Ezra 5
Prophets encouraged the people verse 1- 2
Then the prophets – Haggai – the prophet – Zechariah – the son of Iddo
prophesied to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem
in the name of the God of Israel – even to them
Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Sheltiel
and Jeshua the son of Jozadak
and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem
and with them were the prophets of God helping them
Locals confronted Israel verse 3- 5
At the same time came to them Tatnai – governor on this side the river
and Shethar-boznai – and their companions
and said unto them
Who has commanded you to build this house
and make up this wall?
Then said we to them after this manner
What are the names of the men that make this building?
BUT the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews
that they could not cause them to cease
till the matter came to Darius
and then they returned answer
by letter concerning this manner
Letter sent to king Darius: confrontation of Israel verse 6- 10
The copy of the letter that Tatnai – governor on this side the river
and Shethar-boznai – and his companions the Apharsachites
which were on this side the river
sent to Darius the king
They sent a letter to him –
wherein was written thus to Darius the king
All peace
Be it known unto the king – that we went into the province of Judea
to the house of the great God which is built with great stones
and timber is laid in the walls – and this work goes fast on
and prospers in their hands
Then asked we those elders
and said to them thus
Who commanded you to build this house
and to make up these walls?
We asked their names also to certify you
that we might write the names of the men that were
the chief of them
Letter sent to king Darius verse 11- 17
And thus they returned us answer
saying
We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth
and build the house that was built these many years ago
which a great king of Israel built and set up
BUT after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to WRATH
HE gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar
the king of Babylon – the Chaldean
who destroyed this house and carried the people
away into Babylon
BUT in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon
the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God
And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God
which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was
in Jerusalem – and brought them into the
temple of Babylon
Those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon
and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar
whom he had made governor
and said unto him
Take these vessels – go carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem
and let the house of God be built in HIS place
Then came the same Sheshbazzar – and laid the foundation of the
house of God which is in Jerusalem – and since that time even
until now hath it been in building
and yet is not finished
Now therefore – IF it seem good to the king
let there be search made in the king’s treasure house
which is there at Babylon – whether it be so
that a decree was made of Cyrus the king
to build this house of God at Jerusalem
and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this manner
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem, and with them were the prophets of God helping them. (5582 “helping” [ca‘ad] means to support, comfort, establish, hold up, refresh self, strengthen, or be upholden)
DEVOTION: The enemies of Israel had caused the work to stop on the temple. The prophets challenged the people to get back to work. Two main prophets challenged the people to build the Temple. They were Haggai and Zechariah. They confronted the people regarding their building their own houses while the house of God lay in ruins.
The leaders of the people, Zerubbabel and Jeshua challenged the people to start building again and they did. The people got work. Construction was underway when along came opposition.
It didn’t take long for the enemies of God to show up and challenge the building of the Temple. The enemies saw that the work was started again and challenged them to answer who gave them permission to build the temple.
They said that they answered to the God who created the heaven and the earth. They answered to the great God. They told them that Cyrus had given them permission.
The enemies of the building of the Temple decided to contact Darius and ask him what they should do. We end the chapter with their letter to Darius.
In this chapter we see that the people needed the challenge of the prophets to get them started again. The prophets strengthened the people with their words of encouragement and challenge. They caused them to realize that their strength came from the LORD. They needed to stop worrying about the enemies.
We need the same challenge from those who preach the Word of God each Sunday. We are commanded of the LORD to build HIS church. HE told HIS disciples that the “gates of hell with not prevail against it.” The same word is good for us today.
Are we reaching out to our neighbors and neighborhood for the LORD? Are we afraid of our enemies? If we are not afraid to go out into the world in the strength of the LORD – SHOW IT!!! Start this week to share a bulletin or a word of testimony with those we meet. Let us fill the church with those we have told about Christ.
As an individual member of a local church you can take a bulletin each week to one door in a block or area you have taken as your responsibility and give it to one family. Put a tract in the bulletin. You can either knock on the door or just put the bulletin in the door. If you do this you will reach 52 homes in a year with a witness for the LORD. Take a bulletin each week and see what the LORD can do through your witness!!!
CHALLENGE: The LORD will use you to encourage others to do the work of reaching your neighborhood for the LORD.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter. (5870 “eye” [ayin] means an organ of sight, or providential care implying protection)
DEVOTION: We find that throughout the Word of God that God is given characteristics of humans, so that, we can understand that HE is in control. HE is stated here as having a eye on the children of Israel by those who oppose the building of the Temple.
They would like the king to stop the building of the Temple but state that the children of Israel have their God watching what is being done and approve of what they are doing.
The attitude that is mentioned by commentators is the omnipresence of the LORD. HE is everywhere and sees everything that is going on in this world. Nothing is outside HIS sight. HE approves or disapproves of the actions of HIS people and also the rest of the human population. HE is in control.
HIS people are building the Temple in spite of the oppositions of the people of the land. They are writing the king and hoping that he will stop the work because they had threatened the children of Israel but they didn’t care they kept on working.
Remember that they have the two prophets encouraging them to work. This gives them courage to keep going even under threat of neighbors coming to stop them.
Today we have to realize that the LORD wants us to build HIS church and the gates of hell are not going to prevail upon it. That doesn’t mean that Christians will not be killed around the world. It doesn’t mean that churches will not close. It means that the church is going to move forward with those who are faithful in their service to the LORD in spite of all the persecution the world throws at it.
The church is still growing even today. It might not be growing here in America but in Africa and other places it is still growing. There are many false teachers even in Africa but there are also those who are genuinely presenting the true Gospel of salvation through Christ alone even there.
False teachers are everywhere to be found that cause confusion in the minds of those who don’t know Christ. Even those who claim to be followers of Christ are confused by some of the false teachers but the work of the LORD continues until HIS return
CHALLENGE: Enemies abound to the work of the LORD but HE is watching everything and working HIS plan even today. Trust in the LORD to stay obedient and HE will bless your work.
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: 11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was built these many years ago, with a great king of Israel built and set up. (5649 “servants” [‘abad] means slave, a person working in the service of another, royal subject, worshiper of God, or one owned or in service to another higher in status)
DEVOTION: We have to know who we are serving when others ask us what we are doing and why we are doing it.
Here we have the children of Israel giving an answer to the question as to why they are building a temple again. They began by saying that they were servants of the God of heaven and HE wanted them to do what they are doing. They also said that they had permission to do it by a human king to do it.
As servants we are to obey our master. In this case the master of the children of Israel is the God of heaven. HE gave a command and they had permission of a human king to do it and they thought that should be enough of an answer to those who were asking.
When we are asked why we are inviting people to church our answer should be the same. We are obeying the commands of the God of heaven who through HIS Son, Jesus Christ, gave a command to build the church until the HE returned for HIS children.
Our responsibility to do this service is something that all believers should take seriously. Our reason for living once we become a believer is to serve the LORD with our whole body, soul and spirit. If we are willing to do this the church will grow and honor the LORD.
Today there are many buildings that are called “church” but they are not worshiping the God of the Bible. Many are just places of religious gatherings of those who have not made a genuine commitment to the LORD. They are playing at religion but not truly worshiping through Jesus Christ.
Only those who have made a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ can truly worship the way the Bible tells us to worship.
CHALLENGE: We need to be attending a church that believes the great commission to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not be a place of entertainment but a place of worship and the changing of those who attend into genuine believers in Jesus Christ.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 12 But after that our fathers have provoked the God of heaven to wrath, HE gave them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. (7265 “provoked” [ragaz] means to get excited, to make angry, to irritate, to burn, or enrage)
DEVOTION: We can anger God even today by our actions. The children of Israel knew that their ancestors angered the LORD by their actions. They worshiped false gods. They didn’t care what the prophets told them they acted as they pleased because they thought the LORD would not act because they were HIS chosen people.
They were wrong. They had been in captivity for seventy years because of their actions. Now they were back and they knew that God could send them back again to captivity if they were not obedient.
We need to realize the same thing in our time period. God is watching what we are doing for HIM in our local community and our nation. HE wants us to be a witness for HIM that realizes that HE is still powerful and alive. HE is not dead. HE is not inactive. HE is still on the throne in heaven watching our every move.
Our responsibility today is to build HIS church. That means we are to be going out and witnessing to every nation but especially in our Jerusalem which is our home town.
Are we fulfilling our responsibility? Are we witnessing to our classmates in school? Are we witnessing to our classmates in college? Are we witnessing to our fellow workers on the job? Those questions can only be answered by us.
If we are not, we need to ask the LORD for courage to witness and build HIS church in our local communities. This can only happen through the strength that is given through the ministry of the Holy Spirit today. That requires times of prayer and waiting on the LORD for open doors.
Once the doors are open, we need to use the strength HE gives us to say what HE wants us to say to those around us. Otherwise, we are going to cause the LORD to be angry with us.
When HE is angry, HE chastens HIS people. HE uses heathens at times to get our attention. Are we willing to face an angry God or do we want to bring glory to HIS name with our witness for HIM?
CHALLENGE: Let us not give up and think that we can’t reach our world for the LORD!!!
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: 16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet is not finished. (8000 “finished” [shalam] means to be completed, ready, to be or become in a state of being ended, to restore, take possession, or to be full.)
DEVOTION: Our work is not finished or completed until Christ returns or our time on earth is over. So, if we are still alive, we have a work to do for the LORD. We are to be builders or workers even when the trumpet sounds at the return of Christ for HIS own.
The foundation was laid by the disciples back in the first century. The time period we are living in is a time to reach our present generation with the message of the Gospel. We have good news to share and we need to be sharing it.
We are not building a place where sacrifices are going to be made today, but we are building the church through our actions. The enemy is still working to stop our work but the LORD has given us an assignment and as we work HIS assignment, HE gives us strength to keep going.
When Jesus was on the cross HIS final statement was “It is finished.” HIS work on earth was done. Now it is time for us to finish the work HE started. The children of Israel were building a Temple and it was not yet finished at this point in the book of Ezra but they were still working. It would be finished in the near future but the people working had to overcome distractions.
We have to overcome distractions today as well. The enemies of the work of God are trying to distract us from the important work we are doing by giving us other things to think about rather than concentrating on the assignment the LORD has given us to do while we are here on this earth.
The goal we need to keep before us is the same goal that Paul had before him in the first century. We need to fight the good fight until the LORD takes us home to be with HIM. CHALLENGE: We should be able to say with him that we have fought the good fight and finished the course that the LORD had for us to finish.
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Build the house of God verse 2, 9, 13- 17
House of the Great God verse 8
Temple verse 15
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Haggai – the prophet verse 1
Zechariah – the prophet verse 1
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign) verse 1, 2, 5, 8, 11-17
God of Israel verse 1
House of God verse 2, 13-17
Eye of their God verse 5
House of the great God verse 8
Servants of the God of heaven and earth verse 11
God of heaven verse 12
Wrath verse 12
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Tatnai – governor of this side of the river verse 3, 6
Shetharboznai verse 3, 6, 14
Darius verse 6, 7
Nebuchadnezzar – king of Babylon verse 12, 14
Chaldean verse 12
Cyrus – king of Babylon verse 13, 14, 17
Command to build the house of God
Vessels of gold and silver given
Temple in Babylon verse 14
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Provoking the LORD verse 12
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Prophesied verse 1
Helping verse 2
Servants verse 11
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Haggai – the prophet verse 1, 2
Zechariah – the prophet verse 1, 2
Jews verse 1, 5
Judah verse 1
Jerusalem verse 1, 2, 14
Israel verse 1
Zerubbabel – son of Shealtiel verse 2
Began to build the house of God
Jeshua – son of Jozadak verse 2
Began to build the house of God
Prophet of God verse 2, 3
Haggai & Zechariah
Questioned by governor
Elders of the Jews verse 5, 9
Province of Judea verse 8
Servants of the God of heaven and earth verse 11
Great king of Israel (Solomon) verse 11
Sheshbazzar – governor verse 14- 17
Given vessels of Temple
Foundation of second Temple
Temple not finished
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
5:5 “The eye of God” refers to God’s watchful providence. Kings had their spies, which the Persians called the King’s Eye or the King’s Ear. But “God’s people could take assurance in their conviction that God’s intelligence system is not only more efficient than any king’s espionage network but is omniscient” (cf. 2 Chr 16:9; Pss 33:18–19; 34:15; Zech 4:10). Ezra-Nehemiah constantly reiterates God’s providence in the life of his people. The reestablishment of the covenant community was the result of a continuing series of God’s providential acts. (Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, pp. 108–109). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
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III. The account they sent to the king of this matter, in which we may observe,
- How fully the elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. They, finding them both busy and prosperous, that all hands were at work to run up this building and that it went on rapidly, put these questions to them:—”By what authority do you do these things, and who gave you that authority? Who set you to work? Have you that which will bear you out?” To this they answered that they had sufficient warrant to do what they did; for, (1.) “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. The God we worship is not a local deity, and therefore we cannot be charged with making a faction, or setting up a sect, in building this temple to his honour: but we pay our homage to a God on whom the whole creation depends, and therefore ought to be protected and assisted by all and hindered by none.” It is the wisdom as well as duty of kings to countenance the servants of the God of heaven. (2.) “We have a prescription to this house; it was built for the honour of our God by Solomon many ages ago. It is no novel invention of our own; we are but raising the foundations of many generations,” Isa. 58:12. (3.) “It was to punish us for our sins that we were, for a time, put out of the possession of this house; not because the gods of the nations had prevailed against our God, but because we had provoked him (v. 12), for which he delivered us and our temple into the hands of the king of Babylon, but never intended thereby to put a final period to our religion. We were only suspended for a time, not deprived for ever.” (4.) “We have the royal decree of Cyrus to justify us and bear us out in what we do. He not only permitted and allowed us, but charged and commanded us to build this house (v. 13), and to build it in its place (v. 15), the same place where it had stood before.” He ordered this, not only in compassion to the Jews, but in veneration of their God, saying, He is the God. He also delivered the vessels of the temple to one whom he entrusted to see them restored to their ancient place and use, v. 14. And they had these to show in confirmation of what they alleged. (5.) “The building was begun according to this order as soon as ever we had returned, so that we have not forfeited the benefit of the order for want of pursuing it in time; still it has been in building, but, because we have met with opposition, it is not finished.” But, observe, they mention not the falsehood and malice of the former governors, nor make any complaint of them, though they had cause enough, to teach us not to render bitterness for bitterness, nor the most just reproach for that which is most unjust, but to think it enough if we can obtain fair treatment for the future, without an invidious reference to former injuries, v. 16. This is the account they give of their proceedings, not asking what authority they had to examine them, nor upbraiding them with their idolatry, and superstitions, and medley religion. Let us learn hence with meekness and fear to give a reason of the hope that is in us (1 Pt. 3:15), rightly to understand, and then readily to declare, what we do in God’s service and why we do it. (Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (pp. 619–620). Peabody: Hendrickson.)
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God used local officials (Ezra 5:3–17). As governor of the province of Judah, Tattenai (Tatnai) was concerned about what the Jews were doing in Jerusalem, and rightly so. It was his responsibility to protect the interests of King Darius and the welfare of the empire and to see to it that peace and security were maintained. So, when the project was resumed, Tattenai investigated and asked two questions: (1) “Who gave you the authority to do this?” and (2) “What are the names of the men working on the building?”
The Jews didn’t look upon the Persian officer as a troublemaker, but graciously answered his questions. After all, they had nothing to hide, and the eye of the Lord was upon them. God saw to it that the work was allowed to go on while Tattenai contacted the king to find out what to do.
God’s people must “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside” (Col. 4:5, nkjv) and “walk honestly toward them that are outside” (1 Thes. 4:12), otherwise we have no effective witness where a witness is greatly needed. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Rom. 13:1, niv; and see 1 Peter 2:11–17). When it comes to the believers’ relationship to civil authorities, there’s no place for arrogance, accusation, or carnal anger masquerading as zeal for the Lord. Even where we disagree with officials, we can do it graciously (Dan. 1; 3; 6; Acts 4:19–20; 5:29; 1 Peter 2:13–25).
One of the things that worried Tattenai was the structure of the temple, with its large stones and timbered walls. It looked more like a fortress than a sanctuary! And the work was progressing so rapidly that he wondered if the Jews were planning to revolt.
The Jews knew their history and told Tattenai how the temple was built (the “great king” being Solomon) and why the temple was destroyed. They related how Nebuchadnezzar exiled the Jews in Babylon and how decades later Cyrus gave them permission to return to their land and rebuild their temple. Cyrus also gave them the temple treasures so that the ministry could be established again according to the Law of Moses. The facts were all there; the king’s secretaries could check the archives to see that the Jews were telling the truth.
Careful to “[make] the most of every opportunity” (Eph. 5:15–16), the Jewish workers framed their answers to glorify the Lord. They didn’t try to cover up the sins of the nation (Ezra 5:12) and they openly acknowledged that they were “the servants of the God of heaven” (v. 11). Both in their words and their demeanor, they presented a clear witness to this important Persian official, and God used him to certify their right to build and guarantee supplies from the king! (Wiersbe, W. W. (1997). Be heroic (pp. 30–31). Colorado Springs, CO: ChariotVictor Pub.)
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5:8 huge stones, and beams. This technique of using beams and stone blocks was a well known form of wall construction. The reason for mentioning it here was it seemed to be a preparation for conflict, or battle. Including this piece of information served as a threat to the Persian official who wanted no such conflict. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ezr 5:8). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
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Ver. 8. Be it known unto the king, &c.] This seems to have been the usual form of beginning a letter to a king in those days, ch. 4:12. that we went into the province of Judea; which from a kingdom was reduced to a province, and was become a part of the Babylonian, now Persian, monarchy, see ch. 2:1. to the house of the great God; as the Jews called the Lord their God; and even the Heathens had a notion that there was one supreme God, though they worshipped inferior ones; and some had a notion that Jehovah the God of the Jews was he: which is builded with great stones; marble stones; as Jarchi, stones of rolling, as it may be rendered; which, according to Aben Ezra, were so large and heavy, that they could not be carried, but were obliged to roll them: and timber is laid in the walls, cedar-wood, as Aben Ezra interprets it, for beams, for flooring and raftering; or rather, is put upon the walls, for the lining and wainscoting of them, which was done with cedar-wood: and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands; and, unless timely prevented, will soon be finished. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 3, p. 113). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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6–17. The Lord had certainly softened the minds of those men, that though they sent an accusation against the people to the king, yet the Lord overruled the inditing of it. When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Prov. 16:7. But I beg the Reader to observe further what confidence the people had taken from the consciousness that the eye of the Lord their God was upon them. No doubt the Lord blessed the words of his servants the prophets unto them. I cannot sufficiently praise the firmness and zeal of the people in stating their just pretensions to prosecute the work; not only because Cyrus the king had tolerated, but from an infinitely higher cause, that the king of kings, even the God of heaven and earth, they were servants to. And they had suffered his displeasure in the captivity they were lately brought out of, for neglecting what they now were determined to engage in. Oh! how precious it is to find souls faithful to God and Christ, and determined to persevere in his service, be the consequence what it may. Reader! make your just observations upon the same characters, as they appeared in the foregoing chapter and in this. There through fear of man, which bringeth a snare, they ceased from the work. Here, through fear and love of God, which giveth confidence, they set up their banners. But Reader! do not fail at the same time to put down this different conduct to the right cause. Left to themselves in the former instance, we see what human strength is. Aided and encouraged by the Lord’s prophets, and more especially the Lord’s grace, in this latter instance, we see what man can do, the Lord helping. Precious Jesus! I can do nothing by myself except to sin and forget thee. But I can do all things when thou art by and guidest me on, and enablest me. (Hawker, R. (2013). Poor Man’s Old Testament Commentary: 1 Kings–Esther (Vol. 3, p. 603). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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Where would we be without forgiveness? In his weakness, man is not able to sustain any relationship without eventually needing to forgive and to be forgiven. This includes his relationship with God. Unless God were willing to forgive us, we could have no relationship with Him, for we are unable to be sinless before Him.
What a warm and tender chapter comes on the heels of the curses. God says, “If you turn from Me, I will pour out on you the curses. But if you repent and return to Me, I will forgive you and restore you.” What a comfort. What a wonderful God. (Quiet Walk)
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THE WILL OF GOD
Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:42
The person who has eternal life loves to do the will of God. This is the logical sequence. The man who loves is the man who is anxious to please the object of his love. There is no better test of love than that, and unless you desire to please someone whom you claim to love, then I assure you, you do not love that person. Love always wants to be pleasing and to give itself, and anyone who loves God wants to do the will of God.
If you look at Christ, you see that the whole of His life, His one object, was to do the will of His Father. He did not care what it was; even in the Garden of Gethsemane when He faced the one thing He did not want, even there He said, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” He says, “I do not want to drink this cup, but if it is doing Thy will, I will do even that.” That is love at its maximum and its best, and it is true of all who have His life. The chief end of the true Christian is the glory of God; Therefore he spends his time seeking to know the will of God and doing it.
He strives to do it, and he loves to do it. He is controlled by this one idea. Having learned what God has done for him and what God is to him, having realized something of this love of God, he says ”Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” Any man, therefore, who has eternal life has this as the supreme object and desire of his life, to do the will of God.
The ultimate manifestation of the possession of eternal life is that it produces certain results in our lives. Fortunately for us they have all been set out in a very brief compass in Galatians 5:22-23, where the apostle Paul speaks of the fruit of the Spirit. These verses are rightly called “the shortest biography of Christ that has ever been written.”
A Thought to Ponder: The true Christian spends his time seeking to know the will of God and doing it. (Saved in Eternity, pp. 168-169 by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
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WHY DOES GOD ALLOW WAR?
From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? James 4:1
As I contemplate human nature and human life, what astonishes me is not that God allows and permits war, but the patience and the long-suffering of God. “He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). He suffered the evil, perverse ways of the children of Israel for centuries; and now for nearly two thousand years He has patiently borne with a world that in the main rejects and refuses His loving offer, even in the Person of His only-begotten Son. The question that needs to be asked is not, “Why does God allow war?” but rather, “Why does God not allow the world to destroy itself entirely in its iniquity and its sin?” Why does He in His restraining grace set a limit to evil and to sin, and a bound beyond which they cannot pass?
Oh, the amazing patience of God with this sinful world! How wondrous is His love! He has sent the Son of His love to our world to die for us and to save us; and because men cannot and will not see this, God permits and allows such things as war to chastise and to punish us, to teach us and to convict us of our sins, and above all to call us to repentance and acceptance of His gracious offer. The vital question for us therefore is not to ask, “Why does God allow war?” The question for us is to make sure that we are learning the lesson and repenting before God for the sin in our own hearts and in the entire human race that leads to such results. May God grant us understanding and the true spirit of repentance, for His name’s sake.
A Thought to Ponder As I contemplate human nature and human life, what astonishes me is not that God allows and permits war, but the patience and the long-suffering of God.
(From Why Does God Allow War? pp. 100-101, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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Of Prayer and Dust and Stars
Look up at the sky and count the stars. Genesis 15:5
ara and Dave desperately wanted a baby, but their physician told them they were unable to have one. Lara confided to a friend: “I found myself having some very honest talks with God.” But it was after one of those “talks” that she and Dave spoke to their pastor, who told them about an adoption ministry at their church. A year later they were blessed with an adopted baby boy.
In Genesis 15, the Bible tells of another honest conversation—this one between Abram and God. God had told him, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am . . . your very great reward” (v. 1). But Abram, uncertain of God’s promises about his future, answered candidly: “Sovereign Lord , what can you give me since I remain childless?” (v. 2).
Earlier God had promised Abram, “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth” (13:16). Now Abram—in a very human moment—reminded God of that. But note God’s response: He assured Abram by telling him to look up and “count the stars—if indeed you can,” indicating his descendants would be beyond numbering (15:5).
How good is God, not only to allow such candid prayer but also to gently reassure Abram! Later, God would change his name to Abraham (“father of many”). Like Abraham, you and I can openly share our hearts with Him and know that we can trust Him to do what’s best for us and others.
(By James Banks, Our Daily Bread)
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