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Thoughts on the readings for April 3rd (Numbers 17, Proverbs 13, Galatians 3, 4) Apr 03, 2025

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Once again in Numbers 17 the LORD demonstrates that He has chosen Aaron to be the divinely appointed High Priest – see Hebrews 5 verses 4-10. The sign of our Sovereign’s choice was the resurrection from the dead. Twelve rods were placed before the presence of God, which the ark of the covenant symbolised. One rod with the name of the prince of each tribe enscribed and Aaron’s name on his dead almond rod. Aaron’s Rod had been used in many of the miracles, wonders and signs that were demonstrated in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. On the next morning 11 of the rods remained unaffected, just the same as when they had been placed; but Aaron’s Rod had come to life and showed all 3 stages of the almonds life cycle – buds, flowers and fruits – all present at the same time. The almond tree is called in the Hebrew language “the awakener” as it is one of the first trees to bloom speaking of impending Spring. It is a symbol of Israel’s national restoration – see Matthew 24 verses 32-35;

Daily Readings & Thought for April 1st. “SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE” Apr 01, 2025

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The last chapter in Luke’s gospel is soul stirring if we let our minds visualize the events it describes. Let us, in our imagination, see ourselves among the disciples or among the women who came to the tomb. Meditate and let the events ‘come alive’ in our thinking.. The women dedicatedly followed Jesus to the end to do whatever they could even though their ‘world’ had fallen apart. And when the world today is falling apart? What of us?

We read of the two who were joined by a stranger as they walked the 10km to Emmaus. They were told by him they were “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken” [v.25] about the sufferings of the Messiah and how after that “he would enter into his glory.” They completed their journey, it is now evening and they “urged him strongly, saying ‘Stay with us.’[v.29]

The next verses are fascinating! And “when he was at table with them he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them,. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.” What opened their eyes? He broke the bread with his hands and gave it to them with his hands! What hands!! And has soon as recognition ‘flashed’ into their minds, he vanished!

Despite the lateness of the day they surely made the return journey of 10km in record time saying “to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’”[v.32]

And what of our feelings as we read the scriptures? What motivates us to read them? Do we have a sense of urgency to understand and believe?

There are a good number of Old Testament passages that are remarkable prophecies of the Messiah’s coming – we can now see which applied to his first coming – and which to his second. Do our hearts burn within us as we read them or are we “slow of heart to believe?” Could our belief be largely academic – in our head but not in our heart?

Looking back at ch.21 in Luke, there are words of Jesus that have surely been recorded for you and me, “Stay awake at all times. Praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Thoughts on the readings for April 2nd (Numbers 16, Proverbs 12, Galatians 1, 2) Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

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 ie 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 Judaisers, 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 ie 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 Judaisers. 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.

Daily Readings & Thought for March 31st. “YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Today we read of Jesus on the Cross. “The chief priests and the rulers and the people” [Luke 23 v.13] opposed Pilate’s decision to release him so he gave in and “delivered Jesus over to their will.” He is crucified between two criminals and one of these derides him saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us,” but the other rebukes him and says, “we are receiving the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong”

[v.39,41] Then he makes a request to Jesus which, together with Jesus’ answer, is widely misunderstood.

He says, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’. And Jesus says to him, ‘Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.’ “[v.42,43] We have quoted exactly as in the Bible (ESV) with one little exception, we have put the comma after the word ‘today’ instead of before it. The original Greek has no punctuation so translators use their own judgement as to how to punctuate the text when rendering it in English – or any other language – and nearly all of them get it wrong in this verse.

The question the criminal asked indicates he knew the teachings of Jesus but had turned to bad ways: maybe he learnt the prayer Jesus taught, ”Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth …” [Matt.6 v.10].The word ‘paradise’ means a garden, a park – the Garden of Eden was a paradise. The whole world will become the Garden of Eden when Jesus sets up God’s kingdom’. Jesus promised, “to the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” [Rev. 2 v,7].

It is obvious that Jesus is not referring to heaven when he made this promise. After he came out of the tomb he said to Mary Magdalene, “I have not yet ascended to the Father” [John 20 v.17]. The criminal re-established his relationship with Jesus because of his faith – and for that reason he received this promise of a place in the paradise of God’s kingdom. He had remarkable faith in the future that awaited Jesus when the disciples had lost theirs!

A closing thought is to note the mistake some make in saying that since this repentant criminal was not baptised – baptism is not essential. They forget that baptism is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus as Paul makes plain in Romans 6 v. 3-8. Baptism became essential after the resurrection of Jesus. Those who only knew the baptism of John had to be rebaptised (see Acts 19 v.3-5) The whole world is to become a paradise! What wonders await all who will be with Jesus then! Will you be with him in paradise?.

Thoughts on the readings for April 1st (Numbers 15, Proverbs 11, Luke 24) Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

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 1 verses 6-11).

Thoughts on the readings for March 31st (Numbers 14, Proverbs 10,Luke 23) Mar 31, 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 levelled against our Lord. Pilate pronounces Jesus innocent and hearing he was from Galilee felt he could evade any responsibility by sending him to Herod. Herod had been curious about Jesus for some time. Upon questioning him, without an answer from Jesus, Pilate reverts to allowing his soldiers to mock and brutalise our Lord. Having found no fault in our Lord Jesus, Herod returns him to Pilate – a partial reconciliation occurs between the two potentates. Pilate once again declares Jesus innocent, but allows him to be brutally scourged (scourging was sometimes called the intermediate death – and many a man died under the barbaric scourge). Even this failed to evoke any pity. For the third time Jesus was pronounced innocent. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to bay for Jesus blood. and badgered Pilate into a decision that he did not want to make. Our Lord was delivered to be crucified and Barbaras was released. Jesus was so weak that the Romans pressed Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross. This man and his two sons became disciples. The women on the road to Calvary wept as they beheld our Lord, but Jesus told them to weep not for him, but for the miseries that would fall on them. Jesus was crucified between two thieves, who could have been Barabbas’ followers. The place of his crucifixion was that of a skull; again in all probability that of Goliath’s skull. The soldiers gambled for his clothes, as had been prophesied. Jesus, himself implored his Father to forgive them as they knew not what they were doing. One of the two thieves crucified with our Lord railed upon Jesus The other thief turned in repentance to Jesus and asked for Jesus to remember him when Jesus would come in his kingdom. Very likely the second thief understood the Gospel of the Kingdom. He was given the assurance of a place in that Kingdom. Jesus’ words were that the thief would be with the Lord in that day. Neither were in paradise that day for Jesus spent the next three days in the tomb. Our Lord suffered the taunting of sinners, by masterfully controlling himself and as such our Lord was the Victor. Jesus died calmly at about 3pm and seeing that demeanour a hardened centurion exclaimed that surely this man was the Son of God. For six hours the Almighty veiled the scene with darkness, as a sign of His indignation at their doings. When Jesus died there was a great earthquake and the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom – showing God’s displeasure. The law was now finished and Christ had opened of a new and living way. Two counsellors – Joseph and Nicodemas – from the Sanhedrin secured the body of Jesus from Pilate and took it to Joseph’s unused garden tomb. The women, who followed our Lord and had just witnessed his crucifixion, now followed Joseph and Nicodemas to see where Jesus’ body was laid and where they would later need to come with the spices they would purchase for his burial. The women then rested on the Sabbath day.

Daily Readings & Thought for March 30th. “ALL WHO HATE ME LOVE DEATH” Mar 30, 2025

Show notes

What a challenging statement that is, “all who hate me love death”! It is the final statement in Proverbs ch. 8, a chapter which begins with the question, ”Does not wisdom call?”. Call? – this is a Hebrew word that occurs 16 times in Proverbs, for example, 1 v.24 :”I have called and you refused to listen.”

In today’s chapter, it is followed by the parallel question, “Does not understanding raise her voice?” How many fail to understand, especially today; even try to understand the reason for life, what it is all about!

This remarkable chapter personifies “wisdom” as a person who is totally wise in the way they live their lives. “My mouth will utter truth” says wisdom, “wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous, there is nothing crooked or twisted in them.”

[v.7,8]

Wisdom has a sister called ”Prudence” – a word which the dictionary defines as the quality of being foreseeing and discreet – and so in v.12 we read, I wisdom dwell with prudence and I find knowledge and discretion” as a result.

The next verses say, “The fear (awe) of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. By me kings reign and rulers decree what is just” Is there a ruler who can be described in this way now? Even Solomon in his old age faltered.

In the New Testament James states that, in contrast to human wisdom, “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” [3 v.17] . Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom and one day soon he will return from his Father’s side to reign with true wisdom and those who have loved wisdom will rejoice and receive “fruit” because of their love.

The final quotation we will select is “My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold … granting an inheritance to those who love me … [v.19,21] And what an inheritance! In contrast – remember how the chapter ends, “all those who hate me love death” Of course they do not “love” death” but because they turn their back on wise thinking and doing – in God’s eyes they “love death.” There is no ‘in between’ position in life, it is either the broad way or the narrow way! How increasingly uncomfortable it must be to try to ‘walk’ having a foot on each path! Too late – it is realised it is impossible! God is calling – are you really listening?

Daily Readings & Thought for March 29th. “FOREBODING OF WHAT IS COMING ON THE WORLD” Mar 29, 2025

Show notes

Foreboding is not a word we use much these days; the dictionary says it means – ‘have a premonition of something evil or harmful.’ Jesus used it (as translated by the ESV) in our reading today [Luke 21 v.26]; he forecast that just before he returns to earth there will be, “distress of nations in perplexity … people fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world.”

In our younger days there was optimism that even better times were coming because of the new inventions in many areas. This was not just in the things we buy for our homes, but the better fertilisers and increasing productivity. Clever scientists and inventers were making life better and better – and when Communism collapsed as the Berlin wall came down in 1989 it seemed the world was entering a new golden era of peace and prosperity. How dramatically the scene has changed since then – still greater changes are threatening now; all for the worse.

As we read Numbers Ch. 11 today we saw some comparisons. The Israelites had had a wonderful and miraculous deliverance from captivity in Egypt. There was a “honeymoon” period at Mt Sinai and a special tabernacle was built using the gold they had taken from the Egyptians. Then “manna,” the bread from heaven, was provided as their staple food.

But today’s chapter starts, “And the people complained about their misfortunes … oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions …”

[v.1,4,5]. Today’s world has so many who are ready to complain about anything that is not just as they want it !

Two hundred years ago nearly everyone believed in a Creator as the source of all things. One hundred years ago, the majority of people still believed this but today a large majority have turned their backs on the God of the Bible. Man is now his own ‘god.’ What happened to the self-centred Israelites in the wilderness will have its parallel to the 21st Century as people faint “with fear and foreboding” and distress and perplexity becomes overwhelming.

Our Proverbs’ chapter again has valuable advice, “Keep my commandments and live … call insight your intimate friend” [v.1,4].

Insight! Inward vision in your heart of the real meaning of life (and Easter) is the antidote to being full of foreboding about what is coming on the world, only God’s word provides the right “food” for seeking hearts..

Thoughts on the readings for March 30th (Numbers 12, 13, Proverbs 8, 9, Luke 22) Mar 29, 2025

Show notes

Proverbs chapters 8 and 9 complete the first section of the book. Chapter 8 presents Wisdom’s appeal. Chapter 9 tells of two feasts to which the young man is invited. He must choose between Wisdom’s feast and Folly’s feast. Both Wisdom and Folly are personified as women making their respective appeals. Chapter 8:1-3 outlines Wisdom’s call. The call is open and fulsome – to all from every place. Verses 4-11 tell of Wisdom’s audience and explain why she should be trusted. There is no downside in trusting her. All the blessings and benefits shout out that she must be chosen; it is in our interest to choose her. Verses 12-22 describe Wisdom’s House, what she does and the rewards she gives. Those who respond to Wisdom’s call will understand the ways of the LORD and will choose to walk in those paths. Without wisdom kings and rulers are doomed to failure. David had so instilled these values into Solomon’s mind that when asked by God what Solomon would choose – he chose wisdom. Verses 22-31 are to be understood in two ways. Firstly that Yahweh’s wisdom characterised His Creation in the beginning. And, secondly it is a personification of our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing in creation was made without our Lord God focusing on creation’s relationship to Jesus. Jesus is the centre and object of the entire Creation. Both the letters of Colossians and Hebrews emphasise that.
Chapter 9 of Proverbs in verses 1-18 describe the rival feasts. Verses 1-6 tell of Wisdom’s feast. Wisdom’s table is prepared and she speaks of those to whom her appeal is directed. Verses 7-12 calls for an open mind to receive Wisdom’s words and the benefits that will flow from a mind open to truth and wisdom. Verses 13-18 by contrast tell of the feast of Folly and of the disastrous consequences to those foolish enough to choose foolishness. It is a matter of life and death for the choice you make. Compare the appeal of Moses in Deuteronomy 30:11-20 – slowly read aloud and ponder the path you will wisely choose.

Israel: The world's WAKE UP CALL! with James Jolly Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

A @Christadelphians Video: Description: Despite centuries of persecution and attempted annihilation, the "immortal Jew” has survived as a race and nation while mighty empires like Babylon, Egypt and Rome have all but disappeared. Israel’s existence is no accident, but is the living proof of a living God whose prophets plainly declare their survival to be a sign of a dramatic change about to overtake the whole Earth. # SummaryThe PRESENTATION by Woodville James Jolly discusses the significance of Israel in biblical prophecy and its role as a wake-up call for the world. It explores the historical resilience of the Jewish people, the promises made by God regarding Israel's existence, and the prophetic events that are expected to unfold, leading to a new era of peace and divine governance. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding these biblical prophecies to prepare for the dramatic changes that lie ahead.# Highlights- 📖 **Biblical Focus on Israel**: The presentation underscores that Israel has become a central focus in global news, which is seen as a divine signal for people to turn to the Bible and understand God's plans for humanity.- ⏳ **Historical Resilience of Jews**: The speaker highlights the remarkable survival of the Jewish people throughout history, despite numerous attempts at eradication, as a testament to God's promise regarding Israel's endurance as a nation.- 🌍 **Prophetic Significance**: The restoration of Israel is portrayed as a critical sign that significant changes are imminent, including a prophesied world conflict involving all nations, ultimately leading to a new era of peace under God's kingdom.- ⚔️ **Ezekiel 38 Prophecy**: The presentation discusses the prophecy of a future invasion of Israel by various nations, which will culminate in divine intervention, marking a pivotal moment in biblical prophecy.- 🌟 **Hope for the Future**: Despite the warnings of impending conflict, the speaker concludes on a hopeful note, describing a future where nations will seek peace and live in harmony, with Israel at the forefront of this transformation.# Keywords- Israel- Prophecy- Biblical History# Timestamps00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Importance of Israel in current events 05:00 - Historical overview of Jewish resilience 10:15 - Biblical promises regarding Israel's existence 15:45 - Discussion of diaspora and persecution 20:30 - Prophecies of Israel's regathering 25:00 - Overview of Israel's wars and conflicts 30:00 - Current geopolitical situation in Israel 35:30 - Ezekiel 38 prophecy explained 40:00 - Future implications for all nations 45:00 - Conclusion and call to action 49:30 - Final thoughts on the significance of biblical prophecy

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