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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 2nd (1 Chronicles 16, Ezekiel 28, Galatians 1, 2) Oct 01, 2025

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In 1 Chronicles 16 we have the ark finally arriving at Zion after the disastrous first attempt. It was placed in the tent David had pitched for it. And after the spirit of the Melchizedek king priest, David as a great sign of fellowship offers to all the people bread (meat) and wine (in the form of clusters of raisins). Burnt offerings and thanksgiving offerings accompany these actions and all the people receive portions of these offerings. Verses 8 to 35 record David's Psalm of thanksgiving, which was sung by the 24 orders of priests (previously organised by Samuel and David). The people enthusiastically respond in verse 36, "AMEN". The praise for Yahweh's 'chesed' - "loving kindness" continues. Psalm 132 was composed to commemorate the bringing of the ark to Zion - read it and marvel as it speaks of the righteousness and

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salvation, that will be ushered in when the glorious Kingdom of the Son of God comes. The Psalm needs to be read in conjunction with 1 Chronicles 17. In Ezekiel 28 we have a parabolic taunt against Tyre. In the days of Solomon, they shared in the brotherly covenant and cooperated in all things. Deterioration came between the kingdoms, as evil kings came to reign. The language is picturesque, but when read carefully, totally understandable. Verse 2 addresses the prince of Tyre - a man. Commercial and maritime wisdom abounded in this city state. They were not supernatural for the account says that they were slain by the sword. From verses 12-19 the Tyrians were in Eden - a geographic region described in Genesis 2. Then the chapter tells us of judgments on Sidon, Tyre's sister city. When Yahweh brought these judgments Israel would be regathered and restored. In Galatians we have one of the earliest books of the New Testament to be written- perhaps as early as AD42 depending upon the theory which adopted. The book must have been written after the Jerusalem' Conference, which was about the date mentioned previously. Galatians is the second of three treatises on the Atonement i.e. how sinners can be made right with God - the others being Romans and Hebrews. All three books are based on Habakkuk 2:4, "The just shall live by faith". The emphasis in Romans is the JUST...; in Galatians it is ... LIVE by faith; and in Hebrews.. live by FAITH. The problem of Judaism is addressed in this book. The Judaizers, Paul's constant foes, taught salvation was by works of the Law, and not by faith. They preached that Christ and belief in him were insufficient to save - that the keeping of the Law was also necessary in order to be saved. In Galatians 1 Paul establishes his credentials and says how he was called to the gospel. Paul also indicates that a curse would rest on anyone preaching a variant of the only true gospel. The Apostle explains that the gospel message was given him in Arabia by direct revelation i.e. personally taught it by Jesus Christ - none of the other Apostles were in any way connected with his instruction. Chapter 2 teaches us of the firm stance that Paul took on not circumcising Titus. The chapter also spoke of Peter's equivocation and hypocrisy, when confronted by false brethren called Judaizers. Read verses 15-21 aloud. Pause and ponder. Let each of us determine to live our life in Christ Jesus as the great Apostle did.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 1st (1 Chronicles 14, 15, Ezekiel 27, Luke 24) Sep 30, 2025

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1 Chronicles chapter 14 deals, firstly, with David's wives and sons; and then with two miraculous victories over the Philistines as they sought to destroy David before he had opportunity to organise his kingdom. Verses 8-12 tell of the LORD's instructions to David and His aiding of the king when the Philistines launched an attack on an unprepared Israel. These verses reveal David's thanks for Yahweh's aiding Israel and giving them the victory. Verses 13-16 says that the Philistines tried another attack shortly after the first failure. Once again the Almighty went before His people who heard the movements of the angelic hosts in the tops of the balsam trees. As a result of these two mighty victories the surrounding nations were in awe of Israel and their God. The comments lack commentary for 1 Chronicles 15. These will be added in the next few days. The 27th chapter of Ezekiel contains a lament over how great Tyre had been brought low. The Tyrians had enlisted the best of all nations into their military machine. Tyre had become wealthy through her commercial enterprises. Any nation that had assisted Tyre also prospered from their association with Tyre. Indeed, the humanly unexpected demise of Tyre illustrates Daniel's declaration: "The Most High rules in the Kingdom of men" Daniel 4:17. But none of those nations cared that Yahweh had brought Tyre low. Their only concern was that no longer would the wealth that the Phoenicians had thought to be theirs belong to them. Verses 1-12 of Luke 24 describe events associated with the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The time of his raising would have been 6pm Saturday evening, which by Jewish way of reckoning time began the first day of the week. The women, of whom there may have been around six in number, find the stone which had been sealing the tomb, rolled back. Two men, who stood by (undoubtedly angels), tell them not to seek the living Lord among the dead. But, that Jesus' disciples are to meet him in Galilee as he had told them before his death. Several of the women ran to tell the news to the Apostles, who found the women's report incredulous. Peter together with John (see John chapter 20) come and verify the women's message. That same day two of our Lord's disciples are journeying to Emmaus and are joined by Jesus. The record tells us that their capacity to recognise the Lord was restrained. The two express their great disappointment in the events that had taken place recently. Jesus takes the initiative and explains from Moses, the Psalms and the prophets the entire picture of Messiah, who had to suffer before being glorified. As the group of three approach a village Jesus indicates that he wishes to travel further, but the other two constrain him to stay with them. Jesus reveals himself to them in the breaking of the bread. The two disciples hastily return to Jerusalem with great excitement. On finding the Apostles assembled together those two hear of Jesus' appearance to Simon Peter and add their own witnessing. The Lord appears to the group assembled and shows them the wounds in his hands and side - some translations say "back". Further Jesus eats some food to show that he was not an apparition. Then the chapter says the Lord gives his Apostles the great commission to take the Gospel into all the world. Luke's final account is that Christ is praying he ascends from the Mount of Olives into heaven (compare Acts 1verses 6-11).

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 30th (1 Chronicles 13; Ezekiel 26; Luke 23) Sep 29, 2025

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Luke chapter 23 commences with Jesus before the Roman Governor Pilate, who wants nothing to do with the trumped-up charges that had been levelled against our Lord. Pilate pronounces Jesus innocent and on hearing that he was from Galilee felt he could evade any responsibility by sending Jesus to Herod. Herod had been curious about Jesus for some time. Herod questions Jesus and receives no answers. Herod reverts to mocking and handing our Lord over to be brutalised at the hands of his soldiers. Then having found no fault in our Lord, Herod returns him to Pilate - a partial reconciliation occurs between Herod and Pilate - the Governor. Pilate once again declares Jesus innocent, but causes him to be brutally scourged (this was sometimes called the intermediate death - and many a man died under the barbaric scourge). This barbaric act fails to evoke any pity from our Master's foes. For the third time Jesus is pronounced innocent. But the chief priests stir up the crowd to bay for Jesus' blood. Pilate is forced into making a decision he did not want to make. Our Lord is delivered to be crucified, and Barabbas is released. Jesus was so weak that the Romans pressed Simon of Cyrene to carry his crucifixion post. This man and his two sons in future years became disciples. The women wept to behold our Lord, but he tells them not to weep for him, but for the miseries that would fall on them. Jesus is crucified between two thieves, quite possibly Barabbas' followers. The place of his crucifixion was that of a skull; again, in all probability that of Goliath's skull. The soldiers gamble for his clothes, as had been prophesied in Psalm 22. Jesus, himself implores his Father to forgive them as they knew not what they were doing. One of the two thieves rails upon the Lord. The other turns in repentance to Jesus and asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus comes into his kingdom. Very likely the second thief understood the Gospel of the Kingdom. This thief is given the assurance of a place in Christ's Kingdom. Jesus' words were that the thief would be with the Lord in that day. Neither were in paradise that day for Jesus spent three days in the tomb. Our Lord suffered the taunting of sinners, by masterfully controlling himself and being the Victor verses Colossians 2 verses 11-15. About 3pm Jesus dies calmly causing a hardened centurion to exclaim that surely this man was the Son of God. For three hours the Almighty had veiled the scene in darkness, as a sign of His indignation at the wicked doings of those who crucified the Lord of glory. On his death there was a great earthquake, and the veil of the temple was torn by God from top to bottom. The law was now finished, and Christ has accomplished the opening of a new and living way. The Lord Jesus' remarkable control of himself under extreme provocation provides a wonderful example to us as Peter comments in 1 Peter 2 verses 20-25. A rich counsellor of the Sanhedrin begged Pilate for Jesus' body. Pilate enquires if our Lord has died and then hands our Lord's body to Joseph and Nicodemus who take it to Joseph's new and unused garden tomb. The women follow to see where Jesus was laid and to where they would come with the spices, they would purchase to embalm the Lord's body. The women then rest on the Sabbath day. This Sabbath day was a high Sabbath.

The Crisis of Hezekiah #5 'The Angel and the Envoys' with roger Lewis Sep 28, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: SummaryThe video discusses the crisis of King Hezekiah, focusing on his recovery from illness and subsequent interactions with Babylonian envoys. After his recovery, Hezekiah displays a renewed commitment to God, which is followed by the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army. However, Hezekiah's encounter with the ambassadors from Babylon reveals a lapse in judgment, as he shows them his treasures without seeking God's counsel. The prophet Isaiah confronts Hezekiah about this mistake, prophesying that Babylon will eventually take Jerusalem's treasures and even his descendants. The narrative illustrates themes of pride, humility, and the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making.Highlights

✝️ **Hezekiah's Renewal**: After recovering from illness, Hezekiah pledges to serve God more fervently and safeguard the truth for future generations.
🏰 **The Angel's Intervention**: The angel of Yahweh strikes down the Assyrian army, showcasing God's power and protection over Jerusalem, reminiscent of the Passover.
📜 **Babylonian Envoys**: Hezekiah welcomes the Babylonian ambassadors, revealing his treasures, which leads to a prophetic warning from Isaiah about future consequences.
⚖️ **Pride and Humility**: The episode highlights Hezekiah's moment of pride when he fails to seek God's counsel, contrasted with his eventual humility in accepting God's judgment.
🕊️ **Consequences of Actions**: Isaiah prophesies that Babylon will take Jerusalem's treasures and Hezekiah's descendants, demonstrating the long-term impact of Hezekiah's decisions.

Keywords#Hezekiah #BiblicalLessons #PrideAndHumility

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 29th (1 Chronicles 12; Ezekiel 25; Luke 22) Sep 28, 2025

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The lesson for disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ is that we must show love to all so as to win men and women for the kingdom. Luke chapter 22 begins with a plot to kill Jesus. The conspirators seek to do this as quietly as possible since the crowds who are filling Jerusalem at Passover were massive and were at this time stirred with patriotic enthusiasm for Jesus' miracles and teachings. Judas, possibly overcome with covetousness, agrees to assist the rulers in their plan. Jesus had secretly prearranged the keeping of his Passover, called the Lord's Supper, one day before his death at Passover. Jesus' death on the stake would coincide exactly with the time of the cutting of the throats of the Passover lambs. Nothing must be allowed to interfere with the time Jesus needs to teach them of his love and the great lessons that would steel them against imminent trouble, as well as ongoing persecution. Jesus next addresses an ongoing discussion that the Apostles had been having behind the Lord's back. "Who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God?" How petty, and ridiculous when the greatest man who has ever lived was about to lay down his life for them. Greatness is measured, not by esteem, but in service. Peter is told by his Lord of his threefold denial, which would occur before the rooster had crowed twice. The disciples would be confronted by the mob and once their Lord had been taken, they would need to fend for themselves. The reference to swords applies more to a dirk, or hunting knife. Peter and another of the Apostles had recently purchased these in expectation of trouble. In the Garden of Gethsemane our Lord thrice prays seeking, if it were possible, that there might be another way. So intense was his prayer that he sweated like it were great drops of blood. There is a known medical condition where the human body under extreme stress exudes blood through the pores of the skin. This condition is known as haematohidrosis. Consequent on Christ being strengthened by an angel he yielded his will to that of his Father. Yes, indeed, there were two distinct wills - that is impossible if our Lord is one part of the trinity- but here was the Divine Father and His mortal, submissive son. Judas comes at the head of a heavily armed band of temple thugs. How pathetic is it that the sign of Jesus' betrayal was a feigned affectionate kiss. Peter strikes out with his dirk and cuts off the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest. Peter is admonished by the Lord who miraculously heals Malchus. This is of course another evidence of Jesus' power as the Son of God. Our Lord meekly submits as a lamb to the slaughter to the vicious mob. Christ is led away to six farcical trials. Verses 54 to 62 record Peter's crumbling under intense and increasing pressure until he eventually caves in totally distraught and weeping in bitter remorse. Jesus is mocked and abused by the temple soldiers. Then he was illegally tried before the council of the 72. They were not allowed to conduct matters carrying a death sentence at night. Jesus quotes to the Council the words of Daniel 7 verses 13-14 and tells them that he will judge them. The other gospel records tell us that even the perjured witnesses could not agree among themselves. The high priest brings the charge of blasphemy against our Lord and against the Law condemns Jesus out of his own mouth. The Law of Moses forbad that.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 28th (1 Chronicles 11; Ezekiel 24; Luke 21) Sep 27, 2025

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In 1 Chronicles chapter 11 we have the record of David taking the ancient, but well-fortified fortress of Jebus. We are told of Joab's extraordinary feat of courage in gaining access and securing its fall. The rest of the chapter is a catalogue of David's mighty men and their outstanding acts of courage. These men typify the saints of our Lord Jesus Christ as they will bring the kingdoms of this world into subjection to our Lord Jesus Christ verses Revelation 11 verses 15-18. Ezekiel 24 outlines the parable of the burning pot which represented Jerusalem's fiery destruction. We are also told of the death of the prophet's wife and God's command that Ezekiel does not mourn her death. Likewise, the people were not to mourn the destruction of "the Sanctuary". The very strong language in this prophecy highlights just how offensive unfaithfulness is to Almighty God. So great would be the slaughter at Jerusalem's overthrow. The prophet was struck dumb and remained so until the day the city fell. Luke 21 is the record of the Olivet prophecy given after 6pm on Abib 12th from the mount east of Jerusalem. The significance of the prophecy deals with events that would occur within forty years of its delivery; as well as matters relating to our days (end times) when the Kingdom of God will be once more set up on earth. The chapter began with a declaration of the widow who gave God all. Jesus foretells of the destruction of the magnificent temple, whose building had begun with Herod the Great; and to that point in time had still not been finished. When the temple was destroyed it would be totally overturned leaving not one stone on another - except for the older foundations which acted as a retaining wall for Herod to build on. Jesus says that there would be wars and rumours of wars, but the disciples must wait until the end time of the Lord's prophecy. Persecution would be the disciples' lot, but they would be aided in their testimony before the authorities. Families would be divided over their support for Christ's teaching. Despite Jerusalem being surrounded by armies at AD70 there would be five opportunities for the disciples to flee to safety - the first of these was at the defeat of the Roman Tribune Cestius Gallus in AD66 (the others are mentioned in Robert Roberts book 'The Ways of Providence'). There would be the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, which spoke of the fall of the city to the Roman Emperor Titus. In regards to the final outcome of the prophecy, which relates to the time when the Kingdom of God will be set up on earth; we have the parable of the fig tree (national Israel's symbol), whose statehood began in 1948 and many of us have seen the fig tree blossom and flourish with the reoccupation of Jerusalem, Israel's eternal and undivided capital, in 1967. Be ready our Lord's return and his kingdom is indeed near.

Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Daily Readings & Thought for September 26th. “BECAUSE YOU DID NOT KNOW” Sep 26, 2025

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How vital to know certain things; the young go to school and then, if they are capable, to a University or a higher learning institute to gain additional knowledge or skills so they can more effectively make their way in life. The need for this is self-evident to all – there is no reward for the lazy, although some try to make their way in life through devious or dishonest means.

Our thoughts were provoked along these lines by 2 different points Jesus made in his teaching that we read today in Luke ch. 19. The first is where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and says. “would that you … had known on this day the things that make for peace … For the days will come upon you when your enemies will … tear you down to the ground … they will not leave one stone upon another in you because you did not know the time of your visitation.” [v.42-44]

In a physical sense they knew the presence of Jesus, but very few knew him as the true Messiah, the son of God. It is the same today, very few deny that a man called ‘Jesus of Nazareth existed 2,000 years ago, but the impact of what he was, what he taught, the meaning this gave to life, fails to come alive in their minds and so transform their lives to give them real meaning and purpose.

The second point arises in the parable Jesus told about a nobleman who gave ten minas to each of his servants (more than 2 years’ labourers wages) for them to use in his service while he was away. One of them fails to make any use of it and on the nobleman’s return he says to him, “Lord, here is your mina which I kept laid away in a handkerchief.” [v.20] He is rebuked for his failure to do any work for the nobleman and make any gains for him, and is told, “… you wicked servant! You knew I was a severe man …” [v.22]

Jesus a severe man! Well, do you think it right to reward laziness? How true and wonderful is the love of God and of Jesus – yet in responding to that love as we each must – we must show our love in more than words. The aged Apostle John wrote, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth.” [1 Jn 3 v.18]

Let us all live in a way that shows both in word and actions, the latter confirming our words, that we are faithful servants ready, at an hour that will surprise us, to greet our nobleman.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 27th (1 Chronicles 10; Ezekiel 23; Luke 20) Sep 26, 2025

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The Lord's masterful answer was that they were clearly wrong on two counts - one being a failure to understand the Scriptures; and, secondly, a denial of the power of the Almighty. Jesus answers them by quoting from the Book of Moses (Exodus 3 verses 15). If those words are true 500 years after Abraham's death that Yahweh IS Abraham's God, then Abraham's future is assured. The logic is irrefutable since the Scriptures only speak of one path to immortality i.e. through resurrection and subsequently glorification. Our hope is that in the kingdom we will be as the angels are now. Jesus then poses to them a question about Psalm 110 - "If Messiah is David's son, then why does David call him 'My Lord'?" The obvious answer being that not only is Christ David's son, but more importantly he is also the Son of God

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 26th (1 Chronicles 9; Ezekiel 22; Luke 19) Sep 25, 2025

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1 Chronicles 9 records the genealogies of the returned exiles and repeats Saul's genealogy. The returning exiles is a catalogue of the faithful who had endured the 70 years in Babylon and had come back to Judah and Jerusalem with a strong desire to be Yahweh's faithful remnant who would never allow God's people to be ensnared by idolatry. These returned exiles would have included many children of faithful Jews who had been educated in the hope of finding themselves among those who returned to establish Judah and Jerusalem once more. In Ezekiel 22 we have a description of the defilement of the land through blood shedding. All that mattered to Judah's inhabitants at that time was getting gain and it mattered not how many people were trampled and slaughtered because of their covetousness. The LORD God laments that there was not a single individual who would stand in the breach for Yahweh's righteousness. Luke 19 records the story of tiny Zacchaeus who had climbed the mulberry tree to catch sight of Jesus, who was to pass by among the crowd. The Lord, who was always able to read people's minds, stopped underneath the tree where the tax gatherer was. Jesus says, "Today I must dine at your house". In a statement of true repentance Zacchaeus indicates how he would pay recompense to any who he may have defrauded. Zacchaeus uses the language of the trespass offering. A great feast was hastily organised by the collector of excise. Jesus dines with him and a number of other publicans. There is a play on words throughout this chapter centring around the word "seek". Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus and instead Jesus saw Zacchaeus. Jesus had at last personally called Zacchaeus - who had already changed his ways. So much so that Jesus called him "a son of Abraham" who like Zacchaeus refused unwanted gain verses Genesis 14 verses 23. The chapter next follows the parable of the ten Minas which Jesus spoke because of the disciples' false expectation that the kingdom of God would immediately appear. It is based on the well-known historical circumstances surrounding the life of Herod Antipas. The parable is based on the utilisation of abilities distributed by the Lord. The enemies of the kingdom were slaughtered before the king. The Lord Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly upon a donkey, which had never been ridden - to the acclaim of the multitude waving palm branches and reciting the words of Psalm 118 and Zechariah 9. Next Jesus pauses as he came over the brow of the hill and caught sight of Jerusalem. Our Lord wept over the city with great tenderness. Christ explains his love and desire for that city. But he says that like the leprous house the stones would have to be torn down one by one. The next time his people would see him would be a time of Jewish conversion and repentance when they will from their hearts then say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh". This will mean blessing for the whole world - at last.

Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 25th (1 Chronicles 8; Ezekiel 21; Luke 18) Sep 24, 2025

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 25th (1 Chronicles 8; Ezekiel 21; Luke 18)

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