…And He cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when He was come in, He saith unto them,
“Why make ye this ado, and weep? The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.”
And they laughed Him to scorn. But when He had put them all out, He taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with Him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And He took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her,
“Talitha cumi;”
which is, being interpreted, “Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.” And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And He charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. Mark 5:38-43
Eating
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 090720
“Then drew near untoHhim all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, ‘This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.’ And He spake this parable unto them, saying,
‘What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, ‘Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.’
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.’ ” Luke 15:1-7 (KJB)
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 081020
“And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him,
‘Follow Me.’
And he arose and followed Him. And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, ‘How is it that He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?’
When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them,
‘They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ ” Mark 2:13-17 (KJB)
Sacrifices and Strife
“Better a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” Proverbs 17:1 (KJB)
Arise
“And He put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, ‘Maid, arise.’ ” Luke 8:54 (KJB)
A young girl who was sick and dying, of the age of twelve. A woman who had had a medical problem of losing blood for twelve years (Luke 8:42, 43). I am not sure of any significance in the years.
There is certainly significance in the Healer. The woman touches Jesus as He comes through a crowd of people. She reaches out and touches the “border of His garment”, and the blood flow is stopped. She is healed in a moment by the Great Physician. What physicians could not do in twelve years; just one touch of the border of Jesus’s garment, and she is made whole.
Before Jesus gets to the twelve year old girl to heal her, she dies. He makes a statement that the people around her laugh about;
“And all wept, and bewailed her: but He said, ‘Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.’” v. 52
Because of the unbelief He faces He put the mockers out. Jesus takes her by the hand and speaks the words, “Maid, arise” and her spirit, her soul, her life returned to her. She sat up, and Jesus told them to give her something to eat.
The Son of God, the Son of Man, God the Son cares for the lives of people. Yesterday we witnessed in the Word that He raised a widow’s son. Today He heals a woman with a blood issue for twelve years simply by her touch of faith; and he raises a twelve year old girl to life again.
He cares for you. He cared all the way to the cross to die for your sins, and took them upon Himself receiving His Father’s wrath, was buried, and He rose again; and He forever lives. Call on His name. He hears. He saves; and in saving He heals, and raises what was dead to life.
The New and the Old
“And Jesus said unto them, ‘Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.’” Mark 2:19-22 (KJB)
From John Gills Exposition of the Bible…
No man also seweth a piece of new cloth, The traditions of the elders are meant, particularly concerning eating and drinking, and fasting, things before spoken of; and which occasioned this parable, and which were new things in comparison of the commands of God: some of them were of very short standing, devised in, that age; and most, if not all of them, were since the times of Ezra.
On an old garment; the moral and ceremonial righteousness of the Jews, in obedience to the law of God; signifying, that the former were not to be joined with these, to make up a justifying righteousness before God; which were not sufficient for such a purpose, either singly, or both together:
else the new piece that filled it up, taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse; for by attendance to the traditions of the elders, the Jews were taken off from, and neglected the commandments of God; nay, oftentimes the commands of God were made void by these traditions, so that the old garment of their own righteousness, which was very ragged and imperfect of itself, instead of being purer and more perfect, became much the worse, even for the purpose for which it was intended; See Gill on Mat_9:16.
Educating the Youth
“ And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.“ Daniel 1:3-7 (KJV).
THE EDUCATING OF THE YOUTH – On the first campaign against Jerusalem Nebuchadnezzar took hostages/captives and temple items. Youth are very impressionable to say the least.
The king wanted some youth who were attractive, intelligent, willing to learn the languages of the world. He wanted what would make his court look quite impressive.
The king asked “Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs” to pick out youth who were of noble lineage.
“The kings meat” would have been the best of the land. However, it was rich foods. It was foods forbidden by the Mosaic law. The right meats required the right kind of handling and care. The Babylonian’s probably did not take that kind of care. There are some cultures that believe eating and drinking the blood of animals that have been slain gives them the strength and spirit of that animal. That may be a partial reason why the eating of blood was forbidden in Jewish law.
These young students would be required to learn about the gods of this heathen land. Learn the culture. Learn their sciences. Learn their language. They would become the “wise men” of Babylon.
When Hitler wanted to begin a change in Germany under his rule he began with the youth. He wanted a “pure race”. He picked only the brightest, most attractive, and only of the white race. He learned the hard way that no one is perfect. No race of people is perfect. In fact he is paying for his crimes through all eternity.
The thinking here is that, if you start young enough teaching the things contrary to one’s culture, religion, and race you can win the world to your way of thinking. However, the king of Babylon was about to come face to face with the children of God. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who were four young men fully dedicated to Jehovah-Sidkeneu [The LORD our righteousness].
Upon being chosen, these men of God were given new Babylonian names. Daniel was renamed Belteshazzar; Hananiah was renamed Shadrach; Mishael was renamed Meshach; and Azariah was renamed Abednego. They had wonderful godly names and were given pagan godless names.
Daniel means “God is my judge” ……….Belteshazzar means ‘the keeper of the treasure of Baal’;
Hananiah means “Jehovah is gracious” ……Shadrach means ‘command of the moon god’;
Mishael means “Who is like God” ……………… Meshech means ‘the goddess Shach’;
Azariah means “Jehovah is my helper”…………………. Abednego means ‘the fire god’.
The enemy will try to get you to forget who you are, where you came from, your heritage, and your destination, and then, laugh in your face if and when he succeeds. This enemy would find out, however, that they would not succeed with these four. What a great witness these four men have been down through the centuries and millenniums of time.
O my Christian brother and sister today is a day we must stand as the youth of Daniel’s day. Stand on the Word of God. Stand on the cross; the death, the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Stand strong. Stand firm. Love the Lord.
Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Thirty and One
And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:6-8 (NKJV)
What do I want for Christmas today?
Though I live in a foreign land, because it has turned her back on the One who made her great, I want to eat the Word of God daily through study, reading and application of it in my life; that I may be a witness for my God and Savior Jesus Christ no matter what this nation or the world may hurl at me; to be strong and faithful even unto death, and unto life.
This Man will Receive You
One of the things that causes jealousy in the hearts and minds of men and women is when someone else gets more notice, and attention than we do.
This jealousy is quite evident among the religious leaders of Jesus’s time on earth with us; walking, talking, teaching, living for the Father, and His glory. The way He lived, the words He spoke, the kindness in His voice to the weak, the lame, the sick, the poor, and the outcasts was what drew these people to Him.
Luke the Historian of the life of Christ writes:
“Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (KJV)
Why do the religious always want to seek after those who have? Why do those, even, who profess themselves to be Christian go after the same? Jesus had no ill motive of seeking what the wealthy, religious leaders had to offer. He came to save souls (Luke 19:10).
The publicans were the most hated of people. They were the tax collectors of the day. Hebrew people who were collecting money from their own to give to the Roman government; therefore very despised, and hated; yet, Jesus would sit with them speak with them, and treat them with dignity and respect.
As Christians in the world of 2015 we must be as Jesus and treat all people; no matter their race, their economic level; their political affiliation; their illnesses; or transgressions; must treat them with the love and respect that Jesus would. Yes! That would include the muslim religion, and any other religious sect.
In loving them; we still confront sin; and its crippling, killing affects on those who are enslaved by it.
Draw near to Christ today. He loves you so much that He died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again.
Will the Almighty Hear Me?
“Oh that one would hear me! Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine Adversary had written a book. Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me. I would declare unto Him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto Him. If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain; if I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.” Job 31:35-40
The last friend to answer Job was Bildad the Shuhite (chapter 25). All three of the friends had condemning comments, rather than words of comfort or encouragement. When you are down you do not need someone to drive you down further.
For Job, God has been silent. He is asking for a chance to appear before the Great Judge, and Prosecutor to clear his name. To Job at this time the Almighty is the Judge and Prosecutor (Adversary) rather than the Advocate. Remember, Job does not know the scene, or the events in heaven before all his pain began.
As you read the above text for today you can see some confidence in Job. There is confidence that if he could just see the charges against him he would be vindicated through this case. “Let the Adversary write a book” bring the charges against me he says, and I will be wearing them on my head as a testimony of my faithfulness.
There is a bit of arrogance in his statement. The Almighty does address this matter later in His words to Job.
We can have confidence that the Almighty hears us. We can be confident that we will be cleared of all charges of guilt against us. Not because we are guiltless, but because of the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross. With Christ there is no room for arrogance, pride, or a self-righteous attitude. We appear before the Almighty by His grace.
For Thus Saith the LORD
“And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat. And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof. So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD.” 2 Kings 4:42-44 (KJV)
Time after time God authenticates the work and ministry of Elisha. It is authenticated by his speaking the word of the LORD, and it comes to pass, just as God has said.
The above verses show a similar work to that of the Messiah in Matthew 14:15-21 where Jesus feeds 5,000 men with 5 loaves and two fish; and Matthew 15:32-38 where He feeds 4,000 men with 7 loaves and a few fish.
I also think of the apostle Paul’s words,
“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Your greatest need is to know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour and to be known by Him.
The power, the mercy, grace and love of God is amazing and powerful.
The Sweetness of His Word, and His Presence
And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; and He spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. Moreover He said unto me, ‘Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that roll. And He said unto me, ‘Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee.’ Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.” Ezekiel 2:9 – 3:3 (KJV)
How important is the Word of God? For the Christian it is the very sustenance of life and faith. For the world it is just as important as is the Creator.
-T.A.
Eat Heartily
Today we look into the Prophets of the Old Testament. These men were truly men of God who stood firm against the evil of their day; which was not unlike our own day. We look into the prophet Jeremiah.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV).
The Word of God seems to have been precious/dear to all those prophets of the Old Testament. They all mention it in one way or another, and they endeavor to live by it and be pleasing to the LORD God. There were times that the Word of God was not being proclaimed, nor was what they had preached being heard and practiced. At those times were the times when God was being silent.
The prophet Jeremiah had a heart for God and His Word. The Word was not lost except to the people, because they had not, nor would not hear it. God brought Jeremiah to His Word. Jeremiah devoured the Word, and found it to be “…the joy and rejoicing of mine heart”. The Word of God is dear to those whose hearts are with the God of the Word.
Do you enjoy God’s silence? I do not. Is God really ever silent when we have His written word by our side, in our hand, and before our eyes? Only if we do not hear it and apply it to our lives. Let’s endeavor to be as Jeremiah. When we “Find” the Word; let’s eat it heartily, then joy and rejoice in it.
When God is silent is the time for personal heart searching, praying, crying out to Him; and He will hear.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 