" . . . your heart was tender . . . " (2 Chron 34:27, NKJV)"
JOSIAH WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years" (2 Chron 34:1). It is written that he did what was right in the eyes of God, and followed the example of David, declining "neither to the right hand, nor to the left" (v 2). In the eighth year of his reign, or when he was sixteen years old, "he began to seek" after God. In the twelfth year of his reign, or when he was twenty years old, he began a massive purging of idolatry in Judah and Jerusalem. He broke down the altars to Baal, groves and carved and molded images. He ground them to dust and scattered it upon the graves of those who sacrificed to them (v 3-4). He even burned the bones of the deceased priests upon their altars and "cleansed Judah and Jerusalem." He extended his crusade to the cities of "Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali." It is said of this time, "When he had broken down the altars and the wooden images, had beaten the carved images into powder, and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem" (vs 6-7).WHEN JOSIAH WAS TWENTY-SIX years old, he sent men to "repair the house of the Lord his God." Appropriate money for the task was given to them, and foremen were established for the completion of the work. Craftsman and builders, together with all of the required materials, were chosen, and "the men did the work faithfully" (vs 10-11).
IT WAS DURING THIS TIME that the workers "found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD" (v 15). The book was delivered to Shaohan and scribe, and he read it to king Josiah. When the young king heard the words of the Lord "he tore his clothes" (v 19). He called for the spiritual leaders and asked that they inquire of the Lord for him and the remnant of the people. He knew the wrath of God was upon the people because they had not kept His word (v 21).
GOD CHOSE A PROPHETESS, Huldah, to reveal to these men that His wrath was going to bring calamity upon the people, fulfilling the curses made against them in the Law. Our text was God's word to Josiah. God said "because your heart was tender . . . I also have heard you." He promised Josiah he would die in peace and his eyes would not see the calamities that were going to come upon the people (v 28). And why was such a gracious provision made for the king? "Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me."
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is this. God chooses those with tender hearts, broken and contrite spirits, who tremble at His Word. These are the people to whom He is attracted, and whom He prefers. They are the ones He has chosen. This is consistently proclaimed in Scripture (Psalm 34:18; 51:17; 147:3; 1 Sam 16:7; Isa 66:2).
A TENDER HEART IS SENSITIVE to the Lord, immediately adjusting the course of life to God's will. It does not draw back from the Word, but runs swiftly to God, seeking to avoid the curse and obtain the blessing. It compels the individual to wage war against what is false, and get rid of what is wicked. Such a person may very well be spared from Divinely appointed calamities and judgments. There is something to ponder.
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
KEEP IT PURE!
"Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you" (Deut 4:2, NIV). "See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it" (Deut 12:32, NIV). "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book" (Rev 22:19, NIV)."
THE DIVINE AFFIRMATION reverberates throughout the universe, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away" (Matt 24:35, KJV). Again, Jesus strikes at the heart of our subject, "It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law" (Luke 16:17, NIV). Whatever you may think of our Lord's words, it is on the part of wisdom to take them seriously! They presuppose the superintendence of God Almighty, not only in the giving of the words, but in the preservation of them. If this were not the case, Jesus could not have made this statement. As soon as men take it upon themselves to change God's Word by adding to it or taking from it, it ceases to be God's word, and becomes the word of man. This is true of translators as well as preachers and teachers. Jesus referred to such admixtures as "tradition," not God's word (Matt 15:3; Mk 7:13).
GOD'S WORD IS SENT into the world, and will accomplish His intentions. As Isaiah wrote, " . . . it shall not return unto ME void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isa 55:10-11). This is written against the backdrop of the copying and translating of the Word of God. The fact that His Word was given into the hands of men did not constitute a liability. God's Word will still accomplish what He sent it BY MEN to do – that is the Divine declaration, and faith is capable of receiving it. When men take it upon themselves to alter what God has said, their representation is no longer the word of God, and God is not devoted to supporting it.
WHEN MEN ARE ADMONISHED not to take from or add to the Word of God, it is not for the Word's sake, but for their own that the warning is issued. God did not say He would re-declare His Word if men took from it or added to it. He did this once, when He gave the ten commandments, written with His finger upon tablets of stone. After Moses dashed the original tablets in pieces, angered by the sin of the people, God rewrote them. As it is written, "The LORD said to Moses, "Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke" (Ex 34:1). However, no such promise was made in regard to the "Scriptures." They will not be rewritten.
GOD'S WORD SPEAKS SOLEMNLY to those taking it upon themselves to tamper with His Word. Their attempts affect them, not Scripture! The Psalmist wrote, "All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal" (Psalm 119:160). This presupposes their preservation! Peter adds his testimony, "but the word of the Lord stands forever" (1 Pet 1:25). God's Word will not suffer because of the attacks of men--but men will bear the penalty for such folly!
WHEN ISAIAH SAID "truth is fallen in the street" (Isa 59:14), and Jeremiah said, "truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth" (Jer 7:28, NASB), they did not mean truth had been rendered extinct. God said His Word would never pass away, and it will not. The Prophets were affirming that truth had been NEGLECTED. The situation only required someone to believe the truth, take it into their mouth, and speak it. It was still available to be known and spoken!
THE FACT THAT EVERY HISTORICAL ATTEMPT to destroy the Word of God has been dashed upon the rocks of futility ought to tell us something. Even if you manage to push it out of sight, like it was during the dark ages, the Word will surface again. Luther discovered it in a monastery, and when he did, he found it unchanged, uncorrupted, and with great power. In the fullest and most precise sense of the Word, text-tamperers are fools, playing over the fires of condemnation. God's Word will NEVER pass away – in ANY sense!
– Given O. Blakely
THE DIVINE AFFIRMATION reverberates throughout the universe, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away" (Matt 24:35, KJV). Again, Jesus strikes at the heart of our subject, "It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law" (Luke 16:17, NIV). Whatever you may think of our Lord's words, it is on the part of wisdom to take them seriously! They presuppose the superintendence of God Almighty, not only in the giving of the words, but in the preservation of them. If this were not the case, Jesus could not have made this statement. As soon as men take it upon themselves to change God's Word by adding to it or taking from it, it ceases to be God's word, and becomes the word of man. This is true of translators as well as preachers and teachers. Jesus referred to such admixtures as "tradition," not God's word (Matt 15:3; Mk 7:13).
GOD'S WORD IS SENT into the world, and will accomplish His intentions. As Isaiah wrote, " . . . it shall not return unto ME void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isa 55:10-11). This is written against the backdrop of the copying and translating of the Word of God. The fact that His Word was given into the hands of men did not constitute a liability. God's Word will still accomplish what He sent it BY MEN to do – that is the Divine declaration, and faith is capable of receiving it. When men take it upon themselves to alter what God has said, their representation is no longer the word of God, and God is not devoted to supporting it.
WHEN MEN ARE ADMONISHED not to take from or add to the Word of God, it is not for the Word's sake, but for their own that the warning is issued. God did not say He would re-declare His Word if men took from it or added to it. He did this once, when He gave the ten commandments, written with His finger upon tablets of stone. After Moses dashed the original tablets in pieces, angered by the sin of the people, God rewrote them. As it is written, "The LORD said to Moses, "Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke" (Ex 34:1). However, no such promise was made in regard to the "Scriptures." They will not be rewritten.
GOD'S WORD SPEAKS SOLEMNLY to those taking it upon themselves to tamper with His Word. Their attempts affect them, not Scripture! The Psalmist wrote, "All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal" (Psalm 119:160). This presupposes their preservation! Peter adds his testimony, "but the word of the Lord stands forever" (1 Pet 1:25). God's Word will not suffer because of the attacks of men--but men will bear the penalty for such folly!
WHEN ISAIAH SAID "truth is fallen in the street" (Isa 59:14), and Jeremiah said, "truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth" (Jer 7:28, NASB), they did not mean truth had been rendered extinct. God said His Word would never pass away, and it will not. The Prophets were affirming that truth had been NEGLECTED. The situation only required someone to believe the truth, take it into their mouth, and speak it. It was still available to be known and spoken!
THE FACT THAT EVERY HISTORICAL ATTEMPT to destroy the Word of God has been dashed upon the rocks of futility ought to tell us something. Even if you manage to push it out of sight, like it was during the dark ages, the Word will surface again. Luther discovered it in a monastery, and when he did, he found it unchanged, uncorrupted, and with great power. In the fullest and most precise sense of the Word, text-tamperers are fools, playing over the fires of condemnation. God's Word will NEVER pass away – in ANY sense!
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
BUT GOD . . .
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-6)
BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS, and His rich mercy and profound love for "us," God reached into the abysmal depths we occupied. It was no small effort, and involved sending His "only begotten Son into the world" (1 John 4:10). The Son, volunteering for the mission of mercy (Heb 10:5-10), laid aside the prerogatives of Deity, emptying Himself, and entered into the realm of hostility and death with a sheathed sword and a frail frame (Phil 2:6-8). His entrance into the graveyard of humanity constituted the appearance of "the grace of God which brings salvation" (Tit 2:11). It is the initial time when "the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared" (Tit 3:4). The first appearance was visual, and was missed by the vast majority of humanity (John 1:10-11). Faith brings that appearance home to the heart, enabling the redeemed to see what God did in Christ Jesus.
THE LORD HAD "LOOKED," so to speak, to see if there was any who could assist in the recovery of fallen humanity. As He surveyed the entirety of the race, He found "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him" (Psa 49:7). When it came to the reclamation of mankind, there was a staggering impotence that dominated the offspring of Adam. They were all "without strength" (Rom 5:6). However, the Lord was not dismayed by the circumstance. Speaking of the situation, Isaiah prophesied the matter declared in our text. "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me, and my fury, it upheld me" (Isa 63:5). He wrought the salvation FOR men and decimated the powers of darkness by His own power. Man could not do it, so the living God did!
THE PHRASE "RICH IN MERCY," describes salvation from a general viewpoint, showing that it took an abundance of mercy and a willing God to save us. It was no small work to save mankind. "Mercy" involves compassion, pity, and sympathy. It is kindness and goodwill toward miserable and afflicted people. Mercy is also wrapped with the chord of faithfulness. It is not sporadic or inconsistent. The Living God not only has the capacity and ability to lavish His mercy upon men, He has an inclination to do so. Our new birth was "according to His ABUNDANT mercy" (1 Pet 1:3). The point at which we were changed was the point where that abundant mercy was lavished upon us.
THUS WE ARE GIVEN the grand disjunctive – "BUT GOD!" It is what turned things around, ushered hope into the world, and announced the doom of "the prince of the power of the air." It is the line of demarcation in history, when futility was toppled from the throne by faith and hope. Divine intervention is seen in the words "but God." The intervention could not be stopped by the devil! Those words are used to explain Christ's resurrection (Acts 13:30), the demonstration of God's love toward us (Rom 5:8), and the revelation of the things He has prepared for us (1 Cor 2:10). "But God" explains spiritual increase (1 Cor 3:6) and triumph over temptation (1 Cor 10:13). The "but God" factor is what brings all valid change, all acceptable advance, and all victory over inimical forces. All who see it will give glory to Him!
– Given O. Blakely
BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS, and His rich mercy and profound love for "us," God reached into the abysmal depths we occupied. It was no small effort, and involved sending His "only begotten Son into the world" (1 John 4:10). The Son, volunteering for the mission of mercy (Heb 10:5-10), laid aside the prerogatives of Deity, emptying Himself, and entered into the realm of hostility and death with a sheathed sword and a frail frame (Phil 2:6-8). His entrance into the graveyard of humanity constituted the appearance of "the grace of God which brings salvation" (Tit 2:11). It is the initial time when "the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared" (Tit 3:4). The first appearance was visual, and was missed by the vast majority of humanity (John 1:10-11). Faith brings that appearance home to the heart, enabling the redeemed to see what God did in Christ Jesus.
THE LORD HAD "LOOKED," so to speak, to see if there was any who could assist in the recovery of fallen humanity. As He surveyed the entirety of the race, He found "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him" (Psa 49:7). When it came to the reclamation of mankind, there was a staggering impotence that dominated the offspring of Adam. They were all "without strength" (Rom 5:6). However, the Lord was not dismayed by the circumstance. Speaking of the situation, Isaiah prophesied the matter declared in our text. "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me, and my fury, it upheld me" (Isa 63:5). He wrought the salvation FOR men and decimated the powers of darkness by His own power. Man could not do it, so the living God did!
THE PHRASE "RICH IN MERCY," describes salvation from a general viewpoint, showing that it took an abundance of mercy and a willing God to save us. It was no small work to save mankind. "Mercy" involves compassion, pity, and sympathy. It is kindness and goodwill toward miserable and afflicted people. Mercy is also wrapped with the chord of faithfulness. It is not sporadic or inconsistent. The Living God not only has the capacity and ability to lavish His mercy upon men, He has an inclination to do so. Our new birth was "according to His ABUNDANT mercy" (1 Pet 1:3). The point at which we were changed was the point where that abundant mercy was lavished upon us.
THUS WE ARE GIVEN the grand disjunctive – "BUT GOD!" It is what turned things around, ushered hope into the world, and announced the doom of "the prince of the power of the air." It is the line of demarcation in history, when futility was toppled from the throne by faith and hope. Divine intervention is seen in the words "but God." The intervention could not be stopped by the devil! Those words are used to explain Christ's resurrection (Acts 13:30), the demonstration of God's love toward us (Rom 5:8), and the revelation of the things He has prepared for us (1 Cor 2:10). "But God" explains spiritual increase (1 Cor 3:6) and triumph over temptation (1 Cor 10:13). The "but God" factor is what brings all valid change, all acceptable advance, and all victory over inimical forces. All who see it will give glory to Him!
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, August 10, 2009
THE FIRST and FOREMOST ACTIVITY
"When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men . . . And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:8,11-12)
OUR TEXT DECLARES what the Lord Jesus did after He ascended up on high, "leading captivity captive" (4:8). High above this present evil world, and out of the reach of the devil, He now "fills all things." There is no arena where His dominating influence is not found – no area where He does not rule. Everything is under His authority, and all power in heaven and earth has been given to Him (Matt 28;18). He has "power over all flesh" (John 17:2). Jesus is "on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him" (1 Pet 3:22). What will He do with this power? Where will His concentration be found? Our text affirms He "gave gifts unto men" (4:8). Those gifts are listed in order of priority, and with the ultimate purpose of God in mind. The gifts were people – redeemed personalities that would carry out Divine intent. They included apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers. All of them are instructing gifts. The Apostles received the initial insight and message. Prophets speak with insight into God's purpose. Evangelists proclaim the Gospel with insight and power. Pastor/teachers lead and feed, bringing stability to those in Christ. Why did Jesus do this? What is His purpose in doing so?
THE FIRST AND FOREMOST ACTIVITY in this world is the building up of the body of Christ. Every spiritual gift was given for this purpose (Eph 4:11-16; 1 Cor 12:7), as our text affirms. The Scriptures themselves are given for this intent: "that THE MAN OF GOD might be perfect" (2 Tim 3:16-17). This is the thrust of the Holy Spirit's intercession for "US" (Rom 8:26). It is also the exclusive focus of Christ's intercession: "FOR US," and "THEM THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM" (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25). The most precise expression of Christ's love relates to the church: He "loved THE CHURCH and gave Himself FOR IT" (Eph 5:25). Only the church has unreserved access to God, to obtain mercy and find grace in the time of need (Rom 5:2; Eph 2:18; 3:12; Heb 4:15-16). Jesus is the High Priest for the church (Heb 3:1; 6:20). Only the church is "the body of Christ" (1 Cor 12:23), the "people of God" (Heb 4:9), "heirs of God," and "joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17). They alone are being saved "by His life" (Rom 5:10). They alone will "meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess 4:17). They are the only ones for whom God working all things together for good (Rom 8:28).
THIS BY NO MEANS deprecates preaching the Gospel "to every creature" (Mk 16:16) or making"disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). But when it comes to the emphasis – the thrust – of heavenly activity, it is toward the church! Every spiritual gift is "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:11-12). Holy angels minister to the "heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:13-14). The "inheritance" is "reserved" for them in heaven, and they alone are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet 1:5). These are "the people of God" (1 Pet 2:10), "the children of God" (Gal 3:26), "the sons of God" (1 John 3:1-2), and "the beloved of God" (Rom 1:7). It is in our best interest to have the same focus as our God – to engage in the same primary activity as the Son of God. Proper emphasis is everything!
– Given O. Blakely
OUR TEXT DECLARES what the Lord Jesus did after He ascended up on high, "leading captivity captive" (4:8). High above this present evil world, and out of the reach of the devil, He now "fills all things." There is no arena where His dominating influence is not found – no area where He does not rule. Everything is under His authority, and all power in heaven and earth has been given to Him (Matt 28;18). He has "power over all flesh" (John 17:2). Jesus is "on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him" (1 Pet 3:22). What will He do with this power? Where will His concentration be found? Our text affirms He "gave gifts unto men" (4:8). Those gifts are listed in order of priority, and with the ultimate purpose of God in mind. The gifts were people – redeemed personalities that would carry out Divine intent. They included apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers. All of them are instructing gifts. The Apostles received the initial insight and message. Prophets speak with insight into God's purpose. Evangelists proclaim the Gospel with insight and power. Pastor/teachers lead and feed, bringing stability to those in Christ. Why did Jesus do this? What is His purpose in doing so?
THE FIRST AND FOREMOST ACTIVITY in this world is the building up of the body of Christ. Every spiritual gift was given for this purpose (Eph 4:11-16; 1 Cor 12:7), as our text affirms. The Scriptures themselves are given for this intent: "that THE MAN OF GOD might be perfect" (2 Tim 3:16-17). This is the thrust of the Holy Spirit's intercession for "US" (Rom 8:26). It is also the exclusive focus of Christ's intercession: "FOR US," and "THEM THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM" (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25). The most precise expression of Christ's love relates to the church: He "loved THE CHURCH and gave Himself FOR IT" (Eph 5:25). Only the church has unreserved access to God, to obtain mercy and find grace in the time of need (Rom 5:2; Eph 2:18; 3:12; Heb 4:15-16). Jesus is the High Priest for the church (Heb 3:1; 6:20). Only the church is "the body of Christ" (1 Cor 12:23), the "people of God" (Heb 4:9), "heirs of God," and "joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17). They alone are being saved "by His life" (Rom 5:10). They alone will "meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess 4:17). They are the only ones for whom God working all things together for good (Rom 8:28).
THIS BY NO MEANS deprecates preaching the Gospel "to every creature" (Mk 16:16) or making"disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). But when it comes to the emphasis – the thrust – of heavenly activity, it is toward the church! Every spiritual gift is "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:11-12). Holy angels minister to the "heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:13-14). The "inheritance" is "reserved" for them in heaven, and they alone are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet 1:5). These are "the people of God" (1 Pet 2:10), "the children of God" (Gal 3:26), "the sons of God" (1 John 3:1-2), and "the beloved of God" (Rom 1:7). It is in our best interest to have the same focus as our God – to engage in the same primary activity as the Son of God. Proper emphasis is everything!
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, August 7, 2009
UNITY CAN BE A SIN!
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psa 133:1)
IT IS A BLESSING FOR "brethren to dwell together in unity" (Psa 133). In that very environment God "commands the blessing, even life for evermore" (v 3). That is the ultimate blessing in this world – one that is "commanded." It is not commanded TO us, but UPON us. No wonder dwelling together in unity is both "good and pleasant."
HOWEVER, IT IS NOT A BLESSING when unity is in the flesh, with the Person of Christ and the purpose of God, pushed into the background. A case in point is the attempt to build a tower in "a plain in the land of Shinar." What a construction project that was! It dwarfed building projects of our time. It was also undertaken by a united people. The people had "one language and one speech," and therefore could communicate effectively. They were deliberate in their plans, determining to make brick, bake them thoroughly, and use asphalt for mortar. Their project would have been a marvel to modern motivators and organizational experts. They would surely have been held up as the ultimate model of success.
THE EFFORT EVEN DREW THE ATTENTION of God Almighty. After all, it is not often that you find a united people determined to actually DO something. Considering the harmony and resoluteness among them, surely, the Lord will find something of value in this endeavor.
BUT THE LORD WAS NOT WELL PLEASED with what He saw. True, the people were "one," and had embarked upon an impressive and well-planned project. But their purpose was sinful. It was, they themselves acknowledged, to "make us a name" for themselves. The great God was not in their thoughts. In fact, they imagined they would derive protection and invincibility as a result of their work. Their's was a godless frame of mind.
THE LORD DETERMINED THEIR WORK would be aborted. His words are arresting, and conducive to sober thought. "Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." It is written that as soon as the people could not understand each other, "the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city." The name of that place is called Babel, for it was there that the language of the people became confused (Gen 11:1-10).
TODAY, THE CHURCH IS EXPERIENCING a similar confusion and scattering. Those wearing the name of Christ cannot understand each other, for their speech has been confused. From one perspective, it appears as though Kingdom-building has ground to a halt in preference for earthly, and more visible, goals. Could it be that the Lord is not pleased with the direction Christendom, for want of a better term, has taken? Is it possible that He has confused the language of the people as He did in the Plain of Shinar? Remember, God Himself affirmed nothing the people purposed would be withheld from them because they were "one." What do you suppose would happen if the people of God set their affection on things above, and united in their determination to "obtain the prize?" What if "Christians" decided to work together for the Lord? That is certainly something to think about!
– Given O. Blakely
IT IS A BLESSING FOR "brethren to dwell together in unity" (Psa 133). In that very environment God "commands the blessing, even life for evermore" (v 3). That is the ultimate blessing in this world – one that is "commanded." It is not commanded TO us, but UPON us. No wonder dwelling together in unity is both "good and pleasant."
HOWEVER, IT IS NOT A BLESSING when unity is in the flesh, with the Person of Christ and the purpose of God, pushed into the background. A case in point is the attempt to build a tower in "a plain in the land of Shinar." What a construction project that was! It dwarfed building projects of our time. It was also undertaken by a united people. The people had "one language and one speech," and therefore could communicate effectively. They were deliberate in their plans, determining to make brick, bake them thoroughly, and use asphalt for mortar. Their project would have been a marvel to modern motivators and organizational experts. They would surely have been held up as the ultimate model of success.
THE EFFORT EVEN DREW THE ATTENTION of God Almighty. After all, it is not often that you find a united people determined to actually DO something. Considering the harmony and resoluteness among them, surely, the Lord will find something of value in this endeavor.
BUT THE LORD WAS NOT WELL PLEASED with what He saw. True, the people were "one," and had embarked upon an impressive and well-planned project. But their purpose was sinful. It was, they themselves acknowledged, to "make us a name" for themselves. The great God was not in their thoughts. In fact, they imagined they would derive protection and invincibility as a result of their work. Their's was a godless frame of mind.
THE LORD DETERMINED THEIR WORK would be aborted. His words are arresting, and conducive to sober thought. "Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." It is written that as soon as the people could not understand each other, "the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city." The name of that place is called Babel, for it was there that the language of the people became confused (Gen 11:1-10).
TODAY, THE CHURCH IS EXPERIENCING a similar confusion and scattering. Those wearing the name of Christ cannot understand each other, for their speech has been confused. From one perspective, it appears as though Kingdom-building has ground to a halt in preference for earthly, and more visible, goals. Could it be that the Lord is not pleased with the direction Christendom, for want of a better term, has taken? Is it possible that He has confused the language of the people as He did in the Plain of Shinar? Remember, God Himself affirmed nothing the people purposed would be withheld from them because they were "one." What do you suppose would happen if the people of God set their affection on things above, and united in their determination to "obtain the prize?" What if "Christians" decided to work together for the Lord? That is certainly something to think about!
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
NOT OF THE HOUSE
"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Tim 3:15)
THE "HOUSE OF GOD" is His household, or family. It is the body of the redeemed, among whom He dwells, and in whom He works (Phil 2:13). There is a sense in which this is a house within a house – that is, according to outward appearance, the house does not look to be as it really is.
IT IS POSSIBLE to be in the house, but really not be part of it – to be in an environment in which one does not really belong. In this case, the important thing is not belonging to the group, but having the character that is appropriate for that group. Some examples will suffice.
CAIN IS DESCRIBED AS ONE "who was of the wicked one" (1 John 3:12). He was the devil's man, and yet was the brother of Abel, living in the same household. His character was so diverse from that of his brother, that he killed him (Gen 4:8; 1 John 3:12). He was the elder brother of righteous Abel, had the same parents, yet was different. He was in the house, but was not of it.
ISHMAEL WAS A SON OF ABRAHAM, and for a while lived in the same house with Isaac, who was the "child of promise" (Gal 4:28). He grew up in the same house, yet had a variant spirit. He was "circumcised" like Abraham (Gen 17:25-26). He even joined Isaac in burying their father Abraham (Gen 25:9). Yet, after Isaac was "weaned," Ishmael mocked him, proving himself unworthy of living in Abraham's house. He was "cast out," because he could not be "heir with the child of the freewoman" (Gal 4:30). He was in the house, but was not of it.
ESAU WAS THE TWIN BROTHER OF JACOB, with whom God was identified. He lived in the womb with his brother, had the same father and mother as Jacob, and was raised in the same house. He was even the older of the twins, thereby being given the birthright. Yet Esau was a "profane person, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright" (Heb 12:16). God said of him, "Esau have I hated" (Rom 9:13). He was in the house, but was not of it.
NADAB AND ABIHU were the sons of "Aaron, the saint of the Lord" (Psa 106:16). They were raised in his house. Early, they were given the privilege of joining Aaron and seventy of the elders of Israel in worshiping the Lord (Ex 24:1). Together with Moses, "they saw the God of Israel" (Ex 24:9). Yet, they were slain by God for defiling His altar with "strange fire" (Num 26:61). They were in the house, but were not of it.
JUDAS WAS CHOSEN BY JESUS to be an Apostle (Matt 10:1-4). He was even the treasurer of the small elite group (John 13:29). He is called "Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve" (Mk 14:10,43). He was among "the twelve" to whom Jesus revealed His death and resurrection (Matt 20:17). He sat with Jesus and the others at the last supper (Matt 26:20-21). He was among "the twelve" to whom Jesus explained parables (Mk 4:10-11). He heard Jesus preach (Lk 8:1), and was even sent with the other disciples to preach, heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons (Matt 10:5-8). Yet Judas was "a devil" (diabolos). He was even a thief (John 12:5), and finally betrayed the Lord (Matt 10:4). He was in the house, but was not of it.
SADLY, THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE who are presently identified with "the church," who are not really a part of it. In a way, they are intruders. It is our business to see to it we are not in their number. It is essential that we not only be IN the house, but that we be OF the house.
THIS BRINGS TO LIGHT the significance of the statement, "but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are IF we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end" (Heb 3:6). That criteria is rarely declared in our time, but it needs to be. It is a revealed truth. How about you? Are you in the house? And do you really belong there? This is a house with present and eternal benefits. Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).
– Given O. Blakely
THE "HOUSE OF GOD" is His household, or family. It is the body of the redeemed, among whom He dwells, and in whom He works (Phil 2:13). There is a sense in which this is a house within a house – that is, according to outward appearance, the house does not look to be as it really is.
IT IS POSSIBLE to be in the house, but really not be part of it – to be in an environment in which one does not really belong. In this case, the important thing is not belonging to the group, but having the character that is appropriate for that group. Some examples will suffice.
CAIN IS DESCRIBED AS ONE "who was of the wicked one" (1 John 3:12). He was the devil's man, and yet was the brother of Abel, living in the same household. His character was so diverse from that of his brother, that he killed him (Gen 4:8; 1 John 3:12). He was the elder brother of righteous Abel, had the same parents, yet was different. He was in the house, but was not of it.
ISHMAEL WAS A SON OF ABRAHAM, and for a while lived in the same house with Isaac, who was the "child of promise" (Gal 4:28). He grew up in the same house, yet had a variant spirit. He was "circumcised" like Abraham (Gen 17:25-26). He even joined Isaac in burying their father Abraham (Gen 25:9). Yet, after Isaac was "weaned," Ishmael mocked him, proving himself unworthy of living in Abraham's house. He was "cast out," because he could not be "heir with the child of the freewoman" (Gal 4:30). He was in the house, but was not of it.
ESAU WAS THE TWIN BROTHER OF JACOB, with whom God was identified. He lived in the womb with his brother, had the same father and mother as Jacob, and was raised in the same house. He was even the older of the twins, thereby being given the birthright. Yet Esau was a "profane person, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright" (Heb 12:16). God said of him, "Esau have I hated" (Rom 9:13). He was in the house, but was not of it.
NADAB AND ABIHU were the sons of "Aaron, the saint of the Lord" (Psa 106:16). They were raised in his house. Early, they were given the privilege of joining Aaron and seventy of the elders of Israel in worshiping the Lord (Ex 24:1). Together with Moses, "they saw the God of Israel" (Ex 24:9). Yet, they were slain by God for defiling His altar with "strange fire" (Num 26:61). They were in the house, but were not of it.
JUDAS WAS CHOSEN BY JESUS to be an Apostle (Matt 10:1-4). He was even the treasurer of the small elite group (John 13:29). He is called "Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve" (Mk 14:10,43). He was among "the twelve" to whom Jesus revealed His death and resurrection (Matt 20:17). He sat with Jesus and the others at the last supper (Matt 26:20-21). He was among "the twelve" to whom Jesus explained parables (Mk 4:10-11). He heard Jesus preach (Lk 8:1), and was even sent with the other disciples to preach, heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons (Matt 10:5-8). Yet Judas was "a devil" (diabolos). He was even a thief (John 12:5), and finally betrayed the Lord (Matt 10:4). He was in the house, but was not of it.
SADLY, THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE who are presently identified with "the church," who are not really a part of it. In a way, they are intruders. It is our business to see to it we are not in their number. It is essential that we not only be IN the house, but that we be OF the house.
THIS BRINGS TO LIGHT the significance of the statement, "but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are IF we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end" (Heb 3:6). That criteria is rarely declared in our time, but it needs to be. It is a revealed truth. How about you? Are you in the house? And do you really belong there? This is a house with present and eternal benefits. Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, August 3, 2009
REFERENCES TO EGYPT
ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENTS in all of human history was Israel's deliverance from Egypt. They were in Egypt for 430 years (Ex 12:40). When they went down to Egypt, there were seventy of them (Ex 1:5). While they were in the land, they multiplied, even under harsh oppression. The Word of God declares, "And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them" (Ex 1:7). When they came out of Egypt, they were a vast multitude. The fighting men, twenty years and older, numbered 603,550 (Ex 38:26; Num 1:19-46). The Levites were not numbered in the census. Later, by the commandment of the Lord, Moses and Aaron numbered the Levite males from one month old and upward. There were 22,000 (Num 3:39). The Levites between 30-50 were 8,500 (Num 4:46). Factoring in all of the non-Levite children, older men, and women, there probably were somewhere between 3-6 million Israelites that came out of Egypt. They came out in an orderly manner, and in one night. A mighty deliverance, indeed! How did the Spirit refer to Egypt – that once mighty nation from which the people of God were delivered?
IRON FURNACE. As they neared the promised land, Moses reminded the people, "But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day" (Deut 4:20). This was not a furnace for keeping warm, but one for smelting, or refining precious metal. The NIV reads, "the iron-smelting furnace." Not only did the people multiply in Egypt, they were refined there. Their hard bondage and difficult labor helped to remove pride them. It also toughened their spirits, so they could endure more. Years later, the prophet Jeremiah referred back to this great deliverance. He told the people God "brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace" (Jer 11:4). Some-thing happened there of which the Egyptians were totally ignorant. It was not their furnace. It was God's refining furnace. There, in Egypt, He prepared the people.
HOUSE OF BONDAGE. On the day Israel marched triumphantly out of Egypt, it is written, "And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place" (Ex 13:3,14). When the Ten Commandments were given, God began by saying, "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (Ex 20:2). Joshua reminded the people of "the house of bondage" (Josh 24:17). In the days of Gideon, when the people were oppressed by the Midianites, God sent a prophet to them who said, "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage" (Judges 6:8). It was a time when they were not free, but restrained. By the mercy of God, it was a house, not a pit like Joseph was thrown into. It was a house, not the belly of a fish in which Jonah was refined. You can move about in a house, but cannot leave its confines. Too, everything about Egypt was a "house of bondage." Hardship and hindrance were everywhere in that place.
IT IS GOOD TO REMEMBER where we have come from. We came from both a furnace and a house. A furnace where we were refined, and a house wherein we were held. It was God who delivered us from both through the Lord Jesus!
– Given O. Blakely
IRON FURNACE. As they neared the promised land, Moses reminded the people, "But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day" (Deut 4:20). This was not a furnace for keeping warm, but one for smelting, or refining precious metal. The NIV reads, "the iron-smelting furnace." Not only did the people multiply in Egypt, they were refined there. Their hard bondage and difficult labor helped to remove pride them. It also toughened their spirits, so they could endure more. Years later, the prophet Jeremiah referred back to this great deliverance. He told the people God "brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace" (Jer 11:4). Some-thing happened there of which the Egyptians were totally ignorant. It was not their furnace. It was God's refining furnace. There, in Egypt, He prepared the people.
HOUSE OF BONDAGE. On the day Israel marched triumphantly out of Egypt, it is written, "And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place" (Ex 13:3,14). When the Ten Commandments were given, God began by saying, "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (Ex 20:2). Joshua reminded the people of "the house of bondage" (Josh 24:17). In the days of Gideon, when the people were oppressed by the Midianites, God sent a prophet to them who said, "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage" (Judges 6:8). It was a time when they were not free, but restrained. By the mercy of God, it was a house, not a pit like Joseph was thrown into. It was a house, not the belly of a fish in which Jonah was refined. You can move about in a house, but cannot leave its confines. Too, everything about Egypt was a "house of bondage." Hardship and hindrance were everywhere in that place.
IT IS GOOD TO REMEMBER where we have come from. We came from both a furnace and a house. A furnace where we were refined, and a house wherein we were held. It was God who delivered us from both through the Lord Jesus!
– Given O. Blakely
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