Major Prophets

Vain Preaching versus Biblical Preaching

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise Me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.” Jeremiah 23:16-17 (KJV)

The word of God was despised in Jeremiah’s day. They claimed to hear it. They claimed to believe it. The prophets of whom God is speaking through Jeremiah were those who went by their own visions and dreams; not the Word of God.

No visions of men or women can be trusted when they in fact go against what God has spoken and said through the written word. God says, “The words of the prophets… they make you vain…” These prophets spoke comfort, encouragement, and peace when the priests, and prophets were living in idolatry, and adultery, and lusts.

They were crying “Peace, peace”; and there was not peace. The enemy was all around. Most of the people were following the liars, deceivers, and frauds. God’s judgment through Babylon was just outside the gate.

It is vanity for the preacher to preach peace, love, encouragement, and comfort without dealing with sin, and pointing the lost, condemned and dying to Jesus Christ and His finished work of the cross – His death, burial and resurrection. Paul the apostle wrote by the Spirit of God,

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

The cross is the means of your salvation, and the salvation of the world; for those who will believe.

O people, the earth is in trouble; you are in trouble without Christ. Evil abounds. Grace still abounds more, but not to the neglect of dealing with our sins, through the cross of Jesus.

There will be no personal peace, no comfort, no encouragement, until Jesus is your personal Lord and Saviour.

Concerning Kings, Nations, and the People

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; if that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; if it do evil in My sight, that it obey not My voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.” Jeremiah 18:7-10 (KJV)

The LORD is showing Jeremiah the potter and his work – concerning nations, kings and the people. I want to share with you what thoughts came to my heart and mind and which I wrote in my journal for the morning of August 14, 2015.

One thing I know, and that I am certain of; and that is that God, the Most High reigns in the hearts of kings, and nations and all people. It seems as though things and events in our nation (USA), and the world are on a fast track to the judgment of God of the last days. A judgment on the earth unlike any ever before.

The final judgment on earth that will bring millions to faith in God through Jesus Christ, and/or millions will be driven away from Him.  The U. S. of A. has turned her face against the Almighty, and has said, “We are going our own way.” There are in all probability millions of Christians in our nation who, like me, are praying for God’s glory to come down in power to show Himself strong in behalf to those whose hearts are perfect through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And I can say, Even so, Lord Jesus, Come.

Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Courageous

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before Me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as My mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.” Jeremiah 15:19-21 (KJV)

You have experienced rejection by family, friends, and others. You know what it is like to stand alone on an issue, on morality, against immorality, or some political matter; don’t you?

The days of Jeremiah the prophet were filled with contempt from his family, and class of people. Jeremiah is from a family of priests. He could possibly have been a high priest of Israel one day, but God the LORD had something else in mind. Jeremiah was seeing the spiritual adultery, and physical adultery of the priesthood, and the people. Yeah! There was immorality, idolatry, ungodliness among those who called themselves, “God’s people”.

The call from God for Jeremiah was to call their attention to God, to their immoral acts, their departure from the living God, to serve idols. They rejected the prophets words; which were God’s; and threatened him, at times with death.

Jeremiah has been speaking with the LORD, and acknowledges that he has “found” God’s word, and “Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (v. 16). Yet, the prophet is troubled by the rejection of his people, and the priesthood; and he vents to God, feeling that God has failed him (v. 18).

The verses above (vv. 19-21) are God’s words to the prophet for faith, patience, and encouragement. For Jeremiah to be a “Fenced brazen wall” means God will make him bold, courageous, strong in the face of opposition to the Word. Nothing will be able to penetrate it. It might be called “Stubborn holiness” by many who do not understand.

Just about he same words are spoken to Isaiah and Ezekiel (Isaiah 50:7; Ezekiel 3:8-9).

As Christians we are not to be stubborn and unmovable toward God, His Spirit or His Word; but we do need to be that “Fenced brazen wall” against the things that are against God, His Spirit and His Word.

We are to stand against evil; anything that is against God, His Spirit and His word is evil; and we must stand adamantly opposed to it. Stand in Christ Jesus the one who set His mind on the cross and died for you and me.

Archery

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not Me, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:3
“Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.” Jeremiah 9:8 (KJV)

Archery is a popular sport in our time and day. It is not the most popular, but there are archery ranges throughout the U. S. of A. and children are even learning to properly use the bow and arrow.

Throughout the Bible the Scriptures show us that it was also a much used weapon. Using the bow and arrow can still be deadly. The archer should never see this instrument as a toy, but a weapon: a weapon which can maim or kill.

We live in a day of deadly use of the tongue. Many think that an evil tongue is not deadly; neither does it maim, but is that true?

In reading chapter 9 of the prophet Jeremiah we read of Jeremiah’s heart for his people, weeping even for them. The LORD says they are an adulterous people; I suppose spiritually and otherwise. He also says, “They bend their tongues like their bow for lies…” they also do not stand for truth, and they grow in their evil, and it is because they do not know the LORD.

There are some people who see truth as only a personal philosophy. That one individual’s truth, is not another individual’s truth. Truth is much more than the philosophies of men and women; truth stands. Truth is truth no matter what home you are in. No matter what culture you are in. Truth is truth even if you or I stand alone with it.

The people of Judah had a problem with their tongues. Speaking lies, hating the truth. Speaking deceit; with it flying forth from their lips and tongue like an arrow released from its bow. Like a released arrow cannot be called back; neither can a word spoken.

There is much said in Scripture of the tongue and its power:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21

In the New Testament book of James read James 3:5-8.

Speaking peace to a neighbor while at the same time plotting and scheming to harm them is the arrow flying to kill.

O Christian be careful with your tongue. Writing is the use of your thoughts and tongue too. So keep that in mind, and let us do as the apostle Paul has said,

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ…” Ephesians 4:15

Knowing the Judgment of God

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? Shall he turn away, and not return? Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? They hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but My people know not the judgment of the LORD.” Jeremiah 8:4-7 (KJV)

Along about Spring, and usually days before the official arrival of Spring, Robins begin showing up in our backyard. A while before Spring the bald eagle leaves, and is not seen until about October in our backyard. It is amazing how one can learn from God’s creation and created order. My how much we can learn from what we call “Nature”.

The prophet being used by the LORD speaks of three different birds of the Palestinian area. The stork, the turtle dove, the crane, and the swallow. They are all what we might call migratory birds, which show up in the Spring, then probably in the Autumn of the year they fly away to a suitable climate for the rest of the year.

How is it that these birds, and others like them know when to go? It is given them by their Creator. We call it “Instinct”; but it is a God-given instinct. They know.

The lesson Jeremiah is giving us, and the question being asked is this: Since the birds know their timing for going; why do God’s people not know the judgments of the LORD? We can be under God’s discipline, and justice, and blame it on weather activity, or inactivity. We experience great numbers of animal attacks on humans, and we call it a “Freak of an animal”, or “animal anxiety” or something, but never the judgment of God.

Humankind is blind to the judgment of God. It has been upon us because we have turned our backs on God, and His Son Jesus. Let me tell you something about the judgment, or justice of God. In Washington, D.C. stands and idol unto “Lady Justice”, she is blindfolded with a set of scales in her hands; symbolizing to us that our justice is blind; meaning it is supposed to be fair to all. Well! God’s justice is much different. He judges with His eyes wide open, and it is just still. Just as He judges with His eyes open; He also forgives with His eyes wide open.

When God judged our sins upon His Son; His eyes were open. When we come to Him broken and contrite (and that is the only way we can approach Him), seeking forgiveness He forgives with His eyes wide open.

We do not have to fear the judgment of God; today’s, tomorrow’s or in eternity. We/You can seek His forgiveness today through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ His only, holy and blessed Son.

Fire in Your Mouth

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD’S. For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against Me, saith the LORD. They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not He; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine: and the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them. Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make My words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.” Jeremiah 5:10-14 (KJV)

It seems to be a trend among people today. If we hear a word contrary to what we believe a mass of people will lie about it and deny it. Even if it is true there is much lying and denial; especially if it is according to the word of our Lord and God.

The people of Jeremiah’s day; the people to whom he preached denied God. They lied about God. God had said that judgment was coming. The prophets of the people said, “There is no judgment coming. We are God’s people. The temple will stand forever.” God was telling the people the words of their prophets were going to fail, and fall to the ground.

GOD says through His prophet Jeremiah that judgment was going to come from the north from a foreign invader. The people denied it, and the prophets lied about it. It came just as God said it would.

To lie and deny does not make the truth untrue. No matter how hard you try to be positive about a negative truth; it is still true.

The people who were “Not the LORD’S” would call prophets of God the wind, and God says that His Word will not fail. They will be put to shame.

The Word of God is powerful, and shall not fail. Deny it all you want. Lie about God all you can; however the word will still stand, even after you fall, and perish. God will have His way even after your ways fail.

God has done all that is in His power to do to redeem to Himself a people who love Him. That redemption is provided through the cross of His Son Jesus Christ. Believe Him and live. Deny Him and perish. Your choice.

The Plea of GOD for His people

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children’s children will I plead. For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing. Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:9-13 (KJV)

In these verses God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah says that the children of Judah, and Israel have done something that even the worshippers of false gods do not do; that is forsake their gods. Jehovah is the one true God, and they had forsaken Him, and turned to false gods.

The two evils: They had forsaken God, and the second, was they had made their own gods. They had “changed their glory for that which does not profit”. The glory of the follower of Jehovah is His glory.

The Psalmist has written,

“Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.” Psalm 106:20

Jehovah likens them as to having forsaken a living, flowing, fresh stream of moving clear, clean, cool, refreshing water for a dug out cisterns that collect runoff water, can become stale, stagnant, and smelly. Besides that the cisterns they have made are cracked throughout, and cannot even hold the water it collects.

Jesus is the Living Water who gives life. Why would anyone want anything, anyone else?

No Hurt; No Destruction

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 65:24-25 (KJV)

These verses are a promise to the “Blessed of the LORD” (65:23). The prophecy is still speaking of the Servant.

The Servant was beaten, despised, and rejected by His own. He was crucified, buried, and rose again from the grave (Isaiah 53; Matthew 27, 28; Mark 15; Luke 24, John 20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). He is Servant because He chose to leave heaven to become a man, that He might die for the sins of the whole world.

Though the iniquities of the world were placed on Him, and though He died with those sins on Him, in His burial He carried them all away, and they are cast away as far as East is from West; they are cast into the deepest parts of the sea; never to be retrieved; never to be held against those who will receive this gift of heaven; this gift of grace.

The eternal benefits are living in His eternal kingdom with Him. For the people of Israel they will live under His glorious reign on the new earth. All will be heard, and He will answer. There will be no more threat from wild animals. The wolf and the lion; both have been predator animals, carnivores for most of the existence of the earth; they will be mild, pleasant, peaceful animals.

The rulers of this present world are searching for peace, working for peace, and it is to no avail. It will not happen because of the wickedness, the conniving, deceiving, scheming, lying, cheating, thieving ungodly ways of mankind.

Jesus is coming soon. Hear and believe. Receive Him, and live with Him eternally.

When Truth Has Fallen in the Street

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men. We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us. For our transgressions are multiplied before Thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; in transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.” Isaiah 59:9-15

There is a problem with being a prophet of God. One is that what ever he prophesies is what he will endure, receive and go through as well as the people he warns. Whether it is a prophecy for good; or a prophecy for judgment he will endure it as well.

The above verses are a confessional prayer/statement to the LORD, and to the nation. Note that Isaiah includes himself in the confession “Judgment [Justice] is far from us”, “but we walk in darkness”, and “we grope”, “we had no eyes”, “we stumble”. You get my point I am sure.

Even though the prophet had probably not committed these atrocities, these sins he includes himself in the array, because this was his nation, his people, and God had been offended by the sins of the people; the kings, princes, nobles and all.

Where we have sinned let us confess it and forsake it. Let us turn our backs on sin; not on God. Let us forsake evil and sin, not our God. Let us stand for truth, though it may be fallen in the street. Though we turn our backs on evil and sin; though we may become a prey because we do so. Let us do so.

“”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

The cleansing means that we turn our backs on sin, to not live it in repetition.

Stop, Look, and Listen

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

This title are words of warning I learned as a child about Railroad Crossings, and crossing them: STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN.  Perhaps you remember them; and they are practical words for all of life.  Especially for the words of our Lord.

“Hearken to Me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. For the LORD shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.” Isaiah 51:1-3 (KJV)

People will hear what they want to hear. Have you heard that statement before? It is illustrated by the story of two men walking on the busy streets and sidewalks of New York City. One man is telling the other of how people will only hear what they want to hear. The one being told this did not agree, so the one who made the statement dropped a coin, on the concrete sidewalk, and nearly everyone stopped.

How much do we miss by not listening and by not hearing what God has to say? Much. Very much I would say.

The words above, “Hearken to Me…” is the plea to God’s people to listen to Him. He makes this plea to the “righteous” to those “that seek the LORD”. Note what He is asking them to do. First He tells them to listen; then, He tells them to “Look”.

It is very basically a call to remember the promises He has previously given. Promises concerning Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 12:1-3). It is a promise that He will bring them back to the land of Promise; and that it will be prosperous once again.

This too is a promise of the fulfillment of all that God has promised to Israel, His nation, and Zion [Jerusalem]. That is a promise which will be fulfilled when Jesus comes to earth again.

Christian, we can rejoice in knowing that these promises of God are irrevocable, and that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29).  Take time today to STOP what you are doing; LOOK into the word of God; and then LISTEN and hear His invitation to come to Him for deliverance from your sins.

Be sure and listen to our Lord, Creator, and Saviour today, and everyday.

Back to the Smiters

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“The Lord GOD hath opened Mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord GOD will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set My face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:5-7 (KJV)

This is more dealing with the Servant prophecies. Isaiah writing of the Messiah who was coming, and came; and His name is Jesus, the Christ; or Messiah.

The prophecy above speaks of His coming in what is called the first advent. He was born as a baby in a manger. He came into the world just like the rest of us did, by human birth. He was, and is the Lamb of God, and it is quite fitting that He would be born in a manger where the animals fed.

Jesus was not rebellious to do the Father’s will. He said,

“I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29

Even at the age of twelve He told Mary and Joseph,

“How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49

As Jesus was tried in the unjust, early, trial He was beaten, and willingly gave His back to the whip, His cheeks to those who plucked off His beard, and spit in His face (Matthew 26:67; 27:26; Mark 14:65; Luke 22:64; John 19:1).

The Obedient Servant, Jesus the Christ obeyed the Father all the way to the cross so that those who believe, trust in Him might be saved from their sins. He went to the cross, in obedience and without shame; because He had a mindset for the glory of the Father.

No Other

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” Isaiah 45:5-7 (KJV)

Speaking through the prophet the LORD states with power and authority that there is no other God.

It is the purpose of God, His Word, His Spirit that all will know that He is the LORD. He has been working in the world and through mankind so that the world may know that He alone is GOD and that that there is no other.

When He chose Israel as His light to the nations of the world He gave them His word. He also sent His Son Jesus to the people of Israel. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (John 1:11). Just as they had over and over again rejected the word of the law given by Moses, they also rejected the prophets He had sent; they rejected Isaiah, and his words given by God; they rejected the Son of God Himself.

Because of their rejection they experienced “Evil” or as newer translations state it “Calamity”. When one rejects the light they will walk in darkness. When one, or a nation rejects the peace of God, then they will walk in “evil” or “calamity”.

God has given us His Light. If we reject that we choose darkness. God has given us peace. If we reject peace we turn to evil, and choose calamity that follows.

In the Acts of the Holy Spirit Doctor Luke was inspired by the Spirit to write,

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

This is speaking of none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God the Son. There is no other God by which we can be saved.

Until He Sets Justice in the Earth

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put My Spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His law.” Isaiah 42:1-4 (KJV)

This is the prophecy of the coming Servant of God who would do mighty works in the midst of Israel. “My Servant” is Jehovah’s Chosen One who will give worth and value to the “Useless” in society.

These Servant songs of Isaiah speak of the Messiah who would come; and who did come, but was rejected by men, even by His own, and was hanged on a cruel, rugged wooden cross, to bleed and die for the sins of the world.

Matthew writes of this prophecy in Matthew 12:18-20, as Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah; and thus He does.

Jesus is the One who brought and who brings justice to the Gentiles. He did not need to go preaching through the streets to gain attention – His works, and words were what was His advantage. He accepted the poor, the lame, the blind, the diseased; the “Useless” of the day. He still does.

He came into the world to save the lost, condemned, and dying sinner. If you are not a lost, condemned and dying sinner you cannot be saved.

The work Jesus Christ came to do on earth was finished when He died on the cross. However, He is yet to return and make all things righteous, holy and good as He rules and reigns on the earth. He will not fail. He will complete all that He has set out to do.

To Know that the LORD is God

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the LORD, even Thou only.” Isaiah 37:20 (KJV)

These words are from the prayer of King Hezekiah, after he has received letter from Sennacherib General of the Assyrian army who has been mocking God, and Israel; and threatening destruction of the city of Jerusalem, capture of the people, and destruction of the Temple.

Hezekiah was one of the godly kings of Judah. When threatened by the ungodly he prayed. Verses 16-20 is his prayer, and God heard his prayer. Sennacherib went home after 185,000 of his army was slain by God, he was defeated; and when he arrived home he was killed by two of his sons in the temple of their god Nisroch (37:36-38).

It should always be in the hearts of God’s people to pray that God be the benefactor, and receive all the glory for our battles.

After I read the above verse while reading Isaiah 36 – 38, I wrote in my journal the following…

“This phrase (“that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the LORD…), is used throughout the Old Testament; at least 63 times in the book of Ezekiel alone. As a continuing theme throughout the O.T. it seems quite clear that God desires that the world know Him; and one day every knee will bow to Him and every tongue will confess to God that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

That is why God sent His only begotten Son. That the world may know that He is LORD.

I am convinced and hold deeply to the conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord; and one day every false god, idol, and icon will fall before Him shattered, broken and shown to be false; and all who worshipped the false will bow before Him, and call Him Lord. For those who will be compelled to do it then; it will be eternally too late.

The time to bow before Him and confess Him as Lord is now; it is now. Do not wait.

Seek Out the Book

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for My mouth it hath commanded, and His Spirit it hath gathered them. And He hath cast the lot for them, and His hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.” Isaiah 34:16-17 (KJV)

The prophecy given in this chapter is toward Edom. They had not aided the people of Israel, but had been a sore to them. Thus God was going to destroy them and make their land desolate, a habitat for the wild beasts of the field and birds of the air.

The prophet calls on Israel to “Seek ye out the book of the LORD, and read…” This is one way of assuring God’s people that the Book of the LORD is sure, stedfast, and true. Though the words “None shall want her mate” may have to do with the animals not lacking their mates; rather, they are dealing with the word of God not lacking “her mate” meaning that Scripture is supported by Scripture; and is of no private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).

Just as the land of Israel [Canaan] was divided to the tribes of Israel; so will Edom be divided to the animals and beasts of the field in the day when the Messiah comes back to earth and make things right.

Jesus Christ is the Messiah of Israel. They will turn to Him. You need to turn to Him today. He died for your sins, was buried carrying all your sins, condemnation, guilt, shame, and death away; and He rose bodily from the grave and is alive forever more (1 Corinthians 15:1-10). He is returning to put an end to sin, and to reign.

Also read Hebrews 4:12.

Hearing God: Repentance

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath He covered. And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: and the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.” Isaiah 29:9-12 (KJV)

At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy there was much religion, but little actual faith. There was a faithfulness to ritual religion, but no real faith. There was much repentance, but it was false repentance; because there was not real turning around.

The prophet says, “Stay yourselves” or “Stop” or “Pause” and “wonder” or “be amazed”. They talked of God, of the way of God, of their religion, and faith; but they only lived it on the Sabbath day.

Some of the more modern translations of where we read “cry ye out, and cry” read “Blind yourselves and be blind”. That is what happens when people hear the word of God and refuse to submit themselves to God and what He says. The crying out reminds me of what is said of Esau in the New Testament (Hebrews 12:17).

We can all be like the little boy who was caught taking the cookie from the cookie jar after his mother had made them, and clearly told him, “No cookies till after supper”. When he was caught with the cookies he says to his mother, “I am sorry momma”. She says “That is okay son. Just put the cookies back in the jar; and all will be fine.” “But momma”, the boy says, “I want to keep the cookies”.

The boy was not sorry for taking the cookies. He was only sorry he got caught. That is how the unrepentant are with God and sin. Too many times we are not sorry for our sin; we are only sorry we got caught. Too many times in our culture, and with society today there are many, even professing Christians who do not even acknowledge sin.

Christian; when God speaks, calling for repentance we best hear Him. When we refuse to hear Him we will receive discipline if we are His (Hebrews 12:7-8). When we are disciplined, then we need to know to repent; turn away from our sins; and believe the LORD. When we cease hearing God He can be silent to us as well.

If you have not heard from God for awhile; maybe you need to check your life, and judge it.

An Unpleasant Threshing

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.” Isaiah 27:12-13 (KJV)

The title of this lesson comes from “The LORD shall beat off…” in verse 12. It is dealing with the chastisement of Israel over many years of time in the Assyrian, and Babylonian captivities.

The prophet Jeremiah calls it “The time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7); and it deals with much more than the discipline through Assyria and Babylon. It has to do with a yet future time when judgment will come upon all the world, for the purpose of bringing Israel to the faith of Christ Jesus as their Messiah.

I can remember hearing parents say to their children, “You’re going to get a threshing, if you do not straighten up”. Threshing was a process that was used after bringing in the grain along with the stalks. They would bring it to a threshing floor, then take instruments for beating the grain stalks; then taking a rake, tossing the stalk and all into the air. On a good day the wind, or a breeze would blow the chaff (the straw, and junk) away leaving the grain.

The discipline of God for His children is like that. It is not without love, or thought. Just as the threshing of the grain brought forth the worth of the work, and the grain; so too does God’s discipline bring forth the good produce of a disciplined life.

The verses for today are God’s promise that “In that day” Israel will come out of the places of their exile; Assyria and Egypt, and will worship in Jerusalem again.

In that last day the people of Israel will “Look upon Him whom they have pierced” and bow before Him as their Lord and Messiah (Zechariah 12:10;  John 19:37). This is speaking of the One who died on the cross, was buried and rose again. The One is coming again. Jesus the Christ Son of the Living God, God the Son.

Nailed Down

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 22:25 (KJV)

From chapter 13 of Isaiah through chapter 23 there are a series of warnings, and judgments against nations because of their unbelief, their rebellion, their sins against the LORD. The one we see in chapter 22 is against Jerusalem, which means against the nation of Israel.

They have been living in comfort; growing in rebellion against the LORD; and cold toward righteous life, and failing to glorify God.

For instance “Shebna” (vv. 15) was a chief administrator in the house of the king. He was gaining for himself great wealth, chariots, horses, and such and even planning himself a great sepulchre (tomb) for his death; proclaiming his own greatness and power.

The people of God are to glorify the LORD, not themselves. The people of God should use their means, and wealth for the glory of the LORD in benefiting others not amassing for themselves massive homes, fancy cars, and long, costly vacations. That is what was going on in Jerusalem at the time of Isaiah’s prophecy. Does it sound familiar for any other place? Does it sound familiar for the land of the free, and home of the brave?

Let me encourage you to read this chapter (22), and note what is going on. Jerusalem was the city of David, dedicated to the purpose of the glory of the LORD; yet it had departed.

Shebna (v. 15) would be replaced by Eliakim, yet he too would be removed: (“And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house.” v. 23); because the LORD has spoken it.

Israel was judged. Shebna lost his seat of authority. Eliakim gained that seat. He lost it just as the LORD had spoken through the prophet Isaiah. What God says comes to pass.  It was NAILED DOWN.

Salvation’s Wells

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise Thee: though Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:1-3 (KJV)

“That day” spoken of is carried over from chapter eleven, and has to do with that day when the Messiah of Israel returns to earth, and sets up His kingdom.

In that day will be a wonderful day of salvation for the nation of Israel. They will sing a song similar to the song of Moses and of Miriam (Exodus 15).

The MacArthur Study Bible note says, “They are the earthly counterpart to the heavenly doxology in Rev. 19:6, 7”

One thing I noticed as I read verse 2 above was the use of the name “LORD JEHOVAH”. “LORD” is the shortened “Jah” name of Jehovah, and “JEHOVAH” is the full name. It is given to give us double assurance of who God is; and that He is the covenant keeping GOD.

For the Christian today we can rest in the assurance of who God is. He is our strength and our song. He is also our salvation. We can be assured that He will redeem Israel; and keeping His covenant with Israel is an assurance He keeps His covenant with all who trust in His Son Jesus.

The Light is Shining

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isaiah 9:2 (KJV)

The nation having departed from the Word of the LORD, His law, and His prophets is in darkness. A darkness covers the land. A darkness of sin, of captivity, of departing from the Living God, to dead idols, to shame, to sin, and its captivity.

The verse is one of the promised Messiah who would come as Light to this nation in darkness; and its people dwelling in the “shadow of death”.

When Jesus came into Israel, born as a man; a baby in a manger; the Light truly did shine; and there was hope for the land, the people. Jesus Christ was and is the fulfillment of this prophecy of Isaiah. This verse is given in detail in Matthew 4:15-16, and following this verse Jesus says,

“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (v. 17)

It is time for repentance, in our day. A time for turning away from sin to Christ Jesus and life in the light. When we are in darkness the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ shines brighter. It shines brighter as those who are His will stand, and be strong in the LORD, and the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10ff).

The ultimate fulfillment of this verse will be when Jesus the Messiah will come again, and set all things right, and reign as King of all kings.

The Light of the Messiah; the Christ is shining brightly in this dark world. Paul the apostle of Christ said,

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound…” Romans 5:20

Because of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Light (John 8:12; 9:5).  The Light is Shining brightly.

In Darkness; There is Light

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:19-20 (KJV)

It seems that many of the people of God, the people of Israel were searching for answers in all the wrong places. Their hearts had grown hard and dull to the light of God’s Word, and His messengers the prophets, and the Law. They were seeking out “wizards” and “Necromancers” seeking a word for their future. This God has forbidden for His people (Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:10-11). King Saul was guilty of the practice with the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:8-19), and due to his rebellion and pride he was killed in battle, along with Jonathan his son, the very next day.

There is no where the people of God; and Christians of today; need to go for answers, and the truth except to the Word of God. He has given His Word of truth in the Bible. It is found from Genesis 1 through Revelation 22.

Any man or woman who does not teach or preach according to what God has given us in His Word is not of God. There is no light in them. The message of the Word of God exalts the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is about Him. It is not about you. It is not about me. These things are written that all may know that He is the LORD of all the earth.

Any who speak not according to His Word; there is no light in them. They are in darkness. O perishing soul; come to the Father through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; God the Son, and the Son of God.

Nation Shall Not Lift Up Sword Against Nation

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” Isaiah 2:1-5 (KJV)

We are looking at the prophecy of Isaiah the prophet of Israel. At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy the nation was in a state of sinful rebellion against the Lord; and comfortable in their sin. They, the nation in general, had a pretense for worshipping God, but they enjoyed their other gods as well.

This prophecy of Isaiah is concerning a yet future event. What he speaks of has not yet happened. It will. Not one word of the LORD which He has spoken shall fail to come to pass.

What the prophet speaks of is what the LORD has spoken to him of. A day when people of all nations shall go to Jerusalem, and worship. To some extent we are able to see a precursor to this “Last days” event. There are many tourists which go to Jerusalem every year. Many Christians, Jews, and other religions find it to be a valued journey.

The day which Isaiah writes is one yet to come. It will be a day of peace. The prophet speaks of swords being beaten into plowshares; and spears into pruninghooks. In other words, “No more wars”.

How can this be? Many a world leader, and many a national leader have sought to bring peace, and utopia to the world; mostly by world conquest; yet to no avail. How will there be peace on earth? Because the Prince of Peace; the One who died for the sins of the world will come again, put an end to all evil; there will be no more murder, no fraud, no drug abuse, no AlQueda, no ISIS, no religion dominating the world by fear and dread. Evil will be put away.

Jesus will reign supremely from His throne in Jerusalem. All nations will flow into it, and they will bow before Him and worship.

To be a part of that, the best time to begin is now. Call on the name of the crucified, buried, and resurrected Jesus Christ, confess your sins to Him, and repent, and He saves you by His grace from the guilt, and condemnation of your sins.

GOD Does Love the World

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, ‘The city of destruction.’ In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and He shall send them a Saviour, and a Great One, and He shall deliver them. And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it. And the LORD shall smite Egypt: He shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and He shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, ‘Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel Mine inheritance.’” Isaiah 19:18-25 (KJV)

These verses speak of a day coming when Egypt will be saved.  Salvation is of the LORD.  It comes from no one or any where else.  Of course the salvation this speaks of is soul salvation, eternal salvation, through the blood of the Lord Jesus shed on the cross of Calvary.

You will note too, that, the Assyrians will also come to faith in Christ Jesus.  Yes!  I know there is no mention of Jesus in the text, however, Jesus is seen throughout all the Old Testament in type, figure and in the Angel of the LORD.

Concerning the “Highway out of Egypt to Assyria” the MacArthur Study Bible note says,

19:23 a highway out of Egypt to Assyria. The two great warring nations of Isaiah’s time are to reach a lasting peace with each other during “that day” of Christ’s reign (27:13; cf.2:2-4).

Not only does Christ Jesus make a difference in one’s life today, but things will be far better when He returns and sets the world right.

Jesus is coming soon.  Be sure all is right with Him before He comes for His own.

 

Look To Your Maker

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.” Isaiah 17:7-8

It is the desire of the heart of God that the world know that He is the LORD God.  That sentiment is expressed all the way through the Scriptures.  He is holy, righteous, and just.  There is none like Him.

Too many people; even professing Christians; have erected idols: gods of their own making, and place more trust in an electronic device they can hold in their hands, sit on a entertainment center, drive down the road, or their bank account; even our own thoughts, than we place in God.

Thee is coming a day when you and I will look to our Maker, and have great respect and awe for Him, rather than treating Him as if He is a spare tire.

Let us begin today to look solely to Him as our defense, our defender, our shield, our provider, our only hope, and salvation.

God’s Purposes

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, ‘Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand…’”

“For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” Isaiah 14:24, 27 (KJV)

Too many times we Christians think the world, and God’s purposes are all about ourselves.  Well, guess what.  They are not.  The purposes of God are for His own glory.

The prophet’s words, God’s words above declare to us that the thoughts that He has will come to pass.  His thoughts are found in His Word.  No man, woman, boy or girl; no thing on earth or beyond earth can stop the thoughts and word of God from coming to pass, just as he has said.

He asked, “Who shall disannul it?”  There is no answer given, because none is needed.  The answer is to be understood as “NONE”.  There is none who can void the Word of God.  Thee is none who can stop it from coming to pass.

As Christians our purpose is to glorify the Father with our lives.  Our words, our actions, and our faith should show forth the work of Christ Jesus.  Jesus’s work was to do the will of the Father, and glorify Him; and He did that by going all the way to the cross.

Are you glorifying God by living His purposes?