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Thought for January 27th. “THAT WE MAY BE MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED” Jan 27, 2025

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It has been well said that ‘no one lives in a vacuum’ – we all interact with others and have some influence on each other. Most of us live in a close community of fellow believers at least one day each week, may we see this as essential. This is good – this is wonderful. The only time it is not so is when there is discord for some reason – and discord can hurt much more among those who are close to one another and have love for one another, true love will find a way to heal the discord.

This thought sprang from our reading of the first chapter of Romans today. The intensity of Paul’s devotion to God comes over so plainly here: he does not need a fellow believer to testify to this. He writes, “God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you (Roman believers) always in my prayers …” [v.9,10] His devotion to God is also shown outwardly by his attitude to fellow believers- and so is ours!

Paul had never been to Rome, he writes, “I long to see you …. that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith….” So – when we come together – do we talk – and act – in ways which display our faith and our spiritual convictions to one another? Can our coming together be sometimes (often?) too much chit chat about this and that?

Paul declares, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (AV Gentile = anyone who is not a Jew).” He then states, For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” [v. 16,17]

His words are powerful in their simplicity. The word ‘Gospel’ we know means ‘Good News’ – but can we become so familiar with it that we take it for granted” The ‘righteousness of God’ is revealed in it, this is the foundation of our faith – but faith is not something static, is has to become stronger and stronger – or it will wither on the vine.

May we all be among those who live – and grow – by faith and may we “be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” in a way that will increase our devotion to him – and, as we read in Hebrews, by “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” [10 v.25]. Finally, Paul returns to this point later in Romans, in ch.13 from v.11. We read, “…wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand … put on the armour of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime …” [11-13] Part of walking properly is to mutually encourage one another; may we all do that..

Thoughts on the readings for January 26th (Genesis 42, 43 Psalms 46, 47, 48, Matthew 28) Jan 26, 2025

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Thoughts on the readings for January 26th (Genesis 42, 43 Psalms 46, 47, 48, Matthew 28)

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Thoughts on the readings for January 26th (Genesis 42, 43 Psalms 46, 47, 48, Matthew 28) Jan 26, 2025

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Thoughts on the readings for January 26th (Genesis 42, 43 Psalms 46, 47, 48, Matthew 28)

In Genesis 42 we read of Joseph’s 10 brothers being forced by the severe regional famine to go to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph, who was now the Governor in Egypt, spoke roughly to them in order to test them. Joseph did not yet know how events would unfold. The 10 brothers were accused by Joseph of being spies – buy your grain and go, they are told. After being drawn out by Joseph they say that there were originally 12 brothers, and 1 is dead and the youngest remains at home with his father. Part of the trial that the 10 are put through is to endure imprisonment for 3 days (surely Joseph intended to cause them to reflect on their past evil deeds; and to, perhaps, experience some of what had befallen their brother at their hands). Joseph’s action had the desired result and he listened to their self examination (since he used an interpreter to talk with them they failed to perceive that he understood their discussions). They had talked of their guilt over what they had done to Joseph. Simeon is kept bound by the Governor, as the brother who bore the greatest responsibility for what was done. The others were sent home with a warning to not return without their youngest brother. Their money was placed in the mouth of each man’s sack. They discovered this after stopping to feed their animals. They were concerned that God was telling them that what they did to Joseph was being visited on them by the Almighty. When they returned home they told Jacob everything that had happened to them. Their father’s response is to chide them for their loose speech about Benjamin. Jacob also bemoaned his own loss of his two sons, and to say he will never let them take Benjamin when they return to Egypt. Reuben foolishly says to his father to take his two sons as security; and that Reuben will bring Benjamin back with them. He also says that failing that Jacob can kill Reuben’s sons. How carnal was this suggestion. Chapter 43 deals with the brothers’ return to Egypt. Judah takes the lead in encouraging his father to act responsibly for Jacob’s family. Jacob tells his boys to take a present for the Governor of the specialties of the Promised Land – honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio and almond nuts. Finally Jacob invoked the divine blessing upon them. Joseph became emotional on seeing Benjamin, his younger brother. The brothers are invited to dine at the Governor’s house. Suspiciously they tell the steward about the returned money. Don’t worry he said, I got your money; what you found must have come from your God. Simeon was then restored unharmed to his brothers. On his return Joseph enquired of them as to the welfare of his father. He emotionally leaves his brothers to weep privately. Joseph, acting like an Egyptian, sat at a separate table. The brothers were amazed by being seated in order from eldest to youngest. Food was sent from Joseph’s table to their table; with Benjamin’s serving being 5 times that of each of his brothers.

Thoughts on the readings for January 25th (Genesis 41; Psalm 45; Matthew 27) Jan 25, 2025

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In Genesis 41 we have Joseph’s elevation from prison to be the highest ruler in Egypt after Pharaoh. The butler had been restored to Pharaoh’s service so that he might be there at the time of Pharaoh’s double dream. Joseph, however, had to be patient for 3 more years before God would bring him out of the prison house – just as our Lord spent 3 days in the grave and was dependent on His Father to bring him back to life. One troublesome night Pharaoh dreamt two disturbing dreams. The number 7 was a most significant common factor in both dreams. The first was of 7 fat cows being eaten by 7 lean cows, who were no fatter after having eaten the fat cows. The second dream concerned 7 fat ears of wheat being devoured by the 7 withered ears; which ears grew no larger for their efforts. In the morning Pharaoh summoned all his magicians and wise men to try to interpret his disturbing thoughts. They had no idea and it was then the butler remembered Joseph and related the dreams and their accurate interpretation by the young Hebrew house slave. He told Pharaoh and Joseph was shaved and clad in robes befitting one who was to stand before the god-king that Pharaoh claimed to be. Pharaoh told Joseph that he had heard that Joseph was able to interpret dreams. Joseph rightly deflected the disused from himself to the Almighty; who alone would be able to calm the king’s mind. Compare how Daniel virtually repeats Joseph’s words when interpreting to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. The 7s were years. There were to be 7 years where the land would produce plentifully; followed by 7 years of severe famine. After having unfolded the meaning of the doubled dream from Yahweh Joseph gave advice to Pharaoh of a wise plan for storing the surplus. Pharaoh’s response was to declare that it would be difficult to find a wiser advisor than Joseph. Joseph was declared to be the best person for the job and immediately made Prime Minister. Joseph was given splendid robes of office and a golden chain showing his authority over Pharaoh’s people. Joseph’s name was changed to
Zaphenath-Paneah (which meant “the Saviour of the World”). He was given lands in Goshen, where Pharaoh’s priests dwelled, to go with his status. Joseph was also granted Asenath the daughter of Potiphera the priest of On to be his wife. Joseph was 30 years old when all this happened – just as our Lord Jesus Christ was 30 when his ministry began.

Psalm 45 is written be Solomon to celebrate his marriage to the beautiful princess daughter of Pharaoh king of Egypt to himself. Solomon’s marriage becomes typical of the Lord Jesus Christ’s union with the faithful believers. The writer commences the song be declaring that he was writing about a theme which delighted him. The beautiful character of the Lord Jesus Christ was that sweet them (compare John Thomas’ comments about
2 Samuel 23 verses 1; which he says speaks of our Lord as the sweetest theme of Israel’s Psalms). The word “indicting” in verse 1 (AV) signifies “bubbling over with enthusiasm”. In verse 2 the bride speaks of her groom being handsome. She tells of “grace pouring from his lips”
(see Luke 4 verse 22). We are truly “saved by his life”; but, it can equally be said that, we are saved by his words (John6:63).

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Thought for January 24th. “UNTIL THAT DAY WHEN …” Jan 24, 2025

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Our Matthew reading (ch. 26) recounts the agonies of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and his prayers. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.” [v.39]. Jesus made his “will” conform to his Father’s will. And what of our “will”?

Peter was to later write of how Christ, in his commitment to his Father’s will “suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” [1 Pet. 2 v.21]

Before Jesus and his disciples went into the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus directed them to prepare for a Passover meal on “the first day of unleavened bread” (v.17) Then we read, “Now as they were eating Jesus took bread …” – next “he took the cup …” [v.26-27] and spoke of a “covenant … for many for the forgiveness of sins” [v.28] The disciples must have been perplexed at his words, but there is no indication they asked him to explain.

But this takes our minds forward to meditate on the record in Acts 2 and the events on the day of Pentecost and “the breaking of bread” [v.42] that then followed. With what intense meaning would the disciples and all who had just been baptised have taken part! We presume the disciples would earlier have done so after his resurrection and ascension, although there is no record of this – we meditate on the intensity of meaning as they did! How does it compare with ours?

The disciple would also remember that their Master said, after the command to “Drink, all of you” that he then said, “I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”[v.29] This event is beyond our comprehension – just as what was about to happen was beyond theirs.

Could someone like the Apostle Paul grasp the wonder to come? Take note of his words in 1 Corinthians. “ ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him – these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God.” [2 v.9,10]

But for us “until that day when …”- and our faith is turned to sight and the Spirit which is “the powers of the age to come.” [Heb. 6 v.5] is poured out on the faithful who will reign with him – may we be like the Thessalonians whose “faith is growing abundantly” [2 Thess. 1 v.3] to create adequate oil in our lamps as this world becomes an ever darker place.

Thoughts on the readings for January 24th (Genesis 39, 40; Psalm 44; Matthew 26) Jan 24, 2025

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Genesis 39 tells of the Midianites selling Joseph to Potiphar, who was the captain – or “chief” of Pharaoh’s body guard. He was probably a eunuch and therefore although his wife had a high social status in Egyptian society, nevertheless some of her desires could not be met by her husband. Being an intelligent and diligent young man Joseph soon rose to chief servant in the household. He was also an attractive young man, who Potiphar’s wife found most desirable. Joseph was a young man with great integrity, who realised that everything we do Is before the eyes of the LORD; and sin is firstly against Him (regardless of anyone else that might be affected) – Psalm 51:4. And so after frequently resisting her advances he wisely found a strategy to avoid being near her in the absence of others. Finally she trapped him; but Joseph fled after she had pulled his clothes off. Mrs Potiphar now felt scorned and determined to seek revenge. She kept his clothes to support her false story about Joseph’s supposed attempts to seduce her. And when Potiphar came home he was enraged by her word which he chose to believe. Joseph was cast into a prison where the special prisoners of Pharaoh were kept. Verse 21 importantly tells us that Yahweh’s care and providence were still with Joseph, as he rose to prominence and was given important roles in the prison. The LORD had a purpose in these events to teach Joseph patience and to ultimately bring him to a position of power in Egypt. Chapter 40 tells us how this was to happen. In the prison Joseph befriended the former chief baker and the previous chief butler of Pharaoh. They both had strange dreams on the same night. Joseph persuaded them to tell their dreams to him. The common thread in both dreams told of their fate in 3 more days – the butler would be restored to Pharaoh’s service and the baker hung. Joseph asked that the butler remember him once his office had been restored. But, alas, he forgot until God caused Pharaoh to dream 2 puzzling dreams in one night. Pharaoh’s dreams were centred around unusual events that focused on the number 7. But that will be discussed in tomorrow’s readings in chapter 41 of our story.

Psalm 44 is a Psalm in which the writer speaks of Yahweh’s past dealings with His people; and what this had taught them. It outlines suffering followed by favour. In hardship the people of God learn more than they do in prosperity. They learnt to depend on their Sovereign and to place their trust in Him. Despite massive setbacks and intense persecution, where they felt that they were merely sheep awaiting slaughter, they found strength to overcome and, more than that, to in fact emerge triumphant. Verses 8-11 are quoted by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8 (which centres on our victory through our Lord Jesus Christ) – verses 35-37 is Paul’s summary. Experience, says the Psalmist, is best understood through trials. It teaches us that in our weakened and downcast state we have been readied for rolling ourselves upon our God; who is mighty to help and save us. There is no other greater Helper to support us (though friends may be of great help also at times). The Psalm finished with a plea for our Almighty God to rise for our deliverance and that He should be praised and thanked for this. We can be assured of His care, compassion and loving kindness that compels Him to action on behalf of His children.

cont reading here

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Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org

Thought for January 23rd. “YOU KNOW NEITHER THE DAY, NOR THE HOUR” Jan 23, 2025

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Today we have 3 parables in our chapter (25) in Matthew which all convey fundamentally the same lesson. The fact that there are three shows how extremely important the message is. Those who read the Bible regularly will know them well; we must beware of knowing them too well, lest the message loses its power to stir our conscience.

The first one is of the 10 virgins; half are called “wise.” What made them “wise” as they waited in the darkness for the cry, “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” The wise had brought a reserve of oil for their lamps. What does the oil represent? Our conclusion is – it represents “faith”, how terrible to run short of or completely out of faith when the midnight cry is heard. Faith cannot be second-hand, it cannot be replenished in a moment.

The second parable is about talents the Master gives to his servants to use while he is away. They represent, we suggest, the abilities and opportunities to represent the Master in his absence. The final parable is of sheep and goats and of “his glorious throne” when the Master returns. Then, and only then, will it be made plain for all to see which are sheep and which are goats – in the Middle East they look very similar.

The goats will be blind to their failings, “Lord” they will say “when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?” [v.44] And he will say, “Truly … as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”[v.45] Put as simply as possible – this is telling us – we are either Christ-centred – or self-centred.

We must ask ourselves – am I labouring effectively in his vineyard – or not. It seems to many of our age group (as great grandparents) that the Lord is delaying his coming – but the reason is that the final ingathering is not yet quite complete (see Luke 14 v.22-23 “still there is room. And the Master said, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges … that my house may be filled”)

So let Christ’s challenging words at the end of his parable about the virgins ‘illuminate’ our minds “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” This request is more important than ever – for the storm clouds illuminating human helplessness are greater than ever – and the wise virgins need to be together whenever they can. But what are they to “watch” for? We will read tomorrow of Jesus in the garden with his disciples and his request, “…watch with me … Watch and pray …the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.”” [ch.26 v.40,41] Meditate on the kind of watching Jesus was referring to.

Thoughts on the readings for January 23rd (Genesis 38; Psalms 41, 42, 43; Matthew 25.) Jan 23, 2025

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Thoughts on the readings for January 23rd (Genesis 38; Psalms 41, 42, 43; Matthew 25

Genesis 38 speaks of a very unsavoury set of circumstances surrounding Judah and his daughter-in-law, Tamar. The chapter commenced with a visit from Judah to a prostitute, who bore him a son, Er. The prostitute bare Judah two further sons Onan and Shelah. As the two eldest reached marriageable age he took a wife, Tamar. Er was given in marriage to Tamar. Because of Er’s wickedness he was slain by Yahweh. So Tamar was a childless widow. She was given her brother-in-law, Onan who under the rules of the day had the responsibility to raise up an heir for his dead brother. Onan was also wicked and acted evilly. He too was slain by God. Tamar waited a long time for Shelah to become an adult; and then she saw that Judah her father-in-law would not allow her to marry him. She acted to raise up an heir. She posed as a whore and lured her father-in-law into a liaison, by veiling her appearance (it seems she knew Judah’s weakness). Judah promised to pay for her services; he didn’t have money so he left his staff and signet ring for a pledge. His friend tried to make the payment for Judah, but found the woman gone. Judah later hears of Tamar’s pregnancy and says she needed to be burnt for her infidelity. She sends Judah the staff and signet ring of the man who is the father. Judah relented and acknowledged his own hypocrisy. Tamar bore twins, who wrestled for the right to be the firstborn – Perez and Zerah. During the birth Zerah put his fist out and a scarlet thread was tied to his wrist. The fist was drawn in and his brother Perez born first (the name was given because he had burst forth in breech against his brother). The scarlet thread follows a theme throughout the Bible at the time of the taking of Jericho; the ancestor of Jesus in Ruth 4; the scarlet thread to which the hyssop was tied when the pierced Jesus was on the cross (Zerah means “pierced”). When Israel (Jacob) blessed his sons in Genesis 49 he said, “Judah, your brothers shall praise you” (verse 8 ESV). Certainly Judah couldn’t be praised for the events in Genesis 38; but he will outshine at the end in the dealings with Joseph in Egypt. The lawgiver and king would come from Judah. And from that tribe the Lord Jesus Christ would be born; conquer sin and death; and in the kingdom rule over the whole earth. The great lesson we learn from the life of Judah is that his selfishness in his youth ultimately transformed into a mature caring and loving brother. Let us never abandon hope in that some of us learn maturity much later in life.

cont reading... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-january-23rd-genesis-38-psalms-41-42-43-matthew-25/

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Thought for January 22nd. “I HAVE NOT HIDDEN …” Jan 22, 2025

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All of our 4 chapters today are really thought provoking; David’s emotional Psalm 40 captured our attention, it starts, “I waited patiently for the LORD” – and isn’t that what we are trying to do! But we cannot wait, standing still, as if to catch a bus! David has many things to rejoice about because of the relationship he has established with God.

“He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and (as a result) put their trust in the LORD”’ [v.3] He says, “I have told the glad news of deliverance …” [v.9] “I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation. I have not concealed …” [v.10]

The faith David had in the reality of God’s involvement in his life and in the ultimate future was evident to those around him. – he sets us a meaningful example, let us be able to say, “I have not hidden your deliverance …”

We read in Matthew 24 the message and warnings of Jesus to his disciples that “the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all …” [v.14] The disciples had the responsibility to start on this work, but Jesus warns, “many will come in my name … and they will lead many astray.” [v.15] And so it happened – and is still happening.

Let us be faithful to the original message of salvation – and an essential part of making sure we possess the real spirit of faithfulness is to read the Bible every day. – and be faithful to what we read. This means being faithful to the true, the original, message – and – equally important – the spirit in which we must live our lives, the character (of Christ) others will see in us. Then we can, with all our heart, say with David, “I have not hidden your deliverance …”

Thoughts on the readings for January 22nd Genesis 37; Psalms 39, 40; Matthew 24) Jan 22, 2025

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Genesis 37 tells us about Joseph, Israel’s (Jacob’s) favourite son of his old age. Joseph’s mother was Rachel, Israel’s favoured wife. Joseph’s half brothers were envious of their brother, who was deeply loved. The other brothers were ill disciplined and wicked in their behaviour. Joseph reported this to Israel. To show the love Israel had for Joseph he gave him “a coat of many colours” AV (the Hebrew means “of stripes”, or “strips” – some say suggesting the robe of a priest). This furthered the antagonism towards Joseph. In the course of time Joseph had two dreams, at different times. The first dream was of the wheat harvest – the 11 sheaves of his brothers bowed in reverence before Joseph’s upright sheaf – speaking of Joseph’s ruling of them (note that this dream had its fulfilment later in Egypt as Genesis 43:26 indicated). The second dream was of the sun, moon and 11 stars did obeisance to Joseph’s star. The interpretation of this dream is said by Israel in verse 10. Israel, ie Jacob observed the saying; just as Mary did of the sayings of Simeon in the Temple about her son Jesus some 1,800 years later
(Luke 2verses 28-35). Since the dream spoke of Joseph’s mother, Rachel, bowing before Joseph it necessitated her resurrection at the coming and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Israel sent Joseph to find his brothers and their flocks. They were found near Dothan. The ten brothers (minus Benjamin) stripped Joseph of his coat and cast him into a waterless pit – symbolic of the grave. Joseph being hated by his brothers spoke of the Lord Jesus being the subject of his brothers’ opposition (Psalm 69:8). Joseph was sold for 30 pieces of silver (the price paid to a master for a slave gored by an ox). The same price paid by the chief priests to Judas for the betrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was sold to a passing merchant band of Ishmaelites/Midianites; who were to take Joseph to Egypt to be sold as a slave. Reuben had been absent when Joseph was sold. Reuben had hoped to later rescue Joseph. With Reuben not present the decision to sell Joseph was made by Simeon (the tribe of Simeon became the Scribes) and Levi (the priests) – these were the chief antagonists, who were the foremost of those who envied and hated Jesus (Joseph was enacting a parable of events to come). The 10 brothers conspire to deceive Israel into believing that a wild beast had slain Joseph. Israel was unable to be consoled when he believed that Joseph was dead.

In Psalm 39 David asks his Sovereign to let him understand his mortality and limitations. David had to a large degree abandoned his authority since his great sin against God; in the matter of his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. David felt his capacity to judge and punish had been undermined by his crimes. And so in silence he allowed his foes a license to rebel. In the end the Psalm tells us that knowing his own insignificance David would trust in the Almighty to vindicate him. David declared in verse 7 that Yahweh was his hope. The Psalmist pleads that the LORD show mercy when disciplining him. For David like all the faithful confesses that he is merely a sojourner awaiting the kingdom.

Psalm 40 is a record of the mind and motivation of Messiah. David speaks of being brought from the pit of death – as Jesus would be raised from the grave to live again. The new song in the Psalmist’s mouth was the victory song of immortality – new because it can can only be understood in its singing by those made eternal. David encourages the faithful that they must put their trust in their Sovereign. David knew from experience the goodness and the loving kindness of his God. Messiah from verses 6-8 declares his purpose for coming into the world and the secret of his capacity to conquer. Of course it was needful that Jesus be begotten of God to lay the foundation for Messiah’s mind to be in tune with his Father. Mosaic sacrifices and offerings could never take away sin; but the offering of Messiah would for once and all time remove the need for further sacrifices. The entire Bible speaks of Messiah and his work. Verse 8 of this Psalm has two distinct meanings in the Hebrew and both are equally true and valid – 1) I delight to do Thy delight; and,
2) I will do do Thy will. These speak of the mind and motives of Messiah. It is no wonder that Jesus was the only Beloved of his Father. These words capture David’s desires; but not being God’s Son – the Messiah – he could not completely outwork this in his own life. Slowly read and meditate on the writer to the Hebrews in the exposition of chapter 10 verses 1-14. Our Lord Jesus will rehearse these matters to the “great congregation” – the assembly of faithful immortalised disciples. Because of David’s typical faithfulness and the Christ’s actual and complete righteousness; their God (and ours) would ultimately deliver them.

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