Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 18th (2 Chronicles 9, Ezekiel 44, John 11)

2 Chronicles 9 tells of the visit of the Queen of Sheba - a rich and influential spice kingdom near the Horn of Africa. That Queen came to prove Solomon with hard questions and was astounded by his answers. The monarch from Sheba had been reluctant to believe what she had heard in her own country, but confesses that what she has seen and heard exceeded her expectations. That magnificent queen gifts spices and wealth to Solomon and makes a league with him. The chapter tells us of Solomon's control of the commerce of the entire region. Solomon dies after a 40-year glorious reign (though stained by his idolatrous unions in marriage which are not mentioned by the chronicler). Ezekiel 44 deals with the gate for the Prince - Messiah and instructions regarding the mortal Levitical priests. Verses 1-3 speak of the eastern gate of the outer square buildings of the Sanctuary being reserved for the use of the Prince i.e. Messiah - the Lord Jesus Christ. Only immortals can accompany Jesus the King of Glory in the eastern wing of the Temple. Verses 4-8 speak of the glory that Messiah brings and takes us to the North Gate where mortals may enter and receive the ministrations of the faithful mortal Levitical priests. Verses 9-14 tell us of the mortal worshipers who come to this House of Prayer for all nations: Isaiah 56:6-7. Zechariah 14 also gives more details of the worshipers coming to Jerusalem: Zechariah 14 verse 9, 16-21. Verses 15-27 contain the regulations for those Levitical priests. Verses 28-31 contain echoes from the Law of Moses and remind us that those priests will have no lands allocated to them since Yahweh is their portion. Those priests will receive an allocation of the fruits, vegetables and other foods of the Land.While beyond Jordan Jesus is informed that his friend Lazarus is gravely ill and the messengers request that Jesus come immediately. But verse 4 says that our Lord's response is to declare that this sickness of Lazarus is not unto death; but that Jesus might be glorified. After two days delay our Lord goes to his friends. Christ tells his disciples not to stumble; but to walk in the light, as long as the Light i.e. our Lord is with them. Jesus now plainly says that Lazarus is dead. This information probably raising more questions for his disciples than answers. When our Lord arrives note Martha's unshakable conviction that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and anyone believing in him would be raised up at the Last Day. Mary, however, had had her confidence in her Lord undermined by the Jewish rulers - called throughout John's account "the Jews". This caused Jesus to weep. The whole scenario was an out-working of the prophecy of Jeremiah 13 verses :15-17, which verses are cited three times by our Lord in John 11:4-10. To show that Lazarus is one of the Lord's sheep when our Lord's voice of command is spoken with authority Lazarus came forth alive. Lazarus walked out in his grave clothes indicating that this was not the resurrection of the last day that Martha had spoken of. How infuriating to the authorities that Jesus had raised Lazarus. Did they respond to this miracle in belief - no? They immediately sought the death of Lazarus death and schemed Jesus' own destruction. Caiaphas takes the lead in these matters. The Lord had predicted these events in his parable in Luke 16.

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