweh's strong concern for the unification of North Israel and South Judah in earlier chapters in the Book of Jeremiah: see for example Jeremiah 3:6-18; 5:11, 20; 23:13-14.
Second, Yahweh declares he "will bring the Babylonian exiles back to the land of Canaan." This occurred by a series of returns from Babylon to Israel, beginning with Zerubbabel and Joshua and the Jews who rebuilt the Jerusalem temple. See Ezra 2-6; Haggai; Zechariah 1-6. 30:3.

II. Yahweh declares he will overthrow Babylon and raise up a descendant of David to serve God's people. Jeremiah 30:4-11.
a. Like many hope oracles in Jeremiah 30-33, the oracle in 30:4-11 begins as a doom oracle. In Babylon, the Judean exiles were in panic, terror, having no peace, suffering in pain "like a woman in labor," distress. [The expression "like a woman in labor" occurs frequently in the Book of Jeremiah to symbolize the affliction of God's people who were under oppression, destruction, and exile--see 4:31; 6:24;
13:21. Jeremiah borrowed this expression from Micah--See Micah 4:9, 10; 5:3].
30:4-7.
b. Yahweh declares he "will break the yoke from of the neck" of Babylon and "burst his bonds." This clearly refers to the story of the conflict between Jeremiah and Hananiah recorded in Jeremiah 27-28; see especially 28:4, 10-14. The penitent Judean exiles will then serve Yahweh and "David their king." David their king is an anonymous descendant of David, but in this context clearly Zerubbabel. See Zechariah 3; 6:9-15. 30:8-9.
c. Yahweh then reassures the Judean exiles in Babylon that they are to have no fear or be dismayed, because Yahweh is going to SAVE them from far away and their offspring "from the land of their captivity," namely, Babylon. JACOB [North Israel] shall return and have quiet and ease, and no one shall make him afraid. Yahweh promises: "I AM WITH YOU" to SAVE you. Yahweh will indeed punish his people because of their persistent sins, but the time will come that he will "make an end" among all the nations among which Yahweh scattered them. 30:10-11.

III. Yahweh will HEAL his sinful people. Jeremiah 30:12-17.
a. Again, the hope oracle in Jeremiah 30-12-17 begins as if it were a doom oracle. As THE GREAT PHYSICIAN, Yahweh examines Israel and declares her hurt is INCURABLE, her wound is GRIEVOUS; there is NO MEDICINE for her wound, NO HEALING for her. Her situation is hopeless, because her guilt is great, her sins are numerous. All her LOVERS [the Baals, foreign nations] have abandoned God's people and care nothing for God's people. The reason God's people is suffering is that YAHWEH HIMSELF has "dealt him the blow of an enemy, the punishment of a merciless foe." 30:12-15.
b. Suddenly, surprising, Yahweh changes his message. Yahweh will DEVOUR those who now devour God's people, all his foes will go into captivity, will PLUNDER those who plunder God's people, and will MAKE A PREY who had treated God's people as a prey. God's people had been an OUTCAST whose opponents declared: "It is Zion; no one cares for her!"; but NOW, Yahweh will RESTORE HEALTH to his people and HEAL his people. 30:16-17.

Briefly summarizing these FOUR HOPES are:
1. Yahweh will overthrow Babylon.
2. Yahweh will bring the Judean exiles from Babylon back to the land of Canaan.
3. Yahweh will raise up an anonymous descendant of David to support his people.
4. Yahweh will heal his penitent sinful people.

Yahweh is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving transgression, iniquity, and sin. All of us are recipients of God's steadfast love.

Share YOUR insights and aspirations with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Humor

2011-05-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

A very important aspect of speech is humor. Of course, some humor is inappropriate. At the same time, humor is the very best approach to communicate great truths about God and human beings. Here are a few contemporary humorous statements of Robert Frost, followed by a few paragraphs from the Bible in which Jesus and others used human very effectively.

1. Robert Frost: "A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age."

"A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer."

"A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel."

"A poet never takes notes. You never takes notes in a love affair."

"Education is hanging around until you've caught on."

2. Jesus: Matthew 7:1-5:
"Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Whyh do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in yhour own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye. Your hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye."
The original audience that heard this paragraph could not keep from bursting out in laughter. A huge log protruding out of a person's eye would look hilarious. And to think that a person who had such a log protruding from his eye trying to examine the eye of someone else who had a tiny speck in his eye is preposterous. What a powerful, memorable message for all of us. It is so easy to see the faults of others, and ignore our own faults.

Mark 10:23-27:
"Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.!' And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, 'Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.' They were greatly astounded and said to one another, 'Then who can be saved?' Jesus looked at them and said, 'For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."
When this audience originally heard the thought of a camel going through the eye of a needle would undoubtedly have rolled on the ground erupting with belly laughs. [By the way, a "needle" was a very small bone needle, not a small gate on the walls of Jerusalem. Such a thing just does not exist, and never has!!!]. What a powerful, relevant, memorable message. It is IMPOSSIBLE for rich people to enter into the kingdom of God, but God by his mercy and grace enables such people to do so.

3. Other texts.
Genesis 18:10-14:
"[Yahweh] said, 'I will surely return to you [Abraham] in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.' And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah LAUGHED TO HERSELF, saying, 'After I ahve grown old, shall I have pleasure?' The Lord said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah LAUGH, and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.' But Sarah denied, saying, 'I did not LAUGH'; for she was afraid. He said, Oh yes, you did LAUGH.'"
Often in the Bible, the composer, speaker, writer uses a word-play or pun to communicate an important memorable truth. The composer of Genesis 17:15-22; 18:9-14; 21:1-7 emphasize the importance of humor, of laughter. Abraham and Sarah LAUGHED in unbelief over God's promise that He would give them a son in their old age. Yahweh responded by naming this child ISAAC, the Hebrew word for LAUGH. Isaac is "little laughing boy," so that everyone would remember that God gave Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age--to emphasize that God can do anything.

Psalms 2:4; 59:8.
"He who sits in the heavens LAUGHS;
the Lord has them in derision."

"But you LAUGH at them, O Lord;
you hold all the nations in derision."

Often, powerful nations and people rise up against God as if they could successfully resist and overpower the creator of the universe. Biblical composers reply that our God who lives in heaven LAUGHS at the very idea that human beings could resist him. This is rich humor: "You have to be kidding!!!" "You are out of your minds!!!" How foolish it is for human beings [individually or collectively] to oppose our creator successfully.

As YOU study and meditate on the Bible and on life, be sensitive of the importance of humor, of various types of laughter. This is a powerful communication of speech.

Share YOUR ideas and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

An Overview of Hope Oracles in Jeremiah 30-33

2011-05-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 30-33 contain several hope oracles, designed to encourage the Jewish exiles in Babylon to trust in Yahweh and look forward to the day Yahweh will bring back his people from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah. Even though the Book of Jeremiah never refers to the prophet Ezekiel, it is obvious that Ezekiel was among the people to whom Jeremiah sent this message. There are numerous similarities between the hopes of Jeremiah and the hopes of Ezekiel recorded in Ezekiel 33-48. Before dealing with each of these oracles, it may be helpful to observe several thoughts and concepts in these chapters.

1. The theme of Jeremiah 30-33 is clearly: "I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel and Judah"--Jeremiah 30:3, 18; 31:23; 32:44; 33:7, 11, 26. Jeremiah had already announced this theme in his letter to the Judean exiles with Jehoiachin in Jeremiah 29:14. As we deal with each oracle, we need to remember that the theme throughout is that Yahweh will restore the fortune of his people.

2. Every oracle is a hope oracle. However, many of these oracles begin with a picture of doom. This is very important because this rhetorical device puts in bold contrast the present situation of God's people and the future situation of God's people. God is about to CHANGE the entire situation of God's people in Babylonian exile.

3. Jeremiah 30-33 present SIX hopes of the people of God for the future. Here is a brief outline of these hopes:
a. God will overthrow Babylon and bring his faithful people of North Israel and Judah back to the land of Israel. 30:3, 8, 11 and several times.
b. God will heal the spiritual wound of God's people. 30:12-17.
c. God will raise up a descendant of David to be the earthly ruler under Yahweh, and descendants of the levitical priests. 30:9, 21; 33:14-26 and several times. Initially this was undoubtedly Zerubbabel and Joshua--see Haggai; Zechariah 1-6.
d. God will change the mourning and sorrow over the losses of Judah into dancing and joy. 31:13-22 and several times.
e. God will resinstate the marital covenant between Yahweh and his wives North Israel and Judah. 31:31-34; 32:36-41.
f. God will rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. 33:1-11.
Jeremiah 30-33 repeat these six hopes in various ways. There is much repetition of these ideas, but in various forms.

4. There are many themes in Jeremiah 30-33 which appear elsewhere in the Book of Jeremiah. Watch for these connections.

5. The New Testament quotes and refers to Jeremiah 30-33, and applies them to Jesus Christ and the church. When we arrive at the study of Jeremiah 31:15-22, we will address the question of HOW THE NEW TESTAMENT USES THE OLD TESTAMENT. The New Testament reveals HOW its composers, speakers, and writes use the Old Testament. This "side study" may be helpful.

6. For emphasis, Jeremiah is concerned with BOTH NORTH ISRAEL AND JUDAH, NOT Judah alone. God is concerned for ALL his people, not merely those in the south. The Bible opens eyes to rethinking the message of God.

Share YOUR dreams and aspirations with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Nehushtan

2011-05-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Our pulpit minister, Jonathan Storment, has just finished a series through the Book of Acts. The church at Highland is highly motivated by this series. Everyone should experience these deeply biblical, current lessons for God's people.

In a recent sermon, Jonathan discussed the shipwreck on the Mediterranean Sea and the landing at the island of Malta. While Paul was on Malta, a viper fastened itself on Paul's hand. The natives assumed Paul would die, but Paul shook off the viper, and later God healed the father of the leading man of the island, Publius, and many people on the island. Among other important truths, Jonathan pointed out:
1. Paul would never have been on Malta if he had not appealed to Caesar and experienced a shipwreck on the Mediterranean Sea. God brought Paul there in a surprising, marvelous way to influence ungodly people to turn to Jesus Christ.
2. God is superior to snakes, or any other creature, because God is the creator of all that is.
3. True people of God are daily willing to make risks in trust of God.
Following the biblical teaching of using symbolic acts, Jonathan had Joy Harsh to bring a snake before the whole church. This was a memorable experience. Many children came up to see and feel this snake. They will never remember this biblical account and Jonathan's message.

This story reminds me of the story of the Israelites in the wilderness when they complained because they had no food or water. In response, Yahweh sent poisonous serpents or snakes among the people, and they died. They came to Moses, and begged him to pray to Yahweh. Moses did this, and Yahweh told Moses to make a serpent of bronze and put it one a pole. If the people would look on this pole, God would heal them. The Hebrew word in this story for both "serpent" or "snake" and "bronze" is nahash. Numbers 21:4-9.

From this time ca. 1250 BCE to the time of King Hezekiah of Judah ca. 700 BCE, the people of Israel made offerings to this brazen pole as an act of worship. Hezekiah finally broke this pole in pieces. On the basis of the Hebrew word nahash, the people called this pole Nehushtan. 2 Kings 18:4.

Remember that Satan is a biblical symbol of a serpent or a snake. Genesis 3:1-14. Throughout scripture, different biblical composers use a serpent or snake metaphorically in various ways. See for example, Genesis 49:17; Pslams 58:4; 140:3; Proverbs 23:32; 30:19; Isaiah 14:29; 27:1; 65:25; Jeremiah 46:22; Micah 7:17. The New Testament also refers to snakes for various reasons. See Matthew 7:7-11; 10:16
I hope YOU get to hear Jonathan Storment's sermons through the Book of Acts. The message given there will change YOUR heart and life.

Share YOUR thoughts and insights with others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis

Jeremiah's Conflict with Shemaiah--Jeremiah's Letter to the Judean Exiles in Babylon--Jeremiah 29

2011-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

The third conflict of Jeremiah is his conflict with Shemaiah, related in Jeremiah
29. This chapter contains Jeremiah's letter and two responses. Thus Jeremiah 29 falls into three paragraphs.

I. Jeremiah sends a letter to the Judean exiles under Jehoiachin, assuring them that Yahweh will bring back the faithful remnant of Judah to the land of Israel after seventy years. Jeremiah 29:1-23.
a. The composer of the Book of Jeremiah explains that Jeremiah sent a letter from Jerusalem to the Judean exiles in Babylon under king Jehoiachin, which occurred a little later than 598 or 597 BCE. Elasah and Gemariah carried this letter under the instruction of King Zedekiah of Judah. 29:1-3. [Note that the accounts of Jeremiah's conflicts in Jeremiah 26-28 date respectively from 609-605 BCE for chapter 26, and 594 BCE for chapters 27-28, as outlined in previous blogs].
b. Jeremiah's message to the exiles is as follows:
*Build houses, plant gardens, marry, and multiply in Babylon. 29:4-6.
*Seek the welfare of the Babylonians. Support and encourage and help the Babylonians where you are now living. Pray to the Lord in behalf of the Babylonians. In these ways, Yahweh will bless you. 29:7.
*Do not listen to or accept the messages of the false prophets of Judah living in Babylon, because their messages are lies. 29:8-9.
*You Judean exiles must live in Babylon for 70 years, as I have already announced [see 25:11-12]. I have great plans for you "to give you a future with hope." If you will follow my instructions, when you pray to me, I will hear you and answer your prayers if you seek me with ALL YOUR HEART. I will RESTORE YOUR FORTUNES and gather you from all the nations and bring you back to Jerusalem and the land of Israel. 29:10-14.
*At the same time, I will bring "sword, famine, and pestilence" on Zedekiah and the Judeans still living in Jerusalem and the land of Judah, who have decided to oppose and rebel against Yahweh's instructions and guidance, and reject the messages of Yahweh's "servants the prophets."I will make them like "rotten figs"--a reference to Jeremiah 24:1-10. 29:15-20.
*Now, specifically, Yahweh through Jeremiah announces that he will deliver the false prophets Ahab and Zedekiah into the hands of Nebuchadrezzar and the Babylonians and kill them as an example for all the people of Judah. Ahab and Zedekiah perpetrated outrage in Israsl, committed adultery with their neighbors' wives, and spoken lying words in the name of Yahweh. 29:21-23.

II. Shemaiah sends a letter back to the priest Zephaniah at the Jerusalem temple, demanding that he rebuke Jeremiah strongly. Jeremiah 29:24-28.
a. Shemaiah reminds Zephaniah that Yahweh had made him priest instead of Jehoiada the priest "to control any madman who plays the prophet, and put him in the stocks and the collar." 29:24-26.
b. So Shemaiah confronts Zephaniah and asks him why he had not rebuked Jeremiah, who declared the Judean exiles would be in Babylon "a long time"=70 years. 29:27-28.

III. Zephaniah reports to Jeremiah the letter of Shemaiah. Yahweh declares through Jeremiah that Yahweh will destroy Shemaiah and his family because he is a false prophet. Jeremiah 29:29-32.
a. When Zephaniah receives Shemaiah's threatening letter, Zephaniah reads this letter in the hearing of Jeremiah. 29:29.
b. Yahweh comes to Jeremiah and tells Jeremiah to send another letter to the Judean exiles in Babylon, declaring that Shemaiah's letter was not from Yahweh. Therefore, Yahweh is going to punish Shemaiah and his descendants because Shemaiah "led the exiles to trust in a lie." 29:30-32.

Yahweh's messages through Jeremiah are certainly not ultimately messages of doom, but messages of hope. But Yahweh will give his people a future with hope in Yahweh's own time. God's people must be patient. It will take God 70 years to accomplish his promises. There is a powerful, relevant message for all of us today. God will ultimately prevail, but he may take many years, decades, centuries to carry out his plans. Let us trust in him daily.

Share YOUR thoughts and dreams to others. Let me hear from YOU.

John Willis