And He answered and said unto them,
“What did Moses command you?”
And they said, “Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.” And Jesus answered and said unto them,
“For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
And in the house His disciples asked Him again of the same matter. And He saith unto them,
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Mark 10:3-12
Adultery
The Commandments Of The LORD
And God spake all these words, saying,
“I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments.
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
“Thou shalt not kill.
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.
“Thou shalt not steal.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
Exodus 20:1-17
It can be stated in two shorter “Laws”. In the words of Jesus, ” And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” And Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:’ this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.’ There is none other commandment greater than these.’ “ Mark 12:28-31
The Fulfilling of the Law, and the Prophets
Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20
The following is from October 10, 2017. There is one verse from the Revelation that I feel compelled to add, and that is
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, “See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. ” Revelation 19:10
Many a man and woman have said something like this, “I live by the Sermon on the mount”. My thought when I hear that, though I usually say nothing is, “O really.” Do we think about what Jesus says in the sermon? It is stronger than the law. The law says, “Do not commit adultery”. Jesus says, “If a man looks at a woman with lust he is guilty of adultery”. Now tell me that you live by the Sermon on the Mount.
In the words of Jesus above Jesus is declaring that He is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. He did not destroy them, or lay them aside, He is their fulfillment. Jesus is what they spoke of and what they speak of.
When reading the Scriptures from Genesis through the Revelation we can see Jesus. He is creating in Genesis 1, and He is finishing His great salvation in Revelation 22.
From the comma to the final period of the law, all will be fulfilled, and it will take place while there is a heaven and an earth. All through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Righteousness is a good thing. True righteousness comes through the faith of Jesus Christ. All the righteousnesses of sinful men is as filthy rags before holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Our righteousness must come through the cross of Jesus. It must be given us by God Himself. Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus we enter the kingdom of heaven.
Sin Against God Affects Us All
And David said unto Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said unto David, “The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.” And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
2 Samuel 12:13-15
There are many people whom I have heard say something like this after they have been confronted about some sin they have committed; “I am hurting nobody, but maybe myself. I am not hurting anyone else.” O, what a lie is that.
King David had committed adultery with one of his faithful soldiers wife. Uziah’s wife became pregnant by David, and David tried to cover up the possible scandal that would occur. He ends up sending Uziah back to the battlefield, and to certain death, thus by his order murdering his soldier. There he has killed a man, after he has adulterated his wife. There is two others affected by one man’s sin. Joab, David’s General over the battle is also affected by David’s scheme to cover his sin. Then, the baby dies as a result of David’s sin.
For all practical purposes David deserved to die. David confesses his sin, and Nathan the bold prophet who confronted the king about his sin, gives him God’s message, “The LORD has put away your sin; you shall not die.” Nathan has told him already what his sin will do in his family, and against him in verses 11 through 12, of this same chapter. In the verses above the sin of David, the LORD said would give cause for his enemies to blaspheme God.
My sin, and your sin always affects others. The next time you think you are getting away with something that you did wrong. You had ought to think again, because it does affect others, and maybe those closest to you. When your sin is exposed, and it is known, then it will cause many others to take a dim view of God, and will blaspheme the name of God.
Even things done in the privacy of a bedroom with the wrong person with or without the opposite sex. Your sin will find you out, and you will give an accounting to GOD for it.
The good news is, that there is forgiveness for all who fall on their face before the LORD in repentance, for one who is already a follower of Christ (1 John1:9). For the one who does not yet know Jesus Christ He will forgive your sins, and cleanse you, and give you eternal life with Himself. Repent – turn away from your sin – and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ believing He died on a cross for your sins, He was buried, and He rose again. Will you call on His name today? He is waiting.
From the Heart
Then answered Peter and said unto Him, “Declare unto us this parable.” And Jesus said,
“Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Matthew 15:15-20
Jesus Questioned on Marriage and Divorce
“The Pharisees also came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying unto Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?’ And He answered and said unto them,
‘Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?’
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.’
They say unto Him, ‘Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?’ He saith unto them,
‘Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.’ ” Matthew 19:3-9
How Is Your Heart?
“And when He had called all the people, He said unto them,
‘Hearken unto Me every one, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.’
And when He was entered into the house from the people, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. And He saith unto them,
‘Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?’
And He said,
‘That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.’ ” Mark 7:14-23
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 082920
“And when He had called all the people, He said unto them,
‘Hearken unto Me every one and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.’
and when He was entered into the house from the people, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. And He saith unto them,
‘Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?’
And He said,
‘That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.’ ” Mark 7:14-23
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 081820
And He arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto Him again; and, as He was wont, He taught them again. And the Pharisees came to Him, and asked Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?’ tempting Him. And He answered and said unto them,
‘What did Moses command you?’
And they said, ‘Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.’ And Jesus answered and said unto them,
‘For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.’
And in the house His disciples asked Him again of the same matter. And He saith unto them,
‘Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.’ ” Mark 10:1-12
Words Of Jesus; Son Of God, God The Son -072920
“And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, He departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; and great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there.
The Pharisees also came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying unto Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?’ And He answered and said unto them,
‘Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?’ Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.’
They say unto Him, ‘Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?’
He saith unto them,
‘Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.’
His disciples say unto Him, ‘If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.’ But He said unto them,
‘All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.’ ” Matthew 19:1-12
Fulfill The Royal Law
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,’ ye do well: but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For He that said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ said also, ‘Do not kill.’ Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:8-13 (KJB)
The Peril of Adultery
“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
Say unto wisdom, ‘Thou art my sister;’ and call understanding thy kinswoman: that they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, and beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: and, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, ‘I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: he hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.’
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” Proverbs 7:1-27 (KJB)
Jesus on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
“Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” Luke 16:18 (KJB)
Most Christians know the words of Jesus on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, so I am not going to spend a lot of time explaining or demolishing what He said. We Christians of the United States of America have done that quite well.
I would like to remind you though, that John the Baptist went to prison for confronting the wicked Herod for marrying his brother Philip’s wife (Matthew 14:3-6; Luke 3:19). He eventually was beheaded because the adulterous wife called for it. Who am I, or who are we to question the word of Jesus concerning marriage?
Let me end this thought, and the truth of Jesus with the verse previous to this one –
“And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17
Words of the Prophets – Hosea
For Lack of Knowledge
“Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away. Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest. Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to Me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against Me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of My people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD. Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.” Hosea 4:1-11 (KJV)
Faithfulness in Marriage to God
Faithfulness in Marriage – Proverbs 5:1-23
Verses 1 – 6 – The path of adultery leads to death. We can see by these wise words that there is a likeness in marriage of one man and one woman to the relationship between men and God.
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” Ephesians 5:22- 33
Verses 7 – 14 – Give diligence to keep yourself from the strange woman. I think it would be correct to say that any man who cannot be faithful to his wife; will probably not be faithful to God; in fact; is not faithful to God by the very act of adultery. Not only is the man, or woman committing adultery against their spouse, but against God, because they are holding something dearer to their heart than the commandment of God.
“But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: they have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: they have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” Psalms 115:3-8
Verses 15 – 20 – The wife, or husband is to be the source of the man’s, or woman’s physical intimacy, refreshing, and intoxicating. Likewise the Lord GOD is to be the source of the man’s and womans spiritual intimacy, refreshing, and intoxicating;
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit…” Ephesians 5:18
Verses 21 – 23 – The LORD sees and knows the ways of man.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him…” 2 Chronicles 16:9
Since the eyes of the LORD run to and fro througout the whole earth; it shoud be obvious that they will also see the wicked and know their hearts.
The best of human relationships can be found in the marriage of a man and woman who are happily serving the Lord together, in their lives individually, and in their faithfulness in marriage.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Protected Home
The Protected Home
ADULTERY (Matthew 5:27-28)
– An act against marriage, betrayal of trust, an addition to the oneness of marriage – (1 Corinthians 6:16-20).
FORNICATION (Matthew 5:31-32)
– The act of sexual immorality; probably before marriage.
THE LOOK (v. 28)
– with desire was to commit adultery by Jesus’s sermon.
THE PRICE OF SIN (Matthew 5:29-30)
– Is the sacrifice of the eye that offends too high to pay to deal with sin?
– Is the sacrifice of the hand that offends too high to make amends for sin?
-Think about this – Jesus laid down His life for our sin.
Job made a “Covenant” with his eyes: “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? Job 31:1 (KJV).
It is the Christian’s responsibility to deal with their own sin. A individual with no eye or eyes can and will still have lusts. The individual with no hand(s) can still touch what is supposed to be untouchable. It is a matter of the thought life that needs dealt with.
CAST INTO HELL (vv. 29-30)
– Sin will be dealt with harshly in judgment.
– Sin must be dealt with harshly now to avoid Hell.
– Jesus took the judgment that should be ours.
-Our trust and faith in Him justifies us; it is God’s decree.
WRITING OF DIVORCEMENT (v. 31)
– Deuteronomy 24:1-4 seems to be the Scripture to which Jesus is referring. The scribes and Pharisees were promoting a “No Fault” divorce; giving themselves and others an easy opportunity for sin. This is what Jesus condemns.
CAUSES HER TO COMMIT ADULTERY (v. 32)
– When the woman was forced to leave because of this “divorcement” decree; if it was not because of sexual sin against the marriage, then, he caused her to commit adultery when she married another, and the man she marries commits adultery as well.
PROTECTING THE HOME –
– Husbands cherish and love your wives. Quickly replace those lustful thoughts with thoughts of the Lord, His Word, even your wife and family.
-Wives be devoted solely to your husbands, honor and obey him.
– Men keep that look of love upon your wife, not other women.
– Women when you are devoted to your husband, no other man will come between you and your husband.
– Men and women; most of all stay true to God, His Word, and pray. Pray for wisdom, grace, discernment, and knowledge.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Four
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: but I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32 (KJV)
Today marks our halfway point to Christmas in this year – halfway since last Christmas (December 25). It is the last day of the first half. Just a note.
Marriage is an institution of God. He ordained that a man marry a woman, and cleave to her the entirety of his and her life. There are many words in our dictionaries and our vocabulary’s that are being voided by the PC people, and that we are being asked not to use. I have one I would like deleted; especially between a married man and woman; and that is the word D-I-V-O-R-C-E.
What do I want for Christmas?
I want marriage, between one man and one woman to be sacred again; for the man and the woman to take their vows seriously; for the man to train his heart and his eyes to desire only his wife, and no other, to be faithful to her, to cherish her, and value her even more than his own life; and that the word “Divorce” never be uttered between them of themselves.
Day Three Hundred and Fifteen
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to love my neighbor as I love myself.
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”” Exodus 20:12-17 (NKJV)“And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
Also see Day 317
Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Courageous
“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.
The High Cost of Sin
“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.” 2 Samuel 12:13-14 (KJV)
What does it cost? Men may wonder the cost of a new gun, a new truck, a new boat, or maybe a new house. What does sin cost.
I have heard comments such as; “It will not hurt anyone but me; so what is the big deal”. I think people who say such a thing simply are not thinking. Sin is like a seed we sow; there will be a harvest to reap; and the harvest of sin is deadly. Just ask David.
David was guilty of adultery, and the murder of Uriah the husband of Bathsheba. He saw her. He sent for her. He sinned with her. (See 2 Samuel 11:1-5). He was judged and found guilty.
It has been said by other men of God, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go; sin will leave you longer than you want to stay; and sin will cost you more than you can ever pay.”
Moses said to the Reubenites, and the Gadites if they failed to go through on the deal about their inheritance being on the East side of Jordan, “Be sure your sin will find you out”. We cannot hide from sin.
David was found out. I have been found out when I have sinned. God knows your sin. You are guilty and worthy of death. Your family will pay the price. Your friends will pay the price. My sins and yours cost God the death of His only Son.
There is a cost for sin. It is death (Romans 6:23). There is however forgiveness for sin through Jesus Christ our Lord.
David’s sin cost him the peace of his family. What is sin costing you? Find peace with God, through the forgiveness of sin through the death of Jesus Christ.
Fidelity in the Kingdom
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery:’ but I say unto you, ‘That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.’ It hath been said, ‘Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:’ but I say unto you, ‘That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.'” ~Jesus (Matthew 5:27-32)
Reminder of His Love
In the last article on this chapter of Jeremiah, the final verse of our text was the last part of verse 19 which tells us, “And the fear of Me is not in you,’ says the Lord GOD of hosts.” That is usually the reason for departure from God.
As we look into the following verses we see the Lord having them recall their deliverance from bondage, then playing the harlot, turning against their deliverer.
“For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me? For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before Me, saith the Lord GOD.” Jeremiah 2:20-22 (KJV)
One of the things that we can see throughout God’s dealings with the chosen people is that He loves them. His grace is everlasting, and His mercy endures forever. That is a theme for His people throughout all of Scripture.
God had delivered His children from the bondage of Egypt, and burst the bonds which held them. He had done this in just a matter of days while working in Egypt through the plagues upon the land and the people. They witnessed the mighty power of God. Not just Israel, but Egypt witnessed this awe-inspiring events which turned the heart of Pharoah, at least for a time, to let God’s people go.
The people had promised God they would not transgress His law. They did. That is why the declaration is made, “When on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down playing the harlot”. The pagan, Gentile altars were on the high hills, and under the trees. God is charging the people with spiritual adultery. That is, the forsaking of the true Husband for an imposter. They had turned away from holy God for unholy pleasures. They had forgotten the attitude of Moses. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way –
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26 (KJV)
The prophet Isaiah in a previous time had spoken of Israel as a vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). He speaks of the Husbandman planting the vineyard, but all He received were wild grapes. God says through Jeremiah, “Yet I had planted you a noble vine, a seed of highest quality”, and now they have turned their backs on God and are worshipping stone, wood, flesh. They have in fact become an “alien vine”. That is not what God planted. That is the picture we see.
When they have made themselves unclean before God, they then, evidently feel guilty, try to wash themselves clean with the strongest cleanser they have available that day. They would go and worship the false gods, taking pleasures that should not have been their’s to have. After their violation of holiness with God they would then seek to make themselves clean before God, and without true repentance.
Thus God says, “Yet your iniquity is marked before Me”.
The lesson for the follower of Jesus Christ is that we have been delivered from sin. Our sins have been forgiven. The law of the Lord is written in our hearts. We are free to live righteously, holy, and undefiled lives through the power of the Spirit of Christ who lives in us. When we sin we have an advocate with the Father. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9. There is need for repentance and that is a turning from sin and to the Lord Jesus.
-by Tim A. Blankenship
Words for Christian Living 060113
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.’ Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:8-10
The love of God is not flippant; nor is it without price. The love God has for us is the same love Paul speaks of; which we must have one for another. “Love thy neighbor as thyself” was the words of Jesus. The greatest love was on display to the world as Jesus died on the cross.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Redeeming Love of God (Hosea 4:1-3)
God’s Controversy With His People 1
As we begin our study of Hosea 4 we find Hosea speaking in the gates of the city. This is the place where civil and religious meetings were held. There were probably some who were from the Southern kingdom present here as well.
The LORD is presented as having a “Controversy” with the people. The MIRRIAM/WEBSTER Dictionary defines “Controversy” as being “a clash of opposing views: DISPUTE”. It must of necessity be concluded that the one who opposes God is the one who is in error. The New International Version of the Bible uses the word “Charge”. The New American Standard uses the word “Case”. These latter two imply court actions. If then this is a court scene we see GOD as the offended party; and He is also the Judge, the Prosecutor; and since there is no defense mentioned He would also be their Defense. God has a legal case against Israel. It is a case He will win. A case where the guilty will in brokenness confess their guilt, turn from their evil, and seek His face, receiving His forgiveness.
In verse one through three God says all are guilty, then the priests and prophets are responsible for rejecting the Word of God, rather than teaching it, living it, and proclaiming it (vv. 4-6). They are all condemned for leaving God to follow the harlotry of Baal (vv. 7-10). The men are then told of their responsibility for the corrupting of their wives and daughters (vv. 13-14). Judah [the Southern kingdom] is then called on to heed the Word of Go, and not to forsake God and His ways following other gods (vv. 15-19).
“Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.” Hosea 4:1-3 (KJV)
The land is greatly polluted. Sexual perversion and immorality always pollute the land of any nation.
God still contends with evil. He is contending with evil even now across the United States of America, and in all nations of the world. Sin is just as destructive today as it was in Hosea’s day; maybe more open and with greater influence; but “where sin abounds grace does much more abound”.
“Truth” is faithfulness. Faithful to God, His Word, and His ways. To walk in them is to walk in truth. To walk in truth is to be faithful to His Word. To depart from truth is to cease being kind. “Mercy” is kindness. When God’s people forsake His way sexual immorality increases, murders increase, all crime and criminal activities increase, and education slips into amorality. Evil becomes good, and good becomes evil. Because of this there is no knowledge of God in the land. God is seen only as non-existent, unavailable, or contained in a box to be used at our own discretion and for our own pleasures. Because of evil god is made in our own image. He is viewed as tolerating evil, and never judging it; putting Him on equal basis with the gods of men’s hearts. His Holiness, Righteousness, mercy, and grace are forgotten. What need is there of mercy and/or grace if God tolerates all kinds of evil?
When people depart from God to serve the gods of their hearts “Everyone does that which is right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25), the land becomes “Bloody”. The commandments of God become useless, despised, and rejected; tossed aside as fables.
In verse two Hosea declares that at least five of the Ten Commandments had been severely broken.
There are also ecological consequences to sin.
The land cries out to God for mercy (Romans 8:22). The man of God’s creation willfully sinned against God. Sin causes the creation to groan. Unless God keeps His hand of mercy on the land, then the land judges us.
The environmental crises that are known today; the upheaval of weather patterns, in the USA, and around the world; are evidences of a gross spiritual problem. God’s people have forsaken Him to serve the idols of pleasure, entertainment, and the sirens of comfort. Many of the gods of our day are science, technology, money and finance. All idols of man’s own making; leading to our destruction.
The world may laugh at such a simplistic answer, but the Bible is clear on the matter, and it is right. Someone has said, “The heart of the human problem, is the problem of the human heart.” (Matthew 15:16-20). The heart of man can only be righted when man confesses his sin/departure from God, repents, and asks for, and receives God’s forgiveness.
It is not gun-control we need to stop murders, or condoms to stop STD’s and/or AIDS. It is self-control, and especially Holy Spirit initiated self-control. To make it real the world needs the grace, mercy, and love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the forgiveness only His atoning death, burial and resurrection supplies.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Redeeming Love of God (Hosea 3:1)
No Love Like God’s Love 1
“Then said the LORD unto me, ‘Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.'” Hosea 3:1 (KJV)
The LORD again speaks to Hosea concerning his wife.
Hosea received command from God. “Hosea, love your wife again.” She is still in an unlovable state, yet God says, “Love her again”. He was obedient in putting her away. He was obedient in the naming of his children, and seeing God at work in his family situation. Would he obey in this as well? He would. He would follow wherever the LORD led.
Notice who God tells Hosea to love. Another woman? N0! The same Gomer who was entangled, and involved in temple prostitution, adultery against God and her husband. When is he to love her?
- While she still has other lovers;
- While she is still practicing her lewd ways.
Why is he to love her? He is to love Gomer to illustrate God’s love for unfaithful Israel.
God may withdraw His hand of grace, His protecting hedge about His people; for awhile, but it is always redemptive in purpose. He never forsakes His people. He loves His people and always knows what is beneficial for us.
“Woman loved by a lover” is equivalent to “Who look to other gods”, since Gomer represents Israel and Hosea – God. “Is committing adultery” is equivalent with “Love the raisin cakes [flagons of wine KJV] of pagans”. “The expression ‘And love raisin cakes’ describes the reason for their apostasy. ‘Loving raisin cakes’ is equivalent to loving sexual sin. ‘Raisin cakes’ were dried raisins pressed together for sweetmeat. Participants in the licentious Baal rites ate ‘Raisin cakes’. These delicacies symbolized to them the sweetness of their participation in the Baal fertility rites to satisfy their lusts, and to increase productivity throughout the land in every area of life. Such sin may indeed be sweet for a season like ‘Raisin cakes’ in the mouth, but it turns within the stomach ‘to the venom of cobras (See Job 20:14).” From the Study Book by John Traylor.
The “Raisin cakes” imply enjoyment of their lewd practices; and their neglect, and rejection for hearing the words of the LORD. Sin can indeed be enjoyed, but only for a short period, and it pays “Loan shark” interest rates.
Like has been said, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go; Sin will leave you longer than you want to stay; Sin will cost you more than you want to pay.” But you will pay. By the love and grace of God our sin debt was paid by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross, He was buried and He rose again. He is alive.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 