"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you. . . " (1 John 1:3)
BOTH SEEING AND HEARING are gifts from God. As it is written, "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them" (Prov 20:12). This is not only true in nature, it is much more true in grace. The ability to perceive the Person of Christ and comprehend His word, comes from the Lord. In both nature and grace, God has "planted the ear" and "formed the eye" (Psa 94:9). Seeing this truth, David cried out, "Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law" (Psa 119:18NKJV).
WHAT, THEREFORE, JOHN WRITES to us is not his private opinion or interpretation of Christ Jesus. No Scripture "is a matter of one's own interpretation" (2 Pet 1:20 NASB). John is going to declare to us what God ENABLED Him to see and hear. He will not simply relate historical facts. This book is NOT "made by an act of human will, but," as with all Scripture, John, being "moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Pet 1:21).
AT THIS POINT, there is an important Divine manner to perceive. Before Jesus left His disciples, He told them He was going to send the Spirit of Truth to them. "But the Helper (Comforter KJV), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26, NKJV). These Apostles were going to be wholly reliant upon God in their speaking and writing. They had not previously been "trained" in this area, nor were they noted for their speaking and writing skills. None of the twelve were priests or scribes. However, the Holy Spirit would cause them to excel in both areas. God the Father would send the Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit would "teach" them about everything pertinent to the Gospel and God of salvation. He would enable them to see and comprehend Scripture, as well as the real issues with which they ought to deal. He would also enable them to recall what Jesus has said, as well as expounding what He meant.
ACCORDING TO THE WAY men think, the best time to record a matter is when it occurs – or at least as close to that time as possible. With men, time erodes recollection, and important details are soon forgotten, or even distorted. Also, twelve men speaking or writing about a single matter would, by nature, tend to present contradicting views. The Holy Spirit, however, would cause these men to rise above those natural tendencies, being in perfect accord with each other – having "one mind and one mouth" (Rom 15:6).
JOHN BEGINS HIS EPISTLE by saying it contains what he had "seen and heard." However, First John was NOT written right after Jesus ascended into heaven. Nor, indeed, were any New Covenant writings so recorded. It is generally conceded that Mark is the earliest New Covenant book. It was written 40-42 A.D., or 10-12 after the ascension. First John was written, so far as we know, somewhere between 80-95 A.D. That is 50-65 years after the ascension! Such a procedure is not the manner of this world. According to the flesh, John was aged, and the powers of recollection would have deteriorated, according to the laws of nature. However, the Holy Spirit did not rely upon the flesh, nor did John.
MARK IT WELL, this is a critical Epistle, written to bolster the confidence of believers, and assure them they have eternal life (1 John 5:13). Such objectives cannot be realized by philosophizing about truth, or sharing private perceptions of the Gospel. If knowing we have eternal life is at issue, precision must be found in John's teaching. Too much is at stake for him to be vague. The statements about the Lord Jesus Christ must be precise and to the point (1:3,7; 2:1; 4:9,10,14; 5:5,6). The benefits accruing from His achievements must also be flawless and clear (1:7; 2:20,27; 4:2). Something cannot be given to us that is in any way distorted.
HERE IS WHERE THE HOLY SPIRIT comes into the picture. Over half a century after Jesus ascended into heaven and was seated on the right hand of God, the Spirit brings such recollection and insight to John that he is able to effectively minister to "God's heritage" (1 Pet 5:3). John is not depending upon his memory to declare what He has "seen and heard." Even as in the beginning of his ministry, when but a young man, he could not help but speak the things he had "seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). But in this Epistle, as well as in those earlier days, his memory was empowered by the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit directed Him in WHAT to remember, as well as how to put it into words. He had really "seen" and really "heard," but now the Spirit enables Him to really remember with precision and exactness.
THE HOLY SPIRIT did not move men along like robots. First, He worked with "HOLY men" (2 Pet 1:21). Second, He used those who had been exposed to the Person, words, and works of the Savior of the world – "witnesses chosen before by God"(Acts 10:41).
IN THE WRITING OF SCRIPTURE, experience and insight are woven together by the Spirit of God. The personal seeing and hearing of these things enabled the Apostle to write with both joy and zeal. The insight empowered him to write with confidence and power. Because of this, his inspired recollections took the very nature of Christ's words – "spirit" and "life" (John 6:63). This is true of "all Scripture."
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
GOD WILL SUPPLY YOUR NEED
" And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:19, NKJV)
HERE IS ONE OF THE GREAT statements of Scripture. Throughout the centuries it has nourished believers, clarifying God's love for them. Notice the personal nature of the text: "MY God . . . YOUR need." At first, the reading may seem peculiar. Why not say, "Your God will supply your need?" First, Paul is speaking from his own experience, as well as from inspiration. It is as though he said, "God has supplied all of my need, and He will also supply all of yours." In other words, this is the manner of the Kingdom, for God to provide what we need. He does not say "My God CAN supply all of your need," but that He "shall."
THIS IS LANGUAGE ADDRESSED TO FAITH. Paul is in prison, Epaphroditus has been sick, and the Philippians were being opposed by adversaries (Phil 1:28-29). From a fleshly viewpoint, it appeared as though resources were drying up, and NEED was growing in an exponential way. However, the child of God does not entertain such a view of things, even though tempted to do so. That is why Paul speaks to their faith, confirming that earthly circumstances have had no effect whatsoever on the great salvation they are enjoying.
NOTICE, "NEED" IS IN THE SINGULAR, NOT THE PLURAL. Although the NASB and NIV translate this "needs," it is actually in the singular. The word "need" refers more to a condition than to specific requirements or needs; i.e., they are in need. The words "lack" and "want" describe what is meant – without the necessities of life. For example, Paul has already testified that he had learned HOW to "suffer need" (Phil 4:12). There are times when, according to appearance, the necessities of life run out, and no hope or supply is evident.
SUCH OCCASIONS ARE SEEN in the accounts of Elijah in the time of famine, and Jacob and his sons during grievous famine (1 Kings 17:1-6; Gen 42:1-5). Our fathers Abraham and Isaac also endured in the time of famine (Gen 12:10; 26:1). In these cases, the people of God experienced "need" – a lack of life's necessities. It is God's manner to provide for His people IN such times.
WHEN THE SPIRIT SAYS "God shall SUPPLY," He does not speak of meager provision. The text itself confirms this, for the supply comes from "His RICHES." The word "supply" means to make replete, to cram, level up a hollow, or satisfy, and fill up (Strong's). It is pictured in words of our Lord Jesus to those who expended their resources for Him. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom" (Lk 6:38). This is exactly the sense in which our text is written. The Philippians had "given" to Paul, and now God would give back to them in abundant measure. Paul had given to them, and God had supplied his need through the Philippians. This is the manner of the Kingdom!
OUR TEXT CONFIRMS THIS IS NOT SOMETHING EXCEPTIONAL, intended only for Apostles or certain churches. Sometimes God allows His people to be reduced to a state of "need," in order that He might lavish an abundance upon them. It is no wonder Jesus said, "And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things" (Lk 12:29-30). Let us frequently remind one another of the goodness of our God–that he WILL supply ALL of our need!
" . . . ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES in glory by Christ Jesus" KJV. From the dawn of human history, Satan has sought to convince men God is withholding from them. To Eve he said, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Gen 3:5) – as though God was taking something precious from her. To this very day, there are those who imagine coming into Christ begins a life of restriction, where enjoyable things are withheld, and we must live in misery. But this is a gross misrepresentation of the case. In Christ, we come into the realm of "riches," "abundance," and exceeding greatness. That this is not "riches" as defined by the world is evident in the next clause.
"HIS RICHES IN GLORY" refer to the Divine repository from which the supplies are dispensed. Romans 9:23 affirms that "the riches of His glory" are reserved for the "vessels of mercy." Ephesians 3:16 reminds us we are strengthened within by those very "riches." The idea is that when the Living God fastens His attention upon an individual, it is not possible for that person to suffer true need. Just as it is not possible for the sun to rise to its zenith and darkness still prevail, so it is not possible for God to surround us with His Presence and need remain. That is why the Psalmist cried, "Look upon mine affliction and my pain" (Psa 25:18), and "Look Thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thou usest to do unto those that love Thy name" (Psa 119:132).
– Given O. Blakely
HERE IS ONE OF THE GREAT statements of Scripture. Throughout the centuries it has nourished believers, clarifying God's love for them. Notice the personal nature of the text: "MY God . . . YOUR need." At first, the reading may seem peculiar. Why not say, "Your God will supply your need?" First, Paul is speaking from his own experience, as well as from inspiration. It is as though he said, "God has supplied all of my need, and He will also supply all of yours." In other words, this is the manner of the Kingdom, for God to provide what we need. He does not say "My God CAN supply all of your need," but that He "shall."
THIS IS LANGUAGE ADDRESSED TO FAITH. Paul is in prison, Epaphroditus has been sick, and the Philippians were being opposed by adversaries (Phil 1:28-29). From a fleshly viewpoint, it appeared as though resources were drying up, and NEED was growing in an exponential way. However, the child of God does not entertain such a view of things, even though tempted to do so. That is why Paul speaks to their faith, confirming that earthly circumstances have had no effect whatsoever on the great salvation they are enjoying.
NOTICE, "NEED" IS IN THE SINGULAR, NOT THE PLURAL. Although the NASB and NIV translate this "needs," it is actually in the singular. The word "need" refers more to a condition than to specific requirements or needs; i.e., they are in need. The words "lack" and "want" describe what is meant – without the necessities of life. For example, Paul has already testified that he had learned HOW to "suffer need" (Phil 4:12). There are times when, according to appearance, the necessities of life run out, and no hope or supply is evident.
SUCH OCCASIONS ARE SEEN in the accounts of Elijah in the time of famine, and Jacob and his sons during grievous famine (1 Kings 17:1-6; Gen 42:1-5). Our fathers Abraham and Isaac also endured in the time of famine (Gen 12:10; 26:1). In these cases, the people of God experienced "need" – a lack of life's necessities. It is God's manner to provide for His people IN such times.
WHEN THE SPIRIT SAYS "God shall SUPPLY," He does not speak of meager provision. The text itself confirms this, for the supply comes from "His RICHES." The word "supply" means to make replete, to cram, level up a hollow, or satisfy, and fill up (Strong's). It is pictured in words of our Lord Jesus to those who expended their resources for Him. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom" (Lk 6:38). This is exactly the sense in which our text is written. The Philippians had "given" to Paul, and now God would give back to them in abundant measure. Paul had given to them, and God had supplied his need through the Philippians. This is the manner of the Kingdom!
OUR TEXT CONFIRMS THIS IS NOT SOMETHING EXCEPTIONAL, intended only for Apostles or certain churches. Sometimes God allows His people to be reduced to a state of "need," in order that He might lavish an abundance upon them. It is no wonder Jesus said, "And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things" (Lk 12:29-30). Let us frequently remind one another of the goodness of our God–that he WILL supply ALL of our need!
" . . . ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES in glory by Christ Jesus" KJV. From the dawn of human history, Satan has sought to convince men God is withholding from them. To Eve he said, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Gen 3:5) – as though God was taking something precious from her. To this very day, there are those who imagine coming into Christ begins a life of restriction, where enjoyable things are withheld, and we must live in misery. But this is a gross misrepresentation of the case. In Christ, we come into the realm of "riches," "abundance," and exceeding greatness. That this is not "riches" as defined by the world is evident in the next clause.
"HIS RICHES IN GLORY" refer to the Divine repository from which the supplies are dispensed. Romans 9:23 affirms that "the riches of His glory" are reserved for the "vessels of mercy." Ephesians 3:16 reminds us we are strengthened within by those very "riches." The idea is that when the Living God fastens His attention upon an individual, it is not possible for that person to suffer true need. Just as it is not possible for the sun to rise to its zenith and darkness still prevail, so it is not possible for God to surround us with His Presence and need remain. That is why the Psalmist cried, "Look upon mine affliction and my pain" (Psa 25:18), and "Look Thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thou usest to do unto those that love Thy name" (Psa 119:132).
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, February 8, 2010
WHAT DIVINE POWER GIVES
" . . . His Divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue." (2 Peter 1:3)
IN THE PROVISION of salvational resources, God acted out of His Godhood. Here is an expression of the Divine Nature – "Divine power." This is objective power – that is, it serves Divine purpose. It is authority that cannot be obviated by the enemy. What this power supplies cannot be removed by the devil! Such provisions as are given by "Divine power" will always be accessible to faith. They will not grow old or prove inadequate. They are precisely adapted to our condition, undergirded by Omnipotence, and furnished out of Divine desire! Their supply springs from eternity.
WHAT PLENTITUDE HAS BEEN PROVIDED by this "Divine power!" "ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS!" Not some things, but "ALL things!" There are no spiritual supplies anywhere else! History, science, and philosophy are all impotent to provide anything having to do with "life and godliness!" They are all broken cisterns that can hold no water (Jer 2:13), and bags filled with holes (Haggai 1:6). If God has supplied "ALL THINGS" having to do with "life and godliness," neither man nor angel will be able to find a solitary spiritual resource elsewhere! Those who boast they have found spiritual secrets other places are not telling the truth!
NOTICE THE AREAS OF NEED – "life and godliness." If God has supplied all things concerning these areas, it is because they are needed. Nature is paralyzed and unproductive in the spiritual realm! "LIFE" is spiritual life – being "alive to God" (Rom 6:11). This is "fellowship" with the Son (1 Cor 1:9), walking "in the light" (1 John 1:7), living "by faith" (Heb 10:38) and walking "in the Spirit" (Gal 5:16,25). It is an acute awareness of, and sensitivity to, the Living God. "GODLINESS" is holiness, piety, devotion, or godly living. It is the expression of spiritual life in godly thoughts, words, and deeds. This is Divine life lived out in the people of God. Without this quality, "no man shall see the Lord" (Heb 12:14).
VITAL UNION WITH GOD AND CHRIST, and living a godly life are accomplished by appropriating Divine supplies–"ALL things" God has "given to us" out of His "Divine power." What He has given is appropriated by your faith. Without those resources, neither life nor godliness are possible – and these "things" have been supplied in abundance! If professed believers are not in vital union with God, and if they are not living godly in Christ Jesus, it is because they have not availed themselves of what God has "given." All such people are "in the flesh," and are living in a state of practical alienation from God, profession notwithstanding.
" . . . THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM of Him who called us by glory and virtue." "All things pertaining to life and godliness" are appropriated in the same way as the multiplication of grace and peace! The circumstance of Divine fellowship and intimacy is the place of appropriation! Knowing God, which is "eternal life" (John 17:3), is not only a "gift" (Rom 6:23), it is the appointed means of obtaining Divine resources.
THERE IS A HEAVENLY LOGIC to this required circumstance. Notice, God has called us "by His glory and virtue." This phrase is translated in a variety of ways by various translations. "His own glory and excellence" (NASB,RSV), "glory and goodness" (NRSV,NIV), "glory and worthiness" (YLT). The idea is that the most glorious and beneficent attributes of God constrained our calling – the summons to involvement with Himself. He has poured Himself into every aspect of our salvation! To Moses He revealed His afterglow, or "back" (Ex 33:23). The Law itself contained a foreshadowing, or type, of glorious things to come (Col 2:17; Heb 10:1). Both the afterglow and the type were vague, lacking the clarity revealed in Christ Jesus. But this is not how God has now made Himself known! We were not "called" by an afterglow of the Divine Presence, or by a mere introduction to coming things! We were called by God's "glory and virtue" – by a more thorough exposure to His Person and purpose "in the FACE of Christ Jesus" (2 Cor 4:6). The best and most extensive revelation of God is found in our calling.
THIS BEING THE CASE, availing ourselves of this call will bring to us the best God has to offer – "all things pertaining to life and godliness." Make sure of this: those who live in aloofness from the Living God will obtain nothing pertaining to life and godliness! Those who live close to the world, maintaining a dominantly worldly perspective have, by that very posture, forfeited what they need to live unto God and be godly! Such things cannot be obtained by religious disciplines, seasonable bursts of supposed spirituality, or fulfilling official religious responsibilities! In my candid opinion, this eliminates the validity of the majority of contemporary religion. Those who want what God has provided, must obtain it in the appointed way – through the knowledge of Him.
– Given O. Blakely
IN THE PROVISION of salvational resources, God acted out of His Godhood. Here is an expression of the Divine Nature – "Divine power." This is objective power – that is, it serves Divine purpose. It is authority that cannot be obviated by the enemy. What this power supplies cannot be removed by the devil! Such provisions as are given by "Divine power" will always be accessible to faith. They will not grow old or prove inadequate. They are precisely adapted to our condition, undergirded by Omnipotence, and furnished out of Divine desire! Their supply springs from eternity.
WHAT PLENTITUDE HAS BEEN PROVIDED by this "Divine power!" "ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS!" Not some things, but "ALL things!" There are no spiritual supplies anywhere else! History, science, and philosophy are all impotent to provide anything having to do with "life and godliness!" They are all broken cisterns that can hold no water (Jer 2:13), and bags filled with holes (Haggai 1:6). If God has supplied "ALL THINGS" having to do with "life and godliness," neither man nor angel will be able to find a solitary spiritual resource elsewhere! Those who boast they have found spiritual secrets other places are not telling the truth!
NOTICE THE AREAS OF NEED – "life and godliness." If God has supplied all things concerning these areas, it is because they are needed. Nature is paralyzed and unproductive in the spiritual realm! "LIFE" is spiritual life – being "alive to God" (Rom 6:11). This is "fellowship" with the Son (1 Cor 1:9), walking "in the light" (1 John 1:7), living "by faith" (Heb 10:38) and walking "in the Spirit" (Gal 5:16,25). It is an acute awareness of, and sensitivity to, the Living God. "GODLINESS" is holiness, piety, devotion, or godly living. It is the expression of spiritual life in godly thoughts, words, and deeds. This is Divine life lived out in the people of God. Without this quality, "no man shall see the Lord" (Heb 12:14).
VITAL UNION WITH GOD AND CHRIST, and living a godly life are accomplished by appropriating Divine supplies–"ALL things" God has "given to us" out of His "Divine power." What He has given is appropriated by your faith. Without those resources, neither life nor godliness are possible – and these "things" have been supplied in abundance! If professed believers are not in vital union with God, and if they are not living godly in Christ Jesus, it is because they have not availed themselves of what God has "given." All such people are "in the flesh," and are living in a state of practical alienation from God, profession notwithstanding.
" . . . THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM of Him who called us by glory and virtue." "All things pertaining to life and godliness" are appropriated in the same way as the multiplication of grace and peace! The circumstance of Divine fellowship and intimacy is the place of appropriation! Knowing God, which is "eternal life" (John 17:3), is not only a "gift" (Rom 6:23), it is the appointed means of obtaining Divine resources.
THERE IS A HEAVENLY LOGIC to this required circumstance. Notice, God has called us "by His glory and virtue." This phrase is translated in a variety of ways by various translations. "His own glory and excellence" (NASB,RSV), "glory and goodness" (NRSV,NIV), "glory and worthiness" (YLT). The idea is that the most glorious and beneficent attributes of God constrained our calling – the summons to involvement with Himself. He has poured Himself into every aspect of our salvation! To Moses He revealed His afterglow, or "back" (Ex 33:23). The Law itself contained a foreshadowing, or type, of glorious things to come (Col 2:17; Heb 10:1). Both the afterglow and the type were vague, lacking the clarity revealed in Christ Jesus. But this is not how God has now made Himself known! We were not "called" by an afterglow of the Divine Presence, or by a mere introduction to coming things! We were called by God's "glory and virtue" – by a more thorough exposure to His Person and purpose "in the FACE of Christ Jesus" (2 Cor 4:6). The best and most extensive revelation of God is found in our calling.
THIS BEING THE CASE, availing ourselves of this call will bring to us the best God has to offer – "all things pertaining to life and godliness." Make sure of this: those who live in aloofness from the Living God will obtain nothing pertaining to life and godliness! Those who live close to the world, maintaining a dominantly worldly perspective have, by that very posture, forfeited what they need to live unto God and be godly! Such things cannot be obtained by religious disciplines, seasonable bursts of supposed spirituality, or fulfilling official religious responsibilities! In my candid opinion, this eliminates the validity of the majority of contemporary religion. Those who want what God has provided, must obtain it in the appointed way – through the knowledge of Him.
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, February 5, 2010
THINGS PASSED OVER
THINGS PASSED OVER" But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." (Luke 11:42, NKJV)
JESUS WAS NOT GENTLE WITH THE PHARISEES. The corruption of their hearts and their lust for recognition disqualified them from such gracious treatment. Seven times Jesus pronounces a woe upon them (Matt 23:13,14,15,23,25,27). Solemnly He warned His disciples to "beware" of their teaching, which was like defiling leaven that tended to permeate and corrupt both heart and mind (Matt 16:6,11,12).
OUR TEXT FINDS JESUS delivering a scathing rebuke to these religious leaders, pronouncing a "woe" upon them. They had, indeed, tithed according to the Law, giving of their substance. Of course, they obtained no merit for such outward obedience, for He says, "these OUGHT ye to have done" – it was their duty, and men cannot boast of doing their duty (Lk 17:10), as the prideful Pharisee who boasted, "I give tithes of all I possess" (Lk 18:12).
THE PARTICULAR TRANSGRESSION upon which Jesus focuses is one of omission, not commission. "Ye . . . PASS OVER judgment and the love of God." Other versions read "pass by" (NKJV), "disregard" (NASB), "neglect" (NIV), "give no thought to" (BBE), and "completely forget about" (NLT). Intellectually they knew, but in their hearts they forgot. Their minds had been exposed to judgment and the love of God, but they had deliberately ignored that exposure. They had been confronted with the truth of these things, yet chose to disregard it, choosing to focus on other things – things more external, and that placed less demand upon them.:JUDGMENT,"
IN THIS CASE, is human judgment, or sound evaluation. It refers particularly to making proper assessments, and in general to distinguishing between good and evil. Their lack of judgment was seen in them binding heavy burdens upon people, and not lifting so much as a finger to bring them relief (Matt 23:4). It was also confirmed in the heartless act of devouring widows' houses in a total disregard of them (Matt 23:14). People languished for the truth of God right under their noses, and they passed them by. They could tell you what the Law said, but they did not apply it properly, attempting to mingle it with the vain traditions of men (Mk 8:8-9).
THEY ALSO "PASSED OVER," or neglected, the "love of God." In the immediate sense, this refers to man's love for God – which is the summation of the first table of the Law (Deut 6:5; 10:12; Matt 22:37). The Pharisees conveniently walked pass this requirement, and demanded heartless duties of the people. Instead of reminding them to love God, and showing the reasonableness of such a response, they "omitted" this from their teaching. They had more of a mind for keeping the "tradition of the elders" (Matt 15:2), than for loving the Lord. Of course, their hearts were so corrupt, they could not recognize a love for God if they saw it. In the Son of God, they were given concrete evidence of One who loved the Lord with all of His heart, soul, mind, and strength. But they were not able to see it, for they had been blinded by their refusal to embrace the "weighter matters" Matt 23:23).
THUS THE PHARISEES PASSED BY JUDGMENT and the love of God like the priest and Levite passed by the man who was stripped of his clothing, wounded, and left "half dead." The priest, Jesus said, "saw him," yet passed by on the other side (Lk 10:31). The Levite "came and looked on him," yet "passed by on the other side" (Lk 10:30). They both judged him unworthy of help. They both lacked the love of God, and thus could easily ignore His wounded offspring.In like manner, these Pharisees had NOT seen the necessity for sound judgment in the Scriptures. They had read notable examples of the execution of such judgment. Yet, they ignored what God had said about it. Their minds had been exposed to the requirement of loving God, and the curse placed upon those who did not. However, they chose to ignore all of that, devoting themselves to things less demanding, in which they thought they could more readily boast. Jesus condemned their conduct, saying it was deliberate.
I HAVE OBSERVED OVER THE YEARS that those with a penchant for Law invariably have the character of their predecessors, the Pharisees. They tend to omit weightier matters and pass by sound judgment and loving the Lord. Rarely will you hear such men speak of judging righteously, and not according to appearance (John 7:24). Often they will exclude people who have been accepted by God, while accepting those who He has rejected. They do not speak much, if any, about loving the Lord. They speak more of obeying God than of loving Him – which is the stimulus to true obedience. As it is written, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: AND His commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3).
AFTER ALL, the very first mark of those for whom all things are being worked together for good is that they "love God" (Rom 8:28). Those who really know God are those who are said to "love God" (1 Cor 8:3).
IN OTHER WORDS, the had a heartless religion, and that is true of all who follow their eway of thinking and speaking. The Lord is not at the center of it, and consequently it is easy for them to ignore main things and major on doctrinal "motes." It is a most serious condition, and Jesus still rebukes it.
– Given O. Blakely
JESUS WAS NOT GENTLE WITH THE PHARISEES. The corruption of their hearts and their lust for recognition disqualified them from such gracious treatment. Seven times Jesus pronounces a woe upon them (Matt 23:13,14,15,23,25,27). Solemnly He warned His disciples to "beware" of their teaching, which was like defiling leaven that tended to permeate and corrupt both heart and mind (Matt 16:6,11,12).
OUR TEXT FINDS JESUS delivering a scathing rebuke to these religious leaders, pronouncing a "woe" upon them. They had, indeed, tithed according to the Law, giving of their substance. Of course, they obtained no merit for such outward obedience, for He says, "these OUGHT ye to have done" – it was their duty, and men cannot boast of doing their duty (Lk 17:10), as the prideful Pharisee who boasted, "I give tithes of all I possess" (Lk 18:12).
THE PARTICULAR TRANSGRESSION upon which Jesus focuses is one of omission, not commission. "Ye . . . PASS OVER judgment and the love of God." Other versions read "pass by" (NKJV), "disregard" (NASB), "neglect" (NIV), "give no thought to" (BBE), and "completely forget about" (NLT). Intellectually they knew, but in their hearts they forgot. Their minds had been exposed to judgment and the love of God, but they had deliberately ignored that exposure. They had been confronted with the truth of these things, yet chose to disregard it, choosing to focus on other things – things more external, and that placed less demand upon them.:JUDGMENT,"
IN THIS CASE, is human judgment, or sound evaluation. It refers particularly to making proper assessments, and in general to distinguishing between good and evil. Their lack of judgment was seen in them binding heavy burdens upon people, and not lifting so much as a finger to bring them relief (Matt 23:4). It was also confirmed in the heartless act of devouring widows' houses in a total disregard of them (Matt 23:14). People languished for the truth of God right under their noses, and they passed them by. They could tell you what the Law said, but they did not apply it properly, attempting to mingle it with the vain traditions of men (Mk 8:8-9).
THEY ALSO "PASSED OVER," or neglected, the "love of God." In the immediate sense, this refers to man's love for God – which is the summation of the first table of the Law (Deut 6:5; 10:12; Matt 22:37). The Pharisees conveniently walked pass this requirement, and demanded heartless duties of the people. Instead of reminding them to love God, and showing the reasonableness of such a response, they "omitted" this from their teaching. They had more of a mind for keeping the "tradition of the elders" (Matt 15:2), than for loving the Lord. Of course, their hearts were so corrupt, they could not recognize a love for God if they saw it. In the Son of God, they were given concrete evidence of One who loved the Lord with all of His heart, soul, mind, and strength. But they were not able to see it, for they had been blinded by their refusal to embrace the "weighter matters" Matt 23:23).
THUS THE PHARISEES PASSED BY JUDGMENT and the love of God like the priest and Levite passed by the man who was stripped of his clothing, wounded, and left "half dead." The priest, Jesus said, "saw him," yet passed by on the other side (Lk 10:31). The Levite "came and looked on him," yet "passed by on the other side" (Lk 10:30). They both judged him unworthy of help. They both lacked the love of God, and thus could easily ignore His wounded offspring.In like manner, these Pharisees had NOT seen the necessity for sound judgment in the Scriptures. They had read notable examples of the execution of such judgment. Yet, they ignored what God had said about it. Their minds had been exposed to the requirement of loving God, and the curse placed upon those who did not. However, they chose to ignore all of that, devoting themselves to things less demanding, in which they thought they could more readily boast. Jesus condemned their conduct, saying it was deliberate.
I HAVE OBSERVED OVER THE YEARS that those with a penchant for Law invariably have the character of their predecessors, the Pharisees. They tend to omit weightier matters and pass by sound judgment and loving the Lord. Rarely will you hear such men speak of judging righteously, and not according to appearance (John 7:24). Often they will exclude people who have been accepted by God, while accepting those who He has rejected. They do not speak much, if any, about loving the Lord. They speak more of obeying God than of loving Him – which is the stimulus to true obedience. As it is written, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: AND His commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3).
AFTER ALL, the very first mark of those for whom all things are being worked together for good is that they "love God" (Rom 8:28). Those who really know God are those who are said to "love God" (1 Cor 8:3).
IN OTHER WORDS, the had a heartless religion, and that is true of all who follow their eway of thinking and speaking. The Lord is not at the center of it, and consequently it is easy for them to ignore main things and major on doctrinal "motes." It is a most serious condition, and Jesus still rebukes it.
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
THE INHERITANCE OF JOB’S DAUGHTERS
"And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren." (Job 42:15)
THE LIFE OF JOB is encapsulated in the book bearing his name. It is seen from a heavenly perspective, lacking a number of details that an earthly biographer would include. His father and mother are not named. We are told he lived in "the land of Uz," which is mentioned centuries later by Jeremiah (Jer 25:20; Lam 4:21), who declares it was inhabited by a "mingled people," or "foreign folk" (RSV). It is generally understood that this land was positioned east or southeast of Palestine, adjacent to the Chaldeans. This is also deduced from the areas occupied by Job's "friends," who included a Temanite, Shuhite, Naamathite, and Buzite (Job 2:11; 32:2).
HEAVEN'S ASSESSMENT of Job was that he "was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job 1:1). Four most remarkable qualities in any time – particularly the one in which he lived: (1) "Perfect," or blameless. (2) "Upright," or pleasing to God. (3) One who "feared God," living with an acute consciousness of the Lord. (4) One who "eschewed evil," or shunned and turned away from iniquity. Those unique qualities superceded his earthly distinction, yet confirmed his wealth to have the result of a special blessing from God.
THE BURDEN OF THE BOOK OF JOB relates to a special and extensive trial he underwent. The test was instituted by God, and carried out by Satan himself. This trial was initiated by the loss of all of Job's possessions, the death of his ten children as well, and the killing of most of his servants – all in a single day. It is all recorded in seven verses (Job 1:13-19). In Job's response he "sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (1:22).
THE NEXT PORTION this book covers a period during which Job was personally afflicted with painful and festering boils. His appearance was so astonishing that when his friends came to comfort him they could not recognize him, raised their voices and wept, tore their robes, sprinkled dust on their heads, and sat on the ground next to him, remaining speechless for seven days and seven nights (2:12-13).
DIALOG BETWEEN JOB AND THE MEN visiting begins with the first verse of the third chapter, and continues through the last verse of the thirty-seventh chapter – thirty five chapters of talk. This is the longest conversation in all of Scripture.
FOLLOWING THE LORD'S interruption of the speaking (38:1-42:8), "the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10). At that point, for the first time, we learn that Job also had brothers and sisters (42:11). They each gave him "a piece of money," and "an earring of gold."
IN THE LATTER END OF JOB'S LIFE, instead of having "seven thousand sheep," he had "fourteen thousand" – twice as many. Instead of "three thousand camels," he had "six thousand" – twice as many. Instead of "five hundred yoke of oxen," he had "one thousand" – twice as many. Instead of "five hundred she asses," he had "one thousand" – twice as many. He was also given "seven sons and three daughters," just as he had before – twice as many: seven on this side of the grave, and seven on the other side (1:3; 42:12).
SPECIAL NOTE IS MADE of his daughters, named Jemima, Kezia, and Kerenhappuch. In all of the land, there were no women "as beautiful as Job's daughters" (NIV). It is then stated that Job "gave them an inheritance along with their brothers" (NIV).
THIS WAS NOT AN ORDINARY PRACTICE. Under the Law, an inheritance was provided for the daughters only if the man had no sons (Num 27:8). One example is cited by Moses concerning "the daughters of Zelophehad." who "had no sons" (Num 26:33). Moses said, "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them" (Num 27:7, NIV ). They had insisted that their father's name should not disappear simply because he had no sons. Therefore they had asked that his inheritance pass to them.
IN THE CASE OF JOB, as well as in the provisions of the Law and the instance of Zelophehad's daughters, we have a notable example of the New Covenant. In Christ Jesus, the daughters of God obtain the inheritance as well as the sons. Peter declared this to be true on the day of Pentecost. In fact, IT IS THE VERY FIRST THING he said about the correlation of the events of that day with Scripture: "and your sons AND YOUR DAUGHTERS shall prophesy . . . and on my servants and on MY HANDMAIDENS I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and THEY shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17-18). Peter said that text was being fulfilled before the very eyes of those to whom he was speaking (verse 33). Additionally, Apostolic doctrine makes a point of this. "I will dwell in them, and walk in them . . . And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My AND DAUGHTERS , saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor 6:18).
IN CHRIST JESUS, THE SPIRIT IS UPON THE DAUGHTERS, and it is associated with speaking – publically: they prophesy. God walks and dwells in them. God is a Father unto them, and claims them as His own. Let it be clear to you, our sisters in Christ are not second class citizens of heaven!
– Given O. Blakely
THE LIFE OF JOB is encapsulated in the book bearing his name. It is seen from a heavenly perspective, lacking a number of details that an earthly biographer would include. His father and mother are not named. We are told he lived in "the land of Uz," which is mentioned centuries later by Jeremiah (Jer 25:20; Lam 4:21), who declares it was inhabited by a "mingled people," or "foreign folk" (RSV). It is generally understood that this land was positioned east or southeast of Palestine, adjacent to the Chaldeans. This is also deduced from the areas occupied by Job's "friends," who included a Temanite, Shuhite, Naamathite, and Buzite (Job 2:11; 32:2).
HEAVEN'S ASSESSMENT of Job was that he "was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job 1:1). Four most remarkable qualities in any time – particularly the one in which he lived: (1) "Perfect," or blameless. (2) "Upright," or pleasing to God. (3) One who "feared God," living with an acute consciousness of the Lord. (4) One who "eschewed evil," or shunned and turned away from iniquity. Those unique qualities superceded his earthly distinction, yet confirmed his wealth to have the result of a special blessing from God.
THE BURDEN OF THE BOOK OF JOB relates to a special and extensive trial he underwent. The test was instituted by God, and carried out by Satan himself. This trial was initiated by the loss of all of Job's possessions, the death of his ten children as well, and the killing of most of his servants – all in a single day. It is all recorded in seven verses (Job 1:13-19). In Job's response he "sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (1:22).
THE NEXT PORTION this book covers a period during which Job was personally afflicted with painful and festering boils. His appearance was so astonishing that when his friends came to comfort him they could not recognize him, raised their voices and wept, tore their robes, sprinkled dust on their heads, and sat on the ground next to him, remaining speechless for seven days and seven nights (2:12-13).
DIALOG BETWEEN JOB AND THE MEN visiting begins with the first verse of the third chapter, and continues through the last verse of the thirty-seventh chapter – thirty five chapters of talk. This is the longest conversation in all of Scripture.
FOLLOWING THE LORD'S interruption of the speaking (38:1-42:8), "the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10). At that point, for the first time, we learn that Job also had brothers and sisters (42:11). They each gave him "a piece of money," and "an earring of gold."
IN THE LATTER END OF JOB'S LIFE, instead of having "seven thousand sheep," he had "fourteen thousand" – twice as many. Instead of "three thousand camels," he had "six thousand" – twice as many. Instead of "five hundred yoke of oxen," he had "one thousand" – twice as many. Instead of "five hundred she asses," he had "one thousand" – twice as many. He was also given "seven sons and three daughters," just as he had before – twice as many: seven on this side of the grave, and seven on the other side (1:3; 42:12).
SPECIAL NOTE IS MADE of his daughters, named Jemima, Kezia, and Kerenhappuch. In all of the land, there were no women "as beautiful as Job's daughters" (NIV). It is then stated that Job "gave them an inheritance along with their brothers" (NIV).
THIS WAS NOT AN ORDINARY PRACTICE. Under the Law, an inheritance was provided for the daughters only if the man had no sons (Num 27:8). One example is cited by Moses concerning "the daughters of Zelophehad." who "had no sons" (Num 26:33). Moses said, "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them" (Num 27:7, NIV ). They had insisted that their father's name should not disappear simply because he had no sons. Therefore they had asked that his inheritance pass to them.
IN THE CASE OF JOB, as well as in the provisions of the Law and the instance of Zelophehad's daughters, we have a notable example of the New Covenant. In Christ Jesus, the daughters of God obtain the inheritance as well as the sons. Peter declared this to be true on the day of Pentecost. In fact, IT IS THE VERY FIRST THING he said about the correlation of the events of that day with Scripture: "and your sons AND YOUR DAUGHTERS shall prophesy . . . and on my servants and on MY HANDMAIDENS I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and THEY shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17-18). Peter said that text was being fulfilled before the very eyes of those to whom he was speaking (verse 33). Additionally, Apostolic doctrine makes a point of this. "I will dwell in them, and walk in them . . . And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My AND DAUGHTERS , saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor 6:18).
IN CHRIST JESUS, THE SPIRIT IS UPON THE DAUGHTERS, and it is associated with speaking – publically: they prophesy. God walks and dwells in them. God is a Father unto them, and claims them as His own. Let it be clear to you, our sisters in Christ are not second class citizens of heaven!
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, February 1, 2010
THE ANGEL OF THE LORD FOUND HER
"And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur." (Genesis 16:7)
GOD HAD PROMISED ABRAHAM He would bless the entire world through him, making of him a great nation, and making his name great (Gen 12:1-3). At the first, the Lord did not tell Abraham he himself would have offspring, only that a great nation would come from him. Later, seeing he continued to be childish, the patriarch asked that his heir be Eliezer, a servant in his house (Gen 15:2). It was then that God revealed to him that the promised heir would come forth out of his own body (15:4). He would personally beget the child, and would no longer be childless. However, at that time the Lord did not reveal to him that the mother of the child would be Sarah, his wife.
LATER, WHEN SARAH SAW SHE REMAINED CHILDLESS, she reasoned the offspring must be birthed by another woman. She said to her husband, "Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her" (16:1-2). She then gave her handmaid to her husband "to be hid wife" "after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan" (16:3). He went in to the servant, Hagar, and she conceived.
SEEING THAT SHE WAS WITH CHILD, and Sarai was not, Hagar "began to despise her mistress" (16:4, NIV). Her conduct toward Sarai, whom she served, became intolerable. Finally Sarai erupted to Abram, perceiving she had done the wrong thing in giving Hagar to him. "My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The LORD judge between you and me" (16:5, NKJV). The patriarch handled the situation wisely, telling Sarai "Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please" (NKJV). It is written that Sarai dealt harshly with Hagar, mistreating her. What form this treatment took, we do not know. However, it became so unbearable that Hagar "fled" Sarah's face, running into the wilderness of Shur. It is at this point that our text takes place.
THE "ANGEL OF THE LORD" FOUND HAGAR "by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur." Those who affirm "the angel of the Lord" is the Lord Jesus prior to His birth into the world do greatly err. Jesus is never said to have taken upon Himself the nature of angels (Heb 2:16), and is never said to have served God in the capacity of an angel. This angel was from among those serving spirits, and was sent by God to Hagar. Having found her, the angel asked, "Where have you come from, and where are you going?" She told the angel she was fleeing from the presence of her mistress Sarai. The angel then told her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand." He then promised her descendants would be multitudinous. He said she would bear a son, was to call his name Ishmael, and that he would be a wild man who would be at variance with everyone. Hagar then "called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?'" (16:8-13, NKJV).
IF A HOLY ANGEL FOUND AND MINISTERED to Hagar the Egyptian, what shall the multitude of holy angels do for the "heirs of salvation." They have been assigned to minister to them (Heb 1:13-14). What heart is capable of conceiving the magnitude of that ministry? What Hagar experienced is only a small portion of what is reserved for those who are in Christ Jesus. Doubt not the angel's ability to find and minister to you!
– Given O. Blakely
GOD HAD PROMISED ABRAHAM He would bless the entire world through him, making of him a great nation, and making his name great (Gen 12:1-3). At the first, the Lord did not tell Abraham he himself would have offspring, only that a great nation would come from him. Later, seeing he continued to be childish, the patriarch asked that his heir be Eliezer, a servant in his house (Gen 15:2). It was then that God revealed to him that the promised heir would come forth out of his own body (15:4). He would personally beget the child, and would no longer be childless. However, at that time the Lord did not reveal to him that the mother of the child would be Sarah, his wife.
LATER, WHEN SARAH SAW SHE REMAINED CHILDLESS, she reasoned the offspring must be birthed by another woman. She said to her husband, "Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her" (16:1-2). She then gave her handmaid to her husband "to be hid wife" "after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan" (16:3). He went in to the servant, Hagar, and she conceived.
SEEING THAT SHE WAS WITH CHILD, and Sarai was not, Hagar "began to despise her mistress" (16:4, NIV). Her conduct toward Sarai, whom she served, became intolerable. Finally Sarai erupted to Abram, perceiving she had done the wrong thing in giving Hagar to him. "My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The LORD judge between you and me" (16:5, NKJV). The patriarch handled the situation wisely, telling Sarai "Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please" (NKJV). It is written that Sarai dealt harshly with Hagar, mistreating her. What form this treatment took, we do not know. However, it became so unbearable that Hagar "fled" Sarah's face, running into the wilderness of Shur. It is at this point that our text takes place.
THE "ANGEL OF THE LORD" FOUND HAGAR "by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur." Those who affirm "the angel of the Lord" is the Lord Jesus prior to His birth into the world do greatly err. Jesus is never said to have taken upon Himself the nature of angels (Heb 2:16), and is never said to have served God in the capacity of an angel. This angel was from among those serving spirits, and was sent by God to Hagar. Having found her, the angel asked, "Where have you come from, and where are you going?" She told the angel she was fleeing from the presence of her mistress Sarai. The angel then told her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand." He then promised her descendants would be multitudinous. He said she would bear a son, was to call his name Ishmael, and that he would be a wild man who would be at variance with everyone. Hagar then "called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?'" (16:8-13, NKJV).
IF A HOLY ANGEL FOUND AND MINISTERED to Hagar the Egyptian, what shall the multitude of holy angels do for the "heirs of salvation." They have been assigned to minister to them (Heb 1:13-14). What heart is capable of conceiving the magnitude of that ministry? What Hagar experienced is only a small portion of what is reserved for those who are in Christ Jesus. Doubt not the angel's ability to find and minister to you!
– Given O. Blakely
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