God shows mercy to those who seek, but if you think that you are standing firm, be careful lest you fall

Bible Reading: Jan 7: Gen 18-19; Matt 6:1-18

When Abraham saw the three men who visited him in the plains of Mamre, he immediately recognized that they were divine messengers, reason why he bowed himself toward the ground. When God told Abraham that in a year they’ll have a son Sarah laughed as she thought of her age and that of Abraham. For her and humanly speaking it was impossible, but with God, nothing is impossible. When men come to the point of human impossibility, God’s grace is manifested (Rom 9:6-13). The second reason why God came was to save Lot from the destruction of the wicked cities. Since Abraham and his descendants were chosen from the world to bring the messiah into the world, God revealed the destruction of the cities to Abraham. This was also to give Abraham the opportunity to intercede. His posterity would do righteousness and justice in conformity to God’s standard. This destruction was also an illustration of what god will do to those who rebel against His will (2 Pet 2:6; Jd 7). Abraham for lack of knowledge about the moral condition of Sodom and Gomorrah pleaded with God. God will spare the unrighteous for the sake of the righteous. But when the unrighteous no longer provide a safe dwelling for the righteous, then God brings judgment.

Notice that when Abraham was asked “where is Sarah your wife”, the answer was immediate. She was in the right place doing her duty; in the house preparing to attend to the visitors with food. Those ready to receive God’s comfort and promises are always in the proper places doing their duty, just like the shepherds who watch their flocks by night (lk 2:8). The laughter of Abraham and Sarah were different. Abraham’s laughter was that which came out of faith while that of Sarah from unbelief; that is why the one who sees the heart knew and rebuked Sarah. But whom the lord loves He will rebuke, convict, silence, and bring to repentance, if they sin before Him.

In chapter 19, we see that two of the visitors are now referred to as angels. Lot pleaded with them to stay in his house because he assumed they did not know the immoral situation of the city. Sodom and Gomorrah were not only immoral, but they were cities of crime and violence. The people of the city both young and old men surrounded Lot’s house before they go to bed. The degradation of the old was transferred to the young and we see no hope for moral regeneration. They wanted to have homosexual relations with the strangers. That is why for human posterity, sodomy is defined as illicit sexual promiscuity. Does giving his two daughters to these men make him sinless? I think no, but lot surely realized that these men were messengers from God, so he surely knew that violating messengers of God will bring eternal consequence to them, and so wickedness against his daughters would be mild for him. When they broke the door it was beyond Lot’s control, hence deity intervene and brought blindness to the perpetrators, causing confusion, and so the pronouncement of judgment was confirmed upon the city. Lot’s appeal to the sons-in-laws and relatives was rejected because they were caught up in the wickedness of the city. Lot did not still see the urgency until the angels drag him forcefully from the city. When a society digress to the moral level that characterizes Sodom and Gomorrah, it is time to take ones family and flee. It is better to live in the mountains than in the wickedness of Sodom. Zoar was saved because Lot pleaded and went with is family there, for fear that evil will befall him before he reaches the mountains. Note that other cities in the valley such as Siddin, Zeboim and Admaj (Gen 10:19;14:2,8, Dt 29:23, Hos 11:8) were also destroyed. Lot’s wife reaped the judgment of god when she looked back on Sodom.

At the great distance from Mamre, Abraham witnessed the great smoke from Sodom. After this Lot went to the mountains with his daughters. He surely have realized that even Zoar was plagued with wickedness. The two daughters who assumed they were the only survivors made a scheme and committed incest with their father who was a victim of his drunkenness. The outcome were children who became the Moabites and the Ammorites.

Lot who kept chaste in Sodom, mourning for the wickedness, and a witness against it, when in the mountains and thinking he was out of temptation was overtaken by it shamefully through his daughters. Let him who thinks he stands high, take heed lest he falls. Drunkenness let him to many sins and lasting wound and dishonor.

Our Lord in Matthew 6:1-18 continued teaching on the deeds of righteousness so that we may be steadfast and do not fall. We should not do good because we want people to see and praise us, but that we should have an inward principle so that we may be approved by God. When we give alms, we should be careful not to fall into subtle sin, vain-glory and so will not receive any reward God promises to those who do good. Jesus goes on to condemn hypocrisy in prayer; those who pray in public to be seen by men. He does not condemn public prayer but the motive. He now taught them how to pray. The Lord’s prayer is a model of several things to be mentioned in prayer. It’s not a word system that is to be repeated as a prayer (lk 11:1). He clearly says in Mt 6:9 “Therefore after this manner pray:” we pray to the Father (Ro 8:14-16) who is in heaven. You must hallow or reverence and honor the Father (Ex 20:7). The disciples were to pray that men accept the kingdom reign of Jesus in the sense that the will of the father be done on earth as it is done in heaven. The kingdom reign of Jesus had not yet come at this time (Mt 16:18,19). The kingdom reign is within one as he or she submits to the will of the Father (lk 17:20,21). The kingdom comes when the will of God is done in the hearts of men and women on earth as it is done in heaven. We must also have a spirit of forgiveness to be forgiven by God (Mt 6:14,15; 18:21-35; Mk 11:25,26; col 3:13; Jms 2:13). We should also pray that God should keep us from being tempted beyond that which we are able to bear (lk 21:36; Jn 17:15; 1Cor 10:13; 2 Thes 3:3; 2Tim 4:18); because God does not tempt man (Jms 1:13).

Now Jesus moves on again “when you fast,”. He did not say if you fast, because fasting is a practice of the disciples of Jesus; it is a natural response to those who recognize the Lordship of Jesus. In fasting one calls on God to respond to his pleas for help. It is abstinence from food or water in order to call on God to respond to one’s requests (Dt 9:17-19; 2Sam 12:16,21; Zech 8:19). In fasting one focuses his mind on spiritual needs of the inner man as to physical needs. It is not a command but what Christians do because of the absence of the bridegroom (Mt 9:14,15; Act 13:1-3). Jesus teaches that we should not fast to be seen by men. The purpose of fasting therefore is to inwardly humble oneself before God in his life (Mt 17:21; Mk 9:29; Lk 2:36,37; 1Cor 7:5; 2Cor 6:5;11:27)

Prayer: our Father in heaven, I worship you oh creator of the universe. Lord you showed your justice and mighty power in the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah but you saved even lot because his heart was still with you. In your mercy, your son came and taught us how to live kingdom lives here on earth. Who is compared with you Lord? None. Help us to live according to your will in Jesus name. Amen 

More is expected of those whom God calls

Bible Reading: Jan 6: Gen 16-17; Matt 5:27-48

In this text we see Sarah, with the consent of Abraham, who sought to work out the fulfillment of the promise through their own ingenuity. Hagar became arrogant toward Sarah and she became bitter and abusive toward Hagar; so she dealt harshly with Hagar so that she will flee out of her own volition. When they took this decision, they did not ask counsel of the Lord; they forgot the almighty power of God. Passionate people at times lay blames on others, for things which they are to blame. Sarah gave her maid to Abraham, yet she cries out, my wrong be upon you. Hagar too had to bear her suffering patiently because she was the first to provoke her mistress (1 Pet 2:20). The Angel of the Lord told Hagar to return to Sarah after she fled, and also to submit to her. If she did that, her son Ishmael will make a great nation. Hagar obeyed and bravely return to the house of Abraham and submitted to her mistress, Sarah. Some people run from the Christian or God fearing homes into sin just like Hagar. The question she received from the angel could come from our conscience or by providence. “Where have you come? And where will you go?” Are you running from the blessing you received from Abraham’s home to the idol worship of Egypt? Knowing who we are and where we come may teach us our duty. Considering where we’ll go, discovers our danger and misery. Note the declaration of the angel; “I will,” shows this Angel was the eternal word and son of God. She returned and by her behavior softened Sarah, and received more gentle treatment from Sarah.

God now makes a covenant with Abraham, and his generations. The time limitation for the covenant was until the generations of Israel ended, which they did in Christ (Gal 3:26-29). So the “everlasting covenant” was “everlasting” only until its fulfillment. The covenant was terminated when it was fulfilled. So “everlasting” here does not mean “without end”; but to the time of existence until the intended point of completion. The same is true of the everlasting possession whose fulfillment was at its purpose of preserving Israel at the coming of the messiah. So is the completion of their right to the land. The sign (token) of this covenant was circumcision which Abraham and all who were in his house were to take. If one refused circumcision, he was cut off from the promises of the covenant (Ro 2:28,29). Even Ishmael was circumcised. The outward sign is for the visible church; the inward seal of the spirit which is known only by God, is peculiar to those whom God knows to be believers. When god steps into our lives He changes everything. He changed Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah; as they received the promise. Abraham circumcised his house hold the same day. When you receive god’s command, there is no time to delay. Abraham showed great joy; he laughed when god gave him the promise because he was delighted, not of distrust. So Abraham rejoiced to see Christ’s day; now he saw it and was glad (John 8:56).Jesus said this to the Jews as he taught them.

In Mt 5:27, he also addressed the wrong interpretation of the Jews on adultery. The old Testament penalty for adultery was death by stoning (Lv 20:10; Dt 22:22-27). Jesus address the heart again. He does not condemn the look of admiration and affection, but the lustful look with the intent to commit an adulterous sexual act (Jb 31:1; Pv 6:25; Gal 5:16; 1Pet 2:11). He goes on to give vivid illustrations to control the lust of the flesh at all cost. Jesus also addressed them on marriage knowing that they are under a different covenant, but divorcing for many reasons as in the days of Moses. He says marriage to one who is unjustly put away by divorce is marriage to an adulterated person and it’s same for marriage with one with whom a marriage contract has been broken. He makes it clear that the only valid cause for divorce among those who are in covenant relationship with God is fornication.

Making oaths is for degenerate people who are dishonest and cannot keep their words. So he wants Christians to live such a character of life that whatever the Christian says should be understood as truth (James 5:12). If he makes promises, it should be assumed that he will keep his promise. Marriage vows are not oaths, but commitments or engagements. Swearing in courts of justice by God’s word or His name is not called for. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. addressing the law of retaliation, Jesus made them know they have to suffer any injury that can be born, for the sake of peace, committing your concerns to the Lord’s keeping. Christians must avoid disputing and striving. About neighbors he says we must do all the real kindness we can to all, especially to their souls. Not only to neighbors as of Jewish concept; which was understood as country men, those of the nation and religion, whom they were pleased to look upon as their friends. We must pray for all and render good for evil. We must study to conform ourselves to the example of our heavenly Father (1 Pet 1:15,16).

Prayer: our heavenly Father, I thank you because you’ll never abandon me or leave me. You expect more from us, but you always accompany us so that we do not fall. Sustainer of my life, I worship you and pray that you make yourself known to those you have chosen that they may rejoice in being and living in your presence. Have your way in my life Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

God is faithful in His promises even through His promised son Jesus Christ

Bible Reading: Jan 5: Gen 13-15; Matt 5:1-26

We learn that Abraham was made very rich by God with livestock, gold and silver (Gen 13:2). But Canaan was just recovering from the drought and could not support the tremendous herds of Abraham and Lot, reason why there was strife between their herdsmen. As a man of God, Abraham did not want any strife between the two families as they were all brethrens. He did not choose where to go, but he allowed Lot his nephew to choose the best for himself. Lot chosed the best place for his animals (the plain of Jordan) but it was not the best for his family, because of the corruption in the cities of the plain. Even though Lot pitched his tents in the plains, away from the wicked of the city, we realize the next time that Lot is found in the heart of the city of Sodom; in a culture of wickedness. Why did he go close to wickedness, thinking his own will not be corrupted? When we get close to sin, we finally find ourselves in the heart of sin. No wonder the Bible tells us to flee from sin, be separate from them. I hear some youths who say we go to the night club just to relax; we do not do what others do there. Sooner, they are found in the heart of the evil activities. God renewed His promise to Abraham after Lot’s departure. God said, “Go forth from your country and from your relatives and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you (Gen 12:1). But Abraham left with his relative Lot. I see why God renewed His promise only when they separated. The promise was for Abraham not his relatives. Lot may be representing old habits, old life, the things we’ve been used to. We do not want to abandon them. Who is your Lot? What is your Lot, which you are not ready to let go? If you do not let it go, God will not enter with His promise in your life. Your Lot maybe anger, bitterness, jealousy, fornication, envy, etc. Are you willing to let go, or you prefer to tell them where to go for a while not for good?

You’ll notice that the Hebrew word for very rich is very heavy. In my dialect; Limbum it is also expressed in the same way. We’ll say “His pockets are heavy”. So riches are a burden; burden of care in getting riches, fear in keeping them, temptation in using them, guilt in abusing them, sorrow in losing them, and  burden of account at last to be given up about the riches. Yet God in His providence sometimes make good men rich men. When Abraham and Lot were wandering in poverty, nothing separated them, but when riches came, it did. Also bad servants often make a great deal of mischief in families, by their pride and passion, lying, slandering, and tale bearing. As this happened, Abraham gave Lot the choice though he was the elder and the great man, but he showed that he had the command of his passion, and could turn away wrath by a soft answer.

Now the fore kings of the north made an alliance and attacked Sodom, taking Lot and his own as captives too. Abraham raised up an army of 318 soldiers to rescue Lot. He takes this opportunity to proof his friendship to Lot though they had separated. We ought to be ready to succor those in distress, especially relations and friends. Though others may have been wanting in their duty to us, yet we must not neglect our duty to them. As we have opportunity, we must do good to all.

Melchizedek, King of Salem (Jerusalem), and priest of the Most high God who has no genealogy, but resembling the son of God came and broke bread and wine with Abraham. He blessed God from Abraham and blessed Abraham from God. We need to give thanks for other’s mercies as for our own. This is seen in Jesus, our great High priest who is mediator both of our prayers and praises. He not only offers up ours, but his own for us. Though Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, he did not accept the goods from the king of Sodom though it was a right as Abraham was the winner of the war. So Abraham did not want any riches from the wicked Sodom, so that it’ll not be said that God’s promise for riches could not have come without the spoils of Sodom. People of God must, for their credit’s sake, take heed of doing anything that looks mean or mercenary or that looks self-seeking. Abraham can trust the God of heaven and earth to provide for him.

God knew that Abraham was afraid of the promise especially that the hurrian law at that time will allow him to give his inheritance but to Eliezer his servant. So God assured him of his safety. God gave Abraham an express promise of a son. God revealed the future to Abraham in a deep sleep:

1.    Abraham’s seed shall be strangers in a foreign land (400 years in Egypt). The heirs of heaven are strangers on earth.

2.    God will judge the enemies of Abraham’s seed. God will judge Egypt and also the Canaanites when their iniquity would have been complete (Gen 16:16). God may allow persecutors and oppressors to trample upon his people for a while, but He’ll surely reckon with them at last.

3.    God promises to deliver Abraham’s seed after they have been oppressed in Egypt.

4.    God also reveals the happy settlement in Canaan after all these.

God made a covenant with Abraham by sacrifice to seal His promise. He provided the smoking firepot and burning lamp over the pieces. God’s covenant with man is by sacrifice (Psalms 50:5); and we know He accepts it if He kindles in our souls pious and devout affection.

Jesus in Mattew chapter 5 now teaches us how to live the kingdom life that has come to us. The beatitudes here was taught on the mount. I think Luke’s account in luke 16:17-49 referred to as the sermon in the plain should be the same teaching in another location with another audience though that instance presents the same teaching of our Lord. It will be unlikely that Jesus will teach such important truth just in one instance. Jesus tells us about those who are blessed from verse 3 to 12 of matthew 5. He gives warnings and exhortations in verses 13-16 and about the law from verse 17, confronting the false traditional teachings at the time.

The poor in spirit are happy because only those who recognize their low condition can seek after a redeemer. The kingdom of grace and glory is for them. Happy are those who mourn, because godly sorrow works true repentance as they accept the mercy of God in Jesus, with constant seeking of the Holy Spirit to cleanse them from evil. They shall be comforted by their God. The meek are happy because when they mourn, they become mild, gentle, lowly and unselfish in character. Meekness promotes wealth, comfort and safety, even in this world so they will inherit the earth. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be satisfied from God by His grace. They seek knowledge of God through His word. The merciful are happy because those who recognize their own spiritual poverty are merciful to others, they relieve the suffering of others because of what God has done to them in relation to their sin. Their mercy will reap mercy from God (Mt 18:35, lk 6:37). The pure in heart will understand the pure nature of God (Hb11:27, Jn 14:9). They shall see God because heaven would not be happy to the impure. Those who recognize their own sinfulness will seek peace of mind with others (Pv 11:13,Gal 6:1;2 Tim 2:22-26), so peacemakers are sons of God as they portray the spirit of God in this. Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Though there is nothing in our sufferings that can merit of God; God will provide that those who lose for Him, shall not lose by Him in the end. Rejoice because it’s the attitude of those who truly understand the inner nature of the Christian life.

Christians are like salt with their godly characters to preserve society from moral decay. Those who profess Christ, cannot remain graceless, else no other doctrine or means can make them profitable. Our light must shine so that our good works are seen by men. But what is between God and our souls, must be kept to ourselves; and that which is of itself open to the sight of men. We must aim at God’s glory.

Jesus notes that he came to fulfill the law. Fulfillment of the law meant the end of the law. He was not saying that the law was to continue, but to teach that the law would end when its purpose was fulfilled. The law was to end when the messiah comes (Col 2:14-16, Hb 10:9, Jer 31:31-33). Christ’s disciples cannot disobey the holy law of God, or teach disobedience of it regardless of who they are in society else they are not true disciples. Christ’s righteousness which is given to us by faith alone, is needed by all who enter the kingdom of grace or of glory, and this produces a thorough change in a man’s temper and conduct.

Jesus went on to correct the corrupt interpretation of the law by the teachers at his time. You will not murder (Ex 20:13, Dt 5:17) was corrupted by the people. While Ex 21:12 says the punishment is death, the Jewish religious leaders at Jesus’ day corrupted the application by saying they had to be brought to judgment. Jesus made them know how serious this is and make them know that all rash anger is heart murder and has to be punished by 3 stages: the judgment, the council, and finally the destruction of hell (Mt 10:28). So Jesus was seeking to correct the heart that causes the outward crimes. He makes it known that reconciling with one another is necessary before we can worship. We cannot worship the God of mercy and love by harboring a heart of hate that shows no mercy. We are unfit for communion with god in holy ordinances without reconciliation with others and God. While we are alive, we are in the way to his judgment-seat; after death, it will be too late. Jesus puts responsibility of reconciling on the shoulder of the offending party here. But in Mt 18:15-17,23-35 it is on the offended party (mt 6:14,15).

Prayer: Mighty and great God, I glorify your name for you are faithful in your promises. When you say you have blessed, no one can curse. When you say you have prospered no one can stop it Lord. Rekindle your word in our hearts that we may live the kingdom life here on earth as we prepare to meet you Father. How can we say we love you when we keep people in our hearts, we lack love for one another and we do evil in many forms. Father, I know we cannot do it on our own but by your grace. Help that we may stand and walk in your likeness, that this world may feel the salt and be preserve for your own glory Lord. Give us courage in times of discouragement and boldness when we are frightened. Father, your presence is sufficient in our lives. Thank you lord, for in Jesus name I pray. Amen

Thriving in this world does not necessary explain God’s blessings, but God’s promises are true and must come to happen.

Jan 4: Gen 10-12; Matt 4

From the three sons of Noah the whole world became populated. The Bible preserved only the line that leads to the Messiah as we see in this genealogy. Nimrod from the line of Ham became mighty in the earth and Lord it over his neighbours. This was the spirit of the giants before the flood (Gen 6:4), revived in him. Being a great hunter over the beasts he surely used his courage to command others and to force others to submit. He was a great builder with ambition. Nimrod’s name signifies rebellion; tyrants to men are rebels to God. Canaan was under Divine curse. Those under God’s curse, may thrive and prosper in this world, but God’s curse is always sure and terrible. So we cannot know God’s curse by what is before us but by what is within us. It may be a curse to the soul, secret curse, or a slow curse, but sinners are reserved by it for a day of wrath. So Canaan has a better land than Shem or Japheth, yet they have a better part because they inherit the blessing. Abraham and his seed descended from Eber from where the Hebrews originate.

After the flood God asked Noah and his family to multiply and repopulate the entire world. They had to spread over the whole world. But they decided to stay together because of their language and make a name for themselves. Reason why they build the tower of Babel. So God confused their language so that they could not communicate their ambitions or dreams; so they set out across the world in obedience to the original plan of God. We are reminded that all genealogies before the birth of the seed (Gal 3:16) were meant to bring our attention to the fulfilment of God’s promise that from the seed of woman (Gen 3:15), Satan’s head would be crushed.

Even during Noah’s life-time after the flood, wickedness increases. Nothing but the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit can remove the sinful lusts of the human will, and the depravity of the human heart. We get the genealogy from Eber to Abraham. Nahor, from whose family Isaac and Jacob had their wives and Haran who died before their father Terah were Abraham’s brothers. Like Haran, children cannot be sure they will outlive their parents. Abraham departed out of Ur with his father Terah and nephew Lot in obedience to God’s call and they settled in Haran. But Haran, Abraham’s brother died in Ur. It is good to hasten out of our natural state, lest death surprise us in it.

Abraham was first called by God while he lived in Ur of the Chaldees (Act 7:3; Hb 11:8). This may be why Terah his father moved the entire family toward Canaan. Because of Sarah’s beauty, Abraham conceived a plan to spare his life in view of the lust of the Egyptians for beautiful women as he had to enter Egypt to feed the people and animals with him out of drought in Canaan. So he instructed and Sarah lied about her being his wife. But Sarah was his half-sister (daughter of one of Terah’s wives; Gen 20:12). It was half-truth, but a total falsehood.

The call God gives to Abraham to leave his relatives will also test his faith. Those who leave their sin and turn to God always receive unspeakable gain by the change. This is the same as the gospel call, for natural affection must give way to Divine grace. We must forsake sin and bad company. God promised Abraham great things if he remains obedient just as He does to us today. God said I will make you a great nation, your name will be great, I will bless you and you shall be a blessing, I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you and in you Abraham all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Despite these great promises, Abraham still fell in trusting God else he would not have lied about Sarah, causing Sarah and Pharaoh to almost sin.

Jesus Christ is the blessing of the world. We see His ministry starting from the desert. When God starts great movements, His messengers are called to the desert. Moses, John the Baptist, Paul and Jesus are examples. It was God’s will that Jesus be tempted in various ways as those he would save (Hb 4:15). The 40 days of fasting of Jesus will begin his temptations which will not cease till his ministry on earth. In the same way that Satan tempted Eve in the garden of Eden (Gen 3), he does to Jesus. Tempting Him after the lust of the eyes and flesh, and the pride of life (1Jn 2:16). Jesus did not yield to these even though he was at a most vulnerable situation. He answered all temptations with “It is written”, setting us an example to use what is written in scriptures each time we face temptations. He took Jesus to a high place to tempt Jesus to pride and presumption. All high places are slippery places, advancements in the world makes a man a mark for Satan to shoot his fiery darts at. He also tempted Jesus to idolatry. The glory of the world is the most charming temptation to the unthinking and unwary. If we resist the devil he will flee from us. But the soul that deliberates is almost overcome. Angels came and ministered to the physical needs of Jesus after the fasting and temptations. We should trust God is always with us in every difficulty and that he will meet our needs if we remain faithful.

Jesus moves to Galilee. He does not stay where he is not wanted. When he is needed he brings light that brightens the dark places and lives. Not only the austere John the Baptist, but the gracious Jesus preached repentance. As Christ preached he gathered disciples who would listen as students and afterwards be preachers of his doctrine. He chosed fisher men and tax collectors, he did not go to the theological men of the temple. He chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. We need to ask the questions, Am I in Christ? Am I in my calling? They followed Christ as disciples (Jn 1:37), now they must leave their calling; and live God’s calling for their lives.

He confirmed His mission with healing as He preached. He healed every sickness or disease; none was too bad; none too hard, for Christ to heal with a word. Sin is the sickness of the soul. Christ came to take away sin, and so to heal the soul.

Prayer: Our Father, who is in the heavens, mighty healer and sustainer of our lives. God, you are our security. I thank you for the opportunity you’ve given us to come back to you Jesus our Lord. Thanks for the promises of blessings to those who continue in obedience to your command. Your word is true Lord. Thank you Father. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Jesus the Ark of our salvation manifested in Noah

Jan 3: Gen 7-9; Matt 3

After about one hundred years when God commanded Noah to build the ark He now tells Noah and his family to enter the ark. Throughout this time, Noah preached the righteousness of God while building on the ark (1 Pt 3:18-20). I wonder the kind and degree of mocking Noah had to endure when he spoke about a global flood that would come. He was surely ridiculed and called names. Surely many even at this time were asking, it’s been 50 years, 60 years, 70 years, etc that you have been building this thing and we have not had any thing like flood. They thought he was mad, I can imagine what stress he had to bear even from his family, but he had faith in what God said. Today many people mock at Christians the same way; “when will that your Jesus come? It has been thousands of years. He will never come.” I remember I was ill-treated by one of my bosses in a professional meeting about our Lord. He said “man is wicked, they killed Jesus and now Jesus says the way these guys treated me I cannot come back to that earth. Jesus will not came again!” You can imagine the meaning of this statement, to which I did not react because I knew he was attacking me and my faith. He was not inquiring and he was not sincere, so I found no reason to enter into such discussions.

Scriptures tell us the subterranean waters of the earth were unleashed upon the earth. The water canopy above the firmament was brought down upon the earth in a torrential rain. The Bible is not a geological book to talk of the details but we’ll understand that with the heavy flood it will not just washout the earth but also cause tectonic activities that will change the surface of the earth. The water was 22 feets (6.8m) above the highest mountain. No wonder Peter says the world that existed was overthrown by water (2 Pt 3:5, 6). Those who were not found in the ark were destroyed.

Christ is an ark, in whom alone we can be safe, when death and judgment approach. The word says, “Come;” ministers say “come;” the spirit says, “come, come into the Ark.” Noah was accounted righteous, not for his own righteousness, but as an heir of the righteousness which is by faith (Heb 11:7).

God gave Noah 7 days to fill the ark. One Sabbath was enough for harden hearts to repent; but they could not. It is common today for people who lived careless lives during their years of good health. They see death at a distance, but the few days of their sickness when they see death approaching still means nothing to them as they continue in harden hearts. They are deceived in sin.

The wild creatures that entered the ark were made mild and manageable, but when they came out of the ark, they were the same kind as before. The ark did not change their nature. It is the same for those who come to the church as hypocrites. They look like they belong but when they leave the fold they take on their old nature. It is not about church but Christ who can transform you, and make you new. The door of mercy will shortly be shut against people who take it lightly just as God shut the ark behind Noah. Knock now, and it shall be open (Lk 13:25). The flood that broke down everything lifted Noah’s ark. That which to unbelievers betokens death unto death, to the faithful betokens life unto life. Hallelujah!

From the beginning of the flood to its end was one year and 10 days. Notice that change in the Hebrew word for dry explains the degree of dryness as the water dried off from the earth. Harevu (dry) in verse 13 of Genesis 8 to another, yavesah (dry) in verse 14 emphasizes a more complete drying of the face of the earth. God told Noah when the flood would come but He did not tell him when it will stop. The knowledge of the former was necessary to his preparing the ark; but the knowledge of the latter would serve only to gratify curiosity; and concealing it from him would exercise his faith and patience. We noticed that, though verse 13 and 14 says the earth was dry, Noah did not go out of the ark until God told him to do so. Whether he was uncomfortable inside the ark, he waited for God’s time. At times we fail to follow or seek God’s will and we want to force doors open, but God’s time of showing mercy is the best time.

Noah steps into a desolate world out of the ark. He does not get on complaining and crying but he makes an altar for God to offer sacrifice. He begins well, that begins with God. He surely sacrificed of the clean animals with him in the ark. I can see why God asked him to take seven pairs in their kind of clean animals, but a pair of the others. God said in His heart that He will not again curse the ground because of man. Why? Because the problem is not man’s nature. God did not make man evil, or cursed him with a sinful nature. The emphasis is on what one chooses to do, not on the nature of the one who makes the choices.

After the flood man was now given permission to eat meat as he ate of the plants of the earth. Man was also given right of capital punishment in order to protect society and to instill fear in the hearts of those who would take the life of others. The drunkenness of Noah is recorded as a case and proof of human weakness and imperfection even though it is the first time we hear of wine mentioned in the Bible. So let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he falls. Ham despised the father in his nakedness but Shem and Japheth showed love on their father’s faults (1Pt 4:8) and brought a robe of reverence to be thrown over the faults of their parent. The blessing of God attends on those who honour their parents, and his curse lights especially on those who dishonor them.

As Jesus Christ prepares to start His ministry on earth, John the Baptist (immerse) goes out as the forerunner, proclaiming the kingdom of heaven. John was not a city preacher. He went to the desert of Judea, west of the Dead sea where he preached and Baptized in the Jordan river. He wore camel’s hair and ate locust and honey. This shows self-denial and sacrifice. God sent him to the wilderness to preach in order to call those who were truly repentant out of their wealthy cities (their comfort zone). Today most men of God will love to go to cities so that they make more money or name, but John went to the wilderness, he did not look for a city that is populated to have more impact. God wanted people who truly repent not numbers. For one to leave the city and go to John in the desert, they should be truly repentant. So some of our preachers today are like the Pharisees of that time; legalistic, wealthy, lovers of money (Lk 16:14), religiously zealous, and using religious control over the people. You can understand why John called them children of snakes (vipers), with their venom of legalistic hypocritical religion. They caused the Jews to reject the kingdom reign of Jesus. How could they enter the ark? This will bring God’s judgment upon them as God will also reject them. They forgot that a true Jew and son of Abraham was such by faith (matt 8:11,12). John says the ministry of Jesus will lead to a separation of chaff (the disobedient) from the wheat (the obedient sons of Abraham by faith.) And the chaffs thrown in unquenchable fire as God’s judgment.

Jesus walks from Galilee to Jordan where John was preaching; about one hundred kilometers from Nazareth. Jesus, though without sin (Hb 4:15) asked to be baptized by John to fulfil all righteousness (fulfill or complete the commandments of God), because John was commanded to Baptize by God. The Spirit of God descended upon him like a dove, or as a dove. Notice the Spirit of God did not incarnate in the body of a dove. This was signal to John that this was the lamb of God (Lk 3:22, Jn 1:32-34.) John made them know that they could only be accepted as people of God, if their sins were washed in the fountain Christ was to open to them (Zech 13:1). The manifestation of the Trinity was seen after Christ’s baptism. The Spirit descended upon him, the Father confirming the son to be mediator and the son solemnly entering upon the work. Christ is the altar that sacrifices every gift (1Pt 2:5). Out of Christ, God is a consuming fire, but in Christ, a reconciled Father.

Prayer: Merciful God, I thank you for your word that manifests your power to mankind. You consume those who do not accept your son and reconcile those who accept him. Lord Jesus, I thank you for your open hands that is waiting for us to enter the Ark to your kingdom. Spirit of the Living God, help us not to be weary that we may keep steadfast as we move through this year in your presence and leadership. Thank you Father; for in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Righteousness of God seen in His justice

Bible Reading: Jan 2: Gen 4-6; Matt 2

After the fall, Adam and Eve gave birth to Cain whose name signifies possession. Eve said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. Perhaps she thought Cain was the promised seed. But this would have been a great disappointment. They also had Abel whose name means vanity. Religious worship of God started after the fall. The offerings of Cain and Abel were different. Abel’s offering was done in faith (Heb 11:4); he was seeking the benefit of the covenant of mercy, through the promised seed and God accepted his offering. Cain developed an evil spirit of discontent and rebellion against God. God notices all the thoughts of our minds. He does not want us to sin, He always warns us but we have the choice to our decisions.

Abel was the younger brother of Cain. A brother Cain was supposed to love, a younger brother which he had to protect, the only brother from the same mother; but Cain murdered him out of malice that started in the heart. He remained impenitent with pride and unbelief and denied the crime as if he could hide it from the omniscient God. Even when God gives His punishment, Cain focuses on it rather than the sin. He complains of the weight of the punishment rather than the weight of the sin. Harden heart! Eventhough Abel was death his blood speaks, telling us of how serious the guilt of murder is, and so warns us of the wrath of God. This guilt can only be taken away by the blood of Jesus. So the Bible warns us today, not to be like Cain who belonged to the Devil, because his own actions were evil while those of his brother were righteous (1John 3:12).

Cain departed from the Lord and so could not have rest, he became a vagabond. He dwelt in the land of Nod which means “Shaking” or “trembling”, showing how restless he became without God. Cain’s generation was one of wickedness as we see how Lamech broke the law of marriage and took for himself two wives. The descendants were interested in making money through bronze and iron works, making string instruments for pleasure and keeping lives stock but no one had concern for God. Lamech killed a man for wounding him and seems to abuse the patience of God in sparing Cain, into an encouragement that he may sin unpunished.

Adam and Eve gave birth to another child Seth which means “settled” or “placed” in whose seed mankind will continue till the messiah should descend. The worshippers of God began to do more in religion through the descendants of Seth.

The bible says Adam fathered a son named Seth in his own likeness, after his image. So Seth was not only like Adam with body and soul but he was a sinner like his father Adam (Gen 5:3). This was the reverse of the Divine likeness in which Adam was made; having lost it, he could not convey it to his seed. Adam died at 930 years according to the sentence passed upon him, “To dust thou shalt return.” Though he did not die the same day he disobeyed God, he became mortal that same day and so was wasting out with time.

All the other people mentioned in the genealogy lived and died but Enoch who was the seventh from Adam did not die but was taken up by God without seeing death. Because he walked with God, meaning he set God always before him, to act as always under God’s eyes. God had translated Enoch and he was not found (Heb 11:5) and his faith in walking with God was commended as righteousness.

Comparing to the ages of people who lived at that time, 365 years of Enoch was small. God often takes soonest those he loves best. The time they lose on earth is gained in heaven, to their unspeakable advantage; “He was not, for God took him.” He was changed as the saints shall be, who are alive at Christ’s second coming. Noah was born to Lamech from the generation of Seth and his name signifies “rest.” His father hoped for comfort in his son and today we need a better comforter who is Christ.

The wickedness of the world was too much provoking God’s wrath, but Noah found grace by faith and obedience. When the sons of God married the daughters of man, the marriage was cursed. If we say we are sons and daughters of the Lord almighty, we must not marry without His consent. He will never give His blessing, if we prefer beauty, wealth, honour from men, power, to faith and holiness. Anyone could see the wickedness of man, but God saw that every imagination or purpose, of the thought’s of man’s heart was only evil continually. That was the root of the corrupt life. God hates sin and can we not go back to Him with repentant hearts? God repented that He had made man, but He never repented that He redeemed man. After God’s spirit has been long striving with unrepentant and disobedient people who hate to be reformed by the grace of God, then they can be punished; but the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him (Psalms 25:14). God told Noah His intentions to destroy the wicked world by water. God could have saved Noah without asking him to build a big ark by himself, but he allowed that for the trial of his faith and obedience. Our struggles in the way to eternal life is to improve us. Jesus Christ the true Noah, had by his suffering prepare the ark and is inviting us by faith to enter in. Listen and obey His voice.

Matthew chapter 2 tells us how Jesus, the true Noah came into earth. The wise men were revealed the truth by God and they worshipped the king in the manger with only one attendant, the mother. They offered him gold, which I think is what helped the poor carpenter to take his family to Egypt. They also gave frankincense representing the priesthood of the messiah just as the gold represents his kingship. Then myrrh was used to embalm the death; but the child was not death. This signify that he was to die to save mankind. Egypt has been a place of bondage to Israel and now it is to be used as a place of refuge to the Holy child Jesus. God can make the worst of places serve the best of purposes. Joseph and Mary confirmed their faith in this trial to take the baby to Egypt. Herod killed all the little children in Bethlehem and the villages in the city in the hope of aborting Old Testament prophecies but the counsel of the Lord shall stand. We shall all be glorified with Him, if we suffer with Him.

Prayer: Holy and merciful God, I bow down my heard to worship you. I thank you Lord for the opportunity you’ve given me, poor in holiness, with nothing desirable that I could come before you in prayer. Lord your mercy has no limit for you loved us even when we were yet sinners that in your blood oh Jesus you made us right with you and the Father. Holy Spirit of God, come into my life and take your throne at the center of my heart, reigning in my life. Have your way in my life and be my reward. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

God’s mighty strength and love displayed (Daily Bible reading comments)

God’s mighty strength and love displayed

Daily Bible Reading: Jan 1: Gen 1-3; Matt 1

In our Bible reading text we learn how God creates the universe. He is the engineer behind our existence. With whom can we compare God? He created the light (G1:3-5) just as He gave us the light of the world. Without Jesus we will be in darkness and lost. In creation, God shows how omnipotent He is. He is the ancient of days. The oldest in existence who never changes in His goodness and mercy. Time has no effect on God, because He created time when matter was created. Time never existed when there was nothing, because time is the change of events and events cannot change when nothing exist. God sustains the universe by the word of His mouth.

The son of God, one with the Father, was with Him when He made the universe. The universe was made by Him, and nothing was made without Him. This is the God whom we worship, and of the great mediator in whose name we pray.

There comes the Holy Spirit who works in our heart to bring us closer to the Father. In the beginning there was nothing to desire, for the world was without form, and void; it was confusion, and emptiness. It is when the spirit of God moves over this confusion that something desirable can be born. The work of grace in the soul is a new creation. An unbeliever has a graceless soul and here, there is disorder, confusion and every evil work. It is empty of all that is good because it is without God. It is in darkness and can only see the light of the world when grace works a change in that life.

God spoke into existence everything we see on earth but for man. We need to give God the glory to all that we see on earth. That is the master’s hand work. The beauty we see and enjoy every day; the landscape, the rivers, flowers, animals and trees, etc. Do we honour God for this master’s touch? God’s wisdom and power are to be admired. The power of God’s providence preserves all things, and fruitfulness is the effect of his blessings.

God said “let us make man in our own image.” Man, when he was made was to glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Into that name we were baptized, for to it we owe our being. It is the soul of man that bears God’s image. In this image man’s behavior was regular and fixed on God, thus holy, thus happy, were our first parents in having the image of God upon them.

God did not rest on the seventh day because He was weary, but as one well pleased. Genesis 2:4-7 makes us know that the earth did not bring forth its fruits of itself; this was done by Almighty power. Thus grace in the soul grows not of itself in nature’s soil, but is the work of God. Rain is the gift of God. It did not come till God caused it to rain. Divine grace comes down like the dew, and waters the church without noise.

Eden was not a place but a garden which God created for man’s delight and pleasure. Two trees were at the center of the garden:

1)      The tree of life. If man eat of this he would live. Christ is now the Tree of life (Rev 2:7;22:2) and the Bread of life (John 6:48,51)

2)      The tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But what is good? It is good not to eat of this tree.

In these two trees God set before Adam good and evil, the blessing and the curse. Today man still stand between these two choices; to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour or to reject Him.

The serpent deceived Eve and so Adam and Eve transgressed the Divine command, and fell into sin and misery (Gen 3:6-8). Today Satan does the same; he sends temptations by hands we do not suspect and by those that have most influence upon us. He tempted Eve so that by her he might tempt Adam. He quoted God’s command wrongly in order to deceive Eve. It was Eve’s weakness to enter into talk with the serpent because he had no good design. The question we have to ask ourselves is Has God said, ye shall not lie, nor take His name in vain, nor be drunk, nor fornicate, etc.? YES! So by his grace I will abide by it. To sin Eve took her step downward.

1)      She saw (lust: matt 5:28)

2)      Then she took (her deeds). Satan tempts but he cannot force (matt 4:6) that is why we are instructed to resist the devil and he will flee.

3)      She did eat. Perhaps she took not to eat but it ended in that. Its wisdom to stop the first move of sin, and abandon it before it meddles with you.

4)      She gave it to her husband. Those who sin are always willing to draw in others to do the same.

5)      He did eat. He did not eat of the tree of life which he was allowed to eat, but ate of the forbidden tree of knowledge. He plainly disobeyed God (Romans 5:19).

There was no corrupt nature within him, to betray him because he had the image of God. But he had free will in full strength. That is why he is responsible for his sin. The way to the tree of life was shut but God revealed this to Adam to quicken him to look for the life and happiness in the promised seed, by whom a new and living way into the holiest is laid open for us-Jesus.

Matthew chapter 1 let’s us know in the genealogy that Jesus was to come from Abraham’s seed (Gen 12:3; 12:18) and the promise to David (Samuel 7:12, Psalms 89:3). This to show the authenticity of Jesus as the promised Messiah. It was ordained that Christ should partake of our nature, yet that He should be pure from the defilement of original sin, which has been communicated to all the race of Adam. That is why He was fit to take away our sins; no one was worthy. The child was to be named Jesus because He will save people from their sin, from the guilt of sin by the merit of His death, and from the power of sin by the Spirit of grace. He was not to save people in their sin but to save people from their sin, for He is separate from sinners.

Will you submit your life to Jesus who can wash away your sin? He who has taken our curses and given us life? He who is willing and standing with arms wide open to receive you into His kingdom? He loves you and has given His life for you. You just need to accept Him.

Prayer: Mighty and everlasting Father, creator of the universe, I worship you and glorify your name Lord. Thank you for revealing your great works to us that we may be strengthen in your love and worship you. Great Lord cause that we will continuously see your mighty power in creation and your love in sending us your son into the world to take our place and give us a new life. You knew we will bruise Him and smite Him off the earth but your love could not stop but draw us to you. Thank you Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen