Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 2nd (2 Kings 7; Lamentations 3; 1 Corinthians 16)

2 Kings 7 shows us, yet again, that when the Almighty says a thing will happen - it will, no matter how seemingly impossible. The incredulous and faithless lord on whose arm the king of Israel leans states that the famine could not be ended even if Yahweh was to open windows in heaven. The language echoes Elijah's era when the windows of heaven were both shut and opened - compare Revelation 11  verses  1-6; and Malachi 3  verses  10-12. Four lepers found food in the abandoned Syrian camp. This led to the fulfilment of the prophet Elisha's word, both to the abundance and price of the food and judgment on the unbelieving lord. Once more think of how the concept is taken up in Revelation 6 verses 5-6. Just as the Corinthian letters told us of Paul's life; so, does Jeremiah's lament of his feelings in this third chapter. The main lesson of the book is introduced in verse 1 verses  "I am the man that has seen sorrow". He is indeed "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" as our Lord Jesus Christ is so described in Isaiah 53 verses 3. However it is what this suffering servant learns through his trust in God as he in patience endures his horrendous experiences verses  Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. The prophet Jeremiah likewise similarly learns  verses  18-39 - carefully read these and ponder what is the message that the Almighty wants each of His suffering servants to learn and grow thereby. We are told of the benefits and purpose in suffering. We must believe though we may not understand. Our trust and faith in our Sovereign must remain unshakable as He is the One who is leading us to a place in His kingdom verses  Hebrews 12 verses 5-17 meditate the marvellous grace of our God. How great is Yahweh's steadfast love (Chesed - His faithfulness)! Each sunrise reminds us. In affliction we suffer in silence - trusting that He will deliver us at the proper time. Experience through testing takes time to yield results. 1 Corinthians 16 tells us to be prepared for contributing money when we come to the Lord's Supper. The background to the starting of the collections among the Gentiles was to support their Jewish brethren who were suffering hardship due to their persecution for becoming believers in Christ Jesus and to alleviate the troubles brought by the great famine. The first day of the week was traditionally the day when the believers met to remember our Lord Jesus Christ in bread and wine. By the Jewish calendar it was after 6pm Saturday evening. Those believers who were blessed to have some money gave some of it at that time. It was done discretely that is why Paul requested preparation before they arrived at the gathering. In his final instructions the Apostle sends greetings and commends the house of Stephanos for their addiction to service of fellow believers. The letter ends with both a warning and an implied appeal,  verses  22-24, "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (ESV) Contemplate our privileges in Christ - the blessings that we receive - and how we can love our Lord and live to please him now that we might graciously find a place in his kingdom.
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