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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 12; Jeremiah 38, Mark 12) for Aug 17th. Aug 16, 2025

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1 Kings 12 tells us of Rehoboam's folly following the death of Solomon. Rehoboam fails to heed the wise counsel of the elders and rather harkens to the ridiculous reasoning of his entitled peers. The outcome of this is the division of the kingdom, as prophesied by Ahijah. Jeroboam is termed in scripture "the man who caused Israel to sin". Jeroboam set up two golden calves - the one in the north at Dan; and the other in Beersheba in the south. Rehoboam sent his treasurer to collect the tribute from Israel. But they stoned the treasurer causing Rehoboam to flee in his chariot. Rehoboam then mustered his army but was dissuaded from fighting against his brethren by the prophet Shemaiah who tells the king that the division is from the LORD. To his credit Rehoboam responded to the Word of God and sent the army home. King Jeroboam from the northern branch of the divided kingdom next changes the timing of the feast of worship from the seventh to the eighth month. This idolatrous man made his priests from the lowest of the people. All of this was designed to maintain the division. Jeroboam was fearful that Israel might, if they went to the Feast in Jerusalem, be reconciled to Rehoboam.

This 38th chapter of Jeremiah told of the malevolent treatment afforded the prophet at the hands of the treacherous princes casting him into the mire (mud) of the cistern. He was rescued by the kind and faithful Ethiopian, Ebed-melech. Our Sovereign recompensed the Ethiopian eunuch's kindness to Yahweh's prophet. After his deliverance Jeremiah presented his entreaties secretly to the king. Jeremiah again counsels the king to save Judah by surrendering to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.

Mark 12 begins with the parable of the tenants of the vineyard which spoke of Israel. The parable tells of the constant rejection of God's servants, the prophets; and the ultimate sin of Israel in rejecting the Son of the Father. The nation's wicked rulers saw themselves in Jesus' words and fulfilled the prophecy of our Lord in plotting Jesus' death. Christ's enemies make several attempts to undermine our Lord's authority. The chapter shows that each prominent party posed hypothetical questions. The first was from an alliance of the Herodians, who were pragmatists who were prepared to cooperate with Rome, and the arch enemies of the Herodians - the Pharisees. The question from this unholy alliance was on taxation. The master not only answers majestically, but he directs their minds to God's claims on them. We are next told of the Sadducees posing their question on resurrection. This sect were the priestly class. They were wealthy and used their power to accumulate wealth. The Sadducees did not accept the teaching of the resurrection; nor any of the Scriptures apart from the 5 Books of Moses. These hypocrites were likewise confounded by incontestable proof from Exodus 3 - one of the five writings that were accepted by them - of the raising of the dead. The Scribes with the Pharisees pose a problem to our Lord as to which commandment was the greatest. Jesus answers by showing that the entire message of the Law and the Prophets hung equally on the love of God and the love one's neighbour. Christ then turns the tables on his foes through a simple question in two parts;- 1) whose son is the Messiah (easy they thought - David's of course); and, part 2) how then in Psalm 110 is the Christ spoken of as David's Lord? The inescapable answer was that the Christ, Messiah, was greater because he was the Son of God as well as son of David. The chapter concludes with a denunciation of the Scribes and an object lesson from the widow, who gave all.

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Daily Readings & Thought for August 15th. “AND THE DISCIPLES WERE AMAZED …” Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

The disciples of Jesus had more remarkable experiences than any other group of human beings. The sudden stilling of the storm on the Lake of Galilee was one event that particularly astonished them, but in today’s 10th chapter of Mark we may have a sense of surprise at the cause behind the statement, “And his disciples were amazed at his words.”

Jesus had just said, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God” [v.23,24]. His comment was the sequel to a situation when an earnest man ran up to him and said “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [v.17] Jesus says, “You know the commandments and spells out most of them, and he responds, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth” [v.20] “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him.”

But the love of Jesus did not blot out a fatal flaw in the man’s character, Jesus said, “You lack one thing.” The Master who sees and knows all things told him to use his “great possessions” in helping the poor.

“Sell all that you have” he was told – but that was not the end of Christ’s words; but the man’s thinking had collapsed over that request.

The climax was a wonderful invitation, “come follow me… you will have treasure in heaven…” (v,21) But his mind could not jump the hurdle of his trust in wealth and “he went away sorrowful.” It was this event which caused Jesus to comment to his disciples about wealth and the great difficulties their possession cause for people who possess them. It amazed them!.

This brings our minds to bear on today’s readings in 1 Kings ch. 10 about Solomon’s great wealth, that he “excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.” [v.23]

But in the end his riches distracted him “so Solomon did not wholly follow the LORD” [ch. 11 v.6] and the lack of wisdom of his son Rehoboam led to a great loss of them.(ch.12) Solomon became obsessed by possessions (see what he confesses in Ecclesiastes 1 & 2).

And us? Our world is full of things to distract us, many of us – from Jesus’ perspective are ‘wealthy’ compared to previous generations. Jesus says to us, “Come follow me” If we have said, or decide to say, “Yes Lord” – let us do so – making sure there are no earthly possessions which are distracting us. Those who “follow me”, says Jesus “receive a hundredfold now in this lime … and in the age to come, eternal life.” [v.30].

This was the Apostle Paul’s experience, he expresses his position very succinctly, “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” [2 Cor.6 v.10]

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 11, Jeremiah 37, Mark 11) For aug 16th. Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

What a tragedy confronts the reader in Solomon's defiance of Yahweh's instructions. The record tells us of the foreign wives who corrupted the king (see Nehemiah 13 verses 25-27). Deuteronomy 17 had commanded the kings to write a personal copy the law, which contained commandments on the very matters Solomon contravened - see verses 14-29. And so the kingdom, to a large extent, would be torn from Solomon's son - Rehoboam. The circumstances of the rending of the civil fabric of Israel's society are described in the bulk of the chapter. The kingdom would pass to a diligent, but ambitious servant of Solomon's - whose name was Jeroboam. When this man came to the throne of Israel, also called Ephraim and Samaria he was to set up an idolatrous rival system of worship and is frequently called "the man who made Israel to sin". Solomon's death is recorded and his actions are said to have been written in "the Acts of Solomon".

Jeremiah warns the vacillating king Zedekiah to obey his divine Sovereign. The corrupt and vacillating king is told that Judah would receive no help from Pharaoh's army who had returned to Egypt. Chaldean captivity was inevitable and the king and his realm were instructed to submit to Babylon's authority. The Judean princes plot Jeremiah's imprisonment on the false charge of treason, ie supporting the Chaldeans. The prophet is shamefully beaten and imprisoned. Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and the king, who was fearful of his nobles, and secretly questioned him. However, Jeremiah pleads to be spared by the king. Zedekiah places the prophet in custody and commands that he receives a daily ration of bread from the city's bakery. Jeremiah in his sufferings is a remarkable servant of God and a type of the suffering servant - the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the 11th chapter of Mark we read of Jesus' triumphal entry to Jerusalem. He rode on a donkey, a colt the foal of an ass, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9 verse 9 and also that of Genesis 49 verses :10-12. It was an animal that had never been ridden. It seems to suggest that our Lord Jesus would be the ruler/rider of the Gentiles. The crowds strewed their clothes and palm branches before Christ's path, and shouted, 'Hosanna' (save now) as the prophecy predicted. We are additionally told they recited Psalm 118 verses 26. It is recommended that we read Psalm 118 verses 19-29 and meditate on the many messages from that Hallel - or Passover Psalm - this being Passover time. As it was late, our Lord and his Apostles headed to Bethany. The next morning, as they left Bethany, Jesus saw a fig tree that showed promise of early fruit; just like Israel, whose symbol that tree was. But finding no fruit on the tree our Lord cursed it. It was like the fruitless nation: Matthew 21 verses 43 - read and consider the context of these words. That day Jesus cleanses the temple from corruption - the second time see John 2 verses 13-17 this was first done three and a half years earlier at the commencement of our Lord's ministry. That evening Christ returns to Bethany. The next morning the disciples were amazed at the withered tree and our Lord uses the opportunity to tell the power of persistent prayer. Jesus' foes were confounded the following day by his masterful answer on the source of his authority.

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 10, Jeremiah 36, Mark 10) for Aug 15th Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

The record in 1 Kings 10 tells of the visit to Solomon by the Queen of Sheba, a wealthy spice kingdom. She was left breathless after seeing his glorious dominion and spoke of her doubts as to what she heard in her own realm. This queen says to Solomon that there had been no exaggeration in what she had heard in her homeland. This queen graciously gave great gifts in tribute to Solomon. The chapter gives us a glimpse of the glory of Solomon's realm. Solomon was not only master in his domain, but also the broker for the cloth trade and for buying and selling of horses and chariots for all the surrounding kingdoms.

Jeremiah's 36th chapter occurred in the 4th year of Jehoiakim and the first year of Nebuchadnezzar. Verses 11-19 record Baruch's reading of the scroll that Jeremiah had dictated. It was read in the hearing of the citizens of Jerusalem. After having read it to the populace Baruch and Jeremiah are told to hide themselves knowing the reaction that this prophecy would cause to the king and his nobles. This was the year when the king of Judah burned the Bible and Yahweh revealed His will to the Gentile despot, Nebuchadnezzar - see Daniel 2 verses 31-45. Read and think about this remarkable prophecy that reveals the history of the world from the time of Nebuchadnezzar's empire until the establishment of our Lord Jesus Christ's kingdom in the near future. Verses 20-26 speak of Jehoiiakim's seizing the scroll, cutting it to pieces with his penknife and casting it into the fire. Verses 27-31 describe Yahweh's rebuke to Jeconiah and his pronounced punishment for his contempt for the Word of the LORD. Verse 32 says that Baruch was commanded to rewrite the burnt scroll with additional material.

In the record of Mark 10 Jesus tells us, that the Mosaic law sought to regulate putting away. The practice of divorce had become rife in our Lord's time. Jesus indicates that 'putting away' was foreign to the Father's purpose in marriage described at the end of Genesis 2. The Almighty's purpose in marriage is elaborated in Malachi 2 verses 11-16. The record says that children were invited to come to Jesus for blessing and to show that humility is essential for entry to the kingdom. The chapter says that a rich young ruler, who was deeply loved for his sincerity by Jesus, found his love of his possessions an obstacle too great to overcome. Jesus goes on to say how hard it is for all those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. Because the amazed Apostles had left all and followed Jesus they were promised a place in the kingdom for faithfulness. Carefully read aloud verses 29-31 and meditate on the message for us. For the third time Jesus foretells of his suffering, death and resurrection. We are told that James and John came secretly to Jesus seeking the positions of honour in his glory - to sit at our Lord's right and left hand - in his kingdom. Those two Apostles are told that they would suffer for his sake and that the Father alone could give such honours. The Lord's ministry, Jesus says, is service. This must also be true for all of Christ's followers. The chapter concludes by telling us that blind Bartimaeus was cured and follows Jesus.

Daily Readings & Thought for August 13th. “FOR WHOEVER IS ASHAMED” Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

We live in a world in which most people do not want to feel ashamed of anything. Lawyers grow rich out of the efforts of some to camouflage over their failures and wrongdoing. But there can be no effective camouflage before God – so we must not be influenced by the attitudes that surround us.

We read today how Jesus had a wide audience “the crowds with his disciples” when “he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it … what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” [Mark 8 v.34-37]

Those who fail to put God first in their thinking will not know they have forfeited their life, that is their hope of eternal life, until – it is too late! We must not miss the vital point Jesus makes, “For whoever is ashamed of me … “ Jesus will also “be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father …”

The words of Solomon have heart searching parallels with the words of Jesus. Look at the words he used in his prayer to God as he dedicated the marvellous Temple. We read today of the ark being brought from the Tabernacle and put in “its place in the inner sanctuary of the house (Temple) in the Most Holy Place.” [1 Kings 8 v.6}.

“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the L:ORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven.” [v.22] There follows a remarkable prayer: it is far more than a prayer of praise.

What we need to note most of all are his references to the attitudes of the hearts of those praying – and God’s awareness of this. As “you listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray …” [v.30] “forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways – for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind” [v.39] “… if they repent with all their mind and with all their heart” [v.48]

In finishing his prayer he tells the people “The LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers. May he not leave or forsake us, that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways …” [v.57,58], telling the people, “Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God …” [v.61]

Those with such a heart will never feel “ashamed” of confessing their belief and faith. Let us shine as lights in the darkness of this world and in word and deed “may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” [1 Peter 2 v.9]

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 9, Jeremiah 35, Mark 9) for aug 14th. Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

In the 1 Kings' record Yahweh appears to Solomon in a dream. This was the second time that God had appeared to Solomon by dream. In the earlier promise God offers to Solomon a covenant like that to David Solomon's father. This was an eternal covenant, that was conditional on obeying the terms, and having a perpetual heir to his throne. The readings in Jeremiah 33 reminds us of David's unbreakable covenant. We also saw, that because of Coniah's corruption, the line of kingship ended with him and therefore terminated Solomon's line of succession. Luke 3 tells us this was to be transferred to Nathan , David's son. The chapter finishes in verses 10-28 with further great acts of Solomon, not all of which were well received. The first of these acts was the completion of the two houses - Yahweh's and Solomon's own house - twenty years these projects took. We are told of Solomon's gift of cities in Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre. Hiram had greatly helped Solomon in the construction of the Temple. Hiram was displeased with the gift and described the cities as "dirty". We are also told of Solomon's store cities, the trade in horses and chariots, the ships Solomon built at Ezion-Geber. The chapter speaks of a well organised administration and vast tributes coming to his realm from surrounding subject kingdoms.

Jeremiah's 35th chapter tells of an incredibly faithful family - the Rechabites. Their adherence to the rules imposed by their ancestor - Jonadab son of Rechab - went back almost 800 years, to when Israel under Moses were about to enter the Promised Land. Jeremiah is told to put wine before the Rechabites as a test. These men stay faithful to the charge of Jonadab and drink no wine. The Almighty commends their upholding of the 5th commandment - honouring their father (and mother) and pointed to the fact that these faithful Gentiles stood in marked contrast to God's disobedient children. Note God's covenant with the Rechabites stands on a par with that to David and to the offer to Solomon in our first reading.

Mark 9 deals with the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and glory, as seen in his transfiguration. The three, Peter, James and John, witnesses our Lord Jesus Christ being seen with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration. These three Apostles were asked to keep secret what they had seen until after Jesus' rising. In the meantime the remainder of the twelve are frustrated by their failure to heal a deaf and mute boy. Our Lord points out that miracles of healing are not automatic, but dependent on the involvement of the healer. Once more Jesus spoke of his death and resurrection which left the Apostles dumbfounded - possibly their minds had been blinded by the witnessing of our Lord's glory. A dispute arose among his Apostles as to who was the greatest. Jesus answered the question via the lesson seen in the humility of a child being seen by them. Out Lord reminds those Apostles that without humility none can enter the kingdom. Christ next warns us not to categorise people who are not identical to ourselves. The chapter closes with the need for self examination and drastic action in order to enter the kingdom.

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Daily Readings & Thought for August 12th . “IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP” Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Although atheism is rife in our country, is not an even greater disaster those who go to places of Christian worship and yet, in God’s eyes, fail to offer to him the heart-felt worship he seeks. The wide variety of Churches must surely indicate this. But we must avoid a judgmental attitude, that is God’s prerogative, however we cannot help seeing some of the differences between first century Christianity and that which exists today. .

Our first aim must be to make sure we ourselves are approaching God and His Son in the way he desires.

Our second aim should be to try to help others whom we fear are failing in their approach to effectively worship God. Now Jesus, in confronting this failure, bluntly said that the type of worship he was seeing was ”in vain.” How tragic that any worship is in vain. One cannot totally blame the atheist and agnostic when they turn their backs on Christianity as they see such a contradictory mix of churches .

A major reason why we read the Bible every day is to get a right understanding of what God and his Son Jesus, require of us. Only through God’s word do we learn how they should be served and worshipped.

In today’s reading (Mark 7) Jesus calls the Pharisees and Scribes “hypocrites”[v.6], that is, people who put on a false front. He quotes what God caused Isaiah to prophecy (as in his 29th chapter v.13); for God declared, “This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, in vain do they worship me; teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.”[v.7]

How much worship today is pleasing to God? Only God knows, but the above quotation shows there are two aspects we must get right. Our attitude of heart, worship is not just a ritual, it must reflect the desires we feel in our heart. Secondly, that the things we teach and believe are truly confirmed by God’s word.

Words we read a week ago in the last chapter of Romans spring to mind, “watch for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites …” [v.17,18] Let us make sure our appetite is fed every day by the word of God, the words of Jesus ringing in our minds, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” [John 6 v.35].

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 8, Jeremiah 34, Mark 8) for Aug 13th. Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

1 Kings 8 tells us of the bringing up of the ark to Jerusalem with appropriate pomp and ceremony. Next came Solomon's extolling Yahweh and outlining the process that saw the ark coming to its typical resting place in the magnificent house, which had been built: 1 Chronicles 16 verses 8-36 records David's Psalm of thanksgiving penned at the time. David describes the spiritual significance of the occasion and how it types Christ's kingdom: carefully and slowly read Psalm 132 and meditate its meaning. Verses 22-53 recorded Solomon's prayer of dedication. Note the emphasis on the inadequacy of any house to befit the Almighty. And the repeated refrain, "then hear in Heaven, your dwelling place". The inadequacy of a physical house is emphasised. However as a sign of respect for the Omnipotent Creator of the Universe it was fitting for the Temple to be a magnificent building. We should particularly see the need for each of us to recognise the plague of our own heart, ie the sickness that in each of us leads us into sin - and some of us have strong weaknesses in a particular way - we need to know our weaknesses and those parts of our problem for which we must pray and where we need help to overcome these individual weaknesses. The chapter concludes with a blessing and the offering of accompanying sacrifices.

Jeremiah chapter 34 contains an appeal to Zedekiah based upon the inevitable fate that the king and his city faced. Zedekiah was told that he must make a truce with Nebuchadnezzar and deal faithfully with the slaves according to the Law of Moses. If they comply with Yahweh's commands then disaster may be averted. But Zedekiah and his princes failed to comply and so would suffer the consequences. Brother C C Walker writes: "Zedekiah and his contemporaries despised the covenants of God and man, and because of this God gave them into the hands of the Babylonians and made "the cities of Judah a desolation without inhabitant".

Mark's 8th chapter commences with the feeding of 4,000. The record contains some contrasts with that of the 5,000 - 1) the 5,000 were Jewish, the 4,000 were not; 2) the Apostles had immediate compassion for the 5,000, but no compassion for the others despite watching the multitude enduring for 3 days without any food; 3) the numbers involved differed and taught different messages out of the feedings. This is followed by the rulers asking, but not receiving another sign. A discussion about leaven took place between our Lord and his enemies. The disciples assume that Jesus was rebuking them for forgetting to take food. How illogical this was for he had shown the power to make food. It was about the corrupt influence of wrongful teaching. The chapter continues with the healing of a blind man. This man was cured by stages at Bethsaida, illustrating the problem of perception - we so often like that man see people out of proportion. Jesus next questions his Apostles on people's perception of himself. Then our Lord asks them who they thought him to be. Several answers were given until Peter responded by declaring that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. All of the Apostles are charged to not reveal this until after our Lord Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. Once again our Master speaks of his despicable treatment, crucifixion and resurrection the 3rd day. The chapter finishes with a command for each of us to take up our stake daily to follow our Lord Jesus.

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Daily Readings & Thought for August 11th. THE LITTLE WORD ‘IF’ Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Today’s reading in 1 Kings 6 describes how Solomon in the 4th year of his reign began to build that remarkable temple on the mount in Jerusalem. This is what his father wanted to build, it took him 7 years (v.38) and “when the house was built; it was with stone prepared in the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built”[v.7]

Imagine those 7 years, there has never been a building site like it. The stone almost certainly came from a quarry right next to, if not partly under the present walls of the city that the Saracens rebuilt 500 years ago. I have been down into it, one walks into history, the stones for the Wailing Wall also came from there, you can see where they were cut out and the faulty ones they left behind.

There are references throughout the chapter to overlaying all the stones with cedar and then the cedar with pure gold (v.18,21,22), it would have been totally awesome to work there and see it completed.

There is the little word “IF” in verse 12 that we simply must take notice of – “concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you which I spoke to David your father and I will dwell among the children of Israel.”[v.12,13]

This principle of God applied to all Solomon’s descendants. In Jeremiah we are reading of the last king, a useless ruler, and there came the terrible destruction of the temple and the city.

Let us realize that God looks for a house to dwell in today! Look at 1 Peter 2 v.4,5 ; “As you come to him, a living stone, rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house …” Can you sense that spiritual house? Can you sense you are being shaped, as “a living stone” to fit into God’s building? Remember that little word “IF” !! Are you co-operating with God so that his “spiritual house” is taking proper shape. Sadly, there are stones he rejects, they cannot be shaped as God desires..

Paul complained of those who were not “holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Coloss. 2 v.19)

Would he make the same complaint today? Paul bluntly told the Corinthians (2nd letter ch. 6 v.1) they should be “working together with God” Let us, in a spiritual sense, build our lives, so that we will be fit for a place in God’s “Temple” – a temple that will last for ever.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Kings 7, Jeremiah 33, Mark 7) for Aug 12 Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

1 Kings 7 verses 1-12 describes the building of Solomon's own magnificent palace - containing a grand hall called the Forest of Lebanon because of the magnificent cedar pillars. It was approximately 45 metres in length and 24 metres wide. It took 13 years to build. He also constructed an impressive palace for Pharaoh's daughter who may be the subject of Psalm 45 and the Song of Solomon. The timber work of cedar and the magnificent gemstones were characteristic of these houses. Verses 13-51 describe the furnishings of Yahweh's House. Both were magnificent, but, the description of God's house occupies the bulk of the chapter. A comment on the two pillars of entry into the house; one was called 'Yachin' meaning established by Yah; and the other'Boaz' the strong one. It was a parable about the Lord Jesus Christ- Yahweh will establish through the one He strengthened.

In chapter 33 of Jeremiah we are told of the blessings of our Sovereign, when He brings peace and security; when the fortunes of Judah are restored. Verse 1-3 contains a plea from the Sovereign LORD to call upon Him and He will respond. The thoughts are similar to those expressed in Hosea 2 verses 21-23 and it follows on from the ideas outlined in Jeremiah 32 verses 37-41. Verses 4-5 tell of judgment that the Chaldeans will bring to guilty Judah. Verses 6-13 return to the blessings that will come to a repentant nation. Verse 9 focuses on the time when Jerusalem will be a city where God's truth resides and will be to the LORD for praise and glory: Zechariah 8 verses 11-23. Note well the joy in that city, ie equivalent to the rejoicing between the bridegroom and the bride - symbolic of our Lord Jesus Christ and his ecclesia. Verses 14-26 speak of that time when Yahweh's eternal covenant with David will be operational. God states that this covenant can never be broken, and can be relied on as the sun and moon rise each day. Contemplate the wonderful words of verse 15 ESV: "In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute righteousness and justice in the land". This is speaking of our Lord Jesus Christ. Compare the message of Zechariah 3:8-10. Slowly read aloud these verses and marvel at the blessings that Messiah's kingdom will bring.

The 7th chapter of Mark contrasts worship that has been nullified by tradition, with true worship from the heart. The Pharisees found fault in Jesus' disciples who washed not after tradition. The Pharisees were noted for their elaborate ceremonies when washing: they washed so as to prevent water contaminated by dirt from contacting their hands. Our Lord used this situation to tell that legalism was symptomatic of the worship of that time. He spoke of the gross avoidance of responsibility contained in the 5th commandment by the ruse of Corban. Then he showed that defilement is a moral, not a physical, matter. This originated in the mind. The record follows with the curing of the Syrophenician woman's daughter; made possible through her great faith, and the acknowledgment that Israel were God's chosen people. She illustrates the importance of being associated with God's covenant people and on the basis of her faithful confession she gratefully receives the abundant crumbs that fall from the children's table. As Jesus says to the woman of the well at Sychar: "Salvation is from the Jews" John 4 verses 22-26. The chapter concludes with the healing of a deaf and dumb man from the Decapolis.

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