II Samuel 16
Ziba brings supplies to David verse 1- 4
And when David was a little past the top of the hill
BEHOLD – Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him
with a couple of asses saddled
And upon them two hundred loaves of bread
and a hundred bunches of raisins
and a hundred of summer fruits
and a bottle of wine
And the king said to Ziba
What mean you by these?
And Ziba
said
The asses be for the king’s household to ride on
and the bread and summer fruit
for the young men to eat
and the wine
that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink
And the king said
And where is your master’s son?
And Ziba said to the king
BEHOLD – he abides at Jerusalem
for he said
Today shall the house of Israel restore me the
kingdom of my father
Then said the king to Ziba
Behold – yours are all that pertained to Mephibosheth
And Ziba said
I humbly beseech you that I may find grace in your sight
my lord – O king
Shimei- son of Gera cursed David verse 5- 8
And when King David
came to Bahurim
BEHOLD – thence came out a man of the family
of the house of Saul
whose name was Shimei – the son of Gera
he came forth – and cursed still as he came
And he cast stones at David
and at all the servants of king David
and all the people and all the mighty men were
on his right hand and on his left
And thus said Shimei
when he cursed
Come out – come out – you bloody man – and you man of Belial
the LORD has returned upon thee all the blood of the
house of Saul – in whose stead you have reigned
the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of
Absalom your son
BEHOLD – you are taken in your mischief
because you are a bloody man
Abishai wants to kill Shimei – David says NO verse 9- 10
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king
Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?
let me go over – I pray you – and take off his head
And the king said
What have I to do with you – you sons of Zeruiah?
so let him curse
because the LORD has said to him
Curse David
Who shall then say
Wherefore have you done so?
David states the LORD is allowing this cursing verse 11- 13
And David
said to Abishai – and to all his servants
BEHOLD – my son – which came forth of my bowels – seeks my life
how much more now may this Benjamite do it?
let him alone – and let him curse
for the LORD has bidden him
It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction
and that the LORD will requite me good
for his cursing this day
And as David and his men went by the way
Shimei went along on the hillside over against him
and cursed as he went
and threw stones at him
and cast dust
David and his men rested at Jordan verse 14
And the king – and all the people that were with him
came weary – and refreshed themselves there
Absalom confronts Hushai verse 15- 19
And Absalom – and all the people the men of Israel
came to Jerusalem and Ahithophel with him
And it came to pass – when Hushai the Archite – David’s friend
was come to Absalom – that Hushai said to Absalom
God save the king – God save the king
And Absalom said to Hushai
Is this your kindness to your friend?
Why went you not with your friend?
And Hushai
said to Absalom
Nay – but whom the LORD – and this people
and all the men of Israel choose
his will I be – and with him will I abide
And again whom should I serve?
should I not serve in the presence of his son?
as I have served in your father’s presence
so will I be in your presence
Absalom asks Ahithophel for advice verse 20
Then said Absalom to Ahithophel
Give counsel among you what we shall do
Ahithophel gives his advice verse 21- 23
And Ahithophel
said to Absalom
Go in to your father’s concubines
which he has left to keep the house
and all Israel shall hear that you are
abhorred of your father
Then shall the hands of all that are
with you be strong
So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house
and Absalom went in unto his father’s concubines
in the sight of all Israel
And the counsel of Ahithophel
which he counseled in those days
was as if a man had inquired
at the oracle of God
so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David
and with Absalom
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 8 The LORD has returned on your all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead you have reigned; and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son: and, behold, you are taken in your mischief; because you are a bloody man. (7462 “mischief” [ra‘ah] means evil, wickedness, depravity, misfortune, disaster, morally objectionable behavior, calamity, or perverseness)
DEVOTION: Dealing with those who don’t like you for one reason or another is hard. Here is a man who was cursing David and his men as they were running from Absalom. He was saying things that were not very nice to David. He was falsely accusing David of doing something to the family of Saul that he never did.
This man, Shimei was right in the face of David throwing stones and dust at him and cursing him in front of his men. One of his men wanted to kill the man but David stopped him because he didn’t want to hurt someone who was just doing what the LORD wanted him to do to get David’s attention. Even though the accusations were false Shimei had to answer to the LORD for his actions and David was going to let the LORD deal with him instead of taking matters into his own hands.
Sometimes we are going to meet individuals who don’t have all the facts right and they are going to falsely accuse us but it might be for our own good. God doesn’t let anything happen in our life that is not for our own good and for our growth in our relationship to HIM.
So that person you really don’t like might be someone the LORD has sent into your life to help you grow in your relationship to the LORD. It is a test. David passed the test. Are we passing the tests the LORD is allowing in our life to get us to run to HIM for help?
There are always going to be individuals who don’t like us for one reason or another.
CHALLENGE: Our reaction to them is what makes a difference in our life and service to the LORD.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day. (6040 “affliction” [‘oniy] means punishment of iniquity, consequence of iniquity, depression, misery, poverty or trouble)
DEVOTION: David was running from his son into the wilderness. His friends keep coming to his aid. Ziba met him with provisions. Abishai, one of David’s servants, wanted to kill Shimei who was cursing David. Shimei was from the tribe of Benjamin and thought that his relatives should have stayed as king of Israel. He threw stones at David and his men.
David stopped Abishai from killing Shimei. David was saying that the LORD knew what was going on in his life at that time. He believed that the LORD might look on what was going on in his life and cause good to come out of it. David was optimistic in a very hard time in his life.
He knew that he deserved judgment for his sins. He thought this cursing was part of the consequences for his sin with Bath-sheba. He might have thought the rebellion of his son was part of his consequences of his sin.
However, he knew that the LORD was in control. He knew that the LORD was gracious. He was looking forward to HIS grace.
Jesus tells us that we are not to let our heart be troubled. He has promised to be with us. He has promised that we would go through times of suffering. We do go through consequences for our actions but there is a limit to what the LORD will allow in our life. HE is gracious to us also. The Bible tells us that the only times we grow in the LORD is when we have trouble. It shows what is on the inside. David had the right attitude. He was going to let the LORD deal with Shimei. Are we willing to let the LORD work in the same way in our lives?
It is not easy to live the Christian life. It is not easy to accept the consequences of our actions. But like David, we have to keep the proper attitude toward what is happening in our lives.
CHALLENGE: Trust in the LORD!!! HE is still GRACIOUS!!! Praise HIS name.)
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: 14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there. (5314 “refreshed” [naphash] means to take breath, to take a break from one’s activities, recover, or cease from working)
DEVOTION: The men with David had traveled twenty miles on foot in a short time. They were exhausted. They had little to eat and little rest. They were running for their life from Absalom and his army of men.
So we find that they finally reached a spot where they could stop before crossing the Jordan River. They were taking their first restful breath since leaving Jerusalem. They were tired.
Sometimes we have been running from something that has happened in our life. If we were a soldier we could have been in a battle and finally found a spot where we could relax.
We are daily in a battle with our enemy the devil. He is in hot pursuit of us because he wants us to be exhausted and ready to give up our battle against him. He wants us weary in the battle for living the Christian life. He wants us to give up trying.
We need to take time each day to find a place where we can relax in the LORD and ask for more strength to fight the battle that is going to happen again tomorrow.
These soldiers of David needed a place of safety where they could refresh themselves before they continued their journey away from Absalom. They needed to know that they could regroup to prepare for the future battle they were going to fight.
We have to ask ourselves if we have taken the time to recover ourselves from the battles we have been fighting and relax in the LORD. Prayer is how we can regain our strength for the next battle we will be fighting.
Our battles can be for health reasons. Our battles can be for business reasons. Our battles can be for making sure our church is fighting the right battles against evil and not against each other.
Here was a nation divided between a father and a son. The father was right but needed to be chastened of the LORD. The son was wrong and needed to be dealt with by the LORD through his father. God is dealing with sin in the lives of both these men.
CHALLENGE: Take time to relax in the LORD at times to get ready for the next battle you are going to face against our real enemy the devil. He might show up through a physical or spiritual family member.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 18 And Hushal said to Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide. (3427 “abide” [yashab] means to dwell, remain sitting, to continue in a place, position, or situation, dwell, be settled, or establish a dwelling)
DEVOTION: Here we have deception in politics. David sent his friend back to Absalom to give him bad counsel. He was a good counselor for David but David wanted him to give advice that would help him and hurt Absalom.
So Hushai is back in Jerusalem talking to Absalom. He is questions by Absalom regarding his loyalty to David. He gives an answer here to show that he is only loyal to whoever is on the throne. It is a lie but he is saying it as if it is true.
We have watched as some in politics have lied to us many times with the understanding that they can get away with it without any correction from the LORD. This is not true. The LORD holds each of us accountable for every word that comes from our mouth. HE knows when we are being deceptive and when we are being truthful.
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Absalom was wrong for taking over the throne but he was fulfilling a prophecy regarding what was going to happen to David because of his sin with Bathsheba. David was wrong in sending his friend to give bad counsel to his son.
We need to face each situation we find ourselves dealing with in this life with a solution that the LORD would be pleased with rather than what would please us. David didn’t kill Shimei because he thought he might be sent from the LORD but he didn’t seem to think that Absalom’s rebellion was sent by the LORD also.
Both of these men were used of the LORD to teach David a lesson the LORD wanted him to learn. Remember that everyone sent into our life is there to help us grow in the LORD. We can either pass the test or fail the test regarding the present lesson the LORD wants us to learn in this life.
CHALLENGE: Look to HIM for guidance regarding what you should be learning today!!!
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: 21 And Ahithephel said to Absalom, Go in to your father’s concubines, which he has left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that you are abhorred of your father: then shall the hands of all that are with you be strong. (887 “abhorred” [ba’ash] means to stink, turn rancid, to be hated, to come to have an offensive or bad odor, to be evil, make odious, or become a stench)
DEVOTION: There are people who tend to pretend to be friends with you but when they see a better chance to advance themselves, they will turn on you to follow another person.
These individuals are never real friends because they are always looking for an opportunity to advance themselves rather than anyone else. We might not understand them but we know that there are individuals that are like that.
Here we have Ahithephel, who was supposed to be a friend of David but didn’t have the ear of David as much as he wanted, so, he traded sides. He came to Ahithephel and give him advice that would make he hurt his father and make the people know that he wanted nothing to do with his father, David.
There are people like this even in our churches today. They are only concerned with their own advancement. They would do anything to cause others in the church to see them as leaders rather than the present leadership.
We should be aware that this type of individual will not really care who is in leadership as long as he has the second chair next to them. Once they lose power they will move on to someone else. There is no true loyalty in their hearts or lives.
God wants us to be the opposite of these individuals. HE wants us to follow the Godly men that are in the church without complaining if they are faithful to the LORD. Sometimes it is hard to discern who these individuals are but it comes out when there are trials the LORD allows in every church. No church is without problems because there are human beings that are forgiven sinners in them. Even forgiven sinners don’t act like saints at times.
That is way there is confess and restoration talked about in the Word of God. It is for these types of individuals who can repent and turn back to serve the LORD properly. However, many of them don’t do that and this shows that they were never genuine followers of the LORD.
CHALLENGE: Remember your loyalty is to the leadership the LORD puts in place, unless they start leading the church in an unbiblical direction. Pray is always needed.
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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)
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 8, 10- 12, 18
God – Elohim (Creator) verse 16, 23
Oracle of God verse 23
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)
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Curse verse 5, 7, 10- 13
Man of Belial verse 7
Name calling verse 8
Mischief verse 8
Abhorred verse 21
Relations with father’s concubines verse 22
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Humility verse 4
Grace verse 4
LORD bidden verse 11
LORD sees affliction verse 12
LORD requite verse 12
Kindness verse 17
Chosen verse 18
Service verse 19
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
David verse 1- 23
Met by Ziba – helped him
Met by Shimei – cursed him
Ziba – servant of Mephibosheth verse 1- 4
Two hundred loaves of bread
Hundred bunches of raisins
Hundred of summer fruits
Bottle of wine
Donkeys to ride
Mephibosheth verse 3, 4
Saul’s son who thought he would be king
Jerusalem verse 3, 15
Shimei curses David – relative of Saul verse 5- 13
Called David a bloody man
Called David a man of Belial
Benjamite
Followed David and cursed him
Abishai – son of Zeruiah verse 10- 12
Wanted to take off head of Shimei
David said NO
Absalom verse 8, 15- 23
Listens to counsel of Ahithophel
Men of Israel verse 15, 18
Ahithophel – counselor to Absalom verse 15- 23
enquired at the oracle of God
tells Absalom to go into
concubines of father
Hushai the Archite – friend of David verse 16- 19
Said to Absalom – God save the king
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
As Hushai, David’s advisor and loyal servant (“friend”), found himself in Absalom’s presence, he began carrying out one of the most successful acts of deceit and subterfuge recorded in Israelite history. The greatness of Hushai’s performance can only be appreciated as one understands that Hushai was a master of double entendre.
Hushai’s subversive ambivalence begins with his first words spoken in Absalom’s presence: “Long live the king!” Did these words refer to Absalom, as the social context would indicate, or were they in fact a wish that the king-in-exile be granted life? The careful reader suspects the latter.
Absalom himself was certainly surprised by the apparently warm reception he received from Hushai, for he had expected Hushai to follow David into exile. This naturally caused him to raise questions about the depth of Hushai’s “loyalty” (Hb., ḥesed; NIV, “love”) to David, the “friend” in whose court he had served for so many years.
Unfazed by Absalom’s probing questions, Hushai continued his masterful expressions of ambiguity: “the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him” (v. 18). Though Hushai never mentioned Absalom’s name, in his vanity the upstart king believed these words referred to him. However, for the biblical narrator they were covert affirmations of loyalty to David—whereas the writer repeatedly affirmed that the Lord chose David (cf. 1 Sam 16:1, 12; 2 Sam 6:21), no such literary representation of Absalom is given. Furthermore, the men of Israel had previously chosen David as their king (cf. 5:1–3); they were following Absalom only because he had stolen their hearts from their first loyalty (cf. 15:6). Thus, for Hushai to declare his loyalty to an unnamed individual chosen by the Lord and Israel was to take his stand with David.
Even Hushai’s declaration that he would serve Absalom “just as I served your father” (v. 19) can be viewed as a silent affirmation of loyalty to David. How had Hushai served David? as David’s loyal friend (cf. 1 Chr 27:33); so now as David’s loyal friend he would “serve” Absalom. Hushai’s semantic subtleties were totally missed by Absalom, and so the sage was fatefully welcomed into his inner council. (Bergen, R. D. (1996). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 7, p. 410). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
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Enter Hushai (v.16; see 15:32 and comment), who will turn out to be the fly in Ahithophel’s ointment, an integral member of David’s fifth column in Absalom’s fledgling court. He is again described as David’s “friend” (rēʿeh), his official cabinet title (see Notes on 15:37). A Davidic loyalist, Hushai speaks to Absalom in words that are an exercise in studied ambiguity. If Absalom understands Hushai’s “Long live the king!” (v.16; see 1 Sam 10:24 and comment) as a reference to himself, it is virtually certain that in his own mind Hushai is thinking of David.
Although the first part of Absalom’s response to Hushai (v.17) may be intended as a question (the Heb. interrogative particle, though common, is not mandatory; cf. Waltke and O’Connor, Biblical Hebrew Syntax, p. 316 n. 1), it is also possible to read it as a caustic comment: “So this is the love you show your friend!” (cf. Snaith, The Hebrew Text of 2 Samuel xvi–xix, p. 21). Absalom is doubtless belittling Hushai’s official title by sarcastically using the ordinary word for “friend, acquaintance,” twice (rēaʿ; cf. de Vaux, AIs, p. 123; McCarter, II Samuel, pp. 372, 384). He questions Hushai’s “love,” his covenant fidelity, to David (see 1 Sam 20:15 and comment). He also wonders aloud why the supposedly faithful Hushai did not “go with” David. After all, two hundred men had “accompanied” Absalom (15:11; same Heb. idiom)—however unknowingly—from Jerusalem to Hebron, had they not?
Hushai counters by ostensibly declaring his loyalty to Absalom. Beginning with the emphatic “No” (v.18; for other examples, cf. 24:24; 1 Sam 2:16; 10:19; 12:12), he affirms that he will remain with the one whom the Lord has “chosen” (the verb is singular, perhaps implying that the roles of the people and of the men of Israel in the choice of a king are being downplayed). By appearing to refer to the pretender Absalom, Hushai is engaging in flattery since nowhere is Absalom stated to be the Lord’s choice. On the other hand, the OT fairly teems with references to David as the one whom God has chosen (cf. 6:21; 1 Sam 16:8–13; 1 Kings 8:16; 11:34; 1 Chronicles 28:4; 2 Chronicles 6:5–6; Ps 78:70)—and thus Hushai once again probably has David in mind, although of course he wants Absalom to think otherwise.
As Hushai concludes his assurances to Absalom, he becomes less ambiguous (v.19), although even here he avoids mentioning Absalom’s name directly. David had earlier asked Hushai to offer the same service to Absalom that he had formerly performed for David (cf. 15:34), and Hushai now fulfills that request. To his own rhetorical question concerning whom he should serve, Hushai says, “Should I not serve the son?” (lit., “Should it not be before his son?”), and following his assertion that just as he has served “your father” (David), Hushai says, “So I will serve you” (lit., “so I will be before you”). The peculiar phraseology and careful indirection of Hushai’s language enables him to have it both ways. Commenting on the question “Should it not be (before) his son?” Baldwin writes: “Indeed it should, if [Hushai] were loyal to [Absalom’s] father. As it is, Hushai will serve Absalom while at the same time being loyal to Absalom’s father. Hushai has kept his integrity, Absalom has been blinded by his own egoism, and the reader is permitted to see one example of the outworking of God’s providence” (p. 264). (Youngblood, R. F. (1992). 1, 2 Samuel. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel (Vol. 3, pp. 1006–1007). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
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16:15–23. Meanwhile Absalom arrived in Jerusalem and was immediately met by Hushai, a friend of David who was pretending to be loyal to Absalom. His mission as contradictor to the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom’s chief adviser, would be implemented later. When Absalom asked Ahithophel what he should do, his adviser told him to lie with his father’s concubines, an evidence of his succession (cf. 3:6–7), advice which Absalom quickly followed. The words of counsel which Ahithophel gave were given credence as though they came directly from God, so highly regarded was his wisdom. Hushai’s assignment would be difficult indeed. (Merrill, E. H. (1985). 2 Samuel. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 472). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Hushai won Absalom’s confidence (vv. 16–19). As soon as possible, Hushai entered the king’s audience chamber and officially presented himself to the new king. He didn’t want Absalom to think he was a spy, although that’s exactly what he was. He was God’s man in Jerusalem to frustrate the counsel of Ahithophel. Absalom was no doubt surprised to see his father’s counselor in Jerusalem, but his sarcastic greeting didn’t upset Hushai, who spoke respectfully to him. Hushai’s words to Absalom must be read very carefully or they will be misunderstood.
Hushai gave the usual respectful greeting “God save the king,” but he didn’t say “King Absalom.” In his heart, he was referring to King David, but the new king didn’t understand what Hushai was saying. In his pride, Absalom thought Hushai was calling him the king. Again, note that Hushai doesn’t mention Absalom’s name or say that he will serve the new king. In verse 18, Hushai is speaking about David, for the Lord had never chosen Absalom to be Israel’s king; and Hushai didn’t promise to serve Absalom but to serve “in the presence” of David’s son. In other words, Hushai would be in the presence of Absalom, but he would be serving the Lord and David. A proud man, Absalom interpreted Hushai’s words to apply to himself, and he accepted Hushai as another counselor. This decision was of the Lord and prepared the way for Absalom’s defeat. (Wiersbe, W. W. (2002). Be restored (p. 106). Colorado Springs, CO: Victor)
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Ver. 16. And it came to pass that when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, &c.] Who came into Jerusalem at the same time that Absalom did, and who, no doubt, took the first opportunity to make his court to him, ch. 15:37. that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king; or may the king live, live long, and his kingdom be permanent; these words are very ambiguous, he might mean David, who was true and lawful king, though he would have them understood of Absalom, who was king by usurpation, in which he used great deceit and flattery; and that he might not be suspected of it, but be thought to be sincere and truly loyal to Absalom, he repeats the wish. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 2, p. 632). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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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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DESTINED FOR GLORY
We shall be like him.
1 John 3:2
“We shall see him as he is.” “Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Do you know that you are destined for that? We shall see Him as He is what a blessed, glorious vision to see the Son of God in all His glory, as He is, face to face standing and looking at Him and enjoying Him for all eternity. It is only then that we will begin to understand what He did for us, the price He paid, the cost of our salvation. You and I are destined for that glorious vision; we shall see Him as He is, face to face.
But consider something still more amazing and incredible. We shall be like Him. We know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. This is John’s way of addressing the whole doctrine of the resurrection of our bodies, the ultimate final resurrection, the ultimate glorification of God’s people. What John is telling us, in other words, is that when that great day comes, we shall not only see Him we shall be made like Him. Paul says that God’s purpose is that we shall be “conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). That is the argument, and that is the doctrine.
In other words, while we are here on earth, the Holy Spirit is working in us, doing His work of holiness in us and ridding us of sin, so that eventually we shall be faultless, blameless, without spot, and without rebuke. We shall have been delivered from every sin and vestige and appearance of sin within us; and in addition to that, our very bodies shall be changed and shall be glorified.
A Thought to Ponder: We shall see Him as He is standing and looking at Him and enjoying Him for all eternity. (From Children of God, p. 33. By Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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Jesus tells three parables to demonstrate the quality and quantity of God’s love for sinners.
INSIGHT
Many things about God are difficult to understand. But there is one thing about God which is easy to understand. He earnestly longs for the lost to be saved. In the parable of the lost sheep, we see a God who is willing to leave the multitudes to seek just one which is lost. In the parable of the lost coin, we see a God who will move heaven and earth to find a prized possession. In the parable of the prodigal son, we see a God who rejoices with great joy when a lost one comes home.
As Christians, we should not let that which we don’t know cloud that which we do know. We must focus on the roses rather than the thorns. God loves the sinner, and on that, we can rest. (Quiet Walk)
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“FOR THEIR SAKES”
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
John 17:19
This wonderful statement tells us what led Christ to do all He did for us. It is all here! “For their sakes I sanctify myself.” If only we could see this. This is the thing that leads to sanctification. “For their sakes,” He says, He is going to do all this. Who are these people for whom He does it? Enemies of God and therefore enemies of Christ, self-willed creatures, people who listen to Satan rather than to God, people who deliberately believe the lies against God, people who have set themselves up and put their own wills and desires against the will of God, people who delight in evil, who are full of malice, envy, lust, and passion—you and I, as we were in sin and in evil, as the result of the Fall.
“For their sakes.” We must recognize, guilty sinners as we are, that it is for us that He has done all this. “I sanctify myself,” says the eternal Son of God, the holy and pure One, the blameless and spotless One, the One whose supreme joy was to do the will of His Father. Can you imagine a greater contrast than that between “they” and “I”? And yet He says, “I sanctify myself,” which not only means the totality of His personality, but also that He did it voluntarily and willingly.
There was nothing in us to recommend this; there was no motive that could arise from anything in us. Man in sin is so condemned and hopeless that he does not want to be saved or even ask to be. No request ever went out from man to God for salvation; it has come entirely from God. “Here am I,” says our Lord.“Send Me.”
A Thought to Ponder: Man in sin is so condemned and hopeless that he does not want to be saved or even ask to be.
(From Sanctified Through the Truth, pp. 42-43, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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Moses and Elijah
“And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:30-31)
This is a mysterious passage. Peter, James, and John watched in awe as Christ was “transfigured” before them as Christ had promised (Mark 9:2). But how could Moses and Elijah be there? Moses’ body had been buried by God in an unknown tomb in Moab some 1,500 years before, and no resurrection had yet taken place (Deuteronomy 34:5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23). Elijah had been taken alive into heaven in a chariot of fire over 900 years previously (2 Kings 2:11).
The fact is that this whole experience was a remarkable vision! Jesus said after it was over: “Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead” (Matthew 17:9). Although they had just been awakened out of sleep (Luke 9:32), the disciples knew this was not a dream. All three had seen it together and “were sore afraid” (Mark 9:6).
This vision of the future kingdom was for the disciples’ encouragement (and for ours, as well), for the Lord had just been warning them of His coming death, as well as the cross which they, themselves, must take up to follow Him (Luke 9:23). The kingdom of God would come on Earth in all its future power and glory. But first, He must die and rise again, and they must be His witnesses of these things.
But when He did return in glory, there would be two groups of people sharing His glory with Him: Moses representing the resurrected saints, and Elijah the “raptured” saints. “The dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
(HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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