The Bible Standard - Discover the Truth. (By Christadelphianvideo.org)

Thought for December 25th. “THE TIME … FOR REWARDING YOUR SERVANTS”

The Book of Revelation provides us with a wondrous vision today.   There are loud voices in heaven saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” [Ch.11 v.15].   Then the elders fall on their faces and worship saying, “We give thanks to you Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.  The nations raged, but your wrath came and the time for the dead to be judged and for rewarding your servants the prophets and saints. And those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth” [v.17/18]What a day of incredible thanksgiving this will be.   We should see the present human celebrations surrounding the Christmas period for all its emptiness.  What are people giving thanks for today?  It is the passing ‘pleasure’ of the moment!   The children enjoy themselves and we recall Paul’s observation “When I was a child … I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I gave up childish ways.” [1 Cor. 13 v.11]. Paul also said, “remember … Jesus how he himself said, ’It is more blessed to give than to receive’” [Acts 20 v.35] – we must teach our children this principle.  Do any of the children in the world (or their parents) learn anything real about Jesus? It seems impossible to think so, but God knows. Wherever opportunity offers we should “speak a word in season” to help them to do so.  It is interesting that only twice in the Bible is there any mention of celebrating birthdays – and both were those of bad men! [Genesis 40 v.20 – Pharaoh] and [Matthew 12 v.6 – Herod, when John the Baptist lost his head].  The heaven inspired celebration to come will be wondrous, but until that time true believers celebrate not the birthday of Jesus, but his sacrifice and death in the way he appointed [Luke 22 v.15-20], believing in a wondrous climax to that celebration in the kingdom.This wondrous event, called “the marriage supper of the Lamb” is also mentioned in Revelation [19 v.6-9] “Blessed are those who are invited” to that celebration which is far beyond us to imagine!  Do you believe you are worthy of receiving an invitation?  No?  It will be only by his grace!  But who is worthy?  It is interesting that the Gk word for ‘worthy’ is one of the words  which occur seven times in the book – but only its first occurrence (ch, 3 v.4) is one that indicates saints that are worthy of receiving a  blessing before God; the last (ch. 16 v.6) is about those unworthy. Once again, the broad and narrow ways – make sure you on the “rewarding” pathway of the “worthy” in 2021

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 26th (Job 35, 36; Zechariah 11; Revelation 12, 13)

In Job chapter 35 Elihu condemns Job. If we wonder about whether Elihu is a brash upstart, or whether he is a faithful younger man whose speech demonstrates the wisdom of God - this chapter provides us with the answer to that puzzle. And the answer is that the second statement represents Elihu's character.Every accusation against Job, which Elihu makes, is endorsed by the Almighty in His final speeches. Elihu contests that whether you're right, or whether you sin, God is no way advantaged. However, the LORD is pleased with children whose pleasure it is to please Him. You, Job, he says must see that you are just an insignificant speck of dust. The creature cries out because of pain and suffering, but so infrequently turns to God for His love and support (Romans 8verses18-25). Surely God made us to be more than brute beasts (Ecclesiastes 3verses17-22). Job, wake up to yourself and order your speech aright before your Sovereign. In order to put things in their true perspective, for Job and his friends, in chapter 36 Elihu extols the virtues and might of our Creator. Be patient and listen, Elihu urges them. I will speak in truth and wisdom he declares. It is not the intention of the Almighty to inflict endless sufferings on the wicked (see Hebrews 12verses5-11). He is, in His wisdom, crying to the sons of men, "Repent, turn to Me and be saved". Don't go to the grave in anger and vexation. It's so easy to judge the wicked and at the same time fail to see our own failures. Learn from failure and in all things praise and thank the Almighty. Consider the magnificence of His wisdom - all creation shouts, "In wisdom You have made us".

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 25th (Job 34; Zechariah 10; Revelation 10, 11)

In Job 34 Elihu asserts that God is, and can only be, just. Elihu uses magnificent poetry, as did Job and his 3 friends, telling us of the folly of assuming that older civilisations were by comparison to the modern age primitive. Elihu asserts that Job's claims are not in accord with the humility, which Job should show when dealing with the Almighty. It is so wrong to challenge God. The LORD in an instant could wipe out all flesh by withdrawing their breath. You wouldn't even dare to talk that way to earthly dignitaries, who come and go in a moment of time; why then protest against God? Yahweh should not be subjected to human interrogation, nor will He answer any who should dare to try. Lay your hand upon your mouth and suffer in silence; and by this show yourself to be wise.Zechariah 10 deals with Yahweh's restoration of Judah and Israel. The rains had been withheld as the contemporary prophecy of Haggai indicated. Now upon their faithful asking the blessing would be returned. The vanity of both the nation and its leaders had formerly brought judgment upon Yahweh's lost sheep. For the condition the nation found itself in was the responsibility of their shepherds - who had proven themselves to be irresponsible shepherds, who should have known better (for this God would hold them to account). The people of the LORD would be his mighty battle horse. Verse 4 tells us that every good purpose of His people was from their Sovereign. The nation's might before their foes would be irresistible. Yahweh's love and compassion always encompasses His flock. The scattered remnants will be regathered and will bring the Gentiles into submission. From every place which has persecuted and scattered Israel will the Jews be brought to the Land of their fathers. Their Mighty One will empower His chosen family.

Thought for December 23rd “IF I HAVE WALKED IN FALSEHOOD”

‘IF’  is a two letter word that sometimes occurs within a very significant context.  In our reading in Job today, Job’s 3 friends give up on their vain attempts to reason that Job must be a secret sinner.  The argument that he must be so because of all the bad things that happened to him collapses, they can quote no evidence and in any case, the real facts of how the wicked so often prosper destroys their reasoning.We noticed how, in Ch.31, in his final words to them, Job uses the word ‘IF’ no less than 18 times, saying, “If I have done this or that then I would be deserving of God’s judgements, i.e. punishment.  Food for much thought here!“If I have walked with falsehood” [v.5] ‘been enticed toward a woman’ [v.9] ‘made gold my trust’ [v.24] ‘rejoiced because of my wealth’ [v.25] worshipped the sun and moon [v.26-28] ‘concealed my transgressions’ [v.33] not made fair and proper use of the produce of my lands [v.38/39]   In these efforts to justify himself, with which we can empathize, Job also makes some other statements that add up to a challenge to us as to our responsibilities (in the sight of God)  toward others. He says, “If I withheld anything that the poor desired, or caused the eye of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone and the fatherless have not eaten of it.’ [v.16/17] “If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing” [v.19] and not looked after the traveller…” [v.31/32]In this country the Government provides for much of this, but there are ‘cracks’ in the system that need watching, but in many other countries there are many more cracks..   Another point is in v.29 “If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him”He recognized God would judge him for his failures to act and for having wrong attitudes; it was not just a matter of avoiding doing bad things.  For his godly attitude in all these things and, especially, for speaking of God that which is right [42 v.7] Job is, in the end, blessed.  We have not been tested like Job, but the question we each must ask ourselves is – can we echo the words of Job ourselves?  Let us each reflect on the way we have lived and are living our lives. 

Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 24th (Job 33; Zechariah 9; Revelation 7, 8, 9)

Having rebuked Job's 3 friends in chapter 32, Elihu turns his focus to rebuking Job in chapter 33. Elihu says that he is not influenced by important people, but he will speak the truth as it is. Nor will he be intimidated by older men. Elihu acknowledges that his respect for the Almighty will temper his response. Elihu declares that his words are acceptable before God and like those engaging in the debate, he "too was pinched off from the clay" (verse 6 ESV). Don't be frightened by what I say. He condemns Job's self- vindication and the idea that the Almighty has chosen to be Job's adversary. You, Job he says, have no right to question the LORD's right to do as He pleases. Humble yourself, listen with respect to Yahweh, is the course I recommend that you adopt, Job. What you have suffered gives you time for reflection. Job you need a mediator to speak on your behalf, as your accusations against your Maker are improper.When you understand the redemptive work of God you will receive God's mercy and will be delivered from a permanent place in the grave. But, Job, it requires your humble pleas in prayer to your Creator. Please hearken to my words Job, for my intent is to vindicate you. And I am sure my words are wise.