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We had six for Wordlisteners tonight, and we read the chapters listed in the title.
Obadiah, an unknown servant of the Lord. Not much is known about Him. In serving the Lord he was trusted with this message. We can all be trusted of the Lord if we will indeed serve Him and give up our right to ourself. Edom was a nation that was descended from Esau, and they watched (and rejoiced) in the destruction of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and were glad when Judah came under attack. Yet they were related to those people. Often we are "glad" when people we think are evil "get what they deserve", and I'm sure that applied to the Edomites as they looked at their brothers. Is it love to rejoice at the misfortune of others? The end times will bring about great distress, should we look forward to it? I look for the time after when Jesus will set up His Kingdom as God intended and am comforted by the fact that God will call people to Him as has never happened before. God has always let people choose though throughout history. God's message through Obadiah is that with the measure we rejoice over another's suffering is the measure that we will suffer. As you have done it will return unto you. This is similar to the return of our giving in the New Testament Luke 6:38. The Lord affirms that He will have the last say.
Jonah, Written during the strong time of the Northern kingdom of Israel, Assyria was their enemy, Nineveh was the capital city of their enemy. God intended to send Jonah to Nineveh because of their sin. Jonah was disobedient to God. God wants complete obedience from all His servants and yet like Jonah, we get to choose on a case by case basis. When Jonah disobeyed God sent consequences to try and regain his obedience to the Lord. You could say Jonah wanted his own way rather than God's, but God brought him to the point of seeing that the consequence of disobedience was much greater then the consequence of obedience.
So Jonah went as God had directed, and Nineveh actually listened to what Jonah said and repented. Since these people repented, God relented on sending His wrath. So Jonah obeyed God but became angry when the outcome he wanted did not occur. That God relented made what Jonah said not true, it made him look bad. So even though Jonah seemingly obeyed he was still not happy with the outcome (the Lord's will). So we can seemingly obey and expect certain outcomes that are not what the Lord had in mind. The Lord wanted to forgive, Jonah did not.
Jonah was angry at God because of His loving kindness. The laborers in vineyard in Jesus parable have the same reaction. Those that worked all day got the same reward as those that went out the last hour. We are quick to expect certain outcomes based on the way we think rather than discern from God continually His will. When we fall into certain expectations , we have left God and His plans.
Micah, a prophet before the fall of Israel and Judah who warned of coming judgment, but also to remind that God pardons those who repent. Its written to all peoples over the entire earth. The Lord is coming to be on the high places of the earth. This could apply to the last days. Then He gets Samaria specific, and speaks of the upcoming destruction of Samaria and exile.
Chapter 2 "woe to those who scheme iniquity". We are to think on the things of God specifically His will for us and our relationship with Him. If we do that, we will not be scheming iniquity. Woe to oppressors a man walking after wind and falsehood had told lies and spoke of wine and liquor, he would be the spokesman of the people.
Chapter 3 of Micah is about the leaders of Israel, but we all marveled at how similar the description is to our own leaders. Leaders who do unjust things and expect God's blessings.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
July 17, 2011 Hosea 9-14
We had 7 for Wordlisteners on this night and we finished Hosea. God wants relationship with each and every one of us and even though we often fail Him and turn from Him, he leaves the door open for reconciliation. God prospered them and they turned away. They reached a point of depravity and although God didn't want to He left them. One of our members said we are either under the blessing or the curse.
the people of Israel, when they split from Judah made a calf. In the wilderness with Moses, they made a calf. The calf is a representation of their wealth or capital, but with the Lord there may also be a deeper meaning. Certainly worshiping God's creation rather than God the creator applies.
Even though the people turned away and sunk into deep depravity, God leaves the door open and states that one day the people will put Him in the proper place and He will restore them.
Next week we'll study in Joel and Amos.
the people of Israel, when they split from Judah made a calf. In the wilderness with Moses, they made a calf. The calf is a representation of their wealth or capital, but with the Lord there may also be a deeper meaning. Certainly worshiping God's creation rather than God the creator applies.
Even though the people turned away and sunk into deep depravity, God leaves the door open and states that one day the people will put Him in the proper place and He will restore them.
Next week we'll study in Joel and Amos.
July 10 Hosea Chapters 1-8
We had 6 for Wordlisteners on this night. My notes are below. It was amazing how much alike the world is today as it was in Hosea's day just before the Assyrians took Israel into exile.
Chapter 1
Enough information is given to establish the time frame the book was written. This was at a time just before the Samaria (Israel) to the Assyrians.
Marriage is used by God as an example to illustrate the nation of Israel's relationship to Him. He instructs Hosea to take a wife of harlotry and have children. God hates divorce as we have read previously, and in terms of Israel's faithfulness to Him, He has every right to put them (us) out, but chooses to love us.
Gomer, Hosea's wife bore him a son, and then had two more children - of which can't be said with certainty that he was the father. This illustrates how Israel had multiple gods, instead of the one true God. Are we true to God, or do we play the field of all the other distractions that can take our focus off of Him?
Verse 10-11 show that even though God is about to let Assyria overthrow Samaria for Israel's unfaithfulness, that He is committed to this relationship with Israel long term. The day of Jezreel will be the day bloodshed ends and God makes all things right.
Chapter 2
A last chance for Israel, like a last chance for an adulterous spouse. A last chance for for the idolator that puts other things before God. The harlot uses the word "I" (several times) in terms of I will do things my way, and I want my way. But God says He is the reason she has what she has, even that which she used in worship of other Gods. God will take back what is His. He won't make us do things His way, but He may hedge our way with thorns to lead us in the direction He desires. We use the word "I" and Jesus said He does nothing that His Father
didn't show Him.
Again restoration is talked about, when we get to the end of the blessings of God, or they are taken away. When we get to the ends of our health, or it is taken away. Then our attention will turn to God (Job's attention held fast through good times and bad) or we will curse God (like Satan told God man would in Job).
At that time our relationship to God will be like that to a spouse. The closest and deepest possible. Our obedience to a master will turn into the closest relationship that is possible. (Ishi- Husband, Baali- master) Creation will respond to our right relationship to God, just like the land spews out those that defile it -Leviticus 18:28
God's heart - He wants relationship with us in His creation.
Chapter 3
Hosea has to go redeem his wife. She had sold herself into bondage through her harlotry. The nation will be taken away, they will live in exile, and not have a leader. One less idol to make them focus on God, and once seeking God, He will let Himself be found.
Chapter 4
The example of Gomer and Hosea is dropped, the nation of Israel is now described. No faithfulness, kindness or knowledge of God in the land- where is the US heading?
Violence, deception and a mourning land.
Everyone languishes (grow weak).
When Israel split from Judah they made two calves to worship in Samaria and appointed priests who were not Levites. This shows a clear refusal to obey God, or at the very least ignorance of His ways. Yet Israel was a nation many years before God let them be captured.
Chapter 5
Wanting our own way, and serving the gods that we think will get us what we want leads to hardship and ruin. Affliction, until we get to the point where we will seek God earnestly.
Chapter 6
The Lord tears, and the Lord heals. Did the Lord send it? Does He wound so He can bandage? If the world was created such that those that deny the Lord get into afflictions, is that the same as God sending it, or a consequence ?
He will raise us up on the third day- sure sounds familiar. He wants us to live before Him, He wants us to know Him.
He has hewn us by messages from His prophets, He has slain us with His words. He cries out for us. Our loyalty is fleeting, but He delights in it. Firm and consistent loyalty to Him. He wants us to have knowledge of Him (know Him) rather than offer sacrifices.
Chapter 7 and 8 I did not create specific notes for.
Chapter 1
Enough information is given to establish the time frame the book was written. This was at a time just before the Samaria (Israel) to the Assyrians.
Marriage is used by God as an example to illustrate the nation of Israel's relationship to Him. He instructs Hosea to take a wife of harlotry and have children. God hates divorce as we have read previously, and in terms of Israel's faithfulness to Him, He has every right to put them (us) out, but chooses to love us.
Gomer, Hosea's wife bore him a son, and then had two more children - of which can't be said with certainty that he was the father. This illustrates how Israel had multiple gods, instead of the one true God. Are we true to God, or do we play the field of all the other distractions that can take our focus off of Him?
Verse 10-11 show that even though God is about to let Assyria overthrow Samaria for Israel's unfaithfulness, that He is committed to this relationship with Israel long term. The day of Jezreel will be the day bloodshed ends and God makes all things right.
Chapter 2
A last chance for Israel, like a last chance for an adulterous spouse. A last chance for for the idolator that puts other things before God. The harlot uses the word "I" (several times) in terms of I will do things my way, and I want my way. But God says He is the reason she has what she has, even that which she used in worship of other Gods. God will take back what is His. He won't make us do things His way, but He may hedge our way with thorns to lead us in the direction He desires. We use the word "I" and Jesus said He does nothing that His Father
didn't show Him.
Again restoration is talked about, when we get to the end of the blessings of God, or they are taken away. When we get to the ends of our health, or it is taken away. Then our attention will turn to God (Job's attention held fast through good times and bad) or we will curse God (like Satan told God man would in Job).
At that time our relationship to God will be like that to a spouse. The closest and deepest possible. Our obedience to a master will turn into the closest relationship that is possible. (Ishi- Husband, Baali- master) Creation will respond to our right relationship to God, just like the land spews out those that defile it -Leviticus 18:28
God's heart - He wants relationship with us in His creation.
Chapter 3
Hosea has to go redeem his wife. She had sold herself into bondage through her harlotry. The nation will be taken away, they will live in exile, and not have a leader. One less idol to make them focus on God, and once seeking God, He will let Himself be found.
Chapter 4
The example of Gomer and Hosea is dropped, the nation of Israel is now described. No faithfulness, kindness or knowledge of God in the land- where is the US heading?
Violence, deception and a mourning land.
Everyone languishes (grow weak).
When Israel split from Judah they made two calves to worship in Samaria and appointed priests who were not Levites. This shows a clear refusal to obey God, or at the very least ignorance of His ways. Yet Israel was a nation many years before God let them be captured.
Chapter 5
Wanting our own way, and serving the gods that we think will get us what we want leads to hardship and ruin. Affliction, until we get to the point where we will seek God earnestly.
Chapter 6
The Lord tears, and the Lord heals. Did the Lord send it? Does He wound so He can bandage? If the world was created such that those that deny the Lord get into afflictions, is that the same as God sending it, or a consequence ?
He will raise us up on the third day- sure sounds familiar. He wants us to live before Him, He wants us to know Him.
He has hewn us by messages from His prophets, He has slain us with His words. He cries out for us. Our loyalty is fleeting, but He delights in it. Firm and consistent loyalty to Him. He wants us to have knowledge of Him (know Him) rather than offer sacrifices.
Chapter 7 and 8 I did not create specific notes for.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June 26, Leviticus 26-27, Malachi
Tonight we had 7 for Word listeners and we read the last two chapters of Leviticus and the book of Malachi.
Leviticus 26 is pretty self explanatory, obey the Lord and He'll take care of us in this life. Don't obey the Lord and He will let things happen progressively that are designed to get our attention turn us back to Him. He will gladly welcome us back even from the depths we let ourselves sink to wanting our way.. He wants relationship with us, He wants us to be obedient to His ways. We have to give up the right to ourselves and wanting our way and accept His. This points to Jesus in that He came and made it possible for us to have that relationship.
Leviticus chapter 27 is about valuations. Males typically were valued more than females not because males are more valuable to God, but rather because men could generally accomplish more of the typical labor of the day. As part of being obedient to God the 1st 10% should be given to Him. Additionally people made vows to God to give more. God is serious about vows and He expects us to keep our vows. If we change our mind it takes 20% more value than the value promised in money to buy it back. That God is serious about vows and expects us to keep ours shows His heart, and that He will keep His. That was a point the pastor made in church today, that it would be a better world if people just kept their promises.
After reading in Leviticus about the requirements for sacrifices Malachi was a good fit. At the end of the old testament God stated that people were not giving Him their best- lame animals for sacrifices. Animals they wouldn't give their leaders.
Not keeping their vows or promises to the wife of their youth by divorcing her (which God stated in the chapter that He hates), but after doing something God hates they openly wondered why He wouldn't bless them. God is still called in our day during wedding ceremonies to "witness" the union, of which about half don't make it.
They also complained that serving God wasn't lucrative -implying it wasn't worth their while. God told them the people were not bringing the whole tithe.
God said he would send a purifier or refiner, and set things right. A vow or promise? Even after all our enlightenment and technology we're still at about the same place the people in Malachi's day were. We can add to it that we think (under delusion) that we're better off.
The question for night, why did God go silent for about 400 years between Malachi and Jesus? I don't know. Is it that He had stated His case, protected His Word, and turned away from mankind? Maybe He had completed all He felt He needed to prior to Jesus.
We as a group decided to start with Hosea in July (2nd Sunday) and work through the minor prophets.
Leviticus 26 is pretty self explanatory, obey the Lord and He'll take care of us in this life. Don't obey the Lord and He will let things happen progressively that are designed to get our attention turn us back to Him. He will gladly welcome us back even from the depths we let ourselves sink to wanting our way.. He wants relationship with us, He wants us to be obedient to His ways. We have to give up the right to ourselves and wanting our way and accept His. This points to Jesus in that He came and made it possible for us to have that relationship.
Leviticus chapter 27 is about valuations. Males typically were valued more than females not because males are more valuable to God, but rather because men could generally accomplish more of the typical labor of the day. As part of being obedient to God the 1st 10% should be given to Him. Additionally people made vows to God to give more. God is serious about vows and He expects us to keep our vows. If we change our mind it takes 20% more value than the value promised in money to buy it back. That God is serious about vows and expects us to keep ours shows His heart, and that He will keep His. That was a point the pastor made in church today, that it would be a better world if people just kept their promises.
After reading in Leviticus about the requirements for sacrifices Malachi was a good fit. At the end of the old testament God stated that people were not giving Him their best- lame animals for sacrifices. Animals they wouldn't give their leaders.
Not keeping their vows or promises to the wife of their youth by divorcing her (which God stated in the chapter that He hates), but after doing something God hates they openly wondered why He wouldn't bless them. God is still called in our day during wedding ceremonies to "witness" the union, of which about half don't make it.
They also complained that serving God wasn't lucrative -implying it wasn't worth their while. God told them the people were not bringing the whole tithe.
God said he would send a purifier or refiner, and set things right. A vow or promise? Even after all our enlightenment and technology we're still at about the same place the people in Malachi's day were. We can add to it that we think (under delusion) that we're better off.
The question for night, why did God go silent for about 400 years between Malachi and Jesus? I don't know. Is it that He had stated His case, protected His Word, and turned away from mankind? Maybe He had completed all He felt He needed to prior to Jesus.
We as a group decided to start with Hosea in July (2nd Sunday) and work through the minor prophets.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011 Leviticus 22-25
We had seven for Wordlisteners and read and discussed Leviticus 22-25.
Chapter 22: We learned about the priest's portion of the offering and who could eat it. People would offer to God, but the priest would get to eat it, he had to be careful that he didn't profane the Lord by taking the sacrifice lightly. It is also reiterated that God wants flawless animals for sacrifice. Part of it is that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, so example after example of a perfect sacrifice is given and required. On another level it is about obedience, and giving to God our best rather than our seconds. We had a discussion on tithing, God doesn't need the money, its rather about obedience. Everything we have materially is His anyway, the only thing we can truly offer is our right to ourselves. Tithing is to teach us obedience and to practice/make a habit of giving up our right to ourselves.
Chapter 23: Tells us to keep the sabbath, and do no work. It was interesting to me that much discussion and defining was done by the Pharisees to define what work is. They took the command and made it their religion or part of it. God's intent was a day we focus on Him. He wants relationship with us so it makes sense. Based on our discussion and the various ways people think the sabbath should be observed I think the intent to this day is still sometimes missed.
We also read and discussed the feasts, the Holy days set forth by God. They are Passover (now Easter), the day of Pentecost (modern version) 50 days after Passover. The day of Atonement, which like Easter varies from year to year. It is commanded to have this, but there isn't a modern holy day that corresponds to it. Potentially it could be the day the Lord returns. Not that any man knows the day or hour, we do see the signs for the right season. The booths or living in tents are mentioned also.
Chapter 24: The bread of the presence and the lamp, kept going perpetually is described. After this is probably the most oft quoted scripture - an eye for an eye. Jesus added to this section by saying love your enemy, turn the other cheek. He (Jesus) was talking about evil people out to harm Christians or persecute them. It was meant as a witness to them such that ALL may come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Eye for and Eye is still applicable in that for some things making amends is required and people are accountable for their actions. If you kill and know that your life will also be required then it can't be anything but a deterrent. The one standard is also of God who hates double standards.
A man in this chapter cursed God and was ultimately stoned. It is God's world, and the man was God's creation, who cursed his Maker. This is a sign of someone that wants their own way, even to be like God, and we all have our moments. We need to focus on being submitted to His will and desire.
Chapter 25: The year of Jubilee and the Sabbatic year. These were designed by God to give the land rest. The division of the lands and the Jubilee was a time for families to return to what God had promised them. So a life of hardship gets restored from time to time. I have a Jewish acquaintance who isn't sure what tribe he is a part of. He also said most Jews don't know. Another interesting point is that Jubilee wasn't ever celebrated as it was outlined here. Parts of it have been, often lands are left to rest, etc. Not fully restored tribes to their land. It sounds like at this point it can't happen unless God initiates it. In that case 6000 years of not having a Jubilee year will mean 1000 Jubilees have been missed. Christ will reign for 1000 years (making up for the missed Jubilees?). Its also a time when people look out for each other putting people ahead of wealth. Don't charge interest, see a poor countryman- give him food. This chapter very well could point to what Christ's reign will be like on a day to day basis.
I can see why Jubilee wasn't celebrated as outlined. Every 7 years the crops from one year would have had to go two years. On the Jubilee year it would made the crops had to go three years. God plainly promised provision, but we as people now, just as then, are not fully obedient to Him who created us and this world we live in.
This leaves us with two chapters, and the group decided I get to pick the next book to study. I prayed about it and the "all scripture is for edification" came to mind. I acknowledge the truth of that and hope God will show me something specific.
Chapter 22: We learned about the priest's portion of the offering and who could eat it. People would offer to God, but the priest would get to eat it, he had to be careful that he didn't profane the Lord by taking the sacrifice lightly. It is also reiterated that God wants flawless animals for sacrifice. Part of it is that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, so example after example of a perfect sacrifice is given and required. On another level it is about obedience, and giving to God our best rather than our seconds. We had a discussion on tithing, God doesn't need the money, its rather about obedience. Everything we have materially is His anyway, the only thing we can truly offer is our right to ourselves. Tithing is to teach us obedience and to practice/make a habit of giving up our right to ourselves.
Chapter 23: Tells us to keep the sabbath, and do no work. It was interesting to me that much discussion and defining was done by the Pharisees to define what work is. They took the command and made it their religion or part of it. God's intent was a day we focus on Him. He wants relationship with us so it makes sense. Based on our discussion and the various ways people think the sabbath should be observed I think the intent to this day is still sometimes missed.
We also read and discussed the feasts, the Holy days set forth by God. They are Passover (now Easter), the day of Pentecost (modern version) 50 days after Passover. The day of Atonement, which like Easter varies from year to year. It is commanded to have this, but there isn't a modern holy day that corresponds to it. Potentially it could be the day the Lord returns. Not that any man knows the day or hour, we do see the signs for the right season. The booths or living in tents are mentioned also.
Chapter 24: The bread of the presence and the lamp, kept going perpetually is described. After this is probably the most oft quoted scripture - an eye for an eye. Jesus added to this section by saying love your enemy, turn the other cheek. He (Jesus) was talking about evil people out to harm Christians or persecute them. It was meant as a witness to them such that ALL may come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Eye for and Eye is still applicable in that for some things making amends is required and people are accountable for their actions. If you kill and know that your life will also be required then it can't be anything but a deterrent. The one standard is also of God who hates double standards.
A man in this chapter cursed God and was ultimately stoned. It is God's world, and the man was God's creation, who cursed his Maker. This is a sign of someone that wants their own way, even to be like God, and we all have our moments. We need to focus on being submitted to His will and desire.
Chapter 25: The year of Jubilee and the Sabbatic year. These were designed by God to give the land rest. The division of the lands and the Jubilee was a time for families to return to what God had promised them. So a life of hardship gets restored from time to time. I have a Jewish acquaintance who isn't sure what tribe he is a part of. He also said most Jews don't know. Another interesting point is that Jubilee wasn't ever celebrated as it was outlined here. Parts of it have been, often lands are left to rest, etc. Not fully restored tribes to their land. It sounds like at this point it can't happen unless God initiates it. In that case 6000 years of not having a Jubilee year will mean 1000 Jubilees have been missed. Christ will reign for 1000 years (making up for the missed Jubilees?). Its also a time when people look out for each other putting people ahead of wealth. Don't charge interest, see a poor countryman- give him food. This chapter very well could point to what Christ's reign will be like on a day to day basis.
I can see why Jubilee wasn't celebrated as outlined. Every 7 years the crops from one year would have had to go two years. On the Jubilee year it would made the crops had to go three years. God plainly promised provision, but we as people now, just as then, are not fully obedient to Him who created us and this world we live in.
This leaves us with two chapters, and the group decided I get to pick the next book to study. I prayed about it and the "all scripture is for edification" came to mind. I acknowledge the truth of that and hope God will show me something specific.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June 12, 2011 Leviticus 17-21
We had 6 for Wordlisteners and we discussed Leviticus 17-21.
Leviticus 17: Sacrifices should be brought to the tent of the Lord. This is more detail and in depth to "have no gods before Me". God wants to be the our only God and he wants things done certain ways - to train us in obedience to Him rather than do our own thing. God also says the blood is life, and it should not be eaten.
Leviticus 18: God is about to remind His people of immoral practices that they saw in Egypt and that happened in the land He was giving them. Because of these practices the people are being spewed out, and if we ignore God and practice them we will be spewed out too. We are not to have sex with blood relatives of our blood relatives or relatives through marriage. Furthermore we are not to have sex with blood relatives of those we have had sex with - the example given is two blood related women. Furthermore no relations with a woman during menstruation, and a reminder not to have adultery either - have sex with someone married to someone else. Sex with animals is also prohibited. Then we are informed that sacrificing our children (made in the image of God) is profaning God- I can't help but think of all the rationalizations given for abortion. People who do this defile their land which then spews them out.
Chapter 19: Continues reiterating and giving deeper explanation of the 10 commandments. Honor parents for instance.
Sundry laws are next, don't reap to the corners nor glean, but rather leave for the poor. The wisdom of this is striking. Someone who was poor and in need could go gather what they needed, and probably only what they needed, leaving some for others. Those with too much pride would have to re-think their beliefs or starve. Our more sophisticated solution is to reap everything and glean all and turn it into money that we can send to the poor every month, so they can maintain their pride. The trouble with this system is that the checks are never "enough".
Interestingly we are not to bear a grudge against others, use just weights and measures, etc. We can correct but we are not to hate. Mediums and spiritists are not to be consulted
When entering the land for 3 years don't eat the fruit of planted trees. The fourth year is holy to the Lord, then the fifth year its for eating.
Leviticus 20: Those that sacrifice their children are to be put to death. God will turn His back on those that do, or consult mediums. Those who commit adultery, incest, homosexuals, marries a relative of his wife, or those that have sex with animals or try to, and mediums are to be put to death. Its part of separating the clean from unclean and not profaning the Lord. We should concentrate on His desires rather than our own. His desires are for our good and fulfillment, and yet we don't accept that. We think we know better than God. We are to be set apart, those wanting His way and willing to be obedient to Him are set apart.
Chs 18 and 20 fit the definition of hate speech, but it is important to realize God is perfectly able to execute His judgments, He doesn't need us too. These are reminders that this kind of living and beliefs are un-fulfilling dead ends. They cause great pain and hardship, its the way the Creator made it.
Leviticus 21: Priests are to take their duties seriously. Above family duties. Our relationship to God is to be closer than any other relationship in our lives. If we have an issue, where else should we go but to God? If we have Him in the proper place relationally? It seems harsh, but in a proper relationship to God, all others will fall into place. If they don't seem to, then there might be that the family member or other has some issue that God desires to deal with them about, and any hurt we experience may be us trying to put that relationship ahead of God.
Priests had to be defect free, this clearly points to Jesus who was the perfect high Priest and subsequent sacrifice that these regulations point to.
When we accept Jesus and enter into relationship with Him we are made right with God, and He no longer sees the physical defects that we may have in our earthly bodies.
Our hour being up, we thanked the Lord for His insight into His word, and we'll begin at Ch 22 next time.
Leviticus 17: Sacrifices should be brought to the tent of the Lord. This is more detail and in depth to "have no gods before Me". God wants to be the our only God and he wants things done certain ways - to train us in obedience to Him rather than do our own thing. God also says the blood is life, and it should not be eaten.
Leviticus 18: God is about to remind His people of immoral practices that they saw in Egypt and that happened in the land He was giving them. Because of these practices the people are being spewed out, and if we ignore God and practice them we will be spewed out too. We are not to have sex with blood relatives of our blood relatives or relatives through marriage. Furthermore we are not to have sex with blood relatives of those we have had sex with - the example given is two blood related women. Furthermore no relations with a woman during menstruation, and a reminder not to have adultery either - have sex with someone married to someone else. Sex with animals is also prohibited. Then we are informed that sacrificing our children (made in the image of God) is profaning God- I can't help but think of all the rationalizations given for abortion. People who do this defile their land which then spews them out.
Chapter 19: Continues reiterating and giving deeper explanation of the 10 commandments. Honor parents for instance.
Sundry laws are next, don't reap to the corners nor glean, but rather leave for the poor. The wisdom of this is striking. Someone who was poor and in need could go gather what they needed, and probably only what they needed, leaving some for others. Those with too much pride would have to re-think their beliefs or starve. Our more sophisticated solution is to reap everything and glean all and turn it into money that we can send to the poor every month, so they can maintain their pride. The trouble with this system is that the checks are never "enough".
Interestingly we are not to bear a grudge against others, use just weights and measures, etc. We can correct but we are not to hate. Mediums and spiritists are not to be consulted
When entering the land for 3 years don't eat the fruit of planted trees. The fourth year is holy to the Lord, then the fifth year its for eating.
Leviticus 20: Those that sacrifice their children are to be put to death. God will turn His back on those that do, or consult mediums. Those who commit adultery, incest, homosexuals, marries a relative of his wife, or those that have sex with animals or try to, and mediums are to be put to death. Its part of separating the clean from unclean and not profaning the Lord. We should concentrate on His desires rather than our own. His desires are for our good and fulfillment, and yet we don't accept that. We think we know better than God. We are to be set apart, those wanting His way and willing to be obedient to Him are set apart.
Chs 18 and 20 fit the definition of hate speech, but it is important to realize God is perfectly able to execute His judgments, He doesn't need us too. These are reminders that this kind of living and beliefs are un-fulfilling dead ends. They cause great pain and hardship, its the way the Creator made it.
Leviticus 21: Priests are to take their duties seriously. Above family duties. Our relationship to God is to be closer than any other relationship in our lives. If we have an issue, where else should we go but to God? If we have Him in the proper place relationally? It seems harsh, but in a proper relationship to God, all others will fall into place. If they don't seem to, then there might be that the family member or other has some issue that God desires to deal with them about, and any hurt we experience may be us trying to put that relationship ahead of God.
Priests had to be defect free, this clearly points to Jesus who was the perfect high Priest and subsequent sacrifice that these regulations point to.
When we accept Jesus and enter into relationship with Him we are made right with God, and He no longer sees the physical defects that we may have in our earthly bodies.
Our hour being up, we thanked the Lord for His insight into His word, and we'll begin at Ch 22 next time.
Monday, May 30, 2011
May - Word listeners- through Levitcus 16
Wordlisteners has met the last three weeks. On the 15th there was 5, on the 22nd there was five, and on the 29th there was 6.
We have read and discussed through Leviticus 16. Our take on it is the seriousness of the Lord about our standing in relationship with Him. Very detailed process for gaining it, and it clearly points to Jesus. The sacrifices are about restoring our relationship, and its clear from the reading we all fall short.
In terms of uncleanness or leprosy, the Lord gives instructions for clean living, but at a deeper level God wants His best for us, and we are likely to settle for less than God's best. The chapters on leprosy identification in people, garments and houses show us that we are all potentially in a place where we shouldn't be, a place of decay and rot- the result of sin.
Aaron's sons dying before the Lord because they did their own thing, the unprescribed, is a lesson for us all. God wants things a certain way, and yet we look for the easy. We have a human disposition of selfishness and wanting our own way, and we justify our actions along those lines. Yet it is often opposed to God's way, and He is God - not us so He gets the final say.
The blood of the sacrifices on the ear the right thumb and right big toe is a marvelous visual that points to Jesus, whose blood was shed for us. We have to hear God (ear), do the things of God that He tells us (hand) and go where God sends us (foot). The blood being sprinkled is showing that God will not accept us without blood, ultimately of Christ, sprinkled or covering us.
We have read and discussed through Leviticus 16. Our take on it is the seriousness of the Lord about our standing in relationship with Him. Very detailed process for gaining it, and it clearly points to Jesus. The sacrifices are about restoring our relationship, and its clear from the reading we all fall short.
In terms of uncleanness or leprosy, the Lord gives instructions for clean living, but at a deeper level God wants His best for us, and we are likely to settle for less than God's best. The chapters on leprosy identification in people, garments and houses show us that we are all potentially in a place where we shouldn't be, a place of decay and rot- the result of sin.
Aaron's sons dying before the Lord because they did their own thing, the unprescribed, is a lesson for us all. God wants things a certain way, and yet we look for the easy. We have a human disposition of selfishness and wanting our own way, and we justify our actions along those lines. Yet it is often opposed to God's way, and He is God - not us so He gets the final say.
The blood of the sacrifices on the ear the right thumb and right big toe is a marvelous visual that points to Jesus, whose blood was shed for us. We have to hear God (ear), do the things of God that He tells us (hand) and go where God sends us (foot). The blood being sprinkled is showing that God will not accept us without blood, ultimately of Christ, sprinkled or covering us.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
May 8, 2011 Leviticus 1-5
We had 5 for Wordlisteners and shared some campfire baked pineapple upside down cake. Next week we'll continue starting in chapter 6.
Leviticus starts out with sacrifices and the procedure for making them. This is all about being in good standing before God. One of the striking things is that the animals have to be "without defect". Ultimately the sacrificial animal is going to be burned up, and since animals represented wealth of the day, its similar to us burning money. A couple things stand out - first is the cost - individually to the person making the sacrifice. It certainly represents a potential loss of income in putting God first. This theme is reinforced, sacrifices require salt, the normal amount. Salt was not as plentiful in that day, and as recently as the civil war in the US battles were fought over getting or protecting salt supplies. Again its wealth or personal sacrifice that some of the toil of our hands is burned up in making us acceptable to God. Honey and yeast are not allowed as part of the offerings, both are not things we make, but rather use or take advantage of, so the cost to us may be minimal.
Later in the Bible Saul kills a nation at the direction of God, but instead of killing their animals as directed he holds them back for sacrifice. Where is the cost? God gave those people into his hands, they raised the livestock, all Saul and the Israelites did was take them.
Often times we get caught up in our wealth or our things, and God commanded us to put nothing before Him. At the end of the age all our works will be tested by fire, and only those things rightly related to God will come through it. The sacrifices of Leviticus are an example of potential things put before God, that He wants put second to Him. Just like the animals burning on the alter, the things of this world are also not lasting. The soothing aroma is our obedience in putting God first - in His rightful place, that pleases Him.
Another striking thing you notice in the sacrifices is that the sin is transferred to the animal before it is killed. This points to Jesus in that all our sins were transferred to Him so we could be rightly related to God, and continue to live in this life.
Then there is the detail of the sacrifice and the complete use of the animal, no part left over, all put toward God. This shows God's desire for us to be fully committed to Him, and as the sacrifices are made we show our full commitment to Him. The detail of the sacrifice, everything must be done a certain way and in a certain order. To me that speaks clearly to the fact that God doesn't take our commitment to Him trivially and we shouldn't either. There is upfront cost in sacrifice (loss of things), and then they are not easily accomplished which involves time and attention to detail which is opposed to our sinful me first approach that doesn't want to be bothered by doing things for others.
The process is exact and detailed, and some sacrifices could be avoided by having a right relationship to God, so the detail of them also provides a deterrence of sorts. However its made clear in Leviticus that all of us have fallen short, all of us have sinned. There are sins we commit that we aren't aware of, and nobody is exempt.
This sets the stage for God to send Christ, to take upon Himself our sins, to cost God a great deal in order to bring us back into fellowship with Him. A very precise and exact- non-trivial way for us to be restored to fellowship with Him. Something we all would be better off with and need- putting Him first rather than our self or the cares of the world.
Leviticus starts out with sacrifices and the procedure for making them. This is all about being in good standing before God. One of the striking things is that the animals have to be "without defect". Ultimately the sacrificial animal is going to be burned up, and since animals represented wealth of the day, its similar to us burning money. A couple things stand out - first is the cost - individually to the person making the sacrifice. It certainly represents a potential loss of income in putting God first. This theme is reinforced, sacrifices require salt, the normal amount. Salt was not as plentiful in that day, and as recently as the civil war in the US battles were fought over getting or protecting salt supplies. Again its wealth or personal sacrifice that some of the toil of our hands is burned up in making us acceptable to God. Honey and yeast are not allowed as part of the offerings, both are not things we make, but rather use or take advantage of, so the cost to us may be minimal.
Later in the Bible Saul kills a nation at the direction of God, but instead of killing their animals as directed he holds them back for sacrifice. Where is the cost? God gave those people into his hands, they raised the livestock, all Saul and the Israelites did was take them.
Often times we get caught up in our wealth or our things, and God commanded us to put nothing before Him. At the end of the age all our works will be tested by fire, and only those things rightly related to God will come through it. The sacrifices of Leviticus are an example of potential things put before God, that He wants put second to Him. Just like the animals burning on the alter, the things of this world are also not lasting. The soothing aroma is our obedience in putting God first - in His rightful place, that pleases Him.
Another striking thing you notice in the sacrifices is that the sin is transferred to the animal before it is killed. This points to Jesus in that all our sins were transferred to Him so we could be rightly related to God, and continue to live in this life.
Then there is the detail of the sacrifice and the complete use of the animal, no part left over, all put toward God. This shows God's desire for us to be fully committed to Him, and as the sacrifices are made we show our full commitment to Him. The detail of the sacrifice, everything must be done a certain way and in a certain order. To me that speaks clearly to the fact that God doesn't take our commitment to Him trivially and we shouldn't either. There is upfront cost in sacrifice (loss of things), and then they are not easily accomplished which involves time and attention to detail which is opposed to our sinful me first approach that doesn't want to be bothered by doing things for others.
The process is exact and detailed, and some sacrifices could be avoided by having a right relationship to God, so the detail of them also provides a deterrence of sorts. However its made clear in Leviticus that all of us have fallen short, all of us have sinned. There are sins we commit that we aren't aware of, and nobody is exempt.
This sets the stage for God to send Christ, to take upon Himself our sins, to cost God a great deal in order to bring us back into fellowship with Him. A very precise and exact- non-trivial way for us to be restored to fellowship with Him. Something we all would be better off with and need- putting Him first rather than our self or the cares of the world.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Feb. 27, 2011 Zechariah 11-14
We had six for Wordlisteners tonight, and we finished up Zechariah. We discussed the notes for chapter 10, which we read last week. Then read and discussed Chapters 11-14. The blindness that occurs and confusion to the army that attacks Jerusalem can be quite plausibly explained by having technology currently not work. We all look forward to God being among us and on the throne in Jerusalem.
Our next meeting will be May 8th starting Leviticus.
Hearts on Fire will be from March 13- April 17- we hope many people will come out.
Zechariah 10
In Chapter ten it says ask the Lord for rain, and He will give it. Anything we
need we should ask of Him. After that is the example of asking teraphim
(household idols) and people which cause us to wander like sheep without
direction. The Lords anger is kindled against those who are supposed to be
leading the people because they have become to interested in their own selves.
The Lord Himself will visit Judah and from there will come what the flock needs
and He will be with them. He (the Lord) will call them together, and when He
the Lord scatters them they will remember Him, and He will bring them back.
After Jesus, the Jews did end up being scattered, and now again have their own
land.
He brings them back until no room can be found. A forecast of the return of
scattered people on a greater magnitude than what had returned in Zechariah's
day. A very crowded grouping of Jews - more than the nation of Israel can
literally hold?
Then they will pass through the sea of distress, but God will be with them, and
they will walk with Him.
Zechariah 11
Pasture the flock doomed to slaughter, some will be enslaved, the Lord will
allow some men to fall into another's power, and He will not deliver them. The
shepherd of the doomed flock (also called afflicted) took two staffs. Favor
and Union were the names of the staffs. To realize affliction is to know of
ones' condition before God.
This seems to be pointing back to the original selection of Israel by God, He
gave them His favor and unity (all twelve tribes). It could also apply to the
returning nation from exile a singleness of people and His favor required to
rebuild the temple.
Then the annihilation of three shepherds in one month, has this happened? Who
are the three? Could it be Jesus and the two witnesses at the end of the age?
They could all three die in the same month, they are all sent from God to give
a message to His people. God became impatient waiting, and His people did not
show any interest in truly following His ways.
What is to die -let die, what is to be annihilated (killed) -let that happen,
and those who are left will eat each other during famine. This is similar to
what was predicted for the fall of Jerusalem, but it was written after the
fall, and after the exile.
The Lord takes away his favor which allows the Jews (His people) to be put
under the control of kings- which appear to be end times. Although until the
UN decided to create them a nation, they had been under the rule of kings, so
maybe God's favor was taken away at the crucifixion of Jesus?
The afflicted of the flock - those that know they need God saw the crucifixion
and realized it was God's plan? 30 pieces of silver was the price Judas was
given to betray Jesus, the value of a woman of His age in Leviticus 27:3-4.
The price given for Jesus was given to the potter.
The Union staff is broken, the breaking up of the tribes, and particularly
Judah off from the kingdom. The initial kingdom under Soloman was ultimately
split after his death, and since they were considered one nation returning from
exile, it seems to say it will happen again.
Any people can have different factions, and since the next sentence talks about
a shepherd that does not care for the flock, but only himself. This could
point to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem after the Jesus crucifixion, and
also seems to point to the anti-christ (of a revived Roman empire). Blind and
with a withered arm? The physical imparities are not mentioned in Jeremiah.
The arm is a symbol of military might, and the eye is a symbol of intellect, so
the worthless shepherd will have a focus on his available military might and
his intellect.
Zechariah 12
The Lord will bring the focus of the world to Jerusalem, and it will cause it
to be sieged. All the nations will be gathered against it. When that happens
He will strike those attacking with blindness. Those in Judah will realize the
Lord is helping them.
A couple observations- a worldwide turning by Christians to Christ, and
proclaiming as Jesus did that He is the only way to the Father (Creator God)
will readily focus the world's attention on Jerusalem (His city). Those who
want their own way and not God's will then attack - because they deny the
truth, and don't want to hear truth.
Judah and not Israel is mentioned so it may be plausible to expect Jewish
factions. Striking the attackers with blindness, either physically each
soldier or in terms of not being informed of current battlefield information
would definitely even seemingly overwhelming odds. It points more toward
blindness, it could also be that even though the kings sent soldiers to
annihilate Judah, the soldiers question, and choose to look out for their own
interests. Technology is definitely an idol, and the "eyes" if you will of
those who depend on it. Rendering it useless in battle would make people blind.
Judah will recognize it as God's help and be saved, this is end times for sure.
They will mourn Jesus, and realize a poor choice was made by people at the time
Jesus first came. Back in Ch 11 the Lord grew impatient waiting on us (people)
to choose Him, and so He acted. He has been ready to act since the fall of
man, but longed for us to reach out to Him and welcome Him into our hearts.
The nations that attack Jerusalem will be destroyed, which may not be all
nations, but a significant force for sure. People from nations will be
destroyed, but not all the people from a nation as we will see later. Mourning
nationwide will happen as they accept the reality that we are fallen, and God's
ways are best in all cases.
The families mourning separate from the wives?? Husbands and wives support
each other, they are often a crutch we lean on to get us through difficult
times, maybe in this mourning each will have to face it completely alone, as
individuals internally contemplating their own choices. The only support is a
turning to and realizing God.
Zechariah 13
End times fountain opened in Jerusalem for sin and impurity- an end to sin.
The idols in the land will be cut off and remembered no more. The prophets and
unclean spirits will be removed too, there will be no need for a prophet of
God. Those that continue to prophesy (speak for God allegedly) will be pierced
through. Those that continue are false prophets, and these prophets will be
ashamed of their visions (because they won't happen), and when they are pierced
they will have a clear mark of their deeds.
Strike Jesus, and scatter the sheep. Happened at the crucifixion. Of the
scattered, two parts of the scattered sheep will be cut off and perish. The
third part He will refine them and bring to Himself. They will call on Him and
He will answer. These people will claim the Lord is their God.
6 million Jews in Israel currently, I wonder how many were scattered?
Zecharaiah 14
Spoil taken from the Jews will be divided among them. Nations gathered against
Jerusalem city captured, and houses plundered, and half the city into exile,
the other half not cut off. Could this have been Rome when the destroyed
Jerusalem or was that a foreshadow of what has yet to happen? The Lord will
fight against the nations that plundered Jerusalem and sent people to exile.
As part of this the Mount of Olives will be split in a such that part moves
north and another part south. It will be like a great earthquake and people
will flee. There will be no light, darkness as in Egypt. There will be light
in the evening, the Lord will be the light. Living water will flow from
Jerusalem to the east and the west.
The Lord will be king of all the earth, the only one. The land will be a plain
and people with live in it and there will be no curse, Jerusalem will be secure.
The plague of those that go to war against Jerusalem (prior to this it appears)
is that their flesh will rot while they stand, eyes rot in their sockets, and
tongue will rot in their mouths. This plague will also apply to the animals of
those who come up against Jerusalem.
In the end times there will be panic, and each will raise their hand against
another. Sounds like anarchy, and crisis brings anarchy really quick.
Judah will fight at Jerusalem and gather great wealth from the surrounding
nations.
The people who attack Jerusalem will not be everyone, and those that are left
when the Lord is reigning will go up for the Feast of Booths and to worship the
Lord. Those who don't face drought and the plague mentioned earlier.
The Feast of Booths commemorates the wandering of Israel after the Lord
delivered them from Egypt. All men are to bring an offering to the Lord. The
Lord delivered His people from the worthless shepherd. He saved them, redeemed
them, are the people grateful? When the Lord's kingdom does come, are you
ready to honor Him as King? Are you ready to sacrifice of yourself to honor
Him? Why not start now?
Jerusalem is His, and all the vessels are for our use in honoring Him. The
Canaanites will no longer be in the house of the Lord. In Judges 1:27 on the
Canaanites are recorded as still being in the land after the conquest by
Joshua. The Lord promised the land to the Israelis, and He brings it to pass.
He also promised to be their God, and He is. He also promised to dwell among
them (He is within us), and now physically among us as well.
Our next meeting will be May 8th starting Leviticus.
Hearts on Fire will be from March 13- April 17- we hope many people will come out.
Zechariah 10
In Chapter ten it says ask the Lord for rain, and He will give it. Anything we
need we should ask of Him. After that is the example of asking teraphim
(household idols) and people which cause us to wander like sheep without
direction. The Lords anger is kindled against those who are supposed to be
leading the people because they have become to interested in their own selves.
The Lord Himself will visit Judah and from there will come what the flock needs
and He will be with them. He (the Lord) will call them together, and when He
the Lord scatters them they will remember Him, and He will bring them back.
After Jesus, the Jews did end up being scattered, and now again have their own
land.
He brings them back until no room can be found. A forecast of the return of
scattered people on a greater magnitude than what had returned in Zechariah's
day. A very crowded grouping of Jews - more than the nation of Israel can
literally hold?
Then they will pass through the sea of distress, but God will be with them, and
they will walk with Him.
Zechariah 11
Pasture the flock doomed to slaughter, some will be enslaved, the Lord will
allow some men to fall into another's power, and He will not deliver them. The
shepherd of the doomed flock (also called afflicted) took two staffs. Favor
and Union were the names of the staffs. To realize affliction is to know of
ones' condition before God.
This seems to be pointing back to the original selection of Israel by God, He
gave them His favor and unity (all twelve tribes). It could also apply to the
returning nation from exile a singleness of people and His favor required to
rebuild the temple.
Then the annihilation of three shepherds in one month, has this happened? Who
are the three? Could it be Jesus and the two witnesses at the end of the age?
They could all three die in the same month, they are all sent from God to give
a message to His people. God became impatient waiting, and His people did not
show any interest in truly following His ways.
What is to die -let die, what is to be annihilated (killed) -let that happen,
and those who are left will eat each other during famine. This is similar to
what was predicted for the fall of Jerusalem, but it was written after the
fall, and after the exile.
The Lord takes away his favor which allows the Jews (His people) to be put
under the control of kings- which appear to be end times. Although until the
UN decided to create them a nation, they had been under the rule of kings, so
maybe God's favor was taken away at the crucifixion of Jesus?
The afflicted of the flock - those that know they need God saw the crucifixion
and realized it was God's plan? 30 pieces of silver was the price Judas was
given to betray Jesus, the value of a woman of His age in Leviticus 27:3-4.
The price given for Jesus was given to the potter.
The Union staff is broken, the breaking up of the tribes, and particularly
Judah off from the kingdom. The initial kingdom under Soloman was ultimately
split after his death, and since they were considered one nation returning from
exile, it seems to say it will happen again.
Any people can have different factions, and since the next sentence talks about
a shepherd that does not care for the flock, but only himself. This could
point to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem after the Jesus crucifixion, and
also seems to point to the anti-christ (of a revived Roman empire). Blind and
with a withered arm? The physical imparities are not mentioned in Jeremiah.
The arm is a symbol of military might, and the eye is a symbol of intellect, so
the worthless shepherd will have a focus on his available military might and
his intellect.
Zechariah 12
The Lord will bring the focus of the world to Jerusalem, and it will cause it
to be sieged. All the nations will be gathered against it. When that happens
He will strike those attacking with blindness. Those in Judah will realize the
Lord is helping them.
A couple observations- a worldwide turning by Christians to Christ, and
proclaiming as Jesus did that He is the only way to the Father (Creator God)
will readily focus the world's attention on Jerusalem (His city). Those who
want their own way and not God's will then attack - because they deny the
truth, and don't want to hear truth.
Judah and not Israel is mentioned so it may be plausible to expect Jewish
factions. Striking the attackers with blindness, either physically each
soldier or in terms of not being informed of current battlefield information
would definitely even seemingly overwhelming odds. It points more toward
blindness, it could also be that even though the kings sent soldiers to
annihilate Judah, the soldiers question, and choose to look out for their own
interests. Technology is definitely an idol, and the "eyes" if you will of
those who depend on it. Rendering it useless in battle would make people blind.
Judah will recognize it as God's help and be saved, this is end times for sure.
They will mourn Jesus, and realize a poor choice was made by people at the time
Jesus first came. Back in Ch 11 the Lord grew impatient waiting on us (people)
to choose Him, and so He acted. He has been ready to act since the fall of
man, but longed for us to reach out to Him and welcome Him into our hearts.
The nations that attack Jerusalem will be destroyed, which may not be all
nations, but a significant force for sure. People from nations will be
destroyed, but not all the people from a nation as we will see later. Mourning
nationwide will happen as they accept the reality that we are fallen, and God's
ways are best in all cases.
The families mourning separate from the wives?? Husbands and wives support
each other, they are often a crutch we lean on to get us through difficult
times, maybe in this mourning each will have to face it completely alone, as
individuals internally contemplating their own choices. The only support is a
turning to and realizing God.
Zechariah 13
End times fountain opened in Jerusalem for sin and impurity- an end to sin.
The idols in the land will be cut off and remembered no more. The prophets and
unclean spirits will be removed too, there will be no need for a prophet of
God. Those that continue to prophesy (speak for God allegedly) will be pierced
through. Those that continue are false prophets, and these prophets will be
ashamed of their visions (because they won't happen), and when they are pierced
they will have a clear mark of their deeds.
Strike Jesus, and scatter the sheep. Happened at the crucifixion. Of the
scattered, two parts of the scattered sheep will be cut off and perish. The
third part He will refine them and bring to Himself. They will call on Him and
He will answer. These people will claim the Lord is their God.
6 million Jews in Israel currently, I wonder how many were scattered?
Zecharaiah 14
Spoil taken from the Jews will be divided among them. Nations gathered against
Jerusalem city captured, and houses plundered, and half the city into exile,
the other half not cut off. Could this have been Rome when the destroyed
Jerusalem or was that a foreshadow of what has yet to happen? The Lord will
fight against the nations that plundered Jerusalem and sent people to exile.
As part of this the Mount of Olives will be split in a such that part moves
north and another part south. It will be like a great earthquake and people
will flee. There will be no light, darkness as in Egypt. There will be light
in the evening, the Lord will be the light. Living water will flow from
Jerusalem to the east and the west.
The Lord will be king of all the earth, the only one. The land will be a plain
and people with live in it and there will be no curse, Jerusalem will be secure.
The plague of those that go to war against Jerusalem (prior to this it appears)
is that their flesh will rot while they stand, eyes rot in their sockets, and
tongue will rot in their mouths. This plague will also apply to the animals of
those who come up against Jerusalem.
In the end times there will be panic, and each will raise their hand against
another. Sounds like anarchy, and crisis brings anarchy really quick.
Judah will fight at Jerusalem and gather great wealth from the surrounding
nations.
The people who attack Jerusalem will not be everyone, and those that are left
when the Lord is reigning will go up for the Feast of Booths and to worship the
Lord. Those who don't face drought and the plague mentioned earlier.
The Feast of Booths commemorates the wandering of Israel after the Lord
delivered them from Egypt. All men are to bring an offering to the Lord. The
Lord delivered His people from the worthless shepherd. He saved them, redeemed
them, are the people grateful? When the Lord's kingdom does come, are you
ready to honor Him as King? Are you ready to sacrifice of yourself to honor
Him? Why not start now?
Jerusalem is His, and all the vessels are for our use in honoring Him. The
Canaanites will no longer be in the house of the Lord. In Judges 1:27 on the
Canaanites are recorded as still being in the land after the conquest by
Joshua. The Lord promised the land to the Israelis, and He brings it to pass.
He also promised to be their God, and He is. He also promised to dwell among
them (He is within us), and now physically among us as well.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Feb 20th 2011- Zechariah 6-10
We had four for Wordlisteners on the 20th, and we discussed Zechariah 6-9 and read Zechariah Chapter 10. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
We also discussed the next book we intend to study. It was decided to study Leviticus. One important thing to read Leviticus in light of is how the commands of God to His people foreshadow the coming of Christ. Also the intent of the sacrifices and rules for living as they pertain to us living as Christians today. What was the intent?
It should be a very interesting study, and it will begin in Late April. After this Sunday (2/27), group is taking off the next seven weeks as our church does Praise and worship, followed by Hearts on Fire. Hearts on Fire is when the lay speakers of the church will speak each Sunday night leading up to Easter.
Notes Chapter 6-9
Zechariah 6
Four war chariots patrolling the earth executing God's judgments. They have
been in the presence of God. God sends them out Himself. The ones going north
The black ones have appeased God's wrath in the northern lands.
The coronation of Joshua is a symbolic merging of the house of David
(leadership of the people) with the priestly line. This is done by the Branch
or Messiah (Jesus). Ruler and priest. Jesus will build the temple of the
Lord. Leviticus 26:11-12 Is this a physical temple? Possibly, but our bodies
are temples of the Holy Spirit. For God to make His dwelling among us could
and probably does mean within us. As other Christians allow God to shine forth
through them, we will see God walking among us.
Those from far off will come and build the Temple of the Lord. Physical
building or those people as part of the Church being in a remote location from
Jerusalem letting God's light shine through them. This will only happen if
they completely obey the Lord their God. We as Christians need to move toward
Him, develop our relationships continuously, and go deeper, or we may never see
this.
Zechariah 7
Time stamp, forth year of Darius. A question about fasting during the fifth
month which they did in exile, mourning the loss of the temple. As the temple
is getting rebuilt they question to continue the practice. The Lord's response
was to question their intention of the fast. Were they really seeking to draw
closer to Him or had become a ritual? A similar chapter exists in Isaiah (58)
We eat for self, to give that up is to practice denying self.
What God intended was for it to draw us closer to Him. Denying self creates a
void we should be filling with God. It can however feed selfishness through
pride when we marvel at what we are able to accomplish. At that point fasting
becomes a ritual of self exaltation, and actually feeds our selfishness.
Dispense true justice, practice kindness and compassion. These are selfless
traits that should be developed through the practice of fasting and truly
drawing nearer to God. So are not oppressing the widow, orphan, stranger, or
poor and not devising evil against another.
The people before the exile were warned- multiple multiple times, and closed
their ears. Seemingly not hearing. In our minds we are quick to rationalize
that not hearing the Lord means we don't have to obey Him, we can then do the
selfish things we want to do, causing almost assuredly the hurting of another.
In our hearts we know what God wants, and He knows us better than we know
ourselves, and we do hear from Him whether we deny it or not. Furthermore He
knows we have heard Him whether we acknowledge it or not. Do we want to stand
before Him at the end of the age and deny we heard something from Him that He
both knows He told us and knows that we heard?
From the this life standpoint God knows we heard Him, and He knows we are
falsely denying that we did, and thus are disobedient. Through the course of
our selfish actions God lets things happen to us that will cause us to cry out
to Him. Which He acknowledges He hears, but then He pretends He does not hear.
Now it follows that our selfish actions cause unpleasant circumstances, and God
knows how to get our attention. This in no way means that bad circumstances
are the result of selfish actions- which is the lessen of Job. Someone in bad
circumstances may be there as a result of pretending not to hear God (selfish),
or may be in bad circumstances because the Lord is wanting them to come into a
deeper relationship with Him, and bad circumstances often get our attention and
our focus on God.
Zechariah 8
The Lord is jealous for Jerusalem and will return to Zion and dwell there.
This sounds physical, but part of it also means He will dwell in the hearts of
His people. Old women and old Men, and children playing represent a city at
peace and secure. The remnant of His people may have a hard time seeing this,
and the thought of God actually dwelling in Jerusalem - based on all our
experiences does seem unrealistic from our standpoint, but not too difficult or
unrealistic for Him, the creator of it all and us all.
God will pull the remnant of His people back to Jerusalem, and will be their
God. Therefore let your hands be strong, we should be expecting and planning
and building the temple in preparation for the Lord's return. If we wait on
Him, He may further delay because He is waiting for us to act in faith- whether
we realistically can see it or not.
God will again bless His people and make them blessing to the world. Just like
their disobedience brought about wrath, He looked ahead to the day He was to do
good for them. He instructs them to act: speaking the truth, judging with
truth, don't devise evil against others, do not love perjury. Hate what He
hates.
The Lord says the days of fasts will become days of feasts. People will seek
the Lord and will so love truth and peace. They will seek the Lord at this
time, and as His people we should start now. The Lord will bless these
relationships and that will draw even more people into desiring to know God.
Isn't this what He wants.
Zechariah 9
This chapter seems to forecast the Greek invasion by Alexander the great, which
happened 200 years later. The cities referred to fell in the order listed.
Tyre was partially destroyed by the Babylonians - the part that was on the
mainland. The Babylonians gave up, and Alexander the great took the rubble
from the destroyed land city, and built a bridge to the island city and
destroyed it. Even though Alexander invaded Palestine, he did not conquer
Jerusalem. He camped around His house, protecting it.
Then a vision of Jesus entering Jerusalem. Which happened prior to his
betrayal and crucifixion (which will be referred to in a future chapter). It
also shows Him setting up His kingdom at the end of the age, which hasn't
happened yet.
The Lord runs all these things together several times. Is He waiting for His
people to walk in His ways, at least start, and will then come. If His people
truly do walk in His ways then people will have to make a clear choice, which
would lead to desparation on the part of those that refuse to follow Christ.
Those that so don't believe they would be willing to attack the people of God
in order to protect themselves. They too however are created by God and He has
given them a choice. They like us have taken not listening to God as a reason
to do their own thing.
We also discussed the next book we intend to study. It was decided to study Leviticus. One important thing to read Leviticus in light of is how the commands of God to His people foreshadow the coming of Christ. Also the intent of the sacrifices and rules for living as they pertain to us living as Christians today. What was the intent?
It should be a very interesting study, and it will begin in Late April. After this Sunday (2/27), group is taking off the next seven weeks as our church does Praise and worship, followed by Hearts on Fire. Hearts on Fire is when the lay speakers of the church will speak each Sunday night leading up to Easter.
Notes Chapter 6-9
Zechariah 6
Four war chariots patrolling the earth executing God's judgments. They have
been in the presence of God. God sends them out Himself. The ones going north
The black ones have appeased God's wrath in the northern lands.
The coronation of Joshua is a symbolic merging of the house of David
(leadership of the people) with the priestly line. This is done by the Branch
or Messiah (Jesus). Ruler and priest. Jesus will build the temple of the
Lord. Leviticus 26:11-12 Is this a physical temple? Possibly, but our bodies
are temples of the Holy Spirit. For God to make His dwelling among us could
and probably does mean within us. As other Christians allow God to shine forth
through them, we will see God walking among us.
Those from far off will come and build the Temple of the Lord. Physical
building or those people as part of the Church being in a remote location from
Jerusalem letting God's light shine through them. This will only happen if
they completely obey the Lord their God. We as Christians need to move toward
Him, develop our relationships continuously, and go deeper, or we may never see
this.
Zechariah 7
Time stamp, forth year of Darius. A question about fasting during the fifth
month which they did in exile, mourning the loss of the temple. As the temple
is getting rebuilt they question to continue the practice. The Lord's response
was to question their intention of the fast. Were they really seeking to draw
closer to Him or had become a ritual? A similar chapter exists in Isaiah (58)
We eat for self, to give that up is to practice denying self.
What God intended was for it to draw us closer to Him. Denying self creates a
void we should be filling with God. It can however feed selfishness through
pride when we marvel at what we are able to accomplish. At that point fasting
becomes a ritual of self exaltation, and actually feeds our selfishness.
Dispense true justice, practice kindness and compassion. These are selfless
traits that should be developed through the practice of fasting and truly
drawing nearer to God. So are not oppressing the widow, orphan, stranger, or
poor and not devising evil against another.
The people before the exile were warned- multiple multiple times, and closed
their ears. Seemingly not hearing. In our minds we are quick to rationalize
that not hearing the Lord means we don't have to obey Him, we can then do the
selfish things we want to do, causing almost assuredly the hurting of another.
In our hearts we know what God wants, and He knows us better than we know
ourselves, and we do hear from Him whether we deny it or not. Furthermore He
knows we have heard Him whether we acknowledge it or not. Do we want to stand
before Him at the end of the age and deny we heard something from Him that He
both knows He told us and knows that we heard?
From the this life standpoint God knows we heard Him, and He knows we are
falsely denying that we did, and thus are disobedient. Through the course of
our selfish actions God lets things happen to us that will cause us to cry out
to Him. Which He acknowledges He hears, but then He pretends He does not hear.
Now it follows that our selfish actions cause unpleasant circumstances, and God
knows how to get our attention. This in no way means that bad circumstances
are the result of selfish actions- which is the lessen of Job. Someone in bad
circumstances may be there as a result of pretending not to hear God (selfish),
or may be in bad circumstances because the Lord is wanting them to come into a
deeper relationship with Him, and bad circumstances often get our attention and
our focus on God.
Zechariah 8
The Lord is jealous for Jerusalem and will return to Zion and dwell there.
This sounds physical, but part of it also means He will dwell in the hearts of
His people. Old women and old Men, and children playing represent a city at
peace and secure. The remnant of His people may have a hard time seeing this,
and the thought of God actually dwelling in Jerusalem - based on all our
experiences does seem unrealistic from our standpoint, but not too difficult or
unrealistic for Him, the creator of it all and us all.
God will pull the remnant of His people back to Jerusalem, and will be their
God. Therefore let your hands be strong, we should be expecting and planning
and building the temple in preparation for the Lord's return. If we wait on
Him, He may further delay because He is waiting for us to act in faith- whether
we realistically can see it or not.
God will again bless His people and make them blessing to the world. Just like
their disobedience brought about wrath, He looked ahead to the day He was to do
good for them. He instructs them to act: speaking the truth, judging with
truth, don't devise evil against others, do not love perjury. Hate what He
hates.
The Lord says the days of fasts will become days of feasts. People will seek
the Lord and will so love truth and peace. They will seek the Lord at this
time, and as His people we should start now. The Lord will bless these
relationships and that will draw even more people into desiring to know God.
Isn't this what He wants.
Zechariah 9
This chapter seems to forecast the Greek invasion by Alexander the great, which
happened 200 years later. The cities referred to fell in the order listed.
Tyre was partially destroyed by the Babylonians - the part that was on the
mainland. The Babylonians gave up, and Alexander the great took the rubble
from the destroyed land city, and built a bridge to the island city and
destroyed it. Even though Alexander invaded Palestine, he did not conquer
Jerusalem. He camped around His house, protecting it.
Then a vision of Jesus entering Jerusalem. Which happened prior to his
betrayal and crucifixion (which will be referred to in a future chapter). It
also shows Him setting up His kingdom at the end of the age, which hasn't
happened yet.
The Lord runs all these things together several times. Is He waiting for His
people to walk in His ways, at least start, and will then come. If His people
truly do walk in His ways then people will have to make a clear choice, which
would lead to desparation on the part of those that refuse to follow Christ.
Those that so don't believe they would be willing to attack the people of God
in order to protect themselves. They too however are created by God and He has
given them a choice. They like us have taken not listening to God as a reason
to do their own thing.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Feb 13th- Daniel 12, Zechariah 1-5
Wordlisteners met tonight and we had six in attendance. We finished up Daniel
chapter 12 and started Zechariah, completing the first five chapters.
Our next meeting is next week, and with Hearts on Fire coming up for 6
weeks, we will probably mot meet after the 27th of February for 6 more
weeks.
My notes are attached:
Daniel Chapter 12
As bad a chapter eleven was and the Jewish people had endured two kings (Syria
and Egypt) fighting for generations, the end will be far more distressing.
Everyone in the book (book of life?) will be rescued. The dead will come back
to life, judgement will happen. People will have the insight of God and shine
brightly.
Seal up the book until the end time, when knowledge increases and many go back
and forth (travel?). How long until the end - time, times and half a time.
The power of the Holy people must be shattered before the events are completed.
Many will be purged, others will be refined and purified. 1290 days from
abomination of desolation, at 1335 days blessing will occur- the millenial
reign.
Daniel is going to enter rest (die), but arise for his portion at the end of
the age.
The group discussed after this that as men gain more knowledge they feel they
need God even less- having the answers. Being in the end times is highly likely.
The we switched to Zechariah.
Zechariah was a younger contemporary of Haggai. They both returned from exile
and were part of the process of rebuilding the temple. The book was written
over about a 2 year period of time.
Zechariah 1
This was after initially returning from exile and beginning the work of
rebuilding the temple. As with any great undertaking time must be spent and
the wondering about the insignificance of their effort was starting to get down
the workers. Zechariah reminds them where they had been as a people- exile-
separated from God, and why. Through disobedience, and not listening, and the
Words God gave as a warning for disobedience caught up to them. He is
imploring them not to let it happen again.
Zechariah's vision were from angels talking rather than the moving of God's
spirit in the prophet's mind. The whole world was at rest - God regularly
patrols it. Maybe then under the rule of Persia allowing for Jerusalem to be
rebuilt. Maybe in the future under the rule of the Messiah allowing Jerusalem
to fulfill its mission.
Four horns are regarded as the nations that destroyed Israel and Judah. But
God would send craftsmen to destroy those that try and destroy His people.
Zechariah 2
A forecast of Jerusalem so populous it will overflow its walls- end times when
the city attains its purpose established by God. God will be in Jerusalem.
When God is in Jerusalem many nations will join Him and become His people.
Zechariah 3
Joshua the high priest - dirty (sinful man) but made clean (by God) in one day.
A foreshadowing of the work of Jesus on the cross. If the high priest will
walk in God's ways and perform His service (this is obedience- doing things
God's way, and not as we think or in a way that helps us).
The Branch is coming, iniquity will be removed in one day, and we'll all invite
our neighbors to sit under our fig trees. How well do we know our neighbors,
and is it such that we would invite ALL of them to gather with us?
Zechariah 4
Zechariah is asked by the angel what he sees. He sees lamps and asks the angel
of their meaning. Lamps or candlesticks are the light bearing qualities of
God's house. First we see this in the Tabernacle, then the temple, then later
represented by the Church. The two olive trees represent a priestly line
(Joshua) and a leadership line (Zerubbabel), similar to the two witnesses in
Revelation. Witnesses for God at the end of the age.
The message to Zerubbabel is not by might or power but by the Spirit.
Zerubbabel is of the line of David beginning the work after exile that will be
repeated in great grandeur later by another in the line of David. His work is
a foundation block to the work of God.
We must seek God individually to gain the strength to promote Him thoroughly,
running and not getting weary of the work He has laid before us. He's not done
so we can't be either.
Zechariah 5
Zechariah is asked again what he sees, and this time it is a flying scroll
going throughout the land removing sin by destroying sinners. Oaths are part
of this- whether for good or bad- God is not in favor of us making them.
Leviticus(5:4), a thoughtless oath for good or bad is sin.
Then Zechariah sees an Ephah which is considered another representation of the
removal of sin. In this, sin is represented by a woman, but by women it is
removed signifying possibly that Messiah (or the Branch), who would remove sin
in one day, would be brought into the world through woman without help of man.
This sinful basket is taken to Babylon (Shinar)and held up.
chapter 12 and started Zechariah, completing the first five chapters.
Our next meeting is next week, and with Hearts on Fire coming up for 6
weeks, we will probably mot meet after the 27th of February for 6 more
weeks.
My notes are attached:
Daniel Chapter 12
As bad a chapter eleven was and the Jewish people had endured two kings (Syria
and Egypt) fighting for generations, the end will be far more distressing.
Everyone in the book (book of life?) will be rescued. The dead will come back
to life, judgement will happen. People will have the insight of God and shine
brightly.
Seal up the book until the end time, when knowledge increases and many go back
and forth (travel?). How long until the end - time, times and half a time.
The power of the Holy people must be shattered before the events are completed.
Many will be purged, others will be refined and purified. 1290 days from
abomination of desolation, at 1335 days blessing will occur- the millenial
reign.
Daniel is going to enter rest (die), but arise for his portion at the end of
the age.
The group discussed after this that as men gain more knowledge they feel they
need God even less- having the answers. Being in the end times is highly likely.
The we switched to Zechariah.
Zechariah was a younger contemporary of Haggai. They both returned from exile
and were part of the process of rebuilding the temple. The book was written
over about a 2 year period of time.
Zechariah 1
This was after initially returning from exile and beginning the work of
rebuilding the temple. As with any great undertaking time must be spent and
the wondering about the insignificance of their effort was starting to get down
the workers. Zechariah reminds them where they had been as a people- exile-
separated from God, and why. Through disobedience, and not listening, and the
Words God gave as a warning for disobedience caught up to them. He is
imploring them not to let it happen again.
Zechariah's vision were from angels talking rather than the moving of God's
spirit in the prophet's mind. The whole world was at rest - God regularly
patrols it. Maybe then under the rule of Persia allowing for Jerusalem to be
rebuilt. Maybe in the future under the rule of the Messiah allowing Jerusalem
to fulfill its mission.
Four horns are regarded as the nations that destroyed Israel and Judah. But
God would send craftsmen to destroy those that try and destroy His people.
Zechariah 2
A forecast of Jerusalem so populous it will overflow its walls- end times when
the city attains its purpose established by God. God will be in Jerusalem.
When God is in Jerusalem many nations will join Him and become His people.
Zechariah 3
Joshua the high priest - dirty (sinful man) but made clean (by God) in one day.
A foreshadowing of the work of Jesus on the cross. If the high priest will
walk in God's ways and perform His service (this is obedience- doing things
God's way, and not as we think or in a way that helps us).
The Branch is coming, iniquity will be removed in one day, and we'll all invite
our neighbors to sit under our fig trees. How well do we know our neighbors,
and is it such that we would invite ALL of them to gather with us?
Zechariah 4
Zechariah is asked by the angel what he sees. He sees lamps and asks the angel
of their meaning. Lamps or candlesticks are the light bearing qualities of
God's house. First we see this in the Tabernacle, then the temple, then later
represented by the Church. The two olive trees represent a priestly line
(Joshua) and a leadership line (Zerubbabel), similar to the two witnesses in
Revelation. Witnesses for God at the end of the age.
The message to Zerubbabel is not by might or power but by the Spirit.
Zerubbabel is of the line of David beginning the work after exile that will be
repeated in great grandeur later by another in the line of David. His work is
a foundation block to the work of God.
We must seek God individually to gain the strength to promote Him thoroughly,
running and not getting weary of the work He has laid before us. He's not done
so we can't be either.
Zechariah 5
Zechariah is asked again what he sees, and this time it is a flying scroll
going throughout the land removing sin by destroying sinners. Oaths are part
of this- whether for good or bad- God is not in favor of us making them.
Leviticus(5:4), a thoughtless oath for good or bad is sin.
Then Zechariah sees an Ephah which is considered another representation of the
removal of sin. In this, sin is represented by a woman, but by women it is
removed signifying possibly that Messiah (or the Branch), who would remove sin
in one day, would be brought into the world through woman without help of man.
This sinful basket is taken to Babylon (Shinar)and held up.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Jan 16, 2011 Daniel 9-11
Wordlisteners met tonight and we had 4 in attendance. We read and discussed Daniel chapters 9-11. Its interesting to read about Daniel a 70+ year old man who walked with God his entire life, and was still fearful during encounters. Its also amazing of the glimpses we get in the prophetic books of how what has happened in the past will be similarly repeated in the future.
Next week - we're taking the night off, and will meet again on 1/30. After Daniel we intend to start Zechariah.
Notes from tonights discussion.
Daniel Chapter 9
Daniel prays, based on what he has read in scripture. Do we pray for the soon
return of the Lord Jesus or along the lines of His will, or are we more self
focused? Daniel counted the years Jeremiah recorded for the time of the exile
of His people and prayed accordingly. He also fasted.
His prayer fits the form Jesus outlined for us to use. He tells God of His
greatness and faithfulness, and then turns to the condition of men, including
himself (Daniel) in the poor or fallen condition we are in.
The overthrow of Jerusalem was predicted by Moses if the people rejected God,
and Daniel is admitting the people had. Even when the overthrow of Jerusalem
happened we (the people) still did not seek God or turn from our ways to His.
Daniel is asking God to turn and look at His desolate sanctuary in Jerusalem.
Its interesting that He was there but turned His back to His people and
Jerusalem fell. Daniel is asking Him only to turn back around. He isn't
asking based on the merits of the people, but on the Holiness of God's nature
and His compassion. If we wait on the merits of the people, it will never
happen, thy Kingdom come- its what we should want- God here with us. A world
submitted to His will.
Daniel prays for Jerusalem to be restored, in the proper frame of mind, and
instantly the answer is sent, and Daniel is going to get the entire what will
happen before Jerusalem is properly or fully restored. Seventy weeks is
decreed for his people (the jews) and the city of Jerusalem to finish the
transgression and put an end to sin (not doing things God's way), and bring in
everlasting righteousness (reign of the Lord on earth).
Two time periods, 62 weeks and 7 weeks. The 62 weeks is over when Messiah is
cut off (crucified- rejected by men). The city will be destroyed again by the
people of the prince that is to come (anti-christ - Roman kingdom). The end of
the santuary and city will come with flood (of people?), and periods of
desolation. He (the prince who is to come - anti-christ) will make a covenent
with the many (Jews and Christians?) for one week but in the middle desolation
and complete destruction will come.
Daniel Chapter 10
Darius (Mede) replaced by Cyrus (Persian), in the third year of Cyrus another
message. He had been mourning and fasting for three weeks, because he had seen
an initial vision from God about his people, and received another vision from
God after the three weeks. This was the explanation. Those people who claim
to "know" what is going to happen, did they fast and mourn and seek God in the
way Daniel did? Were/are they as faithful to God as Daniel was? We really
can't know the hearts of others, one way or the other.
Daniel sees another vision after 24 days- what dedication to purpose to see an
initial vision so distressing that he would mourn three weeks, would we last 24
minutes? Daniel saw a vision others near him felt a dread and ran away. He
had no strength and fell on his face upon hearing the sound of the words. After
a life of walking with God, Daniel is still weak in the knees when He hears
from God. Daniel is helped to his knees, and told not to fear.
Daniel had sought understanding of the things of God (his previous visions),
and this angel was sent but delayed 21 days. This initial vision of what will
happen to his people in the future made him so distraught and weak. Does what
we think will happen in the 70th week cause us the same distress? How was
Daniel's heart for his people different than ours? This angel came to
strengthen him, and yet is in a fight with principalities and powers of
darkness - yet he will tell Daniel what is true and inscribed.
Daniel Chapter 11
All future, but starting from a point Daniel is aware of. Sometimes called
inter-testament history, Daniel wrote it 400 years before these things happened.
Three kings in Persia, then a 4th - the richest - who will attack Greece.
Xerxes invaded and was defeated 480 BC.
A mighty king will arise and do as he pleases - Alexander the Great. His
kingdom will be broken up into 4 parts. His kingdom was divided into Greece,
Asia minor, Syria (north) and Egypt (south). King of south's son becomes king
of Syria and was the most powerful of the successors.
A daughter Berenice was given by southern king (Egypt) to northern King (Syria),
but she was killed. Her brother then invaded Syria and won in retaliation.
Later the Syrian King attacked Egypt but was defeated, 14 years later he
returned with an even greater army and conquered Palestine and Egypt. He then
gives his daughter (Cleopatra) in marriage to the king of Egypt (Ptolemy V)
hoping to get complete control of Egypt, but his daughter stands with her
husband. The king of the North Antiochus then invades Asia Minor and Greece to
be defeated by Rome. He returned to his own land and was slain.
Antiochus Epiphanes - not the rightful heir to Antiochus got the throne by
deception and treachery, then made himself master of Egypt- the richest of the
kingdoms- something Antiochus his predecessor could not do. He is friendly
towards the king of the south Ptolomey VI (Cleopatra's son), but only for gain.
Antiochus Epiphanes returning from Egypt will attack Jerusalem killing 80,000
and selling some into slavery. Later he returns to Egypt but is forced to
withdraw by the Romans. He takes his defeat out on Jerusalem, stopping
sacrifices and desecrating the temple. This happened in part or maybe as a
glimpse of the future but not fully. Godly people with insight will opposed
him and were slain. The Godly were/are slain to purge and make some pure until
the end time (which again - a glimpse was given).
From versus 36-45 partly Antiochus Epiphanes, partly those who control the
temple sight, partly the anti-christ. This is end time happenings in Jerusalem
some of which may have happened at other various times in history. There will
be a culmination at the end. After all Daniel's vision is about ending sin.
Next week - we're taking the night off, and will meet again on 1/30. After Daniel we intend to start Zechariah.
Notes from tonights discussion.
Daniel Chapter 9
Daniel prays, based on what he has read in scripture. Do we pray for the soon
return of the Lord Jesus or along the lines of His will, or are we more self
focused? Daniel counted the years Jeremiah recorded for the time of the exile
of His people and prayed accordingly. He also fasted.
His prayer fits the form Jesus outlined for us to use. He tells God of His
greatness and faithfulness, and then turns to the condition of men, including
himself (Daniel) in the poor or fallen condition we are in.
The overthrow of Jerusalem was predicted by Moses if the people rejected God,
and Daniel is admitting the people had. Even when the overthrow of Jerusalem
happened we (the people) still did not seek God or turn from our ways to His.
Daniel is asking God to turn and look at His desolate sanctuary in Jerusalem.
Its interesting that He was there but turned His back to His people and
Jerusalem fell. Daniel is asking Him only to turn back around. He isn't
asking based on the merits of the people, but on the Holiness of God's nature
and His compassion. If we wait on the merits of the people, it will never
happen, thy Kingdom come- its what we should want- God here with us. A world
submitted to His will.
Daniel prays for Jerusalem to be restored, in the proper frame of mind, and
instantly the answer is sent, and Daniel is going to get the entire what will
happen before Jerusalem is properly or fully restored. Seventy weeks is
decreed for his people (the jews) and the city of Jerusalem to finish the
transgression and put an end to sin (not doing things God's way), and bring in
everlasting righteousness (reign of the Lord on earth).
Two time periods, 62 weeks and 7 weeks. The 62 weeks is over when Messiah is
cut off (crucified- rejected by men). The city will be destroyed again by the
people of the prince that is to come (anti-christ - Roman kingdom). The end of
the santuary and city will come with flood (of people?), and periods of
desolation. He (the prince who is to come - anti-christ) will make a covenent
with the many (Jews and Christians?) for one week but in the middle desolation
and complete destruction will come.
Daniel Chapter 10
Darius (Mede) replaced by Cyrus (Persian), in the third year of Cyrus another
message. He had been mourning and fasting for three weeks, because he had seen
an initial vision from God about his people, and received another vision from
God after the three weeks. This was the explanation. Those people who claim
to "know" what is going to happen, did they fast and mourn and seek God in the
way Daniel did? Were/are they as faithful to God as Daniel was? We really
can't know the hearts of others, one way or the other.
Daniel sees another vision after 24 days- what dedication to purpose to see an
initial vision so distressing that he would mourn three weeks, would we last 24
minutes? Daniel saw a vision others near him felt a dread and ran away. He
had no strength and fell on his face upon hearing the sound of the words. After
a life of walking with God, Daniel is still weak in the knees when He hears
from God. Daniel is helped to his knees, and told not to fear.
Daniel had sought understanding of the things of God (his previous visions),
and this angel was sent but delayed 21 days. This initial vision of what will
happen to his people in the future made him so distraught and weak. Does what
we think will happen in the 70th week cause us the same distress? How was
Daniel's heart for his people different than ours? This angel came to
strengthen him, and yet is in a fight with principalities and powers of
darkness - yet he will tell Daniel what is true and inscribed.
Daniel Chapter 11
All future, but starting from a point Daniel is aware of. Sometimes called
inter-testament history, Daniel wrote it 400 years before these things happened.
Three kings in Persia, then a 4th - the richest - who will attack Greece.
Xerxes invaded and was defeated 480 BC.
A mighty king will arise and do as he pleases - Alexander the Great. His
kingdom will be broken up into 4 parts. His kingdom was divided into Greece,
Asia minor, Syria (north) and Egypt (south). King of south's son becomes king
of Syria and was the most powerful of the successors.
A daughter Berenice was given by southern king (Egypt) to northern King (Syria),
but she was killed. Her brother then invaded Syria and won in retaliation.
Later the Syrian King attacked Egypt but was defeated, 14 years later he
returned with an even greater army and conquered Palestine and Egypt. He then
gives his daughter (Cleopatra) in marriage to the king of Egypt (Ptolemy V)
hoping to get complete control of Egypt, but his daughter stands with her
husband. The king of the North Antiochus then invades Asia Minor and Greece to
be defeated by Rome. He returned to his own land and was slain.
Antiochus Epiphanes - not the rightful heir to Antiochus got the throne by
deception and treachery, then made himself master of Egypt- the richest of the
kingdoms- something Antiochus his predecessor could not do. He is friendly
towards the king of the south Ptolomey VI (Cleopatra's son), but only for gain.
Antiochus Epiphanes returning from Egypt will attack Jerusalem killing 80,000
and selling some into slavery. Later he returns to Egypt but is forced to
withdraw by the Romans. He takes his defeat out on Jerusalem, stopping
sacrifices and desecrating the temple. This happened in part or maybe as a
glimpse of the future but not fully. Godly people with insight will opposed
him and were slain. The Godly were/are slain to purge and make some pure until
the end time (which again - a glimpse was given).
From versus 36-45 partly Antiochus Epiphanes, partly those who control the
temple sight, partly the anti-christ. This is end time happenings in Jerusalem
some of which may have happened at other various times in history. There will
be a culmination at the end. After all Daniel's vision is about ending sin.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
On January 9th, Wordlisteners resumed meeting. We had 4 in attendance and we read and discussed Daniel Chapter 5-8.
Here are the notes:
Daniel Chapter 5
This is a story relating the end of Babylon. A couple generations after
Nebuchadnezzar, and yet Daniel was still there. Belshazzar was drinking from
gold and silver vessels that had been dedicated to God and taken from the
temple many years earlier in Jerusalem. They are praising the gods of wealth
and things- sadly the primary focus of society today -wealth and things. Then
a hand appeared and wrote on the wall.
He was alarmed and sought interpretation, but none could. Only Daniel who
walked with God was able to interpret and see what was about to happen.
Telling people prophecy and what will happen will do no good, until they
develop and strengthen their relationship with Christ. That is what to pray
for. Daniel walked with God and he saw and could tell what was happening, no
other “wise” man, magician or conjurer could. Daniel was even known for being
able to solve difficult problems. They thought he had the spirit of the gods
or was magical, but it had to do with his relationship to God and that alone.
Having a relationship with God means He will show you things. He knows when
you're ready and He will lead your thoughts to understanding. It has nothing
to do with the person, God can do it with anyone that is faithful. To deny
that its possible is to deny the power of God.
Daniel acknowledges the king's position, and then talks about Nebuchadnezzar.
How great and powerful he was and yet he was humbled by God (7 years with the
mind of a beast- followed by repentance). Belshazzar knew the story and yet
ignored it, and exalted himself. Bringing in the temple vessels was the last
part. So his kingdom is about to be taken from him, the handwriting on the
wall is the warning (again that nobody could interpret but those that walked
with God. It happened that night, the Medes and Persians took over. Darius
the Mede was now king.
Daniel Chapter 6
Darius appointed rulers to help him run the kingdom and Daniel was one of them.
Daniel's reputation was solid, and additionally he distinguished himself. Not
because he was special, but rather that he followed God. Served Him and obeyed
Him.
Daniel's favor with the king made people jealous they wanted what he had
(coveting) but were not willing to submit to God and develop relationship with
Him. So they looked into his background and mannerisms, but could find no
fault. Are your habits and mannerisms such that you would not feel
uncomfortable in having anyone look over your shoulder at everything you do???
So they devised a plan to trap him based on his faithfulness to God. They
played to King Darius' pride who helped them out by not checking the facts, and
got him to make a decree that people could only pray to him. It takes a lot of
pride to decide you are the one with all the answers and that you are God.
Again an anti-christ example. He will go into the Temple dedicated to God and
proclaim himself god.
Then they caught Daniel breaking the decree as was his custom – fellowship in
prayer with God 3 times a day. Jesus often went to secluded places to pray-
getting away often. They informed the king, and even though he liked Daniel,
it would have been a sign of weakness to go back on his decree. Not many
leaders admit errors (prideful). So Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, and
it was sealed – like the tomb of Jesus. Like Jesus going to preach between His
death and resurrection and God being with Him, God was with Daniel in the
lions' den. Darius couldn't sleep but knew that the true God could save
Daniel. He followed it up by actively going the next morning to see if Daniel
had been protected. Daniel was over 70 years old at this point.
Daniel had been protected and was freed, and a decree made to fear God. Those
who meant Daniel harm were thrown in the lions' den along with their families
(children and wives). This seems cruel, but it is important to realize that
our evil intentions directly affect our families, just like our walking with
God actually blesses our families. Pride and coveting can bring us to the
point of being so self focused that we the very lives of our loved ones.
Daniel like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to decide and act in a manner
that either served God or man. The same choice awaits those in the tribulation
period, and really all of us on a day to day basis. Daniel went to the lions'
den like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went to the fiery furnace trusting God
but unsure as to whether God would save them. God did and used their
faithfulness to get the rulers of the kingdoms of the day to send out decrees
affirming God in heaven.
Daniel Chapter 7
A first year of Belshazzar vision (70th year of Babylon) Daniel aged and
experienced and had walked with God a while. Essentially the same vision he
had interpreted of Nebuchadnezzar's dream when he was in his twenties. Four
beasts, the last most terrifying. These are the four world powers between
Daniel's time and the time of Jesus- when the Kingdom of God is begun. The
iron kingdom is Rome in power at the time of Christ and it will be revived at
the time of the end. A federation of kingdoms over which one ruler will gain
control or influence. This leader will (horn that springs among the 10 and
uproots three of the leaders) will make boasts, and be against the Most High.
Daniel simultaneously records that in heaven the Most High is on the throne and
the books are being opened (time of the end) while these boasts against God are
happening on the earth. Boastful words is a sign of talk but not action, this
king will be powerless in the things that matter, and won't do the things of
God. The anti-christ.
The three previous beasts had lost their dominion, but there is still a remnant
at the time of the end. These remnants will be around - the kingdoms present
during the millenial reign. Jesus is given dominion by God for the millenial
reign and other nations will serve Him.
The beasts are four kingdoms or four great kings, but its the saints of God,
those that submit to Him that will receive or inherit the enduring Kingdom.
The fourth beast is the anti-christ, and he'll wage war on the saints, and for
a season overpower them. God allows this, but as stated before He is in
complete control. At the right time He will step in and the saints will take
possession of the eternal enduring Kingdom.
This fourth kingdom and leader will "devour the earth" or dominate the earth
but not necessarily control every part. The anti-christ is a charismatic
leader who will arise out of a federation of kingdoms. He will probably
acknowledge the existence of God, and recognize at least in word the Power of
God. He will seemingly have answers and good ideas and recognize God as a
higher authority, but he will not do the things of God, and pride of self will
eventually lead to him blasphemes against God. He will deceive many for a
while until his pride shows his true heart or lack of fruits of the spirit. He
will be given worldy dominion over the saints as satan was given authority over
Job for three and a half years. He will be able to kill them, but God is
still in control even through that, and eventually will judge and annihilate
him.
The saints will be given sovereignty, and the kingdom Jesus started at the
cross will come into actual world rule.
Daniel was alarmed by his vision, he saw the unpleasantness of this time, and
the seeming helplessness of those that are the Lord's. It was more fearful to
him than what he had witnessed in 70+ years of life.
Daniel Chapter 8
Another vision for Daniel, making this a third vision of the future. This one
starts out with the transition between the second world power the Medo-Persian
and the third the Greeks. His Prediction is 200 years before it happened. He
also predicts that the Greek empire would be split into four kingdoms- which
happened.
We are looking back and comparing the historical record to the prophesy and we
see the accute accuracy of it. Prophecy tends to be unbelievable, and then it
happens and we see its confirmation.
Of the four parts of the greek empire the king of the South becomes very
powerful. Again predicted early, and this leader- generally considered to be
Antiochus Epiphanes - but also giving us a glimpse of anti-christ like behavior
in the end times. On account of transgression Antiochus then and anti-christ
soon was/will be allowed to trample Jerusalem, and the people of God will be
given over to him. His dominion will last 2300 days (7 years). The king of
the south did trample Jerusalem historically, killing many, so that little
piece of prophecy got fulfilled. Most of what is described and the time frame
has yet to happen though. God shows us glimpses in History with the worst (or
best depending on your relationship to God) to come yet to happen.
Daniel then gets an interpretation. The prophecy pertains to the time of the
end, that is said up front. The Ram is identified for Daniel as the
Medo-Persian empire (in his time just getting established). The goat
represents Greece (unheard of at that time), and the large horn being Alexander
the Great the first king (he established the Greek empire). When Alexander
died there was no strong leader so the greek empire did in fact split into four
parts, all weaker than the original whole. Predicted very accurately before it
happened.
Take a minute and predict what will happen in South Carolina next week, then a
week later see how you did. Will you do as well as Daniel did, and consider he
was a man like us. The prophecy came from God- who saw it happen and relayed
it back to Daniel.
In the latter part of the greek rule (Rome was now growing in influence at the
time of Antiochus Epiphanes and about to become the dominant world power. His
actions will blur in similarity to that of anti-christ. He is an insulting
individual but intriguing, which evidently caused people to put him into power.
This sounds very similar to a politician on the scene today. One that publicly
insults people, but yet people are intrigued by. This will be the character of
the one the Bible calls anti-christ. Abrasive and yet intriguing. His power
will be mighty but not be his own power (spiritual world help? ) and he will
destroy to an extraordinary degree and perform his will (note his and not
God's- selfish me first or my way attitude). He will destroy mighty men and
holy people, deceit will succeed, magnify himself, and destroy many at ease.
He will even oppose Christ - this isn't at this point Antiochus- who did kill
many in Jerusalem and descrate the temple in his time. Its interesting that
Antiochus did this after suffering a defeat at the hands of Rome. He went to
Jerusalem (place of God) and picked on the Jews there (at relative peace).
Maybe he did this because he was mad at God for his defeat and knew the source
of it.
Antiochus was broken and the anti-christ will be -"without human agency" - so
it will be God Himself that does it- this doesn't apply to Antiochus. The 2300
days doesn't seem to apply to Antiochus either.
This vision made Daniel very distraught, exhausted and sick for days. The
vision astonished him.
Here are the notes:
Daniel Chapter 5
This is a story relating the end of Babylon. A couple generations after
Nebuchadnezzar, and yet Daniel was still there. Belshazzar was drinking from
gold and silver vessels that had been dedicated to God and taken from the
temple many years earlier in Jerusalem. They are praising the gods of wealth
and things- sadly the primary focus of society today -wealth and things. Then
a hand appeared and wrote on the wall.
He was alarmed and sought interpretation, but none could. Only Daniel who
walked with God was able to interpret and see what was about to happen.
Telling people prophecy and what will happen will do no good, until they
develop and strengthen their relationship with Christ. That is what to pray
for. Daniel walked with God and he saw and could tell what was happening, no
other “wise” man, magician or conjurer could. Daniel was even known for being
able to solve difficult problems. They thought he had the spirit of the gods
or was magical, but it had to do with his relationship to God and that alone.
Having a relationship with God means He will show you things. He knows when
you're ready and He will lead your thoughts to understanding. It has nothing
to do with the person, God can do it with anyone that is faithful. To deny
that its possible is to deny the power of God.
Daniel acknowledges the king's position, and then talks about Nebuchadnezzar.
How great and powerful he was and yet he was humbled by God (7 years with the
mind of a beast- followed by repentance). Belshazzar knew the story and yet
ignored it, and exalted himself. Bringing in the temple vessels was the last
part. So his kingdom is about to be taken from him, the handwriting on the
wall is the warning (again that nobody could interpret but those that walked
with God. It happened that night, the Medes and Persians took over. Darius
the Mede was now king.
Daniel Chapter 6
Darius appointed rulers to help him run the kingdom and Daniel was one of them.
Daniel's reputation was solid, and additionally he distinguished himself. Not
because he was special, but rather that he followed God. Served Him and obeyed
Him.
Daniel's favor with the king made people jealous they wanted what he had
(coveting) but were not willing to submit to God and develop relationship with
Him. So they looked into his background and mannerisms, but could find no
fault. Are your habits and mannerisms such that you would not feel
uncomfortable in having anyone look over your shoulder at everything you do???
So they devised a plan to trap him based on his faithfulness to God. They
played to King Darius' pride who helped them out by not checking the facts, and
got him to make a decree that people could only pray to him. It takes a lot of
pride to decide you are the one with all the answers and that you are God.
Again an anti-christ example. He will go into the Temple dedicated to God and
proclaim himself god.
Then they caught Daniel breaking the decree as was his custom – fellowship in
prayer with God 3 times a day. Jesus often went to secluded places to pray-
getting away often. They informed the king, and even though he liked Daniel,
it would have been a sign of weakness to go back on his decree. Not many
leaders admit errors (prideful). So Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, and
it was sealed – like the tomb of Jesus. Like Jesus going to preach between His
death and resurrection and God being with Him, God was with Daniel in the
lions' den. Darius couldn't sleep but knew that the true God could save
Daniel. He followed it up by actively going the next morning to see if Daniel
had been protected. Daniel was over 70 years old at this point.
Daniel had been protected and was freed, and a decree made to fear God. Those
who meant Daniel harm were thrown in the lions' den along with their families
(children and wives). This seems cruel, but it is important to realize that
our evil intentions directly affect our families, just like our walking with
God actually blesses our families. Pride and coveting can bring us to the
point of being so self focused that we the very lives of our loved ones.
Daniel like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to decide and act in a manner
that either served God or man. The same choice awaits those in the tribulation
period, and really all of us on a day to day basis. Daniel went to the lions'
den like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went to the fiery furnace trusting God
but unsure as to whether God would save them. God did and used their
faithfulness to get the rulers of the kingdoms of the day to send out decrees
affirming God in heaven.
Daniel Chapter 7
A first year of Belshazzar vision (70th year of Babylon) Daniel aged and
experienced and had walked with God a while. Essentially the same vision he
had interpreted of Nebuchadnezzar's dream when he was in his twenties. Four
beasts, the last most terrifying. These are the four world powers between
Daniel's time and the time of Jesus- when the Kingdom of God is begun. The
iron kingdom is Rome in power at the time of Christ and it will be revived at
the time of the end. A federation of kingdoms over which one ruler will gain
control or influence. This leader will (horn that springs among the 10 and
uproots three of the leaders) will make boasts, and be against the Most High.
Daniel simultaneously records that in heaven the Most High is on the throne and
the books are being opened (time of the end) while these boasts against God are
happening on the earth. Boastful words is a sign of talk but not action, this
king will be powerless in the things that matter, and won't do the things of
God. The anti-christ.
The three previous beasts had lost their dominion, but there is still a remnant
at the time of the end. These remnants will be around - the kingdoms present
during the millenial reign. Jesus is given dominion by God for the millenial
reign and other nations will serve Him.
The beasts are four kingdoms or four great kings, but its the saints of God,
those that submit to Him that will receive or inherit the enduring Kingdom.
The fourth beast is the anti-christ, and he'll wage war on the saints, and for
a season overpower them. God allows this, but as stated before He is in
complete control. At the right time He will step in and the saints will take
possession of the eternal enduring Kingdom.
This fourth kingdom and leader will "devour the earth" or dominate the earth
but not necessarily control every part. The anti-christ is a charismatic
leader who will arise out of a federation of kingdoms. He will probably
acknowledge the existence of God, and recognize at least in word the Power of
God. He will seemingly have answers and good ideas and recognize God as a
higher authority, but he will not do the things of God, and pride of self will
eventually lead to him blasphemes against God. He will deceive many for a
while until his pride shows his true heart or lack of fruits of the spirit. He
will be given worldy dominion over the saints as satan was given authority over
Job for three and a half years. He will be able to kill them, but God is
still in control even through that, and eventually will judge and annihilate
him.
The saints will be given sovereignty, and the kingdom Jesus started at the
cross will come into actual world rule.
Daniel was alarmed by his vision, he saw the unpleasantness of this time, and
the seeming helplessness of those that are the Lord's. It was more fearful to
him than what he had witnessed in 70+ years of life.
Daniel Chapter 8
Another vision for Daniel, making this a third vision of the future. This one
starts out with the transition between the second world power the Medo-Persian
and the third the Greeks. His Prediction is 200 years before it happened. He
also predicts that the Greek empire would be split into four kingdoms- which
happened.
We are looking back and comparing the historical record to the prophesy and we
see the accute accuracy of it. Prophecy tends to be unbelievable, and then it
happens and we see its confirmation.
Of the four parts of the greek empire the king of the South becomes very
powerful. Again predicted early, and this leader- generally considered to be
Antiochus Epiphanes - but also giving us a glimpse of anti-christ like behavior
in the end times. On account of transgression Antiochus then and anti-christ
soon was/will be allowed to trample Jerusalem, and the people of God will be
given over to him. His dominion will last 2300 days (7 years). The king of
the south did trample Jerusalem historically, killing many, so that little
piece of prophecy got fulfilled. Most of what is described and the time frame
has yet to happen though. God shows us glimpses in History with the worst (or
best depending on your relationship to God) to come yet to happen.
Daniel then gets an interpretation. The prophecy pertains to the time of the
end, that is said up front. The Ram is identified for Daniel as the
Medo-Persian empire (in his time just getting established). The goat
represents Greece (unheard of at that time), and the large horn being Alexander
the Great the first king (he established the Greek empire). When Alexander
died there was no strong leader so the greek empire did in fact split into four
parts, all weaker than the original whole. Predicted very accurately before it
happened.
Take a minute and predict what will happen in South Carolina next week, then a
week later see how you did. Will you do as well as Daniel did, and consider he
was a man like us. The prophecy came from God- who saw it happen and relayed
it back to Daniel.
In the latter part of the greek rule (Rome was now growing in influence at the
time of Antiochus Epiphanes and about to become the dominant world power. His
actions will blur in similarity to that of anti-christ. He is an insulting
individual but intriguing, which evidently caused people to put him into power.
This sounds very similar to a politician on the scene today. One that publicly
insults people, but yet people are intrigued by. This will be the character of
the one the Bible calls anti-christ. Abrasive and yet intriguing. His power
will be mighty but not be his own power (spiritual world help? ) and he will
destroy to an extraordinary degree and perform his will (note his and not
God's- selfish me first or my way attitude). He will destroy mighty men and
holy people, deceit will succeed, magnify himself, and destroy many at ease.
He will even oppose Christ - this isn't at this point Antiochus- who did kill
many in Jerusalem and descrate the temple in his time. Its interesting that
Antiochus did this after suffering a defeat at the hands of Rome. He went to
Jerusalem (place of God) and picked on the Jews there (at relative peace).
Maybe he did this because he was mad at God for his defeat and knew the source
of it.
Antiochus was broken and the anti-christ will be -"without human agency" - so
it will be God Himself that does it- this doesn't apply to Antiochus. The 2300
days doesn't seem to apply to Antiochus either.
This vision made Daniel very distraught, exhausted and sick for days. The
vision astonished him.
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