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Family Matters #45 Singleness Jan 14, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: # Summary This PRESENTATION features a discussion with Kim Sheed on the topic of singleness, exploring its benefits and drawbacks. Kim shares personal insights, biblical references, and practical advice on how singles can navigate their lives while serving God and building relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of community support for singles and the need for everyone to reach out and include those who may feel isolated. # Highlights - 📖 **Biblical Perspective on Singleness**: The presentation begins with a reading from Matthew 19, discussing how some individuals are chosen by God to remain single, while others may choose this path for the sake of serving Him. - 🗣️ **Benefits of Being Single**: Kim shares that being single allows for more personal freedom, spontaneity, and the ability to devote time to serving God and helping others without the distractions that come with marriage. - 🤝 **Drawbacks of Singleness**: Loneliness and the lack of true companionship are significant challenges faced by singles, often leading to feelings of uselessness or depression. - 📞 **Importance of Networking**: Kim emphasises the need for singles to build networks and friendships, suggesting that reaching out to others can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. - 💬 **Addressing Temptations**: The discussion acknowledges the temptations that come with being single, including sexual temptations, and stresses the importance of seeking help and staying connected with God. - 🏠 **Community Involvement**: Kim encourages singles to engage in community service and church activities, as these efforts can provide purpose and reduce feelings of isolation. - 🍽️ **Adopting Singles into Families**: The idea of families adopting singles into their social circles is proposed as a way to foster inclusivity and support. - 👫 **The Role of Matchmakers**: Kim expresses his support for matchmakers, viewing them as a means to help singles find companionship. - 🙏 **Final Encouragement**: The presentation concludes with a message of hope, encouraging singles to communicate their struggles, pray, and remember that they are not alone in their experiences. # keyword

Family Matters #44 Bible Study with Kids Jan 14, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: # Summary The presentation features the Knox family discussing their experiences with Bible study for children. Andrew shares insights on how to engage kids in studying the Bible, emphasising the importance of one-on-one time and making the study relatable and enjoyable. The family highlights practical tips, including starting small, using creative methods, and allowing for flexibility in their routine. They encourage parents to initiate Bible study with their children and to incorporate discussions about faith into daily life, as guided by biblical teachings. # Highlights - 📖 **Engaging Bible Study**: Andrew emphasises the significance of personal time with each child for Bible study, suggesting starting with short sessions to build familiarity and confidence in exploring scripture together. - 🎨 **Creative Learning**: The family discusses using artistic methods, such as drawing and storytelling, to make Bible lessons more engaging and relatable for children, enhancing their understanding of biblical principles. - ⏰ **Flexible Routine**: They suggest that parents adapt the timing and format of Bible study to fit their family's schedule, allowing for adjustments based on the children's moods and interests to maintain a positive experience. - 🙏 **Incorporating Prayer**: The Knox family highlights the importance of including prayer in their Bible study sessions, fostering a spiritual atmosphere and reinforcing the significance of their discussions. - 💬 **Open Communication**: They encourage parents to maintain open lines of communication with their children about their faith, allowing for discussions on life lessons and personal experiences that may arise during study time. # keyword #BibleStudy #FamilyFaith #ParentingTips

Thought for January 14th. “ON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD …” Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

In ancient times a rock symbolized something secure and God was the ultimate rock! David wrote in the Psalms, as we read 2 days ago, “To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me” [Psalm 28 v.1] He also pleads with God, “when my heart is faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I” [Psalm 61 v.2]

In today’s reading in Matthew, Jesus seems to call Peter a “rock” [16 v.18], but read the context carefully; among the people there is increasing speculation as to who Jesus is – and he asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am? [v.15] Peter declared, ‘You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God.” [v16]

This declaration is the “rock”! The possession of true insight and real faith. It is “on this ‘rock” says Jesus, “that I will build my church and the gates of hell (hades, i.e. the grave) will not prevail against it” [v.18] It is true faith that makes death but a sleep with a wonderful waking – as David believed – see Psalm 17 v.15.

We recall it was Jesus who added the name ‘Peter’ to Simon (Luke 6 v.14) when he called him to be a disciple. The name Peter means a rock – petros. Yet human rocks have to prove themselves; Jesus was, and still is, looking for such rocks; those who have the true insight of faith – on which “I will build my church” [v.18]

As the early chapters of the book of Acts reveal Peter became the rock around which the first community of believers in Jerusalem was built. But before then he failed disastrously! The next verses tell us that “from that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem … and be killed.”

Peter reacted in an astonishing way; he “began to rebuke him, saying ‘Far be it from you Lord! This shall never happen to you.’” [v.22] Jesus responded by saying “to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me … you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” [v.23]

The “set” of our minds is vital! If they are wrong we end up being opposed to God and to Jesus. At the end of his life the set of Solomon’s mind became wrong and God raised up “adversaries” to him and this word in the Hebrew is the word ‘satanas’ as in 2 Kings 11 v.14,23,25, which names the ‘Satans’ that opposed Solomon.

Those who develop a true faith become, in Christ’s eyes, a ‘rock’ on which, even today, he can build. Let us make sure the ‘set’ of our minds is on godly ways with a readiness to become a ‘rock’ with a true faith in his service – and never a satan..

Thoughts on the readings for January 15th (Genesis 27, Psalm 32, Matthew 17) Jan 14, 2025

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houghts on the readings for January 15th (Genesis 27, Psalm 32, Matthew 17)

Genesis 27 is a pivotal chapter, which explains much about the 4 principal characters of this record – Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Esau. All of them show defects when compared against the divine standard. Isaac knew his Sovereign’s revealed will that Jacob would be the blessed, and that the elder (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob); yet he tried to subvert this in seeking to bless Esau. Rebekah did not wait for the Almighty to fulfill His promise; but she believed her intervention and deception would be needed for this to happen. Jacob was prepared to deceive his father (Isaac) at the urging of his mother (Rebekah) rather than to trust in his God to outwork the bestowing of the blessing. Esau was a profane and godless man, who cared about none but himself; and he sought only material prosperity. Isaac’s sight had gone and he believed that he was nearing death. So Isaac told Esau to catch and prepare venison for him to eat before dying; and, that he might bestow on Esau the Abrahamic blessing. On overhearing this Rebekah immediately calls Jacob to fetch goats that she might cook them with spices so as to taste like savoury venison. Jacob is scared that their planned deception might fail, since Jacob’s skin is smooth and Esau’s is rough and hairy. Rebekah says Jacob is to dress in Esau’s clothes so as to smell like his brother. And she will sow the goat skins to Jacob’s arms in order to deceive Isaac. Isaac’s sight being gone, Rebekah and Jacob must betray his sense of taste, smell and touch. After hearing Jacob Isaac was suspicious, nevertheless his other senses told him that it was Esau standing before him. Isaac gave the blessing in verses 27 to 29. Read these verses aloud and contemplate their meaning. Isaac had disobeyed Yahweh’s determinations. Esau now appeared with his prey prepared for eating. Upon realising what had happened Isaac trembled – the Hebrew says, “he trembled with the trembling of God” – as well he should, having sought to impose his will above the LORD’s; Isaac now in humility of mind submitted himself before the Almighty. Esau with intense pleas and tears sought unsuccessfully to reverse Isaac’s mind (Hebrews 12 verses 15 to 17). Isaac now stood immovable having understood the Almighty cannot be resisted. The apparent blessing Esau received was in no way a blessing (verses 39 and 40). The Hebrew words in verse 29 translated, “the fatness of the earth”, actually mean “away from the fatness of the earth” – Esau thereafter dwelt in the barren wilderness of Seir, at Petra. And as verse 30 told he lived by his sword and was the sworn enemy to Jacob his brother; and the nations that descended from the twins perpetrated the animosity until Edom (Esau) ceased to exist as a nation in 70 AD when Rome sacked Jerusalem. Rebekah overhead Esau’s threat to murder Jacob and planned his escape to Haran. In verse 46 Rebekah used Esau’s profane marriages to Canaanitish wives as a reason for Isaac to order that Jacob be sent to Haran to find a faithful, covenanted wife from among Abraham’s relatives.

cont reading here https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-january-15th-genesis-27-psalm-32-matthew-17/

Thought for January 13th. “ WHAT …DEFILES A PERSON” Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

The world today is very conscious of cleanliness. When you go to the Doctors, he or she will thoroughly wash their hands before they examine you, but they only learnt to do this 150 years ago. They also learnt this was the reason why some of those they operated on had died. The value of the cleanliness laws in the commands God gave to Moses was then acknowledged. These laws stressed the great importance of washing the body and clothes especially when exposed to anything unclean, see for e.g. Lev. 14 v.8,9; 15 v.13 etc.

Today soaps and other cleansing agents are strongly marketed: this is good, except for the fancy high priced varieties produced, we suspect, with a profit motive. Jewish Priests in the days of Jesus had turned cleanliness into a ritual that made them feel more righteous (see Luke 11 v.37-41). And they criticised Jesus for letting his disciples eat with unwashed hands (Mark 7 v.2-5)

In our reading of Matthew 15 today Jesus calls them hypocrites and said, “This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” [Matthew 15 v.7-9]. He then called people to him and said, “Hear and understand: it is not whatgoes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth”[v.11]

His disciples query him as to what he means by this; he tells them, “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person” [v.18-20]

The thought comes first, then the deed follows. Our world is full of this kind of defilement. Before every wrong doing comes wrong thinking. TV, DVD’s and many magazines feed human minds, defiling them, making them inclined to think and imagine fleshly godless actions. More people, especially the young, are turning thoughts into actions emulating what they feed their minds on – the extreme examples are the senseless shooting rampages.

Sources of defilement are everywhere today making it more essential than ever to feed our minds with the word of God every day – and it must be a balanced meal, not just reading the bits we like and which may not challenge our consciences. Jesus condemns those whose distorted application of the divine revelation “have made void the word of God.” [Matt. 15 v.6]. Let us be fully awake to what can defile us and read God’s word with a sincere heart..

Thoughts on the readings for January 14th (Genesis 25 and 26 Psalm 31 and Matthew 16) Jan 13, 2025

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houghts on the readings for January 14th (Genesis 25 and 26 Psalm 31 and Matthew 16)

Genesis 25 tells that Abraham took another wife, called Keturah. We are not sure at what time Keturah became Abraham’s wife; but, she bare him 6 sons. These sons became the progenitors of many of the Arab nations – already we see Abraham has becoming the “father of a multitude (or “many nations”)”. They were sent eastward enriched with gifts from the great patriarch. Abraham died at the age of 175 and was buried in the cave of Machpelah by his sons Isaac and Ishmael. From verses 12-18 we have the genealogy of Ishmael from whom descended 12 princes. From verses 19-28 of Genesis 25 we are told that Rebekah had great problems in conception and once pregnant she experienced a trying time. Rebekah enquired of Yahweh (probably through the priest) about the wrestlings within her; and was told she would give birth to twins, who would be very different and, that the elder twin would serve the younger. Esau was born hairy, or fully developed. He was red haired and so called Esau, which means red. The younger twin was born grasping the heel of his twin. He was named Jacob meaning heel grabber. The difference between them was evident from their early days with Jacob being “a plain (upright) man dwelling in tents (a sojourner like his fathers)”; whilst Esau was an energetic, active man – a man’s man; an athletic hunter. Rebekah favoured Jacob (her son); whilst Isaac loved Esau – who he perhaps envied, as Esau was everything that Isaac was not. After returning from his hunting without any prey Esau, claiming to be starving, sold his birthright to his spiritually ambitious brother, Jacob for a bowl of red lentils. This story indicated Esau had no love of the promises and not a skerrick of spirituality (see the comments in Hebrews 12 verses 14 to17). In Genesis 26 God repeats the Abrahamic promise to Isaac. There was a famine in the Land and Isaac was told to sojourn and trust in the Almighty to provide. From verse 6 we see Isaac journeying to the land of the Philistines, where he like his father (Abraham) lied about his wife; because of fear for his own life. But after being seen acting as a husband, Isaac is rebuked by the Philistine king Abimelech. How incredible that great men of faith should so fail – but as James tells us, they were of like passions (and weaknesses) to ourselves. Abimelech charged his people to act honourably to Rebekah. Isaac sowed in that country and reaped an abundant harvest. Isaac, like Abraham, became rich and powerful; and was envied by the Philistines. All the wells that had been dug by Abraham were filled with earth by these lazy and envious men. Isaac was instructed to move away and he relocated to Gerar. There Isaac again dug his father’s well and the Philistines quarrelled over the water. The well was named Esek, meaning “contention”. So Isaac moved on and dug another well, named Sitnah (meaning
“a quarrel”), as this again was the consequence of finding water. He moved once more and dug for and found water at Rehoboth (meaning “room”). This water was uncontested. Finally he moved to Beersheba (“the well of the covenant”), where Yahweh repeated to Isaac the promise to Abraham in verse 24. The chapter finishes with a covenant being made between Isaac and Phicol, captain of the Philistine army. After a feast in which the Philistines acknowledge Isaac to be “blessed of Yahweh”, there is an exchange of oaths Isaac settled in Beersheba and dwelt there with the well of the covenant providing their needs as had their Sustainer and Protector.

Cont reading here https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-january-14th-genesis-25-and-26-psalm-31-and-matthew-16/

Thoughts on the Bible Readings for January 13th (Genesis 24, Psalms 29 and 30 and Matthew 15) Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

In Genesis 24 an old and faithful Abraham sends his faithful steward Eliezer to Haran in search of a lifelong covenant wife for his son, Isaac. Eliezer is bound by a covenant Abraham makes with him to diligently fulfill the obligation of finding a true believer, who will be a help meet for Isaac on the journey to God’s kingdom. So Eliezer left Abraham accompanied by a large retinue of servants and many camels; and vast wealthy gifts. Upon arrival in Haran Eliezer makes his responsibilities a matter of prayer and asks of the Almighty a very specific sign. No sooner had he finished his prayer than Rebekah arrives and says the very words of his prayer. Eliezer is amazed at the power of his God and bows his head in reverence. The 10 camels are watered by Rebekah – an immense task – and the company taken to Laban’s house; where Laban notices the wealthy jewels given to Rebekah by Eliezer. Laban’s words, “Come in thou blessed of Yahweh”, indicates both some knowledge of God, and the familiar use of the LORD’s divine name of Yahweh, the use of which goes back to the beginning of Creation (Genesis 4 verses 1, 25 and 26). Rebekah had reported the circumstances of meeting Eliezer prior to Laban’s remarks. From verses 31and 49 Eliezer tells Laban of the mission he has undertaken and its importance. Note it is not just another task Eliezer was given, but the entrusted responsibility of securing a bride who will ensure the faithful continuance of maintaining the truth promised to Abraham and his seed. In verse 51 Laban asserts his agreement with Rebekah going to the household of Abraham. Once again Eliezer responds to his Sovereign reverently. Many valuable gifts were given to Laban, by way of a bride price. After all of this has happened Rebekah’s thoughts are requested. She assented and is sent away the next day with her family’s blessing. Isaac went out in the evening to pray (“meditate” verse 63); and after her enquiry as to the man meeting the homecoming troop, Rebekah shows Isaac respect and is taken into Isaac’s tent as his God chosen bride. And Isaac loved Rebekah dearly.

Psalm 29 ascribed to Yahweh the glory and majesty due to His awesome Name. The powerful and frightening displays in nature are attributed to “the voice of Yahweh”. This is of course consistent with what Genesis 1 said, Yahweh spake and it was done – ie it came into being. All things exist and are maintained and sustained by the Word of Yahweh. What magnificent poetic language the Psalm sets before us. Verse 6 for example describes figuratively an earthquake. The Psalm concludes with Yahweh enthroned in the heavens exercising dominion over all His creation. “The voice of Yahweh” is used in this Psalm seven times and is perhaps symbolic of the “seven thunders” in Revelation 10 verse 4. Praise and extol His Name for this.
Psalm 30 is a Psalm focussing on the joy the Almighty can bring to His children. This can be true even when our foes rise against us bringing despair. Jesus found the same at the time of his greatest extremity and encouraged his disciples with the same message: compare with
John 14 verses1 to 3 and 27 to 29. Despite being downtrodden the psalmist finds the joy and support from his Sovereign uplifting. God will never forsake His children (Hebrews 13 verse 5 and 6). In Him, even to some extent in our present life, our mourning can become dancing; and our sackcloth exchanged for clothes of joy. This will be so much more the case when the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ arrives and the clothing of our mortal sorrow is swapped for joyful immortal life. Slowly read aloud Psalm 45 verse 7and 8 and deeply reflect on those words.

cont reading here https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-bible-readings-for-january-13th-genesis-24-psalms-29-and-30-and-matthew-15/

Thought for January 12th. “TAKE HEART, IT IS I” Jan 12, 2025

Show notes

Our chapter in Matthew (14) has that fascinating story of the 12 disciples caught in a storm in a boat on Galilee. Jesus had sent them off alone, after the dramatic feeding of 5,000 “in a desolate place” [v.13] – an event which must have astonished them.

Jesus had heard of the killing of John the Baptist – a heart searching omen for him – and finally he had the chance to be alone “up on the mountain by himself to pray” [v.23] The disciples were in the boat, “but the boat by this time was a long way from land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.” [v.24]

We can see a parallel here – with ourselves and small congregations of believers alone in the world – and everything is buffeting us and our faith is struggling. Suddenly they see Jesus but “they were terrified” [v.26]

What are we expecting to see as we live in these last days when the world is in increasing turmoil? Different things are buffeting us – maybe fires that are out of control – maybe a financial mess; things we had relied upon are suddenly uncertain. Indeed the “sea and the waves” of mankind are rolling. Luke 21:25 We have been rowing with our spiritual family for so long

Those alive then – and that could be all, or at least most who are reading this, must look and listen for his voice. “Take heart, It is I. Do not be afraid” [v.27] When Jesus is in the boat all will become calm and what wonder then will follow. Make sure you are in the boat NOW.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings for January 12th (Genesis 22, 23; Psalms 26, 27, 28; Matthew 14) Jan 11, 2025

Show notes

Genesis 22 is one of the most monumental in the life of the father of the "father bof the faithful", Abraham. We are amazed by the number of high points in this great man's journey in faith; but there is none greater than in this 22nd chapter (cited by Paul in Hebrews 11:17-19; which tells us that the incident speaks of resurrection - and typically of the beloved, only begotten son of promise; our Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham is afforded a great privilege in this incident in being able to understand to a small extent how the Father felt when He gave His only begotten Son, because "God so loved the world" (John 3:16-19). The chapter in Genesis emphasises the oneness that existed between Father and Son (verses 3, 5, 7-9, 16-17, 19) emblematic of the unity of purpose in our redemption that was between our Sovereign and His incomparable Son. The chapter indicated that this was a trial, or testing of Abraham; because of the preciousness of a faith that has overcome. Abraham could have rationalised the Almighty does not mean what He has asked of men, since the fulfilment of the promise is to be through Isaac. Or alternatively, he said I don't know why God has asked me to offer my son; but I trust Him, Who cannot fail those whose trust is in Him. But the trauma and the wrestling with his thoughts, all night long that is why Abraham, with steely resolve, rose early in the morning. This expression in the Bible speaks of determination - sometimes for good, as here and, in Yahweh's sending of the prophets to aid His people; or, for evil as in the episode of the golden calf. Everything was prepared beforehand in readiness by Abraham, who was most likely numbed by the daunting task ahead of him. Though he knew not how it would be, yet Abraham was confident that both he and Isaac would come back to the place where they left their companions (Hebrews telling us Abraham's expectation was that Isaac would be raised from the dead). Note that the journey to the place of sacrifice was of 3 days; representing the 3 year ministry that would see our Lord undertake, with His Father's help, to Calvary. It also no doubt relates to the death of Isaac and is symbolic of Jesus being in the grave for three days. We see the cooperation between father and son. Isaac was totally compliant with his father's will; which as a man of about 30 years of age (and a father who was 130 years old); it was because the son understood the need that the father's will be done - we can hear God's Son in Gethsemane, "Not as I will, but Thy will be done". The place of Isaac's "offering" has two names in this chapter: 1) Moriah (meaning Yahweh will provide); and, 2) Yahweh Yireh (meaning Yahweh will be seen - teaching us that in the redemptive act symbolised by Abraham requiring Isaac's submission to the Father's will. As Abraham raised the knife to slay his son he was stopped by the voice of the angel preventing the sacrifice, as verses 11-12 tell us. Though Abraham was allowed to spare his only beloved son, Yahweh did not spare His own Son
slowly read aloud Romans 8:31-39. Reflect deeply on what these words are teaching us about the love of our Sovereign and His Son towards us. God has already vastly exceeded any gift He has given believers. The greatest work has already been done in providing a basis for our forgiveness and the extension of divine grace. We may be assured that if the Father has given His Son then, what remains to bring us into His Kingdom is comparatively incidental). Yahweh now sealed an on oath on His own existence that Abraham's promise is immutable
(Hebrews 6:13-20). Abraham's seed would "possess the gate of his enemies"; indicating, firstly, Christ's victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:12-28); and, secondly, the subjugation of all nations to his rule in the coming kingdom. The chapter concludes with details of children being born to Nahor, Abraham's brother, in Haran. Chapter 23 of Genesis tells of Sarah's death and burial in the cave of Machpelah (meaning enfolded - the burial place of 3 generations of the faithful patriarchal family - Sarah and Abraham; Isaac and Rebekah; Jacob and Leah) in Beersheba ("the well of the covenant"). The irony being that Abraham, who by promise owned the land of Israel, had to buy a burial place for his wife (see Acts 7:4-5).
Psalm 26 tells us David's love for his God. The Psalmist delights in every opportunity to extol the virtues of his Sovereign. David also tells of his detesting of the ways of the wicked. Psalm 27 speaks of the LORD being the light (revealer of what is right and honourable) and salvation (the process of saving and bringing to His kingdom of the faithful believers). The writer tells of the Almighty's capacity to defend the upright. He speaks of his Creator's pull on the writer's heart to seek fellowship with his God. And the Psalm concludes with a love and loyalty to his God which exceeds that of any human bond. David encourages himself in the assurance that his God will not see him abandoned into the hand of his foes. Wait he says on Yahweh; you will never be disappointed by taking this course. Psalm 28 says that, "Yahweh is the strength and shield" of the psalmist. The thoughts are similar to God's consoling promise to Abraham at the start of Genesis 15. The confidence of knowing God is always with, and surrounding His children with His all powerful arms. Yahweh will repay both the wicked and the righteous according to their works (Romans 2:5-11). The response that such understanding generates in God's people is outlined in verses 6-9. Slowly read aloud; and pause and ponder.
In chapter 14 of Matthew Herod is struck with terror on hearing of the miracles of Jesus. Herod Antipas, a convert of the Sadducees (and therefore a non believer in the resurrection of the dead) was convinced that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Our Lord is told of John's brutal decapitation and in response responds by seeking solitude to reflect. This is interrupted by a multitude seeking him out and he compassionately responds to their need of a shepherd to teach them. He feeds 5,000 of them and heals many. John 6 tells us that their desire was to take him by force and make him their king. Jesus summarily dispersed the crowd and went into a mountain to pray. He sent the Apostles by boat to the other side of the lake. When the storm arose he came to them walking on the water. Peter alone showed the faith and courage to briefly do likewise. He was rescued by his Master. Finally upon reaching the other side of the lake Jesus healed many at Gennesaret.

Thought for January 11th. “MAY INTEGRITY AND UPRIGHTNESS … ” Jan 11, 2025

Show notes

David’s meditations in the Psalms, which are essentially prayers, continually engage our thoughts. Indeed, they are a model for us to follow in judging the quality of our relationship with God. Are we able to meditate and pray in any way to the same degree? Psalm 25 has some verses that both challenge and inspire us. “Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths” [v.4] We are asking God to ‘make’ us!! What child asks a parent to ‘make’ him or her be good? And that not just once, but constantly, as a way of life!

The next verse has, “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” David is asking God to ‘lead him’ and ‘teach him.’ The Hebrew for “lead” is rather interesting – it occurs again in v.9 “He leads the humble in what is right.” The A V has ‘guides’ – but the Hebrew also has the sense of bending the bow to ‘guide’ the arrow fitted to it. David uses it first in Psalm 7 v.12, “If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow” In Psalm 11 v.2 David says, “behold, the wicked bend the bow … to shoot … at the upright in heart”.

The purpose in bending the bow, is to do it in a way that it will ‘guide’ the arrow fitted to it – to its intended destination. The aims of God and the aim of the ungodly are opposite extremes.

Also in v.5 we noted the words, “for you I wait all the day long.” What is the ‘sense’ of wait? The word also occurs in v. 3, “”Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame.” Verse 21 says, “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for thee” There has to be a quality of character in our waiting, and are we not waiting for the return of Christ!?

The Hebrew original word here for WAIT is most interesting, in Psalm 69 v.20 it is translated, “I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.” When you are waiting you are looking for something or someone!

How fascinating then, is the first time this word is used in Hebrew; we found it in Genesis 1 v.9! “And God said, let the waters under the heavens be gathered together and let the dry land appear.” We are waiting for our Lord, to be gathered together to be with him. Finally we can use Paul’s words, they are so parallel to David’s. In 2 Thess. 3 v.5 “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (AV) The ESV has “to the steadfastness of Christ.” Let us be steadfast in our patient waiting, aiming for “integrity and uprightness.”

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